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#and i do indeed plan to do something about that hopefully sooner rather than later but also like.... i already worry enough i'll never be

lordoftherazzles · 3 years

Note

Maybe a fic prompt (if you wanna do it)? I was looking at one of your gifs (they're stunning btw) and I was thinking of something like Bilbo admiring the view and saying "This is stunning" and Thorin agreeing but while gazing at the hobbit? This is kinda cliché but I feel it would be very cute. Also your writing is superior, I love it ( ꈍᴗꈍ)ﾉ✿

Ahhh!!! I love this prompt so much @nerdymeatball13 , and I'm sorry it took me a hot second to finish, lots of things piled on me at once but here we are!!

prompt "This is stunning"

word count 1789

relationship(s) thorin oakenshield/bilbo baggins

character(s) thorin oakenshield, bilbo baggins

warnings none

additional notes they're so schmoopy and I love them

-----

The worst was over. The Battle of the Five Armies had been something to both mourn and celebrate. Many lives had been lost, but the good that came from that outweighed the bad. A close scare came with the Line of Durin, but by some miracle or nothing short of divine intervention by Mahal himself, Thorin, Fili, and Kili all managed to pull through. It was a blessing that no one took for granted, especially the victims themselves.

Thankfully, that was several weeks ago. It was still tough for Thorin to be on his feet, but with enough stubborn resistance, he had managed to ward off most of those constantly fussing over his bandaging and stitches. Oin never let him out of bed for more than an hour at a time, but it was more freedom than Thorin had felt ever since he’d been carted back into the mountain with nearly half of his insides trying to spill outside.

This was one of those particular hours that he was allowed to be up and wandering around. He’d set aside all paperwork and kingly duties for the sake of a simple walk in hopes that it might clear his mind. Between recovery and trying to do as much as possible to help in Erebor’s reconstruction both literally and as a power, Thorin felt bogged down. There was little time for much else, and his mind had been growing more and more muddled as the weeks went on. A mind that was constantly in worry of what the spring months might bring as they were growing nearer and nearer.

Bilbo had opted to stay considering the winter months had settled in, which was a smart move versus trying to brave any snowstorm, but it was still up in the air if the hobbit had truly planned to head back west towards his cozy little smial, or if...by chance maybe he wanted to make Erebor his new home. It wasn’t something Thorin brought up. Yes, they had made amends, even more than that, with sweet somethings having been uttered occasionally back and forth, but it wasn’t the picture perfect romance that Thorin had been dreaming about lately.

Love was nice and all, and even better when it wasn’t one-sided, but to remain unknowing as to where it might lead? That was a nightmare in itself. It was a lot for Thorin to think about, and while he didn’t want to pressure Bilbo and flat out ask if he intended to stay or go, it was starting to eat away at the dwarf little by little. It’s what this walk was to help him with. To clear his head and hopefully return to his sickbed with a mind for papers and numbers.

What had led him towards one of the worst places in all of Erebor during this calm walk of his? The ramparts were a miserable place, but it gave you a good view of the stretch of land between Erebor and Dale, and not even Thorin could ignore what a sight it was. Snow covered and untouched, it was hard to imagine the brown and red blood stains that laid beneath it from a war not too long ago.

What he hadn’t expected was for someone else to already be out here and staring just as he wanted to. A head of dark golden curls that Thorin had been trying to clear from his own headspace.

“Bilbo,” The dwarf greeted casually, gaining a small glance from the hobbit as they stood side by side with at least a small gap between them.

“Good morning, Thorin. How are you feeling?” Bilbo was polite as ever as if nothing had changed, and while they were on good terms, didn’t this place...bother the hobbit? At all?

“I’m feeling alright,” No one wanted to listen to Thorin complain about how sore he might be or if he had a bad sleep last night, so he left it at that. Besides, the less whining he did, the sooner Oin would get off his back.

“That’s good. Every day is a little bit better, it seems.”

“Indeed,” It was an awkward conversation all over again. Thorin folded his arms behind his back and just let his eyes drift towards the snow covered land before them. A bit of that snow had collected on the ledges of Erebor’s structure, he could only imagine how lovely it might look from a different angle. “You looked to be deep in thought, is something on your mind?”

Bilbo finally pulled all of his attention away from the scenery and offered Thorin a small wave of his hand. “Oh, just thinking about the Shire. We get snow there too and it’s nice, but...there’s just something about this that’s different.”

Thorin’s heart could have sunk right into the ground right then and there. Bilbo was longing for home, wasn’t he? Those rolling green hills, even in the middle of winter, had to be far better than an ice cold mountain that was barely able to be called a kingdom. Finally deciding to toe the line of truths regarding Bilbo’s intentions, Thorin kept his eyes forward. “I’m sure you’ll be ready for the snow to clear sooner rather than later. It makes for bad travel weather…”

“Hm, it does, but I’m not exactly eager to go anywhere so quickly. You’re just getting back on your feet. Oin can’t handle barking at you to sit still all on his own now, can he?” Bilbo teased, seeming to be in higher spirits than Thorin ever would be on these ramparts, and with the idea of Bilbo’s departure looming in his head.

A small breath of amusement did escape Thorin though, finally removing his hands from behind his back and placing it on the stone before him. “I think I can manage to sit still, but your constant reminders have helped these past few weeks.” His fingers twitched, tapping against the stone in anxiousness that wasn’t overly normal. Considering everything that Thorin had been through though, he supposed he was allowed a little bit of shaky behavior and anxiousness.

“Something’s troubling you,” Bilbo observed. It wasn’t a question, but a fact that was being pointed out far too easily. “What is it?” Placing both hands around one of Thorin’s arms, Bilbo honestly couldn’t get enough of these small gestures of physical contact, even if he was a tad anxious himself when it came to initiating them.

Regardless of the comforting touch around his elbow, Thorin wasn’t sure it did anything to soothe his poor frayed nerves. Those nerves were exposed as soon as Bilbo was able to peg that something was bothering him and the words just started tumbling out. “How can you stand to be here?” Specifically, right in this very spot. “After what happened, how can you stand here and…”

Throw him from the ramparts!

How could Bilbo be here? How could he have forgiven Thorin for the wrongs he had done and a life that had been threatened? How could Bilbo not be whining and clawing at the first opportunity to head back to the safety of the Shire? These were the things that had been bothering Thorin, and being in this exact spot did not help.

“Thorin, you need to stop letting one small incident eat away at you. I’ve forgiven you for all of that, you weren’t yourself…”

“That’s no excuse. I laid a hand on you. You might be able to forgive me by some miracle, but I can’t forgive myself for that day...and now, knowing that you’ll be leaving-”

“Leaving? Who said anything about leaving?” Bilbo huffed, still clutching at Thorin’s elbow with both hands and giving his head a firm shake of annoyance as if he were dealing with a child. “You truly are a dolt sometimes. Handsome, brave and foolhardy to boot, but downright stupid when it counts.”

Thorin wasn’t sure whether to be flattered or annoyed at the backhanded compliments flying his way.

“You’re going to have to learn to forgive yourself because honestly, I’m not going to come up here and have you mope every single time all because you got a little angry and said some things and...that was it. That’s all you did,” When Bilbo put it that way, it sounded far less severe than Thorin thought it was. “And as for leaving? That was...something I wanted to ask you. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up, but I do want to stay. Sure, I’ll miss my garden and some other aspects of the Shire but...home isn’t a place, Thorin.” Bilbo slid his hands away from Thorin’s elbow, his fingers lacing with a hand of the dwarf’s and giving it a small squeeze. “You’re my home, and that’s where I want to be if you’ll allow it.”

Thorin stood dumbly, looking towards their linked hands before letting his fingers flex tightly to grip back at Bilbo’s. “Of course…” Having Bilbo stay was all he ever wanted.

“Good, and don’t you worry, we’ll make some better memories here, I’m sure.” Leaning against Thorin’s side with hands still tightly wound together, Bilbo just exhaled a deep sigh as if a great weight had been lifted off of his chest. The same could be said for Thorin.

A ray of light seemed to break through the thick of the gray clouds overhead, illuminating a bit of that freshly fallen snow that laid across the stretch of land as far as the eye could see. It sparkled like a sea of diamonds, and Bilbo couldn’t help the small gasp of wonder that crossed his face. He had seen snow in the sunlight before, but seeing it from way up here? To see so far and wide covered in little glistening crystals? “This is stunning,” He breathed, not paying Thorin much mind who had just been staring at Bilbo since that small gasp escaped his lips.

“Very stunning, indeed.” That look of wonder that Bilbo wore was bright and appealing. More desirable than a treasure hall of gold or a vein of mithril.

Bilbo’s gaze flickered once quickly to start, if only because he wanted to follow Thorin’s gaze to see what the dwarf was looking at as well to deem as stunning, but after a quick double take, Bilbo was blushing fiercely. “You truly are a sappy old thing, you know that?”

“I do.” Pressing a kiss to those dark golden curls, Thorin truly had to believe in what Bilbo had said before. They would make better memories atop these ramparts, and already that seemed to be a reality in the making, but most importantly, he was here to stay.

#the hobbit #thorin oakenshield #bilbo baggins #bagginshield #thilbo #hobbit fanfic #hobbit fic #bagginshield fic #razzywrites #razquests #thank you for the request!

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ohwaitimthewriter · 3 years

Text

Ner naak (My peace)

Pairing: Din Djarin x earthling!reader

Warnings: None

Summarize: Din Djarin meets you, an earthling, with no idea of the existence of an outer space.

Words count: 1617

A/n: Enjoy your reading!

Ner naak Masterlist // The Mandalorian Masterlist

Life sometimes manifested itself in strange ways. Even for Din. And he didn't expect to wake up with a tray of freshly prepared food at his disposal. You had even written him a note describing every single food on the plate. "French pastries are the basis of a successful breakfast" you wrote and if he had no idea what the "French" part meant, he heard his stomach growling at the simple sweet, slightly perfumed smell of the pastries.

The day could only start well and Grogu was already enjoying swallowing little choux buns topped with sugar balls. Din chuckled at him gently before grabbing one and twirling it between his gloved fingers.

" Let me have some of it. "he said before sliding the food under his helmet into his mouth.

And he let a long, satisfied sigh escape. When was the last time he had eaten something so good? There was something special about earthly food, was it because it had been a long time since Din had been able to enjoy the flavours of a good meal? He could never get tired of it and he ate another one. He had to ask you what it was but he had just placed it as one of his favourites.

And then he noticed something else on the little note you had left him. A little note that made him frown. What did you mean when you said, "P.s. Sorry, I had to. » ? A little shot of adrenaline reminded him that maybe he had let his guard down a little too quickly and a little too long. It was only then that he heard voices other than yours rising from the outside of the ship.

He didn’t think twice, the ramp of the ship opened and he turned towards Grogu before leaving.

"Stay there and don't eat everything. "He said to Grogu, who had no intention of listening to him.

Within a few steps Din found himself outside and suddenly found it hard to understand what was going on.

A small group of young people around you were studying the plans you and Din had drawn. Some of them were impatient, others were so focused that they didn't hesitate to scold those who weren't being serious.

Something was eluding him and he thought that his little stay on earth had made his brain weak. Since when did he let himself be so easily surprised? And to tell the truth, at that very moment you were surprising him too.

You didn't notice Mando right away. He wasn't doing much to be noticed either, he was confused enough to ask for the attention of five unknown people. But you didn't have a choice.

The night had not been very restful. The conversation you had the night before with Mando had gone round and round in your head and between the sprawling galactic monsters landing on Earth and the army coming in tanks, your mind had other things to do than rest. And those disturbing dreams hadn't helped your anxiety, so you decided you needed to pick up the pace. But speeding up without a work crew was a tricky thing to do.

Life had a really strange way of showing itself sometimes and until now, you probably never thought to ask for help to repair this ship. Help other than what Mando was already giving you. You had been far too aware of the danger it could represent, for you, for Mando, for Grogu... but what was better? Revealing his presence to students in whom you trusted partially? Or to be discovered by the police?

It wasn't a good idea, you knew that. And you hadn't taken the time to discuss it with Mando either. It was more of a decision taken on a whim and you would surely regret it later, but today, thanks to the students you had carefully selected, the repairs were going to be a good step forward. And the sooner the ship would be able to fly, the sooner Mando and Grogu would be safe, away from Earth.

In other words, you were reassuring yourself as best you could.

You didn't know if those dreams had been the trigger or if the lack of sleep had caused some neurons to break down, but in the early morning you woke up with an awful realization: it was much bigger than you. And no matter how full-grown you were, no matter how thoughtful and composed you were, this morning it was all too much. And sharing this secret with almost grown-up people was probably the only way to relieve the pressure you had put on yourself.

So there you were, explaining as best you could to five of your students the tasks they were going to be assigned to repair the ship. But that wasn't the most complicated part. You had to deal with your students' reaction to the ship and nothing in your studies to become a teacher prepared you for that.

"Well, can we focus for five minutes? "You asked them as one student had been trying for a solid two minutes to calm down his friend who still couldn't believe his eyes.

"Ma'am, can you believe it?! "He exclaimed, "A real one! »

"Get over it, it's not as cool as Star Trek's USS Entreprise NCC-1701-E. "His friend who never seemed very impressed with the Razor Crest commented.

"I wish you knew my courses as accurately as that." you smiled slightly. "Good, you'll start by gathering all the material listed in here," and you gave them each a piece of paper. " you get to work and... be respectful. " You glance at them briefly before finishing. " Croissants and chouquettes as much as you like in the car."

And you knew that their motivation had just been boosted to the max. You got up and only then you spotted Mando near the ship. And his whole body was more tense than a tree trunk. And the trickiest part of your hasty decision had just begun: persuading Mando that your potentially bad idea wasn't such a bad idea.

Your students didn't seem to have noticed him yet, they were far too busy eating pastries and it seemed that a croissant was more important than a spaceship piloted by the Galactic Daft Punk cousin. Ah those students!

It was just that a little anxiety was making your stomach heavier. From what you could see Mando didn't seem the most delighted to have a bunch of young people he didn't know around his Razor Crest but hopefully he would understand.

"It wasn't planned." He said, his voice muffled by the helmet.

"I know. And as much as I would have loved to have the Crest all to myself, sometimes you have to be realistic." You said, and you were looking forward to his reaction.

"You're not realistic. You're worried. That' s not the same thing. "

And for the first time, you observed Mando withdraw into himself. He wasn't very talkative already, but it seemed to you that you had managed to win his sympathy. You had seen him trust you gradually and you feared you had taken ten steps backwards, whereas you had only taken two in the same direction.

And then you felt a pinch of irritation tickle your nerves. His words had not been well received and it would have been hard for Mando to miss the annoyance expressed by the hardened features of your face. Your posture had changed too. Your arms, which were usually open, had just crossed over your chest, your usually relaxed and loose shoulders were now tensed and stiff, and even your chest, which was usually light and sometimes delicate, now looked much stronger. You showed a disconcerting self-confidence and Din made the pleasant discovery that you were not the type to let yourself be stepped on.

But this was not the time to dwell on your new confidence.

"Indeed, I am worried for you and I think that the situation has been sufficiently addressed for you to understand that I will never be able to get you out of this rotten planet to the bone without any help. "And the features of your face softened again. "Look, yes, that wasn't planned, and I'm not asking you to trust them, but for your, "you paused before correcting" if you want to leave Earth in one piece, we must work faster."

Mando sighed heavily. You saw him lower his head slightly, as if he was thinking about the pros and cons. He was nervous. You could see that and you suspected a rather complicated past in relation to other people, perhaps one or two betrayals, and he was thinking over and over again until he nodded silently.

"You know this world better than I do. I trust you, but I won't go easy on them. "He granted and he saw you relax completely, the hint of annoyance had completely disappeared and he recognized you in your kindness.

"Don't worry, they are students, there is nothing more resilient. "You gave him a little smile before gently placing your hand on his forearm in a friendly gesture. "They won't bother you, I'll make sure of that."

Mando nodded again and before you could go back to repair the ship, he couldn't help but stop you for a moment, holding your arm.

"What's the name of the, huh, ‘French’ pastries you brought me?" he asked.

" They're called 'chouquettes', why that?"

"Do you have some more of them? Grogu... Grogu seems to like it." He justified himself.

But you couldn’t be fooled. Grogu was certainly not the only one who liked them.

#the mandalorian #the mandalorian imagine #the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian x earthling #din djarin #din djarin x reader #din djarin imagine #mando #mando x reader #ner naak series #star wars

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wandasleftshoe · 3 years

Text

Too Young Too Burn

Mobius x Female Reader

A/N: so my account was deleted lmao and this is a re-upload. this post was originally getting some likes so I decided to repost it, and hopefully this time my stuff doesn’t wack out. But for first time readers, this is my first ever fic lol! I was cracked out on nicotine and red bull when I wrote it, so it might be all over the place. alsooooo if any of u like this, I turned on my asks so feel free to request something! I’ll do any Marvel character, male/female/gender neutral, so feel free to ask lol turns out I enjoy writing

Word Count: 2.5k

Triggers: bad language, kinda sort angst, a tragedy ending in suicide, death

It started off as a simple school boy crush.

She was a new member to the office, a new analyst that would train alongside Mobius, nothing was supposed to come of it but a friendly coworker relationship. (The only kind of relationship allowed in the office, the Time Lizards have sticks up their asses.) The first day he met her, she was in a standard TVA uniform, beige slacks and a button up shirt of another drab color. Though when she entered the room, an air of confidence came with her, sweeping him off his feet like something out of a Midgard fairytale. She was introduced to him as [y/n] [y/l], newest to the TVA’s section of analysts, preferring to study dangerous variants, much like himself. He was immediately taken by her attention to detail, he felt her eyes studying him the entire time his bosses boss introduced them to each other.

Her attention to detail, as mentioned before, was brought to his attention when she mentioned his hands fiddling with the hem of his blazer. She noted that he didn’t give off a nervous energy, but with the way his hands were going you would have thought that the boss had caught him doing something he wasn’t supposed to. As they continued their conversation, more and more was pointed out that he didn’t even notice himself; she seemed to be a perfect fit for his team.

Their first day consisted of standard paperwork and the general office tour, Mobius introduced her to his boss, Ravonna Renslayer, as well as a strew of other office members they pasted in the hall that Mobius could remember a name for. Let’s be real, he just rambled on so that he could try to forget how kindly she smiled at him and how her eyes twinkled when talking about the job at hand. He thought if he could get past the first day and the excitement of gaining a new coworker, the odd feeling creeping into his heart would go away.

As the day went on and he got to know his new coworker better, he believed the relationship would grow into an unstoppable workforce bond. As the nice coworker he is and to start this unstoppable force off right, he offered to buy her dinner at a restaurant not far from the office (totally not to hang out with her for a little while longer). The time they spent both at the office and eating dinner, Mobius couldn’t quite help but find this new girl fascinating and for lack of a better term, lovely.

But it was just a school boy crush, right?

Time went on, sooner rather than later, Mobius and [y/n] found themselves working together quite often on cases. New cases left and right, most of them being Loki variants, surprise surprise. The more difficult they grew, the more time Mobius spent with the (not so) new girl. Between late nights in the office and many almost death situations, the two found themselves becoming close friends amongst the sea of the neverending bureaucracy. Though still as before, he felt that odd feeling in his heart growing stronger each time she brought him his coffee just the way he liked it or added fuel to his jetski fantasies.

What solidified that feeling in his chest was the night he and [y/n] went on a smaller mission by themselves, July 29th, 1890.

It was a clear night, though somber, both knowing what was supposed to happen. The air was warm and the moon was shining bright over the quiet fields of Auvers-sur-Oise. No, they weren’t looking for a variant of Vincent, he did indeed die tragically in this nexus event. No, no, they were looking for the person who burned all of his paintings in a rage, hence throwing off the timeline. Without the paintings, no memory of Van Gogh would be left for the future, and that’s not how the Time Lizards wanted it to be. So they were there, under the melancholy skies of France.

It was taking longer than planned, they ended up having to spend the night in an old cabin near the edge of the old town. A slow fire burned in the den of the cabin where [y/n] was reading, while Mobius was trying to find some sort of food to keep the two of them from going to bed with their stomachs rumbling. To no avail, there was nothing in the abandoned cabin so he gave in and entered the den of the cabin. There, he was met with the serene and abnormally domestic [y/n] in front of him. Usually the new girl was like a chicken with it’s head cut off; running around the office to put her wild theories to the test or just the general hectic vibe that went along with their job that made her hair stick out on all sides of her head from her running her hands through it in frustration. But this scene sitting quietly in front of him was something he didn’t know he wanted in his life. She was sitting on the ancient furniture with a book in her hands, hair down and surrounding her face in a way that made his heart palpitate. She was relaxed for once, not an ounce of stress weighing on her shoulders as she immersed herself in the world of whatever book she found on the old shelves. He could even see that her work shirt was untucked and her shoes were off, showing off her mix matched socks. He didn’t even know mix matched socks were a thing, but she pulled them off perfectly.

She looked up when he hadn’t said anything for a solid 4 and a half minutes, he was too busy taking in the scene in front of him to notice he was just open mouth staring at her. It didn’t bother her really, though silence with Mobius around was quite unheard of, so she filled it.

“Suis-je trop vieux pour alimenter cette passion et la laisser me consumer - ou suis-je encore trop jeune pour savoir quels dommages cela fera?”

“I’m sorry, w-what?”

“Am I too old to throw fuel onto this passion and let it consume me — or am I still too young to know what damage that will do?” She said again, in english this time. She knew he could understand her, everyone in the TVA could speak and understand a multitude of languages. She just wanted to see what his reaction would be when she said it to him. “It’s a quote from this diary. The person who wrote it was in their mid 20s when they did this entry, they’re writing of their partner. They were in love, but poor and couldn’t afford to be married. The writer got an offer to marry into a wealthy family, but they turned it down, hoping for everything to work out in the end.”

The explanation of the words she spoke before hit Mobius a little harder than they should have, the author of the diary was caught between a rock and hard place. Much like he found himself in right now, even if he refused to believe it before tonight. Seeing the domestic life he could have right in front of him made his head spin, his heart hurt, and his love for his job lessen a bit. He was grateful to the Time Lizards for creating him, for giving him the life he has in the TVA, but seeing what life could be like on Earth startled him. He didn’t know he wanted it until it was right in front of him, taunting him like a cat chasing a laser light. A life on Earth, with the girl sitting right in front of him; that was all he wanted. Jetski be damned (not really, he would love to have a jetski alongside this lifestyle). Even if he couldn’t live a normal life on the Sacred Timeline, he wanted to be with her. After all this time getting to know her and the little details of her soul between official meetings and paperwork piles, he finally realized what that feeling was in this moment.

But he knew it could never happen. Not here, not in the TVA. It simply wasn’t allowed. So he swallowed his feelings, but he never forgot that sweet, peaceful night. They talked, laughed, and even cried together that night, both of them tucking that memory in their hearts and reliving it in times when they most missed the feeling they didn’t know they could miss.

Again, time passed from that night in France, they did eventually catch the variant and reset the timeline. After, they only grew closer as the late nighter grew later and newer, tougher missions appeared on their radar. Their biggest being the Loki variant killing more and more Minute Men, and the case was beginning to take a turn. They brought in a new Loki variant, one front 2012 just after the attack on New York. He was cunning and a very good liar, but he grew on both Mobius and [y/n]. It wasn’t long before they actually found the dangerous Loki variant with 2012 Loki on their side, but he betrayed them and followed the other Loki into the portal, losing both a friend and a lead.

This devastated Mobius, it was his last chance to prove to the Time Lizards that their Loki could be trusted, that he was changing and doing good for the TVA. But he’s a Loki, and they all should have guessed something was going to happen. But they guessed what would happen next.

They found the two variants, out of sheer luck in the Lamentis apocalypse. When both were brought in, it wasn't long before all hell let loose. Mobius found out the TVA was actually just made up of variants, they were all variants, and none of this was what it had been told to them. It was all lies. At first it gutted him, he didn’t believe Loki, but after some snooping, he found out they weren’t lying. Then, hope sparked in his chest. Life without the TVA meant, eventually, he could live out his domestic dream. With the girl of his dreams, [y/n].

With the (fragile) trust in Loki and hope in his heart for a new life with [y/n], he flew into action. He busted Loki out of the loop he had originally put him in, and swapping his Tempad with Renslayer, he now had the proof that Loki was telling the truth. With this renewed faith in his friend, he was going to expose the truth to everyone. They had a right to know, they had a right to their former memories. They had a right to free will.

Only, he didn’t get that far. Suddenly, he and Loki were being escorted to Renslayers office. If there’s one thing about Mobius, he had good intuition, and the feeling he had in his gut was telling him something was very wrong. Of course Renslayer knew he switched their Tempads, he knew he wouldn’t have much time, but it felt like only a matter of minutes before he was caught. He didn’t even have time to go find [y/n] and explain to her what was going on, he didn’t have time to tell her his feelings, and he knew he was going to get pruned if Renslayer found out before he could spread the truth.

But once he stepped into Renslayer’s office, the feeling in his gut froze, sending goosebumps all over his body.

Not only were he and Loki standing in the middle of her office, but so was [y/n]. She was thrashing against G-17, who had her in a chokehold. The scene made his blood boil, [y/n] had no idea what was going on, she was innocent. The thought of anything happening to her gutted him, he wasn’t going to let that happen.

“I uh, I think I grabbed yours by mistake,” he starts out, trying to get out of this smoothly, but he knew Renslayer was going to take that obvious lie, he was no god of mischief. She gave him a cold look that only the devil himself could forge, and ordered D-90 to take the Tempad from him, shaking her head at Mobius in disappointment.

“Mobius, what’s going on?” [y/n] asked, her voice wasn’t faltering, but her usually confident demeanor was gone. She was worried, she knew something bad was going to happen, she knew something was going on with the two variants, it just hadn’t been disclosed how fucked the situation was. All Mobius wanted to do was take her away from this place and tell her what she meant to him. Before anything could happen to him.

“Tell her, Mobius. Tell her how you’ve betrayed the TVA and joined forces with the two Loki Variants. Tell her how you betrayed her trust,” Renslayer says with a silver tongue, looking coldly at not only Loki (the usual) but also Mobius, a look he’s never received from her before on any other occasion than a joke. He could feel his time ticking away, he could only stall so much and there was nothing left to stall. All he had was the truth.

“Look, [y/n], they’re all lying to us. We’re all variants, all of us, they took us from the Timeline. This place- this place isn’t what we think it is.” He says, begging her with his voice to believe him. In all the time they’ve known each other, this is the first time he’s begged her. Though he didn’t need to, [y/n] trusted Mobius with her whole being. Time and time again, she’s saved his ass and he hers. They were bonded in a way she didn’t know was humanly possible, she knew he wouldn’t lie to her. She felt it in her soul he was telling the truth.

“I believe you.” Her voice was soft, even in this terrifying moment, she still found a way to calm him with a gentle smile even as she was being held by the throat.

But that was all taken away when he saw the pointed end of the pruning stick going through her. A guttural roar that escaped him was animalistic, loud enough that surely the entirety of the TVA heard it. Her body was thrown to the ground by D-90, and it took every Minute Men in the room to hold Mobius back from Renslayer. That was it, his whole future ripped away from him right before his eyes, and he didn’t even get to tell her every secret feeling he held for her. No promises of the future they could have together without the TVA. There was nothing left.

He didn’t even hear Renslayer telling one of the Minute Men to prune him through his weeping, and before he knew it, a searing pain took over him.

#mobius #mobius x reader #loki #loki Ła #mobius marvel #mobius m mobius #marvel #mcu fanfiction #mcu x reader

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micha-writes · 3 years

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Day 6: AroAce @spnprideweek (AO3 Link) Full ficlet under the cut :)

Attraction vs. Aesthetics

“He’s pretty hot”

Cas turned his head only slightly to the left, far enough to see a woman standing right next to him. He didn’t know her, had never seen her before. Not that he would have expected to know her, no. Honestly, running into a familiar face while on an undercover hunt probably wasn’t the best thing to happen, and therefore they were always happy to be faced with only people they had never met before. What was irritating to Cas, though, was that this unknown woman felt connected enough to him to start a conversation with that comment and nothing else.

“Huh?” he made. Nothing more than that. He was still looking at her, an eyebrow raised, surprised and admittedly more than a bit irritated by that conversation starter.

“Your friend,” the woman now said, and her head nodded into the direction where Dean was standing, a couple of feet over, talking to some other people in fancy clothes. “I saw you coming in together earlier. He’s quite the looker”

“Oh,” Cas gave a mumbled answer that the woman probably couldn’t even hear, with all the chatter going on around them.

The hall was busy, as they had expected it to be. Lots of rich people in expensive clothes, sipping expensive champagne out of expensive glasses, chatting and laughing, all together pretending to be there for the charity event, but secretly they all knew it was just another opportunity to show off. In the middle of all that, Dean and Cas, chatting to these exact people, Sam somewhere around the round, out of sigh but probably doing the same, and hopefully, a werewolf in disguise somewhere among the guests.

Cas wasn’t exactly paying attention to any of that, though. His eyes had followed the woman’s nod through the room, over the crowd of rich people, and had now landed on Dean.

Dean, who was standing there in a borrowed suit, because none of the fake-FBI ones he owned had seemed fancy enough, right next to a little fake-fountain, having a fake-smile on while maintaining a fake-friendly conversation in which neither partner seemed to really pay attention to what the other one was saying.

He was looking good, that much was true. Cas could definitely agree there with this strange woman. He was looking good in that suit, but Cas found it didn’t make much difference to what he normally wore. Actually, if he was honest, he probably preferred the old jeans with the washed-out parts where the knees were, along with an ordinary shirt and one of those flannels Dean insisted on wearing at every possible and impossible occasion. Cas’s preference wasn’t even about the looks. It was just, that outfit was Dean. It was what he felt comfortable in, what he chose to use to express himself. This suit, on the other hand … Dean tried hard, and he was probably fooling most of the strangers at this weird party, but Cas knew, he could see how stiff he felt in that suit.

And he was looking good, he was always looking good, in Cas’s opinion. Dean was always looking good, at every instance, every second of every day – and night, for that matter. No matter if it was all dressed up and ready, or fresh out of bed with no coffee yet, in his pyjama pants and with ruffled hair and a sleepy face, even after a hunt, with blood and slime all over him, even though Cas had to admit that was kind of disgusting. But an okay amount of disgusting, because it was Dean, after all.

Dean was looking good indeed, as he always was, yes. Looking good. But hot?

He’s pretty hot, the woman had said, and that word …

It was ridiculous, almost. Kind of like a bad joke. An Angel, an actual Angel of the Lord, capable of speaking, of understanding every single language that was and had ever been anywhere on earth, and yet, there were those few words that meant nothing to him. Hot, Attractive, words like those, no matter in which language, no matter where on earth, in hell or on heaven they were spoken, they meant nothing to him.

Maybe one could say that they weren’t even words for him, because per definition, a word has to have some kind of meaning – and words like those just didn’t.

