#and it was very difficult to resist BUT very easy to just unleash all her hyperfications

[xerox-candybar]

I was doing some RP with a friend (as one does)** and I accidentally workshopped a joke. Anyway, it fits right into the flower shop mafia AU:

Itadori: Sukuna-sama isn’t all bad! I mean, he does nice things sometimes. He feeds orphans—

Fushiguro: to whom, though?

Itadori: …huh…?

Fushiguro: to whom does he feed the orphans, Yuji? because that is a very important follow-up question.

Itadori: oh snap you’re right!

**oh goodness, it wasn’t that kind of roleplay. Just your run of the mill World of Darkness campaign

#my writing #wilf #(work i’d like to finish) #everything’s pushing up daisies #incorrect jjk #itafushi #Sukuna #my werewolf character is basically me in my twenties #and there’s a running joke that the baddies got ahold of her ao3 handle and keep expecting her to be sympathetic #because she’s written a bunch of steamy monster-centric pwp #(and for context I feel like this was actually a decent compromise— #b/c she had been hit with a pretty strong psychic mind control attack #and it was very difficult to resist BUT very easy to just unleash all her hyperfications #the drive to imagine how cyborgs Do It (TM) significantly outweighed any desire to walk the Black Spiral)

[clickvibes]

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

May i request a hc or fic of Liora, Zhora and Vivienne finding out that their girlfriend has been psychologically/emotionally abused by their parents.

VIVIENNE WARNINGS APPLY: Mentions of Homophobia, external and internalized Mentions of Strict/Bullying parents. Mention of Conversion Camp -  Drugging, Negative association therapy, IMPLIED forced masturbation, illness and cane usage. Mention of controlling, forceful, cheating partner. Self Blaming. Spoilers for route. A writer trying a hand at serious Angst. WRITTEN BY @evoedBD +++++++++++++

How many times could she do this? How many times would she dash herself upon the rocks and drive Silvana to raise the shield between them? How many times would her own actions lead to that one-word spilling from gorgeous lips?

“Red.”

The word was safety. A shield. An absolute. It was the uncrossable line, a barrier reinforced by projected personas and deadly kisses. It was woven into a portrait of femininity, as delicate and deadly as any nightshade. It was warmth from the cold, comfort from leering eyes that aimed to feast just below the hemline of short black dresses, or dip beneath the shadowy garbs of lace. Now, safety was turned against her. Such a simple word suddenly tore at her heart, became the blood staining her hands as she attempted to understand how she had plunged the knife into the loving artist’s heart. Was this the price she had to pay to keep any form of happiness? Was she to continue to devastate those she cared for most just to feel a slither of comfort?

There was nothing she could do but freeze. She was rendered helpless in the face of Silvana’s tears; a net trying to hold the tide at bay. Silvana’s tears did not come with violent sobs and reaction, that was perhaps what was most terrifying of all. Silvana’s tears were fat, plummeting from her eyes, down her cheeks and off the point of her chin to mix with the paints laid out before her. They were so silent, so defeated that Vivienne felt as if she were struck. Vivienne trembled so violently long legs could no longer hold her. She dropped her rump to the floor, sliding down the wall until her knees were tucked protectively against her chest. Crushing her breast to her heart, as if the pressure could stop sorrow flooding her veins with every steady beat. Silently, she waited, watching Silvana simply mix the paints. Mix, and mix, and mix… lost in the simple action, as if her mind was elsewhere. The glaze to her chocolate eyes was not that glaze of looking into a world only she could see, was not the fogginess of an artist bringing a vision to life. This was darker, enough to shadow the vibrance usually seen across Silvana’s face.

“I was 14.” Silvana finally broke the silence. Vivienne lifted her head, body instantly on alert, ready to leap into the fray to battle off the demons haunting Silvana… except, she couldn’t. Memories had no physical form, nor consciousness to battle. To fight them would be to lay hands on Silvana; to play cruel mind games with Silvana. That was not something Vivienne was prepared to do, not again.

“I’m Cuban American, you know this.”

Vivienne could only nod. Of course she knew this, the information had not been difficult for a world class thieving gang to acquire when scouting for their forgery artist.

“Dad was born in the states, so he was a little less strict, but my family is religious. Highly religious. Old school, even. I was 14 when I made the mistake of talking about this girl I’d seen. I didn’t know I was bisexual then, or why I was so drawn to her, only that she was beautiful and funny, and her laugh made my stomach flutter and I couldn’t get her off my mind. My parents wanted to help, they were scared I would go to hell, that the Devil had me. My uncle and the pastors convinced them I was beyond prayer. That only the most faithful could save me… so my parents sent me to conversion camp.” Silvana stopped, lips quivering, breath laboured. She closed her eyes against the flood of memories, taking a deep breath to centre herself.

“Sil-” Vivienne never even got to finish that name before said woman cut her off.

“Vivi. Please. If you talk…” Silvana’s voice broke. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

“I need to just get through this.” The artist pleaded; it was not the type of begging Vivienne would ever wish to hear fall from her lips. The seductress was once more robbed of her words when she gazed at Silvana’s face. The light was gone, as if trapped behind glistening layers of frosted glass which dulled chocolate eyes. Full lips fell into a frown, burdened by the weight of everything Silvana needed to say. It was enough to slice through Vivienne’s thick skin, to pierce her heart. At Vivienne’s meek nod, Silvana took another deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to reveal.

“Camp was… they drugged me. They deliberately made me ill as they showed me… or they forced me to… sin. Sin until I was sick. If I didn’t, the Nuns had canes and…” Silvana swallowed, shaking her head violently, as if she could dislodge the nightmares. Vivienne was almost sick. A hiccup of a sob escaped her. Her hand flew up to her mouth, covering her horrified expressions and stifling the wounded sounds about to escape on Silvana’s behalf. If only that was all Silvana had to say, all she’d endured. Unfortunately, Vivienne could already see, already knew that it was the iceberg in an ocean of abuse in the name of therapy.

“I can’t…” Silvana’s whisper was bittersweet. Selfishly, Vivienne was thankful. She hadn’t used her most waterproof makeup, and anymore was bound to turn her into a blubbering mess. Or a vengeful demon upon the church. The world was not ready for the vengeance she could plan, even without laying a finger on a single soul. Even if she had to charm and seduce every Priest, every Nun and even the Saints themselves. She would have them crooning their sins as ballads, confessing how many victims there were of their crimes… and if they did not? The Poppy had the power to make those crimes a reality, and to seize their treasures while they were at it.

“Once I got home, my parents kept treating me as if I was sick. If I mentioned any girls, Mom would make me spend hours praying to a painting of Jesus. Dad just… he blamed himself. Thought that all the stories he taught me to love took me from God. Everybody at school and Church knew. Lots of them made jokes about it all the time. I was so scared and disgusted and confused, but I couldn’t ask anybody for help. I couldn’t trust them. I prayed. Every day I prayed so hard for those feelings to go away. To not look at some women and… want them in the way I wanted some men. I kept looking for guys, the type of guys a good Godly woman should want, but there weren’t any. Until I got a summer job with one of my father’s friends, working with his son. We were both adults, but he was older and had a very, well, “strong” personality.” Silvana’s tone left little to the imagination. Vivienne, for all her twenty-six years of emotional and physical conditioning, couldn’t resist flinching. She didn’t want to hear it, hear what she already had her suspicions had happened. She knew Silvana had faced mistreatment, the artist had confessed as much after doubting Vivienne, arguing in the streets of Saint Petersburg. She’d confessed to small things which had damaged her trust, and those little things were enough for Vivienne to see red all over again. The Seductress bristled, pressing her back to the wall as she braved the storm Silvana was unleashing. It was better this way, that Silvana was not alone in the floods anymore. They were family, and Vivienne was all too willing to cast aside the sickly feeling in her gut to give Silvana a moment of peace.

“He saw how I looked at some of the boys my age, and some of the girls too. He was the first person aside form Claudia who wasn’t mean about it. He was really charming and kind, a little controlling, but it wasn’t like what I’d seen on TV. I didn’t realise it was so bad. He’d bring me flowers and wear this dapper suit to Sunday mass. He supported my arts, even would buy me these lovely paints. But it was always his way, you know? Every time he wanted something, we did it. I was too scared to ask for help, so it went unchecked. It just kept escalating. At first it was little things, like letting him pay or going where he wanted to on dates. Then it was what he wanted to eat, or the dress he wanted me to wear. Then it was he wanted me to… service him. Eventually, he wanted full blown sex. I kept saying I wasn’t ready, and he didn’t force me, but he kept trying to convince me. Kept pushing, until it was easier just to agree than come up with reasons not to. He wasn’t mean or rough, just pushy. I told my parents, but they wouldn’t listen to me. The devil had touched me, and I had to pray it away. His dad was so respected in the Church, he was too, and it wasn’t like he forced me, right? He just made some comments and I just caved. Whatever he wanted. He kept me on my knees like a good little girl, like a nun for God he used to say… until my mother caught us. Then I was tempting him, I was threatening to expose him if he didn’t do it. He was already going to marry me, so he agreed to fooling around out of wedlock to save me from the Devil.”

“He sounds positively charming.” Vivienne commented dryly. Her face contorted into a vicious frown, eyes almost firing lasers in her outrage on Silvana’s behalf.

“Yeah, well, not two weeks after we left for college, he was sleeping with other girls. He thanked me for being such a good girl for him, for getting him out of his home and taking the heat for him. Turns out, he had a flock of eager girls. They all kept quiet because they saw how the Church cast me out. I was just a scapegoat and a means to an end. I was easy.” The Cuban artist shrugged her shoulders, as if she could deflect her pain like water off a duck’s feathers. She couldn’t conceal how her lips shivered, parting around painful breaths she tried to keep silent. The flowing floral dress didn’t conceal how her sides heaved, nor how her shoulders caved. Accepting. Defeated. It was not a look Vivienne ever wanted to see again.

“Silvana. What he did was unacceptable.” There was nothing else Vivienne could say. She longed to. In every language she knew, she longed to cuss and spit until her voice left her and her throat was raw. Until she tasted blood for everything Silvana had endured. Perhaps she could ask Zoe to find this man, then pay him a visit. Be the worldly seductress of his dreams, only to cast him into deathly nightmares with her poisoned kiss. Members of the Poppy had built immunity to her poisons, to her charms and games, but the one who had hurt Silvana? Vivienne knew his type. He would be easy. Effortless.

“I didn’t know how to say no back then. I had so much catching up to do once I got away from the strict religious family. My first girlfriend dumped me after a few months. The Art Chic was adorable and sexy, but she wasn’t looking for a project. She didn’t want to deal with the religious guilt. She wasn’t in it for the long haul. That’s ok, I mean, I needed to learn more about myself too. But, I kept finding those types of partners. Pushy, looking for something casual and easy, not treating me respectfully. Maybe that’s why the Poppy didn’t bother me too much, it wasn’t personal or vindictive.”

“I’m sorry.” The words were careful and considered, gifted to the artist with the utmost sincerity. Vivienne’s manipulation had perhaps been the most personal of all, even if it was for different reasons. For weeks, months even, she had helped stalk the artist. Gathering information. Assessing her talents, her position, her life. Nausea struck Vivienne’s gut like a tsunami, rising like the tide up her throat. Every breath she claimed was like breathing through a hurricane in her lungs. She had probably seen those people. Ones who had hurt Silvana. Those who had convinced the artistic wonder that she was not good enough to succeed. Vivienne had been so close to them, close enough to have dealt with them. To have spared Silvana some of this pain, possibly, and she’d done nothing.

“Viv. You didn’t manipulate me like they did.” Silvana offered comfort, though Vivienne found it lacking. Weak. Dishonest. Vivienne Tang most certainly had manipulated. Everything was so beautifully orchestrated, the melodic notes in a lifelong melody, falling into place like aligned dominos. From their first meeting, Vivienne’s purred compliments, the touch of pearls. Vivienne had played the role to a fantasy, the worldly, older woman leading a young artist into a world of glamour, of crime and mystery. She’d played the role as if she were to be upon the silver screen. The mentor. The romantic interest. She’d let Silvana think her much older, let Silvana drown in the mysteries she wove. Any romance upon the screen needed to end with a kiss and a tragedy, and Vivienne had delivered to perfection. Poisoned lipstick, the whisper of an apology in her throat. How was this not like the others who’d used Silvana in the past?

“I played with your emotions, poisoned you, then abandoned you in a strange city.” Vivienne pointed out, guilt turning her tongue to led. She wished she could claim her guilt was because she was, somewhere, deep down, a good person. That she regretted using the Artist like she had because it was not the kind thing to do. However much she wished she could deflect that crime to her duties to the Poppy, she could not. Not fully. That had been her choice and hers alone. Her panic when someone had grazed the walls around her mind and heart. Someone had gotten under her scales. That was precisely it. Silvana had worked her way into the hearts of the tight knit Poppy, had earned her place amongst their little family. Vivienne only felt guilty because it was Silvana specifically. A girl she was attached to. Loyal to. Someone in her heart, nestled alongside Nikolai, Remy, Jett, Leon and Zoe. Had Silvana not infiltrated her heart, Vivienne would never even batter an eyelid. She was, after all, a selfish creature. A viper who took what she wanted and left the corpse to the vultures to pick over. Left her marks for lesser thieves to squabble over like starved wolves.

“Yeah, that hurt, I can’t lie. But Viv, we worked through everything. I chased you, The Poppy, half way around the continent to do it. And I won’t lie and say we had it easy, but we got there. We faced it. We’re ok. We’re a team, family. I don’t hold any of that against you. Just, your comment, this piece. The heist. It brings back memories.”

