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bangtaninborderland · 2 months

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RISK IT ALL (26) - Old Friends

Genre: Chishiya x f!reader | eventual smut | angst

Warning: none for this chapter, there is mentions of stitches and wounds though!

A/n: I uploaded this on wattpad first, if you see this there then great but if not then enjoy!

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Sleep hadn't been something you could grasp much of over the course of the night, every time you rolled over you woke up, worried about hurting Chishiya.

Chishiya had groggily asked if you were in pain but you simply brushed his worries off, silently laughing at the man who once claimed to dislike you in every way possible worrying about a meagre bullet graze.

You spent most of the day alone, Chishiya only rousing as the sky became a dusky gold. "You didn't wake me."

"I figured you needed rest." You mumbled, spooning canned fruit into two separate bowls. "You should be in bed."

He hobbled slowly over to the chair, sitting down with a groan. "It's fine, exercise helps."

"You'll rip your stitches open." You argued back, sliding the bowl across the table along with a spoon.

"Here I thought I was the doctor." He attempted a laugh foregoing it when it sounded more like a cry of pain. "I will go back to bed after this."

"Thank you." You hid your smile behind your spoon. "Did yo-

The door knocking cut you off, your eyes widening. "Who?"

"I don't know." He whispered. "The window, check out the window, stay low." He instructed.

Wordlessly you slipped from the chair, crouching low as you peeled back the curtain just a fraction, your body going ecstatic with joy at the sight of the people outside the door. "Oh my god."

You ignored Chishiya's questions of "who" and "what" as you tumbled over yourself in a rush to open the door.

"Fuck I'm so glad to see you." You were pulling Kuina and An into your arms ignoring the slight shooting pain the action sent tingling down your arm. "How are you here right now?"

"Someone got a message to us that Chishiya had been hurt, didn't take us long to find the place after it happened." An examplained. "Where is he?"

"Through here." You guided them through the house, Chishiya making a sound of surprise at the sight of them both.

"Why are you here?" He scowled, pushing away his empty bowl.

"Oh, my dearest friend how I missed you." Kuina laughed, relaxing into the empty seat. "You got hurt."

"Attacked but I'm fine." He rolled his eyes, making to stand only to collapse back in his chair with a groan. "Fuck."

"Let me have a look." An offered. "You know I know how to deal with injuries."

"I'm fine YN stitched me up."

"Thought you said I wasn't a doctor." You interrupted, the fight from Chishiya fading as he noticed the serious look in your eye. "Just please let her look."

"Fine only if it gets you to shut up about it." He spits, you try not to feel sad at the way he returns to being spiteful as soon as there are others around you but you can't help it, a subtle frown fitting over your face.

You sit at the table as An and Chishiya disappear towards the bedroom, Kuina waiting until they are both out of sight to talk to you. "How are you? Has he been treating you okay?"

"He's been fine, I don't know why he's acting like this now. We've been through a lot, when the shooting happened my arm got hurt, just a bullet graze." You added at the newfound worry in her look. "But he took care of me, he was kind, we spoke, grew closer."

"So you're okay?" She asks again, just for good measure.

You muster a smile. "I'm okay. What about you?"

"It's been..." she huffs, biting her lips to hide a smile. "Fine."

"Oh come on." You laugh. "Spill."

"When the shooting broke out me and An ran together, and ended up hauled in a caravan hidden in the forest, we kept moving but when we heard the gunshots getting further away we made a break for it here, we weren't followed. We see Arisu and Usagi, he wasn't doing too well." She rubs a hand up and down her arm, and you notice the holes in her clothes, probably from all the running.

"Was he hurt?" You asked, slightly relieved as she shook her head. "Emotionally not great, I think some of us handle it all better than others."

"I hope I get to see him again, he was kind to me." You hated the beach but you were grateful for those it brought to you, the idea of going back to the regular world without them made your heart ache in ways it shouldn't. "Have you been managing to eat?"

"Not much, it's not been safe to go out. The caravan had a weird stockpile of outdated coffee and that managed to hold us down for a while." You felt bad at the luxury you'd had, food, heat and water had all been things most people in the borderlands would have killed for but the thought that you were sleeping in a bed whilst your friends were scavenging to make do with whatever provisions they could find left a bubble of guilt in your stomach.

"We have everything you could need here, feel free to stay. There's water and food, are you hungry?" She nods. "I'll make you something to eat you can go and wash up, it's just out the back, past the small couch there's a door just there." You explain with a smile, already moving to make both her and An something substantial to eat.

"Hey?" She calls out softly from her space in the doorway. "I'm happy you're alive."

"Me too, me fucking too." You smile, letting yourself be pulled into another hug before she slips away to freshen up. "Now the food." You mumble to yourself.

You didn't have much-canned meat left, another week's worth with Kuina and An here, stocking up on spam had been the smartest thing Chishiya had done. You pulled out two tins, heating them on the small stove along with some canned black beans and a tin of soup, it wasn't a meal you'd be proud to serve but that's something you promised to rectify once you figured this world out.

"Something smells good." An whispers from behind you, and you jump dropping the wooden spoon on the floor. "Sorry." She laughed, bending over to pick it up. "Where should I put it?"

"It's okay, just in the bowl there." You point to the small red bucket you'd been washing dishes in, pulling out another. "How is Chishiya?"

"You did well with the stitches considering it's regular thread and needle, it will heal okay. The only issue is that the skin may heal over the stitches, realistically we need some dissolving stitches but he won't die." She explains, wiping her hands. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, sit please, you've been through enough the past few days just rest and I'll take care of it all." You wave her off. "How are you?"

"Doing fine, Kuina explained everything I guessed." An asked, fingers fiddling with the corner of the placemat.

"Yeah, she did." You mumble, still not happy with the conditions they were in. "I'm so-

"I didn't intend to kiss her it just happened." An rushes to explain, lips in a small pout.

Your body froze, Kuina had definitely missed out on that detail. "You what?" You spun on your heel, nearly knocking the pan over.

An looks at you, expression confused. "Kissed he- did she not tell you?"

You shook your head. "She did not."

"Are you upset?" It takes you a second to realise why she's asking, why she thinks you'd be upset.

"You think I'd be upset because you're both girls?" You almost laugh at the absurdity. "Of course not."

"Really?" Kuina asks from the doorway. "I was afraid to tell you."

"No I'm just happy you finally figured it out." They hadn't exactly been the most discreet about their feelings for each other, even if they were both oblivious to the other's feelings. "Let me finish cooking and then I want to know everything."

"Did you shower?" You hear An ask, and from the corner of your eye you see her taking a strand of Kuina's hair between her fingers. "is it okay if I have one?"

It takes you a second to realise she's asking you before you nod in response. "Of course, anything you find here is yours as much as it is ours."

"Talking of ours." Kuina clears her throat, lazing her body over the small counter. "Wanna catch me up on whatever's going on between you two?”

You laugh at the implication of her tone. "Absolutely not."

"Oh come on I'm already depressed here give me something to be excited about." She groans, throwing her head back playfully.

"Fine fine." You huff, moving the food into the set of small bowls you'd left on the side earlier. "Let's talk whilst we eat, let me just see if Chishiya wants anything."

"Such a great housewife." Kuina giggles.

You glare at her before rolling your eyes. "I will put you outside. An here is your food." You smile, passing her the bowl. "Kuina yours is up there." You gesture to the counter.

"Rude." She huffs, you bite back a laugh as you trot your way to the bedroom.

It's weird to see the door to the small room closed, you knock just in case, waiting until he calls you to come in before entering. "Hey."

"Having fun?" He asks, voice raspy. You felt guilty for disturbing him when he was so clearly tired but food would help him recover.

"Yeah." You perch on the end of the bed. "Do you want to eat something?"

"No I'm still full from earlier, go and spend time with them." He groans, a hand to his wound.

You hated seeing him in pain, truth be told you hated seeing anyone in pain but this sucked a little more so. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel comfortable, to ease the pain?"

"I need painkillers." He mumbles, eyes glassy as he looks at you. "Can you get them?"

"Yeah, yeah of course." You were quick to pop out three pills, one extra wouldn't hurt. Uncapping the water to save him the unnecessary strain before handing them both to him. "Here."

He grumbled his appreciation, taking them swiftly. "You should go be with them."

"I will I just wanted to check on you." You huffed. "You've got to let me worry sometimes."

"I'll be fine you don't need to worry." He reassures, pulling the blanket up more. "How long are they staying."

"As long as they want to." You respond, slightly worried he would send them away. "Why?"

He shrugged. "I won't be responsible for them too."

"You know it's funny you say that like An didn't come in here to make sure you weren't dying. You can't survive here alone Chishiya." You argue back, tired of rehashing the same conversation every few days.

"I didn't ask her to come and help." He retorted, his face calm as he closed his eyes and rested against the headboard. "Didn't ask them to come and eat my food, use my water or risk outing our location."

"Oh get over yourself!" You shout, furious that he would be so callous to those you considered friends. "If you didn't want them here they wouldn't be here, how did they find out where we were hm? I'm the only person who knew you were hurt apart from you and I didn't tell them. Whether you admit it or not you like them, and care about them. Maybe not An as much but definitely Kuina. The only person you hurt acting like a stupid angsty loner teenager is yourself."

He cracks an eye open, face smug. "Stupid angst loner teenager?"

"Shut up." You huff, your cheeks blushing red. "I hate you."

"No, you hate that I don't act the way you want me to. I don't know how they figured out we were here, I didn't ask them to come but I won't send them away." You had learned to read his expressions enough to know when he was close to smiling, the light tension in his lips betrayed him, you were sure the second you walked out the door he would break into a grin. "Go and spend time with them, I'll rest and join you later."

"Okay." You agree, pinning the non-argument argument for now. "Sleep well, call me if you need anything."

"Perfect housewife." He teased, you only had Kuina to blame.

"Go to sleep so I can smother you with a pillow." You pout, pulling the door closed slowly.

"I sleep with one eye open." He shouts back before you pull it closed, the tiniest slither of space allowing you to watch him, sure enough, he lays with a smile on his face as he closes his eyes.

"Creep." Kuina is whispered behind you, making you jump. You weren't entirely used to being around anyone other than Chishiya.

You silently pointed to the kitchen, not wanting Chishiya to hear you.

You both break out into a giggle when you get away from the bedroom, An eyeing you both questionably as you explain what happened. "So, there is something between you two?

You contemplate saying anything, Chishiya would complain to Earth's end if everyone knew how soft he was but you couldn't exactly help yourself, it's not like you had an abundance of people to talk to lately.

"Let's sit so you can finish eating and I'll explain." You give in, Kuina moving to take the seat beside An with you opposite them. After a few minutes, you begin explaining.

"He has grown to be really caring, he takes care of me and although it is in his own way I think he genuinely cares. We've done...stuff. I'm kind of scared for whatever happens when we are out of here, if we get out of here. I don't think I'd be okay if he died." You don't let yourself think too hard on that last thought, the mere idea was enough to have your stomach churning.

"To be honest I didn't think he could care about someone other than himself." An replied honestly. "Tsundere doesn't begin to explain him."

Kuina shoves An lightly with her elbow. "What she means to say is that I think you've softened him a little bit. I'm pretty sure he would still shove me to my death before he let you die."

"Don't say that!" You scold, not denying its truth. "I'd kill him."

"You wouldn't." An observes with a smile. "I think you love him."

Your eyes widen at the accusation. "You literally kissed each other."

"I bet you've done way more." Kuina teases, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Okay enough, we are not discussing that." You laugh. "Did you manage to find anything else out about the card games? Chishiya hiked to see if he could see anything but all he found were blimps. I think he wants to join the next diamond game."

"Do you have enough days on your visa?" Kuina asks, smile falling just a little only to widen when you nod. "Good, I think these are the last games but the rules are different, I don't think there are really rules."

You frown, wrapping your arms around your frame. "That's what I'm afraid of."

"But I heard another game was going to start in a few days." An looks up through her lashes.

You swallow, fingers crossed under the table that it wasn't the game of diamonds. "What one?"

"The Jack of Hearts."

You breathe a sigh of relief. "Oh."

"And some guy was predicting we will have the King of diamonds."

Oh.

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secret-rendezvous1d · 11 months

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This idea has been floating in my head. Harry speaks with Brad because his wife has lost motivation for exercise throughout her pregnancy. So, one day during her fourth month when the three (Four *wink*) of them are on a walk through London, Brad recommends a female friend of his who specialises in fitness including personal training for pregnant women. (Maybe they stop by a cafe for takeaway coffee and fans interact with them).

:)))))

"she looks so good."

"she's glowing!"

"do you think she'll take a photo with us?"

"i don't know, i feel like she'll want some privacy. especially if she's out with harry."

yn smiles to herself as she tries not to eavesdrop on the conversation happening behind her; two young fans, who knew who she was, seemed excited to be standing behind her in the queue at the coffee shop as she waited for her takeout order of coffees (and a decaf) for herself, her husband and his trainer.

"i can take a quick selfie with you but can i ask you not to post it till later today?"

yn takes in the wholesome faces as one of them gets the camera on her phone ready. she slides off her sunglasses and pushes them into her hair, holding her fringe back, leaving her eyes to adjust to the very well-lit coffee house around her. the sunshine flooding into the room through the full wall-length windows that seemed to be surrounding her.

there's a quick couple of photos taken, one with a pose and one with a smile, and some hugs were exchanged before her order was called. with a smile, a wave and a cardboard carrier, she was off out of the shop and back outside to see her husband who was waiting with his hands out to take two of the coffees from her.

"feel like they love you more than they love me, you know?" harry snorts, passing brad one of the coffee cups and taking a sip from his own, "it's good. i love it. and, i know you love it."

"i love it when they're like that," she grins, chucking the cardboard carrier into the bin beside her and taking a sip from her own decaf coffee, "they're the sweetest. they were the sweetest."

"must feel mad to see all these girls fawn over h though. he's loved by many," brad states, pressing a kiss to yn's cheek, "thank you for the coffee."

"you're welcome. i'm glad you've allowed harry to have the one thing he misses on this workout plan you've got him on," yn smirks, an arm nudging into brad's side as he feigns pain and grips onto his rib, "he loves it more than he likes to admit."

they continue their walk down the pavement, dodging those walking towards them and trying their best to hide their appearance from any fans who were lurking around the streets to catch a glimpse of harry in any way. sunglasses, hats and coats hiding any part of them that could give them away in any sense.

"and speaking of workouts, harry said something about you needing some motivation to get out and move. said you've been struggling since your pregnancy began," brad states, "i know a good personal trainer who would be happy to help you out. if you want it. i'm not forcing you or anything and harry's not pressuring you. i know he wants to help."

"i just- i'm so pregnant," she whines, looking down at her 7-month bump that was covered by the baggiest jumper she could find in her wardrobe (which, she's sure, was one from harry's collection), "i've lost all determination. i'd use to love going to gym with harry when we had a night free but now? i'd rather stuff a burger down my throat and enjoy that burn than the burn in my muscles."

brad snorts and harry just cackles, reaching his free hand for her free hand, squeezing her fingers in his hold.

"i'll think about it. i'm very appreciative of the offer though, brad."