As much as he had seen in his uncountable years of existence, as many things he had learned, words he had spoken, those were the only ones he couldn’t make sense of. He of course knew there was some kind of meaning to them, a meaning that he could piece together from the context he had witnessed others using them in, but that meaning was, as a result, an observed one, not an understood one.

It wasn’t understood, and it could never be, because Castiel simply didn’t understand.

He didn’t understand the thing that was lying beyond, the feeling those words described – because he simply didn’t feel them. He never had, and for quite the amount of time he had thought maybe he would one day, maybe he would get it, maybe he would feel it and then understand, but he didn’t.

It wasn’t like Angels generally wouldn’t be capable of feeling such things, of experiencing attraction – they were, Cas knew that. It was just, that he personally wasn’t. And he had thought – or maybe, hoped – to understand it one day, to see what the fuzz was about, what everyone seemed to be so fascinated by. What that thing about humans and their attraction and sex was that seemed so appealing it had caused several Angels to fall. But he didn’t.

The falling part, he could understand. He saw the appeal in humanity, he definitely did. It would be pretty ironic to claim that he didn’t, considering he had betrayed Heaven, betrayed everything he had ever stood for, just for one human.

And that human, that one silly little human that seemed so unimportant at the first glance, that one single little American man, the one that meant so much to him that words couldn’t possibly describe it – that one had made him understand a lot, almost everything.

But the thing was, almost everything. He understood why others before him had turned their backs to heaven, had betrayed the Great Plan, had betrayed God himself. He understood, because Humanity – or that one single human, in his case – was definitely worth it.

He understood so many human emotions all of a sudden, and he cared. For the first time ever, after millennia of existence, Cas had started to care instead of blindly following orders.

He understood what it meant to care, as he watched Dean care so incredibly much.

And he understood what it meant to love. He understood as he watched Dean do so many selfless things out of love, and he understood even better as he found himself falling in love.

He was falling in love, he knew that. Maybe he had fallen in love, maybe he was still falling. Cas wasn’t entirely sure if this was more a state or an ongoing process, but in the core, he knew that it was love.

So much love, for the world, for humanity, and especially for Dean – love, definitely, undoubtedly love, but no attraction.

Cas’s wouldn’t dare to say that he now understood love, because he didn’t. probably nobody had ever truly understood love. But he was content in saying that the word now had meaning to him. If someone was talking about love, he could definitely imagine something, make out a meaning below the word – no matter in which language.

And that was thanks to Dean, so you would assume that the sight of Dean would have awoken another kind of feeling in Cas, would’ve made him understand attraction. But well, it didn’t.

Cas had expected it to happen, he had been rather sure that as soon as he understood he was experiencing love like that, he would start to understand that other thing as well, sooner or later. But he didn’t.

And by now, after years and years around Dean, by his side, caring about him, loving him, Cas had come to the conclusion that he probably never would.

And that it was okay that way.

Because he felt good that way. He truly did feel entirely good that way, having accepted that this was just the way he felt, the way he was, that this was just him. And there admittedly were many things about himself that Cas didn’t like, some not at all, some he hated with a burning passion, and some he simply wanted to forget about, but this wasn’t one of them.

He was happy with how it was. He still didn’t understand, the words still didn’t carry any meaning for him, but that was okay.

He was aware of Dean’s good looks, of course he was – how could he not have been. But never, not a single time, had he thought of him as hot or attractive. It was rather, beautiful.

Dean was like a fine painting, Cas liked to think. He was so aesthetically pretty to look at, he was like the masterpiece of a hard-working artist, every freckle on his face the result of the well-thought-through tap of a brush, the shape of his face carefully drawn on canvas, every single hair added with a careful movement of hand, and his eyes, his mesmerizing green eyes, the result of long hours of work, with every little variation of colour being carefully thought of and added, colours mixed with the tip of a fine brush, making those eyes as deep and beautiful as they were.

It was almost ironic, if you thought about it. Years back, Cas had thought of humans as an artwork as well. An artwork by his father’s hand, his most perfect creations. Today, he wasn’t thinking that way anymore, he wasn’t praising God for anything anymore, not after everything he had put them through.

But Dean, Dean in particular, he still considered a piece of art. A masterpiece of art, made by the most talented artist in the world.

Cas’s eyes were still on Dean, following him moving around over there in the other half of the room, talking to people with that smile on his face. The face was beautiful, and every time Cas looked at it, he couldn’t believe just how beautiful it was. Every time he looked at it, he was thinking that a masterpiece like that should be put in a museum.

But then, on the other hand, Cas really didn’t want to share the masterpiece. So, he always reminded himself, no museum. Leave him here, with you, in the bunker, and admire this masterpiece at its finest: When he’s just rolled out of bed, in his silly pyjamas with cartoon prints all over, sipping on his coffee, sleep still in his eyes, hair ruffled, but his freckles standing out.

As he was looking over, eyeing Dean from across the room, he still didn’t understand those words the woman next to him had said.

They still carried no meaning for him, he couldn’t make any sense of them or relate to the feeling they implied – But that didn’t matter.

It wasn’t important, not to him, nothing of this was. He was happy as it was, as he was. Oblivious to the meaning of such words, but happy. As happy as it could get, really, as a fallen and rebellious former soldier of Heaven.

Cas didn’t understand the meaning beyond those words, and he never would. But he also had had time learn, and he had acquired a general picture of someone who got attributed the label attractive. And what he had especially learned was that Dean seemed to be considered extremely attractive by quite a number of people.

So, Cas decided, as every so often, to do what he had learned to do, to pretend to understand, to just agree to this definition society of attractiveness that society seemed to agree on.

“Yeah,” he said, still looking at Dean. “Yeah, I guess he is”

#spnprideweek #castiel #dean winchester #destiel #ace!cas #ace!castiel #asexuality #cas is ace and he loves dean so much omg #he's in love your honor #destiel ficlet #deancas ficlet #my writing #mic writes

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ask-soul-bendy · 3 years

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RP sections with Venoraux

So I'm deciding to put these up here cause why not, I love this interesting demon of mine, and hope you guys will too. :v

It is broken up into three sections, the first two are from the same RP, while the 3rd is from a different RP, so keep that in mind. Enjoy!

Oh also, Venoraux, Henry, and Mark belong to me, Corr and Paul belong to @core4lost

Henry: *paces back inside to try and ignore the stillness of outside. At least they still get TV reception. Hopefully the whole city hasn't been deserted. That would definitely imply that something is very wrong. However, he freezes when he sees a large black figure out on the back porch... It looks to be crouching like a dog, watching him with four glowing red eyes, a wide fanged grin, and a long tail waving around slowly. It sits there unnervingly still aside from the tail, which seems to have... Eyes on the spear, making it look like a dragon head* ... Guys...?

Corr and Paul look to Henry with a confused look. "What is it?" Paul said as he gets up to see what Henry was looking at until he spotted the demon outside the window. He looks stunned to see it was staring at them, but it was odd that it... Kinda resembles like Corr's demon form but a bit sinister looking. "W-What the hell is that...?" Paul looks a bit unsettled just seeing that demon. Corr looks over to Paul and Henry looking a bit worried as he too got up from the couch as he tries to look at what they were looking at until he saw it too. He looked scared as he stays behind Henry and Paul.

Henry: *gulps nervously* ... Maybe it's... The demon...... But, Corr said it was a giant dragon... *tenses more when the demon outside tilts its head, like it can hear them...* Right?

"Don't know..." Paul looks behind himself seeing Corr looked nervous as he didn't want to be near this thing since he didn't want to deal with this demon. Paul looks to Henry as he thought of some sort of an idea. "Should we try to lock all the doors and windows?" Corr perks up thinking it was a good idea. "I-I'll go and lock them if you want..." Paul looks to Corr and nods. "Go ahead and start doing it... Including the windows as well." Corr then went to the front door as he starts to lock them and even the windows but avoids being near the monster that was close to the back door. Soon Corr goes downstairs so he can try to lock the door down there as well.

Henry: *watches the demon to make sure it doesn't move, taking to observing its body. He notices the ribs on its chest, the giant claws, and a strange slit between its ribs. What is that? It looks like it's more than just a design pattern* ... What do you want...? *tenses more when it pulls up some and steps back, only to lay down like a dog, still watching the old man, its large claws tucked in under it, and its face only inches from the pane of the door. Even laying down it looks so big. But why isn't it doing anything? And... Why does he get this subtle urge to go close to it...?*

Corr manages to lock everything downstairs as he got upstairs to see Henry and Paul still looking at the demon by the door. "Is it still there?" Paul frowns sadly. "Yeah... But... It's still sitting there..." Corr frowns but thinks he might have a good opportunity to lock the monster outside if it was laying down. "M-Maybe I can lock it..." "Corr, no... It might break the door down." "Paul, we don't know that... Just... Let me try..." Paul sighs as he lets Corr go and let him try. "Alright... Just be careful..." Corr slowly went closely to the door that the demon was at that was laying down. It looked relaxed, but might be trying to let his defense down or trying to think it was harmless to let it in. But he wasn't going to fall for it, not like when that dragon had harmed him and tortured him in Hell. He didn't want to be fooled again, Corr just looks at the demon's face and just felt scared and.... Felt like he recognized its own eyes, he hated it... He just wished it would just go away. Corr tries to focus so he can go to the door, lock it, and then he can lock everything else so they can all be safe inside.

demon: *continues to watch him precariously, almost with interest and amusement, swaying its tail around smoothly* ... Soon... *smiles more darkly as it speaks in a deep rumbling voice, yet almost alluring, that can be heard clearly through the door* ... Soon, you will come to accept my gift... I've restored the lives of both you and your uncle... And I've improved you both vastly, given you power and immortality... Is this not what you wished for, boy...?

Corr looked at the demon and glares at it knowing that it was that same demon dragon from before... But... In a different body or form. Corr hurries up to the door knowing the hate he has towards this monster as he locks the door with a click knowing that it was now locked. "I don’t want your damn gift!"

demon: *chuckles in a vile tone* Well that's too bad... I can make your lives so much better, yet you wish to live the life of stress and mundane work and death? And being what you are now, it won't be long before your instincts take over... Same with your dear uncle... It's futile to resist for so long, thus you might as well embrace it sooner than later...

Corr frowns and glares at the demon, but he still has his mom's pendant to keep him sane and himself... But... His uncle... He wasn't too sure if his own uncle will still be his sweet uncle that he remembers him as if the demon instinct will take him over. Paul looks at the demon as he tries to go over to Corr so he can get him away from the demon that was making him uncomfortable. "Just who the hell are you anyway!? Since Corr seen you as this demon dragon, we haven't even gotten your name yet..." Paul would like to know the name of this so called demon.

demon: *grins at them, still hardly moving otherwise* You may know me as Lord Venoraux...

Henry: *paces over as well, uneasy with it being so placid, but even with them so close, it's only talking, albeit precariously* Lord Venoraux? How are you a lord?

Venoraux: I'll just say that what you experienced was real... And this is not...

Corr frowns sadly as he looks at Venoraux. "So.... It's true... Then... Why did you put us here then? And where are we exactly?" Corr looks at Venoraux sadly as Paul puts Corr behind him as if guarding Corr from Venoraux so that this demon won't have any ideas just to try and get to Corr, but at least the door was locked.

Venoraux: Why, I'm keeping you safe, boy... It's dangerous out there... Though, I'm sure you can manage well enough... Even still, I'd rather not let you fall victim to harm...

Henry: How un-demon-like of you...

Venoraux: *chuckles in an unsettling tone* You belong to me, thus why would I allow my belongings to be damaged? I even smuggled you from Hell's judge, boy... Aren't you grateful for that much?

Henry: Wait... So... You also sent him up here those few times?

Venoraux: Indeed... The poor soul was weakening just by being away from you. And since I had plans for him, I didn't want to lose the opportunity... Plus, beings wielding two souls are much more rare and valuable...

Henry: *frowns in thought* ... You mean Corr's mother...

Venoraux: Also a pure soul, yes...

Corr frowns sadly as if he didn't want to be here or be near Venoraux just how it was talking about how rare and valuable he was just cause he has two souls. Paul looks over to Corr seeing how depressed he looks as he starts to hold Corr close to him in a hug and pressed his head to his chest knowing that Corr didn't want to hear more of this. When Corr felt Paul holding him, he nuzzled to Paul and started to hold him close knowing that he just wishes he can be somewhere far. Paul looks at Venoraux with a serious look knowing that it was too much for Corr to take it in. "I'm gonna take Corr upstairs..." Paul escorts Corr to his room so that he would feel safe with him knowing that Paul felt like a guard when it comes to Corr being a total target to these freaking demons.

Venoraux: There is no escape from me~ Do be sure to keep that in mind...

Henry: *frowns at Corr with pity, before looking back at the demon* ... So... Lord Venoraux... Why? What did you do to the city, and why?

Venoraux: *lowers its head a bit with a soft growl* Humans are such a convoluted race... They make themselves more stressed than they ever should be... Needing jobs to make valueless money, needing to worry about others vandalizing their homes and possessions, worrying about what they can afford... Even fearing death and accidents... *looks up at Corr and Henry, as if knowing what happened to them*

Henry: *frowns more at that. Corr slipped from the roof from the rain, and a lightning bolt was the cause. And his own mishap with gasoline poisoning was due to a decrepit vehicle and lack of realization of how much gas he'd swallowed... At least those accidents weren't the demon's doing. It'd hoped for them, but didn't cause them* ... So, what...? You think you're making life better?

Venoraux: Believe it or not, yes... You see, under my rule, there will be no illness and no weakness. No stress on petty mundane things like wondering if you'll have enough money to keep your home or your vehicles...

Henry: And what about the demons you brought from Hell?

Venoraux: They'll only retaliate... It's an order of mine for them to leave you three alone, so if you attack them is when you'd better hope to either kill them or hide well enough... As I said, I wouldn't want you all going out there and getting into trouble...

As Paul took Corr to his room, Corr tries to tuck into his own bed while Paul sits next to him as Corr tries to get comfortable. He felt so horrible that this so called Venoraux would try to keep them for itself and even Corr. Corr tries to sleep hoping everything was just an awful nightmare as he holds onto Paul's hand as he didn't want him to leave. Paul saw Corr's pendant looking a bit dark as it was flickering from light to dark as if it was either scared, or knows that Corr was awfully depressed and saddened about the situation they were in now. "It's ok, Corr... I'll always be here with you, bud... Ok...?" Paul rubs Corr's head as he tries to comfort him while Corr was resting in bed.

Henry: *stares at the demon for a moment, before looking away* ... Won't you just go away...? And leave us alone...? And turn things back to the way they were...?

Venoraux: Well, the last request wouldn't be very possible... For I've made the city into my nest, only homes and food markets still intact.

Henry: ... Unless you've destroyed the power plants.

Venoraux: Oh no, those are still in operation as well. And I even tried not to kill off many humans either... So there's still human population...

Henry: They're probably all living in fear now though, right? *looks up at it with a stern look*

Venoraux: *grins darkly* You'd think that, but actually they're all more than willing to live under my rule...

Henry: *looks confused, and a bit nervous* How so?

Venoraux: Well, they wouldn't be useful if they were all fearful and repulsed by our ways...

Henry: How do you mean "useful"?

Venoraux: Hmm, you might not believe it, but I'm good to my followers...

Henry: Your followers? So that means... You brainwashed everyone?

Venoraux: I'd rather go with a nicer term, like swayed or influenced, but... All in all, yes...

Corr starts to feel a bit at ease as he looks up to Paul with a sad look while curled up in the covers. "P-Paul... Go check on Henry... I-I'm ok up here... Just... Make sure he's ok..." "You sure?" "Yeah... I'm worried about him with... That demon..." Paul sighs as he gets off the bed as he was about to go out of Corr's room. "I'll be right back, alright...? Just try to sleep, ok?" "Ok... Be safe..." Corr curls up in bed so he can try to calm himself and try not to think of the bad stuff. Paul heads downstairs as he came to see if Henry was doing alright with that good for nothing Venoraux.

Henry: So what do you plan to do with us?

Venoraux: I only wish to take care of you is all.

Henry: By way of? *crosses his arms, still apprehensive despite the demon's lax tone*

Venoraux: Well, you'll need to be trained to your bodies and learn to effectively fend for yourselves. And you'll soon find that I know best for everyone...

Henry: Why do I get the feeling you're just talking about the demons?

Venoraux: *chuckles a bit* Well, it wouldn't last long if I didn't tend to my livestock... Demons can go for a while without feeding, and given how humans reproduce rather quickly yet age slowly, it shouldn't be too much hassle to keep things in order.

Henry: So we are just your food. And slaves basically.

Venoraux: *tilts its head* Call it what you will, but the humans put up little resistance... As I said, they're more than willing to cater to me and my brood, and I don't ask much of them...

Henry: *sighs lowly. He didn't expect a demon to act like a saint or anything, especially an alleged dragon demon* ... Well then, if as you said "this isn't real", can you make anything for us?

Venoraux: I can... I know this place would be rather boring if you were the only inhabitants, so if population is what you wish for, I can make it so...

Henry: ... *looks away some. Can this demon really reshape space and give them what they want in the span of what it'll allow for? It seems to want them to bend to its will just like everyone else, and why wouldn't it just hypnotize them like it did everyone else to make it easier? It's already fulfilled its plans, maybe it sees no need to make quick work of them...* Then... Can you make things how they were in this place? *looks back at it* If our loyalty is what you want, then making us comfortable would be a good way to start...

Venoraux: *chuckles darkly with a matching grin* And suggesting ways to win you over only implies that you do wish to follow me~

Henry: No... Just something I'd figure you'd already think of...

Venoraux: Believe me, I indeed know how to win you over. I'm just amused at your tone, sounding ever so slightly submissive~

Henry: *scoffs lowly as he looks away again* Well you're a powerful demon, I'm not gonna be gullible enough to defy you outright, that'd be stupid... Even if you wouldn't kill me, there's likely other methods of torture you'd enact. Am I wrong?

Venoraux: *grins more with a low rumble* You're not wrong... However, it is better to have all my followers be completely submissive. Besides, it makes for rather interesting conversation as well...

Henry: *droops his shoulders a bit as he still looks away from the demon. This monster is going to dictate their lives, and there's really nothing they can do about it. It said it'll keep them content, but they'll never be content when they're so used to normal human life and not the life of demons... Though he blinks and looks back when he feels Paul's presence, wondering if he was there the whole time*

Paul hears the whole thing while he was at the steps but then slowly went up to Henry with a sorry look on his face but then turns to Venoraux with a serious look that might just wish he can beat the hell out of the demon across its own face. "Even if you try to get loyalty from either of us, it won't ever change how you scarred Corr for life of how fucking afraid he is of you. You lied, tortured, and took everything from him that made him happy. How is he going to forgive you for being such a monster...?" Paul glares at Venoraux knowing that he felt so bad for Corr that he was going to protect him like a big brother would do from anything that made him this scared or unhappy.

Venoraux: I can give him what he wants... In the form of this place... I can give him his friends back, and I can give him his luxuries back, and this place itself can serve as an escape from the dangers of outside...

Henry: ... So, what... Is this like some kind of reward system or something?

Venoraux: You could say that...

Henry: Then can it serve as an escape from you? *scowls at the demon, to which the monster tilts its head and sways its tail*

Venoraux: I can leave you be, but there's no escape from my eyes...

Henry: *looks down with his arms still crossed. The demon thinks it can make life better for them, but what's a better life in the eyes of a demon?* ...... Then if you insist on hanging around, just leave us alone...

Venoraux: Well if I did that, then you'd never come to welcome me...

Henry: Do you really think we have to? You forced us into this. *looks back at it with a scowl*

Venoraux: I'm letting you have your own will, I'm only forcing your environment...

Henry: Doesn't mean you're not forcing us to try and adapt by your rule.

Venoraux: *smiles darkly in a forewarning manner* Hmm~ Either way, you'll soon come to appreciate my changes...

Henry: Yeah, being turned into demons, how fun... *deadpans, making the demon chuckle unnervingly in amusement*

"Yeah... Seems kinda pointless. Why can't you just leave us be? We're not your pets, we're humans for Heaven's sake." Paul crossed his arms as if this is just wasting their time talking to a demon thinking it just wants to keep them inside and be safe, but Paul didn't want that... Not for him... Not for Corr and even Henry as well. They want real freedom, to smell real fresh air and real wind, not be in some sleep or in a coma for the rest of their own damn lives.

Venoraux: Well, like I told Henry, I will let you all out now and then. I just know that your desire is to see the neighborhood as it was, and this place can fabricate that. And by using the energy of your own souls, what you've experienced, even the senses can be replicated... Feel the breeze, smell the nice scents, and the like...

Henry: *quirks a brow skeptically* Using our soul energy to improve the reality here? Do you really think that's all it'll take?

Venoraux: You'll be swayed eventually. That's how conditioning works after all...

Henry: Hmph, like Paul said, we're not your pets...

Venoraux: Well you might as well be... And I'm sure you'd much rather me handle you all gently rather than assertively in any case, so you should be grateful for that much...

Henry: Grateful? And why should we be grateful to you?

Venoraux: You could have been condemned to your initial fates... Your nephew would have remained in Hell, and you... *turns its daunting leer at Henry* You would have gone to Heaven...

Henry: *blinks in surprise* ... How do you know that?

Venoraux: Your soul is pure... A kind being you are, and your last baptism has served you well... If you had gone to Heaven, and Corr to Hell, you'd have been miserable either way...

Henry: *blinks again in a stunned manner, looking down*

Venoraux: And being demons grants you superior strength and pseudo-immunity to aging... You can be together for many more years to come... You're his only related family left, Henry... I know you care deeply for him, and he to you...

Henry: ......... *sags his shoulders in thought. If the demon is right, they could be together for much longer and experience so much more... Maybe even the life of living among demons might be indeed more interesting than mundane human life*

Paul looks to Henry as if he was actually taking in Venoraux's words, but Paul knows that even if they might be stuck to be with this monster, they can't have their own freedom to even escape from its own grasp. What would Corr think of this if Henry gave in to Venoraux? He'll be so upset, he's already more upset and miserable now than he already is knowing that they're trapped in this fake world.

Henry: *just stares at the floor for a while, before shaking his head and turns to go upstairs* How about you just let us wake up then? I'd rather things be real, even if we're demons... Even if other demons are going around. I want things to be real again...

Venoraux: Hmm... I suppose it has been long enough anyway... A few days by now...

Henry: *pauses at the doorway and glances back* A few days?

Venoraux: *nods* This place's time is much slower to the waking conscious...

Henry: ... I guess that's true. Even normal dreams feel like they only last a few minutes, yet you pass by hours. *shakes his head and goes upstairs to be with Corr, having had enough with talking to the demon*

Paul looks back seeing Henry going upstairs to see Corr as Paul looks at the demon with an irritated look. "If we wake up, I don't want anything or any demon harming Corr... He's already been through your own hell." Paul still didn't trust Venoraux as he just wants to protect Corr. As Henry was going upstairs, Corr didn't even fall asleep, he was just staring blankly at the wall as he felt so empty and weak. Even his own pendant's little light has faded a bit to a dark hazy blue. He looked sad, tired, weak, even maybe tired from crying from the look of his wet eyes.

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One of the military tries to study on the teeth and maybe get a piece of it to get a sample to bring back in hope a scientist might figure out some things. Soon Corr's breathing was slowed down a bit while Sarah was trying to ease him and even pet him. Then... Corr started to sleep, but he doesn't know if he might end up in the dreamscape first. Paul was talking with the rest of the soldiers about this mouth place knowing that if they sleep here, they'll be meeting Venoraux in their dreams talking to Venoraux's demon in person.

*it doesn't feel as such a temperature in the air of the space they hover, but touching the flesh of this mouth is very warm, hot even, like feeling fire on the other side of a door, or a pot that's been sitting on the stove and is cooling down but still quite warm. It causes a tingly sensation in her hands as the heat smolders like fresh embers, and it smells of brimstone and firewood strangely. Unless they try to get close to the walls of the mouth, Henry keeps them close protectively, and seeing how Mark is slowly relaxing and he doesn't seem too bothered by the rather comfortable temperature of the space they're in, he slowly settles down as well, letting out a low rumble*

They all gather together as some of the soldiers were curious of meeting with Venoraux itself, but others want to get outta here, but it'll be suicide just to bomb the whole place while they're inside. Paul tries to relax with Henry and Mark, as Sarah rests with Corr. Meanwhile Corr was in a dark place in his own sleep. Everything was dark... Black... And a void. All except for his own bed, pillows, blanket, and even the plushy that his uncle gave him when he was working at the animation studio for his second job. Corr sits on his bed as he looks around the dark place to see nothing.... Just... Nothing... Corr sighs sadly as he tries to curl up in bed knowing that maybe this was his own vision of desire for a dream.... Nothing.

*Henry stays awake for the sake of the others, to offer some kind of security for them. He's the biggest and strongest of the bunch, even though there's really no danger in the mouth, and if Venoraux really is trying to win some brownie points with its talismans, it might allow them to make friends and by extension keep their friends, even keep them in well enough condition. It knows that Corr is the most sensitive soul it chose as its anchor to the surface, and thus is the most fragile. It knows how to be gentle despite its evil nature. Maybe not the most kind, but it's something... In any case, the emptiness of Corr's dreaming vision is quiet until the subtle sound of rumbling is heard. It doesn't sound like a dangerous or even ominous rumbling either, more like that of deep breathing, like how Henry's sounds like when he purrs. But since no one's here for now, there's likely only one it could come from if he were to put a body to this sound...*

Corr looks around for the sound in the void but couldn't pin point where. He frowns sadly thinking it was just noises tricking him from Venoraux itself. He tucks himself in the blanket along with the plushy as his mind couldn't even think of the happy thoughts cause all those good times.... Were gone, destroyed, crumbled, all gone cause of what Venoraux has done. Or maybe... He should blame himself, it was his stupid idea to make this action happen. His own pendant was dimming out and slowly becoming grey.

*the soft rumbling continues, like a white noise that's almost relaxing. And since this is the dreamscape, the image of the familiar demon soon appears standing a few meters from Corr's bed. It's like, even though its body is pitch black, and the rest of the space is empty pitch black, Venoraux can be seen clearly somehow. But that's just how dreams work*

Venoraux: *just stands in place for a while, silent and still as a ghost aside from its tail swaying slowly, as it watches the boy in his human body. It still bares that precarious fanged grin and gleaming red eyes, but its body is at rest* ......... I know you resent me, boy... I know you wish to escape, and forget this ever happened... You wish time would go back...... But you know that I'll tell you that that's only truly possible in this dream realm... Do you not?

Corr holds an emotionless expression on his face while resting in bed as he didn't want to look at Venoraux nor speak to it as well. He knows that everything here is... A dream, dreams are no escape, they can't turn back time, they won't... Bring everything back. He wants the real deal, things that are happening outside. He might even not know something and wish to explore the changes that're happening right now. Venoraux can't keep him cooped up here forever, nothing will make him happy unless he actually tries out new things that are actually out there. And meeting new people and faces like the military that are willing to help to get them out. " ................" Corr didn't say anything to Venoraux as he was just getting tired of its lies.

Venoraux: ......... I know you wish me to be gone...... For everything I've done to be gone...... This is all sudden for you... But had I done nothing, you'd still be dead and in Hell... And your uncle would have died in the same manner as he had...... You may say I can't know that... And you'd be correct... However, you wouldn't have known for sure either...... I had nothing to do with his death... At the very least, he didn't die alongside the heartache of your death...... As I mentioned last time, if you hadn't agreed to let me bring you back, he would have been miserable at your loss...... And likewise, you were heartbroken when he fell to the toxic oil of that decrepit vehicle...... Yet, I brought him back to you... Now you both are impervious to harm from standard hazards...

Corr just... Closed his eyes, he wishes he wasn't here, he wishes he just... Stayed in Hell to get tortured and get punished cause everything he does... Was all his fault. It.... It was... His own fault. Soon... Corr's own pendant starts to look a bit black as his skin looks more pale. Even the color of his own bed was starting to lose its own shade of color as it was now looking like black and white. Corr was doubting himself knowing that everything he does... Was his fault, thinking it was Venoraux's fault, but it was his own fault as well knowing how stupid he was to kill his own dad and trying to kill himself from that day... None of this would have ever happened.

Venoraux: *narrows its eyes at the despair, before letting out a light throaty rumble as it looks down in thought, flexing its claws slightly. It stands in place for a moment, knowing that Corr hates it, but it doesn't want to lose this freedom it's finally gotten for itself. Soon it looks back up at Corr and paces closer slowly, lifting a hand once at his bedside, and in its palm appears a little thing that Corr should remember. A thing he once had that his father had taken from him in the past, that his mother had given him* ...... I wouldn't be so generous if I was as vile as you see me as...... I do care about you, boy... More than just a thing to keep me out of Hell... Whether you believe me or not, I'm not lying......

When Corr looks over to what Venoraux has in its hand, his eyes widen in shock. He couldn't believe Venoraux actually has something that was in its hand without actually telling it about what his own dad stole from him. But... It was there... It.... It was a small music box that had a wooden owl sculpture on top of it. When his dad was trying to clean the house, Corr's own dad accidentally broke his own gift that his mom gave to him for her final death when she passed away. Even it was hard to fix the wood since it was fragile and delicate, including the gadgets inside the music box that wouldn't play music anymore. Corr slowly took the small music box from Venoraux's hand as he feels it as he remembers how it used to be when he first had it with his mom. Corr.... Weakly smiled as his own pendant slowly brightens up a bit but not too much. "H-How....?" Corr looks up to Venoraux sadly wondering of how it knew about the music box that was shattered years ago when his own dad knocked his precious gift over that was his mom's last gift.

Venoraux: ... You really thought I was doing nothing while I allowed you on the surface those few times...? Your father was sent to Hell, and I found him... Out of his guilt for breaking it, the shred of it he had, and having a portion of your energy to know what you hold dear, I'm able to give this back to you...... It might be surprising to hear from me, that you indeed didn't deserve to fall to Hell when you died... It was indeed purely an accident... Coincidence that you'd perished so soon after killing your father... It was only by risk of being on your roof while it was raining. Had it not been, you'd have been able to scale down from the roof and you'd be fine... None of this would have happened if not for the weather... Of course, then you could blame God in that sense... As though he could subtly control things about the world, and what happened was karma... But... All in all, what you still love currently remains with you... I may be a dark demon, but I am trying to at least keep your cherishables close to you... Have I not?

Corr looks up to it in thought before he looks at the music box as he rubs and feels the owl's wooden feeling on his own fingers knowing that the music box was so smooth and nice. But... It was awfully hard to know if he can trust Venoraux for what it's done, it killed those people, ruined the city, and also kept him and Henry as... Well... Talismans. But... If Venoraux was kind enough to bring back this music box he lost a long time ago that was his mom's final gift... It's gotta mean something, right? He doesn't know yet, but something tells him that.... Venoraux.... Actually... Has a soft spot. Corr scoots over a bit from the bed so that maybe Venoraux can sit with him on his bed. "Um... Would... W-Would you like to sit?" Corr timidly asked thinking this must be weird to ask a powerful demon if it'd like to sit with him, besides, after all it did bring him back his music box.