“You are so much bigger than all of them. Silvana Mendo, you have painted your name across the world. Your forgeries hang in some of the finest galleries, fooling the greatest critics and adoring eyes by the thousands, still undiscovered years later. All those people who doubted you are meaningless fools. Please, zaika, do not let them drag you from the stars.” Vivienne’s voice was gentle, her pleading sincere. She lowered her knees, shifting until she was kneeling close to the artist, a devotee at the feet of a deity. The way Silvana’s lips curled into a sad smile was lancing; left Vivienne’s emotions bleeding from her in the form of answering tears. Eyeliner ran like charcoal down ashen cheeks, mirroring what she was staring at. She longed to fix this, wished she had the answers to make everything better. All she had were pretty words. Pretty words and small gestures.

“I know, but it isn’t always easy to feel like I know it. You’ve helped me become a more confident version of myself. Taught me how to fend those people off. Just, some days it feels as if my insecurity will break me.”

Vivienne scarcely registered removing one of her long silken gloves, only that her fingers felt bare against her poisoned lips. Her deadly kiss, meant with the most pure of intentions. It was stupid. As if such a minor gesture could give anything back to Silvana. As if it could mend wounds. The best it could so was send her loopy once the poison soaked into her pores. Vivienne caught her hand half extended, reaching towards the light, trying to drag it back into the Artist’s soul. She froze. Was she truly worthy? She had acted just the same as people who’d hurt the Cuban, what gave HER the right to try to fix it. One look at Silvana gave her the answer. It was so simple, as sure as the sun rose and set. As sure as the ground was beneath their knees. Silvana gave her the right, even without uttering a single word. Deep brown eyes implored Vivienne to close the distance, to try to tend to these gaping wounds. Both women watched Vivienne’s hand tremble as she closed the distance. A gentle brush of fingertips, delivering intent without risking a lipstick stain. Then, Vivienne was lost, running long fingers through frizzy hair in an effort to pull it away from a damp face. To reveal the beauty it was currently concealing.

“Then I’ll do my best to piece you back together. As many times as I must.” Vivienne vowed, her voice barely more than a whisper. Her gloved hand lifted, gently curling around Silvana’s cheek. With her removed glove Vivienne dabbed at Silvana’s cheeks, wiped her runny nose, fretted over every smudge of paint. She remained there, dabbing delicately at the mess until Silvana’s tears ran dry. Until fussing earned soft laughter and playful comments. It was a far cry from Silvana’s most joyful, but it was a step. Vivienne already knew this would happen again. These dark memories would eat at the Artist, but Vivienne was determined to hold on. To keep the pieces together, even if it meant her own hands were sliced open. Even if it hurt. For all the treasures she had seen, all the riches she had stolen, nothing could compare to Silvana. The angel on her shoulder. The woman who embodied safety. The being who was her safe haven.

If Vivienne Tang had to bleed for something, she chose Silvana.

Every. Single. Time.

#vivienne #vivienne tang #woeful wednesday #angst #potential spoilers #psychological abuse #tw: homophobia #tw: conversion camp #tw: cheating #qot #lovestruck qot #queen of thieves #queen of thieves fic #vivienne x mc #submission

[summahsunlight]

All For You, Part 3

Rating: T

Word Count: 1986

Pairing: Poe Dameron X Pilot!Reader

Summary: Your life in the Resistance was not easy, being married to Commander Poe Dameron and a skilled pilot yourself. When you unexpectedly get pregnant, your life is forever changed. Raising a child on base is hard, but never having parents of your own as a child, you are determined to love your little girl and give her the best life. Poe is equally as devoted to you and your daughter, vowing to keep you both safe from the impending threat of the First Order.

Taglist: @thescarletknight2014​, @elmoakepoke​, @xxidontwikeitxx​, @liadamerondjarin​ @marvelofwitch​, @blushingwueen​

As promised, here is part 3🥰 I didn’t get to really proof read it so I apologize for any mistakes. Remember the taglist is open so if you want to be added, let me know. Feedback is always appreciated!

Being away from Poe was hard, especially now. It had been a difficult evening, you had been up several times in the middle of the night sick and when you did manage to crawl back into bed you just wanted your husband to hold you. Your emotions had gone from raging mad to wanting to curl up into a ball and cry in a matter of hours. The constant worry about Poe and his safety was nibbling away at you only adding to your overwhelming sadness. 

Wiping at the tears in your eyes, you reminded yourself that Poe was due to be back on base by the morning--you would be hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the very first time by the afternoon. This cheered you up--slightly.

Only slightly because you still felt incredibly sick. 

By the time you arrived for you shift that morning, you had gotten up three more times that night to be sick. The only thing keeping your emotions somewhat at bay was the thought that Poe was due to arrive back on base soon.

“Good morning.. You look a little tired this morning, ma’am.”

“Didn’t sleep well last night, Kaydel.”

“Still sick?”

“It’s getting better.”

Kaydel looked at you suspiciously. You were really going to have to start telling people soon that you were having a baby--otherwise rumors were going to be flying around the base.

Taking your seat at your station, you ignored the grumbling in your stomach and the constant worry about Poe; you had work to do. But your mind kept wandering to thoughts of him, how far away he was at that moment--how much danger he could really be in. Gently your hand cupped your belly, that cold fear of your baby never meeting their father gripping you.  

When Black Squadron missed their scheduled arrival by thirty minutes, you started to worry even more--when it turned into hours you began to panic. The radio operatives assured you that they had heard nothing, that Poe had not sent out a distress signal of any kind--they were just late. 

Just late? Just late is by a few minutes not hours! You wanted to throw up and not because of the baby this time. And that pit stayed in your stomach until it was announced that Black Squadron was pulling out of light speed and would be landing soon. You squirmed, wanting to run up to the surface, but you were still working...

...Leia smiled, knowingly at you and simply gestured with her hand to go--giving the okay to head to the surface to find your husband. 

You were confident you had control of your emotions--until you laid eyes on Poe. He was shedding his helmet and flak vest, handing them off to a nearby technician. He didn’t look injured, his fighter didn’t look any worse for wear--you had certainly seen it arrive back on base in much worse condition before--but for whatever reason when he looked at you and smiled, the tears were unleashed.

Poe walked towards you, taking your face between his hands and wiping the tears away with his thumbs. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

Gulping, you leaned in closer to him. “You’re late! You were supposed to be back hours ago! I thought...I thought something had happened to you!”

“The mission took a little longer than we planned,” Poe explained, continuing to wipe your tears away. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you worry, baby.”

“Didn’t mean to make me worry? Why didn’t you radio in?” you cried, vaguely aware that everyone was watching your very unusual emotional breakdown. “I thought you were dead! I thought we lost you!”

BB-8 beeped in surprise. Poe anxiously looked around to see if anyone had noticed your little slip--if they heard, they weren’t visibly showing it. Leading you away from the crowds, he found a quiet spot to continue to let you sob and pound on his chest for scaring you. 

Poe pulled you tightly into his arms, his hands rubbing your back. “Breathe, Y/N, just breathe, please. I’m alright. You didn’t lose me.”

You buried your face against his chest. “But I could have; the baby and I could have lost you--we could still lose you--and that scares me so much. I want our baby to know you and for you to know our baby.”

“Hey, look at me,” he said, tipping your chin upwards. “No one wants to meet this baby more than me--well, maybe BeeBee.”

On cue the droid bleeped an affirmative. You laughed, sniffling. “Poe you’re so reckless...”

Poe kissed your tears away. “I’m going to do my best to come back to you, sweetheart, always.”

Feeling yourself calm down, you threaded your fingers through his thick curls and pulled him down for a kiss. 

“Careful,” he chuckled, lowly when you pulled away, “the night you got pregnant started this way...”

“Very funny,” you snapped, playfully, before kissing him again. “Little late to be worrying about that now, hmmm?”

“Just a teeny-tiny bit.”

“I’m glad you’re home. I...it was awful last night without you.”

Poe pushed your hair back away from your face. “Sick?”

You nodded. “I just want to go a day without vomiting.”

He stroked your temples with his thumbs. “Maybe we should talk to Doctor Kalonia... see if she can give you something...”

The mentioning of the doctor reminded you that she had offered to let your hear the baby’s heartbeat that afternoon.  Taking a deep breath, you stepped back slightly away from your husband. “She wanted to let me listen to the baby’s heartbeat yesterday...”

“Oh? Did you...did you hear it?” Poe asked, failing to hide the disappointment in his voice.

“No,” you sputtered, shaking your head, “I wanted you to be there the first time I heard it. I didn’t want...I didn’t want you to miss it.”

“Well, when can we go?”

“She said this afternoon.”

Poe grinned and took your hand. “What are we waiting for then? Let’s go see her.”

You couldn’t help but smile back. “Don’t you have to report to the General?”

He shrugged. “It can wait; this is more important.”

Surprised, you quirked an eyebrow. “Something more important than the Resistance?”

“Of course this is more important than the Resistance--it’s our baby.”

“You haven’t even met the baby yet, how do you love it so much already?”

“Because--it’s a part of you, and I love you so much.”

Playfully you pushed him away. “You’re such a hopeless, sappy romantic, you know that Dameron?”

Poe grinned, wrapping his arm around your waist and pulling you close. He pressed a kiss to your cheek. “Well, one of us has to be in the relationship and we know it certainly is not you.”

-----

Your hands lightly brushed over your belly while you waited for Doctor Kalonia to come in. There had been a training accident and she was tending to those injuries before tending to you.  Poe sat next to your cot, watching as you caressed your stomach with such care.

He reached out and placed his hand over yours. “Do you think we’re having a boy or a girl?” 

Looking at your joined hands, you thought about his question for a moment. You didn’t know why, but you been picturing your baby as a little girl when you imagined Poe holding the baby for the first time, or playing with your child. “I...I kind of hope it’s a girl.”

“Me too.”

“Really? You don’t want it to be a boy?”

“I know what I was like as a child--why would I want that?”

You laughed, breathlessly. “You know, a little girl could be just like you, too.”

Poe shrugged and brought your hand to his lips. “Yeah, but she would be as pretty as you...with your eyes and smile...”

Doctor Kalonia stepped into the room then, apologizing for being late. Poe told her it was alright, giving your hand one more kiss--you both could wait a few extra minutes to hear your baby’s heartbeat. She hooked you up to a medical droid, beginning to search around your stomach to find the heartbeat.

Nervously, you watched her, unaware that you even holding your breath until Poe told you to breathe.  Slowly you did so--anxiously. What if she didn’t find the heartbeat? What if the worst case scenario had happened and you had lost your baby? And just as you were about to burst into tears that the worst had happened, a steady thumping sound filled the room. 

“There it is,” Kalonia said with a smile. “There’s your baby.”

“Maker,” Poe sighed, grinning, “That’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.”

“It’s really in there,” you whispered, a few tears slipping down your face, “there really is this little human inside of me.”

Kalonia chuckled. “There is. How has your morning sickness been since I saw you yesterday? Any better?”

You shook your head and bit down on your lip. “I was up most of the night. It should be called all-day sickness.”

Poe leaned closer to you, brushing a kiss on your cheek. “Is there something we can do about that, Doc? I mean... it can’t be safe for her or the baby to be sick so much.”

“I can give you something, Captain, to help with the sickness.”

“Please. I’m begging.”

Kalonia let you listen to the heartbeat a little longer while she prepared the medicine for you. “Have you told your squadron yet? I doubt you’re going to be able to keep it secret much longer, Y/N. You’re going to begin showing soon.”

You looked at the little bump on your stomach, that you were still able to conceal underneath your shirts. “Not yet.”

Poe stroked your knuckles with his thumb. “We should let them know--before BeeBee-Ate lets it slip. Besides Threepio, he’s the most talkative droid on this base.”

“Maybe tomorrow.”

“No, sweetheart, definitely tomorrow. Are you afraid of telling them?”

“A little--I know they’ll be happy for us.”

“You have nothing to worry about, trust me.”

Wiping at your eyes, you nodded. Poe was right; Black Squadron would be happy for them. You glanced at your stomach once again. Those pilots were going to love that little baby as much as you and Poe, there was no way they would be upset that you had gotten pregnant. You were so insecure, however, about keeping people in your life, that even the happiest news in your mind threatened every single relationship you had made.

Kalonia handed you the medicine to help with your morning sickness and then unhooked you from the medical droid, the room suddenly feeling silent without the heartbeat of the baby echoing throughout it. “Come see me in two weeks, okay? Unless something drastically changes...”

Poe helped you down and promised if there were any changes, you would come see her. Taking your hand, he left the med bay with you. “Are you hungry?”

You threw a little glare at him. “I just told the doctor I was up sick all night and you’re asking me if I’m hungry?”

“Baby, you need to eat.”

“Fine. But I’m not hungry.”

He didn’t respond, instead he led you to the mess hall, where you both grabbed a tray of food for dinner and then went to sit with your squadron. The other pilots all looked at you and then glanced at each other.

Snap cleared his throat, “So, ah... is there something the two of you want to tell us?”

Poe looked at him, innocently. “Like what?”

Karé tossed a devilish grin their way. “Oh... I don’t know... maybe you have some news to share?”

“News?” Poe stammered, anxiously. They know. Damn it BeeBee! 

“Yeah,” Snap said, grinning, “We already know. So...when were you going to tell us you’re gonna be a daddy, Dameron?

#star wars #star wars fanfiction #star wars imagine #poe dameron #poe dameron fanfiction #poe dameron x reader #poe dameron imagine #poe x reader #poe x you #200 followers celebration #all for you

[paperanddice]

Tears of the Crocodile God Part 9

Continuing with the hazards of the Weeping Labyrinth, and this update will be focused primarily on the snake section of the adventure. I think it’s the most hazard heavy section, with the Hag’s Lair and the Mold King’s Crown both having fairly involved and positioning dependent hazards to work around. At least in the 4e version. Since neither 5e nor 13th Age have the same degree of forced movement, hazardous terrain turns into off limit zones in 5e, while 13th Age doesn’t do that much environmental positioning at all. Depending on how important the hazard is to the idea of the encounter, this could be difficult.

