#I know it’s Horseshoe but my brain read it like this first

[buggabooboo]

Anybody want to stay at Horse’s Hoe in Vegas?

#shitpost #las vegas #ballys #I know it’s Horseshoe but my brain read it like this first #also it’s funnier this way

[contritecactite]

Revisiting book omens via audiobook as I drive halfway across the country and here are some personal, subjective observations and highlights so far (Newt and Anathema have just met):

- Crowley tells Aziraphale everything as soon as he can. He's so absolutely genuine and knowing that that's exactly the quality that got him into trouble in the first place has me tearing curtains and yelling at the sky because it's not like it's any safer for a demon but he's being himself anyway!

- Crowley really reads as the brains of the operation and Aziraphale largely reads as sidekick (caveat: up to this point!). I felt the opposite about TV omens, oddly. Maybe Michael Sheen just gives leader vibes idk.

- Adam Young is so casually mean to his friends in the way I absolutely remember my friends and I being mean to each other around that age and it's somehow both hilarious and sobering.

- A lot of specific lines have made me say "oh fuck" out loud. Many others have made me say "oh sweetheart noooo" (this second batch is entirely directed at Aziraphale).

- I don't think I stopped smiling for the first three hours because the writing is just so engaging on the whole. After three hours I had to shift at least some of my attention to traffic because, unlike Crowley, I can't just go 90 unnoticed and slip around other vehicles at incredibly close margins.

- I would like to consider the character of Mary Hodges much more closely now that I've read her again. I think she's so interesting.

- Crowley tried and failed to hit a hedgehog 😭

- The weight the authors managed to add to some lines really is just !!! It's the way I've always wanted to write and can only ever mimic.

- I always misremembered the line about Dog going into Jasmine Cottage as something like, "Dog went inside. The horseshoe above the door went white hot, and a little more of Hell burned away." BUT IT'S: " “There,” said Adam proudly. “Good boy.” And a little bit more of Hell burned away . . ." and that. Has so many more implications to me. Posts going around lately about Beelzebub asking another demon "what would you think I told you you did a good job" or whatever and someone "who would do anything for a kind word" etc. If you're here you've probably seen me yell about how one of the points Good Omens makes, to me, is that you are what you're told you are (unless you decide to be something else). And I'm YELLING MORE NOW.

- Aziraphale, of course, does not share anything with Crowley about the Agnes' book until it's too late, but he also just. Straight up chooses reading through it over sticking with Crowley, who "suddenly feel[s] very alone." (This was a nooooo moment.)

- For context, this was an "oh fuck" moment (also a "this line weighs a lot" moment): "Aziraphale was an angel, but he also worshiped books." It just. It says so much about both who Aziraphale is and what he's capable of. I think I could write an essay on what this line alone says about Aziraphale's relation to heaven, to the world, to knowledge, to materials things, and a bit by extension about his relationship with Crowley. But I have too many things to do, so I won't.

#cactus chatter #book omens

[mermaeids]

sacred prayer (i was there) by lilypottersghost for laurahollis @secretsleuthexchange ship: ace/nancy | rating: m | word count: 6.8k

summary: nancy and ace enter a no-strings-attached arrangement. but no-strings-attached only works for so long.

notes: happy secret sleuth gift exchange! this fic is for samantha (LauraHollis on ao3). i hope you like it!

read on ao3

They learn each other in the hot kitchen, the stench of seafood mixing with steam from the sink. They learn each other by yelling, “Behind!” and “Corner!” and bickering over stolen oyster crackers. Nancy scrapes and stacks while Ace grabs plate after plate, too focused on what he considers the sacred act of dish washing to bother making conversation with the new girl.

When she met him during her first shift on the Fourth of July, she recognized him instantly.

She remembered him from the halls of Keene High, which he would haunt in his beat-up jackets, a different girl hanging on his arm every other week. She remembered him from the far corner of the parking lot, where he’d hotbox his vintage car, which she later learns he calls Florence. He’s named the sink Edith and the fryer Ruth. He has an affinity for old cars, good weed, and women, and Nancy pays attention to his hands every time they’re running under the hot water. She wonders how they don’t burn, how his veins would feel under her fingers.

Two weeks after she starts at the Claw, they have their first real conversation. Nancy ducks her head out back to grab him at the end of his break, and he offers her a hit. She hesitates, watching his strong hand holding out the joint, his delicate mouth letting out a lazy snake of smoke as he looks at her.

“Um, no,” Nancy says, hoping she isn’t blushing. “I don’t smoke.”

“Smart,” he says, taking another hit before putting it out. “Wouldn’t want to ruin that brain of yours.”

Now she’s definitely blushing. She doesn’t know what he means by that, but she doesn’t have the courage to ask. “George needs you back inside.”

They learn each other slowly and steadily. Sometimes they linger in the locker room before and after shifts, exchanging measured niceties: “How was your night?” and “Are you working tomorrow?”

She starts timing her breaks to coincide with his because she loves to watch his mouth when he smokes. She sits on the back step eating whatever she ordered for lunch while he leans against the railing, taking breaks between drags to steal some of her fries. At first, they don’t talk much, just bask in each other’s quiet company with the view of the staff parking lot and the woods beyond, the hum of the restaurant a happy background music to their private thoughts. He’s the only person in her life who doesn’t ask her any questions. He never mentions her mom, even though everybody knows. She treasures this silence that he offers; she’s relieved to not have to field sentiments of, “I’m sorry,” and, “Do you want to talk about it?”

She knows hardly anything about him—not even his last name—but his company is the thing she looks forward to the most about going to work. 

On the brink of August, he breaks their sacred silence. It’s a sweltering, sunny day. The front tendrils of Nancy’s hair are wet with sweat. When Ace adjusts his baseball cap, she notices beads of it on the back of his neck, darkening his dirty blond hair.

“What are you doing here?” he asks.

“Eating my lunch,” she answers automatically, not looking up from her shitty fish and chips. 

“No, I mean, what are you doing here ?” He gestures with his joint at the parking lot, the restaurant behind them. “At the Claw. In Horseshoe Bay. You’re college material.”

He doesn’t say it, but she hears it in the subtext. “College material” means lawyer’s daughter, dean’s list student, Sea Queen . Even if the two of them had been in the same year, they never would have had classes together. Nancy was all honors and AP, all potential and glory. 

“I didn’t apply,” she says shortly. He reaches over and snags a fry from her tray. “Columbia would have laughed in my face.”

Realization settles over Ace’s face. The smell of weed has grown on Nancy. She associates it with him, which means she doesn’t mind it. She even likes it, finds comfort in it. 

“Your grades tanked?” he says, mercifully filling in the blanks himself.

Nancy only nods and stares out at the parking lot.

“It would have happened to anyone,” Ace says. She feels his hand settle on his shoulder. It’s strong and warm through the white cotton of her t-shirt. “You’ll get out of here someday. When you’re ready.”

After their first conversation, they have one a smoke break. Ace tells her about his coding misadventures, while Nancy tells him about her stints as a girl detective. He starts calling her the Hero of Horseshoe Bay: a loving, joking nickname.

They learn each other. Slowly, through the haze of smoke and steam, they form a bond.

read the rest on ao3

#secretsleuthgiftexchange #nace #nancy drew #nancy drew cw #nancy x ace #my writing #nace fanfiction

[wanderingwriter87]

hi! what are your thought/headcanon on parmak, if you'd like to share?

okay so!!!!! parmak is fascinating. even if we are talking pure ds9 canon it is???? so rich. tain specifically mentions him when he's talking to garak about past interrogations, which TO ME indicates he has special significance and tain knows that.

obviously "his eyes, his eyes" is deeply homoerotic so I don't need to even dwell on that.

so im not in the least surprised that andy and, later, una mccormack latched onto this character. there's sooooo much going on.

i think it was andy who introduced the idea that parmak would ultimately forgive and befriend garak post canon, and una who expanded it to talk about why parmak was targeted in the first place. i think she was the one who solidified in my mind the idea of a leftist anarchist parmak who reads audre lorde and such - which is essentially what i draw from in my depictions of him. (HEAVILY influenced by anarchist journalist robert evans who hosts the amazing podcast behind the bastards, check it out)

so there's a little bit of horseshoe theory here, for me. cardassians are into loyalty and both garak and parmak see themselves as being deeply loyal to the ideal of cardassia that they serve - for parmak it is much more community focused, for garak it is much more authoritarian. but i think it's more...idk. like, im american, we are very individualistic in our stated ideals, but I don't think cardassia is like that. so for them maybe it's easier to find that common ground and even if garak is being forcefully taught that parmak and his ilk are WRONG!!!!! he is always going to be more open to anarchocommunist ideals coming from a collectivist culture. and i think that's neat

i also think it's interesting to explore why parmak would forgive garak for essentially sending him to a prison camp. there's sooo much there. there's what i already mentioned- that they both recognize the other is trying to serve a greater good. there's the fact that some ppl are just Like That - forgiveness feels good to them, feels natural.

i also think maybe parmak enjoys the fact that garak is unnerved by his forgiveness and never really knows what to do with it. something that i think is under explored in garmakshir is garak's sense of, like..."i owe him this." like as much as it's just hot for him to have two weed smoking girlfriends brilliant doctor boyfriends, he is also pathologically driven to "share" julian with parmak. (which is literally not how actual relationships work, but we're talking about how it goes down in garak's little pumpkin brain) he does NOT feel like he deserves julian and there's all kinds of ways he can do mental gymnastics about it.

im all over the place with it but basically i relate to parmak an extremely normal amount. also beta canon uses he/him pronouns so that's where im at with this post but I switch it up for different things bc i think it's funnier if you just never know what their gender is going to be. it's like a kinder surprise

#kelas parmak

[pinkstarshowers]

Gilded Shadows’ AU

Please read, Notes, Comments:

Gilded Shadows AU story, characters Lore and good stuff is Gilded Shadows.

First: SFW

Cast: Morgan, Van, Ari, Caleb, original character (Lyneia (Lin-NAY-uh) if anyone wants that info)

Second, keep your expectations low, like on the ground, not ground level, but pinned to the ground. If you’re in a multistory building, you probably want to head down to the base level, so the expectations aren’t starting too high.

Started as a Morgan little short that morphed into what it is, because my brain didn’t like the disconnects and gaps that were left to the reader. Think there ended up being too much content, and not enough Ari and Caleb in here, because story without reason doesn’t make sense to the dandelion fluff that lives between my ears. Tried to fix this later but not sure it makes up for the story set up at the beginning. Added an original character for plot and other reasons, so there’s that warning if it’s not your thing.

I think I may have gotten Morgan in and out of character a couple times, but keep in mind her situation is vastly different from what we see in most of GS. I tried desperately to keep the others in character (again vastly different situations), but I don’t think I’ve written anything in a decade, and never used someone else's characters. I know I edged on breaking lore if not broke it entirely, sorry.

Please be aware of minor spoilers probably for most routes (I haven’t done Lance, so guess not that one) and I’m thinking at least some decent spoilers maybe (?). Think I left it pretty interpretable, but it depends on your inspection check and my writing skill (which is 0, I have the writing skill of a horseshoe…not the horse…just the shoe.).

About all I can warn about, I think. I hope some part of it is enjoyable.

Meeting the Guard

Morgan leaned back against the counter, watching Lyneia finish up with a customer. The whole shop smelled of sugar, chocolate and bread. The door chimed and she looked up to see a couple wander in, sighing she shut her eyes trying to remind herself why she found herself in a tourist dome in a bakery essentially doing nothing but holding up a counter as decoration.

Her tests were over for the time being and she'd gotten an invite from a friend to come see their thriving business. It would be fun, relaxing, she wouldn't have to worry about anything, Lyn had a spare room and employees to handle the shop while they "vacationed". All that had lasted a grand total of one day, she had arrived, gotten settled in, been shown the bakery, had a fun time catching up with Lyn over dinner, at a restaurant that she never would have spent so much money in. Then laughing, teasing or getting teased about their shared past and lack of romantic life or in her case much of a life outside of classes.

That morning had brought two sick calls, which left her where she was, hair tied up, leaning against a counter just keeping Lyn company when there was a break in the steady stream of customers. One of the bakers was here, but seemed in his own world in the back, occasionally coming out and handing her something to put in an open spot in one of the cases.

Voices from the back room brought her back to the present. Looking at Lyn she raised a questioning eyebrow, got a smile in return as Lyn returned to the customers she was helping.

"I believe our savior is here." Lyn said, looking at her when the store had cleared out.

A small smile and a raised eyebrow was Morgan's response. 

Lyn abandoning the front of the shop just enough to poke her head in back and excitedly screech out "Nixie my savior!"

"This is basically my shift, you know that right, I'm only like an hour early." They replied

"I know, but you're relieving me to escape! Wait let me introduce Morgan. Come out here."

Morgan stood straighter, put on a friendly face. What was produced to her was a young woman that seemed friendly enough, but like maybe meeting Morgan wasn't why she was there. Morgan kind of understood, it was work and Nixie seemed like she wanted to just get to it.

"Okay Nixie, get the run down from Theo and then it's all yours. Let me know when you guys are squared away.” Lyn walked over to Morgan, smiling “We're almost home free Morgan, it's only noon, we can grab lunch and do some shopping, or a spa, hit the nightlife after! I will make sure this is still a great day!"

"Not the nightlife, we can hit the house life, and watch something or read. I don't remember the last time I read a book that wasn't for school."

The door chimed again, Morgan resigned herself to holding up the counter again, looking at the group that had walked in. She felt Lyn's hand grab her wrist giving it an excited squeeze before she could even mentally chide herself for watching the very attractive group that had come in. The woman seemed so full of life and was smiling happily, the two men with her seemed less interested in being here. 

"How are you today? Help you find anything?" Lyn had turned customer service on as soon as the woman had walked up to the counter.

"Hmm give me a minute."

"Let me know if you have questions or want to try anything."

"Van, just get something. We're not spending half the day here while you pick

something." the man with Dark hair said.

Morgan had noted the second man, had taken a quiet interest in looking around, but said nothing. He had beautiful silver white hair and pale eyes, she watched him as he looked at the case with mild interest. When he looked up, making eye contact, she felt the heat in her cheeks at the same moment she felt Lyn swatting at her hand in an annoying and not subtle way. Morgan looked away, instantly finding the other two interesting enough to listen to.

"You have the rest of your vacation to do stuff." the woman said.

"Just get something you'll like." the man grumbled.

Was the hair due to nanite overgrowth? She knew about the occurrence, that it could cause hair to lighten and pale. He really did have unique features, not that that really mattered.

A whisper in her ear "Why don't you help him, I've got these two."

"What!?" she murmured louder than she intended.

Lyn was gone.. asking the other two what they were looking for exactly or had any narrowing factors in mind...and Morgan's mind was blank...but she caught the look Lyn sent her, there was no escaping her fate here.

She walked up to the counter, put on a smile, tried to keep all other thoughts about payback from her face, asking "Do you have any questions about anything, did you want to sample something?"

The man looked at her steadily with one eyebrow raised. He really did have amazing eyes and she was going to serve payback on a platter just as soon as she got a good chance, this was not her comfort zone.

"You know, like try a bite, to see if you like it, so you can take something home with you."

The man just raised his eyebrow a bit more. 

What was she thinking, of course he knew what she meant the first time not like they were speaking a different language. Why was her brain mush, probably those exams! All thought ground to a halt the second she heard the stifled laugh to her right. Morgan turned to see Lyn covering her face, turned away from her and the woman, Van, she thought her name was leaning over, holding her side and trying not to laugh.

"Maybe just start with your name Morgan, then you can offer to go home with him." Lyn managed to get out through giggles.

There was silence, the whole shop was quiet, it was like the world just stopped existing except the five of them in that room. Lyn had put on a serious face so suddenly it was like flipping a switch. Walking around the counter she stopped between them and put on that customer service smile again.

"I'm sorry that was completely out of line. I tend to get a little silly.” She paused, shaking her head a little, “ I'm the owner, Lyneia, if you guys want anything it's on the house." She shook everyone's hands and had a very informal introduction from everyone, Van, Caleb and Ari.

Van picked out something lovely and decadent and had it customized right there by Lyn before being boxed and paid for. Whatever crisis was boiling up was averted until they were out of the shop. 

Morgan turned on Lyn, "Really! What was that!?"

"Sorry, sorry! I know, mouth ran away with me again. I mean the bright side is that you'll probably not have to see them again right? ha ha ha." 

The nervous laugh was a little satisfactory at least Morgan knew she got her annoyance across.

Lunch was a lovely little family place with local specialties and Lyn insisted that she treat Morgan to a spa treatment for the "teasing".

What’s in a Dance, Nothing!

The morning had been relaxing and they had been able to catch up on all of Morgan’s family and schooling. Morgan smiled to herself, letting her mind wander as she sat on Lyn's bed, mindlessly watching her throw clothes out of the bed into piles of maybe and definitely not. That man from yesterday, Ari, had no right being that handsome. But that was yesterday and she wouldn’t see him again. She knew her head was going in the wrong direction, she refocused on Lyn's room.

How long had they known each other? Most of their lives now? Lyn’s parents knew her father and so Lyn had been in and out of her life for, well almost ever. Lyn knew all about the Trent fiasco and the waiting and the letting go. She hadn't been there physically for her, but she had always been there and this was the first time in a long time they were able to spend real time together. 

Morgan stood up and picked up the first outfit off the maybe pile, looked at it, shrugged and asked "What do you think, this should do for a night out right?"

"Wait…, you're not gonna fight me? No books in, no I'm mad because you embarrassed me in front of the most attractive guy I've seen, maybe ever?"

Morgan frowned, picked up the nearest pillow and threw it. "Fine! Book night IN!"

"NOPE! We are going out and you are not making me drag you."

“But Morgan, just wear what you’re comfortable with.

Morgan dropped the dress she had back onto the bed, “So, no pants?”

“Well that’s your choice, but I’m not going to fend anyone off or explain why you don’t have pants on…..okay I will fend people off, but the explanation is still on you.”

They laughed and teased as they got ready to go out for the evening, it was still early enough that the ‘nightlife’ wasn’t really even possible so Morgan had no idea what the plans were.

When Lyn stopped it was in front of a decent sized entry to a building. Looking at Morgan she exclaimed “We’re here!” taking Morgan by the hand she walked in.

The entry was clean with scarce decorations and a man at a ticket booth. A ticket booth?

“I thought maybe we could catch some of the theatrical skits for the night. It gets us out of the house and it’s relaxing, then we can get dinner and call it quits for our exciting nightlife.”

Morgan smiled “Wow, you’re getting old aren’t you?”

“I’m literally six months older than you! That’s just rude…”

“I was thinking mentally.”

Lyn snorted and asked for two tickets, paid for them, led Morgan to a table inside and left to get a couple of teas or coffees to accompany the show. When Lyn returned she said they had about 15 to 25 minutes to start, depending on how fast the seats fill, and the show would be about an hour.

The skits had been a nice distraction, they had ranged from funny to dramatic and had run a little over their estimated time, but Morgan was still in a good mood as they sat down to eat a light dinner outside. The conversation ranged from the skits to the embarrassment of the morning to Lyn’s crush on Morgan’s brother growing up. A fact that seemed like was less of a way to tease Lyn by the year.

“I need better ammo..” Morgan sighed.

“What?”

“Fuel? Stuff to hold over you. Blackmail!”

“Pfft, why?”

“So we don’t have any repeats of today.”

“Welp sorry. My life is as boring as a…..well something that’s boring. Let’s just get a cab home.”

“Old!”

“I dragged you all over today, I was being nice!” Lyn protested.

Sitting in the back of a cab Morgan asked, “Are you tired?”

“Of course not! I was thinking of your sensitive scholarly feet.”

Rolling her eyes, Morgan tapped the seat in front of her, “You can drop us at that club there.”

Why was this idea hers again? The lights, the sound, it was always way over the top. There’s a reason she preferred a good book. The only shining spot on the map was that it wasn’t over crowded, she could still walk around without bumping into people needlessly every step. She was being escorted to the bar by Lyn and being asked if she planned on a drink tonight.

After their drinks arrived Lyn watched the dance floor, Morgan guessed she was just checking out who was available. “See anyone you like?”

“That is not what I’m doing.”

“Right, okay.” She took a drink scanning the wall behind the bar.

There was a tug on her sleeve followed by a frantic whisper “We should go, like exit stage left. Probably yesterday.”

“What? Why?”

“Yes, what? Why?” a voice teased.

Morgan had heard that voice before. The fact that it was amused didn’t surprise her one bit. Trying to clear whatever thoughts were on her face she turned to address the woman the voice belonged to, “Van wasn’t it?”

“Yep, you remember. Come on.”

Lyn mumbled something unintelligible 

Where had all Lyn’s confidence gone, she was usually not turning for the exit in any situation, least of all one that was simply running into people that had resulted in a seemingly non-event yesterday.

“We all already met, might as well make this a group.” Van smirked.

Led to a table, awkward 'hello's' were passed around on a few member's parts and others just shrugged it off.

Van gave everyone a friendly smile, "Okay everyone up, lets have fun."

“Vanessa, I will stay here and watch our drinks.” Ari said without rising.

“Oh no you don’t, Mara and I return in the morning and you are not going to be a wallflower.”

“We’re not near a wall, Vanessa.”

The small smirk on Caleb’s face had Morgan wondering if this type of conversation happened all the time. She glanced to see Lyn’s reaction only to find her three feet away instead of right next to her. All attention was off Ari in seconds, it made Morgan wonder if Caleb was amused by the conversation of Lyn trying to run away.