"you've got my number, just drop me a text. i'll sort you out." x

#harry talk #harry styles imagines

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blackjackkent · 1 month

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There she is; once his cautious ally, now something more like a sister in Selune, though the bond is still strange and fragile yet. Hector smiles as he approaches Shadowheart.

"I was starting to wonder if you'd show up," she says with a slight grin.

Hector raises his eyebrows with a grin and an expression of mock-confusion. "Ummmm... 'Shadowheart', isn't it?" he says.

She rolls her eyes and laughs. "Hilarious. You could find work as a jester, if you stumble upon a noble with more gold than taste."

He grins. Gods, it's good to see her again. He has missed her more than almost any of the others; they were at odds for so long but were really starting to find a true, deep friendship before he had to leave. He tips forward on his feet just slightly, a hesitant reach out on her direction; he wants to offer her a hug, as he did that night in the churchyard after the House of Grief, but isn't sure if she'll accept it.

But six months have been kind to her; she seems more relaxed, less guarded, and seeing his motion, she smiles.

"Oh, come here, will you? It's been forever."

Without any further preamble, she pulls him into a tight, fierce hug, and he returns it willingly. He knows in that moment that she too has missed their late-night talks, their slow acceptance of each other forged through true understanding rather than simple necessity.

It's quite a while before he draws back. She looks him over as he steps away, and grins again.

"Hm," she says teasingly. "You feel a little more substantial than before. Less camping and scrounging off the land, I take it."

"Nonsense," Hector says promptly, folding his arms. "I am as disciplined as ever."

A very Hectorish response, and knowing his dislike for lying, he certainly thinks it's the truth. Living in the Hells, though, the exact nature of what counts as discipline has changed, of course. It is no monastery with scheduled training, prayers, meditation; there is less time for such things now, but he gets more than enough exercise in the near-constant combat with the devils of Avernus. And he still makes time for the meditation whenever he can, and for study holed up in a little corner of whatever hideout they happen to be using at the time. He does not want to lose that part of himself, no matter what - and Karlach thankfully supports him in that too.

"No offense intended," she says, shaking her head and smiling. "Quite the contrary in fact. I'm glad you seem well, truly."

He reaches out and squeezes her hand. "The feeling's mutual," he agrees.

Deeper emotion flickers through her smile. "I had no doubt," she says softly, and he's surprised to hear her voice tremble, just a little. "But I'm glad to hear you say it, all the same."

"Tell me what you've been up to," he says, deliberately turning his tone lighter and shifting the subject, knowing she wouldn't want to linger on the sentiment.

She relaxes. "Wandering, mostly," she says, sitting down on a nearby log and gesturing for him to join her. "The adventuring life is almost a tonic when you're not constantly threatened by brain monsters and cultists. I can finally see the world beyond the Cloister."

He smiles, rests his elbows on his knees and listens eagerly. "Come on, tell all," he says encouragingly. "Where have you been? What have you seen?"

He is surprised to realize how eager he is to hear her tales - but then again, perhaps it's not so surprising. He too grew up cloistered, and had Karlach's mission not brought him to the Hells, he too might have taken the time to see the wider world here. Perhaps he can see it through Shadowheart's eyes.

"One of my first stops was the House of the Moon, in Waterdeep. It's the largest temple of Selune in existence. It seemed like the perfect spot to reflect on my parents, on where they came from..." She hesitates, smiles ruefully. "And where I came from too, I suppose. Hard to imagine, isn't it? Me, of all people, in the lair of the 'Moon Witch' herself."

She snorts and nudges him gently in the shoulder. "Gods, your truest act of heroism was putting up with all that Sharran drivel I was spouting for so long."

He shrugs. He was not always so generous towards her at the time, but looking back on it, he can see how traveling with her in her time in shadow was responsible for opening his mind up in ways that have helped make him who he is today. She is not the only one who changed from the experience.

(And gods, the House of the Moon! He has never been there himself, and would have given his right arm to have the chance to see it, and his left to see it with his friend. Perhaps one day...)

"Are you going to turn to Selunite rhetoric now instead?" he asks, gently teasing.

She chuckles. "Not quite. But... luckily Selune allows you to forge your own path. Perhaps I'll be drawn to her, perhaps not. Either way... I get to decide. That's not something I was ever able to claim before."

He swallows down a sudden surge of emotion that makes his throat constrict. It is something he told her after the revelations at Moonrise, and for a long while. She, deep in religious crisis, did not always seem to hear him. But she was listening, and the words have settled in and become hers. He is so proud of her.

He lifts an arm and puts it around her shoulders, hugs her gently against his side. "What else have you been doing?"

"Well," she says thoughtfully, "I've had run-ins with my former fellow Sharrans on a couple of occasions. Word seems to have spread of what happened at the Cloister. Now other chapters of Shar worshipers see me as a prime target to offer up to their lady as a sacrifice."

She sees him narrow his eyes in concern, and shakes her head. "Don't worry. I know their tired old tricks better than anyone. They'll need more than a hooded cloak and poisoned blade to best me. Especially when I have a friend on the inside keeping me abreast of their predictable little plans."

He raises his eyebrows. "A friend on the inside? You mean Nocturne?"

She nods. "None other. The matter of her faith and allegiances remains... complicated, let's say. But she is still my oldest friend. I have hopes that perhaps she might turn from Shar entirely, given time, but that's a decision she will have to make for herself. If that day comes, I'll be ready."

He nods, tips his head curiously. "What's next for you?"

She shrugs, laughs again. It's good to hear her laugh so much; it was not a common thing during their adventures. "I don't know," she admits. "Which is just the way I like it, just now. Perhaps I'll just stick a pin in a map and see what I find, or head to the docks in the morning and scrounge a berth to somewhere new." Her voice takes on a new note of eagerness which is also very welcome to hear. "I'd like to see the islands, maybe. Or head south to Amn. I heard there's an enclave of werecats that hunt the followers of dark gods by moonlight..." She trails off, looks sheepish at her own enthusiasm. "I'd love to see if there's any truth in that."

She pauses, then nudges him gently. "But enough about me. What have you been up to?"

He clears his throat and grins nervously. "I have a confession to make - I may have volunteered you for something."

She raises an eyebrow at him. "Is that so? And what liberties did you decide to take, exactly?"

"I was hoping you might like a new companion. Rather large, feathered, well-mannered... mostly..." he says casually, watching her expression carefully.

She blinks, and for a moment he thinks she's going to be angry, but then she grins, bright and wide. "The owlbear?! Of course I'll have him - if he wants to come with me, that is. I'd have offered sooner, but everything was a blur after the battle. I thought he'd gone to roam free."

Hector relaxes. He judged right; Shadowheart has always seemed to have a soft spot for animals that she was not allowed to indulge, and he didn't think she'd turn down the chance to travel with Buddy. But he wasn't sure until now.

"Are you sure he'd want to join?" she says, her eyebrows furrowing together in concern. "I'm not exactly settled anywhere right now. It could be dangerous at times."

He smiles reassuringly. "Hardly anything new for either of you. He'll love it, I'm sure."

Her grin somehow broadens even wider. "All right, then. It's settled! Oh, the things we'll get up to..."

#bjk plays baldur's gate 3 #hector carlisle #awwwwwww <3 #this was so sweet and so good #i love their relationship #and i love how excited she got about buddy haha

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prince-rowan-of-the-forest · 8 months

Text

To Make a Heaven of Hell (6/?)

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After messing up cooking canned soup, Virgil decides maybe he'll try his luck going to a restaurant with some of the others instead.

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Chapter warnings: None as far as I'm aware.

Notes:

It feels like it's been ages - I'm not sure if it actually has or not, or if I'm just imagining time passing again, but hey.

Chapter 6! We're getting new characters next chapter baybee

Just for copywrite sake btw, unless I specify otherwise I did not come up with any place names in this fic lmao. All credit to that goes to Jaysea.

“So,” Emile said sitting Virgil down on a nearby bench, “How’re you finding the Hellp Desk?”

“Oh- uhm- it’s pretty good?” Virgil said, frowning, they hadn’t quite been expecting an interrogation when they got down here, then again, maybe Emile was just curious? “I mean - they’re all really nice? And I’m glad I’m allowed to stay with them - gives me something to do.”

“That’s great! Keeping busy is such fun, and I’ve heard the desk is great for some catharsis too,” Emile winked, Virgil was pretty sure that was referring to beating up pedophiles with spiked bats, but he couldn’t be certain.

“Yeah,” Virgil nodded, “Judy makes great snacks too.”

“Oh her pies are just the best aren’t they?” Emile laughed, “She shares them with us sometimes - oh! So whats your paradise like? Assuming you have one, of course?”

“Oh-” Virgil said, trying to keep himself from visibly recoiling at the question, but already he felt that sick feeling pool back into his stomach, what would Emile think? When he found out that Virgil was still to much of a coward to even approach his door? “I…”

Emile watched him for a moment, face falling, “Oh… are you like Ruggy? A hell-bound soul working for the desk?”

“No- no, I have a paradise I just…” Virgil quickly corrected, before mumbling, “Can’t accept it…”

The demon’s frown turned into something a lot more sympathetic as he patted Virgil on the shoulder - giving him a second to move away before doing so. Virgil accepted the touch just a little stiffly.

“I see, well - we have a lot of souls come through here, ones sent and ones who have paradise,” Emile said, “You’re more thna welcome to come down here to chat whenever you’d like.”

“Really?”

“Sure as sugar’s sweet!” Emile grinned, standing back up, “I gotta get back to work, but I'll see you round?”

“Sure,” Virgil shrugged, Emile winked at him before walking away, tail swaying behind him.

Well. That was something that just happened.

Virgil didn’t move from that bench for a long moment - long enough for another one of the demons to stop and ask if he was alright - but eventually he stsod up, ran himself through one of the breathing exercises an old friend had taught him back in the mortal world and walked out of level one as confidently as he could possibly manage.

—-

Another night, a few days later, Virgil had been left alone in Lily’s house once again. She had left a couple things out in the kitchen that he could make up for dinner - and she’d also given him the names of a few decent restaurants and pubs he could go to instead the second night he had stayed with her.

It was odd, Virgil thought as he attempted to cook up a can of soup using the stove, how quickly he’d adapted to this lifestyle. He wasn’t even so scared of going near the oven now.

But it was strange, too, because Virgil hadn’t had a parental figure in his life for… a few years, and even when his parents were around they weren’t… good.

They wondered if the relationship they seemed to be gaining with Lily was something like what a parent was supposed to be. At least to a teenager.

There was no reference point - nothing in his previous life was at all similar to this, especially not his own parents. So this was uncharted territory. Virgil felt a little bit like he was wading through the ocean wearing a blindfold, he had no clue which step would end up with a rock through his foot.

And he knew he was being overly cautious. Lily wouldn’t hurt him, he knew that now. The old fear was just still there nagging at the back of his mind.

The soup was… disappointing. Virgil didn’t think you should be able to fuck up canned soup - especially not in paradise, literally all he needed to do was heat it up, but somehow he’d messed it up anyway. They sighed and got rid of the disgusting soup before looking - for the first proper time - at the list of restaurants Lily had stuck to the fridge.

None of the names were familiar to him - maybe one or two he had heard in passing, but he hadn’t yet been anywhere other than Common Grounds. Going out somewhere would mean good food, but it would also mean eating alone around strangers and potentially getting lost. So, for obvious reasons, Virgil didn’t really want to do that.

Maybe he didn’t have to go alone, though.

Pulling out their phone, Virgil opened up the groupchat Lily had added him to and contemplated sending a message.

The groupchat consisted of everyone they knew at the Hellp Desk - as well as a number of users he didn’t know the identities of. He was fairly certain that one of them was Remus’ twin brother, specifically the one with a Disney profile picture with the nickname ‘Your Prince Charming’ who constantly talked about theatre and insulted Remus. Two of the chat members had matching profile pictures (of the angel and demon characters from that one show he’d seen all over tumblr a few months before they died but had never gotten round to watching) and Virgil was fairly certain they were Emile and his husband now that he’d met the demon.

There were a few users who he couldn’t guess the identities of, though, he assumed they were just more of Lily’s friends and family and tried his best not to throw his phone whenever one of them talked to him. He was used to interacting with people online, it wasn’t that different if he had the very real chance of meeting these people he kept sending dumb memes to in person at some point.

Currently there were no conversations going on - but it was rare for the groupchat to be quiet for long. Virgil wouldn’t be interrupting anyone if they sent a message, so why were they so nervous about it? Maybe because he’d never been the first to start a conversation here before? Maybe it’s because he was making a request this time, and not just sending a reactive meme or responding to a conversation.

Virgil took a deep breath and let it out with a shake of their head, this was a non-issue, barely even a problem, not something to be stressed about, just send the damn message.

<xx4llpanic-nod!scoxx> Hey guys - is anyone around? I wanna get something to eat but don’t wanna go alone ._.

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> Just wondering if anyone wanted to come with maybe - haven’t decided where yet or anything

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> I don’t want to get lost

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> or stared at, yknow. But it’s fine if not no pressure.

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> Sorry I’m spamming - i’ll shut up.

Virgil paused in their word vomit, trying to take deep breaths, they’d sent something now and that was great. Now he just had to wait for a response - oh, and he should probably apologise about the smell in Lily’s kitchen.

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> Oh, wanted to say sorry abt the smell in ur kitchen @Nearamir I fucked up canned soup.

<TacoTime> How do you fuck up canned soup??

<Your Prince Charming> I’ve done it.

<TacoTime> Yeah but you’re you, I’m asking how baby V fucked up canned soup.

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> Literally no idea man idk what to tell u.

<Nickel> Greg and I are spending tonight in my paradise - sorry V! I hope someone will go with you <3 (also, are you okay?)

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> Other than the crushing weight of eternal existence? I’m fien, soups not tho.

Virgil sighed, unsure if he’d even get a response at this point. They all seemed distracted by the soup disaster, but hey-! Only one person had actually said they couldn’t go so far. Of course, he knew that meant Greg couldn’t either, Lily and Bel were all out doing something too, so they wouldn’t be able to either, which left…. Not many people. Now that he thought about it.

<TheMonsterUnderUrBed> HEy emo u wanna come w/ me and the front deathk nerd we were gonna register for trivia at luckyleaf if u wanna come n get smth 2 eat??

Virgil sighed in relief, okay, maybe it was Remus - who he wasn’t sure he was comfortable eating around - but Logan would be there too. Seeing him again would be pretty cool, he still needed to say thank you properly for the help when Virgil first arrived. Besides, Logan seemed nice, he wouldn’t mind seeing if they could be friends… Lily had said eternity was better the more friends you made. Virgil thought it would be worth a shot.

<xx4llpanic-nod!sc0xx> K cool! I’ll tag along - where should I meet u?”

<TheMonsterUnderUrBed> yk tir na nog? meet us in 15?

Virgil sent back a hasty thumbs up before rushing back to his bedroom to find something to wear more appropriate for generally being outside than what he was currently wearing (a cat t-shirt and sweatpants, to be exact). He was fairly certain the gate to Tír na nÓg was just along a hallway he passed on the way to Hell. He just hoped he was remembering right.