Hag’s Lair

Fortunately, this encounter functions just fine if the hazard is a more passive thing. Deep pits of toxic mud fill the room, but none of the enemies have forced movement powers. The risk comes more from if the players rush, as the floor is slippery and thus anything more than slow movement risks losing your balance and sliding in. That’s not too bad.

5th Edition

Movement in this room imposes a choice. Either the character can choose to spend 1 extra foot of movement for every foot moved, or they can choose to move at their normal speed and make a DC 12 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check, falling prone on a failure. If the character falls prone while adjacent to one of the muck pits, that character slides into the pit and is affected by that hazard.

The muck pits themselves are difficult terrain, and any creature that ends its turn in the pit must make a DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check or sink 5 feet deeper into the mud, to a maximum depth of 20 feet. A creature that starts its turn submerged int he mud must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) poison damage, become poisoned for one hour, and contract cackle fever. Old Beshebra and her sons are immune to these effects.

13th Age

A character must choose to either spend two move actions to cover the same amount of ground as a single normal move action, or make a DC 20 Skill check to cover the distance with a single move action. Failing that skill check means the character loses that move action as they fall prone and have to scramble back up to their feet. Rolling a natural 1-5 on this check and failing results in the character sliding into a mud pit, where they become stuck (save ends). Failing the save results in the character becoming hampered as long as they are stuck. Failing another save results in the character also taking 10 ongoing poison damage as long as they are stuck and hindered. Failing the save yet again results in the character contracting cackle fever. After the battle, roll a d6 to determine the symptoms of it. If you’re playing these characters on past the end of this adventure, look on the 13th Age SRD under the Death-Plague Orc to determine how diseases function long term.

Cackle fever symptoms (d6) 1: High fever, occasional mild visual or audio hallucinations. 2-3: Occasional delusions. You take a -3 penalty to initiative checks as the combat doesn’t seem real to you for a few moments. 4+: Bouts of wild, cackling laughter that incapacitate you. Whenever you experience high stress (during combat, dangerous scenarios, experiencing a nightmare), you must make an easy saving throw (6+). On a failure, you are stunned for one round as you burst into wild laughter.

Old Beshebra and her sons are immune to all of these effects.

Mold King’s Crown

Here’s where things get to be more effort. The three separate traps and hazards in this room, plus a magic item, means that the whole thing is just a pain to convert. Especially with how positioning based one of the hazards is. The death mold is a pain for both editions, partly because the way it functions in 5e is a little confusing. There’s supposedly 2 death mold hazards in the room, but there’s technically at least 4 sources of death mold period. Each of the 4 statues is infested with the mold. Given that the death mold activates when something moves within 3 squares of it, how does that function with this conflict in the number of locations? And the death mold isn’t given a specific location on the map anyway, so is it just that the four sources of death mold activate a combined two times per round, off of whatever statues are appropriate? It’s just not very clear.

One thing that’s consistent for both systems is that the casket contains a special magic scroll that allows anyone who reads it to view an important image of the history of an object they touch. Only one use.

5th Edition

It requires a DC 25 Wisdom (Perception) check to notice the pressure plates under the water’s surface. Any attempt to check for them with gentle foot steps or poking with a pole has a 25% chance of automatically activating the trap, but otherwise identifies the pressure plate without triggering it. Once any pressure plate has been stepped on however, the sluices open and 4 river crocodiles enter the room each round, continuing until all 40 have arrived. There’s no way of stopping this process once it’s begun.

Death Mold

Death mold releases bursts of deadly spores when it senses living creatures nearby. The first time during a round that a living creature moves within 15 feet of the mold or starts its turn there, the mold unleashes a burst of spores in a 15-foot cone. Creatures in that area must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) poison damage and becoming poisoned for 1 minute on a failure. If a Small or Medium living creature is reduced to 0 hp while poisoned this way, it immediately dies and transforms into a death mold zombie. The zombie rolls initiative and acts on its turn. The poisoned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. The mold recharges this burst on initiative count 20 each round (losing initiative ties). If the mold is dealt radiant damage, it immediately goes dormant. Its spore burst is immediately expended to no effect, and doesn’t recharge the next round on initiative 20. Any amount of fire damage completely destroys the death mold.

Mold King’s Casket Mechanical trap If this mithril casket is broken or opened incorrectly, a store of alchemical explosives within it immediately go off, detonating the chest. Each creature within 20 feet of the casket must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 17 (5d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The chest has AC 15, 20 hp, immunity to poison and psychic damage. A DC 20 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools opens the chest, but failing the check by 5 or more or failing it twice in a row causes the chest to activate.

Mold King’s Crown Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement) While wearing this crown, you gain resistance to poison damage and are immune to contracting any disease. If you are already infected with a disease, the effects of the disease are suppressed while you wear the crown. In addition, as long as you are attuned to this item, you do not age naturally. Curse. This crown is cursed, and becoming attuned to it extends the curse to you. As long as you remain cursed, any creature that regains hit points while within 50 feet of you must immediately make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw against disease or contract blistering fever. This disease functions exactly like filth fever, except for the following changes: • Symptoms manifest immediately • The save DC to reduce exhaustion levels is 15 instead of 11. • A creature infected with blistering fever that has 5 levels of exhaustion becomes highly infectious. Any living creature that ends its turn within 5 feet of the infected creature must make a DC 15 Constitution save or become infected with blistering corruption.

13th Age

The pressure plates for the crocodile dropping pipes can be spotted with a DC 25 skill check. A character that approaches a statue carelessly steps on and activates the pressure plate, initiating the battle as 4 river crocodiles immediately enter the room. Otherwise, the pressure plates activate during the first round of combat as either a character or a death mold zombie steps on one. Either way, for the next 10 rounds 4 river crocodiles join the battle on their turn until a total of 40 crocodiles enter the battle. Even if there’s no crocodiles in the room, keep their turn in the initiative order and have 4 more show up when they’re supposed to.

Death Mold

This is the one that caused me the most difficulty. Positioning based hazards like this don’t really function in 13th Age very well. This is my best interpretation of it, going off of the idea that the 4 statues are spaced around the room in such a way that just about any living creature who enters the room should be nearby to at least one statue at all times. Prioritize the river crocodiles with the attacks, the concept of the encounter is regular crocodiles turning into additional death mold crocodiles, and nobody is supposed to enjoy that.

Death mold: DC 20 skill check to identify the death mold as a danger, or to move during combat without setting off the death mold; +10 vs. PD (1d3+1 nearby living creatures in a group) - 2d10 poison damage. Mooks are immediately reduced to 0 hp. A creature that is reduced to 0 hp by this damage immediately dies and becomes a death mold zombie. Multiple use, 1/turn, maximum 2/round.

The river crocodiles automatically activate the mold when they move, as they have no concept of how it is a threat or how to avoid it.

Mold King’s Casket: DC 30 skill check to pick the lock, trap only activates on a result of 25 or lower; +15 vs. PD (creature triggering trap plus 1d3 nearby creatures) - 3d10 fire damage. Single use. Also activates if the casket is destroyed by a DC 25 skill check or if it takes 20 damage.

Mold King’s Crown: While wearing this crown, you gain +2 MD, have resist poison damage 12+, and you cannot be infected by any disease. When a nearby creature regains hp, it must make an easy saving throw (6+) or be infected by blistering corruption. Roll a d6 for the diseases symptoms after the battle, or immediately if the creature is infected outside of battle. Quirk: Insists on being treated like royalty. Blistering Corruption Symptoms (d6) 1: A rash of blisters, swirling with corrupted ichor. 2-3: Painful boils. You take a -2 penalty to PD. 4+: Open sores weeping disgusting ichor. You regain half the normal amount of hp when you heal using recoveries. See the Death-Plague Orc in the 13th Age SRD to determine how the disease functions over time if the character is infected and this is part of a long running campaign.

All right then. That was a bit. Next time we’ll wrap up the traps and hazards for the adventure, and after that we can start putting it all together into the actual encounters.

#D&D #DnD #Dungeons and Dragons #5th edition #13th Age #my homebrew #adventure #Tears of the Crocodile God

[xenoredux]

if you're still doing horse talk can we hear more about flutter ponies? also did you have anything in mind for seaponies?

Ye ask for horse talk, ye shall receive horse talk.

I’ll elaborate on seaponies first: I don’t actually have much lore planned for them and that is my greatest flaw. But seriously, I probably should develop my ideal version of them. They’re fun little guys.

If I had any lore surrounding them, I’d say they were the first subspecies of earth pony to climb out of the sea (and then promptly go back in once they realized how cold it was out in the open air) and that they’re not limited to a strictly seahorsey shape. The classic seapony body type would be the most prevalent, but by no means the only observable kind. There’s seaponies out there that look like clownfish and sting rays and stuff. They’d have their own equivalent to the Gloom Witches who’d be, like, a shitty little lobster man and his easily frustrated jellyfish minions. Once the landtrotters (Starwish ‘n Co.) gained their friendship, they’d be able to call on them whenever they’re in both water and distress.

So that’s about it for seaponies BUT I DO have a lot of a lot to say about flutter ponies (warning for horses becoming much ded):

Flutter Ponies are a subspecies of pegasus which are related to the even lesser-seen subspecies Winger Ponies, Breezies, and Changelings. Flutters are generally smaller then the average pony both in height and weight, which makes it easy for them to skirt by pony villages unseen. There is the same variation you'd find in any species - it's possible to find a "tall" or chubby flutter - but they're characterized primarily by their small stature and their round, short-muzzled faces.

The biggest difference between them and "normal" pegasi is that their wings resemble those of insects instead of avians. Different flutter pony wings come in different shapes and colors, and these seem dictated more by individuals' personalities then their genetics. i.e. you may find a flutter with ladybug wings, or dragonfly wings, or housefly wings.

Their wings are powerful enough to carry them great distances if they need to travel, but they're also fragile enough to tear if targeted, and the healing process for a torn wing is long and painful. This motivates flutters to protect their wings whenever they can, sometimes to the detriment of what they're doing. Many a flutter has abandoned ship because they instinctively wigged out over obtaining wing damage.

One of the reasons Whilderbee is such a novelty to the populace of Paradise Estates is because flutter ponies are reclusive, secretive animals by nature. They live far away not just from other ponies, but also each other. These guys are paranoid, truly the most easily spooked and horselike of the pony races given their anxieties. If any pony is going to "see ghosts" and bolt from something that isn't there, it'd be a flutter.

So shy are these guys that their family units are limited as well. The typical flutter pony's nuclear family is, at most, composed of 2 parents and their 1 child. Flutter ponies with numerous offspring are often considered "selfish" and "irrational" among their kind because more kids = more interaction with the outside world = greater likelihood of others intruding/invading/whatever. Flutter ponies value secrecy and despise vulnerability both inside and outside of their family units.

Part of this deep-seated paranoia is because of something that happened long ago. Flutter ponies have always separated themselves from other cultures, but they used to live together in herds (or flocks - take your pick) of their own. These flutter herds would be lead by someone who had shown themselves to be unusually brave and wise, and this pony (dubbed "The Royal" by the others) would determine what was best for their herdmates.

The largest flutter herd ever recorded, one lead by The Royal Morning Glory, was destroyed because of an invading goop referred to only as "the Smooze". Little is known about this substance or its origins, but what we do know is that Morning Glory made a mistake in determining how to resist it, and so her entire herd was swallowed up by it and destroyed.

When other flutter herds caught wind of this tragedy, even after the Smooze had disappeared they were all too shaken to remain in their previous living accommodations. They came to the conclusion that living in a herd was too dangerous. There's just too much room for human (equine?) error, and working together under some wise guy's delegation didn't prevent all the flutters lost that day from being eaten by sentient sludge. Unusually, the trauma of the event didn't bring the community together but instead drove them apart, and that's how they've lived ever since.

When you combine all this isolationism, ingroup shaming, and self-limiting fear, it's not hard to see why Whilderbee was frowned upon by her people. She's wildly outgoing by flutter standards, not to mention her cardinal sin of actively seeking communications with other creatures. Ever since she was a little kid she's been trying to buddy up with blewbirds and jackalopes and sparkledogs, and this quickly earned her a reputation as, well, a freak.

Flutters don't often interact with one another (if only because a lot of them are curmudgeonly) but word spreads fast among them. This is part of the reason why Beebee, despite her cultural upbringing, still actively gets involved with her friends. She learned her own form of emotional invulnerability, and that's making everyone too cheery and giggly to ask her why they saw her wiping her face of tears the other night.

As you can imagine, all this stuffiness makes flutter ponies a bit more hoity toity then you'd think a buncha forest-dwelling recluses would be. They often pressure their only children into behaving in a very put-together, boring manner so as not to invite the scrutiny of their nearest neighbor two woodlands over. Imperfection is weakness in their eyes.

They also don't do much to hide their distaste for other animal species, non-flutter ponies included. Most other animals are simply beyond their comprehension, but other pony species unnerve them because their ways are so unfamiliar. Like, what, they just have family gatherings and cry openly and own television sets? Inconceivable! Ugly! Wrong!

All this probably makes flutters sound like a bunch of miserably stoic fuddy duddies. In a sense they are given the sort of lives they've subjected themselves to, but still waters run deep. Flutter ponies are beyond powerful if you can get them to cooperate. When enough flutters get together and beat their wings with great speed - a phenomenon they used to call "flutter stutter" - they have the power to change the weather, move buildings, and overcome just about any tangible treachery.

Pony historians have written tales about how long forgotten herds of flutters once defeated great evils by joining forces and literally fluttering their enemies away. It's also been theorized that not utilizing this ability was the mistake that killed Morning Glory's herd as they'd surely have won against the Smooze had they used it. Sadly a flutter stutter hasn't happened in about as long as anyone can remember, and it'd be a difficult thing to orchestrate these days given, well, everything.