Morgan frowned, turning back to the group she offered “Why don’t you guys have fun and I’ll stay here.” Maybe that would teach Lyn to sneak off without her.

There was enough poking that eventually they all ended up under Van’s watchful eye on the dance floor. Thankfully that eye’s attention didn’t last all that long and Morgan was able to quietly excuse herself back to the table only to find Ari had already made his exit long before.

She sighed softly, “Is it always like this?”

She got a raised eyebrow for an answer and tried again. “They seem like they’re enjoying it, which is what matters, just not my thing I guess.”

“Yet you still find yourself here.”

“Don’t let Lyn fool you, this is very much her type of night.” Gesturing toward the dancers she could tell Lyn had let down some of her guard and was in fact enjoying herself even without Morgan for company.

A nod as an answer.

“I’m guessing I don’t need to ask why you’re here.”

Another nod…

Well, this was the most one sided conversation she’d had in a long time, maybe a bathroom break or something. Ari evidently had nothing to say to her, so she could just politely excuse herself.

“If this is not to your liking, what would be?”

The question startled her out of her own thoughts. “Well reading I guess, I tried to get us to stay in tonight, but was overruled. Not that I can complain too much. We went to this little theater that had a show with several skits. It was enjoyable.”

“You went from skits to a club?”

Laughing a little, she replied, “I guess that does seem a little strange.

Another raised eyebrow. Was she getting any expressions out of him? She could tell he was a bit amused by the whole story, maybe she could get somewhere if she told the whole thing.

“I thought we were going out to a club anyway, so when we ended up at a show I was kind of shocked and relieved that Lyn hadn’t dived into the nightlife. I enjoyed the show. It was full of characters and stories and I just got to relax. On the way home I saw the club and just spontaneously thought she should get to have her fun tonight too, not like it’s that late. 

Morgan watched his face as she talked to him, she had almost no idea what he was feeling about anything she said. He was attentive, but it was going to take her a while to read him.

“Skits, what were they about?”

“Oh well, the first one….”

They must have sat there talking about nothing but the skits and books the entire time. Well she talked and Ari would add questions or comments. Occasionally someone would return and join the conversation just to leave again within minutes.

When the three of them returned together, she was sure the night was winding down. Lyn looked tired, but she was still smiling, so Morgan figured it was fine.

“Did you have your fun, are you ready for a nap now?” She teased Lyn. She was sure she saw Ari react if only slightly. “You know… getting old.” She teased.

The look sent Morgan’s way was a very that was totally uncalled for, suppressed smile. “These two have way too much stamina you have no idea.”

“You just need to work out more.” Caleb stated.

“You need to work out less!” She poked his bicep, which earned her a very raised eyebrow from Caleb and a couple laughs from the others in the group. Another very gentle poke, “Okay… maybe not, “Look I just punch and whip stuff.”

Morgan just looked at her evenly, “Right, punch and whip.” Suppressing the giggles she felt.

“I’m a baker, what do you think I do! It’s all punching down dough, breads! And whipping cream, buttercreams and meringues. Nevermind! ... I’m…I’ll wait for you outside…”

That had to be a record for getting Lyn to leave and there was no way Morgan was going to hold back the laughter. Van was quick to join in the merriment, but excused herself with ‘it’s been fun, but I'm heading out style exit. Caleb had wandered off somewhere leaving Ari to straighten a table with multiple glasses and Morgan sitting there trying to force a sentence together that seemed appropriate.“Well…I guess I should collect Lyn and head home. It was…it was nice to get the chance to talk with you.” There, that sounded nice and not weird at all.

“I’ll walk you out.” Ari stood and gestured toward the door.

“Oh.. um.. I’m sure it’s fine. You really don’t have to.

“I don’t mind.”

“.... If you don’t mind.”

“I would not offer if I minded.”

“.. Wait, what about Caleb?”

“He’ll be fine.”

“I mean won't he come here looking for you?”

“I’m only walking you outside. No need to worry.”

Stepping outside into the night air was refreshing. Glancing around Morgan wondered where Lyn had gotten to, when she caught sight of Caleb at a bench, she speculated she had the answer. She paused, looked at Ari briefly, smiling to herself, she thought how long is it polite to wait before interrupting. Ari didn’t seem to have quite the same pause as he stopped several steps in front of her, looking back at her in question.

“Umm.. maybe we should… nevermind.” She murmured.

When they were closer to Lyn and Caleb, Lyn stood and asked if Morgan was ready to go, there was a round of general farewells and just the background sound of club music after the two men walked away. They sat on that bench in silence, Morgan watching a light across the walkway without really seeing it. At least she didn’t have time to think about her test results, she laughed lightly to herself.

“What?”

“Just haven’t thought about my test results today.”

“And now is no time to start. I mean you did have very good distractions. Speaking of….So..” she said, drawing out the word in a decidedly prying way, a distinctively not innocent smile on Lyn’s face.

Morgan just leveled a stare at her.

“I didn’t even say anything.. yet.” Lyn retorted, glancing away innocently.

“You didn’t have to and we’re speaking of nothing but a relaxing night-in tomorrow.”

Sweet Surprises

Morgan snuggled into the warm sheets enjoying the fact that nothing demanded she get up and prepare herself for the day. She was going to have a relaxing bath, take up residence on the couch with a good book, and make sure Lyn knew under no uncertain terms was she going out today.

When she roused herself to make it down to the kitchen she was a little surprised to find herself alone or at least not greeted by the smell of food or questions or both. A box on the counter caught her attention, on top was a note.

M,

Went to work, hopefully be back before you’re up. 

I’ll have earlier relief today only 1 call in. Pastry for you

real food in kitchen

L

A short bath and some breakfast later Morgan was comfortably settled in the corner of the couch with one of Lyn’s books, picked at random. She shuffled the throw pillows round, opened the book and started her new journey with a young woman as her guide. No more than half an hour later she had relocated to her bed, the couch was not as comfortable as it had looked. 

The morning hours were drawing on when Morgan heard the door open. It was only a couple of minutes before she heard a soft knock on the doorframe.

A mildly hesitant, “How’s it going?” preceded Lyn flopping onto the other side of the bed face down.

Morgan patted Lyn on the back, “It can’t be that bad.”

“Too late last night, too early this morning. I think I have marshmallow fluff between my ears today. I need a nap or a vacation.”

“This is supposed to be your vacation.” Morgan smiled sympathetically.

“Well it’s the worst I’ve ever had.” Lyn sat up on the edge of the bed and looked back at Morgan, “Okay not the worst, you came to visit so it’s great. But four hours of sleep is like…well you know what it’s like.”

Morgan closed the book, sitting it to the side, “Pretty sure we’ve all been there, coffee?”

“I had some, but enough of that! Lunch and then something fun!”

“How about Lunch and then you nap.”

“Can’t.”

Morgan was sure the look on her face asked every question she didn’t voice, but just in case.. “Why can’t you exactly..?” She was expecting something she very much didn’t not want to hear.

“Well I made plans for us! There’s an exhibit and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I mean yes there are people but it’s not loud and it’s all art and interpretations of history, what people think, but into a rendition you can visualize with notes and the like.”

“And we can’t do this tomorrow? I mean I’m not leaving for a few more days.”

“Well I kind of told someone we’d be there this afternoon….”

Morgan took a deep breath, a very deep breath. She wasn’t sure if she should describe the look on Lyn’s face as apologetic, guilty or maybe excited. It was probably some combination, which probably should have made Morgan more apprehensive.

Before Morgan could recover Lyn was at the door saying she was going to shower and change and would be ready in an hour. Morgan got up and followed Lyn down the hall to her room, knowing she wasn’t going to get away with being a shut-in for the day.

“Who are we meeting? Am I going to not be happy with you? And why am I not surprised?.”

“Well I think you’ll be happy, but I think it may not be with me. And because you know me, dive right in, think later.”

“Lyneia!” Morgan saw Lyn visible flich, she never called her by her full name, but she just would not stop.

“Okay, sorry. Sorry. Not that it really makes it any better, but I mean i just….wasn’t all just.. I.. I wanted…I….”

There was a long pause before Morgan asked, “Going to finish that thought?”

Lyn gave her a small smile and shook her head. 

Morgan leaned against the doorframe, “You know I have to go back to school right, I’m not really here for some vacation tryst or I don’t know what we’re calling this.”

“I know, just thought that if you didn’t give it any time at all that you would never know. Maybe you guys live far apart, but you can at least get to know each other living apart then it wont be weird when it continues, when you get to move off world. If your whole relationship is built around distance then it can’t end up like…well… like Trent. I mean we’ll see it before it gets serious.”

Lyn sat on the bed, resting her head on her hands and looking at the floor, “I’m being weird over thinking random stuff aren’t I?” She looked up at Morgan, “You spent a bit with him, are you even interested, I can always go and give them the tickets and tell them we can’t make it or something, I mean I do have a bakery.” She laughed pitifully.

Morgan joined Lyn, “I’m not not interested. I can’t say I really know him enough to say more, he’s very kind, and even though he’s quiet he’s really interested. It’s hard to get a read on him, but it’s fun to watch him with people he actually knows.”

Morgan laughed, humorlessly, “How do you start that conversation? Oh hey Ari, I know we met like two days ago and I’m going back to New Albion in four, where I go to school. Which by the way will take up most of my time, but I would really be interested in a relationship that will mostly be long distance because I also plan on leaving the planet for work, is that cool. Can you say no that’s completely out of the realm of going to happen.”

Lyn bubbled up with laughter, begging for no more of Morgan’s glamorous ideas.

“No Morgan I’m betting that would be the worst possible idea.”

“Yeah he would probably run, quickly.”

“Okay but I think better wording is needed. It can start slow, just tell him you want to keep in touch, that’s not that weird especially if you guys have stuff to talk about.”

“Go get ready for this exhibit. Though I’m guessing we’re really only going for Caleb and I’m a secondary excuse just in case I uncover your real masterplan.” Morgan tried to keep the teasing lilt out of her voice, but was sure she failed judging by the playful swipe she narrowly avoided.

“This has nothing to do with me Morgan!”

“Oh right, I see so Caleb’s the bonus here.”

“Exactly. NO! That is not what I meant!....Go to your room!”

Morgan was in pretty high spirits as they got out of the cab. She had time to look into the exhibit and Lyn had been right; it would be something that she would generally find interesting enough to look into on her own. Ari and Caleb were easy to find, Ari was noticeably tall and his pale hair stood out. Morgan tucked her conversation from earlier away, following Lyn up to greet the pair.

“Sorry for making you wait.” Lyn said happily.

“It’s fine. You’re not late, therefore you didn’t make us wait.”

“That’s not really how it works, Ari.” Lyn retorted. “You were in fact waiting for us so therefore we did in fact make you wait.”

Caleb wore a small smile, “Shall we?”

Nodding Morgan followed after Lyn, “I plan to make sure I see everything.” She gave Lyn a nudge to walk faster.

“We’ve got like three hours.”

The four of them stayed mostly together walking through the exhibit, stopping to discuss the pieces that attracted their interests. There was more than one time that they had to drag Morgan away from a particularly fascinating piece, reminding her there were others to see before they closed. Lyn was smarter then she usually let on and it was nice to have in depth talks with her, Caleb had plenty of his own thoughts to add, Ari was slower to warm up and sometimes Morgan wouldn’t get anything but a node or a raised eyebrow, but he seemed to enjoy it well enough.

Stepping out into the early evening it was still bright and comfortable. There were only a few other people leaving the exhibit, Morgan guessed she really did spend too much time on some things. Well it had been worth it, she guessed, even if Lyn had horrible alternative motives.

Lyn had been leading them out and stopped out of the way turning to everyone, “So what are your plans now?”

Morgan shut her eyes, wondering if it would be rude just to send her a message that said NO!

“Not really sure. I wasn’t exactly sure how long we would be here.” Caleb Answered.

“How about dinner?”

Morgan’s eyes flew open gluing themselves to Lyn’s face. Where did Lyn get this confidence, she did not grow up with it that was for sure. Then again, she was also fairly sure that she was not asking Caleb to dinner which is why the question had come out coherently and only slightly rushed.

“Can we talk it through?” Caleb asked, motioning his head toward Ari.

“Yep, we’ll be over here.”

Lyn and Morgan walked away before Lyn put her hands to her face, “What is wrong with me?”

“I ask that every day.” Morgan replied as she gave Lyn a quick side hug. “You are your own worst enemy, you know.”

“I’m gonna keep saying it’s all for you.”

That earned Lyn a playful shove to her arm, “Yep, keep telling yourself that. I’ll just tell you the truth later.”

A voice from behind them had them separating, “What did you have in mind?” Caleb asked.

They both turned quickly, not sure how much of their conversation they inadvertently shared.

“Oh, umm, not really sure. Do you guys have preferences, several places around that are good. Wait, I know! We can stop by the market and use the kitchen at the shop. I’ll make everyone something?”

“It’s a bakery…” Caleb raised his eyebrow.

Ari wore a similar expression.

“It has a full kitchen! I have everything you need!”

Morgan pursed her lips trying to keep the smile off her face, because if there was one thing she was sure of Lyn was a master of, it was saying stupid stuff in from of these two, and she suspected it was really only the one. Shaking her head a bit, she wondered in what world using the shop's kitchen after hours was not weird, especially for essentially using it as a well…dinner date for lack of a better way to phrase it.

“We could just eat out.” Morgan offered.

“Come on it’ll be fun, I don’t think I’ve cooked the entire time you’ve been here. Plus we have fresh bread there and I can make dessert after.”

“Your ideas of fun terrify me.” Morgan stated flatly.

“Let's just see what stands out to us at the market.” Caleb suggested.

The trip to the market was filled with talk about Caleb and Ari’s time in the dome, and generally pretty generic talk from the only native in the group. At some point Morgan had remembered to ask if Van had been able to keep their plans and head home today. She was told ‘Not to worry, it was fine. They were home already.’

Morgan thought about arguing about being able to help with dinner because she figured she would get stuck with cleaning up afterward, but decided she'd just let Lyn and Caleb fight over the spotlight. She helped Ari set up the work table to serve food at and bring some tall stools in from the entry way the staff used as a break room and storage area. She was expecting to hear some squabbling about how stuff was going to work in the kitchen, but they just seemed to split tasks and carry on conversations about whatever Morgan and Ari were doing or discussing.

Lyn had shood everyone back to the table as she cleaned up the dishes after dinner, “What do you guys like for dessert? I pretty much have no limits, well maybe some. Most of my doughs are good to go just from proofing, cakes, tarts, cookies, pastries? Pies take a long time to bake, but I have some that were done earlier today.”

“Why don’t you pick a dessert.” Ari supplied.

Lyn frowned, that was evidently not the response she wanted. “Okay new plan, let me finish this real quick.”

Fifteen minutes later and the group was standing around a table with an array of sweet ingredients. Sprinkles, sanding sugars, whipped cream, cakes, chocolate curls, chocolate drizzle, icing, cookies, fresh fruit, piping bags, decorators tips, you name it it was there. Lyn was the only one comfortable, Ari watched with a steady face, Morgan wondered what happened to the ‘fun’ part of the evening.

Lyn walked over to Morgan “Okay you guys start with these cookies, just do a couple, there’s no way we’re going to eat many and don’t worry about them looking good. Just have fun. When you’re done try this mini tart, there’s a couple fillings mixed in the fridge and you can add whatever fruit you want, cream on top or not. Oh, here let me show you how to use the piping bags.”

Lyn motioned Caleb over, grabbed a cookie and took a bag, cut the end off adding the coupler base, she folded the bag over hand, added the icing to it, finished by adding a tip, coupler ring and sealing the open end. She then showed them how to hold enough icing in the palm of their hands to be comfortable, and then use it to write. Think of it like a child writing, instead of actually how you would normally write with a pen. She wrote her name in flowing script on a cookie, got nods all around and discarded the cookie.

Morgan was trying to judge Ari’s level of willingness to participate in this. He was at least still at the table and seemed to watch the instructions. Lyn returned with several bottles of colored gel and gloves.

“These gels will stain your skin, they do wash out but it takes a bit, but just in case.” She smiled at Ari, then handed him an apron, “This too.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Caleb you’re in charge of that little cake, don’t be fooled the smaller the cake the harder it is to work with sometimes.”

“Why do I get the challenge?”

“You’re the pro in the kitchen, you can handle it.” Lyn patted Caleb on the shoulder as she stepped up next to him. “I’m here to help, not like I’m asking for a display piece. Just make whatever, I have fillings if you want that, oh but first white, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, or marble cake?”

Morgan turned away, looking back at the cookies, and then at Ari. “Ready to give this a go? I mean we could just cover it in chocolate and caramel, call it done.”

Morgan watched Ari, he grabbed gloves, putting them on, he layed a cookie in front of him. 

Studying the cookie for a moment, he said, “I think I would like to try it.”

“Right, want a color or is the white okay?” Morgan asked, as she held up the bad of icing.

“This is fine.”

Ari tested the feel of icing in the palm of his hand, lowering the icing tip to the cookie, ending up with a squiggly line of icing all piled up. He stopped and just looked at it. Morgan glanced away, picking up an icing bag and began to try to recreate what Lyn had done earlier. It only took one failed attempt to get help, which resulted in a few colors being added and a box of jars with edible pearls, beads and boxes of lay-ons for decorating. Lyn stayed long enough to show Ari how to clean icing off with the tip of a small paring knife and then stepped away again.

Morgan decided to just try to ice the whole cookie in white then she could do something over it or something. Shakily outlining the cookie, she began filling in the center, pausing to check what was going on with Caleb’s cake ‘decorating’. Lyn had taken over, saying she would base ice it so he wouldn’t have to fight the crumbs when she turned it over to him. Caleb stood there arms folded wearing a small frown, Morgan just turned back to her cookie hiding a smile.

Cookie iced, she glanced over to check on Ari’s progress, he had a cookie outlined with white icing and was just staring at it.

“You could add chocolate or a different color.” Morgan offered.

Ari looked at her, “I don’t think it needs to be fancy.”

“You could add some of these.” She said as she opened a jar of blue pearls in multiple sizes. “Or maybe just something like these.” She opened the first box of lay-ons, it had small five petal flowers in pastel colors.

He reached over, looking up at her, then back at the box, he picked up a small flower and set it to the side. He then glanced over the box of pearls until he found the color he was looking for.

“Attach these using icing?” He asked.

“Oh yeah, here, let’s see. Do you know where you want the pearls?”

“Here. Probably five and then maybe two or three here.” The cookie was an oval and he had pointed to the lower right for the five and the top left for the two or three.

Morgan nodded, “Take your icing, and pick up your pearl in the other hand. There, use your finger tips, so you can ice the bottom.” 

She took a step around him, sliding her fingers down his hand removing one of his fingers from his hold on the pearl, then slipping her fingers between his two remaining fingers and sliding the pearl to the tips of his grasp.

“Try putting a tiny bit of icing on it and just rolling it to where you want it.” Her mouth was a little dry and she knew she was not going to be looking at him anytime soon.

Ari placed the first pearl, studied it and then placed the second one. Morgan smiled to herself, going back to her cookie, but instead of finishing she watched Ari finish placing the pearls carefully, that earned her more then one raised eyebrow from him.

Ari picked up the flower, “This is done the same way.”

Morgan reached over, took the flower, flipped it over so it was upside down, holding it out to Ari again she placed it in his fingers, “Just use more icing.”

He took the flower, adding a thin layer of icing, and silently asked her what her opinion was.

“More icing probably, if you want it to hold when you pick it up. But I’m just guessing.” Morgan shrugged.

Ari added another layer of icing, then placed it to the upper left just under and to the right of the trio of pearls he’d placed previously.

“It’s very lovely.” Morgan said softly

Ari looked at her, raised an eyebrow and a small smile (?), “Thank you.”

She looked back to her iced cookie, then started grabbing some of the smaller pearls to pair with some pearls she already had pulled out.

In the next second she found herself pulled under the table. Staring at Ari, she reflexively went to stand back up, “Wha..?”

He tugged her back down, “I wouldn’t do that.”

Just then she noticed the rainbow of sprinkles that littered the floor on the other side of them. She laughed lightly, “Maybe we should leave them to clean up their mess.” she motioned to the entryway. “At least maybe not be in the same room. But we need to save your cookie. I’ll get it, just a second.” She began to stand again and had a tug back down.

“I’ll get it.”

“Oh we can put it in this box.” She said, pulling a small box off a stack next to them.

Ari nodded, looking above the table quickly, he looked back at her, “Not yet.” Another check and he took her wrist, stood, grabbed the cookie, and led her outside.

Morgan finally bubbled over with laughs, “That place is going to be a disaster. Want to walk around a bit or just wait out here?” 

She looked up at Ari expectantly. She reached up slowly, gently running her finger along his cheek. If she wasn’t trying to control the butterflies she might have enjoyed the shocked look on his face. As it was she was just trying to keep herself from blushing. She continued with her next finger on the same cheek, then pulled her hand back.

“Icing.” She swallowed dryly. “Think i got it all. Umm But you also…” she motioned him closer “have sprinkles in your hair.”

Morgan tried her best to get it out without actually feeling his hair or thinking about what she was doing, or how close he was. When she stopped, Ari stood straight again.

“I’m sorry.” He said, glancing away from her.

“For what?” she tried to say it plainly.

“I tried to keep you from the chaos, but I seem to not have done a very good job, you have sprinkles as well.” He reached over, gently dragging his fingers along her hair line to the tips of her hair.

Morgan knew she stopped breathing, when she was reminded that she did indeed need air.