Once he’d changed into something far more appropriate for leaving Lily’s house and fixed his hair, he rushed back out - nearly disturbing Max - and grabbed a bag too, just in case.

After checking themself over in the mirror, Virgil headed out into the paradise realm.

Fifteen minutes after seeing Remus’ message, nearly on the dot, Virgil found himself stood waiting outside of the gate to Tír na nÓg, he could actually see the pub Remus had mentioned a little further down the hall, but he’d been told to wait here, so wait here he would. As Virgil waited for Remus to arrive with Logan, he began to wonder if he had actually missed them, or read the message wrong - or gone to the wrong place, maybe. But almost ten minutes later, Remus arrived, bouncing along the corridor with a disgruntled and ruffled looking Logan in tow.

“Hi!” Remus grinned once they’d stopped in front of him, “Logan, emo, emo, Logan.”

“We’ve met,” Logan said, straightening the tie he wore under a blue diamond patterned sweater vest. Virgil wilted a little at Logan’s harsh tone, did he not want to be here? - or did he not want Virgil here?

“Hi,” Virgil said weakly.

“Hello, Virgil, I’m glad to see you made it out on the right side,” Logan said, tone immediately becoming less harsh, though it still had that same professional air about it - Virgil wondered if Logan was just like that.

“Yup, I’m glad I’m here too,” Virgil chuckled, “Um…”

“I heard you had taken up a position with Hell’s help desk,” Logan prompted as they began to walk, Remus seemed happy to walk alongside them, humming along to some tune and swinging Logan’s hand - which Logan either hadn’t noticed that bay’d grabbed or didn’t care about.

“Oh yeah - I uh- Judy introduced me to them and Lily sorta… adopted me, I think,” Virgil chuckled, “Oh wait- Remus?”

“Yesss?” Remus said, letting go of Logan’s hand and turning to walk backwards so xa could look at Virgil, “What’s up?”

“You mentioned signing up for trivia-” Virgil started, before being cut off.

“Oh yeah! I almost forgot! Me and Lo are signing up a team for the trivia!” Remus giggled.

“Yes,” Logan nodded, before noting Virgil’s confusion, “Every month Luckyleaf hosts a large trivia night, in which varied teams will compete, Remus has convinced me to enter a team with him and a few others this month.”

“Oh cool, sounds fun,” Virgil said, smiling, “Who’s on your team?”

“Me, the nerd, obviously, the shark, the intern,” Remus listed off on fizz fingers, “Oh, pinkie-pie and the coffee angel, though we’re one person short.”

Virgil stared in confusion as Remus raised an eyebrow, Logan sighed.

“Remus and I, Sharkie, Dantillian, Emile and his husband Remy, our team is called ‘Logan and the nincompoops.’ which I personally find distasteful but Remus is certain it’s humorous.”

Virgil snorted, “You said you were one person short?”

“Yeahh - we can’t find anyone else who’s chill with just doing this for fun, they’re all too competitive, and I heard Jan was on the Roman deity’s team again so we’re gonna get crushed anyway.”

“I am only doing this because Remus believes it will be funny.” Logan said, “Especially if we somehow do decently.”

“Remus is right, that is funny,” Virgil laughed, “Is anyone allowed to participate?”

“Yeah! Anyone!,” Remus nodded, “Why, d’you wanna?”

Virgil couldn’t help how he blushed and went quiet. He did want to join, a trivia tournament where he wasn’t actually expected to be super smart sounded like a lot of fun, they’d know everyone there - except Emile’s husband, they wondered what he was like - but if Remus didn’t want them…

“You’re welcome to be part of our team, if you would like to join,” Logan followed up on Remus’ comment, “We’d be glad to have you.”

“I’m no good at trivia,” Virgil said, before frowning, “Well - I suppose unless ‘Tumblr trends and holidays’ comes up as a topic.”

Remus snorted, “I mean, maybe, we’ve had some weird shit in there before, but yea, it’s chill - we’re called ‘Logan and the Nincompoops’ for a reason, y’know.”

“Right,” Virgil said, looking around at both of them, Remus looked to be vibrating out of eir skin with excitement, while Logan was more subdued, Virgil could see the hopeful glint in his eyes, “Yeah, sure, I’d love to join.”

----

General tags: @full-of-roman-angst-trash @reptilianrapscallion420 @your-local-random-dino @cutebisexualmess @glacierruler @roseianxiety @bella-bugatti-frogetti-baguetti (if anyone wants to be added, let me know!)

Hell's Belles AU tags: @awitchbravestheverge @twoalpacas @goldnskyart @anxious-mess19 @doteddestroyer :)

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#sanders sides #virgil sanders #ts virgil #my fic #fanfiction #sanders sides fanfiction #sanders sides virgil #remus sanders #ts remus #logan sanders #ts logan

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october-lady · 2 years

Text

I’ll make you beg for it, chapter 18

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff

Chapter rating: G

Word Count: 1761

Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 || Chapter 7 || Chapter 8 || Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 || Chapter 11 || Chapter 12 || Chapter 13 || Chapter 14 || Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 || Chapter 17

Read on AO3

Note: Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay but life is taking over! I've spent the last two weeks going to work and then straight to our new house to paint which with the heat wave we've just had left me absolutely exhausted :D Anyway, furniture is moved and I'm not sure when we'll have Wifi so before I move my laptop, I thought I'd post the next chapter.

Wanda’s floating on a cloud nine was interrupted with Natasha going away just a few days after the party. It wasn’t unusual, the Russian often went away for a couple of days. It was the timing that made Wanda a bit pouty, she wanted to spend as much time with Natasha as possible, preferably in bed but sadly, that was going to have to wait.

Instead she decided to make the most out of the time and spend as much of it training as possible. She was tired of being sidelined and staying at the compound. They have started including her in meetings, she was free to join whenever she wanted to and most of the time she did.

It was an easy way to find out what the Avengers were really doing and seeing them help people and rid the world of some evil motivated her to better herself and gain better control and understanding of her powers.

She eventually started training with everyone, practising different skills and goals. Natasha and Steve were training her in hand to hand combat and general workouts and strengthening exercises. As much as she enjoyed being around the former assassin, she preferred to just watch her. Steve was a much nicer and patient coach, going over each move as many times as she needed, whereas Natasha had more of a practical approach, resulting in Wanda being more on the ground than anything else.

Using her magic was a bit more tricky. She usually did that alone, sometimes with Tony but that was very rare. The only reason he would get involved in any training was to better his suit and kind of test it on Wanda.

Clint was the one she was training with today. They did what he called target practice. After a few accidents in the gym, Tony decided that all magic training had to be done outside, no matter the weather. Despite the unpleasantness, it was actually useful because they would go out there in rain or wind.

Clint would shoot out all kinds of his arrows, some were harmless but some contained small explosives and Wanda’s goal was to stop them and not let them fall on the ground. Nothing really difficult until Clint shot out five different arrows and she had to make sure she got the bombs first.

To make it more difficult, he would try to distract her. That usually involved him blabbering about whatever happened to him in the last few days, often involving his family and the kids. Being at the compound was like a holiday to him, no changing diapers, no screaming or fighting over toys.

Sometimes they talked about American culture, movies and books and if Wanda was in a good place, she would share some of her happy memories. She wouldn’t do that often, just occasionally and it would be just a very short one but Clint was happy she was finally opening up.

“I’m glad you’re feeling more at home here and joining us,” he suddenly said as he shot a few arrows in different directions.

“I just needed time I guess,” Wanda shrugged as she easily made the arrows disappear. Clint hated when she did that. She would often just misplace them to make him frustrated but she didn’t have the heart to actually get rid of them.

“Or someone to pull you out of your shell,” he suggested, focussing on what he was doing.

“Yeah, maybe,” she smiled.

“I must say I was quite surprised to find out that you and Natasha are… a couple.” Clint continued.

“Why was that a surprise?” Wanda asked innocently.

“Well, for starters, you didn’t exactly get off the right foot. And to top it off, Nat is… not someone who lets people in, I suppose. There were rumours, of course, for a long time, about you and her sneaking around, giving each other looks and stuff and I guess most of us just thought it was mostly a friends with benefits situation. But the other night you walked in holding hands and being together together.”

“Interesting,” Wanda smirked, focusing on making fireballs.

“Is that how it started?” He questioned, slightly red in the face.

“A lady doesn’t tell,” the witch winked at him and destroyed his arrow before it even left the bow.

“Hey, what was that for?” He turned around to her, hurt in his eyes.

“That’s for your silly bets,” she grinned.

“How did you- Never mind,” he rolled his eyes when he remembered who he was talking to. “Just for the record, I didn’t want to ask. They made me. Tony is too scared to ask Natasha because apparently last time, she threw a butterknife at him.”

“That does sound like her,” Wanda laughed.

“But seriously, I think Nat really cares about you, you know. I hope she doesn’t mess it up.”

“I won’t let her,” Wanda said and sent out a fireball, turning it into rain before it hit the nearby tree.

“That was…interesting,” Clint nodded approvingly. “Can you do more of those tricks?”

“I can do a lot of things. Just not always exactly when I want to,” she sighed, staring at the ground.

“What are you doing?” The man asked cautiously, taking a step back when he saw the grass moving.

“Oh relax, it’s harmless. If it works that is,” she chuckled. In a few seconds a couple of dandelions found their way out of the ground.

“Tony is going to kill you for growing weeds on his property! But that is impressive!” Clint was shaking his head in disbelief. This was definitely new to him. “Does Nat know you can do this?”

“I don’t really use magic around her,” Wanda admitted, pushing the flowers back into the ground.

“Does she not like it?” Clint frowned.

“She says she doesn’t mind but I don’t want to test it…” Wanda let her magic dance around her hands, watching it.

“Ah, yeah. I get where you’re coming from. But if she says she doesn’t mind, then she doesn’t mind. She is not the type of person to pretend just to make others feel comfortable. I’m not saying you should use magic all the time but every now and then, you know, to make her feel more used to it. Plus, if you show her tricks like this, I’m sure she’d be impressed,” Clint offered.

“Does she ever talk about it? The Red Room?” The witch asked quietly.

“No. I would suggest you don’t ask her about it though. I don’t know what exact memories you pulled out but judging by her reaction, that should give you an idea about how bad it was. I’m sure you could google some more information about it, now that all the documents are leaked.”

“I don’t really need to know, I just wish I could help her.”

“You are helping her even if you don’t know it, trust me. I’ve never seen her this happy, knowing it’s not all just a show.”

Wanda smiled, blushing. It meant a lot to her that someone else noticed how Natasha perked up.

She didn’t say anything, she wasn’t really used to receiving compliments. Instead, she quickly made a fireball and threw it at a tree.

“Pepper is going to kill us,” Clint just sighed as they watched it go up in flames.

“Are you scared of her?” Wanda teased.

“More than Tony,” he nodded, unable to take his eyes off of the tree.

“Oh relax,” Wanda rolled her eyes and waved her hand. The fire disappeared, revealing a perfectly untouched tree.

“Oh for God’s sake, Wanda, don’t do this to me!” The man turned to her and smacked her on her arm playfully. “I think that’s enough training for today. At least for me.”

“I’m going too, it’s a bit chilly,” she agreed as she pulled her sleeves down.

They walked over the grounds while chatting. Clint headed to the gym for some work out and Wanda went to grab a snack from the kitchen.

Laziness took over her and she got herself a bowl of cereal, not feeling like spending time preparing anything.

She sat at the kitchen counter and opened a nearby tablet that was just always in the kitchen, kind of like normal people have newspapers. Which is what she intended to do.

She didn’t get very far when the door opened.

“Oh there you are!” Natasha poked her head in, still in her suit.

“Nat” Wanda smiled brightly. She pushed her cereal away and hopped off the stool, meeting the redhead half way. “I’m glad you’re back,” she grinned at her and gave her a shy kiss on the lips.

This was the first time Natasha was on a mission since they were officially dating and she was a bit unsure what she could do. Because what she actually wanted to do was push her against a wall and peel that suit off her.

“Likewise,” Natasha chuckled and returned the kiss. “Your cereal is getting soggy,” she pointed out, her observing skills still on high alert.

“I don’t care. How was the mission? Are you hurt?” Wanda asked, checking her over.

“Not this time,” she laughed.

“Can I make you something to eat? When did you eat, you must be hungry,” Wanda was ready to start cooking. Because it was different when it wasn’t just for herself.

“Hey, calm down, woman,” Natasha laughed as she grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “I’m not hungry, we got a takeaway on the way back so I actually ate this time.”

“Well in that case,” Wanda smirked, “can I help you get out of the suit?” She winked as she started pulling the zipper down.

“Someone is impatient,” Natasha let her get about half way through before she stopped her. “I have to shower first. And no, you can’t join me because that would not achieve anything,” Natasha continued when she saw Wanda taking a breath. “Actually, I was thinking, would you like to grab dinner later and maybe go to a bar or something?”

“Are you asking me on a date?” Wanda asked, still playing with the zipper.

“Don’t turn this into a big thing,” Natasha rolled her eyes. “You can fuck me after,” she leaned in to whisper into Wanda’s ear.

“Okay,” Wanda shivered as the hot breath hit her ear.

“I’ll see you later then,” Natasha laughed and licked her earlobe, sending more shivers down her back, before she turned around and left the kitchen, leaving Wanda standing in the middle.

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Chapter 19

Thank you for all your comments, I appreciate them all! <3

Taglist: @raqelacevedo @tati3001 @theblackdalialived

Please leave a comment or send me a message if you want to be on the tag list for this fic or all of my WandaNat fics.

Oh and, if anyone cares, I have a Wandanat playlist on Spotify that I constantly add songs to if you're in for some heartbreak!

#wandanat #wanda x natasha #my fanfiction #black widow #wanda maximoff #natasha romanoff #my wandanat #natasha x wanda #scarlet witch #scarlet widow #i'll make you beg for it

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aneenasevla · 2 years

Text

Devil's Food - Chapter 17

MasterList /Ayami’s Profile / Previous

Chapter 17 - Amends

Weekends were not always a day of rest in Kure village. The kids could play, but the rest had training and conditioning all morning. Ayami was with Youko and Fusui, at the village gym. It was indeed quite a complete place, not that Ayami had ever seen any gym inside before, but it was certainly similar to the pictures she saw. This time it wasn't even full, so she could do her exercises without feeling seen. It was kind of embarrassing to not get more than the standard 20 kilos for the bar, but they said it was something for a beginner, so she couldn't complain. Everyone had to start somewhere, after all.

“Aaaannnd… twenty!” Youko declares, helping her to lower the bench press “Heey, very well, Aya! You just managed to complete today's set!”

Ayami noticed, she now had a bandage in her right cheek, as she was wounded.

“You've been improving since you arrived, that's good” Fusui smiles “it's still missing a lot, but I'm seeing effort and progress there.”

“I hope so” Ayami sighs tiredly “I'm glad you girls accompany me. It makes me a little less lonely… and less too focused.”

“Hahaha, that coming from anyone else would be an offense” Youko hands her a bottle of water “but knowing you that's a great thing.”