I can imagine if this were a real show, part of a major arc would be earning the flutters' trust, convincing them that being persnickety passive-aggressive assholes to each other is bad, and motivating them to unleash this long dormant power on a common enemy. Maybe by the end of it an exceptionally clever and altruistic flutter would be dubbed leader of a new trial community the flutters would tentatively propose, a matriarch of a new age flutter pony herd. She's probably have a name like Rosedust or something. Who knows?

#asks #my little pony #mlp #pony words #me writing mlp like ''the equines must be SAD and BASTARDLY until they learn to share and make friends''

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “40 and 13″

Overpopulation caused the governments all over the world to vote for a drastic resolution: a special virus was created that makes everyone die when they turn 40 years old. The Joker will turn 40 in five days and Y/N can't cope with the news since she'll be left behind without him.

You and The Joker just finished eating dinner in front of the TV, trying to ignore the depressing news that shows the death toll climbing each day since the virus killing everybody once they turn 40 was unleashed upon the overpopulated Earth 12 months ago.

The King of Gotham is quietly sipping on his grape juice, debating if he should tell you or not; he’s been struggling with the decision for a while and being the way he is doesn’t help the matter.

“Pumpkin,” he starts the conversation,” did I ever mention my birthday is on July 13th?”

“Hm?” you turn your head towards him, not sure you heard right; you had a huge fight this morning and barely managed to patch things up enough to tolerate each other’s presence by night fall.

“You always wanna know when my birthday is and I’m telling you now it’s on July 13th.”

He keeps on staring at the TV s, disregarding your gaze that seems to burn through him.

Why is he suddenly sharing such an intimate detail? You tried several times to get it out of him without any reaction besides that of him getting mad and emphasize it’s none of your business. Unless…

“J…” you hesitantly ask. “How old are you going to be?...”

The Joker takes another sip from the can before placing it on the coffee table and nonchalantly enunciates:

“Fourty.”

He hears you sniffle it’s not difficult to predict you’re going to burst into tears in a few seconds.

“I’m only saying this because I didn’t want to drop dead without any warning; I’m sure you would hate me forever and we can’t have that happen: I do the hating part. That’s a sacred rule.”

And there she goes, he sighs as soon as Y/N begins bawling her eyes out next to him on the couch.

“…July 13th is in…in 5 days,” you manage to utter while crawling on his knees, your arms tightly going around his neck. J doesn’t stop you and actually hugs you back even if he promised himself he won’t tolerate any kind of emotional rubbish from his girlfriend.

“Yeap, coming up,” he buries his face in your shoulder, inhaling the perfume he likes and for some reason it’s not very comforting today. “You have three more years to go so make it count, ok?”

Y/N can’t stop crying and plans to blur out a million sentences yet the disclosure is overwhelming for the heartbroken woman.

“W-why didn’t you…” and The Joker can’t understand the following word but he comprehends the meaning.”…earlier?”

“I didn’t share earlier since it would have been atrocious to watch: when you cry you get these wrinkles in the middle of your forehead. Uggghhh”, he shrugs with fake disgust. “It makes you… how should I put it nicely?… Super ugly! For 5 days though…I believe I’ll be able to endure it.”

Y/N’s faint snorting noise prompts his smile too, aware she is not fighting back the stupid remark like she would usually do and that’s fine with him.

“P-please don’t leave me,” you kiss his cheek and cuddle to his body, panicking at the thought he’ll be gone in a few days.

“I don’t have a choice, Pumpkin. Nobody does. Not anymore.  It’s inevitable and you’ll have to deal with it…”

“What am I supposed to do without you?” you bring up the painful fact bound to become reality in such a short notice it physically hurts.

“Survive,” the candid reply advises. “You’re The King’s Queen so live for both until your time will come.”

J wishes to elaborate on the topic and you cover his mouth, upset.

“You’re not a King and I’m not a Queen. We’re just a man and a woman that screwed up over and over again; still…here we are. That’s it…That’s all there is…No King and no Queen,” you shake your head in denial. “Only us…” your voice dims under the burden of grief.

Your fingers slide off his lips, revealing a stunned Joker that seems to see his girlfriend for the first time. How come he didn’t realize sooner?! She loves him. She really does.

“Only us…” J repeats in a trance, pulling Y/N into a soft kiss that somehow feels more intimate than everything else they did before.

You glide your hands down his chest, the way you grind against him making it clear you want more than a make out session.

“Does this mean you’re not mad at me for the moment?” he tests the waters although the answer is logical.

“U-hum,” you take your t-shirt off and The Joker gropes you, the typical mischievous smirk lacking from his part: he just wants you close. Despite vehemently denying the hunger for your touch, the thought gives him an unexpected sense of loneliness. When all your life you’ve been nothing more than a walking contradiction, it’s hard to battle the inner demons caging your desire to the point of no return.

That’s why J wipes your tears and doesn’t have a smart ass comment regarding the smeared mascara: he craves the distraction with such intensity it makes the rest fade.

“I have some requests,” you whisper and he stares into your eyes, kind of lost and finding himself unable to resist the tempting lips pouted one inch from his.

“Oh yeah?” the curiosity takes over.

“No fighting,” you trace the tattoo on his abs and The Joker never agreed to anything faster:

“OK.”

“I want to talk about stuff we never talk about…”

“OK.”

“I want us to make love as much as possible,” you negotiate wondering if he will fuss about the spontaneous list summarized in a hurry.

“OK,” The Clown Prince of Crime consents without arguing to your terms because the truth is he has no intention to do so today.

“And I want some sort of proof that you like me,” Y/N boldly demands since he unfortunately indicated the opposite on numerous occasions in the past.

J frowns, not mumbling the OK you are expecting. The awkward silence continues and The Joker notices how hard you’re trying to hide your disappointment when actually he’s straining to conceal his own emotions. He shouldn’t indulge the urge of making you happy before it’s too late, yet the demons in his mind are quiet now: the accidental clarity could make a person finally act against their usual judgment.

You watch him pass his fingers through his locks, confused when he brings the longer strands in the front of his face. J carefully plucks one green hair out of his head, gesturing for your left hand. You hold it up and he twists the neon colored token at the base of your pinky, explaining his action while finalizing the project with a couple of knots:

“I guess you can say you have me wrapped around your finger.”

The girlfriend’s stunned expression is certainly worth the trouble of affirming it loud; The Joker savors the outcome and you take off your bra, tossing the lacy garment behind the sofa:

“Abandon all hope Mister Joker,” Y/N’s instant evil grin changes the mood.  “You belong to me now.”

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

“I can’t sleep,” you stretch next to him on the couch.

“Me neither,” he yawns. “Even if you exhausted me,” J adds, yanking you in his arms again. You kiss his collar bone, restless at the question about to echo in the stillness:

“Are you afraid?”

The Joker has no idea on how to verbalize his inner views on the matter, but he doesn’t leave you hanging either.

“Maybe …I’m not thinking about it…”

“I am,” you squeeze in the important topic he probably didn’t even consider. “I’ll be here for you when it happens, but when I die…I will be alone...”

J feels this sharp pain in his heart that makes him realize a critical element: he didn’t have the opportunity to weigh in what dying before Y/N will mean for her.

“I’ll be here,” he pecks your forehead and you cling to him, discouraged at the obvious lie.

“Yeah, sure…”

“I promise I’ll be here, alright?”

“We are both aware how well you keep your promises,” you admonish in a way that doesn’t trigger his anger.

“I’ll keep this one, hm?” he reassures Y/N and she snickers at the impossible to fulfil vow, but appreciates his passionate response nevertheless. You nod a yes, drawing invisible circles on his skin.

“Do you want to dance on the terrace?” you suggest on a whim.

“OK,” The Joker quickly consents and gets up, grabbing the sheet from the floor. He takes your hand and guides you on the patio, unfolding the thin fabric as soon as you’re outdoors. Despite the cool breeze, it’s nice and warm in the middle of the night.  

“No music?” you tease as he wraps both naked bodies in the sheet.

“We dance to our own tune, Pumpkin,” he winks and slowly moves while tightly hugging you.

“We always did,” you play along, brushing away the horrible sentiment of regret clouding the peaceful atmosphere.

“It’s a jungle out there,” J stirs the dialogue in order to address his concerns. “This whole virus business is turning the world upside down. You saw on the news they might release the antivirus sooner than anticipated, but there are no guarantees. You have to find a way to survive no matter what.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine…”

“After I’m gone, please don’t do anything… reckless. It won’t be easy, but you can’t give up."

You know what he’s referring to and mutter:

“I won’t… I swear...”

J starts spinning faster, chuckling at your excited screams. 

“Stoooop!!!!” you beg laughing, trying not to trip and fall.

“Did you ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?” he bites your ear and you squeal, jumping out of the sheet that’s sliding to the ground since he’s not holding it anymore.

“No,” you giggle and J lifts you up in his arms, delighted to have found a small piece of heaven in the hell surrounding the gloomy future.

“Good; there’s a first time for everything,” he abruptly halts for a kiss before reprising the crazy pace while Y/N can’t remember the last time the two of them had so much fun.

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

July the 13th, 8:45am

“I couldn’t help noticing you didn’t wish me a happy birthday,” he watches you comb your hair and the reflection in the mirror depicts a tearful girlfriend that struggles with so many emotions it’s difficult to speak. “I was hoping you’ll mention it while we took a shower.”

“Happy Birthday…”

“Thanks,” The Joker simply replies and you finally put the brush down and attempt to flee the bathroom when he blocks the exit. “Are you avoiding me?”

“Ummm… I’ll make breakfast…” you sniffle and he glares at you, understanding your reaction for once.

“I was planning to have sex, but I might kick the bucket right in the middle of the activity and I believe you might take it personally although I don’t consider you boring in bed.”

“It’s not funny…” you scold and he agrees:

“It’s not because it’s not meant to be,” the harsh reality strikes a chord within Y/N. “It literally can happen at any moment and I don’t want to embarrass myself like that. Can you imagine? Rumors spread all over town that The Joker couldn’t finish.”

He detects the faint smile and sulks at your verdict:

“You’re an idiot.”

“That’s fucking rude,” he scoffs. “What if these are the last words I hear?! What if I check out precisely this second, huh?! Would you be thrilled that’s the last thing you said to me?!”

Instead of a sassy remark J gets a remorseful apology he wasn’t aiming for:

“I’m sorry… I don’t know what to do…”

“Me neither,” he sincerely underlines. “In the meantime, you should…” and pauses since he suddenly feels out breath, “you should make breakfast.”

“Are you OK?” you inquire, worried he almost lost his balance.

“I’m fine, just need my coffee to wake up,” he sighs and steps away from the doorway, heading towards the master bedroom.

“Aren’t you coming downstairs?” you catch up with him and The Joker tilts over for your support.

“I’m a bit dizzy; I’ll lie down until you finish the food. Don’t look so panicked: after I eat I’ll be better.”

You gulp and place him in bed, your pulse so enhanced it gives you the impression you’ll faint soon.

“You want some water?” you offer and he adjusts his pillows, collapsing on top of them afterwards.

“Yes,” J musters the strength to grumble, this weird sensation of total exhaustion creeping up in his brain.

You rush out of the room and bump into the bookcase, numb at the soreness. The Joker barely perceives your stomping, digging under the cushions for a small envelope he keeps in his fist for you to find in case you don’t return before he loses consciences. He wrote the note yesterday and it would be a shame to chicken out at the end and not proceed as planned.

“Here’s the water,” you barge in with the bottle and run by the bed, nervously touching his face. “How are you? Can you stand up?”

His eyes go in the back of the head and he tries to concentrate on your voice as it fades into nothingness.

“Hey, I’ll make your favorite pancakes,” you shake him, startled he won’t snap out of his apathy. “J, look at me. Come on, let’s go downstairs…Can you at least drink some water?” you start sobbing seeing he’s not receptive to your encouragements.

The Joker’s lips are moving without sound and you fall on your knees, scared to see him frantically breathing:

“I know, alright? I already know. All I ask is that you come downstairs and eat your stupid pancakes, deal?”

The Joker’s eyes are closing and he deeply exhales, releasing the small piece of paper that rolls on the floor. You don’t even pay attention to it, desperate to witness an event you aren’t prepared for.

When The Joker came into this world 40 years ago, there was nobody there to love the newborn; his own mother didn’t want him.

But when he passed away at 9:03 am on his birthday, someone that loved him was there.  

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

Three years later – your birthday, 6:07am

You turn off the TV, annoyed they continue to depict the terrible results after to the official release of the antivirus last week: it’s not working and people are still dying. What did they expect by opening Pandora’s Box? So much turmoil on the streets, protests and demonstrations…

The governments will be voting tomorrow on implementing the martial law since the public outcry makes it impossible to contain the escalating damage after the huge failure they neglected to speculate.

Y/N drags her feet on the carpet, watching the snowflakes dancing outside the windows.

“We shouldn’t postpone this any longer…” you talk to yourself, removing the precious message The Joker left behind out of the hidden drawer on top of the fireplace.

You unfold the envelope, reading the hand written note for the millionth time:

Inside you’ll find my real name.

You’re the only one I trust with this.

Destroy the evidence.

You don’t glance at the name it contains and his memory immediately makes the isolation unbearable. You flick the envelope on the burning logs, enjoying the flames consuming the last trace of who he really was.

“Done… I kept my end of the bargain; where’s yours?” you lecture The Joker’s framed picture decorating the dinner table. “Liar…” Y/N pats her hands together, feeling cold even if the fire is very warm. The ticklish sensation in your fingers intensifies, making you shiver. You stare at your knuckles, no other jewelry besides the strand of green hair still wrapped around your pinky; it’s infinitely more valuable than any present J ever gifted you.