“At least you didn’t just save yourself, so Thank you.” She said trying to keep a neutral face and the heat out of her cheeks. She cleared her throat quietly,  “Maybe we should check on them in a minute or two, I mean how much ammo can they have?”

Morgan roamed around a bit in the walkway outside the door just looking up at the evening sky. Neither of them spoke, Ari just stood to the side, like a quiet guardian.

They walked back in to hearing Lyn, “I think you could use a pink streak right here.”

“I don’t think so.” Caleb retorted.

Gingerly Morgan peaked into the backroom, Ari next to her. The scene before Morgan was something she did not want to try to describe with words. It was a rainbow of color and tangled arms and she wasn’t even sure what happened to the actual dessert.

No one was throwing anything anymore, but Lyn had a bottle of icing gel in a hand that Caleb was holding above her head. Lyn’s other hand was in Caleb’s hair. Caleb’s second hand was brushing glitter off Lyn’s bare shoulder.

Morgan’s mouth opened but nothing came out, she just stood there. The rest of the scene fimly planting itself in her mind. The icing on Caleb's cheek, the chocolate on the back of his forearm, the cream starting to melt down Lyn’s temple. Were they both wearing powdered sugar or flour? When did that even come out? Sprinkles littered the table near them, Morgan wondered if the caramel on Lyn’s wrist was from Caleb’s hand or was on Lyn first. She turned, placed both hands on Ari’s chest and pushed him back the way they came, she was not walking in on that. Ari didn’t budge, she looked up at him, after a brief pause he began to give in and turn to leave.

“Morgan!”

She stopped, slowly glancing over her shoulder, shook her head, turning to leave again.

“Traitor! You’re supposed to be my support!”

“So not my battle, Lyn.” She tossed over her shoulder as she let the door shut.

A few minutes passed before Morgan thought she could do anything but shake her head and try to hold in the smile fighting its way onto her face. “Is that something you see a lot?’

“Caleb?”

“Covered in…well…” she gestured to the shop, “dessert? Icing?”

“No, that is probably the only time I’ve seen that.”

The door opened behind them, Lyn coming out with two towels, holding one out to each of them. They were damp and warm.

“Incase you accidently got icing on your hands, I’m going to start cleaning up.” Lyn turned to go back inside, giving Morgan a small embarrassed smile as she went.

Morgan and Ari followed, accessing the ‘battle scene’ it seemed like most of it was contained to the table and the area around where Caleb and Lyn had been ‘working’. Caleb was at a sink with a towel. Lyn had already started on clearing the table, when she went into work mode it was all strategy and efficiency. Ari had started to step forward to wipe off the cleared area.

“I’ve got this, this is literally my job.” Lyn said, stopping him.

“You’re not here for work.”

Lyn smiled, “I know but neither are you kiddo.”

Ari raised an eyebrow, which earned him nothing but a level stare from Lyn before she returned to her task.

Morgan laughed lightly, “Just let us help.”

“You guys literally made no mess at all!”

Ari had started cleaning the table again, Morgan began to hand stuff to Lyn instead of having her walk back and forth. When everything was put back in its home Caleb threw a clean towel at Lyn and took over getting the caramel off the table leg. The whole clean up really didn’t take them that long, Ari was incredibly detailed and Lyn knew in a glace what was clean and what had been missed. In no time they were standing outside the shop in the late evening.

“I feel like I’m still wearing caramel.” Lyn mopped.

“Maybe don’t pick fights you can’t win.” Caleb offered.

Morgan tried to hide her laugh behind her hand, but considering the glare Lyn had directed at Caleb’s swept over to her, she was sure she hadn’t done a good job.

“Well that was fun, oh did you see Ari’s cookie Lyn?”

“No!? Oh the cake!”

Lyn returned to the shop, Caleb rolled his eyes, causing Morgan and Ari to give one another questioning looks. She took a short while to return, when she did she had a small box, which she handed to Caleb.

“It may not really be finished but it’ll taste good, take it with you.”

“Will you two get home okay?” Ari asked.

“Of course, I’m a native remember, do this everyday, well at least multiple times a week. Plus I will totally guard Morgan.”

“Because you totally had everything under control inside.” Morgan added.

“Yes I did, obviously I was waiting to reveal my skills! Good night guys, stay safe!” Lyn took Morgan’s arm looping hers around it.

Morgan laughed, as Lyn turned them for home, she looked back and waved, “Bye.”

When they were around the corner and down the walkway, Morgan looked at Lyn, “Did you make plans for tomorrow again?”

“Nope.” She smiled, “I left my contact in the box.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

“It’s out of my hands so I guess it is what it is now, if we hear nothing we move on. Right?” Lyn looked at Morgan with a smile and a nod.

Vacation from the Vacation

Morgan’s day started with the smell of breakfast rousing her from dreamland. She smiled to herself, at least Lyn wouldn’t have to work today. She checked the time, how late was it? They had gotten back fairly early considering, but she had stayed up while Lyn had crashed pretty quickly after showering.

Making her way to the kitchen Morgan chuckled a little to herself, when she sat at the table she wondered out loud, “So, what happened to lead you to being decorated in glitter and sugar?”

Lyn laughed guiltily, “I am not sure that’s breakfast conversation.” Making a silly face.

“Come on, seriously! There is a story here and I want to hear it.”

“Isn’t this like talk for curling up on the couch with cocoa and sharing, when we’re both too tired to realize we’re saying embarrassing things. Also there really isn’t much of a story there.” She shrugged half heartedly at Morgan.

“How old do you think we are? Wait, so it’s embarrassing?” Morgan poked. 

“Here’s breakfast, look I can do more than bake.”

“Yeah, you can avoid the subject.” Morgan smirked.

“So I was thinking stay in, rest up, let you relax with that book.”

“You haven’t received a message yet have you…”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You’re you, I know you. Let's go for a run or something, then shopping, we can just window shop, grab some coffee.”

“I hate shopping……I don’t want to go for a run.”

“Listen to you, a run and shopping it is!”

They finished breakfast, Morgan helped with the clean up before they left. 

Returning Morgan headed for the kitchen. “Wasn’t so bad right? Feeling better?”

“Better, nothing wrong to start with.”

“Okay, new name for you.” Morgan headed for her room, “Denial.”

“That’s just mean.”

“And true, I’ll be ready in twenty.” Morgan quipped as she headed for her shower. 

She dressed heading back out to the living room, sitting down next to Lyn, she asked, “Ready?”

“Why don’t we stay in and catch up on the family?”

“We did that already, remember.” Morgan laughed lightly, “Come on this is silly it’s been like 3 days since you met him?”

“What! That’s not the point, it’s that I didn’t make an impression in that time, I’m definitely annoyed with myself nothing more.”

“Okay, well we can discuss your impression on the next one while we wander.” Morgan got up, took both of Lyn’s hands and pulled her up to her feet.

The day was bright and clear and while the residential area was quiet, when they made it to the main fare it was busier, the shops were a prime draw for tourists. They spent a couple hours ducking in and out of boutiques, small shops that sold small trinkets and specialty shops. 

Mid afternoon they stopped at a small cafe for a bit of coffee. Lyn finally asked about Morgan’s test score, which hadn’t come in yet. The reassurance talk insued, there was always one constant, Lyn would support whatever Morgan had going on.

Lyn planned a nice dinner and was in a more ‘Lyn mood’ when they reached the house that evening. Morgan had been banned from helping, because she was on ‘vacation’, but required to stick around, for company.

“So how are your parents?” Morgan asked.

“HA, still not talking. Dad’s fine, but you probably had a general idea of that.”

“Yeah.”

“Mom still disagrees so it’s been distant.”

“Your dad and his colleague friend are still taking care of that thing?”

“Well it’s still a thing.”

“Aren’t you worried about what will happen after all this time?”

Lyn shrugged, “It probably already has if it was going to…. Why are we talking about this again?”

“I mean we haven’t talked about it, you knew it would come up.” Morgan glanced down at her hands on the table, then back up, “I mean we can talk about the shop last night if you want.” Morgan teased.

Lyn shot her a glare full of ‘So done with you’ energy, just causing Morgan to laugh in her face. Lyn’s focus shifted, Morgan knew Lyn had gotten a message, she tried to keep her face neutral. Unsure if she wanted it to be from Caleb or if she thought maybe they were both better off not getting involved or even trying to befriend people they may never meet again after they leave. How many more days were they going to be here anyway? Neither of them made any hint about meeting again or staying in touch, so really why even think about this? Great Lyn was contagious, now Morgan was sitting here puzzling through the end of last night. 

Her musing was interrupted by Lyn’s hesitant voice, “So… uh.. funny thing, that shop you know I own.”

“Yes…?”

“I kind of have to go in tomorrow.. Again…. But it’s only for a little, I just need to make sure the order is all set to roll right. We can stop on our way somewhere else or I can go first thing. I’ll be under an hour, depending how many interruptions I get, could be fifteen.”

“It’s fine, feel like I know everything I ever wanted to know about that place now. Do we even have plans tomorrow?”

“There’s a really nice garden, I was thinking about picking up a lunch or packing it, then we could just spend some time among nature. Museum? Live music in the evening? Go to one of those places that serve like ten courses that are one bite per course?”

“Isn’t that reservation only?”

“Don’t know, never wanted to sit there for that long while I waited for ten pieces of food.” She laughed.

“The gardens sound good, we don’t have to keep a schedule then. Maybe a run before you head to work, I’ve got to keep your foul mood in check.” Morgan teased.

“My what?”

Morgan laughed, “You know it helps. Want any help with that?”

“Nah, you can carry these to the table.” She motioned to a serving bowl and a covered platter. “Then the drink can be brought out.”

“So set the table?”

“You asked.”

Dinner was as good as it smelled and Morgan enjoyed the company. She tried to get Lyn to let her clean up, or at least help, but was overruled and relocated to the couch with her borrowed book. Sometime later Lyn joined her, Morgan sat up, closing the book.

“Want to do anything?”

“Hmm, not really.” Lyn replied, “Thinking just respond to a few messages, see what I’ve missed the last couple days.”

“Sulking?”

“No.. Dad sent me a message the day before you got here, he’s gonna be in the area next month. It’s the usual, he’s only passing through, but I need to respond.” She turned from her contemplation of the wall to look at Morgan, “Have you talked to your Mum?”

“Not since telling her I got to your place the first day.”

“Hmm.”

Morgan gave her an exasperated look, shaking her head, causing both of them to giggle.

“Alright, I’m gonna respond, get back to your book.”

The rest of the evening was spent talking aimlessly of the future, the past, the sights they could see tomorrow, what Morgan’s next term of school was going to look like. Lyn eventually bowed out leaving Morgan to retire to her room, book in hand.

Goodbyes Are Best for the End

De’javu hit Morgan. She had stood in this spot before, oh yeah, holding the counter up. Lyn was kneeling on the floor counting boxes or something, Thayn at the counter was helping a man with his purchase. Lyn had told her Thayn was the only employee she’d hired; the rest had been employed here when she started training to take over. He didn’t have a family he talked about, he was reliable without fail, but was almost impossible to call in on his days off. Didn’t seem to bother Lyn, just shrugged it off, saying everyone has a life outside of work. He was very personable and friendly, seemed to keep a steady conversation going with Lyn including Morgan as often as possible while helping wherever he could.

“Oh we’ve got some of those.” He offered, disappearing further inside the shop, returning with a box. “So how are you enjoying your time here?” He turned to Morgan.

“It’s a bit different, but it’s not studying all the time, so it's a refreshing change for the moment.”

“You’re a student?”

“Oh yeah.”

Lyn interrupted, “Do you know if we have any of these left?”

“Nope, that’s the last of them. What are you studying?”

“Archeology.”

“Whoa, that’s got to be an interesting subject. Is it popular? I’ve heard there are ruins under Delphine.”

Lyn stood, “Thayn will you check that top shelf in the break area for more of these? These are starting to look like they need replaced.” picking at the corner of a cling on the window, “that same box should have stands too, actually, if you’ll just get the box down.” She smiled at Thayn, laughing a little.

“Sure, know which one it is? Shall I get them all down?”

“Just the one, should be marked. Thank you Thayn.”

Thayn brushed it off as he left, “No worries.”

Lyn went out to check the front of the displays, finding something to kneel and check again. Morgan shook her head, smiling to herself, this was not going to be fifteen minutes. The door chimed and a young man walked in, slender with dark hair. He spared Lyn a glace, another toward Morgan, who had moved out toward the main part of the shop to observe Lyn.

“Give me just a second, someone should be out to help.” Lyn paused, glancing to the backroom.

Walking up to the case he set himself between Morgan and Lyn. His eyes barely take in the room in front of him before turning to face Morgan. Narrowing his eyes he studied her face quickly, before turning, making to leave, he stopped hand on the door “There are places for you.”

Lyn climbed to her feet, “Umm, what was that?”

“..I have no idea.”

Glancing at the door with a skeptical look, Lyn rounded the counter, “Let me check that box, then we’ll be done.” She motioned with a quick nod for Morgan to come with as she reached the door.

Thayn stopped Lyn just inside with a hand on her shoulder, “ Everything okay?” He asked, looking down at her.

“Yeah,” she smiled, “Just going to check the box and leave you guys to it, unless you need anything.”

“Should be good here, Theo’s headed out in a couple hours, he’s on break now. Should be business as usual.”

“Okay, see you in a few days. Going to try to spend the last couple days Morgan’s here out of the shop.”

Thayn patted Lyn on the shoulder softly, gave Morgan a friendly smile and nod and walked out front.

Morgan watched Lyn paw through a decent sized box set to the side, Lyn paused, Morgan raised an eyebrow questioning the delay. From where she was she really couldn’t see what was going on, other than the digging around had ceased being the focus.

Lyn glanced at Morgan over her shoulder, “So, did you want to change plans?” a small smile playing on her face.

“I don’t know?” making sure to note the confusion and question with the look on her face. Her face relaxed into a smile as she closed her eyes, shaking her head, her brain catching up with the scenario playing out, “You got a message didn’t you.”

“Spoilsport.”

Morgan leaned back against a table, waiting.

“Just said they’re leaving tomorrow basically,” Lyn turned back to the open box in front of her, “ thought maybe we could invite them out to the garden, at least get Ari’s contact.”

“You’re pushy.”

“So yes or ….?”

“It’s fine, I mean should I grab some icing? Sprinkles? At least it won't be boring watching you today.” Morgan laughed.

“Not even going to acknowledge that with a response.”

“Think you just did.”

Morgan waited while Lyn finished with the box, checked in with Theo and finally got ready to leave. Lyn filled her in on the plan, they were going to meet for a late lunch, picnic style in the garden, after stopping by the house.

Packing prepped veggies in a bag, Morgan asked, “How’s this going to work for you?”

A barely audible, “hmm?”

“You always get interested in those that can’t stay. I mean, why? Not Caleb exactly, I mean why go out with them again, when you know that..” She let the rest of the sentence hang in the air. Turning around, taking the rest of the room in, setting her sights on the table. “I get why you don’t get close to people that stay, but are you going to do the travel thing and make it work or give up? If not, why are we going today?”

The room was silent, Morgan continued, “I mean you could just bow out and send me.”

Lyn interrupted, “It's not like it’s ever my intention to just let my relationships fail, but they are two way and well …. you know the story.”

“Yeah you hold them at arms length, literally.” Morgan turned around, studying Lyn.

Lyn had begun packing everything together, “Trust is a tricky thing.”

“You trust me, there’s always room for another.”

“That was an accident, you’re too smart. I do trust you with everything, I’ll try to trust you on this too. It’s not like I was just going to completely ditch the idea, for the record, I was just prepared.”

“Let’s go get some official contacts. Make it through the let's keep in touch and the goodbyes. See where we stand on all this okay?”

Lyn laughed, “Great pep talk Morgan.”

Accepting a small bag the two of them headed out the door. They rounded the corner near the garden to see Ari and Caleb just arriving. Walking up, Lyn suggested they head further in, stating it gets less crowded the farther from the entrances they get, they can look around on the way out.

It was easy to just enjoy the warmth and the atmosphere. Following the rest of the group, Morgan made a silent decision, she would give Ari her contact, she had school and if they could stay in contact when she had a settled life she would revisit anything more. She enjoyed his company, but what part of her life allowed her the flexibility for a distant relationship, not to mention Ari was polite but not very open.

“Are you alright?”

A voice startled her out of her thoughts, she looked up at Ari, “Oh yeah sorry, lost in my surroundings.”

“We’re over there.” He looked to her right and behind her.

Looking back, realization dawned, she had just been in her own head while they set up some ways away. Lyn waved in the distance, presumably to get them gathered back together.

It was a relatively simple, fresh lunch, enjoyed with a background of light bickering and laughing.

Lyn paused, leaning to see around Morgan, “Is that the..?” Nevermind.” She shook her head lightly, still looking in the same direction.

Morgan turned to try to see what she was seeing, “What?”

“That guy looked like one from the shop earlier, just similar probably, a lot of people in the dome, probably a coincidence.”

“What guy?” Ari asked, quizzically.

“No one.” Morgan shrugged.

“We were at the shop for about half hour today, some guy came in, stared at nothing, stared at Morgan, said something weird about… I don’t even remember. Then he just left. It was weird, but I mean we get some weird customers.” She laughed a little.

“He did nothing else?” Ari questioned

“Nope, it’s not even worth mentioning really, Lyn.”

Ari and Caleb had glanced at each other, then looked in the direction that Lyn had indicated, but said and did nothing more.

“Right, I mean when I met Thayn it was much weirder.” Lyn started trying to move the conversation on, “I was training to take over but it was just before closing so it was just me and the couple that owned the shop and he just stumbled in. Blood all over one shoulder and down his arm and chest, but he wouldn’t talk about it. The couple helped him get on his feet mostly, I just gave him a job.” She shrugged.

“Something you do a lot, take in bleeding strangers off the street?” Caleb chimed in.

“No, and he has excellent customer service skills,” Lyn scoffed, “Of course there’s the older couple that comes in every week to argue about bread, and they don’t even know their arguments are completely wrong.” She laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “See all kinds of silly.”

Lyn got to her feet, Morgan followed, stretching, picking up a few remaining things from lunch.

“Got time to look around? There’s some really pretty stuff further up the way, if you have time then we can make our way to the north entrance.” Lyn asked hopefully.

The two men stood, looking around. Ari nodded, Morgan wasn’t sure if it was to Lyn’s question or Caleb. She shared a concerned questioning look with Lyn, got a single shoulder shrug response.

Ari bent to grab the light cloth they had sat on, folding it.

“Sure, what’s up there?” Caleb responded.

“Stuff!”

Morgan smiled, walking between the two men, she patted both of them on the shoulder and walked ahead. It wasn’t long before she felt Lyn loop arms with her. When they reached the path Lyn let go and slowered her pace to fall in line with the men behind them.

“So… tell us something we don’t already know.” She asked, looking between the two of them. “Talents, special skills, what do you like to do?”

Morgan smiled to herself, Lyn was outgoing in the weirdest ways, with confidence to match sometimes and awkwardness to counter that confidence, but at least that let Morgan be an observer.

“Special skills….” Ari stated.

“Yeah, I can do all that cake stuff, but don’t ask me to paint or about music.”

“I can play a couple instruments, and we play Volitant.”

“That’s not a hobby, that’s a punishment. Morgan, I’m right right?”

Morgan laughed, “I guess, I’m a student, so I’m all about ruins and ancient cultures. I mean if you want to talk about that, I’m all in.”

“UH! We heard all your thoughts in that exhibit.”

“Not all of them….”

“Okay, NEXT! Would you rather have your boss or your parents read your messages?”

“Neither.” Ari and Caleb answered together.

Morgan laughed into her hand, “I mean I guess Mum is fine, I don’t really have a boss so? My teachers are not reading my messages.”

“You two are no fun, I’m my own boss, so I guess I win that one.”

“Your parents then?” Ari supplied.

“No, let’s just say no.”

“I’m the only one that answered that question..” Morgan sighed. “Aright, rather have whatever knowledge you need or power? You may not have the skill to use that knowledge though.”

“Knowledge.” Lyn jumped in almost before the question was finished.

“I would agree.” Ari answered simply.

“There’s a lot of responsibility with both.” Caleb mused.

They came around a thicket of flowering bushes to an observation deck overlooking a small cascading waterfall. There was a woman standing far back to the side, but no one else, Morgan moved up to lean against the railing taking in the misting water around the falls. It was a beautiful sight, the observation deck set off from the path, tucked away and protected by tall flowering bushes. The top of fall has a backdrop of lovely flowering trees, the other side a bright green wall of trees. It’s like a small sanctuary away from the developed world outside. 

Morgan heard rather than saw the others step up near her, She looked down, it was a pretty tall fall, but it didn’t plumet straight down in one go. She sighed peacefully, turning around to gauge reactions, “This is really nice.” 

Caleb was facing away toward where they had come in, watching the woman that was leaving. Ari’s attention was in the same direction but less so. Morgan tilted her head a little and watched the woman as he met up with a pair that had been coming up. She tapped Lyn lightly, Lyn glanced over her shoulder taking in the sight, but saying nothing.

“We shouldn’t stay.” Caleb stated.

Morgan narrowed her eyes, “Why?”

“There’s other places to see right?”

“He’s right.” Ari stated.

Morgan felt a bit like they were being herded, in a I’m being polite but we’re really leaving, kind of way. They continued up and over the top of the falls, but whatever jovial jaunt they were on earlier had dissolved into a quiet walk of intent until they reached the lower part of the garden. The paths in the lower area widened so they could walk next to each other rather than being flanked.

“Going to explain that?” Morgan piped up.