“Yes, I appreciate it” Ayami takes the water. Having been almost always chubby like that, she was always jealous of women whenever she passed by a gym, seeing the girls with a sculptural body, but after a certain age this stopped being a problem when she started to focus on other things “I have never been to a gym before, I only did the ballet exercises, and I also did the dojo ones, when I practiced Kenjutsu…”

“And it's not that bad” Youko says “but sometimes we need to go all over the body to get a little more resistant in general. Ready for another set?”

“I… just wait for me to finish drinking water.”

“I understand that many civilians don't go to the gym, but you used to exercise regularly, Ayami”, Fusui sits next to her “why did you never go? I can't believe you've never set foot in a gym…”

“I've never been in one” Ayami explains “in fact I've never been so interested in it. Not to mention that I didn’t have much time there, and with my hyperfocus problem, it’s difficult to take care of the house, my family and my studies at the same time…”

“What? What about your mother?” Youko raises an eyebrow.

“She died in an accident.” Ayami speaks in an almost emotionless tone. The two Kures open their eyes, while the lawyer waves her hand “it's ok girls, it's been a long, long time…”

“That explains a lot” Youko nods.

Ayami raises an eyebrow “What, for example?”

“You being all practical, super organized, work and more work and no fun to begin with.”

“Ahhh” Ayami smiles a little “I admit that I'm to blame for this. I could have gone out with friends and cultivated friendships, but considering my ways, I feel like I did the right thing in choosing my family. My brother Akito was a child at the beginning of elementary school and my father…” she sighs “my father had to take over the company and still carry on with his previous work.”

“So he wasn't the family leader?” Fusui raises an eyebrow.

“No, It was my mother who were” Ayami smiles “She was the real production leader of Yamanoito swords, in my family. I learned to manage things from her, it helped me a lot… a little too much, I think.”

“That explains” Fusui smiles “in fact, I'm even impressed, you managed to take the reins when you were so young… I would become a delinquent.”

The three laugh. Ayami smiles “Yeah, so yeah, I've never done much of the typical girl thing, but I even know how to file income tax if I need to” more laughter “and sue people” the three laugh again.

“Don't sue me for hitting you, please” Youko jokes.

“I'll think about your case” Ayami continues playing.

“Yes, and that work of yours, Youko, did it work?” Fusui asks, suddenly remembering.

“Oh, giirl, they canceled when I was about to finish him” Youko sighs “it was my first job as an assassin, it was to take down a big piggie, you know, a blond brute, he managed to take a ood chunk of my cheek” she points to her face “I was even excited to finish the job, but then the contractor backed off in their payment and then I got orders to go home… I'm glad I didn't kill anyone that wasn’t due, tho.”

“Wow, it's horrible when that happens, and was it your first solo freelance?”

“Yea Sis, that was. I didn't do anything wrong, but starting a career like that doesn't work. I think I'll, I don't know, get another job, until I forget about this fiasco” Youko sighs “at least I fought one of his friends, a little thin to my tastes, but very agile… he was even handsome, I didn't make a lost trip.”

“Oh, at least that” Ayami tries to insert herself into the conversation “I mean, I’m glad that it wasn't that much frustrating.”

“Yeah, I got reimbursed too, by the contract, I spent time going there, after all. But the wortst part is, the fucking work went to the Devil, so he took most of the money.”

“Wait, the Devil? You’re speaking about Raian?” Ayami blinks.

“Yeah” The two say in unison.

“All of us when we complete our training, we gain demons' codenames, but there's only one Devil here” Youko nods.

“I see…” Ayami nods “and why would the Devil be called to this specific job?”

“Whenever our family encounters a deadbeat or someone who really doesn't live up to their contracts, they call on the Devil to exterminate them, when he's available.” Fusui nods “When not, he will deal with entire gangs or groups of terrorists. The most dangerous jobs involving brutal carnage are done by him.”

“They rarely put him in teams, but sometimes it's necessary for intelligence, like hacking some strong security system or something” Youko explains “so yeah, he went to deal with the Piggies this time. Shit, he stole my money…”

Ayami swallows hard. So it was pure luck that Raian wasn't available the day they went to face her father at home. She thanked the heavens for that.

Then the three see a boy approaching. The lawyer realizes that it was Mako, the boy who started the fight at the Dojo the other month.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Youko starts, but Ayami stops her.

“Wait. Hello” Ayami says politely. The boy’s face was red, not wanting to look at them “how can I help?”

“Eh… I” the boy almost couldn't get very close to the three of them “Ms. Ayami, I…” he bends down a little too low, hiding his face with his hair “I'm sorry! I did wrong in defying you, miss! I know it's none of my business to say if you’re worthy or not, but I caused trouble and paid for it, but I still owe it…”

“Hey, wait” Ayami interrupts him “calm down, boy” she gets up, and approaches him “all right. I'm not mad at you…”

“I am” Youko says softly. Fusui holds back a laugh.

The boy looks at the lawyer “N-no? I…”

“I'm not” Ayami smiles “you got hot headed, that's normal, for someone your age... When we're faced with an injustice, it's normal to rise up against it, and well, it seemed unfair when you thought I received special treatment. I haven't filed a complaint against you, you've had enough treatment from what I can see.” She looks at the boy's arm, no longer in a sling, but clearly showing some signs that it's been healed recently.

“Ah… yes, yes” he cringes, holding his arm “Your fiancé was very clear. And, and I admit it, you are strong.”

“I don't think I am yet, I think I still have a lot to improve. You're all too strong, so you don't have to hang your head anymore, okay? You've humbled yourself enough. Go continue your training, and I'll continue mine. Maybe one day I'll train with you, what do you think?”

The boy smiled “I'd like to see how you did that sweeping move. I didn't learn that at the Dojo…”

“Haha, that was from the ballet” she blushes “I ended up mixing things up by accident…”

“It was amazing, if possible, teach us?”

“Well, I don't know if it would be of any help, but I can say a few things…”

He smiled more “Great! I ah… the lady is still training. Sorry for interrupting.”

“No, relax, your coming made my day better” she smiles adorable “see you later.”

He nods, and turns to leave, much happier than when he arrived. Ayami looks at the two, who are smiling “What?”

“No nothing” Fusui says, with a tender smile “let's continue our training.”

“Yes, today for me is leg day. Uuugh, I'm going out on wobbly legs today…”

Ayami laughs. If this was having fun with friends, then she was having a great time, finally.

…

Fusui and Youko left the gym with her, showered and wearing fresher clothes, talking a few things and laughing, when she saw him approaching. Raian was serious, which by his standards meant slightly hunched over, with an angry expression and giving off a somewhat dangerous aura with his shoulders forward and a determined walk. The dark sclera eyes focused on her definitely didn't help her stay calm when he came toward her. She even instinctively flinched as she stared back at him, even though she was pretty sure she hadn't done anything. This made her friends step forward, protectively, preventing him from advancing.

He stopped in front of them, still staring at them with daggers in his eyes.

“Hi Raian, what do you want?” Youko asks, in a polite but cold tone.

“I want to talk to my fiancée, and you’re fucking getting in the way” - he answers a little harsh, intimidating “Fuck off”

“What if I don't want to?” Youko tries to challenge.

“Then I'll be forced to turn you into a corpse to walk over…” he looks at the bandage on her face, and smiles maliciously “Do you want to challenge me, Scarface?”

Youko growls at the new nickname, but is interrupted with a hand on her shoulder.

“All right, girls, I guess It’s okay…” Ayami tries to push them away “I’ll talk to him, then I'll go with you, ok? Please, no fighting.”

Youko walked away, hesitating.

“But… seriously…?” she still was not convinced.

“All right, Aya” Fusui says, calmer, she was just surprised by her brother's face, who looked like he wanted to strangle the girl for something silly. She'd seen something similar before “we'll talk later, okay?” and pushes the other one out of their sight. Youko still wanted to face the two of them, but soon left.

Ayami looks at Raian.

“May I help?” she says, trying to be polite, but blushing.

“Come with me” he nods, in the direction, hands in pockets. Ayami felt that she didn't have much choice but to follow along.

After a while of silence, walking through the orchards, she finally noticed which direction they were going. The forest was very close, more precisely in the same direction as the lake where they had met. Her cheeks feel hot as she remembers the last time she went and he was there.

“Eh… I think I know where you want to take me…” Ayami tries to talk. He was still silent, and that made her a little uncomfortable. “What do you want to talk to me about?”

“Those two idiots are still watching us” he grunts “Annoying flies, they gossip more than crows fly next to dead bodies…”

“Are you talking about Fusui and Youko?” she asks “They must be worried about me... if you show that you don't want to hurt me, maybe they'll stop chasing us…”

“They're still around” he stops, looking at her “and what I do with you is none of their business…”

“‘Well, except when it's something bad, but it doesn't seem to be the case, so…” she approaches “can I hold your arm?”

“For what?” He raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

“Just let me do it. If you want them to stop bothering you…”

He stares at her a little, then softens his expression. She takes it as a yes, and then she wraps an arm around his arm. Ayami didn't want to admit that she liked the feeling of holding those muscles, but she couldn't stop herself from reacting with a smile.

“Calm down, I'm not going to give you a jiu-jitsu move” she jokes, trying to break the ice. He huffs, a smile appearing.

“As if you could bring me down, Mousie” he seemed to take the bait “I'm just letting you do it because you asked me so nicely.”

“I know, that's why I only leave this knack for special occasions” she hugs him a little “have they left?”

“Hnm…” he took a discreet look around the surroundings “yeah, they're going…”

“You see? We just needed to show that we wanted privacy. They thought you were going to mistreat me or something…”

He rolled his eyes “whatever…” looks at his arm “hey, that's enough, let go of me.”

“Why?” She caresses his arm, smiling slightly as she traces his muscles’ lines.

He didn't answer, pursing his lips, so he ignored and started walking again. She lets go of him just enough so she doesn't walk all crookedly, but she continues to hold his wrist as she walks. She knew it wasn't the same as holding hands, but for some reason, she felt like smiling like she was.

They entered the forest, heading for the lake. At one point in the walk, he took hold of her wrist, pulling her gently, leading the way. She knew the way, but let him lead. Raian was the type who liked things done his way, and this time she wanted to be lead, so she followed him in silence. She couldn't hold back from curiosity either, and that being unusual for him, she was even afraid to ask.

They passed by the two trees that marked the way, and soon arrived at the said place. But he didn't go to the lake, but to the dry part right next to it. He released her and walked a little forward.

“You said you have a problem with your Frenzy” he starts slowly “but you didn't get practically anything to improve.”

“Not exactly” she replies, surprised that he has started the subject “I've been training my stamina, and I’m improving… I don’t get so tired anymore”

“That's not what I meant. Your hyperfocus, you remain inattentive, even with this training. That's a problem” he approaches. She shook her head.

“It's not the biggest of my problems, actually… I'm not that inattentive.”

“Oh, you’re not?”

“Yes, you who have keen senses, so right next to you I am a negation that cannot even look at the ground before stepping.”

“And yet you jump of fright, especially when I enter the place. Anyone setting an ambush for you does it with their eyes closed…”

“Not so fast. I know when someone messed with my stuff or left something out of place…”

“Yes, but at your house” he rolled his eyes “but that's not the point. You have to improve your senses more than anything else. Even if it's something that runs in your family, it's a defect that needs to be fixed.”

She was still surprised. Where had she seen such a serious Raian from?

“And… do you want to help me with this?” she risks.

“And why else would I call you here?” He raises an eyebrow.

She thought, of, maybe, him apologizing for what he had almost done, but the thought of that scene again makes her look away, blushing, and then he holds back a laugh “Ooohh… would you look at that… what a dirty mind of yours. And you say I’m the gutter one…”

“It's not my fault if I'm not used to being dragged to a natural paradise by a handsome man, let alone the one I'm supposed to marry” she holds her mouth, blushing more “oh, sorry, it kind of escaped me…”

“Heh, good to know you think of me that way” he smiles mischievously “maybe I can take care of you later, if you behave…” She blushes a lot more, he laughs out loud “hehahahhaha, you really have a dirty mind, Mousie. Now that I know your weakness…” he approaches, mischievously, one hand on her jaw, his thumb caressing her chin “I'm going to explore that until I get tired.”

“Please don’t overdo it” she tries to say in the midst of embarrassment, averting her eyes “I can run away…”

“This only gives me more courage to hunt you, Mousie” he brings his face close to hers, as if to kiss her, she stares at him. But he pulls away when she feels his breath, covering her mouth “hehehe, not yet.”

She trembles, frustrated, and annoyed by what he's done, as he walks away. She hated even more the fact that she'd enjoyed being teased like this. Damn it.

“But, back to the subject” he leans against a tree “I had an idea to help you with this hyperfocus.”

She looks at him, trying to pay attention and not think about other things.

“From what I've observed, you tend to get into this state whenever you need to focus on something. As in everyday life, we need to pay attention to something to do it, it's very easy for you to get into it. When you're focused, everything about you that can help you about that specific thing improves. Your calculations, movements, precision…” he throws a rock at her suddenly, and she manages to catch the reflection “Your reflexes too. But, you have to turn it off when you're not using it, and since you can't, it wakes up the Frenzy.”

“Yeah…” Ayami nods, turning the stone in her hands “You understand… and just described everything. I'm no expert on this, but I've done some research and I've seen that my hyperfocus is a type of attention deficit I have. When I focus too much on one thing, I forget about the rest, and everything goes out of balance.”

“Exactly. You have to learn to blur it out” he looks far away in the distance, as he was trying to remember something “as far as I know, the Yamagami were specialized in mob killing, so they're probably used to focusing while immersed in chaos…”

“Yeah, I've heard that story” so she looks at him and laughs a little.

“What's so funny?” he frowns. She waves her hand.

“‘No, it's just that… if we're used to chaos, that must be why I should get along with you, then. You are pure chaos.”

It made him laugh. It wasn't quite a hyena laugh, but a nicer version.

“True…” he starts to walk away, leaving the tree “but that doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about how to slow down” he approaches “even more so when I can use it to my advantage.”

“Of course” she smiles slightly “so… what do you intend to teach me?”

“Actually, you already know” he puts his hand on the side of her face, thumb on her cheek, fingers running along the back of her head “or are you going to tell me that you can focus even when I do that?”

She blushes, feeling goosebumps “I… I think so… but I'm more alert to what you're going to do to me than my surroundings…”

He pauses for a moment, getting a little tense for a moment, but then slowly smiles back “heh, that's good, but still not exactly what I want to do.”

“I'm glad you think that way about me” she smiles back, albeit a little shyly “so if I already know… and you can probably teach me well, it's something about fighting. Will you fight Kenjutsu with me?”

“Wrong. At least in the last part” he laughs softly, letting go of his hand and stepping back, but the presence getting intimidating “let's play Mousie Hunt. You have to pay attention to your surroundings if you don't want to get caught. You can keep a weapon to defend yourself, you can even hide. I’ll find you…”

“Oh…” she looked at him, half cringing “five minutes ahead?”

“Two” he leans against the tree again, looking directly at her “let's see if you can survive, Mousie.”

She swallows, shivering. He didn't look like he was kidding.

“Let's go…” he closes his eyes, smiling slightly “Starting… now”

Ayami didn't know what to think, she just knew that she couldn't stay there any longer. She ran away, across the lawn. She knew she could be found, but if she had a chance...