A gush of wind makes the curtains fly inward since the sliding glass doors leading to the terrace are wide opened. The sky is still dark, matching the general mood hoovering over Gotham these days.

You decide to take a stroll on the patio, this way you might be able to clear your mind from the impending doom you can’t escape. The snow squeaks under Y/N’s socks and the chill gets her out of trance since evidently she didn’t bring a jacket either. Another step and you stumble, finding it difficult to regain your equilibrium.

“Shit…” you choke on the strong air filling up your lungs.

Why is it so difficult to walk?

You take a seat on the nearest chair by the pool, not bothering cleaning up the snow; for some reason a break is more than welcomed at this point. You’re growing restless and try to disregard the anxiety building up in your chest: are you dying? Or is merely stress after living with this burden for so long?

Maybe if you shut your eyes and rest for a sec, you won’t be this tired. Yet the moon is shining so brightly it’s impossible to ignore; last time it was this beautiful you danced with the devil on an that unforgettable summer night. Seems like ages ago for the worn out Y/N.  

What if you take a nap? Only five minutes. That should be helpful and then you can resume your morning routine because you refuse to accept this could be the end already. Your eyelids close, not realizing you don’t feel the cold anymore; it’s nice and comforting, just like the touch of someone you love.

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

You wiggle in the chair and rub your eyes, refreshed after the well-deserved snooze: hopefully you didn’t waste too much time from your last day on earth. Your gaze wanders off around the terrace and you suddenly freeze: there’s someone leaning over the railing, watching the city from the 30th floor.

You rise from your spot and hesitantly walk towards the person, gasping when you notice the familiar fur coat.

“There she is,” The Joker turns around to greet you, smirking when you cover your mouth in disbelief. “Told you I’ll be here.”

You can’t make a single sound and he opens his arms, waiting for you to run to him.

“You didn’t miss me?” he laughs at your baffled reaction, bundling the coat around Y/N as soon as she finds herself in his embrace.

“I did miss you; I missed you so much,” you inhale his scent and the smell of your favorite cologne confirms he’s truly there. You hug him so tight he would normally complain, but there’s no bickering coming out of The Joker. “I can’t believe you’re here,” you smile and he kisses your lips, whispering:

“You have me wrapped around your finger. Where else am I supposed to be?”

 Also read: MASTERLIST

diyunho(.)tumblr(.)com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist

#the joker x reader #the joker fanfiction #the joker imagine #the joker jared leto #the joker #the joker suicide squad #joker #joker fanfiction #joker x reader #joker suicide squad #mister j #Mistah J #Mr.J #dc #dcu

[faveficarchive]

Fire and Ice: Part 6 & 7

By Friction

Pairing: Xena/Gabrielle

Rating: Mature

Synopsis: In this uberfic, Danielle (Gabrielle) is robbed by a mysterious woman, and as a result, discovers a lot of new things about herself.

Part VI

Alex awoke to a deep seeded pulling sensation. As she came to her senses, she discovered Danielle was gently suckling her breast. She opened her eyes and watched as the young woman efforts became more concentrated. A spasm shot through her as Danielle gently nipped the hardened point and she groaned in pleasure.

The young woman lifted her head and looked up innocently. "I didn’t mean to wake you. I guess, I got carried away. I couldn’t resist. You looked so luscious lying here." She was surprised by the frankness of her own words, her face colored beautifully.

Alex smiled and caressed her cheek. "So do you."

Danielle’s eyes blazed with desire as they ran the length of her lover’s body, finally fixing on Alex’s breasts. "Your nipples responded to my touch, even when you were sleeping." She said proudly, barely resisting the urge to casually swirl her tongue over the sensitive flesh already stiff with desire.

It was Alex’s turn to blush. She didn’t usually sleep so soundly. In fact, she was stunned that she hadn’t been awakened by her lover’s ministrations sooner. She could not remember the last time she had slept through the entire night, felt so at peace. The edgy tension that was so much a part of her was gone.

"What a wonderful way to wake..." Her words were abruptly cut off as Danielle ran her finger lightly across Alex’s sex and held the glistening digit up to the light, marveling at the sight. She slowly ran her tongue over her finger, sampling her lover’s essence. The erotic act sent a shiver thorough Alex.

Danielle met her gaze and smiled playfully. "I want more."

Alex inhaled sharply as the implications of her words slammed home. Before she could recover, she felt Danielle’s hair tickle her skin as her eager lover’s tongue blazed a hot trail down her anxious body.

"I want to feel you climax...with my mouth."

Danielle’s breath blew lightly against her sex. Alex eagerly lifted her hips. The first contact was a long gentle stroke, the full length of her sex. It was nearly Alex’s undoing. Her body surged with desire, responding to her younger lover’s caress.

Danielle was thorough in her exploration. Her lips gently encircled her swollen clit, eliciting a moan from her lover. She flicked her tongue over the tip in a teasingly slow rhythm that was as steady and persistent as her own heartbeat. Each stroke was timed so precisely that Alex knew it was coming an instant before the contact was made.

Her inner muscles clenched each time in anticipation. Danielle’s touch was maddeningly light. Alex tried to thrust her hips forward to force greater contact, but Danielle’s left hand pressed down on her lower abdomen, commanding her to be still.

It was all Alex could do to not to use her superior strength. The temptation to rock her hips into Danielle’s touch was irresistible. "I need more."

Danielle lifted her head for but a moment. "I know." She smiled and lowered her mouth once again to the sensitive nub, teasing her mercilessly.

Alex exhaled a long anguished moan. The world drifted away until there was nothing but the persistent attentions of Danielle’s tongue, the gentle impact of each touch. The pulsing between her legs was driving her wild and Alex trembled as she strained for release.

Suddenly, Danielle’s fingertips brushed her thigh, adding a new sensation. The determined fingers traveled slowly up to her sex. Alex stiffened and groaned as her lover’s tentative fingers pressed against her opening, seeking entrance.

"Yesss!"

As Danielle pushed deep inside, Alex’s restraint snapped. The feel of Danielle inside her sent currents of pleasure through her body. She grasped Danielle’s head with both hands. The young woman yielded and slid her tongue back and forth with increasing pressure while pumping firmly inside her.

Her inner walls clutched at Danielle’s fingers with each thrust. She sucked in a long, deep breath, and stiffened in climax. Her thighs shook and she pushed against Danielle’s diligent tongue. She shuddered, her sex pulsing with sensation.

Danielle held her, stroking her hair. "I love you Alex."

Alex looked into the green eyes that gazed at her, brimming with adoration. "And I love you. You were wonderful."

Danielle sighed happily. "I was given excellent instruction."

"Apparently..." Alex smiled. "But I don’t recall that particular lesson."

She kissed her lightly. Danielle was happy that she had pleased her, but she sensed that Alex had held back. The raw passion that burned inside her had not been released. She felt the power of the untapped energy within Alex so keenly that it crackled like static on the surface of her skin. She ran her fingers over the fine hair below Alex’s navel, expecting it to cling to the tips of her fingers.

In time her love would help Alex let go of the guilt and pain she carried. Only when Alex allowed herself to be vulnerable, allowed herself to trust, would she at last unleash her full capacity to be loved. With time, Danielle was determined to earn that trust and take her lover where only she could.

She took a deep breath and rested her head on Alex’s soft breast. "It feels like I’m awake in my dreams. I’m so happy."

Alex closed her arms around her beautiful lover and made a silent wish that she would never forget this moment.

*****

The delicious scent of sex filled the room. Danielle was insatiable, proving the perfect match for her energetic lover. They made love all morning, napping until early afternoon. Their bodies entwined.

When Alex awoke Danielle was asleep on her breast. The feeling engulfing her was foreign and powerful. She was happy. Alex wrapped her arm around her lover’s waist, causing Danielle to stir.

"Been awake long?" Danielle asked dreamily.

"No." Alex replied kissing her lightly. Danielle looked at her wistfully.

"What are you thinking about?" Alex questioned.

"I was just thinking that I will never forget this room, this cabin, these woods." Danielle looked at Alex seriously. "We won’t be able to stay much longer, will we?"

"No, I’m sorry. Will you mind?"

Danielle shook her head. "As long as I have you, I can be happy anywhere." Alex held her close.

"Where will we go?"

"Where would you like to go?"

"I’ve always wanted to see Greece."

Alex smiled. She had similar dreams. "I think that can be arranged."

"Can we afford it?"

"Money isn’t a problem. I..." Alex stopped talking as memories of her past sins surfaced. She looked at Danielle with deep regret.

"I’m truly sorry about the robbery. If I could get your uncle’s things back I would. They’re gone." She took a deep breath and waited for Danielle’s anger to arise.

"It’s only money Alex. My uncle has lots of it. It doesn’t matter." She tried to reassure her, but felt Alex almost imperceptibly distance herself.

After several minutes Alex put her arms around Danielle and looked into her eyes.

"What. .. What is it?" Danielle asked.

"You are so quick to forgive." Danielle looked puzzled by Alex’s remark.

"You know...the robbery, the journal...the deception." The words made Alex wince. She looked away, but not before Danielle saw the sadness in her eyes.

Danielle turned on her side to face Alex directly. "Well, you didn’t know me, when you tied me up so I gave you some latitude on that one." She smiled lightly and shrugged. "As for the journal, I admit at first it felt like a terrible invasion, but..." She paused. "Alex why did you take my journal?"

"I’m not sure. There was something about the design on the front that attracted me. I didn’t even know what it was."

"Well, then...not much to forgive there."

"It’s that easy, huh?"

"Well, no" Danielle said thoughtfully. "I’ve been thinking of ways for you to make up for those little indiscretions, believe me." She winked playfully.

Alex looked back seriously. "I intend to spend the rest of my life making things right."

Danielle smiled, refusing to let her lover lapse into guilt, "It shouldn’t be such a difficult task. I can think of some very pleasurable ways for you to do that."

Alex looked off into the distance. Danielle waved her hand in front of her lover’s face. "Hey, I was hoping that would make you happy."

Alex smiled for Danielle’s benefit. The love she saw on the young woman’s face was so genuine.

Danielle stroked her lover’s cheek. "I can see the wheels turning. What are you thinking?"

Alex glanced away, unable to mask her feelings from this incredible woman. Danielle looked deep into her lovers’ eyes. "You know that I love you. There’s nothing that can change that."

"I wish that were true." Alex replied doubtfully. Danielle opened her mouth to speak but Alex continued. "You don’t really know me...at least you don’t know who I used to be." Danielle remained quiet. " If you knew everything about me, you wouldn’t be able to love me."

Danielle took Alex’s hand and pressed it to her lips. "Alex I can tell you that nothing from your past will ever change the way I feel about you. But I can’t prove it to you unless you take the first step and talk to me. I know it’s scary, but you’re going to have to trust me."

Alex slid out of bed and put on her robe. "Lets get this over with, but not here." Alex couldn’t bear to taint the memories of their incredible love making with the ugly tale she was about to tell. Danielle followed in silence out to the deck and pulled up a chair next to her. She watched as Alex poured a glass of scotch, then took her hand in support.

Alex took a sip. "I want to start at the beginning. I can’t justify what I have done. But I need you to know it all. If you decide to leave me, I’ll understand." Danielle nodded and with a deep sigh, Alex began.

"Power has always been a lure for me. I’m drawn to it, intrigued by it. All my life I was drawn to people who had it and intrigued by how they used it. At a young age I realized I could use sex to my advantage, to exert control. I used my body to get what I wanted. It was a powerful tool in those early days, an easy way to manipulate people."

Her grip tightened and she raised her eyes to meet Danielle’s. "It never meant anything to me...not until now...not until you." Danielle squeezed her hand reassuringly. The tender gesture filled Alex with such relief that she was tempted to stop and take the young woman in her arms. She forced herself to continue.

"I grew up in a bad part of the city, a rough neighborhood. My father walked out on us when I was very young and mother had her hands full trying to care for the three of us. She seemed powerless and weak. Others controlled her. I was young and foolish then and had no idea of the inner strength she possessed. I only knew her life wasn’t for me. In nature, the strong survived and I intended to be a survivor."

"I talked my younger brother into joining a gang with me, convincing him that it was the best way to protect what was ours. I had a knack for leading people and in no time I controlled the small group of street kids. They were fearless and had a ruthless reputation that was well-earned. Soon our small territory wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more...more power, more control."

"And I got it. But for a terrible price, my brother’s life. He was stabbed during a skirmish with a rival gang and died instantly. He had been the calm voice of reason in my world. Without his steadying influence, I allowed rage to envelope me."

"It didn’t take me long to track down the kid who killed him. I broke into his house and cornered him in his own bedroom. He was smaller than me and it was easy to grab him from behind. Without a second thought I slit his throat. His warm blood spilled from his body over my hands and it was done." She clasped her trembling fingers in her lap in an attempt to cover the blood only she could see there.

"When I released him, he dropped to the floor, dead. I remember looking at his motionless body, amazed at how easily I had ended his life. I..." Her voice cracked with emotion as she replayed the memory.

"I heard a noise and looked up. His kid brother, no more than 5 years old had witnessed the whole thing. He sat cowering in bed, whimpering helplessly. I’ll never forget the look on his face. I was his worst nightmare come to life, a monster. It was as if he had held a mirror to my face. For the first time I understood what I was all about. There was no going back. I knew my soul was lost."

Danielle saw the anguish on Alex’s face and held her hands in an attempt to comfort her. Alex looked right through her. Her eyes filled with regret. "There are some things that can’t be atoned for."

She freed her hands and took a long swallow of scotch. It didn’t help. The entire bottle would not have been enough to dull her memory sufficiently.

"My mother was heart broken by my brother’s death. I saw the scorn in her eyes whenever she looked at me. Both she and my elder brother blamed me. They understood the evil I was capable of even back then. They wanted to be free of me."