“They were acting suspicious. Best to just move on for the day.” Caleb answered

“They were probably friends meeting up.” Lyn threw out.

They grew silent again, Caleb steering them to the entrance of the garden, seemingly not happy being in it any longer than necessary. They emerged into a plaza area, with a lovely water display, the kind that arcs precise water spouts from one spot to another, like watching water dance.

Lyn wandered up to the edge, watching the large display of leaping water, “It’s better at night, with the lights, but I don’t really get out here often to see it. Though I guess it’s not much different than seeing similar displays anywhere else.” She smiled softly, “Whenever I’m here I think someone just needs to run through it.”

“Go ahead.” Caleb offered.

She just watched the water, shaking her head. 

Caleb reached over, putting a hand on the center of her back, giving a soft push. “We’ll wait here.”

“I’m taking Morgan with me.” Lyn said, latching onto Morgan's forearm and pulling.

Morgan scrambled for something to stabilize herself against Lyn’s sudden force, she found Ari’s arm and wrapped her free arm around his, holding on tight. Lyn let go too easily, laughing and turning back to the water works.

“Sorry.” Morgan offered, letting go.

Ari raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing away at the water before them.

“I think they have one of those market things set up in that square over there we should go there.”

“Market things?” Ari asked.

Lyn faced them, “A little market for handcrafted things, people set up like tables, sometimes there’s games and silly things that make no sense other than… you know tourism and people spending money.”

“That’s after you run though this fountain?” Caleb added.

“Before actually. Come on, I’ll find something you guys will like.”

“Don’t think that’s necessary.” Ari offered.

Morgan laughed lightly, “Maybe not, but this is another one of her ‘fun’ ideas.”

Morgan laughed a little, watching as Lyn rolled her eyes. The rest happened in mere seconds, Lyn took a step backwards to turn and leave, Morgan called out to her as Caleb reached out and pulled her toward him. Lyn stumbled briefly right into Caleb, confusion all over her face.

“I thought you weren’t going through the water before the market.” Caleb said, lifting an eyebrow.

Lyn slowly pulled away, “Ah, Thanks, sorry.” She stepped back, checked her surroundings, and headed toward the market, without a backward glance.

“Come on, who knows what she can find left alone.” Morgan moved to follow.

Morgan caught sight of Lyn walking to a small table with little jewelry pieces on display. Ari and Caleb were next to Morgan, she felt like there was still some sort of tension she couldn’t see. “You know I’m sure they didn’t follow us from the garden, it’s fine.”

“Never hurts to know your surroundings.” Caleb responded.

“Afraid you’re going to be accosted in daylight, in the middle of this public square?”

“I don’t think Caleb is suggesting that, simply that awareness is an ounce of prevention.”

“Come on.” She said, trying to move the subject along.

Lyn turned at their approach, dangly a few bracelets, “Like them?”

Morgan sent her a raised eyebrow and perused the table with mild interest.

“Yeah, okay, no. Moving on, there’s little game things, I’ll win you something.”

Rounding a few more trinket tables and a food stand landed them at a few stands with colorful signs and silly ‘prizes’ displayed behind the game operators.

Walking up to the corner of a stand Lyn clapped her hands together looking at them expectantly. “Okay, who wants to play against me!?”

Morgan rolled her eyes, laughing, “We’re not eighteen.” Looking around she caught sight of a stand, piled with books stacked haphazardly, “Oh, let's go there.”

“Sir, do you think you could grab that for me.” the woman at the game stall called out to them “My husband is usually here to do this stuff, I just can’t reach where he put it.”

Caleb moved past her, “Which one do you need?”

Lyn made shooing motions, “Go, look at your books, we’ll catch up in a minute.”

Ari hesitated, “We should go together.”

Shooing motions continued, “It’s fine, just go.”

Morgan moved away, heard Ari, or she assumed it was Ari, following behind. The books were dusty, taken care of it seemed until they were left to collect dust, among the books was a flat closed box of a decent size. The box was lightly decorated with filigree at the corners and a clasp to hold it shut, but no lock, she reached for it, when a hand stopped her. 

She expected it to be one of her companions, but it was a weathered hand that had seen years of life. He released her hand, reaching for the lid of the box, he pulled something out and held it up to her, it was a dark blue black pendant on a simple ribbon.

“There are stories about gems this color from Earth,” He stepped around to her side, “they say it allows one to reach their full potential.” He stepped close, “Would you like to try it?”

Morgan stepped back into the table, “No thanks, I’m okay.”

The man stepped closer still, reaching out to place the necklace on her. Morgan lifted her hands to stop him, but it wasn’t necessary, Ari had caught one hand, stepping between them, forcing the older man to step back.

“I don’t think she’s interested.” Ari explained with an even voice.

The man gathered the necklace in his hand, smiled softly, nodding. Sweeping a hand toward his table of books, “I have other items if gems don’t interest you.” He walked up to Morgan’s side, slipped a book out and held it up to her, “This? Or I have books on other subjects.”

Lyn’s bubbly voice broke in, “Find anything to take home?”

Morgan smiled at her, “Not yet, give me a few.”

Morgan and Lyn both ended up with a book or a couple in Morgan’s case. The man at the table dusted the books, flipped through them, added a simple ribbon bookmark to each book, telling them not to develop a habit of turning down page corners.

“We should see you home.” Ari offered.

“It’s not that late.” Lyn chided.

“Things are..” Ari continued.

“He’s right.” Caleb interrupted.

“Since we don’t know where you’re staying, you can walk us to the fountain.” Lyn protested.

“No way we’re going to put you out walking you in the wrong direction.” Morgan added.

The walk out of the square was quiet, not heavy over oppressive, it just was. Morgan felt she probably knew what was going on in Lyn’s head, but she was thinking about saying goodbye, without making anything weird, especially with Lyn standing there. Lyn would make stuff weird just to do it, she was unpredictable sometimes.

They stopped, no one said anything for a beat, Morgan took a mentally stabilizing breath.

“We should keep in touch,” Lyn rushed through, “all of us.”

Another breath, “We should,” Morgan paused, “is that okay Ari? I mean I have school so I’m usually very busy.” She looked to the ground before looking at the two of them, “It’s good to keep in contact with friends and if you’re ever in New Albion I will take a small break to guide you around.”

“That would be fine.”

“If you’re ever back here, you know where to find me. Goes for Van too of course. Let me know beforehand and I’ll kidnap Morgan from school for a week.”

“You will not!”

Lyn laughed, stepped up to Ari, taking his hand in both of hers. “It was nice to meet you, you’re very kind. Thank you for letting me drag you guys all over.” She smiled up at him and released his hand. For Ari’s part he just looked away briefly, nodding to her. Which just increased Lyn’s smile.

Morgan watched Lyn approach Caleb, and she stepped closer to Ari. Lyn held her hand out, but didn’t force her handshake like she did with Ari, she waited for Caleb to take it, which he did. They stood there for several seconds, Lyn studying their hands with a small smile, Caleb looking down at her. When she finally looked up at his face, the smile had slipped away, she stood there even longer, just watching his face. 

Her gaze finally fell to his shoulder, “Have a safe trip home.” She said, looking back up, pasting on a smile she pulled her hand away, turning to head home herself.

Morgan watched the exchange, not sure if she was spying or something, or if she should have just spoken up. Putting on a smile, looking up at Ari, “Thank you.” she held her hand out, which he took, only hesitating a split second.

“No reason to thank me.” Ari responded.

“You were my sane company, in some insanity.” She laughed, patting the back of his hand with her free hand,  “Worthy of many thanks. I mean you rescued me from a sprinkle explosion at one point, that’s very virtuous.”

Without letting go of Ari, Morgan turned to Caleb, “Caleb, I can without any hesitation say it was entertaining to say the least.” She finally let go of Ari and held her hand out to Caleb, giving him a quick hand shake.

Morgan joined Lyn in giving them one last quick wave before heading home.

The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same

They were nearing home, it was quiet most people were probably already home for the evening. Next to Morgan Lyn rifled through the bag they had stored the books in, pulling one of them out and opening it to bookmark. 

“So what kind of books caught your interest today Morgan? Oh we can go through the alley up ahead, little quicker.” She pulled up short, holding up a pendant on the end of the ribbon, “Umm…?” 

Morgan took it from her, scowling, “That little..” 

“What am I missing?” Lyn asked, resuming their walk home. 

“That man at the table tried to get me to try this on earlier, not sure why he put it in this book.” 

“You attract some weird ones.” Lyn laughed.

“It’s not funny. Next time you come to New Albion, we’ll stay away from tourists.”

Lyn turned them down a small alley that had only light at either end to guide them. They were coming up on a large pillar with a potted plant next to it, when a man walked out in front of them. 

Lyn had taken Morgan’s arm, nudging her to the side, pardoned herself and headed around him. The man didn’t seem to be having any of it, he stepped in front of them again.

“I’m afraid that we’re going to be getting to know each other.”

“And I’m afraid that you’re mistaken.” Morgan offered, moving to walk past him.

Someone had grabbed her arm and pulled her back, she pulled her arm free, turning to send a scowl at whoever had grabbed her. It was a tall woman, she pushed Lyn forward and made to leave again.

“Stop being nice and just subdue them.” A masculine voice from behind them hissed in the darkness.

A shuffle of feet produced several more people, from the shadows of the walls and the pillars. Lyn grabbed Morgan and pulled her close, turning her around, forcing her back the way they had come. Morgan squinted into the dark, as Lyn continued to prod her into moving toward the man standing at the other end.

Lyn whispered, “There’s only one that way, we can make a run for it. Take right.” she turned around to seemingly prepare herself to get at least one of them out of there for help, and stopped, “Thayn?”

Thayn continued to walk toward them, without a word, there were footsteps behind them and then a response from behind them.

“I told you there’s a place for you, you just have to open your eyes.”

Morgan spun around to see the young man from the bakery that afternoon. She should put in a call to the Safety Department.

“I wouldn’t if I were you.” the young man said, looking directly at her.

Before she could respond Thayn had her against the wall, hands restrained in his. “You will stay quiet and out of the way.” He spat. “Get her under control.”

Morgan was handed off to two others that she fought with nails and feet. Earned several shoves into the wall before she heard Lyn cry out.

“You can’t take that!” 

Split second later Morgan heard something shatter, the area went silent. The young man turned toward her, her two would-be capturers backed off.

“Will you please stop fighting.” The young man said dryly.

“Oh I’m sorry if I’m being inconvenient.”

His gaze flicked to the planter next to Morgan, she saw the instant before there was an impact and it exploded, Morgan screamed.

“Morgan!?”

“Lyn?” Morgan cried out.

“Damn it, stop. How did you even find out? Thayn why are you mixed up with this?” Morgan could hear the torture in Lyn’s voice.

“You’re trusting and not nearly as careful as you think. But I didn't want to hurt you, just show you there are places where you don’t have to do this.”

“I was happy here! Ahg, what are you doing?”

“Get off!” Morgan yelled, trying to throw the two people that renewed their insistence to restrain her.

“Let her go.” Lyn sobbed.

“Get them out of here.” The young man ordered plainly.

Thayn pulled Lyn to her feet, dragging her over to Morgan. There was a noise Morgan couldn’t Identify at the opposite end of the alley. Thayn pushed Lyn toward Morgan then grabbed both of them, then the scene was gone. Morgan pushed against Thayn’s hold, but got nowhere until he let go.

She stumbled, they were in an empty room, it was dark and colder, but they weren’t alone. Lyn collapsed against her, more pushing her than collapsing, sending her stumbling to the wall.

Lyn kept herself in front of Morgan, “Thayn, what’s the point here? If you know I’m an Esper then you know I wanted a normal life. You’re obviously one, living a normal life like me.”

Thayn looked away, “I wasn’t, I was working, simply looking for others. You, those like you. Who were the two you were with yesterday?”

“What? Why would I tell you anything? You played me.”

He walked up to stand in front of Lyn, Lyn pressed Morgan back into the wall.

“I never meant to deceive you. You were just unfortunately an Esper, never would have come to this if...” He reached for her, then stopped dropping his hand. “What’s your rank?”

“I don’t know. There’s a reason I wear an inhibitor all the time. Just let Morgan go, she doesn’t need to be part of this.”

“So she can get help? Doesn’t matter, we’ll figure it out when we get back.”

Thayn stalked off, three more came and took residence around them, as Morgan coaxed Lyn to sit against the wall with her. They were quiet, but Morgan’s mind was racing, how had a vacation turned into this? How were they going to get out of here? Who were these people? Her mind ran back to Ari and Caleb’s warnings that evening, had they been right? Were they okay, had they been a target just because of their proximity to Lyn. Is this why Lyn kept her distance all the time?

Eventually the trio standing around them, relaxed and began to roam a bit, finally settling in across the room with the other two in the room. Thayn wasn’t in the room. 

Morgan leaned on Lyn’s shoulder, whispering and half mumbling “There’s two doors we’re going to have to try something, anything to get out of here, no one knows we’re here.”

A hand patting her knee was all she got as an answer.

“Together. Don’t look back.” Morgan whispered

Morgan adjusted her position, trying to be able to stand quickly without drawing attention. Sliding her hand into Lyn’s she took a deep breath, she knew Lyn recognized she was getting ready to move by the grip Lyn took on her hand.

She launched herself to her feet, bolting for the door at the corner nearest them, it led to a hall splitting left and straight. She heard the shouts behind her, but she just turned left and kept going. The halls weren’t long, it turned right, she took it, Lyn’s hand still in hers. There were stairs ahead, she slowed, causing Lyn to run into her, Thayn was coming up the stairs. She gripped Lyn’s hand tighter and headed down, they had no safe choice. She aimed to catch Thayn off guard enough that maybe they could get away.

Morgan stumbled on the steps as she was pulled back, she felt Lyn’s hand pull free. Turning she saw Lyn’s hand slam straight into Thayn’s shoulder as she pulled her other free from his grip. Must have caught him off guard, because Lyn was gathering her and they were running the rest of the way down the stairs before he collected himself to appear before them. Lyn pulled Morgan around behind the steps at the bottom into a room. Morgan pulled them over to a window that was broken, but it wouldn’t be a safe exit. Thayn was there again before they had time to alter a plan. Lyn was pushing Morgan toward the window.

“Go, we have no choice.” Lyn yelled.

Morgan held her breath and put her foot on the edge of the ledge, ducking through the opening, she felt the glass that she didn’t really see as she was hurrying through. The palm of her hand caught something, the back of one shoulder, she stumbled out.

Turning, Morgan held a hand out, “Lyn hur…!” She stopped, Lyn was fending off Thayn by any means she had, mostly keeping her hands away from him. “Lyn!” She started for the window.

“NO!” Lyn yelled

Morgan wasn’t sure what she saw, looking back maybe she would have said it was a light, but then there was Ari, Caleb, and Van. Then the room exploded, Thayn made a desperate launch toward Lyn who stepped back trying to avoid him. Caleb reached for Thayn as five people stormed into the room through the door.

“Ari get them to safety.”

Morgan felt the tap on her shoulder only a split second before she screamed, rattling the rest of the window and the ones above her. She jumped, turning and stepping back to find the young man standing there looking at her steadily. Her heart was in her throat.

“Would be so easy.” He reached out for her.

Morgan jerked back, screaming. She felt here grip slip, she wasn’t sure what happened, but the darkness was all consuming, she couldn’t see anything where she was. She stood there, waiting for her eyes to adjust and she saw or felt the same light caught a glimpse of earlier. Then Ari was before her, stepping forward, she stepped back.

“Are you alright?” He asked

“I..I… Don’t know. What happened?” 

He hesitated, then took her hand, pulling her in, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “We’ll regroup.” 

He hurried her down several flights of stairs and between a couple buildings, it seemed deserted much like the ones she had found herself in previously. When they stopped she was at the window she started at.

Morgan took quick stock of the room, three of the guards from earlier were on the floor, the young man was gone. Thayn was gathering the remaining two guards and was standing near the door glaring. Caleb and Van were not stopping their advance, but Thayn stepped back, looking at Lyn rather than the two advancing on him.

“You would have been better with me.” Thayn spoke barely audible, then they were gone.

“Get them found.” Caleb commanded, “Ari get them out of here.”

Lyn backed away, “I don’t think..”

Caleb cut her off, “Do you want a repeat? I didn’t think so. Ari!”

Van sighed, “Come on Lyn, we’ll let a doctor look at you two. At least have to figure out who those were and what their gains were.”

Lyn backed up again, “What makes you any different?”

“We already know you’re Espers, both by the looks of it.” He growled.

Morgan pulled away, this was escalating quickly, “I have school to go back to, I can’t just up and go with you.”

“Not really a choice.” He snapped

“Caleb, maybe an explanation.” Ari stated.

Van once again stepped up, “You’re both unregistered, so it is our job to step in here. We’re from Endgame.”Ending Notes:

Yes, I had to give Caleb a romance, because Caleb. 

Think this could have been simplified as one-shots? But I explained why that isn’t the case, because brain needs connecting points, so I chose to have them end up at the same point. I feel Ari's character needs to have that continual interaction leading them back to Endgame.

I imagine Morgan and Ari’s relationship turns out the same. This was just ramblings of things we don’t get to see.

I’m not sure the alley scene would have played out that way either, I could see Caleb and Ari just walking in, but I prefer to think they would be strategic.

Bonus Scene: Lyn’s POV

Lyn left Morgan and Ari to their decorating, she’d given them extra colored icing in piping bags, so they didn’t have to worry about wearing the gel. She grabbed an apron, slid it over her head, and grabbed another, holding it out to Caleb. She tied it off, when Caleb seemed ready she reached over gathering Caleb’s longer sleeves and pulling them up his forearms.

“It’s easier, if you’re not used to paying attention, this way it wont get in the icing.” Morgan may be right, she was her own worst enemy sometimes. “Pick a cake.” She led him over to a walk in with covered racks with a few cakes that hadn’t been used that day.

Caleb picked a simple vanilla cake, “okay?”

“Yep, nice safe option.” She teased, earning her a small glare, “I just mean that it’s more likely everyone will like it.” She laughed.

He led them back to the table, where Lyn handed him a knife.

“I’ll get some fresh fruit, split the cake and add a little whipped cream.” She grabbed a couple mixed berries and began cutting them so they would make a flat layer. 

She glanced at Caleb’s work, he added a bit too much cream, it was over the edge a little. “Okay add the berries, then the cake top.”

“We should of exchanged jobs.”

“Why? I know how to make a cake.” she watched him innocently. “Okay, I’ll do a quick base ice, so you don’t have to fight the crumbs. Then you’ll do the real stuff.” She did a light icing just enough to glue the crumbs down and seal up the side of the cake. 

She filled a piping bag with a large flat tip, held it out to Caleb. “Just get icing on the side and top and I’ll show you the rest.”

“Or I can watch you work.” He said, crossing his arms and settling against the work table.

“How is that any fun!” She sat the icing bag down, reaching over to uncross his arm, looking up to check how far she was going to get. She decided right then that she needed new rules, Caleb was too beautiful by half and she probably should not be this close to him.

He had both eyebrows raised, a mildly amused look on his face. “I don’t see a problem with it.”

She took the bag and dropped it in his hand, “I do.” She stepped back, so she could position the icing in his hand. “Just get a comfortable hold, like I showed you earlier.”

He did as he was instructed.

“Start with the top, it’s easiest and doesn’t matter how much you get on there, just get a feel for how much pressure you need to use.”

Lyn stepped around Caleb, so she could stand on the side he was holding the bag on. He had gotten a bit of a jittery start feeling out the motions needed to make it work smoothly.

“Let me help on the sides. I’ll turn the cake while you ice it, we’ll smooth it out after.”

The first try ended with Lyn taking the collapsing cream off the side. “More pressure, it has to adhere to the cake.”

He scowled

“Let me help,” She pulled out a turntable, set the cake on top, “okay get in position. I’ll guide you.”

She was leaning on the table at his elbow, one arm under his, hand on the turntable the other brought to rest on the back of Calebs.

He looked down at her, a look on his face she was trying not to read.

“Come on,” she tapped the back of his hand, “I’m teaching here.”

Lyn focused on guiding the table and his hand so that they had coverage she could work with. She pulled back when they made it around the cake, leaving for a flat metal icing scraper. She needed a trip into the walkin cooler, mentally shaking her head, she checked to see Ari and Morgan bent over something Ari had been working on. 

Returning she pulled the cake over, “Alright I’m going to do this, but only this.” She glided the scraper over the sides, smoothing it out, then the top. Taking the extra cream off and scraping it into a bowl. 

Caleb had taken to leaning on his elbows with his hands linked together on the table next to her. The first time she accidentally dropped icing on him, she got a raised eyebrow, after which he wiped his hands off on a towel.

“Sorry.” She muttered, his focus was way too close.”

The second time, earned her a scowl and a raised eyebrow, “I thought you were the teacher, you’re supposed to do that?”

“Well we can decorate you.” She grabbed a handful of sprinkles and flung them in the general direction his hands had been, they went much further. She saw Ari and Morgan duck behind the table. 

“You want to start this?” Caleb asked, an intent gaze focused on her, a slight smirk on his lips. He wiped his hands on the towel again.

“I just needed a warm up.” She reached for the second handful, chocolate drizzle in her second hand. She was aiming for his hand, got his forearm, but she threw the sprinkles anyway, more in the air than at him.

“Okay, sorry, sorry.” she laughed.

“Not as much as you should be.”

Caleb grabbed her wrist gently, but enough she knew he had a hold, took the chocolate out of her hand, held her hand to the table and spooned caramel over the back of her wrist.

“Okay, okay, stop! It’s sticky!” She pulled her hand back.