Venoraux: *tilts its head thoughtfully, waving its tail around, before shutting its eyes with a guttural sigh and turns to sit on the bed. It takes up a lot of space of course since it's so big, but it keeps sure to let Corr have his own space on the bed, which as dream space would have it, the bed is suddenly twice as big as it was before. Venoraux rests its large claws over its lap as its long tail sways slowly over the edge* ......... You're a very soft soul, boy...... And I do apologize for harming you before... Understand that it was before I planned to use you to get me out of Hell... I wouldn't have been rough if I knew my own intentions right away...... *opens its eyes looking forward* Nor did I have access to the energy of you, your mother, and your uncle, that now allows me to feel sympathy for you...... I know you resent the nest I've made, and the brood of demons I brought with me from Hell... But in hindsight, why would you think that human life is better than this? *turns its head at him tentatively* I mean not to sound conceited or selfish, but with this simple life, you needn't be concerned with trivial matters, such as that of monetary issues, and rogue humans with their petty desires and outbursts... Under more controlled sovereign, they can even be friendlier and more trustworthy, because they have no trivial distractions, shall we say... *shuts its eyes again as it turns its head downward* If someone dies, it's just par for the course... But I won't allow those you hold close to perish... But with how humans normally are, how they either turn aggressive or distant or rash when something they deem unsatisfactory happens to them, or if it doesn't happen to them, others turn derisive or empathetic, and they might not be able to help properly...... But with this, there's only the concern of whom will be taken by the demons...... *opens its eyes again* If anything happens to any friends of yours, I will set it straight that they shall be dodged of the danger, and they'll be left to their own business......

Corr sighs as he looks up to Venoraux. "Well... I don't think human life is better or great, but..." Corr rubs his head. "I just really like the fact that there are some good people out there that have well living lives. But for others... Not so much, like for the ones that are drug addicts, liars, robbing people, murderers, and so forth. Those are the kind of people I don't like to meet, even the abusive people. But I know there are other good people like me, my uncle, Paul, and others that are willing to help others in need. And for what you did.... Eeeeeehhhhhhh...." Corr curls up knowing that Venoraux might have killed those innocent people while making its own nest by accident. "I-I don't know how many people you've slaughtered, b-b-but j-just hope there might be some alive..." Corr weakly smiled. "Um... But... There are some people I want you to kinda spare though... Uh... H-His name is Mark... I-If you did like you did with my uncle, Paul, and... Uh... Ema... Um... Y-You can at least spare Mark, can't you?" Corr looks up to Venoraux pleadingly hoping that it can spare Mark hoping that no demons can harm him.

Venoraux: ... As you wish...... Just understand this, boy... No one is willing to simply throw away what they've worked for... What they've waited so long for...... Thousands of years I've been patient, waiting for an opportunity to arise from the depths of Hell, and make a new home on the surface... For so long, I've planned and watched through the eyes of others...... *smiles a bit more sneakily* You're not the first one I've granted second life to... There have been many who I've tried to use as anchors...... I could never gather as much power as I needed... Their souls were pure, but either they didn't have enough, or they were killed again...... I anticipated you to be the same...... But then acknowledging that there was a second pure soul latched onto your own, it sparked hope in me that you might be fortunate enough to survive... And when I studied Henry and felt his pure soul, I saw the moment I'd been waiting for...... *shuts its eyes with a somewhat expectant posture, shifting its tail around slowly* ... You may think I'm only using you... Well, you're not wrong... But, not entirely... You see, an anchor works both ways, as a ship anchor works for a ship. The anchor is just a thing there unless it's attached to the ship, in which it's useful in helping the ship stop moving, and those caring for the ship can care for the anchor as well, to keep it being useful... *turns its eyes over at him* ... I will take care of you and your uncle, and your friends... To not, is the folly of anyone working to use others to further their ideals and goals... That's simply how humans work, no? There must be some kind of trade system...

Corr was in deep thought when Venoraux mentioned about the anchor, but also it seems that Venoraux was not initially trying to do anything crazy or evil, but more like trying to get free from Hell and find a new home on the surface to find peace. But at least Venoraux is trying to... Well... Be nice, might need some training on that. "Hmmm... Uh... W-Well... I don't know much, but I think my uncle might know this kinda stuff." As Corr felt a bit comfortable with Venoraux as he starts to lay down on his bed sideways trying to relax. "Um... So... H-Hey! Who was that large demon you were fighting with anyway?" Corr looks to Venoraux as he was curious of who was that large dark blue dragon that was close to Venoraux's size.

Venoraux: Him? *huffs derisively* He was the guardian dragon of the treachery circle... He actually doesn't need to be summoned to cross between Hell and the surface... He goes by the name Volkraan... Mostly affiliated with water, but he can use electric energy to heal any wounds... He was superior to me before, but now... *chuckles precariously* Now he is below me~ *inclines its head down a bit with its eyes narrowed* Though I'll warn you and the others to beware of him... He's got a tendency to... Turn others to his brood, much more against their will than my approach...... *turns its eyes at the boy* If any of you cross him or his two servants, always watch his tendrils......

Corr looked a bit nervous knowing that this other dragon Volkraan was a bit more troubling than Venoraux. "Uh... S-Sure... Um... Who're the two servants should we be on the lookout for? I mean... We haven't even met them yet, so... It'll be nice to know what they really are." As Corr thought if Venoraux knows Volkraan's servants, it'll be safe to know first if they started to head out and try to be careful if they may encounter them.

Venoraux: ... The servants are a male and female. The black male is Grabacr, and the blue female is Ofnir... Unlike my bulco dragons, they can speak, as can Volkraan himself... He doesn't speak often, but he can... And I know you're against acting in accordance with your demon instincts, but there's little pity to be had for any he... Abducts... Unlike my simple mind control, they cannot be liberated from his control... Not without death anyway...

"W-Wait... So... Volkraan might abduct anyone... Even us?" Corr looks a bit more nervous as he curls up on the bed thinking of what Volkraan might do if he has his own hands or.... Claws on him since he has two souls, plus not even close to his own demon instincts like Venoraux said.

Venoraux: *lets out a low growl, a forewarning sound* ... I'll kill him if he tries to abduct you or Henry... You belong to me, and I will not allow any other demons to steal from me...... *swings its tail around with foreboding intent* ... And what kind of caretaker would I be if I didn't try to keep those I find value in content? *shuts its eyes and lets out a rumbling sigh* ... I know you won't be content with my ideals, but for what I am providing, at least it's better than what Volkraan would do...

Corr sighs and then thought of how would this be good for making this city as a nest for Venoraux? It would be better if they could at least find a place for it that might be at least close to the city, not in it. But... It would be... A little nicer... If the buildings would get fixed up, have the colors in the sky again at least once a week, and.... Maybe teach Venoraux about the world what it's like that feels a bit relaxing. Corr was.... Actually slowly starting to get why Venoraux waited for so long to be out of Hell. If he was like Venoraux and stayed in Hell for so long, he'd want freedom too. "W-Well... That's true... Um... I-If... If maybe... Uh...." Corr looks to Venoraux shyly and nervously. "I mean... I know you're super humongous and might crush everything in your way, but.... I-I wanna share some visions with you that might be relaxing. I-If you'd like.... Besides... I might know some places that you might find a bit interesting."

Venoraux: *shakes its head slowly, but reaches over and runs its hand over his head surprisingly lightly* Your sentiment is adorable, boy... But I know what the world looks like... I know you want the condition of the city to be as you're used to it being in... And I know that in trying to understand me, you wish to compensate... But I assure you, years past were better times compared to what humans have become... My only government is that you respect me and avoid fratricide... That is as close to the simplicity of what I see as the peak of human life... Yes, surface life is lovely, but we both know of the stories people tell when they stray from city life and experience nature for what it is, and always has been, without human intervention... Sure, there are dangerous wild animals, but they are simply nature too... They come back, and if they endure more of nature's good elements, they usually prefer the simplicity of it over the mundane stressful conformity of today's civilization...

Corr eyes at Venoraux and then he slowly makes a pouty look at it as if Venoraux just took the words right out of his own mouth. "What are you? Mister smarty pants!? W-Well of course there's that! But... I-I was thinking about things you haven't seen yet since you came up here." As Corr was thinking about showing it images of cities, wonderful places he likes to go to, parks, and other interesting stuff that Corr was interested in showing Venoraux that he likes to do in the dreamscape since he's here. "I was thinking about showing you other places that I'd wanted to go to when I grew up." Corr felt that Venoraux was such a smarty pants just to make a point, but Corr was trying to explain that he wishes to show Venoraux the places that Corr wished to go when he was younger.

Venoraux: *gazes at him for a moment, before turning its head away with an almost amused snort* ... If you wish to show me more petite details, be my guest... You can bring all of what makes you happy together here... Either of us have free reign of this dream space, you need only imagine it......

"F-F-Fine..." Corr then tries to think of which place he hasn't been to in a long while... Or even a long time or wish to go to. Then he remembers the beach, the same beach that his mom always loved to go to and took him on vacations. Soon the dark void suddenly turns to the place he pictured it to be. They were still sitting on the bed but they were actually at the beach. They can actually smell the nice ocean smell, the breeze, the cool air, it's just like he remembered it to be. And by the beach was the city buildings and even the boardwalk where the local stores are where they can get items or food at. And all the way at the end of the beach were rides and they can see a ferris wheel. Then Corr's image was illusions of people actually enjoying the beach and people walking up and down the boardwalk while they were sitting on the bed. "This.... This place is Ocean City.... It's... It's my mom's favorite place to go.... And... The place where I spread her own ashes at as well...." Corr frowns. "Ever since she was gone, I never had a chance to come back here since my dad argues with me and... Well... Makes me feel miserable..." Corr looks around as he takes in the feeling of the ocean smell and breeze, it felt so relaxing to him that he wishes he can just have all this back.

Venoraux: *waves its tail around as it scans the scenery. It's funnily unfitting that such a sinister demon is in a nice place as this, but at least it's not repulsed* ... Well good thing he's gone now... And you can come back to this place whenever you wish... *turns its eyes down at him distantly, at the pendant in his chest* ... I'm sure your mother enjoys this sight as much as you, hmm?

Corr sighs. "Y-Yeah... She really loves it here... It sucks that the illness took her when she was just 49 years old. And... Heh... My freaking dad was what...? 71? Jesus... I was living with an old cranky man..." Corr smirked thinking how ridiculous it was wishing that his dad would die first instead of his own mom, and everything would be normal, but now.... Things just got a whole lot more horrible and scarier when he just met the devil itself.

Venoraux: Hmm... Seems life has been none too kind to you... And yet, you are very kind... *looks out at the ocean distantly, swaying its tail across the sand under them* But, your uncle seems to be a sufficient substitute for your mother, no? He is also very kind and dependable... He loves you dearly...

"Yeah.... Ever since mom passed... My dad turned into a huge dick... So... I kinda think of my uncle as like a foster dad so I can come over to his house more often, but... I never told him that." Corr lays on his back as he takes in the breeze just to relax as he closes his eyes. "Even when I try to be nice... I get treated differently. Ever since I was born... I get treated differently. I learn everything from my mom, but my dad... He's never around." Corr frowns. "When I went to elementary school, I liked to be part of the groups and play.... But..." Corr frowns sadly just thinking about the bad memories as the image starts to show as it appears right on the beach where Venoraux saw what appears to be a small younger version of Corr when he was 5 or 6 years old and the other groups of kids from the other playground. Venoraux can see younger Corr images while Corr was speaking about his past life while his eyes were closed. "When I tried to go and... Play with them, the groups of kids didn't want me around and told me to back off." Corr frowns sadly. "I even tried to see if I can ask for others... But... They all did the same. And they told me to "get lost, freak". I didn't do anything wrong... I just went somewhere until I cried, but then a teacher found me seeing me crying knowing that no one liked me." Corr felt a tiny tear escape as he tries to wipe it off. "B-B-But... But then... I had dreams about monsters and I started to draw, my mom saw how nice I did and thought maybe my uncle could give me some lessons since I was little. When I was in 5th grade... The teachers noticed how wonderful I was... But the other students... They... Well... They made fun of me since I was weak." Soon seeing the image of Corr getting bullied by the kids as they took his drawing book and started to rip up all his drawings he worked so hard on as the shreds fluttered on the floor. Then the kids pushed him to the door as they left him with all his ripped up drawings.

Venoraux: *watches the boy's memories unfold with a light throaty rumble, as though in thought, before looking back at Corr. It seems curious that he's gotten comfortable with confiding his past with it. It's not saying anything about it, more than willing to listen actually. Just because it's evil doesn't mean it's not a good listener. It just needed a willing talker... But after a moment, it moves its tail around to brush the spear of its tail under his cheek, almost... Well, since the tail has eyes and even looks akin to a dragon head, it almost looks like the tail is nuzzling him, like it actually is a head* ... They say you are weak... But the fact that you did not succumb to their berating and ridicule proves that you are strong... Hence I found value in you... Your soul is pure and strong, but don't think that what I say is only selfish... For it is true... You are strong... This fact proves that their abrasion to you failed... They made you meek, but that doesn't mean you are broken... Damaged, perhaps, but you are still intact...... Aforementioned, you died because of an accident... You tried to end yourself, but failed because of your love to your uncle... Your desire to stay with him and keep him happy... You tried to postpone your death... That takes more courage than going through with killing yourself... Enduring life, holding onto your compassion, no matter what happens... That is what makes you strong...

Corr slowly opens his eyes to Venoraux knowing that... It was pure words... So pure. How can a demon say something so nice...? Truly nice in fact that even when destroying a city, killing people, eating people and even... Hurting him while in Hell... Be this truly so... Kind? He felt like... He wanted to trust it, but... His other thoughts were telling him that it's wrong. But deep down... It was like 80% that Venoraux was actually not a bad guy. But the other percentages was that it still might be. God... He really feels like he wants to hug it for those kind words, but was too afraid if it might accept hugs or not. "T-Th... Thank you..." Corr weakly smiled as his own pendant started to glow bright knowing that his mom really loved the kind words Venoraux just gave to Corr.

Venoraux: *snorts at that, still baring its precarious fanged grin, and looks back out to the ocean* Hmph... Just because I'm a powerful demon dragon doesn't mean I don't know things... I understand human struggles, and what they tend to do when under pressure... What they can accomplish with help... Even help from the antithesis of a positive source...... As I told you that you're not the first I've tried to use as an anchor to get to the surface, you're also not the first I've given integral advice to... I've been a listener to other souls, I've tried to keep them stable... Mostly for my own gain, yes, but all in all, I've done what most would usually refuse to believe a creature like me to be capable of... And now that I've finally been rewarded with the fruits of my labors, I can be much more lax and lenient with it... I must keep said fruits healthy, no?

Corr sighs as he rubs the back of his head as he... Kinda understands what Venoraux meant. "I... I guess... Um... So... H-Hey? What will happen to the soldiers? Will you let them go freely, oooorrrr?" Corr curls up thinking Venoraux might try to eat them up or just.... Well... Hypnotize them as its followers.

Venoraux: *goes quiet for a moment in thought, staring out into the illusory horizon. It's been mostly still aside from its head and tail* ......... They'll not be allowed to threaten my nest...... I can allow them to keep their own will, if they defect from their orders to relay information to the rest of the military...... They'll not be punished if the military decides to carry out an attack if the group here did not give them an okay...

"W-W-Well maybe we can try to explain it to them so they won't attack. I mean... Are they awake or asleep? I'm curious if my uncle or anyone is asleep right now..." Corr was wondering if anyone was asleep right now so they can jump over so that they can see if anyone is alright.

Venoraux: *inclines its head with a light hiss* ... They are asleep... A day has passed by now... And I can determine if they enter this dreamscape... *sways its tail around, and soon the others start appearing with them. The beach landscape is still here, while Corr's visions of his past of being bullied have faded away*

Henry: *blinks his eyes and looks around in wonder, before noticing the bed before him with Corr and the large demon sitting upon it* Corr! *moves to get over to the bed, smiling seeing he's alright*

"U-Uncle!" Corr smiled as he gets off the bed so he can hug Henry. His uncle must be awfully worried wondering where he was but he felt a bit bad thinking about all those negative thoughts that might have trapped him in the void thanks to Venoraux that.... Amazingly saved him.

Henry: *hugs him closely with a smile, glad to see him alright. And with Venoraux no less!* Glad to see you okay, bud... *rubs his head with concern, also happy that this dreamscape does seem to be a reliable place to return to their human selves. He then looks up at Venoraux with wonder, curious why it's just sitting there on the bed facing the horizon* ... Have you been okay with, uh... This guy?

Corr looks to Henry, then Venoraux, then to Henry once more as he nods. "Y-Yeah... It... It helped me with my stress... And... Got me something..." Corr pulls out what he lost a long time ago as it was the music box that has a wooden shaped owl on top of it. "Ever since I stayed on the surface... It said it went to see my dad for the punishment he did, so... Well... I got this back. Then... We talked... I..." Corr looks to Venoraux as he never felt a bit better knowing that a demon would actually make him feel.... Happy? Corr looks to Henry with a light smile. "I talked to it of how I feel and took it to this place where my mom loved to go.... And... Well... It... It's not that bad actually..." Corr timidly smiled. "Heheh... I-I know that's really weird coming from me, I-I thought that I would be scared and running from it, but... If you had the chance to actually talk to it.... Venoraux is... Not that bad." Corr thinks it was ridiculous for what he was saying and even his uncle might think Venoraux might have had him under its own control or something.

Henry: *wears a thoughtful gaze as he looks at the demon, who's back is to the two and only the tail is slinking around slowly. He decides to pace around the bed to see Venoraux better, becoming a little nervous when it turns its crimson gaze down at him. The demon is still as dangerous and imposing as ever, but even he can feel that it's relaxed for now* ... So... You talked with Corr, huh? And... Made him feel... Better?

Venoraux: ...... I did ease his melancholy, yes...

Henry: ... *turns to look out to the ocean, feeling the breeze and light ocean spray, feeling the... Surprisingly warm sun* ... Didn't think you could emulate condolence and the like...

Venoraux: ... Demons of greater intellect are not as typical as you may think... There are more animalistic ones of us, but that is not all of what we are...

Henry: ... I guess that's what allows for you to be among the more powerful demons?

Venoraux: Indeed... The same holds true for humans, does it not? The smarter you are, the more sufficient you are capable of leading your life to be...

Henry: Hmm... I guess you're right... So that also means you know how to treat things. How to keep them in good condition.

Venoraux: If I didn't, they wouldn't last long...

Corr went up to Venoraux and Henry as he slowly crawls back into bed with Venoraux to be a tiny bit comfortable and also hoping that Henry would actually know that Venoraux is not what it appears to be as it seems. "Um... H-Hey? Wanna explain to Henry about Volkraan?" Corr looks to his uncle. "It's the big giant dragon that Venoraux was fighting with when that larger demon came out from under your house..." As Corr tries to explain who Volkraan was.

Henry: *looks back at Corr in wonder* Volkraan?

Venoraux: *nods slowly* Another Hell demon dragon... Unlike me, he's more of the typical black-hearted demons... Much more vulgar and entitled... He can also turn others to his brood, but... His victims cannot be saved, but by death...

Henry: *furrows his brows with concern* ... I guess that means we should avoid him then...

Venoraux: I'll not allow you to be abducted by him...... I'll just say, don't let him taste your blood... It's how he determines if you're worth tampering with...

Henry: *frowns uneasily* Why, what does he do?

Venoraux: If he's interested in the quality of your blood, he'll try to infect you with his own, through his tendrils... His blood acts as a virus, spreading throughout your body and turning you into his being...

Henry: ......... He turns people... Into dragons?

Venoraux: *nods ominously* ... His two servants can't do this, but they can still kill, and they might decide to bring you to him if you can't get away... *looks down at the two* But you two have safeguards... One is that you have my energy fueling you, so his blood should have no effect... Two, in being demons, you are stronger, and may be able to fight off his servants... He and they are fast creatures, however, so it's advised for you to simply avoid getting his attention to begin with... And especially keep your friends away from him... *looks away back to the horizon* ... I can ration my own energy to them if you wish, but that would mean transforming them into demonic bodies as well... I doubt you nor they would appreciate that, regardless the safeguard...

Corr frowns as he looks to Henry unsure of the idea... But he was curious if Paul might want to have a say in this. "Um... Is... Is it alright if Paul would come here? I think he would like a say in this.... A-And even Mark... Cause we don't want them to be left out of the news..." Corr frowns thinking it'll be awful if they end up waking up to find out that they just turned into monsters. They would have the same feeling as he and Henry have.

Venoraux: *inclines its head for a moment, before gesturing a clawed hand to the side, as if to summon the two other humans into the dreamscape. They look confused suddenly appearing in the surreal space*

Mark: Uh... What's going on? Where are we? *sees Henry, Corr, and... A scary demon there... He doesn't recognize the monster as Venoraux. Last he saw it, it was a gigantic two-headed dragon*

Henry: *waves over at the two with a sheepish smirk* Hi, guys...

Paul looked confused until he saw Henry and Corr with.... Venoraux. He looked unsure of what was going on as he makes his way over to them. "Henry? Corr...? What the hell happened? And... Corr, you alright? I remember when you were not looking so well when we just got into Venoraux's mouth as if you were sick, you doing alright, man?" Paul was worried if Corr was ok. "Y-Yeah... I'm fine... But... You might not believe me when I say... Uh... Heheh... Uh... V-Venoraux is... Not what it seems...." Corr sheepishly smiled. Paul looks a bit weirded out as he looks to Corr dumbfoundedly as if looking at a headless chicken. "Uh... Wha?" "W-Well... Venoraux helped me with my deep depression until it brought me this..." Corr shows Paul the music box that his mom gave him as a gift. Paul studied it until he remembers something. "Was.... Was this the one that..." "Yeah...." Paul looks at the music box as he weakly smiled. "This really means a lot, huh...?" Corr nods as he holds it close. Paul sighs as he looks over to Henry, then to Venoraux as he was curious of what the hell was going on. "So.... Care to explain what's going on?"

Henry: Well... *rubs the back of his head as he leans against the bed, glancing over to watch Venoraux's tail wave around slowly* Apparently that blue dragon is what we should really be concerned about... And uh, our only real safeguard is... If... Venoraux turns us into demons...

Mark: Whoa-whoa-whoa-wait-wait... *gestures his hands in a stopping manner* Turn us into demons?? Wouldn't that just put us under its control?

Venoraux: Would you rather be under the other dragon's control? He who wouldn't care for your wellbeing as I would?

Mark: How am I supposed to believe that you care for us?? You're a demon too!

Henry: Mark, please! *looks more nervous as he looks at Venoraux meekly*

Venoraux: Is what I am supposed to hold significance? I've no reason to lie when I've already achieved my goal... Disregarding the friends of my talismans would make them resent me, which would make it more troublesome to keep them as my anchors...

Mark: Anchors? What, you can't just stay up here when you get up here? You need something to keep you here?

Venoraux: Correct...

Mark: And why should I believe you? Demons lie, even if you say you don't have to.

Venoraux: *sighs with a deep guttural rumble* ... If anything, being turned into a demon by me would be much less painful than being turned into a dragon by Volkraan, at least...

Mark: Who's Volkraan?

Henry: Ah, that blue dragon, evidently...

Mark: *looks between Corr, Henry, and Venoraux, trying to comprehend the proposal here, and sighs deeply as he runs his hands through his hair. He doesn't want to be turned into anything, especially if it might corrupt his will to choose against basically being an underling to either demon*

Paul looks at Mark seeing he was having a hard time to take all this info in. But then had that thought of if Corr can actually spare Mark. "Hey, Corr? Did you by any chance ask Venoraux to spare Mark?" Corr perks up as he smiled. "Yes! Venoraux agreed and even said no harm would be on the military soldiers too.... But.... Uh... If they try to bring an army here or anything else to cause harm... Well... It's up to Venoraux to decide on that idea... Cause... Um... It doesn't like it if the soldiers have to report it to the military." Corr hugs the pillow. "Ah.... Of course." Paul looks at Mark. "Well... Good news is that at least Venoraux gets to spare you and even might tell the other dragon buddies to leave you alone now since Corr told it." As Paul thought since Corr might be the only person that can ask Venoraux's permission to spare anyone to leave them alone and not even harm them plus might even give them free will so they won't be Venoraux's followers.

Mark: *crosses his arms in thought, trying to let himself understand that these may be the only options for them. Become demons to be safe from Volkraan, or not and only Venoraux's command can keep its own brood at bay, but not Volkraan. And the military isn't permitted to launch an attack either. Like... Venoraux is looking out for its nest. If it were to be attacked, it may stay to protect it. They still don't know just how powerful it is, but anything is less likely to stand their ground if they know they have no chance to withstand an attack... It must be confident, and thus sure, that it can protect its nest in any case... How can they be sure that Venoraux will really safeguard them, even if it is just to keep its "talismans" happy with the assurance that they'll be safe if they trust it? How can they be sure that it's for sure not keeping anything in the dark from them? Stereotypically, demons are want to keep secrets to themselves*

Venoraux: I tell you all you need to know, human...

Mark: *flinches at the demon's dark voice, leering at it suspiciously* ... Did you just...

Venoraux: This is a surreal space, where your mind is free to wander... And thus, your thoughts are not as subliminal as they normally are...

Mark: *frowns at that* ... Then there's no point in trying to think to myself then... Cause that's not an invasion of privacy.

Venoraux: Only to those who are here... Besides, who are we going to announce your concerns to? No one here has ideas much different from yours...

Henry: *scratches his head* I mean... It's not far wrong, Mark... I'm still suspicious that there's more Venoraux could tell us, but... *looks over at the large demon* Methinks asking is only to sate our curiosity. And if it really concerns us, it'll tell us outright... Right?

Venoraux: ... If it's to keep you content, you are correct...

"So if we're going to get turned into demons... Or... Whatever... We'll still be ourselves, right?" Paul crossed his arms hoping that at least they can still be themselves like how Henry and Corr were themselves since they were both demons in their own forms.

Venoraux: Indeed...

Henry: ... I'm going to guess it's permanent though...

Venoraux: Correct...

Henry: *gains a distant look as he moves to sit on the bed, crossing his arms* ...... So... If our anchorage to you were to be broken, what would happen?

Venoraux: ... You and Corr would succumb to death once again... As you were brought back to life with my energy... If that source is severed from you, that is the debt...

Henry: ... Debt?

Venoraux: It's against the law of living to be resurrected via necromancy... If it's to be passable, there must be a debt to maintain the resurrected life... You cannot be brought back as simply as you were... The afterlife has claimed your souls, so to return to the living world warrants you to have some lease of sorts...

Henry: ... That being the necromancer from said afterlife, or afterlife realm, a la Hell, to reside with us? And us to be in your power?

Venoraux: *turns an eerie grin at him* Clever man...

Mark: *holds a fist to his mouth in thought, trying to keep up with all this afterlife baloney. Spiritual stuff is really confusing, especially when demons tend to talk so cryptically* ... So what does it mean for us? If you turn us into demons, and we haven't died, what happens to us?

Venoraux: ... You'll be cursed to remain in the body of demons...

Mark: *huffs* Alright... You know that's kinda the deal breaker...

Venoraux: Choose what you wish... *waves a hand dismissively. It's their choice if they don't want its protection, and they're not tied to any debt*

Paul was in deep thought about this decision, and even having to take all this info in as well. They'll have to be cursed forever to be permanently demons cause they haven't died yet like how Corr and Henry died. But although he doesn't even know what kinda type of demon he'll be as when he wakes up, will he fly? Be strong like Henry? Run faster? He'll be more useful to help Henry and Corr out on the plus side... If he stays human... Volkraan might try to kill him if he doesn't take the offer now. He thinks Mark might not take it, but.... Paul knows that it might be worth a shot... Who knows....? It's like waking up becoming something from the 'X-men'. "Hmmm.... Well... It... Seems stupid and crazy since I know there might be survivors still hiding around the city and we're still looking for Ema.... So.... *sigh* ..." Paul raises his hand. "Eh... Why not.... I'll give it a shot..." Paul shrugs. Corr's eyes widen in awe knowing that Paul was actually going to do it. "P-Paul, you sure!?" "Eh... Yeah... I might wake up looking like Wolverine or maybe the beast from 'X-men' or something~" Paul smirks. Corr giggled thinking Paul was still his cocky self even in this kind of situation.

Henry: ...... Now I'm curious, but... Why can't I... Talk, in my demon body?

Venoraux: ... Unfortunately, it's just something the oil damage retained... Plus, since you no longer have lips, you wouldn't be able to utter cohesive words properly...

Henry: Hmm... But, I felt fine when I first woke up in that pentagram. Does that mean that you... Healed my body before I came back?

Venoraux: I did...

Henry: So then shouldn't the damage in my throat have been healed too?

Venoraux: Only your major injuries were healed...

Henry: But... I could still talk fine at first too...

Venoraux: Not for long, I assure you...

Henry: Why not?

Venoraux: You still had fumes in your lungs that would have irritated your windpipe, and paralyzed your voicebox...

Henry: *blinks and frowns* ... Really? So... Being turned into a demon...

Venoraux: Prevented the fumes from having an effect, but it still stunted the muscles in your diaphragm... Thus now you can only so much as growl and grunt and roar and hiss...

Henry: Hmm... I guess that makes sense... *sighs lowly and looks over at Mark, seeing he still looks deep in thought*

Corr frowns as he looks to Henry then to Venoraux if there was any chance that they can communicate with each other if they ever wake up. "Um... V-Venoraux? Is there any way that my uncle can actually communicate if he has that kinda problem? I mean... What if he explains something important that we can't understand, there's gotta be a way to communicate with Henry..." Corr frowns thinking since if Henry was stuck as a huge monster and if he can't talk, there has to be a way around it. Like maybe talking to Henry telepathically through the mind or something that they can understand him.

Venoraux: You should be able to understand the vocalization that is guttural rumblings... It seems you just haven't been listening... Like understanding that when a dog growls in certain ways, they are conveying different meanings... Teeth baring and ears pinned back usually is an angry warning, while bowing with the tail wagging is usually playful... Other dogs can communicate with these noises even without the body language... Demon growling is a mixture of the perceivable noise and secondary speech... Humans have a propensity to hear things from indistinguishable sounds. Among demons, they are speaking words, while to a normal human, this only sounds like grunts and snorts... You just need to train yourself to identify and hear correctly what they mean.

Henry: Teh, so it's just another language...