She wondered what was the use of it, if it would really be useful, and even she wondered what would happen if she lost, but she shut her thoughts. Now was not the time to think, damn it!

Ayami hid behind a large tree, and waited, catching her breath. She would have to arm herself, yes, but with what?

“Calm down, Ayami, calm down” she murmurs as she takes a dry stick “you're fine, you're just playing with him, aren't you?” she couldn't say, and that made her very alert. Maybe that was the point, right?

“Ready or not, here I go…” - She managed to hear, in the distance. Her neck shivered. Oh no. This was no time to panic “Mousie, Mousie, where have you been hiding?” he starts humming, my God, Ayami can't help but panic “hehehe… I'll find you…”

She didn't know what to feel, didn't know if she was afraid, if she was angry at being called a mouse again… or if that third feeling, a warmth in her chest that she knew very well what it was but didn't want to name, out of shame.

She had to stay alert, or else it would be the end of her...

“FOUND YA!” He screamed and she jumped, almost screaming too, and shut her own mouth, trying to discern with her senses where he was “hahahahha, lucky for you, you weren't here…” she heard, he was very close.

She felt just like one of those horror movies she liked to watch, where the girl was being chased by a slasher, and she had to stay still so he wouldn't track her or hear her, him giving signs that he was close and all.

Even his laugh was the same. She felt weak in her legs, from fear or from excitement, she certainly didn't know.

“You know, an interesting thing about us…” he was saying, when approaching. “In the movies, the Slasher always plays this noisy role, to give the victim a chance… but did you know that real Assassins are silent? I'm not that loud in real life… nooooo, no, no… that scares the pigs… and that’s not actually fun”

Ayami was tempted to respond, but forced herself to remain silent. He was too close, she could hear his footsteps. She couldn't run away now.

“So… don't think about running, huh… I’ll hear you. if you're scared to the point of pissing yourself… I'll smell you too…”

She waits for his footsteps to be far away before peeking around the side of the tree where she was hiding, to know where to run. And as soon as she saw him, she came out of hiding to the opposite side, running with all her might.

Raian then turns towards her footsteps and laughs softly, muttering “hehehehee… let the hunt begin…” and runs after her.

…

Raian had to admit, this was fun as hell.

He'd known in advance that she'd agree to this game because she's a fan of horror stuff, but using the pretense, albeit a true one, of helping her become more aware of her surroundings, only made it easier.

He just didn't know how excited it was going to make him.

The prey was finally running for her life. And the hunter was behind, ready to overpower her when he get her. Even he felt like laughing as the trees passed like a shadow.

“You will not escape me, Mousie!” he used the trees to propel him forward. She let out a thin squeak, making sharp turns, trying to confuse him.

Ah, this was good prey, trying to fight for life. So much fun.

More so when he saw that thick body right in front of him, making his mouth fill with water. It triggered other instincts he didn't even know he had. How many must he still have hidden? He had no idea, but he was eager to find out.

“Go… away!” she suddenly stopped, and an unsuspecting Raian only realized this when it was too late, he just felt a bamboo stick on the side of his face throwing him to the side, on the ground. He rolled to land safely due to his reflexes, and sat on the ground, eyes widening in surprise.

Had she used momentum to propel herself and hit him? Hell, if that was a Katana she would have cut his head in two! Luckily it was wooden and didn't hurt as much as if he were a normal person, but he was still kind of in shock with surprise, massaging his face.

“Oh, my God, I'm sorry!” Ayami was suddenly distressed “I was… you said I could defend myself!”

Raian didn't answer, and just stared at her, pupils contracting. Ayami shrugged her shoulders and widened her eyes as he smiled like a maniac, he started laughing out loud.

“Run” he gave one last warning before starting to move. She didn't need to hear it twice, giving a thin scream half mixed with laughter, still with the stick in her hand.

That made Raian sure: she was also playing that game. This cheered him up even more.

…

That coup with the bamboo stick was a bad idea!

Ayami knew she wouldn't last long, so she used all the tricks she could think of, but kind of in vain, the creature that was chasing her was much stronger and more capable than she was, and that frustrated her a little. If this was a real fight, she wouldn't stand a chance...

Until she thought of the lake, and had an idea.

She headed there, hoping that she still had a chance and breath to get there. She had always had confidence in her legs, thanks to ballet, she was able to jump well and was still flexible enough to run using strides as well as firm ankles and using all areas of her feet for running. So she knew she wouldn't trip, but she couldn't afford to prolong it, as she still didn't have half the minimum stamina needed to survive such a chase.

She just hoped she could walk away from this game unscathed.

She broke out of the woods and ran across the open field, her hunter close behind.

“In the open? That's stupid of you…” he prepares to jump on her again.

“Not when I can play by my rules!” She turns and points the stick at him again.

Duly alert now, he brakes before reaching the weapon's range, and smirks as she assumes a combat pose, the stick raised like a Katana.

“Hehehehee…” he smiled, his mischievous face stamped “so you want to play sword? Okay, so…” he kicks another stick on the ground, a straight branch, upwards. Catching it in the air, brandish it, as if measuring its weight, and switch to using only one hand, like fencing ��I'll beat you with only one arm.”

“Let's see if you will remain convinced after I give you some beatings” she moves the 'sword' with both hands. He continues to smile, now much scarier, but Ayami wasn't surprised. He was playing the role well.

He charges first, she parries from the bottom up, he charges from the side, she parries, slow but sure. Raian takes a step back, and chuckles low, circling the swordswoman, who has a straight face.

“Ooohh… you really take this seriously…” he turns the wood, as if holding a western sword.

“A samurai never wields his sword to play” she recites, serious “I may be using a bamboo pole, but my philosophy is the same.”

“Do you understand now? That's why you get into the Frenzy so easily” he scoffs “with such seriousness, even while you’re not supposed to take it so seriously.”

“If I don't take it seriously, you'll slaughter me,” she replies.

He laughs “fair enough!” he attacks again, on the side, and she defends, counterattacking with a long kick, but he defends, taking advantage of the momentum to try to 'cut' her leg, and she retreats and the swords meet once more. It wasn't nearly as frantic as the Kenjutsu boys at the dojo. Raian was just testing her.

“Oh, so you know how to fight with swords…” she smiles slightly “No. I recognize this upright rand pose. This is a Yamagami pose, so you learned how to use a Yamanoito…” she smiles.

“Of course. No matter what combat style you have, we Kure will learn and defeat you with them” he charges again, and this time she can barely defend. She felt the back of her neck prickling.

“Then allow me to fight on the same level” she assumes the same pose “Yamanoito against Yamanoito.”

“I'm already starting to like it” he smirks, getting slightly more serious.

She takes a deep breath, and this time, she's the one investing.

…

Despite not needing that to definitely dominate her, immobilize her and win the fight, Raian didn't understand why he was enjoying playing this little game. She was fast, he had to give her that credit, but even so, he could see her movements, could know what to do to attack, but he didn't want to. He was enjoying watching her struggle to even reach his level. Almost adorable.

Adorable. What a word to even get into his thoughts.

This kind of effort he'd only seen trice in his life: of other trainees when he was training with other Kure, when they were still apprentices, and when Ohma fought him, in the tournament, and then when he was still recovering, in Kure village. In these occasions, only Ohma had gotten over it and they were now on equal footing.

But even with all that, it still wasn't nearly as interesting to watch as this Mousie's. She had strength, she had speed, with time and training and that ability to focus, she could even become a master. But that tenacity, that gazelle look when she decided to light up… it only made him want to keep fighting, to keep it alight.

This, he noted, was explicitly different from wanting to turn off others' light, when he was on his missions, or fighting in the ring. He just could…but he didn't want to.

The kind of clarity that came from that thought almost cost him a direct blow to the head, which he parried at the last second, opening his eyes, returning to focus. She was staring at him, that fire in her eyes… the light hadn't gone out, she wasn't expressionless, closed in on herself, like when in Frenzy, she had her brow furrowed, her eyelids half closed, the clear effort to keep her katana in place.

She had managed not to get lost. He'd managed to keep her from getting lost.

Ayami was staring at him, and he wanted her to keep staring. He no longer wanted to see her afraid, withdrawing into herself for a hidden ability. That fiber, that courage… that was so much better.

“Ayami” he says, his voice came out much softer than he wanted, as he approached his face and turned his sword for her to defend herself instead of attacking, clearly showing dominance “you're awake.”

She blinks, confused “Oh. I’m” then her eyes widen “I'm not in Frenzy! I did it!”

“We did” he approaches his face and steals a kiss from her. She's lost strength in surprise, so he takes the wooden sticks in both hands and tosses them aside, taking his prize with the deservedness he knew he had.

She didn't complain at all, reciprocating as she put her hands on his shoulders, and he deepened his kiss, pulling her to him.

That's when Raian not only won the fight, but lost himself. He had no doubt now, that creature's soft skin was too good to hold, even more so when hot like this… and the smell… he'd smelled it before, but this… her natural scent coming with a little sweat, even more so after that effort, it added an absurdly engaging note.

Holy shit, he wanted more of this.

He wanted to combine the two scents, hers and his, bite her, mark her, no one else should even touch her. He pulls her along, hungry, and she would almost lose her balance if he wasn't strong enough to hold them both, but he didn't care, and he goes along with her, falling to the ground on top, both of them on the soft grass.

“Raian” Even the gasp she released… music to his ears. He had to remember that she'd never done that, but it only made him worse. A possessive rush came from deep inside him as he bit her lip. Mine, mine and nobody else's. No one will even touch it, and if someone tries, I'll kill them.

For the first time he was startled by the truth of that thought, and he fully agreed with it. He smiled at the possible challenge, but his focus was now on her. He finally releases her from the kiss, for her to breathe, and she looks at him with that look, still lit, but now with a touch of excitement and innocence… he wondered if that innocent face would remain after she screamed her name…

“Wait… no. Slow down, idiot.” A thought slapped his mind. It's the only time she shouldn't be scared and wanting you instead, but she's shaking underneath you. Warm, soft, but shivering. “Stop.”

Raian loosened his grip on her, shaking his head, half annoyed with himself as he got out on top of her. Ayami looked at him confused as he sat down beside her, massaging the area where he had been affected by her blow, just to have an excuse for what to do with his hands.

“Why did you stop?” she asked. He looked at her, a little surprised.

“Did you want me to continue?” he raises an eyebrow. She blushes, her mouth pouting and looking away. He shook his head, rolling his eyes “Yeah. As much as you turn me on, you don't feel ready” he gets up “And as much as I am who I am, I definitely prefer it when my partner collaborates. If not, it stops being an intimacy, it becomes a murder” he extends his hand to her “and... as much as I like your scared Mousie face, I don't want my wife to be afraid of me.”

She stared at him, wide-eyed, as she processed the sentence. And he knew she was filled with joy as she felt herself take a deep breath.

“So… do you… do you accept me, Raian?” She holds his hand, and lets herself be helped. “Do you really want me?”Raian paused at the question, but everything is his mind assembly agreed “yes, I want you, dammit!”, but he responds as he snorts with laughter “And why else would I be here hunting you, Mousie?” he jokes, looking at her from above, making her crane her neck, and this time Ayami knew he wasn't mocking her. He pulled a not-so-quick kiss before they walked back to the village. Dirty, she tired, both of them covered in grass, but he wouldn't let go of her hand.

Next Chapter Here

#kengan ashura #kengan omega #kenganverse #heavybakery #devilsfood #fanfiction #kengan oc #raian kure #kure raian

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chicchanmooshy · 2 years

Text

Shades of grey, Chapter 19 - Christmas at Usagi’s, part 2 (Marked by Donnie)

warnings: 18+, smut, lemon, unacceptable behavior, biting, blood, almost drowning

@roxosupreme @leosgirl82 @thelaundrybitch @mysticboombox @turtle-babe83 @sewerninno @angelcatlowyn @raisin-shell @catweasle @yarchurr @rheawritesforfun @lady-maria-the-wolf225 @doctorelleth

The journey to Usagi's world didn't take long. Open a portal, one hour walk through the nexis and another portal. When Ishtar stepped through the second portal she was surprised by the change in temperature. 'Good thing I already celebrated Yule, I really needed the cold weather for that.' They stood in the middle of a grass plain. “Where to now, Raph?” she asked.

“Not sure. Leo told us to wait, just in case something happened in this world. Can you make contact with him? Through your mind-thought link?”

“Sure, if he's listening..” she said and searched his mind.

After a few minutes Ishtar found him. “I know where he is, he's fine but not listening..”

“Figures..”, and rolled his eyes. “Now what do we do?”

“I'll contact Master Splinter, hold on..” she said and searched for him. Within seconds she found him too. With respect she carefully touched his mind.

^Master Splinter? It's me, Ishtar.^

^Hello Ishtar. How are you? Are you still in the lair?^

^No, we are already in Usagi's world. We were told to wait for Leonardo, but he isn't responding to me, his mind is closed off... Oh and I'm.. we're fine by the way.^

^Glad to hear it. You should be near a little village, if so, go there and wait beneath the oak tree. Contact Leonardo again when you are there. And this time, as an exercise, try to think in what kind of energy you want to approach him. As his girlfriend or as his equal. You got one hour to reach him, after that, I will tell him of your arrival. Good luck Ishtar.^ and he broke the link.

Ishtar sighed and looked at Raphael.

“Did you reach him?” he asked.

“Yeah, I did. But he made an exercise out of it for me. There should be a little village nearby. He ordered us to go there and wait beneath the oak tree. From there I have to contact Leo again. If I won't succeed within an hour, he will tell Leonardo that we have arrived here.”

“Oh yes, that's typical dad!” He looked around, but couldn't see any houses. “Come stand on my shoulders Ishtar. Maybe you can see the village.”

“I am to do what?” she said surprised. Looking up she wondered, standing on his shoulders? But he was so tall!

“It'll be alright, babe. I won't drop ya. Here, I'll give ya a boost”, he held his hands outstretched for her, so she could stand on it.

A bit wobbly she was crouching on his shoulders, not yet used to the small movements Raph made. “This is so different than standing on a boat..” she said.

“Haha, well, you know. I'm not exactly a calm person. But more of a raging sea where you always have to pay attention..” Raph said jokingly. “Do you see the village yet?”

“Yes, It's towards the east.. If the wind directions work the same here, at least. Keep the sun to your right. I think it's a half hour walk from here”, she said and climbed down.

“ 'k, let's start moving than. That doesn't leave you much time to contact fearless..”

“No, but I'll try to reach him during walking as well.”

With a brisk pace they reached the village quickly. Keeping out of side they searched the oak tree and settled down.

“You stay here with our stuff. I'll get us some food. Call Leo again. Eventually he has to let you in.”

Her first few attempts had failed. He just blocked her out, without acknowledging it was her. Now that she sat down with her back against the tree trunk, she was able to ease down in the right energy. 'Lover energy clearly wasn't working. Now, should I try alfa energy? No, wait! I need to do this differently..' With a deep breath she cleared her mind, erasing all nonessential thoughts. She then sought his mind and scanned the edges. Scanning for his current mood and energy. She found deep concentration, dedication and something he enjoyed very much. 'k, he must be sparring with someone.. Let's find out who that is..' She found a person and another brick wall. This person had good control of his thoughts! But, somewhere in the distance she could sense something that felt like camaraderie. Probably Usagi than. 'Okay, phase two. Take Leo's energy and mix a little bit of Ishtar and some alfa energy in it and be that energy. Let's try again..'