She didn’t even have time to react before she had a dusting of edible glitter applied over her head, shoulders and chest. She gasped.

Taking a step up to him, she put her hand, without the caramel, on his collarbone, fingers sliding up his neck to his cheek, “You are trouble.”

“You started it.”

“Probably expect retaliation.”

Caleb pulled back, just as she placed the icing on her thumb against his cheek.

She stepped back, laughing, “I warned you.”

Caleb reached out, holding her upper arm as he stepped closer. “You should probably expect it two fold.” he said as he swiped two fingers along her temple.

She pushed away from him, laughing. What made her fall into every trap he set, she needed better strategies. She quickly reached for whatever bottle her hand landed on, noted it was icing gel by the color, reaching for Caleb again.

Caleb caught her wrist with the bottle and pulled it over her head holding it there, she stepped closer to him, reaching for his hair.

“I think you could use a pink streak right here.” She said letting a strand slide through her fingers, letting her gaze drop to his face.

“I don’t think so.” Caleb retorted, looking down at her. He reached out his hand sliding up her arm, thumb running over her bare shoulder. He paused, changing to simply brushing the glitter off her shoulder instead.

#gilded shadows

[rjalker]

Okay. Before I forget entirely.

My dream was this girl trapped in a time loop in a space station with:

her deadbeat dad

a girl she'd never met before that day named Shelly. Or maybe Shella. It was something with Shell-

her BFF, who used he/him and ne/nim pronouns and was wearing a shirt I absolutely am now required to make....His name might have been Matt? Max? ...I think it was Matt...?

some horseshoe-crab looking dead aliens

It was a weird time loop. Instead of only going for one day, it lasted like, one week to several months depending on what she did.

Over the course of the time loop, among other things:

She and Matt became BFFs with the Shelly

her relationship with her father only continued to get worse because he's a jackass

she learned how to disassemble almost every part of the space station to steal the scifi batteries to power her radio / flashlight / MP3 player,

She learned how to first dissect and then butcher the dead aliens, since parts of them were edible (Yes, she did learn the hard way which parts were not edible. It took a lot of sneaking around / convincing to make sure she was the one who ate the potentially-poisonous parts since no one believed her about the time loop)

Her name was.....kinda hard to remember her first first name. It was either Bethany, or Elizabeth. I think it was Bethany. I think her middle name was Ann. I don't know what her last name was.

A conversation with her father, who has just picked himself up off the floor after getting hit in the eye by part of the dead alien that reacts to pressure while dissecting it, so his left eye is stained red and puffy: "[insert whatever her dead name was here], will you stop goofing off and help us here!?"

(Matt has been standing off to the side for the whole show of her dad getting a black eye from a dead alien, going O: and trying not to laugh)

"My name is Bethany Thomas, dad, how many fucking times do I have to tell you?" She snapped. [this is in fact the first time in this loop she's told him but she forgot that part atm]

She turned to leave with Matt, only for her father to demand, sarcastically, "And which girl's last name have you taken to get rid of mine?"

[This was the part where dream-me, who apparently read the book this movie was based on, burst out laughing.]

She turned around to look at him like he'd sprouted three heads, once again forgetting she hadn't already told him this a million times. "Bethany Thomas is my first name." (Give her a break, she just got back from a five month span of time loop)

She and Matt left while her dad was just sputtering in rage and yelling that he's going to ground her and she better listen to him because he's her father and blah blah blah. Yeah literally no one but him thought that gave him any authority over her at all.

Anyways I mostly forget her explanation for why she chose her name, something about one of her friends calling her McKenzie as a joke, which morphed into "Mac Kelsie" and then she was like YKW, I do want two first names. And chose Bethany Thomas to represent her feminine and masculine sides.

Aslo there was another scene with Shelly trying to introduce herself to this girl she's never met before only for her to go !!!!!! "Hey Shelly! I'm so glad to see you OMG!!!!" and then she realizd "oh wait, this is the start of the time loop she doesn't know me yet" and she just kinda hunched in on herself and was like, "Oh, don't mind me, I died but I'm better now."

Shelly was like....okay....so what are you doing with that scanner? [taking out the battery for her radio/flashlight/mp3 player is the answer]

I don't know where my brain comes up with this stuff.

#Rjalker has weird dreams

[absolutepokemontrash]

First time requesting anything so idk how this sounds but the brothers with a (gn) cowboy mc? Manifesting a future cowboy event 🙏 🐎

Ah yes, cowboys, I love cowboy things sometimes…

Cool Western Cowboy MC!

Lucifer

…this human showed up on a horse. Lucifer Morningstar is not okay. He needs several minutes. Never mind that the horse is galloping around the assembly hall, he just needs to reset his brain.

Okay… yadda yadda, welcome to the Devildom, Mammon’s the babysitter, tie up the horse outside or something… just… Lucifer needs to lie down…

Once Lucifer is fully ready to begin accepting reality, he actually properly tries to see what this human’s deal is. They’re quite nice, they’ve got a weird tendency to stare off into the distance and smoulder (somewhat sexily, Lucifer might note), and walk off into the distance.

Though, Lucifer did have them complain about the lack of sunsets to ride off into after completing some kind of great task.

Mammon

First thought? Can I sell the horse and the cool antique guns the human is holding? Second thought, if the human shoots me with the antique guns they’re pointing at me, will I be grievously injured?

Once Mammon stops trying to steal MC’s things, he gets hit with a memory. Huh, he was an old west bandit for a period of time, wasn’t he? So many trains robbed… that was fun… Since Mammon is just so great, he decides to regale MC with tales of his amazing exploits.

(Sans all the times Mammon ignored various warnings and ended up getting bitten by rattlesnakes and trampled by cows)

Anyway~, Mammon loves MC’s intense-ness, and how the floorboards creak dramatically every time they walks into a new location. Oi, human, is it possible to learn this power?

Leviathan

This is just like that one anime.jpg

Levi is… weirdly smitten with this normie. And believe me, this normie is like… a mega normie. They like going outside, they socialize, they’re… *shudder* cool…

MC isn’t the best at any of the games Levi has invited them to play either, but when the two played Red Dead Redemption, they did both have fun.

Levi also admires how MC takes care of their old guns. The Avatar of Envy can relate to the intense need to clean one’s favourite collectibles. Levi’s up for sharing tips on maintenance and share some cleaning stuff if MC needs it. N-not because he likes their normie-ness or anything…

Satan

Satan loves reading, Satan has been alive for a very long time, where am I going with this? Well, Satan has read his fair share of dime cowboy novels, and would you look at that! One has dropped right in front of him!

This demon is near instantly smitten. He wants to know what kind of crazy cowboy stories this human might have.

Have they stopped train robberies? Have they gotten into dope gunfights???

Whether or not the answer is yes, Satan is still bouncing on his heels like a five year old boy all excited to play with a new toy. (Satan would also like to ride the horse, the Unicorn is his familiar after all!)

Asmodeus

Cowboys are incredibly queer, how do you think this sumbitch is doing?

Asmo is intrigued~ ooooh, nice outfit, nice hair, smouldering eyes~ it all has Asmo giggling like a lovesick schoolgirl. He’s legitimately twirling his hair and sputtering like Levi whenever MC opens their mouth.

“Hey, Asmo. I’m just cleanin’ out my horseshoe’s right now.” “Hahahahaha… Cleaning out horseshoes… you’re so funny~”

Seriously, if Asmo twirls his hair with his finger any more, he won’t need a curling iron anymore.

Asmo, like Satan, also wants to ride the horse. Just the idea of being wrapped around MC while they both ride off into the moon-set… *sigh*

Beelzebub

Can he eat the- *THWACK* NO HE MAY NOT EAT THE HORSE.

Okay now that that’s been dealt with, Beel finds this human… strange. They just stare wistfully off into the distance, don’t talk all that much, and they have a bit of a resting bitch face in all honesty-

Hey, just like Beel!

Once MC wins over Beel with their sheep-y charms, Beel asks what MC has to eat when they’re riding around. MC hand waves away his answer, you know, trail mix, gas station food-

Beel is now shoving food into MC’s mouth. He can’t believe they’ve been subjecting themselves to such mediocre food! 🥺

(Eat it, MC, he’s doing it because he cares)

Belphegor

Belphie is constantly waking up to the sound of the horse nickering and he is NOT HAPPY.

You know, that isn’t the only thing he’s not happy about, this whole “cowboy” shtick MC has going on? Yeah. No. Belphie already got called “cow-boy” enough, he doesn’t need MC around to remind his brothers of that.

Eh… maybe MC’s okay… once Belphie fell asleep at RAD, and MC picked him up and carried him no problem… MC even put their hat on his head 🥺

The moment was ruined by Mammon and Asmo snickering in the doorway and saying: “Hehehe, cowboy^2… hehehehehe.” “Cowboy and his cow… hehehehehe…”

Please pardon Belphie, MC, he needs to be a little brother and fight his siblings.

#obey me #obey me! #obey me! shall we date? #obey me shall we date #asks #ask #obey me mc #anon #obey me mammon #obey me Lucifer #Obey me Asmodeus #Obey me Leviathan #Obey me Beelzebub #Obey me Belphegor #Obey me Satan #Obey me Headcanons #obey me! headcanons #obey me! headcanon #obey me headcanon

[hellisheuphoria]

Chapter 1: Recluse.

In which the MC relives the memory of their death every night since it happened, followed by confusion of their feelings towards Belphegor and his brothers- and whether or not they will truly get over their hiraeth.

[I’m on mobile, so I apologise for weird formatting. Also, this chapter itself contains scenes depicting violence and trauma, so read at your own risk <3. I’m sorry for any mistakes, and I’ve also written this on my AO3, my username is ‘impendingcorruption’.]

”To think that I’d be saved by a human...!”

Belphegor snickered, a sort of amusement flowing through him at the thought of being rescued by you, a mere human.

He laughed again, practically drowning in his joy. “It really is ironic!” You shifted slightly, uncomfortable in his sudden happiness, which was rather quite suspicious.

He stopped and turned to you, his attention focused on you solely. Revisiting it now, it may have been the look of a predator looking down upon their prey.

”In any event, MC, all I can do is thank you.” He smiled brighter, “Now I can finally achieve what I set out to do!”

Then he opened his arms wide, signalling you for a hug. That very action diminished any flame of suspicion or doubt you had on him- a decision that you would soon come to regret.

Happily enough, you accepted his hug- feeling absolutely content and prideful at the fact that you had managed to let him out of the attic- whether it was really you or not.

He then sighed, his chin on your shoulder. “Ah... this really brings back memories. This feeling...” His body then went rigid slightly, as though he attempted to keep a sort of coldness to him. “I wonder how long it’s been since I’ve touched a human?”

The air shifted dramatically, your brain slowly gearing into fight or flight mode.

”So, MC...”

His attire changed completely. The air turned cold and frosty, replicating the aura coming off of him as he suddenly let go of you, slightly pushing you back- away from him. You cowered slightly at his dramatic change of personality.

His form shifted, horns protruded out of his head and his clothes resembled those of a cow, with a gold horseshoe on his right side and a cow design sporting his left. A tail violently blew behind him, as though he was ready to attack and agitated.

“...How can I express how I’m feeling right now? What can I do?” He looked at you with a look so cold that you swore you would have just froze over.

Then once again, he changed. He switched personalities. He laughed like a madman, like a sociopath- like someone who relished the look of you in fear, cowering and shaking. But he was, he definitely was. You could see it in his eyes, damn it.

And then, you were pinned to the wall, with one of his hands holding you in place by your throat, your toes barely touching the ground. A black, misty sort of aura became oh so visible around him, making itself violently clear to you.

“You humans really are foolish, idiotic, weak creatures, aren’t you?” His head shook in a sort of disapproval, but you could tell he enjoyed it. He loved this feeling of empowerment. The air no longer reached your lungs and you feebly attempted to call for help.

“You’re so stupid that I can’t help but laugh. Don’t blame me for tricking you, blame yourself for falling for it.” His eyes because glassy and glazed over, like he wasn’t there anymore.

His claws dug deeply into your throat that you swore you could feel blood in your damn lungs. He gripped harder, only to throw you into the ground like a piece of trash.

Your head hit first, blood dripped from your forehead and breathing was so hard that you were gasping for it, begging in your mind for somebody to save you from this monster.

Your vision glazed over and tears gushed down your cheeks due to your helplessness and fear. You wanted to call for help, but your throat ached so bad that any attempt to talk felt like molten nails were being scraped down your throat.

You raised your head and feebly attempted to crawl away, but Belphegor clamped his shoe on your back and held you down, then he raised his leg and kicked your back hard enough to the point where he either severely bruised you or fractured your spine.

”If you die, the exchange program will be ruined, and Diavolo’s reputation will be in tatters.”

He didn’t consider you a person with feelings, he only considered you a pawn for him to break and cause havoc against the three realms with.

“I hate humans, you see. I hate them more than anything in the three worlds.”

He propped you up against the wall and kneeled in front of you as you moaned in absolute misery and pain. You swore that he was only a few seconds away from breaking your spine and rendering you unable to move.

He gripped your face tightly, his claws digging into your soft skin and copper dripped down your cheeks, mingling with your tears as you waited for him to put an end to you.

His hand wrapped around your shoulder, then smashed it against the wall as your arm lay limp and paralysed.

With both hands on each side of your face, he continued.

”Hehe, does it hurt? Finding it hard to breathe? I’m sure it must feel very unpleasant.”

He smacked the back of your head on the wall, a horrible feeling of liquid made your hair sticky and a strange shade of red.

“I have to say, seeing a human face twisted in pain like this...” He stared at you, a sadistic smile on his lips.

”...Why, it’s so much fun that I can barely stand it! I... I can’t contain the laughter!”

And with his horrible, amused laugh ringing in your ears, you succumbed to a dreamless sleep.

———————————————————————

You woke up with a start, your chest heaving and your heart felt as though it were in pain. It hurt to breathe and tears gushed out like waterworks. It was surprising you didn’t scream as you woke up.

Sobs barely escaped your lips as your body shook with the intensity of your dream- rather, nightmare. There was barely any light peeking in from your bare window so you assumed it was late into the night, probably midnight.

Tear stains were everywhere on your pillow and your bed was rough and tousled. Your hands shook violently as they touched all the parts you were brutally injured with in your dream.

It still felt as though you were choking, even if you really weren’t. The weight of your emotions made your chest feel heavier than it should have, and you pondered if putting up a facade for your emotions was really possible at this point.

After you came back to life and you found out about your heritage, all did seem right for a while. Belphegor never really did apologise, but back then you let it go for the sake his brothers. They had only just got him back.

But in the back of your mind, you still had a sort of fear of Belphegor brewing in your head. Even if that was a different version of you, you still had those horrible memories.

And a few weeks later, when all had calmed down, the nightmares began. It would all feel so real until you woke up violently and thrashing around, defending yourself from someone that wasn’t there.

Everything had changed, and it hurt. You missed waking up early in the mornings and enjoying breakfast. You missed the happiness and contentment you felt having a life with everyone. With Lucifer too, even though he scared you.

You mourned the loss of your old life, a sort of homesickness becoming ever so stronger in your everyday life.

You hadn’t noticed before, but things were just so much more tiring as of late.

The nightmares had such a toll on you that you just couldn’t wake up on time before. Dark circles positioned themselves under your eyes for what seems like forever. It was bad enough that even Belphegor winced seeing them.

Life felt so much more dreary and not worth it. Breakfast would not stay in your stomach, and you could barely look at Belphegor or even stay in the same room as him.

And yet, nobody noticed or cared. They didn’t care about how you felt from dying at the hands of Belphegor, or how it felt to just watch your other self disappear in Mammon’s arms.

Heck, Beel would probably have no problem with remaining oblivious as long as it meant that he’d have Belphegor back. Everyone seemed like that, too. Lucifer was even getting along with him a bit more than usual.

And you just didn’t have it in your heart to crush that for them. God, no. You loved them way too much.

So you tried to cry as silently as you could, gripping yourself with your head on your knees as you silently cried for the loss of yourself and the misery that became a part of your life from since then. Who were you to ruin that? Certainly not yourself, a mere human. They’d never understand anyway.

Human life spans were only a blip on their radar. They would live for thousands of more years to come, and you would be gone in a matter of decades.

A knock on your door shook you awake from your thoughts.

”Hey, MC? I’m coming in.”

In horror and complete surprise, you lay down on your bed and tried your best to make it look like you were sleeping.

The doorknob turned and a figure came in. Judging by the voice, you recognised him, Belphegor.

Still red eyed, with your nose sniffling and face a mess, you hid as much as you could and pretended to sleep as he came ever so closer to you.

He placed a gentle hand on your shoulder and shook you slightly, “I know you’re not asleep, cut the act.” Your heart lurched as you opened your eyes and could see him standing in front of you.

He was holding his signature pillow, the one with a cow based design on it, and a laptop with a CD.

”MC, if you can’t sleep, do you want to watch a movie with me? I could hear you moving around, even from my room!” He chuckled slightly, a smile on his face. He looked different than how he was from his dream. He looked calmer not, but you were still deathly afraid of him.

Speechless, you shook your head as your body shook from being in such close proximity to him. You didn’t wanna be near him, especially not now.

As cold and as not cold you could be, you replied, ”No, I- I don’t. Please just go, I’m tired.” You could barely push the words out as your voice was raspy and your throat hurt, looking away from him.

His eyes narrowed in observation, “You look like you’ve been crying. Are you okay?” He tried to hold your hand, but then realised just how shaky it was.

”MC, seriously, are you okay?” He tried again, but you snatched your hand away and moved back, as far away from him as you could.

”Just go! Leave me alone!” You sniffled, your eyes darting everywhere but not on him. “I just wanna be alone. I don’t want you here... please.”

He was shocked at your sudden outburst, still standing there in disbelief as he nodded his head and tried to get a better look at you, but all you did was turn away, hiding your face in your hands.

He walked away, still holding his belongings in either hand as he left the room, not speaking a word. He stood outside your door for a second but then walked away. Thank goodness.

But then you realised how awkward it would be when you would have to face him at breakfast tomorrow. And what if he told Beel? Oh no.

You slapped yourself slightly, ashamed of what you had done. You just had to go ahead and ruin it, didn’t you? Now they’ll be asking you if you’re okay, smothering you in affection that you didn’t want.

Scolding yourself, you lay down once more and anxiety built up in your chest as you thought of tomorrow. What if they all start ignoring you because you can’t get along with Belphegor? What if Beel became uncomfortable with you because of Belphegor? What if everyone did?

That would mean that.. that you would have no one. That everyone would leave you behind and you would be forgotten. No friends, no family. And in the devildom, where demons are constantly looking to take your soul, that’s a horrible situation, if you were ever to find yourself in there.

What if you just let them eat you? You wouldn’t be much of a burden or home wrecker as you are now. And they probably wouldn’t even bat an eye. But then again, Lucifer wouldn’t want to have Diavolo’s exchange program ruined. Imagine the atrocity!

The walls felt so much more constricting now, in your room. The air felt hard to breathe and your body refused to listen to you. You were just so... tired from everything.

With a final glance at the time, you closed your eyes. Only a few more hours until you would have school. And that would be all the time you would need to imagine yourself in your original timeline, living a happy life. If only.

The world disappeared, and so did you, clutching onto your dreams as the way out of your own living nightmare.

#obey me #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me levi #obey me asmodeus #obey me asmo #obey me satan #obey me beelzebub #obey me beel #obey me belphegor #obey me belphie #obey me lilith #obey me diavolo #obey me barbatos #obey me solomon #obey me simeon #obey me luke #obey me angst #obey me sad #triggering scenes #vent fic #obey me fic #obey me headcanon #obey me chapter 16

[onceuponamirror]

ghosts

Faintly, Nancy can hear the waves crashing into the shoreline down the road. A buoy rings against the water. She takes a breath. “So…you don’t regret not leaving?”

“Do you?” He counters, as if knowing she wasn’t just talking about him anymore.

[set between 2x05-2x06] [read on ao3!]

“What’re you thinking about?”

Nancy turns to look over her shoulder, surprised to see Ace standing there, hands in the pockets of his puffer. He has a smile emerging from the corner of his mouth, which broadens slightly after a moment. “You look super serious. Am I interrupting something heavy?”

“What? No,” she says, clearing her thoughts, and echoes his grin. “I just thinking about…ghosts.”

“Ghosts,” Ace repeats, and drops into the seat beside her. She’s sitting on the table, whereas he’s planted on the bench, and yet they’re still at eye-level.

She blows out a breath and shakes her head slightly. “Yeah, ghosts. With everything happening so fast last month, I feel like…I didn’t fully process…” She pauses, and waves her hands for exaggeration, “Ghosts. They’re real.”

He furrows his brow, as if waiting for her to continue, or to finish her thought.

Nancy falls back on her palms, glancing up briefly at the darkened sky. “It’s just—I’m supposed to be this…Hero of Horseshoe Bay, or whatever they want to call me in the papers. I don’t really care about that but—solving mysteries is the only thing I’ve been good at, and…”

Ace passes her a slightly mischievous smile. “Is this about me coming for your title? I’m a ‘Hero’ too.”

She rolls her eyes and bumps his shoulder with her own. “No, it’s…I make logical leaps. That’s all it is. How can you make logical leaps with supernatural stuff?”

“Ah,” Ace says.

“If ghosts are real, what else is? And what won’t I be able to solve because I didn’t think to consider…Bigfoot, or something? I don’t know if I’ll be any good at this when the rules of physics don’t apply.”