Venoraux: Which being in the bodies of demons, you should know innately... Repeat this as a test. *looks over at them and lets out a short guttural grunt, that sounds more like a common burp, but... To Henry and Corr in some subconscious vocabulary, it sounds more like it said "human"*

Corr was kind of a bit confused when it was hearing growls but actually caught something in the growling. "Um... I-I think I almost caught you said something.... But... I only got was... 'Hum'.... But... I kinda remember when Henry was with me, I... Kinda thought he said my name when he was growling once." Corr looks to both Henry and Venoraux thinking back when Henry tried to communicate as a beast. But Corr was curious if it was the pendant that was giving him the hard time to actually communicate like a demon.

Henry: Mmm... Human?

Venoraux: *nods* Like hearing words clearly when one has an accent.

Henry: Huh... Like Texans maybe, or some southerner. If their accent is heavy, it can be hard to understand, but to another southerner, it's the accent they're used to. So... This growling is just the demonic accent?

Venoraux: Essentially. And you know the accent, you just need to train your ears to hear the words correctly...

Henry: Huh... And I'm guessing I can't really talk with the accent outside of my demon body, right?

Venoraux: *smiles mysteriously, saying nothing*

Corr wasn't really good with understanding accents or languages as he hugs the pillow thinking he might not be very good at it or he might not even understand Henry if they wake up when Henry tries to talk to him or even tries to train him to understand on how to understand the demon language of those... Growls. Paul was kinda interested to understand the demon language but since he's human he didn't get it, but if he was, he might actually learn some.

Henry: Hmm... *looks over at the other two in thought* ... So... Paul's down to... Be a demon... What say you, Mark? Wanna be part of the family? *deadpans*

Mark: *looks at him shrewdly, but can tell it's not a rhetorical question. He looks down at the sandy beach ground in more thought. This is permanent... Even if Venoraux were to somehow be sent back to Hell, he'll still be a demon, whereas Henry and Corr would die again... He just takes in a deep breath and holds it for a moment, before looking at Paul. Maybe he can stay with him in this whole deal at the very least* ...... I... Guess I wouldn't mind being a dragon...

Paul sighs deeply feeling a bit of relief knowing that Mark actually decided to join him, at least he's not going to do this alone. "Heh, I thought I might be the only one doing it..." Paul weakly smiled. Corr lays down on the bed looking at Mark and Paul knowing that they were both going to become demons. "You sure you wanna do this, Mark? It's gonna be permanent, you know... J-Just don't wanna worry you..." Corr just wants to make sure if Mark had any second thoughts before Venoraux decides on turning them into demons.

Mark: *sighs deeply as he slouches his head over the head post of the bed, locking his hands together atop the headboard. He feels like he's going to regret this* ...... Well... If nothing else... Maybe being one of them will make things a little easier in this nest...

Venoraux: *looks over at the two with a foreboding guttural rumble, before moving to stand from the bed as everything fades out, returning to a black void, and the large demon paces over to the two slowly. It looks so big and deadly towering over them with such a sinister air, an aura of death surrounding it by nature... It causes the two humans to cower from it by instinct. They only stand as tall as up to its knees...*

Henry: *frowns nervously at the monster's advance, pulling Corr into his arms as though to shield him from something* Wh-what are you doing?

Venoraux: Giving them my energy... Submission alone does not grant them protection... *lifts its hands and cages its claws around the two, the innate fear of being inches from death making the two freeze. It's pointless to try running, it's pointless to try fighting... There's nothing for them to do, but stand there. Within a moment, the two begin to produce a black haze around their bodies, and an energy seems to keep them from even reacting*

*in the waking world, the two sleep huddled against the others in a bundle hovering in the middle of Venoraux's mouth, before something starts happening to them... Unconsciously, they shift and tense as they start growing in size, the color of their flesh shifting and they even start growing extra appendages... Paul sprouts large wings from his back and a slender tail from the end of his spine, while Mark also grows a stout spiky tail and his arms become large wings, like a wyvern, his hands reshaping from 5-fingered human hands to 3-clawed dragon hands. The bodies of the two become big and muscular, limiting the space in the mouth for the group. The military humans probably won't appreciate waking up to being surrounded by a bunch of large bulky demons, but even still there's a few feet left between them and the glowing red teeth. It's getting pretty cramped though*

Corr looks over to Henry feeling him hugging him as he leans in close to him from the hug. He was a bit worried of what Venoraux might do to Paul and Mark so that it will change them into... Demons to survive. Paul was ready, but seeing how Venoraux looked to be more... Bigger and surrounding him and Mark with its own claws. He felt like he wanted to double think this idea. But it was too late anyway, he knows about how awful rituals, curses, and all sorts they might put through people, but this was far different. It was like he'll become a werewolf, except he'll turn into a demon, but permanently. He chose this just so he can actually learn about demons, so... It was his choice, and maybe he can try to tutor Corr on how to speak demon and all the stuff since he was slow. Paul tries to close his own eyes to avoid getting a bit scared from Venoraux's intimidating mischievous look and try to get used to feeling the energy that Venoraux was giving him as it was seeping into his own body.

Venoraux: *its grin turns darker as the two are consumed with its energy, and it moves its large hands around slowly, only to curl its claws around them while the haze remains on them. It then causes them a bit of pain as they groan and grimace as the claws constrict them. It's like a physical image of if someone said "the darkness has them in its clutches", because now it actually does... Venoraux keeps the two squeezed in its deadly hands as the black haze absorbs into their bodies, latching onto their souls, but... It starts to feel almost like a bizarrely pleasant embrace, like just the right temperature. Soon, the dark haze is completely harbored inside of them, leaving them knocked out, in which Venoraux loosens its grip, only enough to let them relax. It then picks them up in its claws and turns to bring them back to the bed, laying them down upon it to let them sleep*

Henry: *keeps Corr hugged in his arms as he gazes at the two. It feels wrong to know that they too now belong to the demon, but they chose this... They are now one of them...*

Corr frowns a bit knowing that it feels wrong to see Paul suffered a bit when he was trying to hang on, but it looked like he was... Embracing it knowing that he chose this since he wanted to do it in the first place so that he can maybe stay with him and Henry. Corr and Henry move aside so that Paul and Mark can have the room on the bed so that they can rest, but Corr felt so guilty just seeing them like this. Corr looks up to Venoraux with a worried look on his face. "Um... W-Will... Will they be ok?" Corr said in an unsure voice.

Venoraux: ... They'll be fine... Just as you two retain your human bodies in this space, they do as well...

Henry: ... So then it's just they're demons when we wake up?

Venoraux: *simply nods and waves its tail* Though... You should awaken soon, and allow them to feed... Being in new bodies, they are newborns, and must be hungry... Wouldn't want them looking at your military friends with hungry eyes, would we...?

Henry: *frowns with concern* They would do that?

Venoraux: Just as you were tempted to consume the bulco I offered... Any meat is enticing, whether you'd want to admit it or not... They would be no different...

Henry: ......... *sighs lowly* Well... Let's wake up then and get them something to eat...

Corr frowns sadly. "Y-Yeah... I don't want the military to get any bad ideas.... And I don't want Paul and Mark to start looking at the military group as the first food they spot." Corr looks to Henry in worry thinking they gotta wake up first before the rest do so that they can get them outta there until the military wakes up.

Henry: *nods and looks at Venoraux, only for everything to start fading out. The next thing they know is they wake up to the sight of two more dragons huddled up with them. One is actually about the size of a bulco, so there's less space in the mouth now... Henry lets out a low groan as he shifts and looks around at the others, blinking his eyes trying to identify which of the new dragons is who. They must be Paul and Mark, but which one's which?*

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As Corr was sleeping, he woke up, but this time... He was back in his own bedroom, almost like he had another nightmare all over again. But for some odd reason, it felt all too real. Corr slowly sits up from his bed as he examines the room, his room looks the same, his clothes look the same as well, soon he tries to get out of bed and tries to head out of his royal room to see if anyone was still around, even his own dad and everyone else for that matter. As he got changed from his night clothes to his day clothes, he came out of his room but no sign of servants as he starts to walk down the hallway. The place seems.... Dead quiet. Corr looks into the other rooms, the kitchen, the spare rooms, the garden, even other rooms but strangely.... No one... Was here. "Dad.....? Allison......? Sammy.....? Wally....? Anyone....!?" Corr called out as he walks down the hallway, but sadly... No one returned his call. He was alone in the castle, not even a guard in sight. "Where is everyone...?" Corr frowns.

*the halls and corridors and rooms are all vacant, even outside is unsettlingly deserted. Though, nothing is damaged. When he ventures outside, it's still as peaceful as nature can be in the garden, but no doubt the loneliness isn't peaceful at all for the meek boy. But he's not alone. He's being watched by something from above... Nothing abnormal in the sky, but it feels like something's there*

Corr frowns sadly knowing that whenever he calls the people's names, including Henry's name as well, no one returned his call, he felt so alone. Corr sits outside by the garden next to the fountain as he can only hear the quietness of no people being around. Was he still dreaming? Or did something awful happen to the people that he cares for? He felt so sad and alone as he lowered his head knowing that he missed the people that make him happy and sometimes make them happy as well. He.... He wishes he was home.

*the dark presence being felt lingers in place for a moment before fading, but only to reappear closer to where he sits, on the other side of the fountain. A large black head peeks around the edge of the pillar as a large clawed hand holds onto the pillar. It pulls back to be concealed behind the pillar when Corr looks back*

Corr was thinking about where did everyone go, until he slowly looks up to see something across the fountain. It looks a bit big, dark, but also hiding behind the pillar as well. He didn't like the looks of it but he tries not to move, if he tries to run, it might try to run after him. But if he holds still where he is... It might come after him.... Right? Corr was just looking over where this.... Whatever this creature was. If it tries to come near him, he might try to change his mind and run into the castle to lock the door.

*as he sits there, the thing doesn't seem to appear again, but behind his back slowly rises a long stalk with a spear on the end, like a serpent, and before he can react, it swiftly coils around him binding his arms and lifts him from the ground*

"A-AAAHH!?" Corr panicked as he struggles and flails to get this strange black binding off of him, but frightening that it lifts him off the ground as he was kicking nothing but air itself. It feels like he was back in that awful dream again like his own nightmare never ends. "G-Gah! Let me go! Let go of me!"

*he then hears dark scary chuckling as a big black creature rises from a hazy shadow on the ground, rising up baring two large horns on its head, four mean looking eyes, and... A wide fanged grin. It pulls itself up to show its size, baring huge claws and... A long tail. That which is coiled around him... The creature growls lowly in amusement at his struggling, holding him up to its level and looking him over*

Corr looks at his own worst nightmare in horror knowing that he was in the grip of the awful black dragon. Corr was scared, frightened, and even saddened that he didn't want any of this. He wished to escape the monster that tried to get its own hands on him for all these years, and now.... It finally has caught him. For 5 years... It caught him, he doesn't even know what this nightmare might do to him, will it eat him, torture him, kill him, what does it want from him? Corr's own tears fell from his own face as he just wants to close his own eyes wishing that everything was just.... A stupid nightmare like everything was.

demon: *tilts its head with a low hiss, and moves a hand up to brush a large claw across Corr's cheek to catch the tears, the small bit of water glistening upon the talon's surface. The monster almost looks curious of him, as its head somehow levitates over its collar*

Corr has his own eyes closed but then... Felt something or even someone wipe the tear off his own face. He slowly open his eyes sadly, but then saw the large claws as if... It was being gentle. Corr was awfully scared to even look at the monster that has haunted him for so long now while he was being coiled in its own tail. He was even nervous to talk to it.

demon: *gives a short grunt before moving Corr closer to it, pressing his chest against its cheek as it holds a large hand against his back, shutting its eyes, as if to listen to his heartbeat. Strange behavior for something so deadly, but it's obviously not a simple or impulsive creature*

Corr clenched his eyes shut when it pulled him closer, but then as he felt like it was... Well... Actually felt like it was resting its own head against his chest, he peeks his eyes open until he actually witnessed that this.... Strange demon looking creature.... Was... Resting its own head against his own chest as its large claws were right behind him. But also... Its own eyes were closed and relaxed, was this the same demonic dragon that he always encountered in his nightmares for 5 haunting years? It... Didn't look like it was gonna kill him.... For now at least. "U-Uh.... W-What... Um... You're.... You're not.... Gonna eat me.... Right?" Corr frowns as he looks at the creature hoping that this demon creature might spare him since... Well... Seems like it looks like it actually wants to hear his own heartbeat.

demon: *doesn't respond for a moment, just listening to the subtle thumping of the boy's heart. It's not like it hasn't heard this sound before, but coming from its offspring, it's like a parent reuniting with its young after so long. Soon it opens its eyes and pulls away, keeping him wrapped in its tail* ... If I wanted to eat you, I wouldn't have spared you in the first place, boy... *it speaks with a voice so deep and dark and demonic, but also alluringly smooth. This monster doesn't seem to be of the particularly volatile variety*

Corr looked surprised that... It actually spoke to him. "You... You can speak...?" Corr was stunned as he can actually understand its own words fluently since he was its offspring. But he had no idea that it can speak ever since he had nightmares of it for 5 years. "Then... W-What do you want from me...? I keep having the nightmares of you over and over again for almost 5 long years from now. Why....? Why do you keep haunting me!?" Corr frowns at the demonic dragon being hoping he can get answers.

demon: ... I only had such a bond with you, that I could find your subconscious... But you kept hiding from me... I only wanted you back... *moves Corr from being wrapped in its tail to being held in its hand, and then turns to pace through the garden with its long serpentine tail swaying around languidly. But what does it mean by wanting him back?*

Corr finally has his arms free but then was in the demon's large hand as he looks up to it worriedly like he doesn't get why he was so important to this... Strange demonic dragon. "Bond? But... What do you mean you want me back? I don't have anything.... What is it that I have that you want?" Corr looks up at the demon with a confused and worried look that he doesn't even understand what was going on.

demon: ... You have my essence... *looks down at him ominously as they go through a path in the garden, fairly tall pleasant trees and low bushes on either side, and the walkway paved with gravel and mortar. Though its dangerous grin seems to hint at some shady business having happened in the past* Were you ever told of what your father did in the past, for your benefit? It involved me...

Corr frowns when the demon mentions that he has its essence. It was impossible, let alone that he seems to be too pure to have the essence of a demonic dragon that is so... Evil. It can't be true... Unless he was cursed by this awful dragon. But then Corr frowns even more when this monster mentions about his dead father. "N-No.... He never mentioned anything... We were just..." Corr frowns even more sadly until everything clicks in his head. His ruined kingdom, his dead parents, everyone dead beside him... Gone... All cause.... Of this.... Demon. Corr looks up to the demon dragon with stun... But also.... Hate. "You.... Did.... D-Did you.... Destroy the kingdom that I lived in... And... My parents!?" Corr's eyes started to fill up in tears thinking of his mom dying in the hands of the monster that killed her. And he was in the hands of... The monster that killed her right now.

demon: Is it not obvious~? *curls its claws around Corr's body with a vile grin to keep him from struggling, but the grip isn't too tight* You belong to me, boy... Your parents wanted a child, but couldn't on their own accord, so your father came to me and asked for a child of great potency... They wanted you to be a strong leader, but I wasn't going to just hand out my essence so generously...

Corr glares at the demon thinking it was lying as he didn't wanna accept that the demon's words were true. His own mother loved him so much, even loved him to death, plus his own dad never mentioned anything about the dragon when he was so young. Corr tries to struggle out of the demon's large hands, but it was difficult to get free. "H-How would you know!? You never knew my parents like I knew them!" Corr glares at the demon angrily knowing that he had a strong connection with his mom since his father went out a lot, but he spent more time with his mom in the kingdom. She always told him that when he was born, she wanted a baby to love and even have a family to grow with. Corr was proud to call her a mother.... But... She was gone... And that monster took her away from him.

demon: *chuckles darkly* I didn't need to know them. They simply asked, and I gave, but they didn't think to look at the "fine print"... *tilts its head at him in thought* I would have spared your kingdom, if you'd simply been given back to me... But your parents were... Determined, to keep you away from me... What you really are... No being of such potential should be suppressed for all their days. That is what I aim to do with you...

Corr frowns sadly just thinking of his own parents sacrificing their own lives and even their own kingdom.... Just to save him.... They really did care for him. Since he was 8 years old at the time from that awful accident, he had no clue when he was a child until now today... But now.... What will this demon do to him now since it has him? "Just... What are you planning on doing to me? I'm here.... And I don't want any other kingdoms getting destroyed or harmed in any way cause of me..." Corr frowns at the demon.

demon: ... I'll make you mine... Enthralled with me as your parent... In return, I'll spare whatever you wish... *paces through the garden until they reach a small park area, where they sometimes come to to enjoy the nights. The skies are commonly beautiful and peaceful full of stars at night*

Corr frowns awfully sadly as if he feels like he was now captured and in the clutches of a monster that was going to be..... His parent. It feels.... Strange, alien, odd, but mostly... Scary. He really wishes to go home where his own step-father is right now to be into his own arms, and even where Allison is now too. She was like another version of a mom but just a nanny in a way, he really misses having a mom. Corr felt sad and defeated as he looks to the demon with the saddest expression. "I.... I-I want... My step-father.... Henry.... To be safe... A-And even Allison as well...." Corr frowns sadly as a small tear flows down his cheek thinking that he might not see them again if he's stuck in the monster's clutches and be forever its own.

demon: *growls lowly with a smooth sway of its tail, before loosening its claws around him, but keeps him held in its hand* ... Very well, they'll not be harmed... But the you of me can no longer be dormant... *a slender tendril then grows out from its chest between the ribs, curving in an S shape like a snake, before it moves to stab into Corr's chest, grasping his heart. It hurts, and the dream space suddenly washes into a blood red mess of the once pleasant surroundings, everything looking like a painting having had water spilled over it and bleeding down to make smeared and disheveled visuals. Like blood itself was just splashed into this subconscious reality. It seems to convey the feeling of paralytic pain, horror, and dread. It's even hard for Corr to breathe as the demon's tendril grasps the feeble organ, but... He can't wake up. Nor can he die... The demon's fanged smile only remains as a sinister one as it moves the tendril to pull the boy's heart out of his body... But yet, he still doesn't die, or even lose consciousness. Is the demon doing this? Controlling the dreamscape to act in accordance to its wishes?* ... And you will not be against me...

Corr was in pain, a lot of pain in his own heart. Since the demon ripped his own heart out that he knew was the most important thing he had that made him human, he felt.... Inhuman.... Just looking at the monster that took his heart away made him feel weak, scared, little, and powerless. He was starting to feel shaken that all his own love and feelings were all inside his own heart that make him.... Himself. But this... Demon... Took it away from him like a toy... Like it was nothing. Now it was its own tool to know that it can show Corr that he won't go up against it if it has his own heart. But... How could he.... If he felt so weak... In pain... And suffering. He even can't move knowing how hurt he was when the demon did this to him.

demon: *holds the bleeding, beating heart snared in the tendril like a net, and then retracts it to absorb the heart into its own body. It now holds Corr's heart captive in its own body, and it lets out a low hiss at his powerless posture, laying helpless in its hand. But having done this, it's as though Corr is still connected to his heart in the demon's chest, and it's a strange feeling. It almost feels like a telepathic sensation, like his heart is relieved of the pain, and slowly starts beating normally. The demon lifts its other hand and brushes the tip of a claw across Corr's forehead, brushing his hair aside, before wiping the tears away... This strange feeling comes from the touches, like a parent grooming their child. And... He likes it?*

Corr frowns sadly but still the emptiness was still there, it felt like he got nothing in his own chest anymore, but for some odd reason... He can actually feel the connection to his heart from inside of the demon. Was the demon doing this? But still... It got a hold of his heart, and if anything happens to the demon, happens to himself as well. But then... Starts to feel the demon grooming him as it was brushing his hair and even wiping his own tears away. It... It feels so weird... But deep down, it was.... Too insane and crazy for him to believe all this. He needs to find a way to get outta here, and even get back home.

demon: You'll see, boy... I'll make you a powerful predator, and leader. Just as your father wanted... You'll be able to defend your kingdom from anything, and provide sufficiently for all... Joey told you true about your more... Remedial powers... And we'll teach them to you... *the surroundings then slowly start to reshape back to their original scenery, the illusory blurred perception pulling back to more recognizable shapes, and even the colors fade back to what they're supposed to be... But that strange feeling is still in him. A child-like feeling of imprinting on the demon, and somewhat comfort in it...*

Corr's eyes widen when the demon mentioned Joey. Joey.... He thought that nothing will hurt him, he thought that nothing will happen to him, and all this time.... Joey..... Joey lied to him. Corr's eyes begin to tear up once more as he curls up in the demon's hand as he felt sad... But also angry at Joey, for lying and also... Lying about everything to him that wasn't true. And maybe he was the one that kidnapped him to bring him into this place. If he ever sees Joey again, he'll just... Just.... He just doesn't wanna see his face or even hear his own lies again. He can't take much more of this. Corr whimpers in the demon's hand as he didn't wanna do this, he didn't wanna train, all he wants.... Was to go home.

demon: *gives a deep rumble as it brings him closer and presses him against its chest, some force in him almost forcing him to remain still and just soak up the demon's embrace. It feels like there's some spirit latched onto him making him be like this, but... It doesn't feel like he's out of his own control either. But while laying against the demon's chest, he can hear a subtle thumping. A heartbeat... And still it elicits that strange feeling of a bond, whether Corr really likes it or not. He's the demon's child, and it doesn't seem to be as liberal as that of a mortal bond between parent and child. This almost feels like a shackle, and yet, it also doesn't*

As the demon puts him close to its own chest, it kinda feels like this demon was trying to... Actually comfort him. Corr rests his head to the demon's chest, but also can actually hear the heartbeat. Was it the demon's heart or was it his own heart still inside the cursed demon? But just... Hearing the heartbeat thumping like a tune and beat, it.... Sounds really nice. It made him think about how he used to do this with his mother when he fell asleep with her just to hear her own heart.... It was lovely. Corr was slowly relaxing as he curls up in the demon's hand and just let himself hear the heartbeat inside the demon's chest as he start to close his eyes and let himself drift off to hear the lovely tunes of the beating heart.

*the demon stands in place just keeping the boy held against it, its guttural rumblings imitating a purr to let him sleep. Might this demon really be so horrible? Yes, it literally stole his heart, and turned him into a demon dragon, but it's not being stereotypically abrasive and repulsive as a demon should be...*

As Corr sleeps on the demon's chest, he lightly nuzzled its chest feeling it rumble as it was purring like it was vibrating. Corr lightly smiled thinking it was funny to hear another sound besides a heartbeat thinking he might be hearing a cat was purring.

Outside of the dreamscape Corr was stirring in his sleep as he was trying to wake up in Joey's arms but he was actually nuzzling in Joey's chest thinking he was nuzzling the demon's chest from the dreamscape.

*they're still in the demon's chest mouth, Joey still holding the small demon wrapped in his own clothes that he'd grown out of. Or rather, shrunk into, but he's keeping the little imp comfortable for the lord. While Corr slept, he had started to shift and fuss at some point, but seems he's calmed down again*

#demons #corr #venoraux #henry #BatIM AU I guess?#deep talks #dreamscape #hell demon shenanigans

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letsperaltiago · 4 years

Text

one single thread of gold tied me to you

From the very first time Jake mentions her name, Karen sees a thread of gold tying him to Amy. In other words: a series of small moments in which Jake is talking to Karen about Amy.

Jake talking to Karen about Amy throughout their relationship

Read here or on AO3

The new girl

“Anything exciting happening at work?”

“Nah,” Jake halts, pausing to think between bites of the dinner Karen has prepared for the two of them. Because he’s the only child (and the fact that he’s a huge momma’s boy) he tries to stop by Karen’s once a week. Either for a quick chat and a coffee or longer. If the latter includes dinner, which it often does, then it’s always a huge plus. Tonight’s visit is one of the longer ones, much needed, and of course dinner is a must.

“Or,” he takes back his prior dismissal. “Like, this new girl joined the squad last week, so that’s… exciting, I guess?”

Karen’s head perks up letting her son know that she’s indeed listening.

“Well that’s always a good thing. What’s her name?”

By then Jake is already busy chewing on another bite of her mom’s baked potatoes - a personal favorite of his. Then again any food his mom makes is his favorite.

“Amy Santiago. She seems cool enough, I guess. Then again she just arrived so I guess I’ll have to see.”

Although the world, more specifically Jake, isn’t aware of it yet, the spinning of his and Amy’s golden thread commences its journey here. Karen smiles to herself as this, she realises, is the perfect opportunity for her to pick a bit on her son who’s never shy of teasing her. Lovingly, of course.

“Maybe she’s cool enough to date?”

The statement immediately interrupts his before eager chewing, a press on his entire body’s pause button, and earns Karen a deadpan expression as answer to her so-called proposition.

“Mom, please.”

There’s small smile on his face as he knows his mom is out to pester him. “Charles already went all Cupid on us when she arrived, so the last thing she needs is me hitting on her. Plus,” he’s back to being chewing on a mix of potatoes and meat, “I don’t even know her.”

“Well that’s just a matter of time, honey.”

Having nothing else to add he figures a shrug must be answer enough.

“Anyways,” he looks back up from his plate to his mother. “How’s Carla?”

Rivalling close friends

For her son’s birthday Karen has invited the squad over to her place for a celebratory dinner. At this point, since they’re good at dropping by if they’re ever in her neighbourhood or nearby for work, she’s familiar with most of the people Jake spends 95% of his time with - this with an exception of Amy and Holt.

They’re setting the table while Jake gives her one last quick rundown of the 99th precinct’s squad, so Karen is sure of who the different people are.

“… And Amy, besides Holt, is the last one to have joined the squad. She’s that super neat, kinda annoying one, I’ve told you about. You know, the one who tells me that I can’t eat in her car, and constantly corrects my grammar.”

“I thought you liked her?” He can’t see tell, since he’s busy setting the table, but Karen frowns finding it unlikely that her son suddenly has something against a colleague he most of the time spoke so highly of.

“I do, mom and that’s what’s so annoying. She’s the worst and best of all worlds...” He pauses in the middle of putting down a plate giving himself some time to turn over his thoughts. “… I mean, she probably is my best friend at this point, besides Charles, yanno? But please don’t tell him I said that. His little heart can’t take it.”

“Because of jealousy or because he’s dying to see you and Amy together?”

“Both,” Jake chuckles shaking his head in disbelief of the fact that he puts up with this situation daily.

Karen knows Jake’s “brother from another mother”, how the little man had introduced himself the first time she met him, very well and can’t hold back a chuckle at the very vivid mental picture of a both jealous but also over the moon Charles.

“Your secret is safe with me.”

It brings an even wider smile to his face upon seeing his mother pretending to lock her lips and throw away an invisible key. Okay, maybe his mom is his best friend, but Amy and Charles are a close second.

Sadly Amy has fallen sick and never makes it to the birthday dinner, but upon arrival Rosa hands him a pretty gift bag with a tiny card and impeccable handwriting that says: Happy birthday, Pineapples ;) Inside the bag he finds the limited edition Die Hard 2: Die Harder-poster that had smashed his heart to pieces when someone had outbidded him for it on eBay. Little had he known it was Amy, sitting just a few feet away by her desk opposite of him, who’d outdone his bid with a sly smirk on her face. A smile which she could hide behind the big computer screen.

The smile on his face is impossible to hide and he immediately sends her a text:

‘ur gift made me die hard!!! guess ur not so bad after all ;) all kidding aside thank u so much and get well soon <3’

Later that night after everyone has left, he’s helping his mom cleaning the kitchen. Suddenly she hands over a homemade doggy bag with leftovers from the dinner.

“Don’t you think sweet, sick Amy deserves this after the gift she gave you?”

Her smirk doesn’t go unnoticed.

Jake of course agrees and later, on his way home, he drops it off at Amy’s place. It being late and not wanting to wake her up, he leaves it on her doorstep and sends her a text for her to see whenever she wakes up:

‘the bag on ur doorstep is not a bomb but a care package from mother peralta. hope ur feeling better but if u dont can i have your desk at work?’

A few days later Karen texts him a picture of a beautiful thank you card with the infamous, neatly Santiago style-written message thanking her for the thoughtful gesture. Jake smiles to himself and replies with a simple: ‘shes a good 1’

Unconsciously developing feelings

He never explicitly tells her. Still, Karen has her suspicions and they only grow every time her son mentions Amy’s name. Sooner rather than later it becomes very clear to her: her son would go to great lengths for his partner - even though he isn’t ready to acknowledge it yet.

“Mom, there’s no way I’m losing my car to her. I’m gonna take her on a date and she’s going to hate it and i’m going to love it- I mean… love her misery,” he corrects himself.

Karen is leaning against the doorframe to his still unaltered childhood bedroom, where Jake is currently rummaging through boxes containing a mix of childhood memories, dust and worthless nick-nack.

“You don’t happen to still have those old pictures of me and Jenny Gildenhorn, do you? I want to find an exact replica of Jenny’s hideous blue dress to torture Amy with.”

Knowing of Jake’s repressed, yet to be realised feelings, because a mother does know best, Karen rolls her eyes. He doesn’t notice. Probably because he has his head buried under his bed looking for more boxes and childhood treasures. Telling him to look for acknowledgement of his feelings for Amy while he’s down there is almost too tempting, but Karen manages to bite her lip. Hopefully he’ll see it himself one day… Or just keep talking the way he already does about her, even when complaining; it’s always with some kind of admiration. Karen sees the little twinkles in his eyes whenever the raven haired detective is brought up in a conversation.

To Amy’s sheer luck, Karen of course has loads of childhood pictures stored in a box in the garage and she gets to sit by knowingly as Jake searches multiple internet websites for the most horrible, blue, 80s dress possible. “Oh, mom… She’s going to hate this so much. Amazing.”

She doesn’t say anything but smiles knowingly as her son sits on her couch, laptop in his lap, a boyish smile telling her that he is up to no good as he plans the (best) worst date for his “just a good friend”.

Pining

Everything seems harder at the moment. At least harder than what he’d like, Jake thinks to himself as he lies in bed, feeling tipsy from the few beers he had a Shaw’s. He knows he should just sleep but for some reason he can’t. Instead he tortures himself by staring at the ceiling which is definitely spinning - just a tiny bit though, he tries to convince himself.

He’s just come back from being undercover, and although it was kind of fun and definitely exciting in more ways than one, deep down inside he can’t deny that a tiny part of him had hoped Amy by now would give them a chance. It’s not that he’d expected her to break up with Teddy for him - it was her life to control after all. Not his. Although there was no shame in dreaming; dreaming that she’d welcome him back to the 9-9 with a slow motion run and kiss that would blow them both away, telling him that Teddy and his pilsners were out of the picture and that they belonged together; all this time they’d been destined to belong to no one else but each other.

Alas this wasn’t the case and he returned from the mafia to a:

“I’m still with Teddy.”

The short sentence plays over and over in his head like a broken record he can’t turn off. The worst soundtrack of his life - without a doubt. Suddenly his phones rings, interrupting his spiralling thoughts.

“Hi, Mom,” he mumbles not hiding the fact that he’s exhausted, physically as well as mentally, and tipsy.

“Hi, honey. How did your first day back go?”