^Leonardo..^ she mind-thought to him. She had to wait a whole minute before he responded.

^Hey Ishtar. How are you? Is something going on?^

^I'm fine and so is Raphael. We arrived in Usagi's world and would like to be picked up. We are at a small village under the big oak tree.^

^Alright, I'll sent Mickey and Donnie. I'm in the middle of a sparring match..^

^.. with Usagi^, she broke in. ^Yes, I already figured that out. See you soon?^

^Yes^, was his only reply. That was a bit strange. Normally he wasn't that short to her. Probably still in the match, he needed his concentration more over there. So she waved it aside for now.

Quite unexpectedly Ishtar saw a person walking straight towards her. A large rino... He carried two swords and walked with great confidence, like Raphael, only this rino looked arrogant as well. And that was something Ishtar didn't like. Ugh, what kept Raphael so long?

“Hello there, beautiful lady. My name is Murakami Gennosuke, but you can call me Gen.” he introduced himself.

Getting back on her feet, she greeted him. “Good day to you. My name is Ishtar.”

“I have to tell you, Ishtar. A lady as beautiful as you, is something I would like to enjoy”, he said very intrusive.

With disbelief Ishtar stared at him. “Excuse me? We've just met. Besides, I'm not interested.”

“Oh, I'm sure you will be. How can you resist someone as good looking like me?”

“Trust me, no problems there..” 'Could you believe this guy?!'

“Good, uncomplicated persons are the best. Please follow me to the tavern, so I can buy you a drink. You look thirsty.”

“No, thank you Gen”, she said annoyed and started to feel uncomfortable around him.

“Aah, playing hard to get, are you? I like that in a woman! You know what I even like more in a woman?”

“.....”

“Me!”

“Okay, you're leaving now! Bye Gen!”

“You sure? The beds in the tavern are very nice and soft”, and winked at her.

Ishtar sighed and fought the urge to slap him. She rolled her eyes and thought, 'this guy is so annoying, he just wont stop.'

“It's not like you are taken, are you?” Gen asked insecure.

“Taken? I'm a free woman who chooses her own life. But I do share my life with four men.”

“Four?! Oh, than someone like me will truly make you complete!”

'Oh, for crying out loud!! I hate this guy!' “Persistent are you? No chance in hell, besides, I like odd numbers, so you and me, not gonna happen!”

At that moment Raphael decided to jump down from the tree. “Leave her be, Gen. This is our woman. How are you doing scoundrel?”

“Seriously, you two know each other?” asked Ishtar irritated.

“Yeah babe. We've met years ago. Gen is a friend of Usagi. Tell me Gen, are ya still a bounty hunter?”

“That I am. Hey man, I'm sorry about treating your woman like this. But it's hard to pick up any woman these days..”

“Maybe if you treat a woman with more respect, they would like you sooner instead of wanting to ch..” Ishtar was fuming but Raph interrupted her.

“That's enough Ishtar!” he said as he pulled her away from Gen. “Shh, calm down, stop hissing! You're not a cat but a turtle. Act like one.”

“I can see why you like her, Raphael. She's got the same temper as you do. Say, aren't that your two brothers running towards us right now?”

“Oh finally! Hey guys, took you long enough!” Raph called to Donnie and Mickey.

“Tsk, says the turtle who arrives three days after us.” scoffs Mickey. He immediately turned to Ishtar. “Let go of big Red and give this turtle a hug. I've missed you, babycakes.” He didn't wait for her and just pulled her into a big hug.

“Hey, what about me?” Donnie pouted.

“Sorry Donnie, but thanks to Gen here, I'm not in the mood to be shoved around”, she growled. “Please join in and make it a group hug.”

To Gen this was all too amusing, but he knew better than to show it. He turned around and chatted happily with Raphael while Ishtar got calmed down by the other two turtles. Mickey cracking jokes did help a bit. But inhaling the scent of both Mickey and Donnie calmed her more down than theirs words.

Donnie looked down on her and thought she was acting strange. “What are you doing now, you weird woman?” Donnie asked. “You sniffing me? I did wash this morning, you know!”

“Animal instincts Donnie, just let me smell your scent..”

He chuckled. “Alright love, but don't get too excited.”

While they walked, Raphael offered Ishtar some food. “It's not much, but it's something”, he said as he gave her an apple.

“It's alright Raph, I don't need that much right now. How long is this walk going to take?”

“At this rate?” Donnie said, “about an hour. Are you sure you don't want help with your backpack? It looks heavy.”

“No, thank you, it's not that heavy, just big. Besides, I haven't trained for a few days, so this is a good workout.”

“Suit yourself,” Donnie shrugged.

Mickey introduced Ishtar to Usagi, his wife Haru and their five children. Three boys; Sho, Tamotsu and Yamato. And the two girls; Asami and Yuzuki. Ishtar tried her best to be respectful, but was unknown with the local customs, so she bowed. Usagi kindly asked about her delay and she told him about her work and her small Solstice celebration.

When she finally saw Leo she approached him for a greeting and a hug, only to be stopped by him. “A bow will do, Ishtar', was all he said. She complied but if felt so cold. Before she could ask him about it, he was already in conversation with Usagi again. 'What's going on in here?' she wondered.

Michaelangelo pulled her out of her thoughts and said something about feeding her properly. Outside there was a nice campfire where she could smell roasted chicken. Haru was so kind to make this happen, once she heard Ishtar hadn't eaten much since breakfast. Now that she smells the food, her stomach started to rumble.

As she sat herself down unto a log, she looked amused at Donnie who entertained the children around the fireplace. Sho had asked about the different names of the chicken bones and Donnie was more than happy to explain it all.

“Hey Mickey”, Ishtar said to him, “isn't Donatello actually playing with his food now?”

Mickey looked a few seconds at his brother and answered, “yup, he is.”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. 'k, watch this”, Ishtar said, walking to Donnie and sitting down on his lap.

“And this bone is called.. hey Ishtar, what are you doing?” Donnie asked bewildered.

“Not much. You are teaching and I want to learn everything from the front row.”

Mickey started to snicker. And the children found it funny too. Holding up a peticular delicious looking chicken's leg, Donnie opened his mouth to tell more about that bone. But before he could say anything, Ishtar took a bite of the meat.

“Hey! That's my dinner!” Donnie exclaimed.

“Yup, and it's delicious. Don't play with your food, Donnie. Or I'll come and eat it”, she winked.

Around them the children were laughing and Mickey rolled on the grass from laughing so much.

Before Donnie could get up to walk away in embarrassment, Ishtar quickly captured his mouth in a deep kiss. Turning Donnie to putty and then to a passionate turtle again.

“Hey you two, knock it off! We've got a tent for that!” Raph said and pointed to it. Grinning Donnie broke the kiss.

“I'm sorry if I embarrassed you, Donnie. That wasn't my intension”, Ishtar said with regret.

“I forgive you. I kinda deserved it. But could you be a bit more subtle next time? You caused me a boner..”

“I'll try.. and yes, I can feel you. Wanna do something about that?” she asked seductive.

“Want? Yes! Can? No! Dad is meditating in the tent and we shouldn't leave the camp side.”

A few feet away stood Usagi, who was witnessing the scene. He came closer and whispered to Ishtar and Donnie; “and here I thought that rabbits were horny all the time..” and walked away chuckling.

Ishtar's face flushed and she looked quickly away, a little embarrassed.

“There is a river behind the house, we could cool down there?” suggested Donnie and returning her attention to him.

“Sounds great. I'll get some towels, see you there?”

“Sure love..”

“How warm is the water, Donnie?” Asked Ishtar when she arrived at the river.

“Sixty degrees Fahrenheit. I still think it's pretty cold.”

“Cool enough to cool your body down, at least. Is there a strong current?”

“No, there's barely a current, quite safe.”

Ishtar wasted no time and quickly undressed. Completely naked she stepped into the water, which felt nice to her. 'This is a nice change compared to the freekingly cold sea water back home.' “Come on Donnie, you'll get used to the temperature soon enough!”

Donnie still stood in the grass, unwilling to get into the water.

“Bet you can't catch me!” she called out. And immediately kicking hard off from the bottom, swimming for her life. She had no illusions to actually win this, it was only meant to finally get him in the water. She heard him growl and a loud splash. Playfully looking back but didn't see Donnie anywhere. 'Oh shit, he's under water!'

When she felt two hands on her hips she screamed. Somehow she had expected this would happen and yet it still came as a surprise. Donnie pulled her under. Too late she tried to get a gulp of air into her lungs, which caused her to ingest water. Waving her arms to get back up, but Donnie saw it as playfulness and kept holding on to her. In a half panic she struggled harder to swim to the surface and accidentally kicked him in the chest. It felt like she was kicking a brick wall and groaned from the pain in her toes. Finally realizing something was wrong, he let her go. But seeing her still in distress he grabbed her around the waist and with a few powerful strokes he had her in the open air. Coughing loudly and panting for air, she clung to Donnie.

“Take me to the shore”, she had a hard time uttering between two coughs.

“I'm sorry Ishtar, I didn't mean that to happen!” Donnie whimpered when he put her down in the grass. Ishtar was still coughing and trying to take deep breaths. When she finally thought she coughed all the water up, she rolled onto her back for more air. All the while holding Donnie's hand tight. She calmed down her heartbeat and looked at him, “this isn't your fault, I was the one who gave you that challenge, remember?”

“Yeah.. but..” he looked away ashamed, “you almost drowned because of me..” he whined, fumbling with his hands.

“Look at me, Donnie..” she said softly.

He gave her a few glances now and then, still ashamed. Ishtar got up and pulled him into a hug. “Listen to me. You did not almost drown me! I only chocked in some water. The big drama around it came because I was under water. I am alright now. And I trust you with my life.”

“But..” he started again.

“No buts. Lets take this one further. Can you teach me how to swim like a turtle? Are there any tricks involved?”

“You just... and now you want to...?” Donnie asked confused.

“Yeah! I think you are the best one to ask, I trust you and I want to learn”, she said in a light manner. She could see he was still upset and thought how to distract him from the little incident. “Take deep breaths, Donnie. Inhale the good air and let it fill your whole body with it. And exhale the bad shit..”

After that it became more of a game, chasing each other, spinning around, sliding over each other's bodies. And then the physical attraction kicked in again.. Phew, those caresses they gave each other, here with one hand, there with a thigh of with a mouth... Every time Ishtar swam up to get air, she pushed her butt into his crotch. The first time Donnie allowed it, the second time he held back, but the third time.. shell no! Ishtar really wasn't the innocent girl here, but the naughty woman. She was deliberately challenging him. So when he grabbed her after the third time, she turned around and wrapped her legs around his waist, trapping his hard-on between their bodies. Almost out of air she tried to swim up. Donnie wouldn't let her and held on with one hand around her waist. With the other hand he pulled her in for a kiss, and shared some much needed air. One minute later he swam up with her to get them both some air.

Donnie burst into laughter.

“Wanna hear a lame joke?”

“Sure”, he snorted.

“What kind of fish is made of only two sodium atoms?”

Her distraction worked, because he started thinking on this. Of course he thought too hard on this. She let him ponder on it, while she wrote the answer in the sand:

2 Na. With an amused face she looked at him and at the answer. It didn't take long before Donnie threw his arms in the air, frustrated. “That isn't possible! What is the answer?”

Again Ishtar looked at the answer in the sand, Donnie looked too. He blinked and snorted once. “Wow... that IS lame! Why didn't you make a better joke?”

“This was meant to distract from the incident and a bit to lift your spirits... Now, will you teach me?”

“Yeah, sure”, and walked into the water. “Let's start with the basics. You know the front crawl and breaststroke?”

“Uhm, probably, but again, not familiar with the English names.”

“Show me how you swim and I'll name them.” Donnie offered.

Ishtar did know these strokes. She even had a beautiful technique with the front crawl. Minimal noise and no huge water columns either. After Donnie noticed this he saw she actually moved very graceful through the water. And she was a fast learner.

“Take a breath and dive with me. Try to copy my movements.”

Normally Donnie would ask for permission, always using many words to describe the situation best. And Ishtar would answer with words as well. But now, something had changed. With need he looked at her and down to his hard-on, still trapped between them, and back at her. At the same time Ishtar looked down with him and grinned. Lifting one leg higher – while holding on to him for support as they were still in the deeper water – she aligned his member to her core.

Yes, normally Donnie would be very careful not to hurt her. But today at that moment, a more animalistic instinct took over his brain. He didn't just wanted to make love to her, he wanted to fuck her turtle style, he wanted to mark her as his.

With a growl he plunged into her, all the way. Panting his name, grabbing him tight around his shell, she started to move with him. 'Shell, was the water suddenly a few degrees warmer?' she wondered.

Slowly they drifted to shallow water. Somehow Donnie regained something of his brainpower again. His thrusting slowed down and eventually stopped. Ishtar kept going for a while, until she saw his face. Full of lust, need and something more that she didn't recognized yet.

“Ishtarrr...” Donnie breathed.

“Yes Donnie?” she panted.

“Stop clenching your pelvic floor muscles for a moment woman. I'm so... fucking close... and... I don't wanna cum yet...” he churred.

Curious she obeyed.

“I wanna fuck you turtle style.. I want to mark you.. will you let me?” he asked through gritted teeth.

Thinking about it for a few seconds, she asked “turtle style would be doggy style?”

“Yess..”

“And marking would be.. a hicky?”

“No, something more permanent.. it's a bite mark.. So?” he asked trembling.

“...yes..!”

Donnie pulled out quickly. “Turn around, on your hands and knees!” and plunched back in, pounding her core with everything he had. Then slowing down again but kept thrusting this time, gently snaking his arm around her chest and gripping her shoulder tight. Breathing hard Donnie whispered, “this is going to hurt. Scream all you want, preferably my name but don't move..”

Ishtar nodded. Carefully Donnie pulled her hair aside, revealing the back of her neck. Nuzzling her, breathing in her scent, churring all the while, he searched for the right spot. Kissing the spot when he found it. “Remember love, don't pull away..”

Gripping her shoulder so tight it's going to leave bruises, keeping her in a death lock, Donnie started thrusting again, faster, harder, deeper, feeling his climax coming now. Clamping down on her neck he sunk his teeth in her skin and came with such force.. Groaning, churring non-stop and moaning her name, the woman he loved so much, the woman who was now his mate...

The moment Donnie sunk his teeth down Ishtar screamed his full name “aaaaah FUCK Donatello!!!” With her inner walls she felt every pulse of his member, filling her up with cum, mixing it with her own essence. This and he pain from being marked by her lover left her in a very vulnerable state. It touched her, moved her so deeply, it was beyond everything.

Coming down from his high, Donnie finally let go of her neck. Ishtar hissed from the pain.

“Come sit up, love. I will take care of you.” He pulled her on his lap, tied down his mask and tied it loosely around her neck, covering the wound. “How do you feel?” he asked caring.