She took a deep breath. "I can’t blame them. I was responsible for his death as surly as if I had wielded the knife that killed him."

"I feared if I gave into my grief, I would not survive it. The gang was all I had to keep me going. I let my anger consume me. They respected strength and detested weakness. The course of my life was set. I allowed myself to be ruled by anger and pride."

"Those who knew me, feared me. This became one of my strongest weapons against my enemies. My reputation was becoming widespread. It wasn’t long before the gang wasn't enough. Soon I was recruited by a middleman for a large and powerful crime ring. In no time I had his job. The position was a stepping stone to the people who had real power."

"By now, I had proven myself sufficiently and had come to the attention of Julian Sezaree, a powerful crime boss. He was intelligent, charismatic and even more ambitious than I. In addition, he had the vision my youth lacked and showed me possibilities I had not even dreamed of. I was easily tempted by his promises of wealth and power." She shook her head and took another drink. "He had me figured me out from the beginning."

"I was eager to learn everything that he had to teach. I got into high end jewel and art crime, and even an occasional bank robbery. I was never so naive that I trusted him completely. But I was naive enough to think that I could keep one step ahead of him. I was young and stupid."

"I never worked with Julian directly back then. I was too green. In those early years, my work was sloppy and people died because of it. Although I always got the job done, Julian was often angered by my lack of planning. Eventually he set me up with partners who trained me in the areas I was weak. I was more than willing to do whatever it took to improve."

"I had learned well and went a number of years without a single kill. I meticulously planned every robbery. Soon, Julian was confident using me for the more important jobs. Things were going well, until I made a grave error. I trusted my partner and Julian."

"We were to steal a valuable collection of art work from a senator’s house. Julian put my partner in charge of the details. The job was poorly planned. The senator and his wife returned home before we were finished and in a rash move, I killed the senator."

"His wife watched in horror as his life blood bubbled from the open gash in his throat. I dropped him and went for her. She never moved. She looked right at me. Her eyes..."

Alex paused and struggled to continue. "There was something about her eyes that made me think back to that first one...and that little boy. I don’t know what came over me but I dropped the knife and pulled off my mask. That’s all I remember. My partner said I froze and he had to finish the wife. He told me that I just stood there for nearly fifteen minutes. It would have ended there if he had left me, but he didn’t. Later I found out why."

"I knew I couldn’t do it anymore and went to Julian. He laughed and said it was a little late in the game to be developing a conscious. He told me emotions made people weak, that I had a lifetime of money to make for him. It was far from over for me."

"I told him I was finished, knowing it might cost me my life and not caring. That’s when he showed me the tape my partner had made of me killing the senator. That in itself wasn’t enough to hold me and he knew it. He taunted me with my mother’s life, said how easy it would be for she and my brother to have an accident. He owned me and he knew it."

"That was four years ago. He gets about 5 million a year from me and leaves my family alone." She paused. "I’ve done some terrible things. Things I can’t change. But please believe me when I say that all I want now is to be out. I can’t do it anymore."

"You don’t have to. You can stop."

"I’m not sure I can. I’ve wanted to before…but Julian’s too powerful."

"Before you were alone. Now your not." Danielle spoke softly.

Alex searched her face for any hint of misgiving, afraid to believe Danielle would want to stay with her after everything she heard.

"Are you saying...you still want to be with me?"

"Yes, nothing will ever change that." She took Alex’s trembling hands in her own. "I’ll always be here for you." Danielle’s love seemed unshakable. Alex was deeply moved by her loyalty.

"Why? After everything I..."

"Alex, the past is written. We can’t change it. I still love you, I always will. But, I think you know that. What you’re reluctant to believe is that you deserve my love."

Danielle lovingly brushed her cheek. "You do. I’m not going anywhere. Together we’ll find our path. Our life together starts here and now."

Alex would have no more lies or deceptions between them. She paused and took her hands. "Danielle, I only know of one way to get out from under Julian’s control. As long as he’s alive I can never be free. He will never let me go. The only way we can have a life together is if he’s dead. He’s asked me to do a special job for him. I’m going to use it to lure him in and finish something I should have taken care of a long time ago. I’m going to kill him." The disapproval in Danielle’s eyes was plain. Alex avoided her glance.

"First, I have to get you out of town. Make sure your safe."

"Alex, I’m not leaving."

"Please Danielle, I need you to do this for me."

Danielle could not mask her frustration. "Alex, if you knew I was facing a danger from my past, would you leave me, to protect yourself? If I asked you to walk away, told you I needed for you to be safe would you go? Could you leave me?"

The answer was too obvious to verbalize. They both knew it.

"And why do you think it is any different for me?" She took Alex in her arms and kissed her tenderly, leaving no doubt about her complete devotion. She gently pulled back and held Alex’s face lovingly in her hands.

"There is nothing anyone can do to make me leave you. Not even you. Whatever the consequences I’m willing to pay them, because the alternative is unthinkable."

Alex knew with certainty that her salvation lie with this young woman.

"Your not alone anymore. Together we are stronger than we could ever be apart. There’s a way out of this and we’re going to find it…together."

Alex pulled Danielle to her, hugging her close.

She led Danielle into the bedroom and pushed the night stand aside, lifting several loose floor boards. A small safe was cemented into the floor. "Julian wasn’t the only to think of blackmail. I have enough documentation to send him to prison for life, but not without implicating myself."

"There’s no chance you could get immunity for the information?" Danielle asked.

"I’ll never get immunity. I’ve done things that can't be forgiven. It’s not politically expedient to grant immunity to someone who has committed the crimes I have. No politician is going to take that kind of risk, not even to nail Julian. And if by some miracle they did, Julian’s people would get to me. I wouldn’t last a week."

"There must be a way."

"I think there is." Alex paused, knowing her lover would not approve. "He wants me to steal van Gogh’s "Corridor in the Asylum" from the Museum of Modern Art.

"You aren’t going to do it, are you?"

"I am. This will be the last."

"When?"

"Tomorrow night. For some reason this is important to him, more than he’s letting on. I think I can get him to deal with me directly, maybe even collect it from me personally. I’ll arrange a meeting with him after I have it." She hesitated before continuing. "I plan to kill him at the drop point."

Danielle looked away.

Alex placed the floor boards back into position. "If I fail, if he kills me, I want you to get these documents to the police. It might save my mother and brother." Alex removed the silver bracelet from her wrist, pointing out the small key that opened the safe. She put the bracelet on Danielle wrist and tightened the clasp.

Alex made eye contact and held it to be sure Danielle understood. "Don’t give the evidence to the police unless I’m dead."

Danielle nodded and held her tight. Alex put a lot of faith in her showing her this. She would not let her down. But somehow, she had to talk her out of killing Julian, there had to be another way to free her. She had to find an alternate plan.

Alex interrupted her concentration. "I have a number of details to see to before tomorrow night." She explained.

"Can I help?"

Alex was touched by her lover’s devotion. "You already have. But this will be easier for me, if I do it alone." Danielle looked concerned.

She tried to console her. "I don’t expect any trouble." She tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind Danielle’s ear. "Just knowing your safe and waiting for me, is help enough."

"Okay then, I’ll wait." Danielle was determined to be supportive. "When will I see you again?"

"It will be at least a couple of days. I’ll come to you as soon as I can." Danielle looked troubled.

"I’ll get this over with as soon as possible. You won’t even have time to miss me."

The young woman released a heavy breath. "I doubt that very much."

Alex smiled. "There is something you can do for me."

Danielle looked up hopefully. Alex took her hand lovingly and pulled her up onto the bed.

*****

Alex pulled into the lot and looked up at Danielle’s window. She could see her talking on the phone and smiled at her animated gestures. She was dressed in a green satin robe that Alex hadn’t seen before. Danielle hung up and dug a spoon into a pint container of ice cream. Alex watched intently as the spoon slipped past her lover’s lips.

She took a deep breath. The sight of her lover excited her. She picked up her cell phone and punched in Danielle’s number. She felt a chill as she watched the young woman lick the spoon clean and pick up the receiver.

"Hello"

"Mmm, hi."

Danielle exhaled in relief. She had been nervously awaiting word from Alex’s all evening. "Are you all right? Did everything go okay?"

"Just fine. I’m finished with my business and I thought maybe we could get together." She watched a beautiful smile spread across her lover’s face.

"I would like that."

"You have a beautiful smile, by the way, and green is definitely your color."

"How do you..."

"I have my ways."

Danielle stepped up to the window and peered out. Alex was leaning on the car gazing up at her.

"How long have you been watching me?"

"Not nearly long enough." Alex winked. "Can I come up?"

Danielle paused and looked thoughtful. "Hmm...I don’t know." She looked playfully at Alex.

"Please...let me in." Alex purred, going along with the game.

"And since when did a locked door ever stop you?"

"Ahh...That was the old Alex. I’ve found love and given up my wicked ways."

"I hope not all your wicked ways."

"Never." Alex smiled. "I’m coming up."

"Wait…tonight I call the shots." She smiled seductively, sending a chill down Alex’s back. "Agreed?"

Alex froze momentarily then nodded. Her legs felt rubbery as she climbed last of the stairs that separated them.

When she got to the top, Danielle was standing with the door open. She pulled Alex in and pushed her against the closed door, locking her mouth to Alex’s. The kiss was slow and sensual, leaving the older woman breathless.

"I guess you really did miss me." Alex smiled.

Danielle nuzzled her lips against the hollow of her neck. "Terribly."

She touched her tongue against warm flesh and tasted her lover’s skin. "I’ve wanted you all day."

"And now that you have me what do you intend to do with me?"

"You’ll know soon enough." Danielle promised.

She could see the dark outline of Alex’s nipples through her light blouse. Her fingers worked methodically at the buttons until her lover’s breasts were fully exposed. Alex’s erect nipples betrayed her arousal. The points stood up, begging to be touched. Danielle slid the blouse over the swell of her muscled shoulders and let it fall to the floor.

Without hesitating, she dropped to her knees and slowly unzipped her pants. She could feel Alex’s heat without touching her skin and smiled. Alex wasn’t wearing underpants. Danielle kissed the dark patch of curly hair in appreciation. She watched as the muscles of Alex’s abdomen contracted, releasing the delicious scent of her lover. Danielle’s senses filled. Without hesitation the tip of her tongue darted between Alex’s outer lips, sampling the wetness that coated her sex. Alex nervously pulled Danielle to her feet.

"Now you." She tugged at the tie of her robe and watched hungrily as it fell open. Alex slowly pulled the belt from the loops of the robe. She snapped the material and smiled wickedly.

"Once a thief, always a thief." She teased.

Alex draped the tie across Danielle’s wrists and raised a questioning brow. Danielle’s pulse quickened. The temptation to submit to her lover was strong, but she had different plans for Alex. This would have to wait for another night.

Danielle freed her hands and shook her head. "Not this time." She winked showing her interest in the idea. "You promised I would be in control. Have you forgotten?"

Alex’s mouth went dry.

Danielle stretched the tie in front of her, gauging her reaction. Alex’s eyes darted anxiously, reminding her of a caged lioness. She dropped the tie. Alex’s relief was apparent.

Danielle guided the strong hands to her bare hips. The moment Alex came in contact with the young woman’s flesh her body relaxed. She ran her fingers up Danielle’s slides and quickly relieved her of her robe.

"Come." Danielle whispered. She took Alex’s hand in hers and led her into the bedroom.

Danielle immediately took control, directing her down onto the bed. She urged Alex to slide back until her lower back was leaning against the headboard. Danielle hands gently spread Alex’s legs and she kneeled between them.

"Do you trust me?" Danielle asked. Alex met her gaze and nodded. Danielle leaned in and breathed hotly against Alex’s ear.

"No more barriers between us." .

Alex’s chest tightened. She wanted to give Danielle her very soul, the young woman deserved nothing less, but she was afraid she couldn’t. In the back of her mind there was Julian, taunting, a continual reminder of her murderous past and misplaced trust. She wasn’t sure if she was capable of letting her guard down fully.

"Surrender to me." Danielle breathed.

She was asking her to relinquish control, to trust her completely. Alex couldn’t speak, the words were trapped deep inside.

The young woman read the reluctance in her eyes. She held Alex’s face in her hands. "You think he owns you, that you have to destroy him to be free. But you’re ruled by your heart, Alex and he doesn’t own that…I do. And tonight, I’m going to prove it. After tonight, you will always remember." She stared possessively into the vivid blue before her.

Alex feared her heart would burst from her chest. She could not stop her body from trembling. Just as she prepared to bolt, Danielle leaned in and lightly touched her lips. Alex’s body slowly yielded to her own need. Her lips parted, allowing Danielle’s tongue entrance, while her own tongue urgently sought out the heat of Danielle’s mouth. The fevered coupling was sheer bliss.

The younger woman sat back leaving Alex breathless.

Her eyes caressed Alex as she spoke. "I plan to go very slowly." The older woman’s heart beat rapidly as Danielle guided Alex’s legs closed.

"No matter what I do, where I touch you, I want you to hold back." She put her lips against Alex’s ear and straddled her legs.

"Don’t climax until I tell you…" A sensual smile spread across her lips. "Do you understand?"

Alex swallowed hard and nodded. In reward, Danielle ran her finger down the length of her torso stopping at the apex of her thighs.

Danielle’s mouth followed at a slower pace, moving down her neck, shoulder, and arm until she reach the swell of Alex’s breast. Her tongue circled the erect nipple several times before her mouth fell on it hungrily. She fed on Alex’s nipple as if it were her body, and not her soul that required nourishment. The insistent pulling flooded Alex’s entire being with heat. She arched into the exquisite contact, her breathing hoarse and needy.

Once again Danielle pulled back. Alex’s pleading expression revealed how desperately she wanted her young lover to continue.