“It was... fine. Good to see everyone.”

Good to see Amy, Karen thinks before she does a double take when she picks up on her son’s voice clearly representing a moody side of him she, or anyone, rarely gets to see.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, it’s nothing, It’s-” he starts out not wanting to get into it, because feelings are messy and he always ends up being the hurt one anyways… But on the other hand, he thinks, his mom will figure out either way - if she hasn’t already. Perhaps his lack of soberness also takes part in his sudden honesty.

“Amy,” he sighs.

“Is everything all right with her?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. I just-” he pauses. “She’s with this guy and-”

“You wish she wasn’t?” Karen beats him to it and finishes the sentence for him.

“Yeah or- I don’t know. I want her to be happy but...” he sounds utterly defeated to a point that hints at teary, she can tell even though she can’t see him. In that moment Karen wants nothing more than hug her little boy. “I really like her, mom.”

His voice never breaks entirely but it’s a fine line he’s walking throughout the entire conversation. Everything pours out of him; he’s a book of sentimental secrets opening up about his Achilles’ heel for the first time and all his mother can do is listen as he describes his favorite parts of Amy (which is pretty much everything): everything from the way her dark ponytail swings back and forth with purpose when she walks to a crime scene to how, when they’re out drinking with the squad, she always get him a beer whenever she gets up to get herself one.

It’s almost as if the spinning of the golden thread, still unknown to the world, between him and Amy is slowly choking him.

“I want her to be happy, mom… I just-” he almost dozes off before finishing the sentence but fights through it and it’s all at once incredibly endearing and heartbreaking to Karen who’s still listening from her end of the line.

“... I just wish she would be happy with me instead.”

New couple

It’s truly unbelievable. Jake can’t believe he’s about call his mom to tell her: tell her that he’s with Amy now.

It’s been a month now; a month of him being with Amy and being so very happy he still can’t believe he’s been spending all this time not feeling like this. However, not wanting to rush things or put any pressure on either of them, simply enjoying being together, no one else but the squad knows about them.

Them. Him and Amy. A thing.

Just thinking about him and Amy that way, it almost makes him dizzy of pure disbelief. There had been so much buildup, such a long history of back and forth, bad timing, but all that aside now here they were. Amy Santiago was his girlfriend. Maybe that is the thought that causes his heart to take on a way too quick beating pattern and the hand holding his phone to become clammy. Now is the time though and he doesn’t hesitate to hit his mom’s contact. It rings. Jake can clearly hear his heart thump loudly against his ribcage. Should he be this nervous?

One time.

Two times.

Thre-

“Hi, honey,” his mom’s warm chipper voice interrupts the monotone ringing instantly making his lips spread into a small smile and heart take a break from the irrational thumping.

“Hey, mom,” he starts pacing around his apartment in attempt of diverting all the energy and emotions rushing through him, unconsciously bringing him everywhere from his bed to his kitchen.

“So it’s actually been a little while now… And I haven’t said anything since I didn’t want to rush anything but,” he cuts the sentence in two with a deep breath. “So, like… Amy and I are dating... together... her and I,” he starts rambling and wow he really should’ve written this down first. Karen doesn’t let it go on for too long though too excited to not say anything.

“Honey, I’m so so happy for you two! And it was about time that you finally told me!”

Jake’s pacing stops on the spot.

“What do you mean “finally”?”

“Oh, Jake... Sometimes I think you forget that mothers know everything. Plus you’re not very good at hiding… bruises,” she clears her throat, emphasizing what she’s really saying while imagining her son blush on his end of the line. “Also you’ve been visiting less and less, which means someone else has to take up your time.Someone who is even cooler than your very own mom, someone who makes you this gitty and nervous to talk about… It had to be her you were calling about.”

The smile in her voice is clear as day, but Jake is still baffled trying to come up with an explanation or the very least a decent answer. There is none, he quickly abandons the plan and instead lets out a happy huff.

“She’s really cool, mom. So cool. The last month has been like… the best. I don’t know how else to describe it. She’s the best.”

Compared to the defeated and heartbroken man she spoke to all those months ago, after his return from being undercover, this is a whole new version of her son that she’s longed to see. Karen can’t physically see him but can still clearly tell he’s flipped the page and is taking on a better chapter of his life.

Early relationship

It’s another night at his mom’s. Although the motivation behind the visit is a tiny bit different than usual this time. Sure, they’re gonna talk and have a nice dinner prepared by Karen as per usual, although tonight the mother has to nurse a whiny Jake who’s missing his dear but very out of town for the week-girlfriend. And the experience feels… mixed.

“Dinner is ready!”

No response.

She looks up from where she’s just carefully put down a sizzling pan to see her son back against the one arm of her armchair with his legs svung over the other. Physically he might be close but mentally he’s so far away, clearly more focused on whatever is going on on his phone’s screen.

“Jake,” she tries again but rather than giving his mother a reply Jake start typing as if nothing or noone was within miles of him. Karen can’t help but feel like she’s raising a teenager all over again, a teenager with the attention span of a goldfish, although this time her son is actually in his late 30s, lives by himself and has a girlfriend. So little yet so much has changed about him.

“Jacob,” she tries with her more more stern voice. She knows what he’s doing, texting Amy, and even though it’s cute he needs to snap out of it. At least for long enough to eat. He finally reacts and looks in her direction. Realization hits him which immediately prompts him to push himself out of the seat.

“If you stop eating you won’t even be alive to see her when she comes back.”

He deserves to be teased, he figures.

“I’m sorry. It was a text from Amy and I just wanted to reply right away. I just really miss her, I guess... and this is the closest we’ll get to talking today since she’s busy with her family, so...”

He leaves his phone behind on the coffee table, implicitly letting his mother know she’s got his (somewhat) full attention from now on.

“It’s so weird. We’ve only been together for like...” he counts in his head. “... 5 months now, but I already can’t stand being away from her for too long. Am I insane?” he drops down into his usual seat by the dinner table, almost in defeat but Karen is quick to rescue him in his moment of overdramatic despair.

“No you’re not, I assure you.”

Karen grabs his hand to stroke it comfortingly. She knows her son didn’t mean to be rude, didn’t mean to ignore her and she loves how much he’s opened up about his emotions since getting together with Amy.

“It’s a good sign that you care so much, but just remember that distance makes the heart grow fonder and it’ll feel even better when she comes back… and until then you can let your old mom entertain you.”

They share a chuckle because they both know what that means.

“Did you get ice cream?” he asks.

“Strawberry, chocolate chip and cookie dough… and to top it off: Die Hard is ready to play the second we’re done eating and doing the dishes.”

It’s a little tradition of theirs: their shared comfort snack plus movie-combo.

“You know me so well,” Jake smiles almost forgetting about missing Amy.

If not for the rest of the week then at least for a couple of hours.

Going steady

This week is a a lot different from the usual. While it’s not every single week they actually manage to see each other or even get the time to talk, Karen knows for sure that she won’t hear from her son for at least a couple of days. Jake is away on a cruise with Amy, and so besides the few pictures he’s texted her of them eating shrimp in bed (she wonders how he talked Amy into that) and a huge seagull stealing some of Amy’s fries, Karen doesn’t expect a whole lot of her son’s attention that week.

Which is why she is extremely surprised when her phone rings, her son’s picture and name displayed on her phone, in the middle of the night. Yes, the element of surprise is of course due to the fact that she knows he’s busy being away with Amy, but also much due the time at which he calls.

01:21

A mother’s undeniable fear and worry for her child never goes away, no matter how old said child is, and it now creeps in making her fear that the worst has happened. What could possibly lead him to call this late? She frantically grabs her phone from her night stand.

“Jake, it’s in the middle of the night. Is everything okay?” She doesn’t mean to come off as accusing but she’s definitely trying to get to the bottom of the mystery right away.

“I love her.”

It falls from his lips, very out of nowhere, and it’s hard to tell within what context it is to be interpreted. Interlacing with his voice is the sound of crashing waves and a strong breeze making Karen wonder where her son finds himself.

“Honey, what do you mean? Where are you?”

Maybe she should’ve understood right away, it was obvious, but not only was she sleeping just seconds ago but the background noise on his end of the line only makes the whole scene way more confusing than it already is.

He breathes, out of breath almost as if he’s been running. “I’m outside. On the deck. And I love her, mom.”

“The deck?”

“No,” he pauses catching his breath. “Amy. I told her… Or she told me first and then I told her back. Nothing has ever felt more right.”

That makes way more sense, Karen thinks although still quite unsure of exactly why he’s calling her. All that aside her heart is flooded with happiness, when she realises her son is not out of breath from running or crying, but rather all the emotions he must be feeling.

“Aw, Jake. I’m so happy for you. I know how much she means to you.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah… You’ve changed so much throughout your relationship with Amy and it’s only for the better. You were already wonderful, you’re my son after all, but she brings out so much more good in you. This was only a matter of time. I think you’ve loved her for longer than you think.”

Another silence allows the crashing waves and whistling night wind to make an appearance. Following words almost fall off his lips in a tremble but Karen can tell it’s because he’s moved and is trying to collect himself, his emotions and thoughts. This is a big step for him - she knows.

“I have. And I don’t think I wanna stop again.”

Their talk lasts a few more minutes; just long enough for Jake to explain that he couldn’t sleep, too excited about the fact that he loved Amy Santiago and, even better, she loved him! Instead of staying in bed, restless and thus risking waking up Amy, he’d carefully disentangled himself from his girlfriend’s grip and decided to go for a night stroll. Next thing he knew he was calling his mom’s number.

“I should probably go, mom. I don’t want Amy to wake up alone.”

They say their goodbyes and when Karen finally gets to meet his daughter-in-law a few weeks later, at Jake’s chaotic birthday dinner, she is even more sure: their golden thread is so very strong.

Moving in together

The first time Karen visits Jake and Amy’s apartment (the words still make his stomach twist and turn with excitement every time he says it or even thinks it), Amy is out getting groceries for the dinner they’ll all be preparing together.

Jake proudly gives his mom a full apartment tour explaining where he’s added his Peralta-touch to the household while still praising his girlfriend’s taste in interior design. She has to laugh at the huge Die Hard poster discreetly hung on the inside of their closet door. Framed pictures of the couple together hung and standing around the apartment only makes Karen’s heart melt even more.

“How are you guys liking living together so far?”

They’re in the kitchen, Jake is preparing them both a cup of coffee.

“I mean, we already took constant turns crashing at the other’s place so it doesn’t feel that brand new, but still…” he pauses to smile and pours his mother a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee before continuing. “This is so much better. We share a home now. She is officially my home now, yanno?”

“I’m proud of you, Jakey,” Karen playfully ruffles her son’s curly hair, something she rarely gets to do but still immensely enjoys every time. It reminds her of when he was still a little kid and hits her with just how far he’s become. She’s not just proud: she’s so proud.

“Plus, now I get to annoy her 24/7, which is great,” he laughs and Karen playfully pinches his ear.

“Be nice to her, Jacob,” she’s chuckling too.

“I am! Our relationship is practically built on a foundation of pestering and messing with each other. Trust me; she loves it.”

Prison

“Amy… I miss her so much.”

As if the fact that her son has been wrongly accused and is facing 15 years in prison isn’t agonizing enough, Karen also has to suffer the pain it causes her to hear her son cry out to her over the very rare phone calls they get these days.

“When I say I’m afraid of never getting out of here-” he heaves between fallen, sobbed words; sobbed words which Karen knows he tries to subdue in order to not show the other inmates weakness. But it’s hard; impossible. “It’s mostly because I’m afraid of not seeing her again. Every time she visits-,” a sniffle “I’m always afraid that it’s the last time I see her. And all I wanna do is kiss her and hold her, but i just- I can’t. I miss her so so much, mom.”

Karen’s heart breaks alongside her son’s, even hours and miles between them, tears rolling down her red cheeks. She knows she has to be strong for him, and that it’s harder for him than for herself. Denying the ache and fear in every cell of her body is impossible though… But she has to keep her head up for him.

“It’ll be okay, honey,” Karen forces herself to stop crying when she speaks and will instead let the tears fall freely whenever he can’t hear it. “The squad is doing everything they can to get you out.”

“I know... “ he takes a deep breath and Karen can tell he’s trying to collect himself for good this time. “H-how is she?”

For a split second Karen considers lying, not telling him that she’s spent multiple nights consoling a crying Amy and even sleeping over at their place when the young woman was too tired to take care of herself. She considers telling him she’s fine, but she knows it’s pointless: Jake and Amy are two open books who tell each other everything. Just like Amy knows Jake has never been more afraid and seeks hope in every second he gets to be with or even just talk to her, Jake knows Amy is struggling though she’s a trooper and tries to fight through it as seamlessly as possible.

“I visited her on Wednesday and…” Karen bites her lip but eventually a sigh escapes her. “You know how she feels... It’s hard for both of you. But she’s strong, honey and she manages. And on the days where she can’t, I’m there with her. I promise.”

Silence.

He’s holding back tears again.

“I love you both, mom. So so much. You two are what is going to get me through this.”

“I love you too, Jacob.”

Their golden thread might be strained, but now is time for it to show its strength.

Engaged

He can’t put it into words, at least not properly, because how does one describe how it feels to be the happiest man alive? How does one describe such a wide, complex, incredible range of emotions? It’s impossible.

Instead he settles for a text.

It’s truly comical but also very much them: a picture of Amy in the evidence locker, still partially crying although of course also smiling as she shows off the shiny ring on her finger. It’s followed by the message:

‘MOM, I’M MARRYING HER!!!’

Later that night, tipsy after celebrating at Shaw’s, Jake and Amy facetime Karen. It’s safe to say that she gets a good laugh at 3-drink Amy showing off her new, favorite bling while Jake is all over her, placing small kisses to various parts of her face.

“Okay, you two... I’m going to hang up before this goes beyond a PG-rating. Once again congratulations. I love you both and can’t wait to see you soon.”

Married

Bomb threats, ruined cakes and a lost veil are just a few of the things that go horribly wrong on Jake and Amy’s wedding day.

Now, a few weeks later, all these tiny disasters seem to be long forgotten, almost as if they’d never happened.

“... But in the end we’re married and that’s all that matters,” Jake finishes telling his mother the tale of their chaotic but incredibly beautiful and unique wedding which was followed by a PG-rated version of their trip to Mexico.

The three of them are taking up the space of Karen’s living room as they chat and drink their usual coffee. Jake’s arm is slung around his new wife’s shoulders, fingers interlaced with a happiness and peace that warms the mother’s heart. Compared to the anxiety and sadness they all experienced during Jake’s time in Florida and then later on in prison, this moment in time is a major contrast. It’s a moment which Karen at times had feared she’d never be able to witness ever again. Yet here they were, the three of them together in the same room and Jake looked happier than ever. He was married to the love of his life, showing off a warm glow that he could thank both happiness and the Mexican sun for.

“I’m so happy for you two. It was always meant to be this way.”

Karen beams just as much as the married couple, feeding off the pure bliss they display in each other’s company. Amy perks up at the comment growing curious.

“Always?” she questions with a smile.

“The second he told me that the new girl was “pretty cool”, I knew something was meant to happen.”

Jake feels blood rushing to his cheeks even though said new girl is now his wife.

“Aw, babe,” Amy turns to him flashing a teasing grin. Every opportunity to tease must be put to good use. “I can’t believe you’ve been into me for so long. How embarrassing for you.”

“Hey!” He whines and it’s clear to see that he’s trying to fight the blush and embarrassment alas it’s already way too late. ”Be nice to your husband, Mrs. Peralta.”

“Not my fault that you’re so into me, Mr. Peralta.”

There’s a short pause in the conversation where Jake realises there’s no way out unless he uses her own teasing ways against her.

“I’m a lucky man… I guess,” he counters playfully and it earns him a just as playful slap to the shoulder.

“You guess?”

Amy is quick to pull away although doesn’t allow their fingers to untangle while she sends him a mock-pout.

“Be nice, Jake.”

Karen loves her son but will also, at any given time, take Amy’s side before his. Jake came to learn this the second he introduced the two women and they started gossiping about him. He would care to mind if it wasn’t for the fact that there was nothing better than his two favorite women getting along so well.

“I’m joking, babe,” he loses no time and before Amy can add anything he’s pulled her back into the nook of his arm, adding a kiss the top of her head - just for good measure (and because he’s crazy about her). “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

Their golden thread has tied an everlasting knot.

Trying

Jake and Amy trying for a baby had been such a joyous announcement, and Karen will never forget the proud look on her son’s face the day he told her. Although tonight, said proud and happy expression is long gone, forgotten and dissolved by the many months of planning, trying and holding on to their hope.

Jake is once again, as so many times before, on his mother’s sand-colored couch with warm coffee in hand but this time with a look of despair painted across his pale face. While she’s been getting cookies in the kitchen he’s fallen into deep thought and doesn’t say anything for a while. Even after she comes back and sits down across from him. The silence might be needed, Karen thinks and, of course, respects it. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t shake her to the core when the next thing he says seems to question every ounce of happiness he’s ever lived.

“What if all along I’ve been the wrong choice? A bad choice.”

His eyes doesn’t budge from the same spot, an old coffee stain on the couch, he’s been staring emptily at for the past minutes. Even as he speaks.

“What if she was supposed to be with someone else. Someone who can give her the family she wants… the family she deserves.”

It doesn’t even sound like a question at this point but rather a horrible fact he states in a moment of frustration and agony, and it ignites a fury within the mother because she knows it’s his anxiety and fear of abandonment speaking. She knows that their love is way bigger than that.

Things are far from easy right now. On the other hand Karen hasn’t witnessed them fight and overcome every obstacle imaginable, everything from a stupid mattress to being sent away to both Florida and prison, only to come to this. This isn’t the tip of the thread. A golden thread isn’t spun without reason. It’s spun for the fated.

“Has Amy ever made a bad choice?” she asks.

For the first time in a long time Jake actually looks at his mom. He pauses but she knows he doesn’t have to think. Karen knows that in his eyes Amy can do no wrong.

“No… I just-”

“Okay, so do you honestly think that her wanting and fighting for a baby with you is a bad choice? Even if it doesn’t come easy.”

There’s another silence, longer this time, which hopefully means that something resonates inside his head even though Karen knows it’s a dark and confusing place right now.

“No, I guess…”

“No, don’t say “you guess”. You know, Jake Peralta. You love Amy and she loves you. I know it seems like life keeps on throwing you curveballs and I wish it wasn’t so, but trust me when I say that it’s not because it’s a wrong or bad choice. You being with Amy is the best, most right doing I’ve ever witnessed, and I’m so proud of it. Stop doubting yourself. Your love is too good for that. You’re too good for that, honey.”

Her voice had started out a bit rough, just to make sure to get her point across, but by her the last sentence it has grown soft like butter and Jake can’t help but fall into his mother’s arms. He knows she’s right and it’s in moments like these that, moments where he wants to give up, he’s glad to have her to fight off his demons.

“I just want to give her everything she deserves, mom,” he mumbles into her shoulder, still holding on for dear life; so closely that Karen swears she can feel his heart breaking against her chest. “And I know I’ve been hesitant about it in the past, but now I just-”

Karen feels him let go of her and straighten his back. His eyes are shiny and there’s so much hope but also hurt in them.

“... I really want to be a dad. I really do. And then I wanna do it right.”

Karen knows what he’s hinting at and the sentiment is so valid even though she’s back together with Roger and their father-son relationship has grown stronger.

“You will be, honey. One way or another,” she whispers and reaches out to stroke his cheek. “And you will be the best. I promise you.”

Pregnant

Mother knows best, Jake can’t help but think on the magical evening Amy tells him the best thing he’s ever heard: she’s pregnant. The world seems to flourish around him like never before.

Of course the first person he wants to tell is his mom, but him and Amy quickly agree on keeping the amazing news to themselves, or at least until their baby has hit the safety that the 12-week mark comes along with.

Until then Jake and Amy plan on how to break the news to Karen (and Roger, of course) and Jake almost can’t believe it when the day finally arrives. Their 12-week check was just yesterday, and to everyone’s relief and joy their baby is growing as they should and thriving in their mother’s womb. They both shed a tear and ask for an extra set of ultrasound pictures to give to the future grandparents - both on his and Amy’s side.

During dinner with Karen and Roger the following day, Jake is on the verge of bursting, yelling out the news the very second his parents arrive. Although a humbling squeeze of the hand from his wife keeps him in check until dessert. Here the hand squeeze feels different and Jake knows now is the time.

“By the way,” Jake gets up and heads to the kitchen to get another tub of ice cream. “We have a little extra surprise for dessert…”

Roger and Karen frown in unison as both of them are yet to finish what’s already in their respective bowls. Jake ignores it and comes back with a tub of…

“Lime ice cream?” Roger asks, clearly confused by the very specific flavour.

“I didn’t even know that was a thing,” Karen chuckles, always being the one to lighten the mood.

“Well,” Jake smiles with content as he sits back down. “I promise you: you don’t wanna skip this part. It’s the best.”

And so of course Karen is quickly hands on, pulls off the lid and is ready to dig in with her spoon but halts the second she gets to take a good look at the bucket’s content: a small piece of paper. Neither her or Roger understand a thing, and being too preoccupied by their confusion they fail to notice the wide grins on the other couple’s faces.

Karen takes the leap and digs out the picture quickly noticing something scribbled onto it with neat handwriting - Amy’s, of course.

Hi, grandma and grandpa. I’m now 12 weeks old and the size of a lime! I can’t wait to meet you <3

Karen feels her heart skip a bit, maybe even stop entirely for multiple seconds and looks to Jake and Amy for some kind of approval or… she’s not even sure of what. All she’s sure of is that she’s on the brim of exploding. Her son nods biting down on his bottom lip in excitement, and when she flips the piece of paper she’s met by the most wonderful picture she’s ever seen: their future grandchild, tiny as can be, in black and white, and completely perfect.

Karen tears her eyes away from her grandchild to look at her son to be met by his almost trembling voice and shiny eyes.

“Good thing my mom was right when she told me that I would be a dad some day.”

Jake’s eyes are so sincere with tears threatening to spill as he holds his mother’s gaze talking directly to her, and it’s safe to say there’s waterfall’s worth of happy tears that evening.

Welcoming mac

The day Mac is born Jake feels as if his heart is suddenly beating and living outside of his chest in the shape of his son. There’s so much love even before their son officially arrives, but nothing can possibly top the feeling of holding him in his arms feeling the infant’s hand wraps around Jake’s thumb. Love is shooting through the roof and up to the moon. Never before has Jake felt so much love for someone’s he’s just met before and it’s scary in the best way.

He’s sitting in an armchair by Amy’s hospital bed, his wife fast asleep after the most exhausting hours of her life, when the door to their room pops open. He doesn’t even bother looking up at first as he’s too busy gazing lovingly at the bundle of love in his arms.

“Oh my goodness.”

Jake head perks up immediately recognizing the sound of his mother’s voice. By now she’s closing the door behind her, quietly.

“Hi, mom. Come say hi.”

Karen can hear his smittenness in his voice and sits down on a smaller chair next to him to better see her brand new grandson. It’s immediately clear as day that the newest Peralta is the perfect mix of both parents. Chubby cheeks, dark hair, full lips and a nose she’s gonna want to kiss over and over again.

“Meet McClane. Mac for short,” Jake informs her stroking his son’s chubby cheek.

“It’s perfect,” Karen clucks and follows suit stroking Mac’s other cheek. “He’s beautiful, honey. You must be so proud. I know I am.”

For various obvious reasons Jake has always struggled with acknowledging pride - even when he’s clearly felt it, he’s found it difficult to say it out loud or fully believe it. Today is different though and he wants to scream it from the rooftops: he’s so freaking proud of his beautiful baby son and his incredible wife.

He smiles fondly as he nods in agreement.

“I really am, mom. Proud of myself but especially of Amy. I’ll explain it further later but I Amy went into labor at the precinct, I was out helping with the blackout and almost missed the birth. I just barely got there before Mac was born and Amy managed everything like a pro. I can’t believe I’ve made a human with her. She’s the best… I’m so lucky.”

Jake looks at Karen sensing that she’s going to speak.

“I can’t imagine any other person for you than her, and together you’ve formed a beautiful little family, honey. One to be very proud of, so don’t forget to give in to that feeling, okay?”

Karen hand travels from sleeping Mac’s cheek to her son’s curly hair, on a mission to stroke it like she always would when he was a child and it prompts Jake to lean his head onto her shoulder. From his new vantage point he looks back at Mac, then Amy.

They’re his whole world, his two ends meeting and Karen can only sit by to admire the scene before her. Never has Karen felt more sure of the fact that there was always one single thread of gold tying Jake to Amy.

(And Mac).

#peraltiago #baby peraltiago #mac #fanfic #fanfiction #perlatiago fanfic #oneshot #pining #fluff #angst #happy ending #jake and amy #peralta #santiago #brooklyn nine nine #b99 #brooklyn nine-nine #taylor swift #kinda hahha

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skvaderarts · 3 years

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Saudade 1. Lessons Learned

Hey everyone! Sorry for the note instead of a chapter today. I have some good news though despite everything. I, unfortunately, have to push back the new story Hiraeth until New Years Day due to personal reasons, but I do have something for you to read today. Saudade, the side story series to my Soliloquy Trilogy (wow it's cool to be able to say that!) is releasing its first chapter today, so go check that out instead! I think you'll like what I whipped up for you to enjoy :D

Again, sorry for the delay, but between the holidays and some other things that came up, I just had to push it back another two weeks. Please forgive me!

Chapter One: Lessons Learned

Notes below!

-~-

Several decades ago…

In the twenty long centuries or more that he’d spend carrying out his rather eventful day to day life in the human world, the Dark Knight Sparda had undertaken many different kinds of challenges. He’s sat on the royal courts of kings and queens, and traveled to enumerable locations in an effort to seal away the darkness that he’d once contributed towards creating in his time serving the Prince of Darkness himself. In doing those tasks, he’d experienced a great many things, especially when it came to matters of war and destruction, many of which he’d fought singlehandedly, but nothing had prepared him for the seemingly innocuous task of keeping up with his two young sons, the both of which seemed literally hellbent of causing as much destruction and chaos as they possibly could. In many senses, they were the very anthesis of their father.

Calm, collected, and generally at ease, Sparda was still entirely unsure as to how the union between his lovely wife and himself could result in tiny creatures with such a strong predilection towards destruction. For the most part, Vergil was the exception to this rule. He spent the majority of his time quietly reading and shadowing his father around the house, only getting into notable trouble when Dante was involved to some degree. It wasn’t so much that the younger of the two was troublesome perse, it was that he didn’t tend to take no for an answer when it was presented to him, and he took any limitations set before him as a personal challenge. There was rambunctious, and then there was the wholehearted deep-seated hatred that their youngest son seemed to feel towards any and all rules and limitations.

And that was why Sparda had concocted a different sort of education method.

Like clockwork, the two children appeared before him, answering his summonses as he’d expected them to when he’d called them only a moment before. While their mother had no idea where they were at the moment, he could sense their presence on a more mynute level, an ability that came in handy on a regular basis. They stumbled their way into the room in a manner that spoke volumes. He was certain that they had been in the middle of something unsavory until he’d redirected their attention, and he couldn’t escape the feeling that he very well might find out what that thing was sooner rather than later.

“It has come to your mother’s attention that there is an insect nest of some kind in a tree in the back garden.” Sparda turned to glance in the direction of the back garden, knowing exactly which tree she was referring to and completely aware of the fact that both of his sons were actively trying to figure out which one he was referring to.” I’ve been asked to dissuade you in regards to meddling with it as it may cause you temporary harm.”

The two young children glanced between one another before nodding in conformation, more than capable of comprehending the concept of being stung by an unfriendly insect. They knew what pain was, and at least one of them had no desire to actively seek it out. While they both healed exceptionally quickly, that didn’t change the fact that they were still able to feel pain.

“Okay father, I won’t,” Vergil said with a slight shoulder shrug, opting instead to wander off and browse the bookcase in search of something less hazardous to do. If he was going to put himself in harm’s way, it was going to be with sword lessons or something similar, not by doing something as stupid as picking a fight with a stinging insect.

Dante peered around his father, curiosity overriding what should have been an obvious warning bell. I mean, they couldn’t kill him, right? What was the harm in it? They were just a couple of little bugs.” That makes sense. But can I still look at them? I don’t think they mind, right?”

Expecting something akin to that response from at least one of his offspring, he repressed the urge to chuckle slightly, shaking his head slowly.” I can’t say that I’ve ever asked them as much myself. But I’d advise against attempting to do so.”

The youngest member of the family looked disappointed by his father’s answer, but sighed and ran off, slowing to something akin to a jog when he considered what his mother or father would say if they caught him doing so. Sparda watched him go before casually resuming the book that he’d been reading prior to their conversation, taking a few sips of his tea as he resumed his more or less relaxed state. Vergil joined him, sitting on the floor nearest to him in a quiet attempt to spend meaningful time with his normally frantically busy father. The Dark Knight appreciated the gesture and was going to say as much, but before long the young white-haired child leaped up and scampered over to the window, his attention clearly fixed on something. Before Sparda could move to see what his oldest son was so interested in, Eva entered the room, a calm look of concern on her face.

“Darling, have you seen Dante? He’s been practically begging me to bake some sweets with him the last few days and we were supposed to do so a short while ago but now, for the life of me, I can’t seem to locate him.” Although her calm demeanor hid it very well, she was clearly concerned as to what had become of their youngest child. Dante had no perception of time, but he very rarely missed out on sugary treats. It was very unlike him.” Do you have any idea where he may have wandered off to?”

Sparda never got the opportunity to respond. Instead, Vergil did so for him, pointing out of the window behind him as he faced both of his parents, a slightly nervous look on his face. He already knew where this was going, and he was glad that this time he wasn’t on the receiving end of what he knew would be his mother’s displeasure, possibly even his father’s depending on how he decided to react to this situation. “Umm… I found Dante?”

As if on cue, a piercing cry followed by a branch snap and a notable impact with the ground could be heard from a short distance away, revealing Dante’s whereabouts to both of his slightly baffled parents. Eva folded her arms and gave Sparda a stern look as the white-haired devil Knight exhaled in obvious displeasure. Neither of them needed to inquire as to where their young son was or what had just happened.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, dear, but didn’t I ask you to take care of that nest sometime today?” Eva said, clearly unamused as to what had just happened. While she’d witnessed their abilities first hand, that didn’t make her any less concerned when it came to their wellbeing.

He nodded somewhat hesitantly.” That you did. And I warned them both to be warry of it, not even a half-hour ago, but as you can see…” He leaned over to see where Dante had gone just in time to see the child in question come running into the house yelping in discomfort as the results of his misadventures became clear for everyone to see.”... that didn’t exactly go as planned.”

Neither of them could hear very well as Dante babbled incoherently, completely taken aback by how unpleasant the combined sensation of being both attacked by hornets, and then falling out of a tall birch tree could be. He’d probably broken something, and that wasn’t taking into account his pride. Eva gave him a look somewhere between displeasure and concern as she tried to comprehend what on earth the distressed child was trying to communicate to them both.