“I feel.. your mark. It's warming my body. I feel.. loved. And I feel.. stuffed..” she snickered with a twinkle in her eyes. “How many liters did you put in there?” she laughed.

Donnie laughed with her. “Don't know, everything I guess! Now, let me take care of you. I'm gonna eat you out!” he growled hungry.

“You don't mind tasting your own.. cum?”

Donnie laid his head to her forehead, very tenderly. “No love, I don't mind. We're mated now, you're mine. I love everything about you, including your essence mixed with mine.”

“Gosh Donnie” Ishtar started sobbing. “I love you so much!”

He kissed her head. “I love you too. Are you okay? I see tears..” he asked concerned.

Sniffing she nodded. “My emotions are all over the place, just overwhelmed by this feelings. I feel so much love for you...”

Donnie nuzzled her hair and this mark. “These feelings of wanting to protect you forever are new to me too. Know that you can always talk to me about it. As will I with you... Now, let's see what kind of a creampie I made!” he chuckle to lift your spirits. “Oh my, the frosting is dripping out of it!”

Laughing out loud she tried to swat his head but missed, because he ducked his head. “Oh my goddess, Donnie! This is too much!” she curled up laughing, hands around her belly, rolling around in the grass.

“Hey! Open up your legs! You know my opinion about frosting!”

More laughter. Okay, he had to admit, that sounded funny, even though he didn't try to be. Crawling to her, trapping her between his arms he looked down on her. And was overwhelmed by her beauty.. “Yer so bonnie..” he whispered.

That got her attention. “Fuuuuck, do you speak Scottish? That's so hot Donnie! Do it again!”

“I don't know many words... lass.. but I do know how to please you with this..” He started to kiss her, down there, on that sweet, soft spot. And then circling his tongue around it. And to suck.. and lap... all the while enjoying the noises she made. Moaning, whimpering, groaning... The wilder he licked and sucked, the louder she got. After her first climax he kissed her inner tights and said, “you still owed this one from me from our first time together..”

Ishtar was still panting and purred “please do that again. And can you get me a few ahead of you?”

“With pleasure!” he growled and dived back down with his head. To gain better access he put her legs over his shoulders. Good thing too, she started to tremble from all the wonderful attention. It didn't take long to make her cum a second time. Now, Donnie didn't stop after her second, he continued to lick and suck. For even more pleasure he slipped a finger inside her, searching for her g-spot. He quickly found it and started making love to it, all the while sucking her knob wildly.

Ishtar enjoyed him so much, hands dug through the grass beneath her and searched for his head. Nails scraping his skull. When she felt her third orgasm was near, she pressed Donnie's head hard down. “Donnie, Donnie, DONNIE! Please don't stop, keep going.. this feels so good... fuck, I'm cumming..!”

So hard, so intense and... so wet... Donnie was proud he had accomplished that all. As a bonus Ishtar squirted too! Wasting no time he took a quick sip of it, knowing it was a rare delicacy. It was and her churred long and low. Totally spend Ishtar lifted a eyebrow at him, with a question in her eyes.

“Rest my love”, he wrapped her in an embrace. “I just had the pleasure to taste your rare essence. Did you know you can squirt?”

“Yes, but it doesn't happen often”, she spoke lazily. “Lucky you!”

They rested together in that embrace before they swam back to the other side of the river, where their clothes lay.

“Could you wear your hair down?” asked Donnie after he placed a bandage over the marked spot.

“Sure, but why? Are you ashamed of what we did?”

“No, not at all. I like it when you wear your hair loose but I am just not ready yet to show everyone I marked you first... Leo also might not like it..” he said and avoided her face.

She reached up to touch his cheeks and pulled him down. While she tied his mask back around his head, she said “we can handle him. It's not like he doesn't get to mark me at all, he just has to have patience.. If only he would talk to me. He didn't even hug me at my arrival here..”

“Oh that! That's just a defense mechanism of him. Go see him tonight in the tent, he'll explain it to you.”

“You sure about that?”

“Positive lass..” he winked.

“Ooof, don't get me started again” she churred. “A Scottish accent sounds so sexy.”

“I'll remember that, maybe make a study out of it”, he grinned.

“Just if you keep in mind as well to keep me hydrated, if you know my meaning..”

“Will do, bonnie lass...”

In the evening Leonardo was still distant to Ishtar and it started to hurt. Not wanting to make a scene out of it, she avoided him and took the advise Donnie gave her. So she ignored him for now and talked to everyone around the campfire.

When Leo turned in early he looked at her with a neutral face for two seconds and left. Unsure what to think of that, Ishtar shrugged and continued savoring the warmth of the fire.

An hour later Ishtar got up and said goodnight to everyone, kissing Mickey and Raph on the cheek. Donnie however pulled her in a heated kiss before he let her go.

In the big tent with separated personal compartments she undresses and walked to Leo's bed, asking hesitantly “may I sleep in your bed tonight, Leo?”

“Yes please. I already thought you wouldn't come at all to me.”

A bit relieved she snuggled in his arms, but she still felt that distance between them. And Leo sensed it too. “What's on your mind, sweetheart?”

“I..” she started. Sighing, she tried again, “I felt really uncomfortable today in our meetings. You felt so distant to me. I don't understand why you did that and it kinda hurt me.. Do you resent me?”

Shocked Leo looked at her. “No sweetheart, NO! I don't resent you!” He pulled her close and kissed her head. “I'm sorry you're feeling this, that wasn't my intention. Let me explain..”

“Okay..”

“You coming in our lives brings new challenges for me, and I don't know how to deal with all of them yet. The way you sometimes go against my decisions is challenging. We're still getting to know each other, so sometimes I don't know how you're going to react to it. That's when our strong personalities collide. I know you're not doing it to defy me, but still. And then I also have to take into account how my team can react to that. I need to keep my team unified.

You know we have enemies. Currently we don't have them in this universe but one can never be too careful. So I appeared distant to you in order to make any enemy believe I don't care about you. So they will not use you as a target to get to me. It's a way to protect you. You see, right now, you are my whole world. You mean so much to me. I cannot imagine a life without you anymore. And I will do everything in my power to protect you. Ishtar.. I... I am.. so much in love with you..”

Ishtar hadn't seen this coming so soon, but she felt the same way for him. In the silence that followed she caressed his face and kissed him. “I'm in love with you too, Leo.”

“Ishtar, you make me a very happy turtle. I want to make love to you..”

She nuzzled his face, “as much as I want that too, we cannot. I'm still soar from this afternoon..”

“Okay sweetheart, soon than?”

“Yes Leo, very soon..” she said with a twinkle in her eyes, keeping her plan for tomorrow in mind.

While he caressed her face he noticed the bandage. “Hey, what is this at the back of your neck?”

Ishtar pulled her hair aside and removed the bandage so Leo could have a look.

“That looks like...” he started and then growled. “YOU have been marked?! Who marked you?!”

She had prepared herself for this part of the conversation. So this time she was able to keep her composure and talk to him calmly. Though she was a little freaked out by his outburst. “Use your mind Leo, placement is key here. I wear my hair down most of the time and even with a braid it won't be visible often. Take a breath and think about it.”

Leonardo growled and chewed on it. “So, that would be Mickey or Donnie. And this happened turtle style, right?”

Ishtar nodded.

The other chapters can be found here: Shades of grey

“So it was Donnie, because he is the tallest. He's the only one who can mark you that way at that spot in your neck.. Fuck, I'm gonna mark you too!” he said as he grabbed her in a tight grip.

“Yes, soon enough, but not tonight”, she said while she pushed him back. “What do you think will happen if you mark me now? What kind of signal does that give to Mickey and Raph?”

“Whadaya mean?” he asked confused.

“You're the alfa male and our leader. If you claim me now, I'm off limits for them.”

“What the..? So I have to wait for them?! I am the last one to claim you?! Please tell me you're kidding!”

“I'm not and you know it too. You understand the logic in it too. But considering the urges of you and your brothers, I don't think it will take that long.”

Leo understood but was still grumpy.

“I have a little comfort for you.”

“And what's that?”

“I did choose your bed tonight. And I will grant you to choose the location already of your mark, if you have a preference?”

“You know I do and you know the location as well as I do..” he moaned, kissing her on that spot.

#tmnt #teenagemutantninjaturtles #fanfiction #tmnt fanfiction #tmnt bayverse

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slyfire · 1 year

Text

FE: Engage - Chapter 7

silly divine dragon

Supports

Alear & Chloé C watching him sleep...again?

😀 what the hell 😀 I mean shoot your shot ig?

Alfred & Céline B Our first B support! "You're a barbarian in prince's clothing." / "Thanks! 😊😊" . Not him flexing like 🦴.

Vander & Framme B

Etie & Boucheron C

Clanne & Vander C hunky-dory!

Alear & Yunaka C

Alear & Ćeline C not a comment on the support itself, but interesting that some of her dislikes in the ally notebook include 'overwhelming happiness' and 'forced positivity'...

oh god Chloé's here watching us sleep again.

oop DLC time LMAO 'Emblem of Rivals'

"I thought Dimitri's stories were getting better with every telling." oh god.

okay, I put Micaiah on Framme so I can get some staff skills. I also put Yunaka w/ Marth, to get some avoid skills.

skirmish time!

skirmish time over! it was fun using marth on someone else.

Céline & Louis C I just fucking realised Louis is J. Michael Tatum.

Clanne & Louis B I really need to see the A support. what is it cooking.

finally, awoken by Alfred; in a conversation that sounded like innuendos 😌.

arena time!

okay, paralogue time!

oh boy, it's Anna. ...she just hid in a chest.

[BATTLE START]

Alear's after-kill laugh line 😳

oh shit, master seal!.

[POST BATTLE]

Alear when someone brings up family: 🥺

Alfred & Yunaka C Abso-tutly! She called him a silly lad. She's so real. WDYM you get that question a lot 😭😭. Oh, even yunaka pointed it out.

Framme & Clanne B Extrovert vs Introvert. "Who cares about the Divine One's shoe size?" / "We do." pfft

Céline & Chloé B please kiss already.

Céline & Jean C

Clanne & Vander B

Alear & Boucheron C "Going to war is stressful for anyone." 10/10 commentary /j.

Alfred & Boucheron C Starting off with a "Nice~" from Alfred while staring at Boucheron. Also what were those sounds, Boucheron. Oh, this is the Alfred thirsting over Boucheron's muscles.

"I heard you have some trouble waking up" oh Alfred...

Okay more supports.

Alear & Louis C

Okay, gonna do the Emblem Tiki paralogue.

Mar-mar!

[BATTLE START]

oh god this map's big. I haven't plays any Archanea games, but I assume this is a reference map.

OMG that map almost killed me. There's was this one dodge I really needed from Chloé that she couldn't do, so then she was in danger + stranded, so I had to save her and yada yada it was a mess. Yunaka w/ edel emblem really saved me in the last few turns. Anyway, I still did enjoy the map!

[POST BATTLE]

aww, I'm glad to see marth & tiki talk. I wish there were more interesting emblem/emblem conversations.

Alfred & Sigurd B reminded me that Lumera asked him something that we didn't see...what does he know.

omfg Edel talking about impressions to Yunaka is so fucking funny since all the house lords did at least 1 in houses 💀💀💀

Alear & Framme B "The Divine Dragon loooves to drink water." so true! a great reminder to be like Alear and drink up! Framme is even a fan of the pepsi hair.

Framme & Cholé C

Céline & Etie B I loved that little Etie animation when she said "And look at me now!" oh my god it's the training teacups again.

Yunaka & Etie C "Whatcha need, pumpkin-seed?"

Etie & Clanne B

so the ally notebook now says that she has a distant relation to Vander...interesting. WTF is judging beets.

Alear & Alfred B If Alear won't eat them, I sure will. Alfred playing the flute to help Alear sleep 😀 He really is trying his best though. noooo Alfred, Alear should be the worthy one, not you!

'[Alfred] was ill as a child, and now seeks to compensate through exercise' 🥺🥺

okay, chapter map time.

lmao "[I'm doing] even worse then usual."

anyway, as expected, I love Alcryst very very much.

she's just like me fr.

we be getting some xenophobia up in here.

[BATTLE START]

Rosado & Goldmary seem like my fav retainer duo so far, just from one conversation.

oh dear, cordelia!Lucina's here.

well that map felt pretty easy.

[POST BATTLE]

man, I hope Lyn's alright...

Well, chapter over!

#fire emblem #fire emblem engage #fe17 #fe17 spoilers #SlyEngaged #my post

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butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway · 1 year

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I don't know if I have ADHD or autism. I kind of feel like I do cause man does a lot of stuff going on with my friend who has them resonate with me (part of why I wish she'd take me up on my offer for a free room at my place, just want to mitigate some of the struggles I've had for someone I like and relate to if I can)

Anyway... RSD really does feel like it fits a lot. Like it just kills me when I feel like I've made someone mad or annoyed someone... said the wrong thing... you know

Obviously I try not to let it show, cause it goes back to how if you break down into a mess every time someone brings something to you, it makes it hard for people to talk to you about anything, but it still hurts

And like... I try with my friend not to do stuff that would set off her RSD cause she 100% has it, like I just try to pick my words carefully no in a walking on eggshells kind of way, but like running it by myself and see how I'd take it. Actually just kind of do this for everyone when I can

Just kind of sucks cause... you know... she doesn't really return that for me... I don't know, she's a good friend but... I don't know

Wish I could read minds, not even to spy on people, but just cause no one ever communicates what they want even if I ask directly. Wish I could read minds just so I could take their needs into my plans instead of me just slowly working my way along but having 100 different next steps in the back of my head I could use if someone just asks for them to become the priority

Everything I do is for me. I get the house for me, I clean the house for me, everything I did benefits me and I made sure of that to avoid breeding resentment... but like I started with the room I think my friend would like, I got the checking set up on my account, I'm finally in a situation where things are kind of smooth

My friend goes from saying she's gonna have to buy a ticket and come up here to get away from her family to never hearing about it again... it's probably cause change is very overwhelming so the fact it was really on the table made her hesitate to do anything but... if she'd just talk to me I could work on doing things to accommodate and mitigate stuff that's bothering her

But like... you see how if I do have RSD, how like just getting hit with a brick wall by everyone at everyturn just has it kind of always running where it's just like "What did I do wrong? Why won't you tell me how to fix this? I just want some company, was I only better compared to a very sick and hard to deal with dog slowly dying, but not better than emotionally abusive parents?"

If I were more out of touch with reality I'd say "clearly the government is trying to isolate me to make me go crazy", but like... nah... these things just happen... sometimes by chance and personality you just wind up isolated

Eh... really didn't want to send another message today. Guess this is just like one of those "write a letter you won't send" exercises, but then I drop it in someone's anon

Glad it sounded like you had a pretty good day, hope the walk was a good time

...I'm just tired and wish I'd learn to keep my mouth shut

RSD is brutal, and it's really frustrating how easily it could be set off.

Back before either of us had the language for it, wifey and I used to struggle with our coping mechanisms set off each other's RSD to the point that we were both actively alienating each other so badly our marriage was unraveling. It hasn't been easy learning how to create compatibility where distress had made a home, and it certainly involved setting off each others RSD a lot more in our attempts to talk through it.