Danielle smiled and reached into the ice bucket on the night table, grasping a piece in her fingers. Alex watched it glisten in the dim light. She was transfixed. The slick cube lightly grazed her skin just below the hollow of her throat, causing Alex to tremble with excitement.

The young woman’s tongue followed behind the cool ice, burning a trail. The contrasting temperatures brought every nerve in Alex’s body to life. She moaned at the incredible sensation. Danielle took her time as promised, tracing the curves of her breasts, moving torturously slow down her torso.

Alex was keenly aware of the wetness building between her legs as Danielle neared the place she needed her most. As in worship, Danielle kissed her lover’s mound. Alex attempted to spread her legs in offering, but Danielle’s knees proved to be an immovable barrier. A frustrated cry escaped Alex’s lips.

"Easy..." Danielle soothed, her fingers caressing the moist curly hairs. Alex groaned and forced her legs to relax.

"We have all…night...long." Danielle whispered slowly. Alex inhaled sharply, not nearly as confident in her restraint as her young lover.

Danielle sat back on her heels and picked up another piece of ice. Alex watched mesmerized as the ice succumbed to her young lover’s heated skin, droplets streamed down Danielle’s fingers, dripping onto her stomach.

Alex felt a wave of dizziness as she realized, that like the ice, she too was melting under her lover’s touch. Danielle slowly reached for the something on the night table. When her hand came back into view, she held a long thin needle. She searched her lover’s eyes for her reaction, ready to abandon her plan at the slightest hesitation. Alex swallowed hard and nodded.

Danielle slowly circled her lover’s erect nipple with the ice. Alex’s shoulders snapped back, causing her breasts to jut forward, her nipples stood up provocatively . Danielle smiled and lovingly circled the hard point several times in succession. Alex shivered more from anticipation than cold. The knowledge of what her lover intended to do stimulated her beyond reason.

"Hold on to the headboard." Alex obeyed immediately, her arms stretched out low to either side.

Danielle, set the ice aside and cradled her lovers right breast in her hand. Slowly she tightened her grip. "Be very still."

With loving care and delicate precision, she passed the sharp needle through the numbed nipple. Alex was conscious only of her lover’s warm hand and a dull pressure. The sight of the needle penetrating the her erect flesh caused her head to swim with excitement.

Danielle reached for the small gold loop on the night table. She removed the tiny bead, opening the ring. With loving care, she threaded it through her lover’s nipple. She used a soft cloth to wipe away two of the three small drops of blood from Alex’s breast. The last she collected on the end of her finger. Alex quivered with desire as she watched her lover slowly lick the droplet with the tip of her tongue.

Danielle re-attached the bead to the ring, pausing to admire her work. Her eyes sparkled with approval.

"So perfect." Danielle smiled.

She lifted Alex’s breast, causing the ring to shift slightly. Alex bit back a moan. "Yes…when it moves...when it tugs...when you feel your clothes rub against it, you’ll think of me." She squeezed gently. "You’re mine."

"Yes..." Alex hissed as her mouth closed hungrily on Danielle’s. Her hands slid through Danielle’s hair and pulled her in. The need in her kiss revealed her desperate hunger. Danielle gently pushed her back. Alex groaned.

"On your knees."

Alex’s mind reeled as it processed the request. With little hesitation she complied, her body thrumming with anticipation as she turned and faced the wall.

"Place your hands on the headboard."

Alex reached forward with trembling fingers, grateful for something solid to hold on to. She tightly gripped the low brass headboard. The metal felt cool against her fevered skin.

"That’s right...back up...just a little more...stretch your arms out...yes...that’s it.

The change in position caused the flow of blood to quickly circulate to her breasts, bringing a rush of warmth to the tender flesh. The cool numbing effect of the ice slowly faded and her nipple to began to throb with sensation, echoing the pulsing between her legs.

She kneeled, her arms outstretched, her nipples less than an inch from the bed. Each time she exhaled the small nipple ring brushed lightly against the sheets, sending a riot of sensation through her. She fought the urge to roll over and take control. With complete disregard for modesty, she rolled her hips in a silent plea to end her longing.

Danielle moved behind and slight to the left. She slowly ran her hand down Alex’s straining torso, and over her firm bottom, stopping just short of her sex. Alex spread her legs and moaned as her sensitive nipple rubbed against the sheet. Danielle wrapped her right arm around Alex’s waist holding her in place and playfully squeezed the neglected left nipple with her other hand.

Gradually Danielle released her and let the fingers seek out the source of Alex’s heat. They slid teasingly across her opening, slowly circling her entrance. Alex cried out. She was wet, open and empty…raw with need. The urge to rock her hips back was overwhelming, but the headboard anchored her in place. It was impossible to push back on her lover’s questing fingers without letting go.

As if in answer to her silent prayer, Danielle pressed two fingers a scant few millimeters past her entrance and paused, watching Alex twitch with anticipation. She smiled and pushed in a little farther, then paused again. Alex shuddered. Her young lover had been paying attention. Danielle pushed just a bit deeper, wriggling her fingers.

"I want every inch of you." Danielle whispered hotly.

Alex groaned and threw her head back, teeth clenched. She managed to keep from crying out by expelling her breath in a deep hiss. The sharp exhale caused the nipple ring to graze the sheets, harder this time. She gasped as her aroused nipple tightened around the small ring. It sent a rush of heat to her very core.

Danielle’s fingers continued their slow progression inside her, until at last she was completely filled. Alex moaned, her pleasure was so acute.

It was a wonderful sound, the purest reflection of the ecstasy she felt. Danielle’s left hand pressed against Alex’s lower abdomen, where she felt her own fingers moving inside her lover.

Slowly she brought them to a stop. Alex’s eyes clouded in a erotic haze, her lips forming one word, ‘please’.

Although Danielle had neither seen nor heard her plea, she was keenly aware of her lover’s need and placed two fingers on Alex’s swollen clit, gliding through her wetness. At the same time she began slowly pumping inside, taking nearly a full breath to push in completely then retreat. She massaged Alex’s clit with a slow back and forth motion in perfect rhythm with her thrusts.

"Ohhh, god Danielle I...I can’t..." Alex was on the brink of release.

"Just a little longer…for me." Alex took long shuddering breath.

"That’s it...yes...hold back." Danielle’s voice was like a tender caress and Alex strained to obey. She tried inching forward to escape the relentless fingers teasing her clit, but Danielle leaned in, never ceasing her gentle stroking. Alex’s breaths came in rapid pants. She was going to come.

Danielle sensed it and lifted her fingers from her throbbing clit, yet never ceased her rhythmic thrusts. They continued, relentlessly, penetrating Alex’s very depths.

Danielle leaned toward her lover’s ear. Her breasts rubbing sensually against Alex’s back. "You can sustain this arousal for a long time." She teased. Alex’s hands nearly left the headboard as her own words returned to haunt her.

She tried to ignore the friction of her lover’s fingers plunging inside her slow and steady. It was impossible. Her clit continued to pulse, as if reliving Danielle’s gentle caress.

When again, Alex thought she could no longer hold back, Danielle changed her tactics, confusing her senses. Her fingers played with her left nipple, firmly pinching it again…and again…and again. Alex’s moaned as she realized the this action too, was meant to match her lover’s thrusts.

She tried to concentrated on the short bursts of pain assaulting her nipple and the wonderful tingling sensation that radiated through her breast, but the movement of Danielle’s fingers deep inside her refused to be ignored. The tips of her lover’s fingers curled slightly, creating an exquisite new pressure.

Alex groaned as Danielle’s hand moved from her breast. Now her lover’s mouth pressed against her neck adding a new torment. She began drawing hard against the tender skin there. Alex’s arms shook and her shoulders strained as Danielle pressed her weight into her lover’s back, leaning into her. Alex’s body was awash with sensation. She couldn’t escape it. Nothing could distract her from the release building inside her.

At that moment Danielle knew Alex was hers. She eased her weight back and ground her pelvis against Alex’s bottom nudging her forward. This small concession freed Alex’s hips to move back and forth, swallowing her lover’s fingers. She groaned in gratitude.

The fingers of Danielle’s left hand once again found Alex’s clit and resumed their relentless stroking. Alex’s entire body stiffened in a final attempt to hold back.

"Come for me." Danielle purred.

Alex nearly sobbed in relief. She groaned and pushed her hips back, forcing Danielle’s fingers deep inside. Danielle met her thrust for thrust as her fingers massaged her swollen clit. With every movement Alex felt Danielle’s energy pass into her, accumulating in her core, until the pleasure overwhelmed her and she had to let go.

"Now." Danielle urged. "Let go!"

Alex’s hips froze in ecstasy as she came in a series of jarring explosions. She shook helplessly as spasms racked her body and braced against her young lover as currents of pleasure coursed through her. Danielle never stopped. She drew out the climax with gentle caresses until Alex cried out, giving in to her lover completely. As the spasms subsided, Alex collapsed, weakened by the force of her climax.

Every few minutes her body would tremble, remembering release.

It was redemption. The power of Danielle’s love, her utter devotion, mended her soul. Alex held her tightly as her breathing returned to normal. Her cheeks were wet with tears.

"You...only you…" Alex promised. Encircled in the glow of Danielle’s love she drifted, exhausted into slumber.

Danielle remained awake, formulating a desperate plan. No one would separate them ever again.

Part VII

Alex ate a huge breakfast. Food had never tasted so good to her. Danielle poured her a cup of coffee and flashed a beautiful smile. The older woman playfully ruffled her hair.

Alex felt wonderful. For the first time in her life she wasn’t alone. Danielle was an integral part of her life. She felt such joy just being with her. Her life had been transformed.

Danielle took a seat across from her at the kitchen table. Her green eyes were suddenly serious.

"What is it?" Alex asked.

Danielle didn’t want a confrontation, but knew this had to be settled before they could go on. She hesitated and reached out covering Alex’s hand with her own.

"I want to go with you when you meet with Julian."

Danielle could not comprehend the evil he embodied. Alex would give her life to protect her from it, but she feared her life would not be enough. "No."

Danielle pulled her hand back. "No? That’s it? No discussion?"

"It’s not safe."

"Alex we’ve been over this. I stayed home while you did the robbery, but I can’t let you do this alone."

"Julian may not know about you yet." Her eyes pleaded for Danielle to relent. "It’s safer for you here."

"You think he doesn’t know about me already?," Danielle asked sarcastically.

Alex feared she was right. "He would enjoy bringing you pain…There is nothing I wouldn’t do to prevent him from hurting you, but I...I don’t know if I can protect you...He’ll sense what you mean to me and use you to manipulate me. You don’t understand what he’s capable of."

"Alex, how can I make you see that our love is not your weakness but your strength?"

Alex reached out and took Danielle’s hand. She could barely keep her voice steady. "Your love means everything to me. I...I couldn’t go on if anything happened to you."

Danielle spoke with conviction as she looked deep into her lover’s eyes. "Then you shouldn’t have any trouble understanding how I feel."

"You’re not going to let this go, are you?" Alex said, shaking her head in frustration.

"No." Danielle said firmly. "But if you bend this time, I’ll bend the next." She raised a playful eyebrow.

Alex didn’t respond, memories of the extreme cruelty Julian was capable of flooded her thoughts.

"Alex, trust me. Believe in us. Together we can beat him. I have a plan."

Danielle had a look of fierce determination. Alex had lost this battle and she knew it. She sighed deeply and pressed Danielle’s fingers to her lips. "All right, we’ll do this your way."

Danielle was around the table in a flash, hugging her tightly. Alex could not share her lover’s happiness. For the first time in her life, she said a silent prayer.

*****

Danielle had just picked up the breakfast dishes when the doorbell rang. She was startled to see a police officer standing at her door and opened it hesitantly.

"Danielle Stafford?"

"Yes."

"I’ve been sent to drive you to the station. Detective Bowin would like to speak with you." Danielle tried to stall. Alex wasn't home. She was out meeting Sal. Danielle wanted time to speak with her before she talked to the police.

"I’m expecting company. Can I come later?"

"I’m afraid not ma’am."

Danielle grabbed her coat and closed the door, unable to shake the sense of dread creeping over her.

*****

Sal paced anxiously at their appointed meeting place waiting for Alex to arrive. He was relieved to see her drive up on time.

"Alex, thanks for coming."

She could tell by his nervous behavior that something had thrown him. "What is it? What’s gone wrong?"

"I ran into some bad luck. The jeweler who purchased your merchandise gave my name to the police in return for a plea bargain. They’ve come down hard. Had five men searching the shop. Of course they didn’t find anything. They’re so inept."

"So they don’t have anything? Are you sure?"

"Positive, they don’t have anything they can prove. But Alex, you should watch your step. They put a lot of pressure on trying to get me to roll over on you. Obviously, it’s not me they want. It’s you they’re after."

Alex shrugged. "They’ll have to get in line."

"You should take this seriously. There’s nothing to worry about as far as I’m concerned. They’ll never get me to set you up. I hope you know that."

Alex nodded. She believed him.

"I wanted to warn you. I don’t know what your connection is to this Stafford woman. It’s none of my business, but now they think she’s in on it." He notice a crack in her cool exterior.

"They’re likely to bring her in for questioning to find out what she knows."

Alex tried to ignore the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Thanks for the warning. Is there anything I can do to help you? I have some contacts that might be of service."

"Don’t worry about me Alex. Money has a way of wiping away most problems. And you know me, I have more money than God and the best lawyers money can buy." That got a small smile. "Cover your own tracks. This Bowin guy is serious. He’s looking to make a reputation at your expense."

She nodded in acknowledgment. "Look, I’ve got to go." She gripped Sal’s hand in friendship. "Thanks. I won’t forget, that’s two I owe you now."

Sal shook his head. "I’ll bet you’re wishing now you had placed a bomb in that package we delivered to the blonde."

He saw her pained expression as she got in the car and drove off.