With a look of almost stupefied disbelief, Sparda glanced over at Dante, somewhat sympathetic to his youngest child’s obvious suffering, but also unable to grasp how he’d managed to locate and enrage the unagreeable insects in such a timely manner. “Dante, this is why I advised against trying to befriend creatures that possessed singers and venom,” Sparda said sternly, earning him a much more extreme reaction than he’d considered reasonable.

The overwhelmed child burst into hysterical crying, none of which he doubted was ingenuine. That didn’t mean that he fully understood the reaction, however. He gave Dante a pat on the head, standing. “I suppose that I should go and take care of the nest then. Best to be overly cautious on this specific location.”

Eva shook her head, releasing Dante from her comforting grasp and sighed as she smoothed the wrinkles out of her long dress.” Oh no, dear. I’ll take care of this. You see to it that Dante is taken care of.”

With that, she gave the youngest of her twin sons a kiss on the cheek before heading down the hallway and up the stairs, a fierce look of determination on her normally calm face. The three of them watched her go, utterly bewildered. Not a single one of them understood what she intended to do to the hapless insects, but they knew two things. There weren’t going to try and stop her, and they were fortunate indeed that they didn’t have the misfortune of being on the receiving end of her plans.

It was an occasion they would never forget. Especially the hornets.

-~-

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed this little side story! I’d love to hear your suggestions for future ones. I plan to do these from time to time as a little bit of filler for the main stories. Sorry about the delay. Hopefully, this can fill the void between now and Hiraeth’s release. I have another chapter coming out on Christmas. Family stuff came up! I’ll see you all again on New Years Day! Enjoy the holidays!

#Devil May Cry #Sparda and Eva #Sparda Family #Dante #Vergil #DMC

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fmdminaharchive · 3 years

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❧ you’re like spring.

date(s): february-march 2021 mentions of: daisuke (briefly for happening reasons), jiah (extensively for gay reasons) word count: 1,712 (475 words composition, 748 words songwriting without the lyrics) warnings: none details: partial composition and full lyric verification for ‘the spring’. minah makes music again, it’s more of the same yet different. she’s also grossly in love, though she’s well aware there has been a time she wasn’t. also little extra bits of the whole Process because i can and they’re cute

“how about another spring song?” the creative director suggests and minah is quick to agree.

sure, she has some thoughts on that statement. the expected release date they gave her is late may, pushing near the end of spring but she can’t say she’s surprised. sure, these songs usually do best around early to mid april, when spring is fresh and the temperatures are slowly creeping up together with the bloom of flowers but she wagers that either bc doesn’t give her solo comeback enough priority over whatever else is planned earlier in the year or they’re aiming to recreate the same effect ‘hopefully sky’ had.

it’s kind of ironic, minah thinks, the implied image of a late bloomer bc throws in her lap.

she doesn’t mind it, it kind of suits her in ways.

➽───────────────❥

being informed that she will be working with the same producer she worked on for ‘hopefully sky’ and ‘being there’ only further confirms minah’s suspicions, they’re fully intending to let her stick to her niche. it’s not a bad thing persé, she likes her music, she likes the producer, the whole process will undoubtedly be a delight. but paired with the fact she had been purposely left out of writing for her debut album last fall, minah can’t help but feel bc doesn’t yet trust her quite enough. not enough to write on something important as an album, not enough to write on something she hasn’t done before.

which just means she has to prove herself.

when minah shows up for their first studio session, she shows up prepared, reaching for the acoustic guitar kept in one of the corners of the room

one eyebrow of the producer quirks up. “were you asked to compose it yourself? i thought i was, that’s why i prepared some things-”

minah just shakes her head, smiling serenely. “i wasn’t. but i have something i want to let you hear regardless.”

the guitar parts aren’t all that much, no bells or whistles. but minah likes to think that’s their charm. her instrumentals never are too flashy, not taking the foreground but instead serving as a gentle, guiding hand. the strums and chords are meant to be a base, to frame and support her voice rather than to be the main attraction.

the simple melody reminds her a lot of her busking days back in busan. sure, for the most parts she played and sang popular songs, ones that would be recognized by passersby and hopefully bring a smile to her face. but when things were slower, wen there weren’t as many people around, minah could spend stretches and stretches of time playing around with chords, improvising their structure as she went, their gentle hum to fill the silence until people came by again. it was a comforting sound, a comforting feeling.

of course, this time it’s not mere improvising, not tangent of chords that escape her memory the moment they fade out into the air around them but it still feels that way as she plays the song for the producer, a light-hearted, warm feeling teaching from her fingertips to her chest.

when she finishes the song, minah puts the guitar beside her again, looking expectantly at the producer. “it’s not a full song-” she starts, sentence trailing off, searching for some sign of approval or dismissal, whatever comes first, whatever will tell her if she was right to go out on a limb.

“it’s not.” the producer agrees with a nod. “but it could be.” another beat of silence. “it will be when i turn it into one.”

the excited squeal that escapes minah is one of victory.

➽───────────────❥

“you know, i already wrote lyrics to go with it too.” minah brings up a little while later, by now both of them with a cup of coffee in their hands, having spent the last hour or so properly writing down the guitar part she had played earlier and fiddling with ideas how to expand on it.

“well why didn’t you say so earlier, go ahead, i’m listening.”

so minah quickly pulls out the piece of paper the lyrics are written down on. they’re her words, she has sung them a few times but she doesn’t feel confident enough in her memory to do it entirely by heart just yet.

she picks the guitar up again from where she had left it, leaning against the side of the table, placing her fingers against the fingerboard and strumming the strings, playing the same chords she had played before but this time accompanied by her voice.

i think spring is coming again almost sick of the cherry blossoms once again, i face a lonely season as the wind blows

in terms of sound, the song sounds as warm and comforting as it’s spiritual predecessors ‘hopefully sky’ and ‘being there’ had, the sweet, family-girl charm minah had initially wrapped the general public around her finger with. lyrically, however, the tone is a bit more somber, lonely and longing for the happiness her surroundings seem to have found. it puts it smack in the middle of both her self-written songs from last summer and the tone of her first album and her portal collab with daisuke from last winter. a pretty clever way to bring together the two sides of her sound she has released so far if she says so herself.

that flower is so pretty, it makes me lonely that couple is smiling so brightly making me so sad why is it so beautiful? why am i jealous? everything’s spring spring spring but me

of course, the lyrics are hardly relevant for minah in the moment. she is entering her second spring together with jiah, their relationship having started roughly a year ago, when spring was creeping up on them much like it is now.

but feelings didn’t need to be lived to write about them right, to be able to convey them all the same. minah’s entire ‘epilogue’ had been drenched in the sorrow of heartbreak while she was on cloud nine. much the same applied to this song, there is none of the longing for a spring romance, not when she has all of that right in the palm of her hands already, not when she gets to wake up stroking the messy strands of hair out of jiah’s face and kiss the tip of her nose.

you’re spring, spring spring spring you, where did you go? you’re spring, spring spring spring the spring wind is blowing

minah gets it, she really does, why spring is generally seen as a romantic season, the slow bloom of the world stirring awake after the winter. cherry blossoms showers during walks in the parks, couples huddled together due to the last remnants of cold wind. spring is romantic in it’s very existence. it’s soft, it’s comforting, a gentle welcome after the slumber of winter.

and because of that, jiah is spring too. the pink hues of her flushed cheeks and the radiance of her smile, the tingling sparks of heat left across minah’s skin. she’s warm without ever being overwhelming, like the slowly rising temperatures giving the flowers time to adjust and bloom.

i’m dreaming of a fun love will my sweet love ever come? after another lonely day the wind blows

it hasn’t always been like that though, minah has been familiar enough with the bittersweetness of cherry blossoms. she’s a notorious workaholic after all. for as long as she can remember, she’s always been busy with something, be it her career or her family. it had left ample time for epic romances when she had been far too all over the place to open up her heart and whatever sparks did fly quickly fizzled solely due to the fact minah didn’t have the capacity to nurse a budding romance among everything.

so it isn’t like she doesn’t understand, it wasn’t like she has never kicked the ground scoffing watching the loved-up couples in springtime. minah knows the feeling all too well. so she knows how cathartic songs like this can be. sometimes you just need to be bitter for a bit before carrying on with life.

when the warm spring wind brushes my cheeks will spring come into my frozen heart as well? is it love?

minah has found her own love in the spring, only just a year ago, after watching the seasons slip by so often without much romance of her own.

so minah hopes. she hopes that anyone who will relate to the song hearing it now will find their own spring love eventually. maybe not this season but possibly next, or the one after that.

even if not for many more springs, with every passing year, they’ll be one spring closer to that, and isn’t that enough reason to keep waiting?

➽───────────────❥

a few weeks pass after that, minah doesn’t really keep track of the time where is so much she’s doing anyway but sooner or later, she finds the same producer waiting for her after she leaves vocal practice for lipstick’s upcoming comeback.

“c’mon, i need to steal you away for a second, there is something i want you to listen to.” he explains briefly and minah is quick to follow the familiar path to one of bc’s in-house recording studios.

of course, she knows this is about her solo comeback. she however doesn’t know if her draft got the bc stamp of approval. she might just as well be faced with an entirely different song.

as she takes a seat in one of the office chairs, the producer pulling up a file on his computer gracefully named ‘the spring’ minah feels pretty sure of her case though.

“i finished your song.” he simply says before pressing play.

it’s her song indeed, both of those parts are true. it’s hers, the familiar guitar strums in the background and a demo of her lyrics on top of it. it’s also a song, a full song this time, the blanks that were still missing from her rough draft filled in.

minah really likes it.

when the song comes to an end, she turns to the producer and smiles. “i like the accordion.” she laughs. “it’s a nice touch.”

#fmdverification #*:･ﾟ♔– «am i the only one who remembers» // solos.#«the spring // era.»

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spectraspecs-writes · 3 years

Text

Korriban - Chapter 92 (Carth, Jolee)

Link to the masterpost. Chapter 91. Chapter 93.

@averruncusho @ceruleanrainblues @chubbsmomma @strangepostmiracle thank you for reading, you get a tag. @skelelexiunderlord thank you for support, you get a tag.

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Archaeologists and scouts are a similar breed. While I would follow a set of tracks to my own doom, archaeologists are certainly prone to going too deep into a tomb or a ruin and not being able to get out. We’re both drawn to nesting sites in our own way - mine to animal, them to humanoid. We get along with others of our same profession, despite our client, but we keep our secrets just the same. And we both think of the other as far too obsessive over our chosen passion. There are archaeologists in the Valley, but the tombs are closed. Not sealed - you can still get in - but they aren’t open for archaeologists to go in and dust to their hearts’ content. Which strikes me as odd. Like I said to Thalia, I can’t resist a cave. Or a forest. Or a valley. Or a prairie. Really, any place I might conceivably find life, I can’t resist. And I’ve never met an archaeologist who could resist a tomb.

I want to know more. But first I need to meet with Lashowe before she gets herself killed.

She’s standing near the edge of the Valley, in front of one of the tombs. When she sees me she rolls her eyes. “Finally!” she groans, “If you were any later in showing up, we would have had to abandon this.” Chill out, it’s been twenty minutes. Thirty, tops. “I've been calling to the tuk'ata mother in their language. She should respond fairly… ahhh, here she comes now.” The tuk’ata matriarch is flanked by two smaller tuk’ata. She’s scarred, and her horns have been damaged. “Get ready,” Lashowe says, “This will not be easy… she’s a tough beast.”

I stop her. “Let me give this a shot first,” I say, and she steps back. Carth holds his blaster ready, in case the matriarch jumps at me. Animals have a different body language than people, but most animals have learned to recognize ours. Humans tend to approach aggressively, full-on body, no weak spots presented, arms raised as a threat. It’s different for every animal, of course, but most of them don’t like eye contact and prefer it when your head is low. I approach her slowly, my feet sideways with each step, my head and eyes lowered, and my torso open to her. She’s still a predator, and still a danger to me, but the other three are ready if she attacks. I can handle this otherwise. She’s confused - her head tilts at me. But her posture is still defensive. My hands are low but open, and when I get close enough I kneel into the dust. I don’t reach out to touch her. That would be a threat. I reach out with the Force. An animal wouldn’t understand a holocron. Only that she has something we want. We do not want her pups. We do not want her food. We do not want her land. We simply seek a human trinket from her den, and then we will leave her in peace.

And then Lashowe cuts her head off. The matriarch was surprised. She didn’t suffer. Carth reacts quickly and shoots the other two. Okay. Calm over. Lashowe, what the hell?! “I said let me handle it!” I shout at her.

“And I told you that the holocron was in her gullet - she ate it!” Lashowe shouts back, “I thought you were going to get close enough to kill her, not reason with her! What sort of Sith are you?”

Well, I’m not one. “The kind who doesn’t want to add ‘animal cruelty’ to her conscience!”

“You saw her, she didn’t suffer!” Lashowe cuts the matriarch open at the stomach and pulls out a small crystal. “And here is the holocron,” she says, examining it, “Such a small thing to be so valuable and require so much effort to obtain. I'll just run along, now, and give this to Master Uthar. I'll be sure to tell him of your contribution, naturally.”

No. She won’t. “Wait,” I say, “We’ll go to Master Uthar together.”

“Forget it,” she says sharply, “I’m not waiting up for you. That wasn’t our plan, anyway.”

Carth’s hand rests on his blaster, Jolee’s on his lightsaber. “The plan was we both get credit,” I remind her.

“Back off, I’m warning you!” She reaches for her own lightsaber now. “I’m not giving this up!”

“No more arguing,” I say firmly, “We take it back together.”

“Over my dead body!” she shouts, and she comes at me with her lightsaber. Mine comes out just as quickly. She’s scrappy, but not much of a fighter. She relies on agility rather than strength, but I have both. I don’t even need Carth or Jolee to help me. I take her down, no problem, and take the holocron. I take a moment, to honor the tuk’ata matriarch, and then I stand and shake a little bit. Trying to get off the dust of this world. That sort of brutality is a little hard to believe, even from a Sith. I know I shouldn’t be surprised. Lashowe barely showed any consideration for people, much less animals. But once - you know? Just once I’d like to meet a Sith who isn’t an asshole. You can be evil without being an asshole. You can wreak havoc on a galactic scale without kicking puppies for fun. Hell, Sith scouts weren’t like that. Maybe they didn’t all view an ecosystem as a living breathing thing rather than a resource, but they weren’t assholes. They weren’t evil, either, so I guess they don’t count. I can’t fault them for having a conservation view over my preservation view, I guess, it’s a valid enough position even if I don’t agree with it.

I take a breath. “We should probably take this back to Uthar while I’m thinking about it,” I say, “Then, I could go for some lunch, you guys?” They both agree so we head back.

-----

Master Uthar hasn’t moved from earlier - he’s still meditating in the central chamber, but he acknowledges me when I approach. “Greetings, young one,” he says, “I sense you have something to show me, yes? Something to earn you prestige.”

“Yes,” I say, “I have found a Jedi holocron.” I hand him the crystal.

He chuckles. “I had heard that such an artifact existed,” he says, examining the crystal, “Tell me, young one, did you acquire this device by yourself?”

“No,” I say.

“So I see.” He doesn’t seem to hold it against me. Like he knew anyway. “And Lashowe… does she yet live?”

“No,” I say, “She’s dead.”

He laughs gladly. Which is weird - I thought he liked her. That was the impression I got yesterday. “Well done!” he says, “You gained an artifact through trickery and eliminated an opponent at the same time. That is deserving of great prestige!” Ah, that’s what he was glad of - I was displaying Sithy behavior. “I also heard you ventured into the shyrack caves - tell me, what did you find there?”

“I dealt with the renegade students,” I say.

“Ahh,” he says, “The ones I ordered executed for their mutiny? It’s done then?”

Well, ultimately, yes, they aren’t a problem anymore. “It’s done,” I repeat, “They are… gone.” Not a lie, really.

“Indeed?” he says, his infection raised with just a hint of doubt, “We checked the caves and found only a couple bodies.”

“There was a large beast in the caves - perhaps it ate them?” I offer, trying to blame the terentatek. Not like anyone else will find it. If the caves are that dangerous, I doubt a lot of people go that way.

He shrugs. “Ah, it is just as good, I suppose,” he says, “The lesson is learned, I believe. Go now - you have done well, but you have not impressed me enough to declare you the victor.” And he returns to his meditation

We go for lunch in the cantina - there is a cafeteria of sorts in the Sith Academy, but frankly, I don’t want to deal with the sort of childish antics I’m sure happen there. I just want to eat in relative peace. Or at least Carth and I eat there. Jolee goes back to the ship for some reason. I don’t get why - he was complaining about the synthesizer on the Hawk so why he would choose to get lunch there is beyond me. But, whatever, he’s an adult, I won’t stop him. I figure I’ll just buzz him on the comm when we’re ready to go back.

Carth finishes first - he just got some sort of sandwich - but I’m going slower with my bowl of soup. Idly scrolling through what I skimmed off Master Uthar’s datapad. And Carth is watching me. He’s trying to be subtle about it but failing miserably. And I’ll admit it’s sort of nice? But also kind of creepy, so rather than just sit and live with it, I bring it up. “You’re staring - you need something?”

“Hmm? Oh, no,” he says quickly. Awkward bunny man. “Sorry.”

“You know, come to think of it, you’ve been watching me a lot lately,” I say. He’s been ready for a surprise fight a lot. “Why is that?”

His cheeks go red. “Oh, I…” he says softly… “thought you hadn’t noticed.”

I scoff playfully. “If you were any more obvious about it, your eyes would fall out of your head.”

His redness gets even worse and he smiles sheepishly. “Err... I'm not that bad, am I?”

“Not bad for a monkey-lizard, no, not bad at all.”

He smiles and laughs. “Damn it, woman, if you keep hounding me I'm going to put you over my knee and teach you a lesson!” he jokes.

Whoa! That’s the most overt thing he’s ever said to me! “I’d like to see you try!” I laugh.

He shakes his head. “You just wait, you’ll get yours.”

“I’m sure I will!”

“At any rate,” he says more seriously - not like serious, serious, but he’s not joking anymore, we’re just two close friends chatting over lunch. I mean, hopefully more than friends, but as it stands, anyway - “I wasn’t ogling you. I've just been admiring you.” Don’t melt, Rena, you’ll spill your soup all over your lap and kill the mood. “I've been watching you in action. Your- your skills. You have a natural talent that is incredible. Not that, ah, all I do is watch you or anything. I don't mean anything by it.”

I raise my eyebrow. “Any other observations?”

“Well,” he says slowly, considering his words, “maybe a few. I hope you don’t mind if I keep those to myself.”

“You don’t have to be so embarrassed, Carth,” I say, “although it is adorable. I don’t mind if you watch me.”

He relaxes, relieved, and lets out a short laugh. “Why didn't you tell me that sooner? You would have saved me a lot of trouble!”

“Give up the chance to give you trouble? As if!”

He laughs again. When he calms down a bit, he continues. “I will say one thing, though,” he says, “We've come a long way with your help. Whether it's the Force or fate or just dumb luck… I'm glad you're here.” Don’t melt, no melting. “We probably would have never made it this far without you.” He scratches the back of his head. That’s his apology scratch, I know that well. “I, uh… I should have said this long before, instead of doubting you. I, uh, hope you can forgive me.”

I smile softly at him. “You already apologized once, Carth.”

“And you accepted it, but that doesn't mean I'm forgiven,” he says just as softly, and I love his soft voice, “I'd like to be.”

“Why do you need my forgiveness, anyway?” I ask, casually going back to my soup.

“Because you're an impressive and beautiful woman,” he says, “In some ways… good ways… you remind me of my wife and I'd like to make things right between us.”

Beautiful? I mean… he’s called me that before, but always more like a flirty nickname, never as… never like that, I mean… whoo, really hard not to melt right now… Is my face red? “You… you think I’m beautiful?”

He smiles. “I'll, uh, take that as a yes,” he says. He’s also trying to play it cool. “I’m glad that’s settled.” He’s probably wishing he hadn’t finished his sandwich so quickly so he’d have some way to avoid meeting my gaze.

He starts to say something but before he can get a word out I reach over the table and kiss him. He’s startled at first but then he leans into it. I could get used to this.

Suddenly Jolee clears his throat. Where the hell did he come from? He’s smiling, but God, this is kind of embarrassing, which is weird because I’ve been talking to him about this, it’s not like this is a surprise for him. But Carth and I break away from each other and try to casually regain our composure. Even though clearly neither of us was done with the other. “Don’t stop on my account,” Jolee says, which makes it even worse. “I’d ask if you were ready to get back to the Valley, but it looks like you’re still eating.”

“Yeah,” I say awkwardly, “Soup.”

He sits down next to Carth, who thankfully takes over the conversation. “What were you doing at the Hawk?”

“Nothing important,” he says with a shrug, “I wanted to put on a different pair of boots. You’d be surprised how much the wrong pair of boots can hinder your connection to the Force.”

“Seriously?” Carth says in disbelief, “Boots can limit your abilities.”

“Not like that,” I say, “It’s not like you can’t fight if you’re wearing the wrong shoes. But some boots are better for dirt and some boots are better for rocks. If you’re uncomfortable, then it’s just harder to hear the Force. Right?” Jolee nods. Carth still looks skeptical. “I swear to God.”

“You spent a month in the Enclave on Dantooine learning about boots?”

“Not just boots - it’s… a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force, and if your feet hurt, then there goes some of your focus. Not just feet, either - any sort of pain or discomfort. But there’s a reason we wear robes instead of armor. It’s not just a fashion choice.”

Carth blinks a bit. “Okay,” he says finally, throwing his hands up in defeat, “Any other strange Jedi things I should know about? Special socks?”

“Ah, I can’t tell you about the special socks,” I say teasingly, “Jedi secret.”

“Jolee, she’s not serious, is she?”

Jolee starts to open his mouth, but I interrupt. “He’s not a Jedi, he can’t tell you about the socks.” Jolee smiles at me. Carth looks between me and Jolee, eventually figures out I’m bluffing, and just gives up. I go back to my soup. But now I’m curious. “Why did you leave the Order, Jolee?”

Jolee gives a small chuckle. “Who said I left the Jedi?”

“You did,” I say, “You said you weren’t a Jedi anymore.”

“Well, technically, I was never a Jedi, I was only a Padawan,” he corrects, “Not that that makes a difference to most. But as for the order, itself… no, I never left it. It left me.”

“Hang on,” Carth says, “You’re not a Jedi?”

If I had asked that question, he would bluster at me a bit, but not Carth. “I follow the Jedi Way and use the Force. That makes me a Jedi last time I checked. But the Order, itself, the Jedi Council and so forth… no, I'm not a part of that and haven't been for a long time. And good riddance, I say!”

“You say the Order left you,” I say.

Jolee groans a bit. “You know what I hate?” he says. Then he tosses his head a bit. “Well… you know, lots of things, really. But I'm old and easily annoyed. But that's beside the point. What I really hate are how most people view the Jedi. Everyone thinks the Jedi are perfect, that they can do no wrong. They think the Jedi Council is completely incapable of injustice.”

“I don’t think that,” Carth says with a shrug.

“Hmm,” Jolee hums, “No doubt you've been on the receiving end of Jedi justice at least once, eh?” Has he? I guess the Mandalorian Wars. “And I'm not even talking about how some of us fall to the Dark Side,” he says to both of us, “No, that's plenty indication of our fallibility, but it's something else entirely. No, I'm talking about how, more often than not, your average robe-wearing Jedi can try to do the right thing and still be completely wrong.”

I shrug. “Nobody can be right about everything.”

“That's true,” he says, “but it's not what I meant. I guess I'm not being clear, am I?” He scoffs. “Come to think of it, I don't have to be clear. Someone my age is entitled to ramble, dammit!” (Carth chuckles a little - he isn’t as used to Jolee’s manner of speaking as I am.) “But for your sake I'll try to explain. I'll tell you a little tale about a Jedi Master I once knew. Hortath, I think. Or was it Hartoth? I could never get it straight.” He shakes his head. “Master Hortath was a kindly old Jedi who meant well, but the most near-sighted thing in the Core, I swear. He would walk into walls, knock over tables, mistake apprentices for rancor beasts, that sort of thing. And he was too proud to submit to proper treatment. Some used to counsel him and urged ‘Use the Force, Master Hortath. Allow the Force to see for you.’” Now there’s a solution. “But he refused to believe that his eyes were failing. He simply squinted more and more as the years went on, the other Jedi resignedly passing it off as the amusing quirk of a compassionate old man.”

“Ah, like blustering on with stories from the past,” I tease.

“I’m not finished yet! Now shush!” Jolee mock-scolds, “So one day a young Padawan meets Master Hortath in the courtyard and, not knowing of his blindness, asks him for directions to the Council. Quite sure of himself, Hortath gave the lad directions… which happened to lead outside and away from the Enclave. The Padawan is confused, naturally. He asks if Master Hortath is sure, and of course Master Hortath says that he is. The Padawan suggests that perhaps he should ask someone else… but the proud Hortath now feels insulted. He tells the Padawan to take the route he prescribed and no other. Rather dejectedly, the Padawan did as he was told... and so ended up leaving the Jedi Order forever.” Carth grimaces a bit. “It was decided that the boy's fate was to leave the Order anyway… though whether that was out of respect for Hortath or because the boy went on to something else, well, we'll never know.”

Carth and I are both silent for a moment, then Carth asks, “So… you knew this Master Hortath? Or the Padawan?”

Jolee shakes his head. “No, no. Both of them were before my time. Well before the Sith wars, even.”

“I don’t think I understand…” I say, and Carth indicates the same.

Jolee sighs. “The tale is about blindness and I thought the point was clear,” he says, “At any rate, you think about it. You're the one who asked why the Jedi left me, remember? Finish your soup - my feet are itching for a traipse through a tomb.”

“But you didn’t really answer the question,” Carth objects.

“He never answers the question,” I say, and Jolee harrumphs, “Amusing quirk of an old man.” I have some soup to finish.

#star wars #knights of the old republic #autistic artist #kotor #fiction #specs writes stuff #kotor fic #rena visz #oc #fem!revan #ls!revan #carth onasi #revanasi #jolee bindo #korriban #uthar wynn #lashowe #chapter 92

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judgmentofcorruption · 4 years

Text

Episode 5–The Relationship Chills; Scene 4

Judgment of Corruption, pages 163-170

Their extramarital affair proceeded to continue on for about half a year.

It finally began to meet its end when Bruno took notice of their relationship.

“—How unusual, for you to call me here like this.”

Ma and Bruno had met in a back alley at midnight.

Bruno’s expression was calm, but the way his face was flushed made clear the anger he was feeling within.

“I think I know what you’re doing…Ma.”

“Oh, have we been found out already? But my, how unsophisticated of you, a servant butting into his employer’s private matters.”

“I know. I have no intention of paying any mind if Gallerian does anything with a woman who isn’t Mira from this point forward. However…You alone I cannot allow. And—you know why that is more than anyone.”

“Thanks for the warning as an old friend, Bruno. But love takes many forms.”

“…What nonsense are you trying to…” Bruno grew enraged. “You two…You and Gallerian are—parent and child!”

“…”

“—The sorceress ‘Elluka Ma Clockworker’ does not age…And because of that, the Freezis Conglomerate tried to find the secret to immortality from you.”

“…That was around the time I first met you. Back then you were still a child, with some innocence left.”

“I was. But during the ‘witch trials’ you vanished, and then reappeared before me ten years later—as the scriptwriter, Kayo Sudou. Elluka never died. She may have been executed on the surface, but she survived, given a new identity.”

“And so—I became your ally in defeating the Freezis Conglomerate. How nostalgic. It was so recent and yet it feels like such a long time ago.”

In contrast to Ma’s calm, Bruno’s face twisted with anguish. “Ma…No, Elluka. I can’t understand a being like you. How could you do such a—”

“I’m just that kind of person.”

“Part of me can see what you’re saying, but part of me can’t understand it either. Every time I meet you, you seem like a completely different person. It’s as though there are several personalities inside you…” As he spoke, Bruno pulled at his hair.

“That’s correct, Bruno. I am—‘impure’. And I don’t mean in the sense that I’m having an affair with a married man. It is exactly as the word means…I have various, extraneous things mixed into me.”

“…”

“I wish to become a ‘pure’ Ma. By removing the ‘impurities’ inside me, and only taking in the ‘power’ that I need…There is a certain ‘process’ that is necessary for that goal. The matter with Gallerian—Well, I won’t deny that it’s a result of that process.”

“…I don’t understand. I suppose it’s just too difficult for someone like me to comprehend a being like you.”

“You don’t have to, and I don’t wish for you to either. –Anyway, what is it that you want of me, ultimately?”

“…I want you to leave the country. And—I want you to never meet with Gallerian ever again, if possible. I can’t help but feel that…if you’re near him any longer, he’ll be done for.”

“Ha ha…I can do that. If that’s what you wish.” Ma gave a thin smile. “You’re so very loyal, Bruno…No, that’s not all it is, is it?”

“…”

“—You’re taken with Gallerian.”

“…He’s never shown any prejudice towards me, despite my being a ‘Black Valkyria’. When I first met him he openly held out his hand, never hesitating to shake with mine—to touch my black skin. …He has a great determination, and the will to put it in motion. It’s true that at some point I’ve found myself charmed by that.”

“Gallerian must be happy to have such a good servant—or rather, a good friend. …You take good care of the boy.”

When Bruno did not reply, Ma turned her back on him and left.

The next morning.

After leaving the inn, Ma appeared to consider where she would go next.

“Lucifenia, Asmodean—Beelzenia might be nice too. Jakoku…is probably too far,” she murmured to herself as she walked; but as she finally arrived at the Dark Star Bureau she stopped there, as though having remembered something.

“While I’m here—I’ll go consult with him before I leave the country, shall I?”

The Dark Star Bureau, the director’s office.

Hanma did not hide his surprised expression at this sudden visitor.

“…Now isn’t this something. I never thought that you’d come here to see me yourself—Ma.”

“Long time no see, Hanma.”

“Because Gallerian’s been looking after you so much...Oh, is it strange for me to put it that way?”

“—Actually, I’ve decided to leave the country. I’ve figured now is the best time, for various reasons.”

“I see…That’s unfortunate, but it is what it is. There’s nothing more to worry about with the reform of the ‘witch trials’. Gallerian should be able to handle it no problem, even without you,” Hanma replied with a grin.

“Ha ha, true. He’s been working so hard. –He’s accomplished the revolution that you failed to achieve.”

“Indeed. Though his methods greatly resemble mine…Gallerian succeeded, and I failed. There must be some deciding difference in there. Perhaps it’s time for me to retire soon.”

“That was almost twenty years ago now…You presumed to hand me a death penalty verdict at that trial. --To create a precedent for Elluka to have been executed.”