“Nancy,” Ace says slowly, “all due respect, but that’s super dumb. You’ve already solved like, three ghosts mysteries by now.” She opens her mouth with mock offense, but he just grins at her, and she’s unable to stop herself from matching it again. “You’re good at this. Dead or undead. Besides—people always say stuff about physics as if it just relates to gravity. It’s a lot more flexible than that.”

She cocks her neck. “What do you mean?”

Ace shrugs. “Like, I went down a Wikipedia rabbit hole one night. A lot of physics is about theorizing about other dimensions and energy, and matter. Like—there’s that rule, that matter can neither be created nor destroyed. I think it’s mostly about decay or whatever, like how when we die we go back to the ground, but maybe there’s another part, like with our soul, that sticks around. Who’s to say that doesn’t encompass ghosts?”

Nancy just stares at him, dumbfounded. When she first met Ace, he’d struck her as a quiet slacker; another fellow high school burnout. It’s almost upsetting how much she’d misjudged him. “How the hell do you know that?”

As if slightly embarrassed, Ace ducks his face down, but she can still see his smile. He shrugs again. “Like I said, I love a good Wikipedia black hole. Which, coincidentally, has a great article on black holes.” They meet each other’s eyes, and Nancy feels something sputter against her chest, suddenly deeply aware of their proximity. She wonders if he feels it too, because he clears his throat. “Anyway, I don’t sleep super well. So it gives me a lot of time to collect increasingly random knowledge.” He taps his temple. “It’s a steel trap of trivia.”

She raises her eyebrows, still taking him in. He never seems to stop surprising her. “How did we not know each other in high school? You would’ve been super helpful on some of my earlier cases, you know.”

“I thought you worked alone then,” he says, somewhat teasingly, but like he’s avoiding her question. After a moment, he sighs. “I knew you, you just didn’t know me. We actually had art together, I think.”

“No way,” she says at once, before she can think on it. “I would’ve noticed you.”

It’s his turn for his eyebrows to jump on his forehead. Her neck flushes hotly, but mercifully, he looks away from her. “Nah. I was barely there. I was kind of a big stoner in high school.”

“I’m shocked,” she says dully, and he laughs. At the sound, her chest tightens again.

“I know. It really plays against type,” he counters, smirking.

She laughs, and a silence falls over them gently. She’s still surprised they had a class together and she didn’t even know him—even if they didn’t run in the same circles, he was still Ace. If she wracks her brain, she has a vague memory of a skinny kid in a backwards baseball cap and an oversized plaid shirt, but it’s hard to reckon that with the long-haired, soft-eyed, much more muscled boy who sits beside her.

When her thoughts finally return to the present, she finds him watching her. She turns slowly to face him, breath catching against her chest. Her eyes dart down to his mouth, and he does the same. Anxiously, she pushes her hair behind her ears, unwilling to let this moment last. This is Ace. Get it together.

“What?” He asks, his tone something low and velvety.

She laces her fingers together and tips her chin up, wistfully watching a faint star. “What are you still doing here?” She asks, and he meets her eye again, confused this time. “I mean, you’re smart. You never wanted to get out of Horseshoe Bay? Go to college?”

Ace leans back on his elbows. “Nah,” he says, but something in his voice betrays his attempt at casualness. “I didn’t have the grades, even if I wanted to.” Nancy purses her lips, not sure she believes him. He shifts uncomfortably, like he can tell. “Pothead,” he adds, impishly. “I took a couple of classes at the community college, but…I dunno, I got bored. I’ve had pretty much every job in town, at this point. Never really held anything down, ‘til now.”

“Yeah?” She asks, breathily.

“Worked on a lobster fishing boat for a summer. That was really hard,” he supplies, and Nancy wonders if that was the cause of his transformation from skinny kid in art class to the surprisingly toned boy beside her. “Worked at the video store, until they went out of business. Worked at the library for a bit. That didn’t work out, for obvious reasons.”

“Obviously,” she echoes, grinning at him. He rolls his eyes playfully.

“Last year I even worked at the yacht club,” he adds, glancing away from her. “That’s where I met Laura Tandy.”

At the mention of his ex, Nancy straightens. She tries not to put too much thought into the strange reaction her body has, deciding instead to dig at the larger thought that still nags. “Do you ever wish you’d gone with her? To Paris, I mean. Had adventures…left Maine?”

“Nance, I’m pretty sure adventure isn’t geography-specific at this point,” he sighs, throwing her a knowing look. There’s a slight thrill at him calling her ‘Nance’, and she tries to push it down. “But no,” he sighs. “My dad…I still think he needs me. He keeps trying to go back to work, as if he doesn’t remember why he left in the first place. Someone has to remind him.”

A soft hum escapes from the back of her throat. Privately, she thinks there’s something loaded there, something buried. A lie to himself, maybe. From her observation, Ace and his father are very much alike, but she doesn’t think he’d want to hear that.

Faintly, Nancy can hear the waves crashing into the shoreline down the road. A buoy rings against the water. She takes a breath. “So…you don’t regret not leaving?”

“Do you?” He counters, as if knowing she wasn’t just talking about him anymore. She levels him with a warning look, but he doesn’t back down, just piques an eyebrow.

“I don’t know,” she says, honestly. “Right now, no.” She bumps him with her shoulder again. “Look at us. A couple of townie burnouts.”

He grins. “Somebody’s gotta do it.”

Another blanket of silence settles between them, but gentle this time. Again, the waves lap against the shore.

“I still can’t believe I didn’t know you,” she says quietly, perhaps not meaning to say it aloud. Somewhere along the way, he became such a fixture. But she supposes that goes for all of her friends—she was so different in high school. She’s not sure she’s someone she would’ve liked now. She realizes Ace is looking at her again. “I just mean, it’s such a small town. Like, I don’t even know your last name,” she adds.

He still hasn’t budged, soft smile and all. “Oh, it’s—”

“Yo! Lazy Drew! Are we gonna Boggle or what?” George’s voice floats across The Claw’s back deck, and they both turn around to see her at the back exit, her hands on her hips, lit warmly from behind. “Ace, you said you were gonna go get her and come right back.”

“My bad,” he says, getting to his feet. He offers her his hand down, even though it’s barely a jump to the ground. She takes it anyway, but it hits her with a shock of static so strong that she drops it like a hot potato. His eyes are anywhere but on her.

“Game night waits for no man,” George says drolly, holding the door open for them.

“Fine, fine,” she mutters, passing through the doorway. She spins around and points at George. “Tonight, we Boggle, but tomorrow—trivia night. Teams.”

“I’m game,” Ace pips up, as George only rolls her eyes and nods as she struts past them, towards the booth where Bess and Nick wait.

“Tomorrow, you’re on my team, Mr. Steel Trap,” Nancy whispers to him, leaning in conspiratorially. His body heat warms against her skin, even through her light sweater.

His smile is soft. “Any time.”

#nace #nancy drew #ace [hardy] #nancy drew cw #drabbles #fics #i am emo for these two #pls validate me and leave me a review #i forgot how thirsty i am for them #ty

[bettabluetown]

~A Memory Away~

(same warnings as before: gore and suicidal thoughts)

Ch.2

Smoke swirled in the air; filling old lungs and staining crooked teeth. Hooves beat the ground, smashing the snow under rusted horseshoes. The sound of soft trotting slowly coming to a stop.

The cabin was in view, a scattered blood trail leading from the trees, the ground, and eventually the front door. A body slumped in front of it. Worn boots smacked the ground, crushing the exposed earth. A low grumble slipping through the air.

————————

Focus. Breathe. The world was unsteady. A red film distorted the bright winter scenery, glazing over their ruptured eye. Fast, sharp inhales echoed into the trees; frigid air ripped through exhausted lungs, stirring up that cold burning sensation deep within. The snow cuddled their dirty clothes and uncovered limbs. It coated exposed bone and irritated, infected flesh.

They never made it inside the cabin. No, in fact they laid face down on cold dirt, blinking stupidly at the spinning ground. It was a chore to breathe, so difficult to move, to think. Death should have reaped its reward yet, there they laid, paralyzed by pain--their body almost devoid of function.

Frozen tears lit their face on fire, melting from hot panicked breathes. They were gasping and wheezing, their chest felt tighter; mind bordering the line of unconsciousness.

Final remnants of warmth faded from their system. Everything started to shutdown. They needed to move, to force the blood flow.

With all the energy left in their body, they painfully rolled themselves over, Their back kicking up a dusting of snow. The woods still spun, but it was clearer...a beautiful sight to see. They knew they weren't going to make it, the journey was pointless, who were they kidding?

Whomever sent them there was probably just playing tricks. Time was hard to track but, they were sure that enough of it had past to lose hope.

Through shivering lips and chattering teeth, they released one normal sigh of air--eyes slowly coming to a close. Although, It didn't last long.

The trees had begun to whisper, carrying the thunderous claps of heavy hooves. Maybe death finally arrived, galloping in on its mysterious, night colored steed.

Their imagination ran wild, the hallucinations took hold of them. With most mental function gone, they chuckled in their delirium. Nervous tears escaped barely opened eyes; panicked squirming erupted through their body as the figure drew near. They couldn't decide, their brain and heart in a constant battle--to welcome death or to escape it; their quarreling muscles' favorite topic of discussion.

Boots smacked the ground, an amused grunt breaking the eerie silence. Smoke curled into their view, nicotine clouds whirling into their dizzy stupor. It elicited a cough to escape them, blood spitting up and splattering across their face. It was a cigar that burned their nose. Threatened their breathing.

The stranger walked in lazy strides, a metal object dragged carefully along the ground, snapping at their heels. A cocky guffaw hit the wind, that familiar voice reached their ears. It grew closer as the stranger knelt down into the icy dirt, a crooked grin waltzing its way towards their line of sight.

The shredded brim of an old hat blocked out the sun, the words finally registered.

"Well look at what the Lycan dragged in.." instead of eyes, black shades appeared. The black lenses danced with the smoke, furling into an inky mess. "You know, when I said to come here...I meant for you to go inside." He laughed. "I can't even wrap my head around how you're still breathing, pipsqueak." They sputtered, trying to decide what to say. Ask for help? Push him away? They both weren't great options. It all ended the same way. Horrible.

A low chuckle erupted from his lips, he stood to full height again, stepping over them and disappearing into the cabin. There were muffled sounds of clattering objects being thrown around and searched through; a few annoyed shouts rang out.

While the man continued doing whatever the hell he was doing, curious hooves stopped just near their head, a horse staring down and blowing it's warm breath in their face.

"Ah see! If they had held out for a little bit longer, pipsqueak here would've found the med kit." He was talking to the horse. Stepping over their limp body once again and tossed the kit into a bag that hung off the saddle. He turned sharply on his heel, crouching down once again and roughly placing his gloved hand under their back.

At first they thought maybe he was confident in the strength of one arm, but it turned out the man was missing his right arm. Forced, by whatever took the other limb away, to use only his left for everything. They could barely make it out, or anything else for that matter. So out of it and lost in panicked thoughts, they could only take note of the man's tall build, his ash tinted horse, and the comically large hammer that seemed to float.

He tossed their body around like a potato sack, doing it all with ease. They were thrown on the front of the saddle, their body slumped, his huge form taking a seat right behind them to hold them still.

With one final drag of the cigar he tossed it to the forest floor, his gloved hand trailing up and taking hold of the reins.

"Don't go dying on me pipsqueak, don't think I'll be able to live with myself." He chortled, mocking the situation they had found themselves in, and although they wanted to argue, all they could muster was a delirious groan.

(read the tags if you're interested in my rambling :3)

#karl heisenburg x reader #karl heisenberg #reader #re village #resident evil #re8 #I didn't want this to be short but I cut it short for time reasons #the next part will be out soon or later #also yes in my au Karl is missing his arm #but this is because the story takes place after re8 #like way after #it's an au after all

[whirlybirbs]

𝒜.𝑀.   ;   rattlesnake whispers.   |    a high-society drabble

summary: you’re beginning to distrust dutch van der linde.

pairing: arthur morgan/reader (turner placeholder lastname), hosea + reader friendship-centric in this drabble.

a/n: things weren’t gonna be peachy forever. part of a companion piece to simpler said aloud. this is a drabble for the collection high-society, which follows the events of that fic.

In the last handful of weeks, you can't help but feel as if someone has suddenly plucked the pair of rose-colored glasses — ones you weren't aware you were even wearing — from your nose.

...Concerning the one Dutch van der Linde, specifically so.

In the beginning, when you'd been swept from that stagecoach on that hot summer day — when you'd eventually ended up marooned by your own family, left with nothing but a trunk of old belongings and a growing sense of alienation... Well, Dutch had been nothing but kind. Fatherly, even, and you'd found yourself admiring that gang's head of household.

After all, he and his boys had dragged you — quite literally — into this mess; Dutch would see to it that his well-manicured and grandiose reputation as the good (not the bad, nor the ugly) would ring true.

He fed you, sheltered you, even let you dig your roots in when that ransom money never came, and when it felt, at times, you brought more trouble to them than good.

There were times when the sheep's clothing slipped, however; when he showed his teeth and spun silver-tongued threats veiled in well-to-do manners. There were times when Dutch van der Linde's voice was gilded with promise, yet all you heard was greed. You knew that sound well. You were practically weaned on it.

Oily and greasy and slippery.

High Society and the like.

You dared not say a word of these thoughts — though, you could sense the shift in the air when you'd all been forced to Clemens Point many weeks ago. Between him and Hosea, a canyon had been driven. The divide seemed to shake Arthur.

At the time, you didn't know any better.

Now... Well, you know the exasperated wince that flickers onto Arthur's face when Dutch raises his voice beyond the tents, down by the lake — insisting a stagecoach robbery would do the boys some good.

To get out there! Get some cash... and soon! California...

You know the gentle squeeze of his hand on your shoulder; the passing mutter of a promise he'll be back soon... All the intricacies of Arthur Morgan sewn uptight with irritation and hesitation. He rides off with Charles and Bill, blue eyes cast back your way. The errand boy once more.

You fiddle with the dog-eared page of the book in your hands.

You've read over the same paragraph a hundred and one times by now.

Hosea notices.

"You're fussing."

Your lashes flutter.

Hosea is smirking — he turns his attention back to his newspaper and if you knew any better, you'd think he was simply trying to quiet the vicious paranoia beginning to unravel itself in your brain.

"I suppose I am."

Hosea's brows furrow at the quiet admission; he looks back up at you with a mild sense of surprise.

You're a smart girl — very smart. So smart, in fact, that Hosea is continuously wondering how on Earth Arthur keeps up. You've got a sharp sort of wit that could cut a man down in two strokes. To hear you go quiet at a playful jab... Hosea decides, in that moment, he will follow up when there are not so many souls around.

"You an' our dim-witted golden boy, then?"

You note the change in subject with a sigh of appreciation.

Your book snaps closed and falls to the table; you cross your legs, sunshine colored gingham skirt swaying in the afternoon breeze. Hosea managed another wry smirk in your direction as you shake your head and laugh.

"He isn't dim-witted —"

"Says you," Hosea mumbles, "I taught the oaf how to read..."

"Last week?" you chirp, voice alight with amusement, "Late bloomer, he is."

Hosea barks out a laugh. He folds his paper up. "Is it serious, then?"

You waver. "I certainly m'not lookin' t' play his heartstrings like a harp, if that's what you're wonderin', Hosea."

A hum.

"Good," he knocks his knuckles on the wood of the table before him, "You two are a smart pair. He's... had his heart broken before, poor sod, but... He's good. Strong. Has a lot t' give to th' right person."

You fiddle with your fingers, a light smile playing upon your lips. "He's far too hard on himself."

"Always has been," Hosea sighs as he leans back in his chair, "When he was younger..."

The words die off like Hosea remembers something with an immeasurable fondness. The twinkle in his eyes finds the afternoon clouds, and you exhale softly through your nose.

"He's a good man," Hosea says finally, "Robbin' an' killin' aside. Given th' chance, I know he'd a' been more in this life. Just th' way things worked out, s'all."

"Isn't that how it is for all of us?" you earnestly, "If things were different..."

"If things were different," Hosea continues, gently and with a warm sort of fatherly care, "Would you still be here?"

"How y' mean?"

"If that daddy a' yours had paid the ransom," the seasoned con-man explains, "Would you still be here?"

Would you have left? Broken Arthur Morgan's heart once more?

You pause. The paranoia that sits on your tongue tells you to think quick but — this is Hosea. Blind faith and undying loyalty matter little to him. You know that. Hosea is not Dutch van der Linde. You wonder, bitterly, if that will be his downfall.

He cares about his son. You know those intentions sit deep in his words.

You fiddle with the hem of your linen shirt, rolling the sleeves as you weigh your answer.

"I knew I cared for Arthur back when we were camping at Horseshoe Overlook," comes the timid confession, "He... He went and bought me this beautiful gold fountain pen, and..."

Your brows furrow and you look as if you might bleat out a laugh.

Hosea smiles. "I remember."

"I acted like it was nothin'. Both of us did... but, I think we both knew we didn't nearly hate each other as much as we went on about," you sigh with a little laugh, weaving your fingers together and leaning forward onto the table, "And, Christ... You and Dutch and Miss Grimshaw and... I'd never met people so quick to take me in. Had that money ever come... I wouldn't have wanted t' leave. But, debts owed are a dangerous thing."

Hosea is quiet for a moment.

"You know," Hosea lowers his voice, "Leaving, sometimes, isn't a bad thing."

He then sees that flicker of emotion from earlier — the very one you'd been fussing over — and he knows you get his meaning. Your eyes dart to the tent of the man in question... But, before you can open your mouth to press on about it, the roar of the very one you'd come to stiffen around flashes his teeth and rounds his tent.

"My, my!" Dutch calls, "Look at you two hens, gossiping the day away."

Hosea sees the flash of anger on your face. Only for a moment. Well-timed and well-bided. Gone as quickly as it came.

You turn in your seat, smile as bright as the morning sun.

The con-man wonders how many years of practice that took.

"Hello, Dutch," you call with such sincerity, Hosea nearly wonders if he'd misread your previous worries, "How are you?"

"Just peachy, my girl," he swaggers forward, hands tucked into the pockets of his vest, "And what, may I ask, had you both so deeply engrossed in conversation?"

"Our bumbling idiot son," Hosea supplies, waving his hands as he drops the paper down, "and his good-nature."

"Ah, yes, Arthur."

You'd wished Dutch would just move on. Slither to whisper in snake-tongue to his rattlesnake brethren, Micah, across the camp.

But, no.

Down he settles into the empty seat across from you. Dark eyes try to pin you in your seat — but you don't allow it. You're quick. Wretchedly smart. You lean forward and drape your chin into your palm, attention fully rendered on the gang's leader.

How Hosea ever thought you to be some pure, little lamb... He knows better know. Better than Dutch, it seems.

He supposes that's what High Society does to women like you. Anger and hatred and all those very human emotions... You learn to disguise them beneath facades of couth manners and passive smiles.

"You say that as if y' have an amendment you'd like t' make, Dutch."

There's a beat of silence that washes over Dutch at the polite challenge to speak his mind — and at first, the dark-haired man can only muster a bark of a laugh and slip his eyes to Hosea. He hadn't expected that. You'd caught him off-beat.

Dutch then wets his lips and reaches to palm his pockets for a cigar.

The gears are turning as he reaches for a match.

"Well," he begins, striking it on the table with a flick, "I s'pose our blockheaded enforcer is a romantic, is all."

Hosea feels as if he's watching something he should stop.

"And do y' have quarrels with romantics?" you ask with a well-manicured kindness. Hosea wonders if Dutch even questions it, or if he's got his head so far up his ass he can't even hear you, "I, well... I always thought yourself a romantic, Mr. van der Linde."

"An idealist, Miss Turner," comes the puff of cigar smoke, making his gaze look hollow and lifeless, "I am an idealist — our dear boy Arthur, however, is not. He lets... fantasy cloud his better judgment."

"Does an idealist not drown himself in ideals," you tut easily with a smile sweet like honey, "As a romantic does in fantasy?"

Dutch's words falter for a moment.

You fill the silence.

"A well-spun argument, I must say, but semantics all-the-same," you wave off the idea that your words could be construed as anything less than polite as Dutch narrows his gaze, "Wouldn't you say so, Hosea?"

"I s'pose so," comes the hesitant affirmation, "When it's put like that."

Another beat of silence.

"Perhaps you misunderstand me," Dutch laughs loudly, clapping his palm on the table — and you watch as the silver tongue spins his web up and around, as he always does when caught in the mouth of the truth, "Arthur is... well, he loses himself in romance. Very different."

Very different, indeed.

Loses faith. Clears his head. Realizes you're goin' batshit, Dutch.

You hum, leaning back and tilting your head.

Hosea clears his throat.

"Speaking of," Hosea tries to redirect, "Where did they head off to?"

Your eyes never break from Dutch's stare.

It's he who looks away in the end.

"Micah heard whispers of a stagecoach passin' through the Bayou. Some real estate brokers, lookin' to reinstate foreclosed land. Could be some papers we could work on sellin'."

"Whispers."

Not a question. But it's laced with doubt. You're playing a dangerous game.

Hosea's eyes bounce to Dutch. "We dealin' in whispers, now, Dutch?"

Irritation bubbles in his voice when he speaks. He takes a long puff of his cigar. "An' just then, were you not th' one chastizing me on my semantics, Miss Turner?"

Yet, despite the tipping point of rage indicated in Dutch's voice?

You smile and laugh and shake your head. "All in good fun, Dutch. I caught your meaning."

It snuffs out the fire. Where there is no means to justify it... Dutch knows anger that's seen as undeserved will draw sides.

Smart.