Recently, we had a couple of small spats where one or the other of us was having a bad day and acted hurtfully. The other snapped back or resorted to coping strategies that we both know aren't on the table if our marriage is to remain happy. And instead of spiraling deeper into hell from there, we sat together, in pain and hurting, and tried to hear each other rather than the RSD-filtered interpretations of what each was saying. It was hard. We cried a lot. But at the end, we had learned something new about what we each needed.

It was interesting to see how much our experience of RSD and conflict has changed with each other based on a decade of painful work. It was nice to feel closer at the end of tension rather than to feel the distance grow.

Wifey has started getting assessed for autism and I have started getting assessed for ADHD (ironic in that wifey has been throughly diagnosed ADHD and I thoroughly assessed as autistic, though final diagnosis is still pending the savings to pay for that stage of assessment). I think having language to express yourself and others who understand your mind matters a lot. Without it the world can feel very cold and alone.

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 46: Mid to Late May 1925

Masterlist

TW: Blood

——

Emma had gone out with Tom and Mary on their morning walk for a brief while, to get some of her weekly exercise in before retreating to the house and letting them carry on. Tom's decided that they should do more with the repair shop, and put it at the edge of the estate for passing trade. Emma decided to leave them to it.

Once inside the Outer Hall, Emma turns to enter the Library through the Small Library and when she's at the entrance when she hears Robert and, more importantly, Violet talking.

"And I want him to come here. I want him to listen to our arguments against the York Hospital's plans." Violet is saying.

Emma freezes in her steps. God, what's Violet got planned now?

"Mama, what is the point?" Robert huffs.

"Don't be jejune. You know very well, one word from Westminster and the scheme would be abandoned." Violet retorts.

Not on Emma's watch, nor Isobel's, Cora's or Lord Merton's.

"But why would he say the word, and why would he ever come to Downton?"

"You know, Neville Chamberlain's wife was born Anne de Vere Cole. Guess who was her godfather."

Neville Chamberlain?!

"You guess for me." Robert huffs.

"Your late papa, the sixth Earl of Grantham." Violet explains. "He and her father served in the Crimea together when they were young. I have known her since she was born."

This woman has far too many cards up her sleeve.

"I admit I am quite interested, but when it comes to getting him here, I would say you have no more chance than a cat in hell without claws."

"We'll see."

Emma can easily imagine the smug look the the Dowager's face and the resigned one on Robert's.

——

Emma sits in the Drawing room with Mary, Robert, Edith, Cora and Tom for lunch. Billy is at work.

"I nearly forgot. That chap, Henry..." Robert is saying to Mary.

"Talbot?" Mary prompts.

Robert nods. "Exactly. Yes, he telephoned while you were out. He's going to be in Yorkshire on Wednesday to look at a car, and he wants you to watch him doing it."

He what now?

"To watch him looking at a car?" Mary asks with a frown. She doesn't seem that interested.

"Well, not quite. He's driving it round some track nearby. At Catterick." Robert explains though he seems to not get it himself.

"Testing it. Seeing how it handles." Tom further explains. "I could take you, if you like."

"Would you?" Mary questions.

"Well, I'd like to see it." Tom says eagerly, which causes Emma to smile at his excitement. Her husband turns to Edith. "How about you?"

"I'll be in London on Wednesday." Edith says.

"Edith has a date." Robert grins.

Emma perks up. "She what?" She asks eagerly.

"No, I don't." Edith placates.

Emma pouts.

"Of course not." Mary comments.

"What do you mean, "Of course not"?"

Cora quickly changes the subject. "Doctor Clarkson seems to be coming round. Isobel's bringing him for a drink tonight with Dickie Merton."

"So, that's why Mama paid her visit." Robert comments.

"When? What did she want?" Cora immediately questions.

"Yeah, apparently she's going to convince Neville Chamberlain to dine here." Emma answers. "She plans to convince him to support her, stop the new plans."

Robert looks at her completely baffled. "How do you know about that?"

Emma shrugs. "I have my ways."

Tom gives her a pointed glance, one he gives her when he realises her future knowledge is at play.

"Anyway, yes, he's coming north." Robert mutters.

"If he's on a tour, it'll be far too late to alter his schedule." Cora says.

"That's what I said, but she seems to think she can persuade him."

"Is it wrong to hope she's mistaken?"

Robert sighs.

——

Later on, in the Drawing room, Robert welcomes Isobel, Lord Merton and Dr Clarkson. Cora and Emma are seated on the settees.

"I'm glad to see you here again, Dickie."

"Well, it's very good to be here, but it's only about the row, I'm afraid." Lord Merton says. Poor man, probably holding out hope that Isobel will come around.

"Oh, never mind that." Isobel quickly comments. "We've brought Doctor Clarkson with us because there's something that you, or at any rate, Cora, will want to hear."

"Do I detect that you're changing sides?" Robert questions the Doctor who looks mildly uncomfortable with being here.

"Er, maybe." Comes the awkward reply.

"Have you told my mother?"

"Of course not, he has some survival instincts." Emma scoffs as the others take their seats. While she's glad Dr Clarkson is seeing the light of day when it comes to the Hospital, does not mean she won't let the fact that he was against the scheme in the first place go so easily.

"Poor man. If he's changing his mind, don't let's put him off." Cora says.

"Oh, that reminds me. I have a message from her. She says that the Health Minister is happy to dine here this Friday." Isobel tells them.

"What?" Emma asks. "How did she manage that?"

"She must have found a way to blackmail him." Robert says.

"You don't mean that." Cora utters, aghast.

"I wouldn't put it past her."

"If she's convinced him to come here, she can make him condemn the scheme." Emma says worriedly.

"Well, she mustn't." Cora says, looking at Emma, Isobel, Lord Merton and Dr Clarkson specifically. "And I want the four of you here to support me."

"Aye aye, Captain." Isobel declares.

Emma nods determinedly. "I echo that."

Dr Clarkson and Lord Merton exchange a look, not enthusiastic at all.

——

Edith goes down to London on the Wednesday to not only go on a supposed not-date with Bertie Pelham but also do interviews for her new editor. Interviews with women, which Emma is quite pleased about.

Mary and Tom, before they run off to Catterick to watch Henry Talbot test his car, also go to check up on Mr Mason who's moving into the Drewes' farm today to see if he can cope with the pigs. Emma's surprised to hear that Andy is apparently eager to help out on that front.

The report back on Mary and Henry Talbot lacks surety on Mary's side. Tom says it's Mary's worry of marrying a man of lower standing but Emma thinks it's also to do with the fact that Henry Talbot is massively into cars, particularly driving them fast, which is not good considering how Matthew died. Still, there seems to be some level of flirtation.

Neville Chamberlain's office rings to confirm that he is dining at Downton on Friday. It's a wonder how Violet managed that but in the end, will likely prove to be an interesting evening.

——

It's the day of Neville Chamberain's visit to Downton. Emma has been getting battle-ready but in the meantime, she has also been planning her eldest child's birthday party as she turns five in a couple of days. Hopefully, this dinner won't cause too much strain between family members enough that they won't be able to put it aside for Ivy.

That evening, attended by Mr Carson and Andy, the dinner guests assemble in the Library ahead of dinner for pre-dinner drinks, the men dressed very formally in white tie.

Emma gathers with Tom, Billy, Edith and Mary while Cora talks with Lord Merton and Dr Clarkson. Robert approaches Violet and Isobel as they enter. Chamberlain has not arrived quite yet.

Edith is reporting on how her trip to London went. "I found my editor."

"And had some fun, too, I hope." Billy remarks pointedly with a slight smirk. Emma nudges him slightly with an amused smile on her face.

Edith shakes her head at them before saying, "I went dancing at the Café de Paris, which felt very young and gay."

Emma presses her lips together in amusement. The sisters and Billy seem to not have noticed while Tom gives her a knowing glance, having clocked on that her future knowledge is at play.

"And we saw Henry Talbot try out a racing car. So, now we're all members of the Bright Young Things." Tom remarks.

"I don't know about "bright."" Mary says dismissively.

"Well, what I do know is that I languished at home heavily pregnant." Emma complains though she doesn't really mean it, if anything she's grateful to have a break before the big dinner.

"And doing a marvellous job at it if I say so myself." Tom compliments, kissing her cheek. Emma has a pleased smile on her face.

"You have to." Billy retorts causing them all to laugh.

Mr Molesley comes in and holds the door open for the guest of honour. Mr Carson announces him. "The Right Honourable Neville Chamberlain, Minister for Health."

Neville Chamberlain enters, looking exactly like he does in historic photographs. Emma observes the future prime minister closely as Robert and Cora go to meet him.

"So," Tom murmurs, "do you know anything about this one?"

"Future PM, late 1930s, but not for very long." Emma murmurs back.

"Was he not successful then?"

"Depends on who you ask."

Emma watches how Violet walks up to her son, daughter-in-law and the minister, talking to him before dragging him further into the room. Emma's got to give it to Violet, she moves quickly for a woman her age. Isobel also soon slides in.

"It's a great honour. I gather you're here to discuss the new plans for managing our health." Isobel's direct approach rather alarms the rest of the family.

"I think you may need to rescue him," Emma murmurs to Tom as they inch closer, Andy with the drinks tray at their shoulder.

"Well, I know I'm here to discuss a topic Lady Grantham is interested in." Chamberlain tactfully replies.

"Excuse me, would you care for one of these?" Tom calls, referring to the drinks.

Chamberlain sketches a bow to the two ladies and walks over to Tom and Emma. "Thank you." He takes one of the drinks Andy is offering.

"I thought you needed rescuing. Our own scrapes are bad enough without being dragged into other people's." Tom remarks.

"How well you understand me."

Lord Merton joins them. "I'm afraid you're in for some rigorous debate."

"I wish I weren't." He looks like a man ready for the slaughter.

"Forewarned is for armed?" Emma tries. She receives a small smile.

Cora comes up behind them. "Shall we go in? We don't want to wear the minister out before he's even had a chance to sit down."

Emma feels the baby give a kick. She wonders if the baby is as anxious as she is. She can't but feel like this will end terribly.

——

The dinner has begun and Violet wastes no time in pontificating about the plans for the Hospital. Chamberlain, in the place of honour on Cora's right, listens with the expression of a martyr. Mr Carson walks around with the decanter. Thomas, Mr Molesley and Andy are in attendance, too.

"The system has worked well here for a hundred years! Why must we destroy everything in our path simply for the sake of change?" Violet cries.

"I'm not sure that's a true representation of the case." Dr Clarkson argues.

"Exactly. There are many benefits to be had from the plan." Isobel says.

"But benefits for whom?" Violet counters.

"Everyone apart from you it seems." Emma retorts irritably. It's probably a good thing that Tom sits between her and Violet because this woman is truly driving her up the wall.

"Goodness. I thought I was here to be lectured by a united group, not to witness a battle royal." Chamberlain comments.

Cora seems very unhappy. Mary, Billy and Tom exchange uncomfortable looks.

"Oh! Don't you enjoy a good fight?" Violet says. Emma can't help but feel like that remark is very pointed.

"I'm not sure I do, really." Chamberlain counters calmly.

"My mother-in-law has a certain myopia when it comes to anyone else's point of view." Cora says tiredly.

"On the contrary, I have a clarity of vision that allows me to resist a housemaid's trap of sentimentality." Violet snips.

Emma opens her mouth to speak, to back Cora but her eyes catch on Robert, who she realises is looking ill, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

"Your enthusiasm is getting the better of your manners." Isobel tries.

"Ha!" Violet cries indignantly.

"Can't we stop this beastly row?" Emma can see Robert's genuinely suffering.

"How I wish we could." Cora says.

"Uh, maybe he's right?" Emma suggests worriedly. The whole argument isn't exactly important anymore.

"Yes, I... I, erm—" Robert gasps. Emma looks at him in alarm. He rises clumsily from his chair, his hand pressed to his stomach. "I'm so sorry, I..."

He leans back and vomits an impressive spurt of blood right across the table. Everyone gasps in horror. Tom jumps to his feet, quickly pulling Emma away. Another spurt, so violent that it spatters Cora's face. The men are all on their feet now. Robert collapses into Thomas' arms and is lowered to the floor.

"Thomas, on his left side!" Dr Clarkson cries, racing around the table to assist Robert. They roll Robert over to lie on his left side. Cora quickly joins them, cradling her husband's head.

"Give me napkins!" Isobel yells, collecting them from the table.

Mary quickly throws more towards her before joining Tom at Emma's side. It's then that Emma realises that she's shaking violently and she's crying as tears blur her vision.

"Emma, are you alright? The baby?" Her husband asks her frantically.

Mr Carson runs from the room, declaring he'll call for the ambulance and Lord Merton puts his coat on Robert to keep him warm.

Emma gulps and shakily nods her head. "I'm fine. Y-you need to prioritise Robert."

"What is it?" Violet asks, leaning over her son, reaching out as if to try and do something.

"His ulcer has burst." Dr Clarkson explains professionally.

"What?" Mary asks, aghast.

"Will he be all right?" Edith questions, close to tears. Billy wraps his arm around her shoulders, almost keeping her upright.

"We must get him to Hospital as quickly as we can." Dr Clarkson replies.

Cora is catching the blood he's still vomiting in a napkin. "I'm here, darling, don't worry, I'm here."

"If this is it, just know I have loved you very, very much." Robert says in between painful gasps.

Emma lets out a sob clutching onto Tom.

"This isn't it, darling. We won't let this be it." Cora says determinedly.

"Some water?" Violet suggests. She looks as if her whole world has fallen apart and maybe it has. Isobel puts her hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"No! No water. Just keep him steady until the ambulance arrives." Dr Clarkson orders.

Robert is still coughing and retching horribly. Everyone is looking on in horror.

——

Emma stands listlessly to the side as Anna, Andy and Miss Baxter help Violet, Mary, Edith and Cora into their coats and hand them their gloves. And before long, four aproned men come through the hall and into the Drawing room with a stretcher. All the while, Emma just stares at the drops of blood that have not been covered on Cora's dress.

Tom comes up beside her as Edith and Isobel exit the Dining room. Then, preceded by Dr Clarkson, the ambulance crew emerge, carrying Robert on the stretcher, covered in blood but conscious. Thomas brings up the rear.

"Maybe you should go to bed and rest." Tom suggests, wrapping his arm around her.

"Oh God, Tom." Emma quietly sobs. Tom simply wraps his arms around her, holding her.

She faintly hears Lord Merton say he'll take Isobel and Violet home, Violet asking Edith to call when there's news and finally, Cora and her daughters leaving to get into the car for the hospital.

She doesn't realise it but she's soon being tucked into bed. Tom climbs in after her, holding her from behind as she falls into a fitful sleep.

——

"Emma. Emma?" Someone's shaking her.

"Mmmh?" Emma blearily blinks her eyes and sees her husband leaning over her.

"Mary called from the Hospital."

Emma sits up as quickly as she can with her large stomach. "And?"

"He's going to be alright." Tom tells her, a smile smile playing on his lips.

Emma almost collapses in relief. "Thank God." She wraps him in a tight hug.

She can't imagine if they had lost him. Weirdly, Robert has become a sort of father figure for her and she can't imagine losing him.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#downton abbey