“Under the laws established by the Dark Star Bureau, the same person cannot be given the death penalty twice. …Regardless of whether or not the execution has actually taken place. It should have allowed you to escape from the World Police and the Freezis Conglomerate hounding you. But—” Hanma’s expression faintly twisted. “—The Freezises found me out. All I was able to do was give you a new identity and hide who you were. The plan that I had come up with came to nothing.”

“And Gandalf—your friend—wound up hating you for something you didn’t do. When it rains, it pours, eh?”

“Well…That was a long time ago.” Hanma stood from his chair and aimlessly gazed out the window. “Ma—When were you planning to depart from this country?”

“I’ve already moved out of the inn, so I could even go today.”

“That’s good. The sooner the better. Looks like you had some bad timing coming here today.”

When he said that to her, Ma seemed to notice something, and peered out the window with Hanma. “Is that—”

“The World Police…A Justea special task force. It seems that they’re planning to force their way into the bureau. They’re after you—and me. They’ve been sniffing around here for some time now, you see. They must have finally figured out my true identity.”

“…What will you do? Shall we take them on together?”

“No, don’t trouble yourself. I’m capable of handling them alone. And—” Hanma glanced Ma’s way. “—You look a tad peaky today.”

“…”

“Escape through the back entrance. There are a few Justea officers there, but they’re not in so great a number. You should have no trouble escaping from your pursuers, even as you are today.”

“And what will you do?”

“Right…I think I’ll let loose for once. Hopefully I haven’t gotten too rusty.”

“Understood…Though I would have liked to be able to shoot the breeze about the old days a little.”

“If we both survive this, we’ll have the chance to again.”

“True. Well then—See you later, Hanma.”

Ma rapidly left the room.

The morning was still early, so there were no trials being held in the main courtroom.

Hanma was sitting alone in the head judge seat.

“I suppose I’m parting with the Dark Star Bureau today… And the most appropriate stage for Bureau Director Hanma Baldured’s final moments--is here, of course.”

After a short while, the Justea special task force broke down the door and entered the large courtroom, wielding guns.

“He’s in here!”

There were about twenty of them in all, and they surrounded Hanma in an instant.

Hanma pounded the gavel in his hand twice.

“Silence. This is the sacred courtroom of the Dark Star Courthouse. It’s not a place where a gang like you can just tromp all over with your shoes.”

The man who appeared to be the head of the unit cried out, ignoring Hanma’s words, “Hanma Baldured! You are under arrest!”

“My my…What are the charges?”

“—Violation of the special laws on magic! You are under suspicion of being ‘Elluka’s apprentice’!”

“Ha ha ha…’Elluka’s apprentice’, huh? It’s been—quite some time since I was called that.”

Hanma stood from his chair, smiling.

“Don’t move!”

“Now now, calm yourselves down, gentlemen of Justea—It may be winter out but today is quite warm. Personally I don’t care for this sort of climate. Winter should be cold enough to freeze.”

“Put your hands up and turn around!”

In accordance with the leader’s words, Hanma obediently put his hands up and then turned his back to the unit.

“Yes yes…You’re quite a hot-tempered man, aren’t you? I don’t really like that much either. So—I’ll cool things down a little.”

--There was no one aside from Hanma who noticed the change occurring.

And…by the time they did, it was far too late for the Justea special task force.

“—Ahhh, isn’t this much more refreshing?”

In the span of ten minutes, the great courtroom had completely transformed into a world of ice.

All of the officers had been frozen solid, encased in that ice.

Hanma alone was standing there, with a literally cool expression on his face.

“The ice will thaw eventually…You’ll be able to move again when that happens—Assuming you survive, hah hah hah.”

While booming with laughter, he left the courtroom and departed from the Dark Star Bureau.

--He never came back.

Thanks to this event, the relationship between the Dark Star Bureau and the World Police grew even more deteriorated.

The deputy director was promoted to assume Hanma’s vacated position.

Gallerian was treated warmly by him, and steadily rose through the ranks of the courthouse.

<<prev------directory------next>>

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tiredcowpoke · 4 years

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TITLE: Wedded Woes [9 / Final] PAIRING: Arthur Morgan/Fem!Reader REQUEST: Unprompted. BLURB: Trelawny talked up a big game at a scenic boardinghouse and, playing some newly weds, you and Arthur are paying the price for it. WARNINGS: Some violence and shooting in this one, but nothing overly gore-y. NOTE: Aaand there we have it, the final chapter in this little series. I struggled with this, I had it planned and knew where I wanted it to go but I always have issues ending things so hopefully it’s good for all of those who have been following this fic! Thank you call for the positive reactions this has gotten, it’s meant a lot to me. c:

The ride back to the town outside of camp was almost an echo of the one you took out of it with the silence and tension.

You had a poor sleep the night before, the thoughts of kissing Arthur in the hallway playing over in your head as you tried to pick it apart bit by bit. There was hatred that it happened the way it did, and after not exactly the best or bonding experience. Yet, there had been reminances of the feelings you felt. Someone solidly there, the touches to the back of your shoulders and arms around your waist. You birated yourself over the fact that it was all part of a role, you both were playing a role. You gave Arthur similar touches and leans and you doubted that he was as torn up about it as you were. At least, that’s what the bitter voice in your head had been saying. He had kissed you that first time, but he had admitted to it being out of confusion and anxiety about having more suspicion on the two of you. He had kissed you back somewhat with the second, but you knew better than to take that uncertainty you felt in it as anything but a sign that you shouldn’t have done it.

It had complicated, too, with the thought that you had been starting to get used to sharing a bed with someone.

Needless to say, the sleep you got wasn’t great but you got up easily enough in the morning. You figured you would have time to address it eventually, but at Arthur’s silence and his avoidance of your gaze, you started to just really want to get back to camp. However, you were anxious about that in a way, too. If you had known you would feel so complicated about the whole thing once it was done, you would have put up more of a fight with Dutch. Still, you couldn’t take back what was done and the take was a good one. They’d be happy with that. Thankfully, you were closer to a stateline, the carriage ride being a little shorter than the one you took up there, but it would still be a ride.

One where you couldn’t even look at the man beside you without feeling some sense of frustration and embarrassment. You wanted to apologize, and you knew a time would come where Trelawny didn’t have to witness every moment of it, but as it remained it almost made it worse going back than it was leaving.

At least back then you had some idea on what Arthur was thinking, now you just had questions. Had you overstepped? Was he angry? Was he as conflicted as you were? Would he even want to pursue anything if you admitted to feeling something? They were hard questions to bring up, and certainly not something you wanted to share around anybody but him.

So, you kept silent for the most part, almost scared you’d say something to make the whole thing worse.

“So, where’re you goin’ next? Gonna up and disappear on us again since this whole thing’s done?” Arthur asked Trelawny, causing you to glance at him out of the corner of your eye but you found your gaze moving back to the passing scenery again.

“Oh, I always come back, Arthur,” Trelawny replied around a chuckle, “One can’t expect to find the leads I do while just sitting around camp.”

“Ain’t nobody knows where you come up with them leads, so I’ll believe that…” Arthur returned with a short huff.

“Well, I’m sure Dutch will have you back to your usual brand of fun soon enough.”

You could only hope.

“Yeah, then you’ll slither off to wherever it is you go until you come waltzin’ back in here with another job in a couple months.”

“Hm. Well, I’ll be sure to suggest leaving you two out of anything that involves anything more than a simple pickpocket.”

“Were we really that terrible?” you asked, despite yourself, as you turned your head slightly to glance toward Trelawny. He tilted his head slightly, rubbing at his mustache for a moment.

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t say you two were the perfect fit for the job, but we have what we came for so I suppose it’s unfair to say you were completely terrible.”

“I’ll be sure to let Dutch know you think that,” Arthur replied, his tone still light but you could sense something there. You weren’t going to look too deeply into it.

You let the silence fall after that, turning your focus back toward the road again. Eventually, the previous night started to catch up with you, letting yourself fall asleep off and on throughout the journey if only to keep yourself from overthinking yourself into a problem. There was some lightness that came with the short conversation, much as it wasn’t as relaxed and celebratory you had thought it would have been a couple days ago. Which you knew was through your own actions, but...well, it happened. It was a kiss, or two you supposed, it could have been worse if you had pushed beyond that. If Arthur would have even let you.

With another sigh through your nose, you shoved the thoughts aside as you tried to wake up a little more as the scenery started to become a little more familiar after a few hours of travel.

It was early evening by the time you reached camp, gone only for a couple days but the exhaustion you felt made it seem more than that.

You almost wanted to keep going, honestly, if only partly to avoid what waited within. Perhaps without the extra company of Arthur and Trelawny on their own horses, but you had almost missed riding in the open. You made a mental note to just go out for a bit the following day by yourself, but continued to keep pace behind the two men up ahead. Finally, you turned into some trees and down a path into a clearing with the familiar tents and wagons up ahead, Arthur calling out a greeting to the guard on duty. Sounded like John.

Steering your horse off toward a free hitching post, you allowed yourself a minute to pat your horse on the neck as you noticed a familiar figure stepping out of the central tent.

“Our own little wedding party! You are back…” Dutch called, jovial as he raised his arms up toward Trelawny and Arthur at the far hitching post. “All the more richer in spirit and money, I should hope.”

“Indeed! Quite the reward, I believe,” Trelawny returned, pulling the extra saddle bag off his horse that he had tucked the money into once you had all arrived at the nearest town to camp. He passed that on to the gang leader, Dutch weighing it in his hands a moment before he took at glance at them and then towards you.

“Well done!” he stated, “All of you! I think some celebrations are in order for your return and what you’ve brought us.”

Great.

You heard some cheers of agreement from camp, your hands coming up to rub at your eyes a moment but you couldn’t help the small grin that touched your face. Any excuse for a party these days, it seemed. You had only been to a few since you had joined, usually over successful scores or the camp in general just felt like it. It usually involved a lot of singing and a lot of drinking, two things you weren’t too sure you were up for in the moment but you figured you would get pulled into it one way or another.

Though, seeing Karen making her way toward you as you got out of the saddle told you that would be sooner rather than later.

“That was quick,” she commented once she was close enough, “I was thinkin’ y’all would be gone for a couple’a days at least.”

“Things lined up, I supposed,” you said, offering her a small but tired smile.

“Well come on, then!” she exclaimed, “Throwin’ a party in your honor and you’re lookin’ ‘bout as thrilled as you did when you left!”

“It’s been a long couple days, but I could use a drink and a good song so…”

The party had picked up shortly after you had relented to having a little fun before going to sleep and hopefully leaving this whole thing behind. Of course, a familiar unpleasant feeling grew at the thought, but you didn’t even want to address it anymore at the moment. Last thing you needed was alcohol and that at the forefront of your mind. Music and singing had closely followed behind as you sat yourself around a fire, Javier with his guitar as Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur seemed to be talking about something at a table.

However, you didn’t dwell on that. Not really. The night went on fairly easily outside of a couple scenes pushed forth by alcohol, some amusing, some not so much. You had grown used to them in a way, you supposed, not that they didn’t catch a couple looks but living with a group of outlaws wasn’t exactly smooth sailing most days. Dutch kept them together but personalities clashing was inevitable. Karen had started to get her fill, pulled off by Sean somewhere that left you being pulled off by Mary-Beth toward one of the wagons where it was more quiet.

It was surprisingly something you found yourself needing, and perhaps she had picked up on that but you couldn’t tell.

“So what was the most interestin’ thing about it?” she asked after a few minutes, bright eyed and interested, making you glance toward her with a raised eyebrow. “I mean, a big fancy house, rich people, the romantic intention despite it being fake on your ends…there had to be somethin’.”

“You know, I had been thinking you would have been better suited for it,” you replied with a small chuckle, “I found the whole experience to be strange and uncomfortable.”

Conflicting and confusing as hell, too.

“Nothin’ happened?”

“...Between what?” you asked, a sinking feeling in your gut about her rather pointed question. It was vague enough but you knew she probably didn’t want the details to the robbery in a situation like that.

“Well, we weren’t expectin’, but...with Dutch putting you together on that, I thought maybe it was a bit of fate that…”

“I...I can’t lie and say that those old feelings didn’t make the whole thing worse for me, but...I don’t know, it’s...it’s something I’ll talk about later when it’s not so fresh.”

“I understand,” Mary-Beth said with a small nod, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t tryin’ to get you to gossip about it. I just thought...well, you seem a little odd tonight.”

“It’s fine, it’s just…”

Speak of the devil. Mary-Beth had glanced up as you glanced down, trying to collect your thoughts a bit as you debated on telling her anything. However, she knocked her hand subtly against your arm, causing you to glance up to see Arthur making his way over. He didn’t seem all that hesitant, but he wasn’t exactly overflowing with confidence. Still, you let the words die on your tongue as he indeed decided to walk toward you both.

“Mary-Beth,” he greeted with a nod before glancing toward you, “I don’t wanna pull you away from what you was doin’ but I wanted to talk with you a minute.”

“Sure…” you started, glancing up as Mary-Beth stood from where she was sitting on the box next to yours.

“I should see how Karen and Tilly are holdin’ up,” she explained, giving you a quick grin before she turned and walked off. You had a feeling this would only add to her questions later.

You glanced back toward Arthur as he came to sit down on the box Mary-Beth had left, hands resting on his knees as he tilted his head down in thought. Nervousness came back tenfold from last night, keeping back any questions you may have asked to start this conversation but Arthur had approached. You figured he should start and you could get an idea on what type of conversation this would be.

“I ain’t all that good with words, least ones I can’t write down,” he admitted, glancing up and stared off into the fire lit darkness that had surrounded camp. “I just...want to know what the hell happened last night.”

“I...this whole thing got me confused, and not exactly for the reasons I told you about before,” you said, rubbing a hand across your chin. Come out with it. There’s no other time than now. “I thought it wouldn’t get in the way, but…I’m fond of you, Arthur.”

“Me?” he asked, almost sounding disbelieving, “This because we pretended to be married?”

“No, well…” you started before letting out a sigh, covering the lower half of your face with your hands.

“I know you know the reasons for why...why I kissed you that first time, but...last night, did that mean anythin’?”

“...Yes,” you stated after taking in a breath, heart pounding, “I just...your reaction. I have no idea if I stepped over a line or you just…”

“...I mean, look at me,” he stated, “I thought you was just confused by everythin’, just some...old ugly--”

“I’ve liked you since I first saw you,” you blurted out, taking a small breath in, “You’re not old, you’re not ugly. Not to me. That’s been there since before this whole mess of a job. I’d just...I buried it down because...I’d just met you and there was that distance, then some of the other women picked up on it and I was lead to believe it wouldn’t happen from what they’d said. Nothing bad, just that...well, there was that distance.”

“Christ…” he muttered, making you glance over at him as he seemed to be weighing his words.

“I just...I need to know,” you continued, trying to keep your gaze on his as he turned to look at you, “Is there...is there even a chance that we could...well, be something?”

There was a heavy pause after, Arthur dropping his gaze as he stared into the grass at his feet for a few moments. You could feel your stomach twisting, making it hard to sit still and not just stand up and pace around. Nervousness bloomed into anxiety that had you wanting to take all the words back the more silence situated. Yet, this was it. This was the moment to really know if it was really time to bury those thoughts and feelings.

“I was gonna ask you the same damn thing,” he stated after a few moments, shaking his head with a bitter huff, “Kissin’ you, you kissin’ me, hell I...I don’t know. I been beatin’ myself up all day ‘bout not bein’ able to say anythin’.”

“Me, too,” you admitted with a sigh, his words filling you with a lightness you couldn’t describe while pulling you back down harshly, “If we’re asking the same question, I’m sure you already know how I’d answer, but…”

“I ain’t an easy man to be with,” Arthur replied, “I’m a stubborn bastard, no good…”

“You…” there was a hitch to your voice, causing you to shake your head slightly before continuing, “You really come over here to talk me out of this?”

“...No. No, but I mean…”

“I’m not asking you to actually marry me, you know that right?” you asked, your chuckle a touch tense but it caused Arthur’s expression to soften somewhat, “If you want to try, I’d...I’d be more than willing.”

“You wanna try?” he repeated, looking over your face.

“Yeah, I’d like to,” you replied with a nod, “If you’re willing.”

Arthur glanced away for a moment, almost searching before he nodded lightly, glancing back toward you.

“Alright...I’d like that, too.”

The relief that settled into you at that was something else, the small grin that touched your face threatening to spread into a wider one. Still, you just found yourself nodding again, bowing your head a moment before giving him an actual smile.

“Okay, then we’ll do that.”

Arthur rose after that, causing you to follow with him. You were preparing for him to leave to return back into the camp’s little party, and for a moment it seemed like he was about to do just that. Really, you couldn’t say you felt like you could expect much other than what he had told you and agreed to, you weren’t too sure what speed he actually wanted to take with everything. However, instead of walking off, he paused to glance back toward you with some visible debate in his expression before it seemed to fade into something softer.

You stepped toward him when you noticed him closing the space between you both, bringing his hands up to cup your face before pressing a kiss to your lips. There was something much different about it, less sudden and uncertain, and it had you melting a bit into the feeling as you brought your hands up to grip onto the front of his jacket. You pressed back into it with the same intensity, something short and sweet but it had that hint of promise that you had been missing from the others. It had you lingering close once the kiss was eventually broke, smoothing your hands against the fabric of his jacket that you had been gripping, exhaling softly through your nose.

“I can almost hear the mocking now once they’ve figured this out…” you commented around a chuckle, Arthur returning it himself lightly.

“Yeah, well, ain’t their business and we ain’t gotta say anythin’ yet,” he stated, dropping his hands away from your face as you smiled softly at him.

“That’s true…”

The both of you had finally parted after that, you deciding to linger back for a few moments before returning to the party as you let everything settle in your mind. Really, you were surprised at how composed you had remained throughout that whole thing, though you figured you had already acted boldly enough the previous night anyway. Really, the whole thing had you pressing your hand to your mouth a moment to hide the wide grin that broke out, knowing this wasn’t the end of it and there was some uncertainty on how it would all play out in the end, but it wasn’t the end. That was enough.

However, you didn’t get to dwell on that thought for too long as you heard some rustling of grass behind you, along with a chuckle.

“Here I was thinkin’ I was gonna have to awkwardly step in, if only for my own sake.”

The voice was familiar, but it put a jump to your heart as you turned around to see Hosea stepping out from around a wagon. You gaped at him a moment as he regarded you with an amused grin, tilting his head.

“I noticed you missin’, considerin’ it’s your party, thought I’d find you out here but…” he started, “You two really fall for each other pretendin’ to love each other?”

“That’s a...strong question, Hosea,” you said with a soft chuckle. He gave you a knowing look, but didn’t comment any further, giving you a pat on the shoulder before he started to walk ahead toward the camp again.

“Well, come on. Dutch’ll least wanna thank you for your work before you disappear for the night. Now I’m thinkin’ he’s not the only one who’ll miss you ‘round there tonight.”

#my writing.#arthur morgan x reader #arthur morgan x female reader

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caelum-in-the-avatarverse · 4 years

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Written for @azulaweek. Prompt - Night. (Image Source)

Summary: In which little Azula is very insistent, and Lu Ten can't say no to that face, even if it is an ungodly hour of night when all sensible Firebenders should be sleeping.

~~~

Today we get FLUFF! I never write actual fluff so you’re welcome.

~~~

“Lu! Lu Lu Lu Lu Lu Lu Lu!”

“Ugh, what the - Zuli, kiddo, is that you - mmph!”

Azula had slammed her cousin’s bedchamber door open, run into the room, jumped onto his bed, and bellyflopped on top of the half-asleep teenager all in the space of about three seconds. “Lu!”

Lu Ten jerked the rest of the way awake, bolted upright in his bed, and reached out to grab the little girl and hold her up by the armpits. “Zuli? Are you okay? What’s wrong? Is there an assassin?” He looked around the dark room wildly, scanning for threats.

She giggled down at him. “No! There’s a thunderstorm!”

Right on cue, a massive rumble rolled through the sky. Now that Lu Ten was listening, he could hear the rain falling hard outside. “Oh,” he said, relaxing a bit and setting her down in his lap. “Is that all?”

“Come on,” she said, tugging his arm. “We have to watch!”

“Kiddo,” Lu Ten yawned, “it is...I don’t even know what time it is. Too dark for Firebenders to be up, that’s for sure. You need to go back to sleep.”

She pouted up at him. “But you promised! You said next time there was a thunderstorm we’d watch it together!”

He had indeed promised, as the last time he’d been in the palace during a thunderstorm he had literally been on his way out the door to boot camp and Azula had nearly thrown a fit when he told her he had to go. “I did,” he agreed, “but I was kinda thinking we’d be doing that during daylight - ”

She stared up at him, small and expectant and wide-eyed and trusting and a little brat who knew exactly how cute she was. He was being played. Lu Ten was completely aware that he was being played. He was eighteen and dealt with the Fire Court on a regular basis, he knew manipulation when he saw it.

That didn’t stop his heart from melting. Better to allow yourself to be manipulated by your adorable five-year-old cousin than some scheming politician.

And besides...he couldn’t not be there for his cousins. He was always willing to take the extra step, spend a little more time, be a little more patient. He wouldn’t say he was good with kids, exactly, but he was good with Zuko and Azula. He’d figured out how to be, because...well.

Aunt Ursa was the best, but Grandfather was too old to bother with children, and Father was often off on campaign, and Uncle Ozai was...not exactly parental material. He rarely involved himself in his children’s upbringing, and when he did, Lu Ten rather wished he wouldn’t. Maybe he’d be better at it in a few years - or a decade - when the kids were older and capable of holding something approximating adult conversation. Lu Ten wasn’t holding his breath, but he could give Uncle Ozai the benefit of the doubt. Grandpa had barely known what to do with Lu Ten until he’d been eleven, after all.

For now, though, Lu Ten was fully capable of blundering his way through every awkward, confusing, hilarious, and ridiculous situation he could with his cousins. At least they were old enough to use words now - that made interaction so much easier.

Except for the part where they could use words to craft a persuading and manipulative argument.

“You said,” Azula said in a very small voice that made Lu Ten’s heart crack clean in two.

He sighed. “You’re right, I did. And what kind of prince would I be if I didn’t keep my word, huh?” With great mental anguish, he tossed off his blankets, stood up, scooped Azula into his arms, and made his way to the window. There was a nice wide window seat, and he settled onto it, sinking back against the comfy cushions and pulling his legs up so he could lounge against the wall.

Azula slid down beside him and leaned so far over the window sill she almost fell out.

“Whoa, careful kiddo,” Lu Ten said, pulling her back, and then he added, “It’s fine, just us, back to your posts,” when a pair of guard-shaped shadows across the courtyard startled and moved forward. They complied silently, leaving Lu Ten and Azula as alone as royalty could ever truly be.

Azula didn’t lean outside again, but she stayed pressed up against the sill, staring up at the storm. The window was wide enough to comfortably lounge in, stretching all the way up from the seat to the ceiling in beautifully carved teak wood edged with latticework. The intricate geometry and sharp angles were a direct contrast to the view they framed - the night sky was filled with round, roiling clouds that swirled haphazardly overhead, lit for an instant by a far-off streak of lightning. The thunder followed in a low rumble, distant.

“Whoa,” Azula breathed, still staring. “How far away is it?”

“Hm?” Lu Ten asked. “Oh, sorry, forgot to count. We’ll do the next one, okay?”

“Okay.”

It was raining buckets out there, Lu Ten saw. The raindrops hit the courtyard flagstones hard, bouncing back up again in little splashes before settling into puddles. It was the start of the rainy season, and the weather was starting with a bang.

Literally.

“Lu!” Azula said, pointing excitedly at the streak of lightning that flashed through the clouds.

“One one thousand,” Lu Ten counted, “two one thousand - ”

“ - three one thousand,” Azula counted with him, “four one thousand, five one thousand, six one thousand, seven one thousand, eight one thousand, nine one thousand - ”

Thunder clapped overhead, much closer than before.

“How far away?” Azula asked eagerly.

“Almost two miles.”

She bounced a little. “How does it work again?”

“Hm,” Lu Ten said. He reached around her, held up his hands in front of her. “How many fingers do I have?”

She snorted. “Ten.”

“Right. So. How many groups of five can you fit in my ten fingers?” He wiggled his fingers pointedly.

Her brow furrowed, and she stared at his hands. Her little fingers idly poked over his. “...Two?”

“Two groups of five,” he agreed. “It takes five seconds for the sound of lightning to travel one mile. So if it takes nine seconds to hear the thunder, that’s almost two miles.”

“Hm,” Azula said, processing that. She was distracted a moment later, when a fork of lightning came down in the distance. “One one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand, four one thousand, five one thousand - ”

Thunder.

“How many groups of five fit in five?”

She snorted. “Just one.”

“One mile then,” Lu Ten said.

She was staring out at the spot of sky where the lightning had arched down from the heavens. “Do you think it hit anything?”

“Probably,” he yawned. “When it comes down like that it’s gotta hit something.”

“I wanna see something get hit by lightning.”

“Ask Grandpa for a demonstration tomorrow.”

“That’s not what I mean - ”

For an instant, the sky was cracked in two by a massive flash of light, so bright that in that split second the entire courtyard could be seen clear as day. Lu Ten saw Azula’s face, lit up in awe as she gaped upwards. Then it was over, and the world plunged back into the dark of night.

The thunderclap was immediate and deafening.

“Whoa,” Azula breathed when it was over.

“No time between that lightning and thunder,” Lu Ten laughed. “It’s right on top of us.”

“Do you think it’ll hit anything?” Azula asked, excited.

Lu Ten shrugged. “I hope not. That would be dangerous.”

“But we’re Firebenders.”

“And that’s wild lightning. You don’t go walking on lava for fun, do you?”

“No.”

“Exactly.”

Azula leaned back against him. “I want to make lightning.”

“I’m sure you will, someday,” Lu Ten said. Maybe sooner than usual, even. Azula had taken to firebending lessons like a turtleduck to water, and her instructors and family members alike were astonished at how quickly she learned. Prodigy, some people had started to whisper, with knowing looks towards Fire Lord Azulon. Grandpa was a prodigy himself, and Azula had been named for him. Perhaps it’d been precognition, or maybe Azula had been blessed by the spirits as a reward for the honor shown to her grandfather.

Either way, it made Uncle Ozai happy. The man practically preened whenever someone complimented Azula’s skills, already advanced past what was normal for a child her age. Lu Ten hoped Azula’s gift helped Uncle Ozai forge a connection with her, finally figure out how to relate to his own kid. The man was still hopelessly distant when it came to Zuko. How ironic, Lu Ten thought, that Ozai lived right here in the palace with his children and never seemed to know what to do with them, while Lu Ten’s father had spent much of Lu Ten’s childhood out on campaign and still managed to forge a tight-knit bond with his son.

“I’m gonna make the best lightning,” Azula declared. She was still staring up at the clouds, entranced, but her eyelids were drooping.

Lu Ten pulled her into his lap so he could tuck her up against his chest. “You’ll have to work very hard for that,” he said, “but I’m sure you can do it.”

“I’ll be the best Firebender ever,” she yawned.

Lu Ten smiled and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re gonna be the fiercest little general. You and Zuko both.”

“And we’ll help you win the war?”

There were only ten years until the comet returned. She would be fifteen, one year shy of legal adulthood. Hopefully the plans they were setting in motion around Ba Sing Se would win the war before that, but if the Fire Nation had to use the power of the comet to end it once and for all, and if everyone was needed to help strike the final blow...well. “Of course you will.” He ran a hand over the top of her head.

She smiled and sighed and watched the storm out the window, her eyes slowly closing. Lu Ten briefly considered moving them back to his bed, but...he was tired, he didn’t want to jolt her back to alertness, the window seat was comfortable enough, and now that he thought about it his eyes were already closed...

He didn’t bother getting up.