"Good fun, indeed, Miss Turner," he says as he stands, "Hosea."

"Dutch."

Those rose-colored glasses are gone.

Hosea's were lost long ago.

Now, the two of you share a long look sans the hue.

#simpler said aloud #arthur morgan x reader #arthur morgan imagine #this is mostly PLOT device #bc things r gonna pick up for a bit

[dakotacrisis]

The Stars Need a Tale

Since 2021 wants to be a jerk not even a week in I’m dropping this now.

A Lukadrien Pirate AU that has very strong Pirates of the Caribbean vibes in the first chapter. I did not realize how similar it was until I already finished it. I have been sitting on this WIP forever and now feels like a good time to post it.

Read on AO3

---

Give me a shilling and I’ll give you a song

My cup’s in need of filling and the night is long

I do not know where we’ll sail

I do not know where we’ll roam

But the stars need a tale

And I will sing one for foam

“Boy!” A hoarse and battered voice snapped at Adrien. The young stable hand immediately clammed up, embarrassed at being overheard. The old coachman hobbled into the stable with a pitchfork in hand and a scowl etched into the deep lines of his face. “Stop singing them sea shanties! Don’t you know those songs are dangerous to be singing? You’ll bring a whole fleet of ne'er do wells and heathens down upon us!”

“Sorry Willard.” Adrien apologized. “It was stuck in my head.”

“Well, you’ll do well to get it out of your head!” The old man knocked the back of Adrien’s knees with the blunt of the pitchfork. “Where’d you even pick up a tune like that?”

“I was at the blacksmith picking up new horseshoes and the lads in there were singing it.” Adrien mumbled.

“Hmph,” Willard rested against the side of one of the stable doors. “I’m not surprised. Those lads don’t have more than a couple of nails for brains in their heads. Don’t they know the danger of singing songs like that?”

“I understand that it is in poor taste but I don’t think a shanty is going to bring pirates down on us, Willard.” Adrien led one of the mares out of her stall.

“Spoken like a young fool.” Willard grumbled, “Get the horses ready. The master and his family are leaving for the fort soon.”

“Yes, sir.” Adrien nodded, obedient. He knew better than to sing those kinds of songs, especially where Willard might hear. As much as Adrien hated pirates and disliked sailors in general he had to admit they made some catchy tunes.

He finished harnessing the horses and handed the reins over to Willard so he could go pick up the family. Adrien trailed after the coach on foot taking the time the walk gave him to look over the town. There was an advantage to be working for one of the wealthiest families on the island and that was the view. The hill the Graham de Vanily’s estate resided on was up high above the bustle of the town. One could see everything from up there. To the north was the military fort, south was the farms, and east laid the village and the port. Watching the sun rise over the ocean horizon was one of Adrien’s favorite things to do.

The song from before wormed its way into Adrien’s thoughts again but he contented himself with only humming it this time. When he got to the front of the mansion he saw the Graham de Vanily family exiting the home and climbing into the coach.

The youngest of the family turned and saw Adrien. He raised his hand in greeting. “Adrien! Good morning!”

“Good morning, mister de Vanily.” Adrien sped up his pace a little to catch up.

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Felix?” The nobleman’s son sighed.

“Apologies.” Adrien gave a respectful nod of his head, “But I fear the master and lady of the house disapprove of such familiarity.”

“Yes. See?” The lady, Amelie Graham de Vanily fanned herself from inside the coach, “The stable boy has some sense of propriety.”

“It is only, Adrien, my dear,” Master Frederick Graham de Vanily said to his wife. “The boys have known each other practically their entire lives. Let them be a little familiar.”

Growing up Adrien had spent most, if not his entire life, serving the Graham de Vanily family. His mother had been a maid in their household and at any opportunity that Adrien could make himself useful he was. Now with his mother long since passed Adrien was the estate’s stable hand. Before he was properly employed though it seemed his job was to be the friend of Felix since they were so close in age. Adrien being only two years older than him. As children they had often played a game where they would switch spots to see how long it would take everyone else to notice that it was not Felix but Adrien wearing his clothes. The boys did look eerily similar as children apart from their eyes. Adrien had green and Felix’s were a pale grey. Growing older their differences became more pronounced. Adrien was more tanned from working outside and his frame bulkier and stronger than Felix’s pale and lithe scholarly build.

“Hm,” Lady Amelie turned her face away with a small scowl. Adrien had no idea why she disliked him so but didn’t question it. Perhaps it was a difference of classes.

The family loaded into the coach and took off down the hill towards the fort. Adrien went about with the rest of his daily chores before taking a rest to eat. Climbing up into the branches of one of the trees dappled around the mansion his mind started to drift as it often did when he was left alone with his thoughts. Simple thoughts about whether it would rain tonight to more questions about if he was meant to do anything with his life outside of being a stable hand.

He liked his work and the de Vanily family always treated him well. Outside of his work though there wasn’t much of anything at all to his life. His mother died when he was fourteen due to a fever, his father had been a sailor that he never met, he had no siblings, outside of Felix he didn’t even have any friends his own age. Those that he was close to were better classified as acquaintances and co-workers. Hell, he was likely to call the horses he took care of as his friends more than any human being he’s ever interacted with.

It was lonely and more than once Adrien thought of abandoning everything and jumping the next ship out of town. Not that he ever would. To do that would be to leave behind everything he knew. Everything that was comfortable. He didn’t have the first clue as to where he would go or what he would do if he got out into the world. The closest he ever came to a plan was to sail to another town and hope he could get employed as a stable hand over there. It wasn’t exactly a grand change from where he was now.

The chimes of the bells alerted him to the growing lateness of the day and Adrien climbed down from his perch and got back to work. Thoughts of the wonders the world may hold locked up again as he went to meet the coach to take back the horses.

Felix and him talked for a bit before dinner about what they had been at the fort for. Some officer had received a promotion or possibly someone was being honored for the many years of service. Felix couldn’t remember and honestly didn’t care. It seemed they were attending more functions like that every week. Not that there was much else to do in their town.

The night rolled in and Adrien was asleep in the farm loft. He had his own bed in the servant’s quarters but preferred the hay and soft sound of the wind than he did to the snoring of the other servants. Even if it did get colder out in the barn.

BANG!

The noise was enough to startle Adrien awake. Had the barn door not been shut properly. He crawled from his nest of hay and blankets and saw that the door had remained shut. But then what had--

BANG!

Another destructive bang broke the silent air. It sounded like it was coming from the mansion. Quickly grabbing a pitchfork for defense Adrien dashed from the barn. Outside he could hear the commotion much clearer now. He could see it too. Down below at the village, the farms, and even the fort fires raged under the moonlit sky. Out across the horizon sat a large lone ship almost invisible against the inky black ocean.

Pirates? Here?

As stealthily and quickly as he could Adrien drew closer to the house. Sure enough there was a group of vagabonds trying to break down the front door. Thank goodness Master Frederick had insisted on thick solid wood doors. Hopefully these idiot pirates would keep up trying to get through the door before they realized they could more easily break in through one of the windows. Speaking of…

Adrien ran back towards the opposite end of the mansion and climbed up one of the trees closest to the mansion wall. He got to a window and frantically started knocking on it. “Felix!” He shouted in a whisper in hopes of not giving away his location to the pirates, “Felix, it’s Adrien! Open up!”

“Adrien?” Felix’s face emerged from behind the curtains. He quickly unlocked the window and pulled Adrien inside. “What’s going on out there?”

“Pirates.” The sharp sound of breaking glass let Adrien know that the pirates had come to realization about the windows at long last. “We need to get out of here.”

“How?”

“Back through the window. Climb down and make a run for the woods. The pirates shouldn’t go looking out there.” The sound of pounding feet got louder. The doorknob to the room started to shake and rattle as whoever it is tried to get inside.

A string of swears passed half muttered through Adrien’s thoughts. He braced himself against the door but the person on the other side would break through eventually. “Go!” Adrien urged, “Get out of here.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be right behind you.” Adrien lied. There was no way he was going to be able to get out the window before the pirates knocked down the door.

“But--” Felix tried to argue.

“Go!” Adrien said more vehemently. Felix gave him one last look before he climbed out the window and onto the tree outside. At the same moment Adrien couldn’t hold the door any longer and the pirates burst in.

“Look at what we got here.” One of the dirty, scabby men aimed a sharp and freshly bloodied sword at him. “This your room, rich boy?”

Rich boy? They must think he’s one of the nobles.

“You’re trespassing.” Adrien tried to sound brave despite the clear threat to his life.

“Aye, that tends to happen in this line of work.” The pirate stepped closer. “What’s your name boy?”

“Adrien...Adrien Graham de Vanily.” He couldn’t be sure why he lied about his name. In the moment all he could think of was buying Felix, and hopefully his family, enough time to get to safety. If they thought he was one of the nobles they may not go out of their way looking for more.

“Ah, so this is your room.” More pirates filtered in grabbing anything that looked of worth and tossing everything that didn’t. “Some pretty trinkets in here but I think we’ve found one even more valuable than any shiny bauble. What say you, lads?”

The other pirates agreed. Those that didn’t have their arms overladen with stolen trinkets grabbed Adrien by either arm and started to drag him from the room. “Right this way, young master.” The pirate gave an exaggerated bow followed by a raucous round of laughter.

He tried to fight against their hold but it was all in vain. There were more of them, hardened and strengthened from years on the sea with weapons he knew they wouldn’t hesitate to use if he became a problem. They descended down the hill away from the mansion through the chaos of the town.

It was even worse seeing the turmoil up close. His home being torn apart and burned as if it was nothing more than trash. That was bad enough but it wasn’t the worst part. No. It was the screams. Screams of fear echoing over everything else. Sharp and full of pain.

The pirates came to the shore with Adrien in tow and tossed him into a boat as the others piled in. Arms overloaded with stolen goods they paddled back to the ship further out in the bay. The sheer size of the ship growing larger and more imposing the closer they got. Adrien swallowed back his nerves as he was forced up the ladder onto the deck of the ship.

“Aye, what do we have here?” A man approached a now bound Adrien. The man was every inch a pirate. Tall, cold eyes, a devilish grin, and the smell of salt and death clinging to him. This had to be the captain.

“My name is Adrien Graham de Vanily,” Adrien said with a confidence he was quickly losing, “Your men stole me from my home.”

“That’s quite a name, boy.” The captain grinned wider, “But the rich can afford to have longer names now, can’t they?”

“I demand you return me home at once!”

“Oh we will,” The captain clapped a hand on his back, “For the right price.” He shoved him back into the group of pirates.

“Take our guest to the brig. Make sure he’s comfortable.” The pirates leered and laughed as they once again dragged Adrien away against his will down below the deck. He was pushed into a small cell and the door locked behind him.

“If the accommodations are not to your liking just let us know.” One of the pirates flashed a smile of blackened teeth at him. “We’ll be sure to come by and fluff your pillow.”

The pirates took off again roaring with laughter. With nothing else to do Adrien sat down on the small plank of wood that passed as a bed in this cell. There the world grew quiet again. Nothing but the lap of the water against the haul and creek of the wood.

What had he gotten himself into? Why hadn’t he just tried to escape with Felix? This was a disaster. They thought he was the son of a noble. They were going to try ransoming him back to his family. What would they do once they found out he wasn’t actually part of the de Vanily family? At best they’d say he wasted their time and kick him off at the next port, at worst they’d kill him.

Who knows, maybe the family would pay it. After all, Adrien had always been a good employee and friend to Felix. There may be a chance…

Oh who was he kidding! He was a servant and nothing more. They’d maybe feel guilty for a day and then go out and hire another stable hand like Adrien never existed.

The only way Adrien was getting out of here was on his own. He’d have to be smart and try to keep up the facade as long as he could. They won’t kill him if they think he’s worth anything. With some luck he just may be able to escape but even he knew that was a long shot. Right now his only plan was to survive as long as possible.

What felt like a lifetime later the ship lurched and Adrien watched through a crack in hull as the silhouette of his home became smaller and smaller before disappearing altogether.

---

(2)

#miraculous ladybug #adrien agreste #luka couffaine #lukadrien #pirate au

[we-always-hit-our-ass]

First Date HCs With David Webster

warnings: meh some cursing but nothing major, it’s also very long I’m sorry- but the rest is just fluff, so eeee I hope you all like them! <333

words: 1.6k (ajsajhk i got carried away on these headcanons, i couldn’t help myself)

Taglist: @deldontplay, @thatsonefishyboi,@noneofurbusinez, @meteora-fc, @gutsandgloryhere​, @hihosilvers, @rayleighshughes, @floydtab, @wexhappyxfew, @sherlollydramoine, @meganthesunflower, @3milesup​, @jamie506101​, @sunflowerchuck​, @softlieb​, @k-websters​, @punkgeekchic​, @speirs-crazy-ass​, @hellitwasyoufirstsergeant​, @stressedinadress​

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First Date Headcanons with David Webster

So you see, of course our favorite Harvard boy will take you to the fucking aquarium (Cliche and obvious? Yes. But like where else, I mean seriously??)

When you first got together the first thing he promised you was an aquarium date, and well looky here, he fulfilled that promise.

Ok, so y’all pull up to the building and you can see waves of literal euphoria coming out of him. He’s just so adorable and he has a little bit of pep in his step when walking towards the entrance. 

And then every time he walks, his poofy brown hair bounces up and down and the way the suns hits it is *chefs kiss*-

Even before you get to the entrance, your boyfriend is gushing about marine animals. They were short descriptions of a multitude of animals but they were so detailed and captivating, you couldn’t help but listen.

However, his voice was a bit distracting at times and you could find yourself zoning out while he talked. 

A look of awe is plastered on your hand and your hold on his hand tightens ever so slightly.

It’s safe to say that you learned more about ocean animals in those brief moments than you ever could from your years in school.

Y’all bust in the aquarium like the iconic couple you two are (I’m so proud of you) and boy oh boy is David cute as hell.

Here he is-- a grown ass man who went to Harvard and literally served in WW2-- looking like a child discovering a shiny rock. You love it-

David is indecisive as hell and he had no idea where to go. He turns over to look at you with those beautiful eyes of his and you can’t help but smile.

You two pull up those maps of the building and you two plan out the rest of your date. Your fingers trail over the paper, trying to figure out where to go first.

You two make up this intricate schedule and you knowingly look at each other when your eyes find where the shark exhibit was.

But at the beginning of your date Web held your hand as you two viewed various wildlife vibin in the water behind the glass.

You were in heaven when you saw how the water played so beautifully on the your boyfriend’s face. 

David was oblivious to how you stared at him in awe and you were oblivious to whenever he did the same to you.

You named a crab after Johnny and a particularly cute clownfish was named after Babe. You two had a heated discussion on who Winters was. 

(Y’all never settled on anything. Web thought he’d be a red snapper. You personally think he’d either be a blue marlin or a swordfish.)

He called you his angelfish and you hit him on the arm for being so cheesy. After that he said that you were a flame angelfish instead and you could only playfully roll your eyes at him.

Get prepared for literally a shit ton of fish trivia this boy will never shut up and he just wants to gush about it to you, it’s very wholesome and sweet actually.

He knows a lot because he either has a whole 100000 page book about the sea printed on his brain or something or because he has the literal ocean in his eyes.

Look I can’t tell at this point-

The two of you were going to every single exhibit this aquarium had to offer and there was no stopping you.

Sadly that intricate schedule is unceremoniously yeeted out the window because when you head over to the next place you're stopping at you two see something else you like and head there instead.

“(Y/N)! I thought we were seeing the penguins next-”

“But Web, the seals! Look at the seal exhibit!”

You’re gripping his arm and looking at him with your stunning face, how could he say no to you? 

So he lets an exaggerated sigh and nods his head as he tries to contain his grin.

You two went over to the seal exhibit instead kasjhd- Y’all still got to see the penguins, it’s all ight.

While gawking at the beautiful fish species you saw, Web seemed to know a heaping mount about a lotta of em. The facts he didn’t tell you earlier he says now and you’re just like “look at my smart Harvard boy go-”

The amount of times you wanted to just make a scrapbook that is dedicated to this day alone is nearly impossible to keep track of. The both of you wanted to cherish this aquarium date for all eternity.

Cause literally there’s this one moment where you’re looking over at tropical fish and Web was reading the description. Oh what would happen next-

As you’re admiring the way the small fishes swam gracefully Web legit goes on a rant on how they got some information on the Tiger Barb wrong.

This adorable idiot I- I can’t even at this point.

But Web holds you in his arms as he buries his face in your hair while looking at fish send tweet. 

He also wraps his arms around your waist and he rests his head on top of yours. He makes comments about some of the fish and you just sink into his embrace.

Also one thing you did keep from your schedule after not following it was visiting the petting pool after you two ate lunch.

When I say that you two nyoomed over to the petting pool area I mean y’all nyoomed-- Like full Speirs mode on-- because Jesus Christ this is an aquarium and David will obviously take you to the petting pool.

You two arrived there and my Lord you swore that David was holding back a squeal. The two of you immediately rolled up your sleeves and went over to dip your hands to touch the animals in the pool.

The look you gave Web when you touched a cownose ray-- it was precious. 

You also couldn’t hold your excitement as a few more smaller rays glided under the pads of your fingertips.

Then there were the horseshoe crabs and yknow those tiny fish that like swarm your hand and tickle you, yeah those too.

Y’all also chill it out and get to wash the jellyfish. The way the room was dark gave it a whole nother vibe, my loves. 

Like in  that jellyfish room, you two will most definitely just hold each other while gazing at the glass.

Bro, in the dim room, he’ll just pull you close and place a chaste kiss on your forehead and lips.

The bioluminescence of the jellyfish illuminates Webster’s face, making his features appear more sharp. Simping time commence, you two are a fine af couple.

Now time for the real kicker- It’s shark time

After dragging your ass to almost all of the other exhibits in the aquarium, Webster saved the shark exhibits near the end of the date.

Ohoho, was this boy eUPHORIC-

David is gripping your hand tightly and he’s constantly sending you smiles as you two walk closer to the entrance of the shark exhibit.

This is where Webster ascends out of his body, this is the second time he has (first time was when he met you and started dating). 

You share his happiness and the utter vibes comin off from your boyfriend makes you so soft and full of glee.

Yknow his constant face when his eyes are focused on something and his mouth is just slightly parted? Well that is his face most of the time during your time there.

M o r e   f a c t s.

Webster did write a wholeass book about them, what did you expect?

The utter passion and fascination in his voice really stands out whenever he talks about these beautiful babies- 

Like sure, David sounds happy when he talks about other sea animals, but with sharks? Whole nother level. 

It’s one of his biggest quirks and my goodness do you just stand there taking in all his facts as he goes on a tangent about different types of shark species.

The light in his eyes as they trail over as they trail over a sand shark swimming by. He’ll also just stare at a leopard shark while smiling because he loves them.

After leaving the shark exhibit after spending 1 hour in there with your boyfriend, you two decide to go home- But first, y’all buying some things from the giftshop. 

Webster will spoil you and will buy you anything you want in the aquarium gift shop.

Wallets beware, you’d also do the same for him.

There was this jellyfish theme hat you saw and you made David try it on- He looked so fucking stupid but like a cute kinda stupid.

You regret not buying it when you had the chance-

However- You two got shark plushies together. You got a tiger shark plushy and he gots a hammerhead. 

You two absolutely love them and you could’ve sworn you could’ve just burst from happiness when he showed you the tiger shark plush he got for you.

You two also bought those chonky seal plushies because I mean... I mEAN- Just look at em, they’re stunning of course you and Web had to get em.

With a day well spent with your boyfriend you just wanted nothing more but to lay with David on your bed as you run your fingers through your hair.

So you two leave the aquarium building smiling and laughing. Webster leans in a gives you another soft kiss on your lips and you let out a giggle. 

The two of you are noticeably happier, and you two head back to the car. The date ends with your hand in his and your four new plushies in tow.

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a/n: it’s been so long since I posted a fic or writing of any kind. unfortunately, i’ll have to put a hold on my pt 2 for the roe fic i made and im procrastinating by writing hcs kasjadjk. i decided to make these for some of the lovely people in my discord server. i hope y’all enjoyed these hcs with web!

i love you all very much, stay safe and i send yall another round of my good vibes 😩💕💕

#band of brothers #band of brothers x reader #david webster x reader #david webster #band of brothers headcanons #hbo war #hbo war x reader #david webster headcanons

[the-awkward-outlaw]

"I won’t stop until I hear you scream.” give me more smut with low honor Arthur? Angst maybe?

Sorry this took so long! I promise, I am getting to all my requests but this has been a psychotic week. Also note I’ve never written for low honor Arthur, so this might be off personality as I’ve never played low honor either.

Warnings: do I need to add this? SMUT AHEAD

You ride along in the train next to Arthur, feeling stiff and slightly awkward. You had an argument with the outlaw recently. It was about Mary. Although you’ve been running with the gang about five years, you only hooked up with Arthur right before the Blackwater mess. You knew about Mary of course, but Arthur made no notion at all in the past five years that he was still interested in her. That was until a few days ago in Horseshoe Overlook when he got that damned letter from her. 

You read the letter of course. Arthur made no attempts in hiding it and he’d run off so quickly shortly after receiving it that you had no doubt he was going off to see her. When he got back, you immediately pounced on him, angry, bitter and stung that he was still chasing after her when he had you. As could have been predicted, he’d gotten nasty right back, telling you to stay out of his past business and reassuring you that nothing happened between them. Although Arthur was very rough on the edges and often rash, you knew deep down he’d never do anything to prove he was disloyal to the gang or to you either. It was extremely obvious to everyone that he prided himself on being your man, in owning you.