The lightning flashes were far away now, the thunder distant rumbles, and the sound of the raindrops hitting the courtyard flagstones were a constant, steady patter that lulled both prince and princess to sleep.

~~~

Author’s Notes

Thanks for reading! Kudos and comments are super appreciated!

One of my deep-rooted headcanons: Azula absolutely adored Lu Ten, and he adored her right back. (Maybe this isn't a radical take these days, but back in the 00s/early 10s I seem to remember the few fics that involved Lu Ten and Azula having it that Azula hated him and was cool with him dying. *shrugs*

This takes place just over a year before the siege of Ba Sing Se starts, for reference.

The lightning-thunder-counting is totally a thing and if you didn't know that then I apologize for your childhood and its lack of cool older cousins. Basically if you count the seconds between lightning and thunder and divide it by five, you get the number of miles away the lightning was cuz that's how long it took the sound of thunder to travel to your location.

I kinda figure there are no glass windows in the Fire Nation, just a thing I thought of while writing this cuz the image of rain on the windowpanes is so natural to me but then I was like "Wait..." There's no air conditioning in the Avatarverse and you really need that island breeze to be able to pass through easily to keep cool. Does this make things easier for assassins? Probably, and that's why you get guards stationed everywhere to relieve Azulon's paranoia, lol. RIP to the brave men and women who're keeping watch in a downpour.

Regarding Lu Ten's relationship with his cousins - listen, I do not mind children, I like to think I can handle children, however, I was a teenager by the time my first cousins were born, and after over a decade of my life wishing I had a bunch of cousins to play with like my friends, suddenly just having...babies around was kind of...underwhelming. They were FINE they were just...small and gurgly and had few ways for me to interact with them, and I'd already had three little sisters so I was kind of over the baby stage. SO imagine my SURPRISE AND DELIGHT when the kids finally started talking and having discernible personalities and interests and then one day I was suddenly holding a full-on conversation about Transformers with a five-year-old and we were both contributing to and invested in what we were talking about and I realized "Oh my god I love these children."

So that's kind of the personal life experience I pour into Lu Ten's relationship with his cousins in my headcanon - he loves them, spends time with them, doesn't quite know what to DO with them, and then suddenly they're talking and he's like OH THANK AGNI I CAN FINALLY GET TO KNOW YOU. XD

#azulaweek2020 #atla fanfic #avatar fanfiction #Azula #fire nation royal family #Lu Ten #caelum writes

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fallout4holmes · 4 years

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Nuka-World 1

(I never posted the Nuka-World chapters here on tumblr, only on ao3. I thought I should remedy that.)

The detective's life isn't an easy one, but it rarely lacks for excitement. Even with the new stability brought about with the destruction of the Institute and the rise of the Minutemen, you still see a lot of folks at their worst in my line of work. Hard to not let it get to you sometimes. For decades, I’d tell myself all the bad in the world was all the more reason for me to keep fighting. I don’t think I always believed it, but it got me through. These days, what gets me through is knowing I’m not in the fight alone.

It still feels a little weird, leaving the Agency at night. I lived in that office for… well, a long time. Ellie’s still in the room upstairs, and she lets me know if any late night panicked customers turn up. Of course, everyone in town knows where my partner and I live, but we still insist that Agency business be done at the Agency. The only interruptions to our domestic life at home are the ones caused by the experiments of an eleven-year old boy and whatever Minutemen summons might come on over the radio.

Or, as was the case after supper one evening, an old ad for a theme park that hadn’t existed in two-hundred years.

“Hiya, kids! Remember, Nuka-World is only open for a few more weeks in October! Come down and see me and Cappy one last time before buckling down for the winter. Don't forget to bring your empty bottle of Nuka-Cola to get 15 dollars off at the gate! So hop aboard the Nuka-Express and come and see the whole Nuka family while you still can!

The Nuka-Express is accessible through the Nuka-World Transit Center. Parking fees will apply. Prices subject to change due to end of season. Nuka-World, Nuka-Express, and the Nuka-Cola characters are all registered trademarks of the Nuka-Cola Corporation.”

“What was that?!” asked Shaun, bewildered.

I was pretty damn confused myself. I looked across the room at the man with his hand on the dial… and sighed. “I know that look.”

Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Destroyer of the Institute, General of the Minutemen, partner of Valentine's Detective Agency, and my personal partner for life, is a proud father, a good man, and a damn fine detective. Everyone in the Commonwealth knows that at this point. What a lot people don’t know, is that he’s easily bored and I don’t mean your average ‘nothing to do on a Tuesday night’ sort of boredom. The man lives for work, for a challenge to overcome, a puzzle to unravel. It’s part of what makes him so brilliant. It’s also part of what makes loving him an occasional challenge.

That light was in his eyes as he asked me, “Do you not find anything strange or suspect about a theme park ad suddenly appearing on the radio?”

“It's either a bot with a glitch in its programming or a bunch of raiders got creative with their set-up.”

“If it's the former, no harm done, if it's the latter, it should be dealt with sooner rather than later.”

I chuckled, “I'm not arguing with you, Holmes. Just waiting for the moment when you tell me you're running off.”

That softened him a bit. “Ha. You ran off on a case two weeks ago.”

“Kidnappings are time-sensitive, we both know that.”

He smiled, “A fair point. I suppose there’s no point in asking you to stay behind?”

“None whatsoever.”

I’ve learned over the past couple years that that annoyed huff of his is all show, at least where I’m concerned. “If this transit center mentioned is the same as the one as before the War, then it's far west, slightly southwest of the Sunshine Tidings Co-Op.”

Shaun raised an exasperated hand, “But what’s Nuka-World?”

“A theme-park,” Holmes said. “Before the War, the Nuka-Cola corporation spent a great deal of time and money to build various amusements based on their products for customers to come spend even more money.”

“The less cynical answer,” I said as I lit a cigarette, “is that theme parks had rides, games, shows, all sorts of entertainment for families to spend a whole day pretending they’re someplace really special. Kids loved ‘em. Parents, not always quite so much, though I guess that depends on the kid and the parent.”

“So,” Shaun reasoned, “a bunch of raiders are in a theme park.”

“Probably,” I nodded.

He frowned, “Why?”

I shrugged, “Why not? Walls, lots of buildings, be sort of like living in an easily defensible Nuka-Cola themed city.”

“Is anyone really going to think that advertisement is real?”

“Hopefully not,” Holmes said, “but some people may investigate out of curiosity, desperation, or go in search of salvage from the park. If raiders are broadcasting, then they’re far more organized than any local group, and that could be remarkably dangerous.”

“We’re headed off in the morning, then?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“I’ll let Preston know his General will be out of the Commonwealth once again.”

“And convince him you don’t need an escort.”

“Indeed. Though I will suggest he increase the Minutemen presence in the western settlements, temporarily. Just in case.”

It was enough of a plan to start with, and in the morning we headed west to the Nuka-World Transit Center.

We’d been worried folks might get curious and come looking. We were right, but not quite the people we were expecting. Gunners were poking around the Transit Center, and their commander had orders that mentioned a missing recon team. Apparently some Gunners went to Nuka-World and never came back.

Real shame, that.

A man sat on the platform of the station, muttering about someone going to die and clutching his bloody stomach. His name was Harvey, and he and his family had been fooled by raiders, led to Nuka-World under the promise of a friendly settlement. His plan was to escape and return with help, but a bullet wound stopped his progress. His family were still there, and were certain to be killed when the raiders discovered he was gone.

That was his story, anyway.

Holmes knew something was up when the guy refused a stimpak, not something that tends to happen when a person is supposedly bleeding out. Harvey gave in quick under pressure; he was a fraud working for the raiders to lure more people to Nuka-World. He was tired of acting as their stooge, but had no desire to die or get anyone else killed. Naturally, Holmes volunteered to go to Nuka-World and take care of the problem.

"Now wait a minute," I said, "before we hop on this train and go barreling off, you think we could call in some reinforcements?"

"If someone doesn't go back soon, then people are gonna start dying," Harvey said. "I've seen it happen."

The fear seemed real, and that was reason enough for Holmes. "We'll resupply with what we can from the Gunners and whatever may still be in this place, but we haven't a moment to waste, Valentine."

"Don't think I'd call security against walking into a trap a 'waste,'" I grumbled.

"If more than a few people step off the train, the raiders will get suspicious," Harvey said, "and suspicious raiders get violent."

He had a point. I admitted as much, and Holmes asked how we get the train running. After looting the Gunner bodies for ammo and supplies, we stepped aboard.

We were off.

And, naturally, we were trapped.

#fallout 4 #fanfic #nick valentine #sherlock holmes #crossover #nuka world

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msjr0119 · 4 years

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Cordonian Wags

Part 16 -Backstabber

In a world full of Professional footballers and their demanding wives- can their football team nicknamed the ‘Cordonian Apples’ succeed? An American female physiotherapist joins the club. Will this cause issues with the footballers wives?

*This series is based on The Royal Romance characters who belong to Pixelberry - AU Plot switch*

Tags: @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @whenyourheartskipsabeat @jovialyouthmusic @nz1091 @yukinagato2012 @indiacater @seriouslybadchoices @rainbowsinthestorm @cordonianroyalty

******

The alarm was a distant noise, that became louder every second that went by. Snoozing it for a while- Riley knew she had to remove herself from the warm sheets sooner rather than later. Sitting up, Drake pulled her back into bed- snuggling into her.

“Drake, we need to get up.”

“I don’t want to. Five minutes won’t hurt.”

“Drake come on. It’s match day. We can do this after the match.”

“No we can’t. I’ve made plans for us both.”

“What plans?” Suddenly ignoring the fact that they had a busy day, she was intrigued as to what he had planned.

“I’ll tell you if you stay in bed for five more minutes.” She couldn’t ignore that sexy smirk, and charm.

Staying in bed for ten more minutes- they were content in each other’s company. Both secretly hoping that the match would be postponed due to Constantine’s condition. After eating breakfast and getting ready, they headed to Drake’s cabin.

Upon arrival, the door was slightly open ajar. Even with the rush of trying to escape Kiara the previous night- he knew he had locked the door. Checking his pockets he couldn’t find his keys. Holding Riley back as they entered, he didn’t want her to be in any danger. The house hadn’t been ransacked- it was tidy, just as he had left it. Grabbing his suit, they were about to leave to go to the stadium, when the mysterious person walked down the stairs.

“Drake? Bienvenue à la maison... when you slept with me in your truck and gave me your keys I’d have expected you back earlier. Have you still got my thong in your jacket?”

“You are crazy! Get out of my house now!” Holding Riley back, he could feel her tense up- he didn’t want her to come to any harm due to Kiara’s pathological lies.

“Riley, check his jacket. If you don’t believe me. He’s been playing us both- typical footballer. Although you should know all about that.” Patting down his pocket, there was indeed some underwear, throwing it back towards the woman Riley couldn’t cope with anymore hassle.

“Va te faire foutre Kiara. I learnt french incase I needed to have it out with you after your last performance.”

“Mon cher, you still have a lot to learn.”

“Get out of his house now! Or I’m calling the police.” Threatening to call the police with full of rage, Riley wasn’t bluffing.

“Fine, I’ll go. See you later Drakey. I’m looking forward to our reunion. Love you.” Riley turned around watching her leave, gobsmacked that someone had the nerve to anything so ludicrous.

*****

The journey to the stadium was in silence. Arriving there was press outside, snapping pictures of everyone that turned up- attempting to get a scoop regarding the chairman. Exiting the car, Drake kept pleading with her to speak to him - he was tempted to go awol just to get her to talk.

“You know she’s mental. You know I’d never do any of that. Please just talk or nod your head- do something.”

“Oh I know what she’s like. I’ve had her be aggressive towards me remember.”

“I am forever going to feel guilty about that. That was all my fault. For not being able to hide my feelings. But now, we have a future. I chose you. And I will do for the rest of my life.” Forcing her way through the crowd, she ignored him- she needed to forget about the whole situation and concentrate on the match.

“Riley, Wait up!”

“Drake I can’t do this. She’s going to constantly be there. Do you see Xavier stalking us? No. I just can’t deal with this right now. What’s she going to do next? Come and watch us have sex? Whilst she’s around acting like this, I can’t be with you anymore. We are over!”

Breaking news- trouble in paradise for Drake Walker and Riley Brooks. Arriving at the stadium, they exited Mr Walkers car arguing. Not a good start to their relationship.

....

“Why are you all looking at me?” Riley asked as she entered the changing room. Leo showed her the latest tweet- she was now gossip yet again.

“We’ve split up. Well I told him I can’t be with him. I’ll explain later- or he can explain.”

“feliz cumpleaños bebe” Rolling her eyes back, someone must have forgotten to inform him that he had been dismissed. Someone must have forgotten that he had no right to call her baby anymore. She wasn’t his prized possession, she hadn’t been for a long time.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Erm, I’m the manager.” Riley couldn’t wait to wipe that sarcastic smirk off his face. Oh how she wished that someone could record his reaction.

“Not anymore arsehole! Bertrand is. Now get out of my way.”

“Don’t you want a birthday kiss from your husband?”

“I’d rather kiss a cows backside then be close to you!” The team couldn’t stop laughing at the humiliation he had just received. Reading the paper that she forced into his chest- he knew his own father wouldn’t do that to him. Focusing his gaze on Drake, he saw that he was looking down to the floor- avoiding everyone’s gaze after that breaking news tweet.

“What’s up Walker? Women troubles?”

“Don’t fucking start on him. He’s a better man than you’ll ever be!” Leo stood up abruptly, leaving little distance between the two of them.

“Told you she just wanted you for the lust. Did you enjoy it whilst it lasted? I know my wife well. Anyway gentlemen, do us all proud. Do this for Constantine, whoever forged his signature on this paper won’t be so lucky.”

“Drake what happened? You need to tell us so we can help you.”

“We had the most amazing sex, cuddles in bed. I had to collect my suit from home- the door was open. Kiara was there. She told Riley a load of bullshit. She even stole my house keys and planted a thong in my jacket without me noticing. Now Riley has said she can’t be with me anymore. It’s her birthday- she’s stuck with Xavier and Kiara being twats. And is pushing me away.” Liam had recorded what Drake said to them, sending it to Olivia. His wife replied by saying she was going to see Kiara and get rid of her.

******

The players arrived on the pitch, singing the national anthem- Riley nervously watching along side Bastien, Bertrand and Xavier. The atmosphere throughout the stadium was euphoric as it was with the first match.

Welcome to Applewood Stadium again- we are all ready for another win again. My name is Gary Thorpe and I have Marcus Healey along side of me again. There is no update on the chairman’s condition, but I know that the team will do him proud. There are many scandals brewing, but let’s not think about those for now. Drake Walker is missing the match, but I’m sure the Rhys brothers will provide us with a win.

According to sources Gary, Walker should be returning for the next match which will be the first away match. Hopefully he’s had enough physio to return, although I do wonder who will be his physio after the recent breaking news. It’s a slow start unlike the first match, but the Apples have control of the ball.

Captain Leo Rhys nearly creates a head start for the apples, the ball was so close. The opponents are close to Beaumont, they shoot- but also miss. Beaumont rolls the ball to his team mate- Liam Rhys is away, no defenders near him, his brother is right beside him. Oh. Is this the head start they need? Leo Rhys shoots and scores! One nil to the apples.

Marcus, I think the apples need to be grateful for Leo Rhys’s talent. Considering his home life he is still determined to work hard.

Yes I agree, it is know that he and his wife Madeleine have filled for divorce- it is known that he is in a new relationship. Enough talk about Leo Rhys the opponents have the ball, oh, this is so close. The apples need to defend quick, before the opponents score an equaliser. Spoke to soon. Beaumont looks frustrated, that could have easily been saved. The score 1-1.

Stoppage time, six minutes added before the half time whistle blows. Can the apples score another to be winning again? This first half Gary has been frustrating for both sides- there has been so many missed opportunities.

And that’s it. The whistle has been blown. The score 1-1.

The apples new Manager Xavier Lopez has stormed off through the tunnel- a disappointing first half for his first match. Hopefully we can win the second half and keep the clean sheet staying top of the league.

The men all headed back into the dressing room, exhausted and awaiting the berating discussion from Xavier. His face was like thunder- drinking water to keep them all hydrated, he threw his bottle in a frustrated rage- narrowly just missing Riley. She was that used to his rages- natural instinct knew to bend down. Realising he nearly hurt her, he went over to where she was stood- Drakes and Leo’s eyes widened. Leo attempted to calm him down- telling him to ignore the interaction taking place.

“I’m sorry. Are you okay? It’s just frustrating. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry.” Pulling her towards him, she wanted to push him away- but placed her arms around his waist.

“Happy birthday darling. I love you. I’ve got you a present.” Handing her a tiny box, she admired the bracelet that had diamonds around the edge. He had always bought her expensive presents in the past, but this time she felt as if it was just a gesture to buy her back.

“That’s so kind of you. We could go for a drink after the match if you want?” Her baby blues sparkled as they did the first night we met.

“Really?” Providing her with a confused expression- not long before she was criticising him, he wondered why the sudden change of heart.

“Yes, you’re my husband.”

“It’ll be my treat, I love you so much.”

“I suppose I still love you.” Kissing her on the cheek, he turned to the players smirking. Seeing Drake scowling, Xavier had a little laugh to himself.

Xavier didn’t suggest any new tactics and was confident and positive that they will turn the match around and win. The team had all rested- and were ready to have an adrenaline rush in order to keep up their clean sheet.

“How could you do that to Drake? He loves you!” Leo snapped at Riley. Riley just shook her head.

“Don’t tell me what to do Leo, he’s my husband. He’s not signing the papers. I may as well try and fix my marriage. I’m not having Kiara stalk me and Drake. It’s for the best.”

“You are fucking crazy! He killed your baby!” Leo out of character, tried to shake her- to see if she was awake and alert, and not possibly on some type of drug.

“People do make mistakes Leo. Enough about me, you keep on doing a great job.” Oblivious to the fact that Leo was correct, she walked away not wanting to continue this slanging match.

Second half is underway, and ‘the Apples’ manager looks a bit calmer than he did fifteen minutes ago. Taking the early possession again, they launch the first attack. Leo Rhys looks frustrated- I wonder what had happened during half time? He’s losing concentration- this is not good for the Apples.

There’s a corner for The Apples...that was so close. Both teams are having so many missed opportunities, it’s going to be hard to predict a winner. I can see that the both teams are frustrated with their rivals defence. Leo Rhys has tackled a player, oh no this doesn’t look good. What do you think Marcus?

I think Leo wasn’t concentrating, it looks like the player could have possibly broken his leg.

Leo looks upset, but is arguing with the rivals players. If he isn’t careful he could potentially be booked. Oh spoke too soon- Leo Rhys is off. Red card. This is not looking good for the Apples.

A penalty has been awarded to the other team, Beaumont looks nervous.

Goal! 2-1. Beaumont is full of rage, blaming his team mate for giving the opposition a penalty. It’s now up-to Liam Rhys. Can he score an equaliser to get the Apples back in the game?

With ten minutes to go Liam Rhys is near the goal- the opponents defence is lacking. Cleverly he tricks the goalkeeper and scores! Leo Rhys stands up cheering, much to the dislike of his manager.

Into injury time, can the Apples score a stoppage time goal? Possibly Marcus- Liam Rhys has had plenty of chances in the last ten minutes. He deserves a brace.

And that is it Cordonia. Full time result 2-2. A draw is disappointing but both teams definitely deserved a win. Its still the beginning of the season- let’s hope they aren’t too disheartened with the result. Can they keep up the hard work? I sure hope so, especially with Walker hopefully returning for the next match.

Returning inside they all hit the showers, and dressed in their teams suits. Xavier explained that he had an update on Constantine, which caused all the team to provide worried looks towards each other.

“The chairman would like to see everyone separately in the following days. He will contact each of you. For now, go and enjoy your afternoon. Drinks are on me. I won’t be there unfortunately. Enjoy. See you all at training.”

Xavier walked out, waiting for Riley- overhearing the team gossip about him as well as Constantine, he didn’t care.

“Are you ready?” Pulling his wife into his embrace, he had to thank Kiara once he had the time to - their plan worked and he was slowly getting his wife back.

“Yes. Ready to be wined and dined.” Riley saw the press ready to snap a picture of the two of them. Placing a gentle kiss on his cheek, she removed her wedding rings out of her purse and allowed him to place them back on her finger.

*******

The men entered the room, as promised Xavier had put money behind the bar. Olivia arrived making a dramatic entrance- with Kiara, and headed straight towards Drake, Leo, Liam and Lindsey.

“Kiara has something to say to you Drake.” Olivia held the knife towards Kiara’s back, twisting and turning it providing the slightest bit of pain.

“Drake I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you... Olivia you’re hurting me!”

“Carry on bitch!” Olivia wasn’t taking anymore shit from her, she knew none of this was her business but Riley was family. And family stick together.

“I was paid to do what I did this morning. I don’t want to hurt you anymore. Or Riley for that matter. I will leave you alone. I’ve accepted that you are not mine anymore. I wish you both the best.”

“Good girl! Now au revior. Or I’ll stab you properly. If I see your face around here again- get ready Kiki.” Kiara began crying, before she left she informed them all that she was leaving the country. She had Xavier’s money in her bag, that amount of money would set her up for a lifetime if she used it well.

“Thanks Liv, I’m going to head out. I’m not in the mood.”

“Drake, Riley will come back to her senses. Especially now psychopath is out of the picture.”

“No she won’t, Liv. I’ve lost her. But thanks guys.”

*****

Arriving at the restaurant, Riley had second thoughts - she believed she would be spending time with Drake on her birthday.

Xavier became drunk easily, probably down to nerves about being back in the company of his wife, winning her trust and possibly love back.

“So, I’ve ripped up the divorce papers. I want to work on our marriage. Put the past behind us. But I have a document from the lawyer. We both have to sign it, to say we are not getting divorced but instead we need counselling. I need to know that you are going to be the man I fell in love with Xav.”

“Pass the paper here. I don’t care what we have to do to fix our marriage. I will prove to you everything.” Signing the paper without reading it. She lent towards him, hugging him. Returning to her position. He lent in to kiss her on the lips. The kiss felt odd, unusual.

“We will go for the first session next week if you want?” Riley encouraged this suggestion, hoping he would agree.

“Yes. Do you want to come back to mine tonight?” She saw desire in his eyes, feeling slightly guilty- he possibly could have changed. But it would take a long time to gain any trust back.

“Oh I can’t, I promised Lindsey and Bastien that I’d see them. But I could stay after the counselling, depending on how it goes.”

“Yes okay then. I love you Mrs Lopez.”

“I know you do in your own little twisted way.”

They had their meal, and Riley insisted on getting a cab home- promising to text him to let him know she was home.

He rung her shortly after they had departed each other’s company- pouring his love out down the phone. Lying she told him she was home. Hesitantly knocking on the hotel room door, she had hoped that the person would still be awake. Opening the door smiling, her heart fluttered like she was seeing her teenage crush.

“I’ve missed you.” Pulling her towards him, she felt warm again belonging in his arms.

“I’ve missed you too. That was torture. But I’m finally getting divorced. Did Liam and Liv stick to her plan?” Showing him her papers, he picked her up- spinning her around. Kissing her forehead, he held her protectively. Relieved that she was one stamp away from being divorced, and relieved that Kiara had gone awol.

“Yes, she had a knife in Kiara’s back- never mess with Olivia. Kiara has left Cordonia. Our publicity stunt worked. Leo and Lindsey are still pissed off- none of us had the heart to tell them what was going on.” Escorting her into the room, he flung her on to the bed. His hands roamed her body, as he kissed her passionately. The night hadn’t turned out the way which he had planned- but he didn’t care. They were both each other’s and he was going to make it up to her tomorrow - a belated birthday.

“Seeing him with you was torture. Now you’re technically divorced, in the future you could be Mrs Walker.”

“Are you proposing to me?” She winked at him. Knowing he wasn’t, she still imagined what it would be like to be his wife.

“Not yet. But I know what I want in my future and that is you. I love you.”

#theroyalromance #choices trr #riley brooks #drakewalker #trr au cordonian wags #drake x riley #duchess olivia #maxwell #liam rhys #leo rhys

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backtothestart02 · 5 years

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Mixed Drink - 5/? | westallen fanfiction

A/N: Courtesy of @travelattwilight‘s payment, here is the next chapter of Mixed Drink. If you can’t figure out what Barry’s job is by the end of this chap, idk what to tell you. ;P

*Many thanks to @valeriemperez for beta’ing. :)

...

Chapter 5 -

Today felt like a fairytale. And while a lot of men he knew – and women in his field – snorted at the concept being a reality, Barry Allen was one of the few that believed. There were such things as love and happy endings and the American Dream. And while he hadn’t yet achieved the latter two, he was fairly certain he was falling into the first.

There was something about this Iris West that just drew him in. Sure, the way they’d met might cause her to raise her voice more than she already did if she were to ever find out. But he didn’t plan on letting her find out. He was very good at keeping secrets, and even better at lying to protect himself and others. The trick was to insert a grain of truth into everything he said and not oversell it. Though if anyone could peel back his layers, it would be the woman in his arms now.

Unfortunately for himself, he knew the glare his boss had been sending for the last ten minutes across the room wasn’t solely due to how brash Iris had been when they’d left his side. One did not bring an unknown into these galas. Spouses, for the few that had them, and those involved in the company in one way or another was it. Because these galas weren’t all fun and games. They were work galas. After some wine and dancing, assignments were to be carried out. It was a disguise.

So, no, his boss was not pleased to see a potential casualty in the mix tonight. And he knew, sooner rather than later, he’d have to resume their conversation and explain himself.

“Where are you?” Iris asked, winding her fingers in the soft hair on his neck, and pulling him out of his own head.

He smiled genuinely and refamiliarized himself with the curve of her body beneath his hands.

“Someplace boring.”

She laughed, the sound making him dizzy.

“Well, stop it. Come back to me,” she urged, closing the distance between them even more somehow.

He groaned softly, his cock twitching in his trousers.

“You’ll be the death of me,” he murmured in her ear, smirking as he felt the shivers ripple down her spine.

“And you of me, I’m sure.” Her breath caught in her throat.

He spun her away from him and back in a swirl that had her eyes alight with surprise and clutching his shoulders tightly.

“You know how to dance.”

“I know how to dance.”

“What else can you do?” she asked, after another turn around the dance floor.

“Get you champagne, maybe?” He stopped suddenly, grinning and steadying her when her heel caught the hem of her dress.

“Champagne sounds nice.”

“I’ll be right back.” He winked, then left her standing breathless amidst the other couples dancing around her.

It was a distraction, a hint to his superior that he hoped he would grasp, and he did. Mere seconds after he’d reached the champagne table, the bark sounded from the other side.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing bringing Iris West here?”

Barry calmly lifted his gaze to his boss’s.

“You told me to bring a date,” he said, taking a sip of champagne.

“I told you to bring a specific date.”

“I’m not married.”

“Allen.”

“And I don’t think it’d be right to give any of my fellow co-workers a bad impression by bringing them to a company event.”

“You’ve slept with half of them.”

“Oops?”

He pinched his forehead.

“I told you to bring-”

“I know, okay? I know. But you thought it was Iris first.”

“Ms. West.”

Barry blinked. “Ms. West. Sure. Whatever.”

“I was wrong. I told you I was wrong and gave you the right target, and you…what? Decided to romance an uninvolved civilian instead?”

“She’s not just a civilian,” he said, annoyed.

“Would you like her to be a casualty, too?”

Barry tensed.

“Get her out of here, Allen. You can start your search for Bethany Walker tomorrow. Get the job done and forget all about Iris West.”

“I can’t just…leave her,” he said, scandalized.

The older man raised his eyebrows, amused.

“I have a plenty of women here who would argue to the contrary.”

Barry brooded.

“It’s for her own good, and you know it. This kind of life doesn’t warrant romance, unless the other party is already a part of it and understands the business. And I know for a fact you won’t be telling her.”

Barry didn’t argue the point, and Mr. Draeger took his silence as confirmation of obedience.

“Good.”

Agitated, but not dismissive, he asked, “What time?”

“One hour.”

Barry’s lips parted.

“That’s all the time I’m giving you to romance her and take her home.”

“She doesn’t have anywhere to go. I have to take her back to my room.”

Kevin was exasperated. “Two then, but you’re really pushing it, Barry. If you’re a second late-”

“I know, I know. Two hours. Got it.”

“Here.” He dug some pills out of his pocket and shoved them into Barry’s hand.

Barry looked at him incredulously.

“In case you need them. This will probably last all night.”

“I’m not going to-”

“I said in case,” he growled. “They’re not going to hurt her. They’re just going to make sure she has no questions come morning.”

Barry didn’t like it, but he knew he was being a bit of hypocrite, since he’d used the sleeping pills on previous one-night stands that got too close to his job scene.

He shoved the pills into his own pocket, then turned with both glasses of champagne in his hands and headed for a very worried looking Iris on the other side of the room, now standing on the sidelines.

“Everything okay?” she asked, watching his gaze and how it flickered away from hers every few seconds.

“Never better,” he said, clinking his glass with hers.

“If I did something to-”

He silenced her with a light kiss to her lips as he gripped her chin between thumb and forefinger.

“What could you do?”

…

About half an hour after his return to her, Barry suggested they leave the gala for the night. Iris found it strange, since he’d made such a big deal of getting her a dress. But they had stayed nearly an hour, and she was getting a little dizzy from dancing and gulping down flutes of champagne. She wanted to suggest they take a moonlit stroll, but even that she worried might end up with him carrying her all the way back to the hotel.

Or taking a taxi.

Yeah, the latter was probably more likely, but she’d rather believe he’d gallantly carry her across the city in his arms like a knight in shining armor.

“Did you have fun?” he asked, after closing the door behind them inside the hotel room.

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“Tired?” he asked, sounding amused.

“You spun me a lot,” she mused, then turned to him with a quirky smirk after kicking off her shoes. “It’s almost like you were trying to take advantage of me.”

“Trying to seduce you by making you dizzy?” He raised his eyebrows. “Oh, yeah, that is classic rule number one. Works every time.”

She frowned. “Every time?”

His heart plummeted. She didn’t know he’d been a player since high school, and it would only ruin the mood to tell her now. Besides, there was something about her that made him not want to sleep with someone else ever again if he could have her.

“There’s only you now.”

She leapt up onto her tip toes, those words the magic ticket, and he lifted her a little so their lips could join fully in a passionate kiss. Before they knew it, they were undressing each other and tumbling onto the bed, getting lost in each other and in the night and in whatever this was between them. And when it was over, Iris could barely keep her eyes open.

“Goo..night, B…rry,” she mumbled, before turning her head to the side and promptly starting to snore.

He chuckled to himself. After he was sure she was indeed sound asleep, he rolled carefully off the bed, put on his tux again, and was out the door before she was any the wiser.

He’d get back to her as soon as he could and cherish the time they had left. Hopefully she’d still be sleeping, so he could get some shut eye himself before they embarked on the day together, short-lived though it would be.

He knew Kevin was right. He had to get back on assignment. He had to find Bethany Walker and do his job. Iris had been easy to seduce because she’d wanted him from the moment he laid eyes on her. Bethany had a husband and three children and, by all appearances, was very happy in her own life.

So happy, in fact, that she’d decided to take up a side gig of thieving and steal some very expensive jewels, carved out inside and containing important government secrets. She was confident and gutsy and a beauty, according to her file, but he knew eventually she’d cave to his seduction the same every woman did.

He was uneasy now though, because suddenly his real number one move didn’t feel so inviting. It felt like cheating on Iris, even though they’d only been together a day – and were they really together? Half a day, maybe. He knew he wouldn’t like hearing about – or worse, seeing – Iris with somebody else after the time they’d shared.

This feelings business was just so damn complicated. He wished he could have compartmentalized her into the same ‘just sex’ category as he had every other woman in his life, save his mother, but she had broken free of it before he even realized.

Bethany wouldn’t be harder because she was a confident, intelligent, clever woman with a family.

She’d be harder because she wasn’t Iris.

“Allen, where the hell are you?” his supervisor gargled in his ear.

Barry adjusted the com and checked his phone.

“I’m right outside and five minutes early. Check your watch.”

The grumbling resumed.

“Just checking.” He paused. “Glad to see you got your priorities straight.”

Barry didn’t correct that. Instead, he pulled open the large glass door and mingled with the other guests until he reached the far side, giving Kevin a nod before ducking behind a curtain. Bethany might be the key to this operation, but there was so much going on surrounding her and the organization she worked for. The front as a charity was bullshit and sent money not only into Bethany’s pocket, but to all her superiors and partners in crime. There was more than one person to take hostage, interrogate, and inevitably turn over to the higher-up authorities. Tonight could’ve been all of the necessary pieces, which was why Barry’s boss was so pissed that it wouldn’t be.

That would be a worry for another day, though.

Several agents lined up behind him and another bunch were across the floor in a parallel location. Still more were beneath the floors where a meeting was being held, and the rest remained in the ballroom as a disguise, mere partygoers, sponsors, and the like. No one was the wiser to the guns strapped to their thighs and snug in their tuxedo jackets.

3…2…1

…

Iris woke up around midnight, groggy, yawning, and needing to throw up. She ran to the bathroom just in time, hurling the champagne and hors d’oeuvres she’d consumed earlier in the evening. For some reason, she expected Barry to suddenly be up, woken by the sound of her yacking, and come running to her aid. She was too tired to look and see where he was – if he really was that sound of a sleeper – or if he thought she didn’t need the extra assistance. Ass.

But when she finally summoned enough strength to stand to her feet, gulp down water from the sink to clear her throat and remove the awful taste of vomit, and return to the bed, she saw there was no trace of Barry Allen.

A cold chill ran down her spine. She told herself not to overreact, that he wouldn’t ditch her while she was sleeping. But no excuse was coming to her, and her head was pounding.

Unable to think clearly, Iris collapsed back on the bed and fell promptly asleep. Maybe it was just all a bad dream.

Or maybe Barry would have some explaining to do in the morning.

...

*Also posted on AO3 and FFnet.

#westallen #fanfiction #westallen fanfiction #backtothestart02 fanfiction #mixed drink #chapter 5 #it was honestly a struggle to make it this long #but it is what it is

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