Arthur sits beside you on the train, swaying back and forth with you. “So you still ain’t talkin’, hmm?” he said sharply. He’d taken you out to Big Valley to try and sooth your nerves, and while the thick forests and swift streams had done you good, you’re still stung about that whole Mary business. 

“You didn’t even tell her you were seeing someone else,” you say. 

You can practically hear him roll his eyes. “It never came up, darlin’. Trust me, the moment she would have mentioned us being together, either in the past or the future, I would have told her exactly how things are. That I’m involved with you and will be for a long time. If you allow me to, that is.” 

You know his patience with you is running short. He always did have a small fuse. You sigh, knowing your frustration needs to end with him. Still, you’re wound up so tight from that Blackwater business and then fleeing into Colter and nearly freezing to death. You and Arthur have been so busy, there has been little opportunity for any intimacy between you. Then Arthur got that letter from Mary and your chances of being open to him became even smaller. You and Arthur have made love only once and that was just before the Blackwater massacre. 

To say having sex with Arthur has been the best sex of your life is an understatement. He’d been forceful and rough, but you liked it. He’d dominated you in a way no man in your past ever has and you loved every second of it. He’d tried being physical with you out in Big Valley, but you’d rejected him. Now you’re starting to wonder if your frayed nerves can be soothed by him helping you relax. 

When you get back to Horseshoe Overlook, it’s nearly dusk. You and Arthur grab some stew and join the others around the fire for a bit. When you think it’s late enough that people won’t find it suspicious why you’re going to bed so early, you tell Arthur you’re heading off to your shared tent. You lean in and whisper in his ear to come join you in a few moments. When you’re seated on the cot, you strip off your boots and then Arthur comes into the tent quickly, closing the tent flaps. He turns to you, a hungry look in his eye. 

You stand up, your face telling him to hold off for one second longer. “Arthur, we’ve hit our first rough patch. I don’t want this to become a pattern between us, but I was thinking maybe a little bit of… intimacy could do us some good.” 

He licks his lips and his eyes grow hungrier. “I agree, darlin’.” 

You smile and reach up to start unbuttoning your blouse when he rushes over and throws you down onto the cot. As soon as you’re down, his hands quickly undo your shirt, a few buttons ripping in your haste. You don’t mind, you can fix them tomorrow. As soon as he’s got your shirt open, he untucks your chemise from your jeans. Then his eyes grow even hungrier and he reaches into his satchel, pulling out some rope. 

“I’m gonna own you, darlin’,” he growls. He doesn’t move until you nod, your breath quickening. He ties your wrists together and then pins your hands above your head, tying them to a hook in one of the crates acting as the headrest to your cot. He didn’t do this your first time, but you kind of like it. Being completely vulnerable to him, giving him all control. 

He stands up just long enough to remove his boots, his satchel, hat and then finally his shirt. He doesn’t remove his pants, though you can see him pushing through his pants. He leans back onto the bed, hovering over you and then he grabs the hem of your chemise and slides it up, rumpling it under your chin. He studies your naked breasts for a moment, sending shivers through your spine. Finally, gratefully, he caresses them with his fingers. He’s gentle, delicate. He traces them so softly, you can barely feel him. God, he knows how to tease you. He rubs your nipples with his thumbs, flicking them and making them stand out even more. 

One of his hands strokes slowly down your stomach and undoes your jeans. When they’re open, he slides a hand in and finds your slit. You’re soaked already by this point and he grins, drawing a quick line up your slit, just fast and hard enough to make your hips lift just so. 

“You want this?” he asks, suddenly grabbing his bulging package. You’re gasping under him and nod.

“Please, Arthur,” you say breathily.

He grins and then stands up, ripping your pants off all the way. Then he removes his own. Your knees have gone up, you haven’t really been paying attention. He puts his hands on your knees and spreads them, making it so you’re completely exposed to him. He stares unashamedly at your wet opening. 

“I’m gonna have fun with you,” he says as you tremble, your hands still tied up. His hands go to his erection and he pumps a few times, making it even harder, the head darker. Then he reaches over and slips a finger into your dripping folds, making you gasp. Finally, oh finally, he’s touching you where you need it, but it’s not enough.

“Oh Arthur,” you say, your eyes closing as he tickles your nub and clit. Your hips begin to pump up and down in sync with the movement of his hand. His fingers drift down to caress your opening where you want him most. “Please,” you groan. 

He chuckles darkly and his hand moves back up to your clit, stroking it more. Then he slides his whole body over you and without warning pushes his cock into your core. You gasp again and wince. You hadn’t been quite prepared for him, but he feels so good you don’t care. You were built for one another. His length fits you perfectly, and it’s curved in such a way that he can brush your spot with ease. He begins pounding into you, pushing against it now. You move your hips with his, the friction mounting between you.

His hands plant onto your knees and then he pushes them up and farther apart, allowing him to sink even further into you. He kisses you as you gasp and moan.

“You close?” he asks huskily. 

“Mm, you’re close, big guy.” 

He smiles against your lips and he continues to pound himself into you, his thrusts becoming less rhythmic. Your walls clench around him hard and that ends him. He pumps a few hard times into you, and then one last hard time, his cock spurting into you. 

As he grows soft, he pulls himself out of you, making you twitch and whine. He’s not going to leave you like this, is he? You’d come close, but now your own release is ebbing away. 

“Arthur,” you pout and open your eyes. 

“Oh don’t worry, darlin’. I’m gonna take care of you.” 

Your knees are still spread apart and he stares down at your opening, the leaking juices. He reaches both hands into your slit, one spreading your folds apart to expose your clit to the cool air. With the other, he rubs and pushes it. His hand glides up and down your soaked slit and you begin to pant and groan. Your hips sway up and down in time with his hand. God, he feels incredible. 

His hand begins to push harder and he glides faster until he stops on your clit. He begins circling it, hard and fast. It’s too much! The sensations rip through you, fogging your brain. “Ar… Arthur, I’m gonna… I’m gonna… I’m gonna…!”

His hand holding you open lets you go and squeezes your nub while he continues circling and pressing your clit. That’s it, you’re tipping over the edge. He doesn’t stop as you tip your head back and grab onto the rope holding your hands, your toes curling and your hips digging into the bed. It’s too much and you start trying to pull away, but he just moves with you and you’re hindered by the rope. 

“Arthur! Please, I can’t… I can’t anymore!” you whimper as another orgasm rips through you. If you keep going like this, you’re going to explode. 

“I won’t stop until I hear you scream,” he says darkly and his hands continue to work. His fingers squeeze your nub as his other tickles your mound. Then, he removes one hand, opening you again and his hand on your clit begins sliding up and down extremely fast, pushing and rubbing your nub and your clit at the same time. You didn’t know you could orgasm a third time so soon, but you are and it overwhelms you. You’ve been trying to keep quiet during the fucking since you’re in camp, but Arthur clearly wants them all to know exactly what he’s doing to you. 

“Please, Arthur,” you cry, “I… I’m gonna… I can’t…” 

“Just let it go, love. The sooner you do, the sooner this will all be over.” He continues running his hand up and down your slit with speed, but he pushes even harder. Your hips suddenly, involuntarily jerk up and you’re completely overtaken by your orgasm. It forces your head back and your mouth to open, your voice coming out in a sharp, hard release. Your entire body shakes and he stimulates you again and again. Without warning, you feel moisture squeeze out of you and onto his hands. You’ve never done that before. Satisfied, Arthur’s hand slows down and then stops. 

“Yeah, you’re alright girl,” he says deeply, grinning mischievously at you as you pant on the cot. 

“Damn it, Arthur,” you say, completely exhausted. “Next time you’re trying to do something that requires you to be silent, I’m going to come and make it impossible for you to remain so.” 

“That better be a promise,” he says with a grin. He leans down and kisses you.

#rdr2 fanfic #arthur morgan smut #arthur morgan #awkward asks #lh arthur #arthur x female reader

[breathings-of-the-heart]

To Love Another

Levi Ackerman x Reader

A/N: Hey guys!! Back after a long hiatus, sorry hehe. I know y’all must hear this a lot and be sick of it, but there was a lot going on in my personal life that I needed to deal with. (I.E. an parent custody issues and succession of court cases) But everything has been settled in my favor so I’m back and excited!! 

Anyway, this is a part two I promised like years ago which can stand by itself kinda so u don’t have to go back and read part one lol. I wrote so much that I’m dividing it in two; part three will be out most likely by tomorrow. If you want to read part one, link for it is here: Imagine Relating to Mikasa about Loving someone in the Military

(requested by @a-single-uwo @dracq and @little-diva-gurl and to you three specifically, so sorry for the wait! But I didn’t forget :3)

“He loves you, more than he’s ever loved anyone. Surely you know that,” Hange tried to plead, taking (Y/N)’s small hands into her own.

With an inability to overlook the throbbing in her chest, the girl simply met her gaze with a sorrowful smile. Her friend’s expression was sympathetic, conveying her sentiment with a sense of urgency and conviction; such a gesture was appreciated, but considering the events of today leading the broken girl thus far, easy to brush off. Levi’s own harsh words and hard-set countenance were forever etched into (Y/N)’s memory-- speaking louder than any other subconscious that told her he didn’t mean the things he’d spoken. All she could see now was the Captain’s anger trumping all the blinding endearment she thought the two of them to shared. There was no room in her brain for two such vastly different images… the young woman viewed herself an idiot.

(Y/N) was barely able to speak, a thousand words at once caught in behind her pursed lips as she shook her head, wishing Hange’s statement was true.

“With all do respect, Section Commander…” weak voice trailing off, the petite beauty cleared her throat and willed herself not to cry. “I don’t believe you. I was a fool to think of myself as more than my true worth to Levi.”

Said man of the conversation stood on the other side of the door, a whole world away, fist lifted mid-knock. He stilled, gray orbs downcast as he heard the girl’s reply echoing in his ears. 

The documents in his hand fell from his fingertips as his body slacked, the pages fluttering in the air and settling with the ambiance. He hadn’t realized he dropped them, and when he did, Levi could not bring himself to care. His eyelids squeezed shut painfully and the stoic male turned heel, footsteps rhythmically sounding off the lacquer floor as he shuffled away in defeat and heartache.

And only when the stoic man reached the privacy of his room did he realize his fingernails were dug so tightly into his palms that crescent moon scars would indent the skin for life.

A cruel, constant reminder. A testimony to his greatest pain--- your heartbreak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Commander Erwin sat at the head of the office table of one of the many meeting rooms littered along the castle, a serious expression cast on his defined face. There was a tired yet determined look fixed on his shadowed face; deceptively aged with worry lines creased across his forehead: a tell to the stress and conflicting passion his position required. Untold horrors must have crossed the man’s mind on the daily, yet, the disciplined, solemn facade did well to suggest otherwise.

Even in another dim scenario such as this one, he remained the epitome of strength.

As Erwin studied a long paper in front of him, there was a flicker of deep thought that passed just as quickly as it came. The thought grew smaller in his eyes, and the put-together authority figure stroked his freshly kempt chin.

Having not seen the Scouts since their rescue mission to save Eren, you were shocked at the change in the head of the regiment. With an arm lost and the deceptively young-looking appearance faded, it was only then when you realized his hair told stories as well-- speckled with select gray strands, the stress-revealers hid amongst a thicket of slicked away blondes.

Things seem to have shifted. From what I’ve read in the reports… Eren controlled the Titans with his scream without knowing how. It feels like we’re moving forwards and backwards at the same time.

You touched the bandaging around your torso, wincing a tad as you pressed too hard.

If I’d been more careful last mission I would’ve seen it all for myself.

A map was spread out across the wooden surface of the ancient worktable, the parchment’s top ends brushing against your fingertips. It gave off a beige hue with ink blended in a thoughtful, delicately beautiful layout of Wall Maria’s charted territory. Sunlight filtered through the window shades and illuminated the figurines representing another formation of the Commander’s. Clusters creating an almost horseshoe shape laid out in front of the spectators in the room, squads labeled accordingly. The symbols representing the Special Operations Squad were located on the innermost circle, standing out in bright yellow.

You took a moment to gaze up and break away from the lull of the deafening silence.

You were painfully aware of Captain Levi’s presence next to you. Eren sat on your other side, with another squad leader directly across. Hange was at Erwin’s left side, and Moblit peered past Mikasa’s shoulder in order to see properly as the head of the Survey Corps spoke, finally leaving the separate worlds of his own mind. Armin and stood behind the blonde man, absorbing each of his words carefully.

“There’s many obstacles to be dealt with, naturally” Erwin intoned, officially beginning the meeting. “For starters, we cannot risk any casualties on the journey to Shiganshina. Knowing the enemy, they will be prepared for our arrival and not a single soldier can be spared until we get to the battle field.”

Erwin brought up a lingering, troubling issue that already started to make your head hurt. As a key strategist and extension of the Brain Trust, however, your mind was your strongest weapon. There had to be a way to work around it all.

“Traveling at night is yet another risk,” you relayed, resting your weight on your forearms. “Considering the events experienced the night of the Beast Titan’s appearance.”

The light of the full moon must have been bright enough to give the titans energy.

“How are we supposed to work our way around that?” Eren groaned in exasperation.

You wracked your brain, biting your lip in frustration as all came up blank. All motion came to a halt, though, as you felt a hand grip your knee firmly. Electricity shot through your body as you met the penetrating gaze.

Levi.

“Calm down, brat. Tapping incessantly will only piss me off.”

You hadn’t even known you’d been doing it, but the second the Captain touched you, you were frozen.

Your eyes met his, fully, for the first time in months. And from that instant on, they were trapped in the blue-gray you had drowned in so many times before. You couldn’t help but absorb the sight and engrave it to memory, the art of Levi himself a blessing you had nearly forgotten. But he was different from last time. Maybe it was the illusion fading, or your distant memory. Of him, never.

He looked tired, like you, the fire in those orbs dulled into dying embers. Was that the mission’s doing? The loss of nearly half the regiment?

Or was it something else entirely?

Then your focus shifted to his hand, which dared to travel the smallest bit upwards. Levi kept it there, as if stuck in his own trance. A minute, hour, day could have passed and still, in that moment, you wouldn’t have noticed.

Until reality hit and you remembered everything anew.  

As if he had been burned, Levi retracted his hand as quickly as you looked away. The illusion faded once more, just as tragic as last time.

Breath, (Y/N). This is bigger than you.

“I suspect,” you sighed, regaining yourself, “the indirect source of sunlight the moon reflects, is enough to generate energy for these new titans. The solution is simple.”

“We can initiate the expedition next new moon!” Armin exclaimed, pointing at you excitedly.

“Mhmm, that is our most promising option. But I doubt it will be safe doing it on horseback. We need to be quiet, stealthy, and aware of our surroundings considering the dangers of the dark. Our vision will be limited,” Hange pointed out. “We’ll need to walk them and our supplies, and find a better source of light.”

Erwin nodded, looking slightly impressed.

And as your nonchalant front solidified, you realized it was becoming easier to smile than to remember the hurt. It seemed that way for Levi too, who took an elegant sip of tea as if nothing fazed him at all.

There are more important things, clearly.

#lance corporal levi #LEVI ACKERMAN #Captain Levi #Levi Heichou #levi ackerman fanfiction #levi ackerman imagine #levi ackerman headcanon #levi ackerman one shot #levi ackerman #corporal shorty #levi x reader #levi ackerman x reader #attack on titan #attack on titan imagines #Attack on Titan Imagine #attack on titan x reader #attack on titan headcanons #shingeki no kyojin #shingeki no kyojin headcanons #shingeki no kyoujin season 3 #shingeki no kyojin imagines

[mhdiaries]

Wave 2 Abbey Bominable Diary

On the 13th Day of September

Today I am being given school tour from Headmistress Headless. It was she who convinced my parents to allow for my entrance to Monster High. She has been family friend for many years and I have been knowing her since I was yetling. Her heart is large with courage and honor but I think many students here know that not. I am also with her staying during the week so I must not have to trek back up mountain day by every day.

On the 17th Day of September

I have spent much time learning the monster language of what we on the mountain call “The Down Below”. It seems to take many words to say what is needed. Best for me is the reading and writing in different language is easier than the speaking of the language because I am having the hard time finding right expressions to use when I talk to other monsters at school. It seems better to be quiet than express wrongly, for that brings the laughter.  

On the 24th Day of September

I am wanting to do something today for which there is no word in Yetish. The closest we have means “run to shelter when the hard wind blows” I think down below word is “quit”. I am embarrassed to write this desire because I am not running from any wind, hard or not. I feel like everything I touch brings down the avalanche of hurtful feelings. Today I am telling Draculaura that her makeup was piled up on one side of her face like the drifted snow. I only meant to save her from embarrassment. I did not know that the putting on of makeup was for her a task of great strain and anxiousness. I tried to express the apology but that was said wrongly too. I am wishing to make the thoughts in my heart and the words from my mouth the same and for the friend who will be patient until that is happening. 

On the 28th Day of September

Today I met Lagoona. Who I am finding not the kind not easily insulted even after I am asking if she was a fish girl. She had the look of shock at first when I ask then the laughing. Then the embarrassment came and I tried to walk away but she wouldn’t let me. Lagoona told me of her difficulties when at Monster High she first started. How she was not understanding land monster culture and how even though speaking the same language the same words sometimes meant something different. She even given the detention for using the expression that was being perfectly acceptable down under but at Monster High was terrible insult. She said her accent was also hard for some monsters to understand. I said that her accent was being very understandable and she said, “It wasn’t when I first got here, I had to work very hard so that I could be understood.” Lagoona told me that the work was worth the friends she’d made because they  were being ones she would have for life. I asked her also if she ever wanted to quit and she said, “Only just about every day until I made me first mate here.” Maybe I shall stop wanting to quit now too.

On the 1st Day of October

Headless Headmistress has extra spot in her barn for keeping my wooly mammoth, Shiver. It is very kind of her to allow my pet from home. Each night I come from school and clean the stables. I like this - it helps in the clearing of the head from the thoughts of the day. I sing to Shiver in Yetish, brush her wooly coat and feed her the hay she likes most. I am also feeding Headless Headmistress’s nightmare the stuff of dreams. Sometimes Headmistress comes out and we work on language lessons. It makes me not so homesick.

On the 7th Day of October

There was much distress at school today. Many tears were running and every monster was talking about Clawd and Cleo. I am not knowing them best but I am not thinking the truth was being told. At home we say a rumor is the “swirling wind that hides the right path” and on mountain, wrong paths lead to bad places. Sometimes it is best to wait for the wind to stop before moving ahead - even if it is a path that seems familiar. It makes my heart sad to see monsters do this. 

On the 12th Day of October

Today we all receive assignment to write about our monster heritage. My monster heritage is easiest for me to tell because it is the first thing we are being taught as yetlings. In the great cave of meeting every Yeti has a life painting that tells of their deeds. I can draw from memory all of my relatives who have come before myself on the side of my mother and father. My own painting will now have my journey to the ‘down below’ and Monster High. Artists have great status amongst the Yetish and they are much treated like the rock stars are here. I am not being such a star but I am asking Headmistress if I might tell my story in the same way as it is done on the mountain. She said she thinks it is good idea so that is what I will do.

On the 15th Day of October

My people are being very strong but I do not like the calling of attention to myself with the showing off. Today I did. The place of my locker is next to Howleen of the wolf clan and when I went to locker at end of day, Manny Taur was holding the backpack of Howleen. She wanted its swift return but he only laughed. It was not the laugh of friendly tease but of the taunting. “What are you going to do if I don’t, tell your brother?” She did not ask for the help but I was believing she wanted it so I told him to give back to her the backpack. He began to mock me with the imitation of my accent, “Why for don’t you make me?” I had in my locker horseshoe, from Headmistress’ nightmare, for tell and show. I pulled out horseshoe, straightened it, then tied it in knot. I am thinking he believed it not to be real until it clanged when I dropped it. He returned backpack without word. I am now being invited to wolf clan cook out by Howleen. I am looking forward for that.

On the 21st Day of October

There is very annoying but... scary cute classmate who I am told wants from me a date. I am giving him currently the cold shoulder. He is called Heath Burns and is the sort of monster who catches fire like torch. Also he is not the kind easily offended - why is it the annoying ones never are? He uses many stranges phrases that I am not understanding. I have remembered some to write down and ask Lagoona for explanation:

“Hey frosty - did it get steamy in here or is it just you and me?”

“Want me to melt your heart?”

“I get a brain freeze just looking at you.”

“I bet your bark is worse than your frostbite.”

I am not understanding phrases, but delivery is same tone as boys on mountain who want the attention. Until a properly asked for date I am continuing the ignoring of him. This is same on mountain as down below. I think I am learning and perhaps starting to have some fun.

On the 24th Day of October

Mostly I am bringing my lunch with the food I have the familiarity with, but today I went to creepateria. I was mostly nervous so I am watching other monsters first then copying them. I got in line and shuffled forward like others in front and behind and all was fine until the choosing of the food. Much was unrecognizable to me and many choices ended with word “Surprise”. I am not fan of the food “surprise.” I ask monster lady with netted hair if surprise was kind causing monster to laugh or to cry. She says, “Depend on monster.” I could hear much grumbling in line behind because shuffling forward was stopped. Then kind voice says, “Try the screechza, it’s the safest choice.” It is put together girl Frankie Stein. We ate at same table together and had many laughs. She is going to help me the slang and I am teaching her to learn to board the snow. I am being the best teacher on mountain and she is not making fun of my language mistakes. I am thinking think now that it’s good I didn’t run to shelter when the strong winds were blowing.

#monster high #monster high diary #abbey bominable #wave 2