*****

She had to wait nearly twenty minutes before the policeman ushered her into Bowin’s office. Detective Marsh was there also.

"Have a seat, Ms. Stafford."

"What can I do for you detective?" She tried to keep the edge from her voice.

"It seems you haven’t been completely honest with us."

Danielle felt a rush of heat steal up the back of her neck. "I...I don’t know what you mean."

"In following up on our investigation, we discovered that none of your uncle’s neighbors called in the robbery. The only ones that could have seen the house deny making the call."

"Who then?" Danielle questioned.

"We think the thief made the call."

Danielle was surprised by this information. "I don’t understand. Why would the thief call the police?"

Perhaps she didn’t want ‘her’ partner to remain tied for an extended period."

Danielle’s blood ran cold when he said ‘she’. Did he know about Alex? She recovered and addressed the accusation. "Partner? You think I’m in on this?"

"Yes."

"That’s ridiculous, why would I steal from my uncle?"

"Two and half million is a lot of incentive."

"You’re wrong."

Detective Bowin was about to attempt a carefully orchestrated bluff. He had no real proof, only a hunch based on years of experience. Bluffing her into a confession was his only chance.

"It’s over Ms. Stafford. We made a deal with her fence. He gave up the woman for his freedom."

Danielle’s mind raced. Alex told her only a few hours ago that Sal called saying he had to meet with her about something important. Was it a trap? Her heart quickened.

Noting her reaction, he forged ahead, following through with his hunch. "I’ve had you followed the last few days."

"We know about your friend. We can link her directly to the crime and several murders." He watched Danielle and knew by the look on her face that she had bought it: hook, line and sinker.

Danielle looked as if she might faint. He decided to take things one step farther. "It’s a done deal. She made a big mistake stealing the painting. Now we have her prints, too."

Danielle closed her eyes and tried to concentrate. It was useless. Her confession seemed to spill from her. "She didn’t have a choice. It was blackmail."

Bowin smiled and glanced at Marisa. "And who was blackmailing her?"

Danielle paused for a heartbeat. "Julian Sezaree"

Marisa’s mouth fell open and she looked in disbelief at Bowin.

Bowin cleared his throat. "Maybe we could arrange a deal for your friend. If we had enough evidence to convict Sezaree, I’m sure we could get her a reduced sentence in return."

Danielle’s voice was strained, the volume barely above a whisper. "He’ll have her killed."

"If she can provide enough evidence against him I might be able to convince the DA to put her under protection."

Danielle was quiet.

"It seems as if you’ve run out of choices. I can have my men haul her in now, then release her. Make Julian think she already gave him up. How long do you think she would last?"

Danielle couldn’t keep her hands from shaking.

Marisa stood beside Danielle and placed her hand on her shoulder. "At least with your help, she has a chance." Danielle remain quiet.

Bowin motioned to Marisa. "Have a car pick her up."

Danielle spoke quickly. "No, wait! I can get you the proof you need...if you agree to protect her."

"I think that can be arranged." He smiled and glanced at his partner. It had worked perfectly. Soon they would have the thief and Sezaree.

*****

After the terrible meeting with Bowin, Danielle went directly to the center. She spent several hours there, then drove out to Alex’s cabin.

Danielle didn’t waste any time. She went straight to the bedroom and lifted the floor boards. Using the key Alex had entrusted to her, she opened the safe and removed the tapes and documents. It felt like a betrayal, regardless of the circumstances. She closed the safe, putting the floor boards back in place and left the cabin. With a heavy heart, she drove to the police station.

By the time she arrived home, Alex was there waiting. Danielle fell into her arms. The stress of the day had taken it’s toll.

"Danielle, What’s wrong? Are you all right?"

Danielle pulled back. "I’m fine. I was worried about you. I’m so glad to see you."

Alex stroked her cheek. "Nothing to be worried about." She smiled softly.

"Did everything go okay with Sal.?"

"It’s just as I figured. The police brought him in for questioning. He wanted to warn me."

She tried to comfort her lover. "They don’t have anything on me. Sal didn’t tell them anything. But we need to be careful. After the meeting with Julian we need to get out of town as soon as possible."

"Are...are you sure he didn’t say anything to the police?" Danielle couldn't help but be nervous. So much was riding on this.

Alex hesitated. In truth she trusted no one with the exception of Danielle. "I’m sure. I’ve known him a long time. I think he told me the truth."

Alex saw Danielle’s distress and took her in her arms.

"What is it?" Alex pulled back, looking into her lover’s eyes. "I understand if you want out. I’m asking so much of you; it’s not fair." She cupped Danielle’s face lovingly in her hands. "It's okay. I want what’s best for you."

"No, I intend to stand by you, no matter what." Her voice was firm, leaving little doubt as to her conviction. "It’s just...I’m afraid for you. I...I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you." Alex expelled a relieved breath lightly kissed her lover.

Without warning tears came to Alex’s eyes "I need you Danielle." Alex’s heart-felt admission removed the final barrier between them. Danielle was too moved to speak. They stood for a long time in one another’s embrace.

*****

Bowin was like the cat who ate the cannery. With the Stafford woman’s evidence in hand he only had to wait for her to call with the appointed meeting time and place to arrest Lord and Sezaree.

He turned to his partner. "The waiting is the worst part of this job. I’m working on my fourth ulcer."

"Well, this one should be well worth it. In a couple of hours you’ll have made the coup of the century. You’re really leading a charmed life."

He laughed. "I couldn’t agree with you more."

They both jumped when the phone rang. Marisa smiled nervously as Bowin answered. After a brief exchange he hung up. "That was Stafford. It’s a go. Let’s roll."

*****

They had gone over the plan several times.

Still, Alex’s fingers trembled as she checked the bullets in her gun for the third time. She worried that she wouldn’t be able to pull it off. Her detached reserve was gone. The thought that Danielle could be hurt terrified her. She had never been so nervous. For the first time, her own life was worthwhile. She had something to live for, someone, to live for.

Danielle looked at Alex anxiously.

"Is there anything else you need to tell me?" Alex questioned.

"No, I’m just a little nervous that’s all." Danielle felt guilty she couldn’t share her misgivings.

"It’s not to late to change your mind. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Alex looked deep into Danielle’s eyes for a sense that she might be faltering in her decision.

Danielle took a deep breath and tried not to disclose any of the reluctance she felt. With all the confidence she could muster she replied. "Let’s do it."

They climbed on the motorcycle and sped off. As she pressed her face into the softness of Alex’s hair, she prayed she was doing the right thing for Alex.

*****

They arrived at the rendezvous point on schedule. Julian was waiting, a bodyguard on either side of him.

"Alex, It’s been a long time."

"Not nearly long enough."

"That’s no way to treat and old friend."

"We were never friends."

"Don’t push me Alex. I’m still holding all the cards. I think that love has made you blind as well as stupid. You shouldn’t have fallen for her. She is just one more card I can use against you." He winked at Danielle. "Mmm...and so attractive too. I could have some real fun with this one."

He reached out to caress Danielle’s cheek and Alex pull her gun on him. Leveling it at his forehead. His body-guards drew their guns as well.

"Come now Alex, you know you can’t win. If you shoot me, they’ll kill your little girlfriend before you can prevent it."

"I’ll take that risk." Her voice was shaking. "It ends here. I’m out, if I have to kill you to do it."

Suddenly, light flooded the area. The police had them surrounded. A booming voice blared through a megaphone: "Drop your weapons and put your hands up!"

Julian scowled and nodded to his men. They discarded their guns. Alex dropped hers with great reluctance. An officer quickly collected the fallen weapons.

Detective Bowin stepped forward. This was the best day of his life. "Ms. Stafford you can go. The evidence you gave us is all we need."

Alex looked like she had been slapped. Her expression was one of utter disbelief.

Julian turned to the detective and pointed at Alex. "I have enough information on her for the DA to get the death penalty."

Bowin smiled. "Looks like she won’t be alone, we’ve got enough evidence on you to make his mouth water." Alex shook her head and looked painfully at Danielle.

Julian glared at Alex. "You and that little bitch. I’ll see that you rot in hell." He looked at her with disgust. "You’re pathetic Alex. Have you ever slept with anyone who didn’t betray you in the end?"

Alex trembled and fought to repress a surge of emotion. In a flash she pulled a second gun from beneath her jacket and pointed it at Danielle, her eyes brimming with tears. As Danielle looked into Alex’s eyes she could only guess what betrayal by her could mean to Alex.

"I...I trusted you." Alex choked in an unsteady voice. Slowly she raised the gun to Danielle’s chest. Her hand was shaking violently as her finger reached for the trigger.

"Alex...please...I..."

It was as if time had slowed. No one made a sound. Suddenly, the silence was broken by the piercing echo of a gun shot. Alex stumbled back and dropped to the ground. The gun falling to her side. A rookie cop had panicked, shooting her square in the chest. A dark red stain spread across the front of Alex’s shirt.

"NOOOOOOO!" Danielle screamed. She stumbled awkwardly toward Alex’s still body. Before she could reach her, Julian grabbed Alex’s gun and fired. The police tackled him, but it was too late. Danielle fell motionless to the ground only a few feet from Alex.

The rookie cop bent over the bodies, feeling for a pulse. "Their both alive, barely."

The police were reading Julian and his bodyguards their rights when the ambulance arrived.

The emergency team quickly placed the two women on stretchers and loaded them into the back. Within minutes the ambulance pulled out.

*****

There was an ominous quiet inside the ambulance. The shrill scream of the siren was all that could be heard. The dark-haired EMT bent over Danielle’s still body. The blonde was still, deathly pale. The EMT slowly removed the IV from Danielle’s arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Okay ladies, lets get rolling."

Alex and Danielle opened their eyes and sat up. Alex’s tension eased at the sight of her smiling lover, but she anxiously checked her over.

Danielle kissed her lightly and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Damn you were right. Those blanks hurt like hell!"

"Are you all right?," Alex asked, concern evident in her voice, her hands trembling.

Danielle could not contain the grin that lit up her face. "I’ll live."

Alex smiled back. "Yeah, looks like we both will." She took Danielle in her arms, hugging her tightly.

Nikki pulled back a tarp in the corner to reveal four corpses. "Hey you two. I need some help with our doubles here."

Alex jumped into action. "Lets get them in place. We don’t have much time." The three women worked quickly while Kate drove. Two of the corpses where dressed in EMT uniforms the other two were wearing the same outfits as Alex and Danielle. Nikki put the oxygen mask’s on and inserted IV’s into the two dead women in an attempt to make the illusion complete. The third body dressed in an EMT uniform was placed on the seat in the corner.

Danielle felt a little squeamish about using the four dead women that Ann had provided from the morgue for their scheme. She couldn’t help feeling sorry for them.

"They don’t look much like us." Danielle pointed out, a little concerned.

"Their close enough in body type. Hopefully there won’t be much left to identify when the ambulance blows." Alex tried her best to be reassuring. "If our performance was convincing, they won’t even check."

Kate called from the driver’s seat. "Get ready to make the switch. We’re here." She pulled the ambulance over to the side of the road about 200 yards from a cliff. Alex quickly placed the last corpse in the seat Kate had vacated.

A van waited nearby. Ann from the morgue was driving. Spike, the stunt woman, jumped out of the passenger seat. Alex clutched her arm. "Be careful."

"No sweat"

Spike moved into the driver’s seat beside the fourth corpse, while the other women looked on anxiously. She put the timed charge on the oxygen tank and gunned the engine. Just as the ambulance was about to careen over the cliff she dove out of the driver’s window. Alex breathed a sigh of relief and gave her a hand up. The five women quickly loaded into the van. Ann pulled out onto the road at a casual speed.

*****

Bowin’s car was only minutes behind them. The explosion was deafening. He pulled over and watched sadly as flames engulfed the ambulance. He shook his head. It was inconceivable that there could be any survivors. He had liked the Stafford woman. It seemed a shame that she had to get mixed up in all this.

"Bitches got what they deserved." Julian smirked from behind the barrier in the back of the squad car.

Detective Bowin looked at him with disgust. "I hope that thought is a comfort to you while you’re rotting in jail."

*****

There was a tense silence in the van.

Alex turned to Danielle and enveloped her in her arms. "It was a brilliant plan." Danielle’s smiled happily and the other women cheered.

Danielle pulled back and looked into Alex’s eyes. "I told you we made a great team."

Alex’s heart swelled with emotion. "Yes, we do."

Danielle stripped off her shirt stained with fake blood. Alex winced at the large bruise that was already coloring the young woman’s chest. She looked at her with concern.

Danielle smiled softly stroking Alex’s arm. "I’m fine, really." She assured her.

"No thanks to me."

Danielle took her hand. "What happened? Why didn’t you shoot me like we’d planned?"

"I…I froze. I just couldn’t do it." Alex ran her fingers nervously through her hair. "Rachel saved the whole plan by shooting me anyway." Alex looked down, feeling like she had failed Danielle.

Danielle pressed into the warmth of Alex’s hand reassuringly. "I understand, believe me. My heart nearly stopped when I watched you fall. It looked so real." A shiver ran down Danielle’s spine. She shrugged it off. "The fates were smiling on us. It’s seems fitting that Julian unwittingly helped with our plan."

"He’s always been ruled by his anger. With nothing left to lose, it was his last shot at revenge…He wanted us both dead."

"I hope Rachel doesn’t get suspended from the force."

"She’ll be fine. No tears will be shed over my death, believe me. They have the evidence against Julian. That’s all the politicians really want."

"You had Bowin figured out. I might have fallen for the police ruse if you hadn’t warned me."

Alex stroked her cheek. "Nah, you would have done just fine."

Danielle was cheered by Alex’s confidence in her. "It was all I could do to keep a straight face when he told me you had left fingerprints. It was a good acting job. I think you would have been proud of my performance."

Alex smiled wickedly. "I have no doubt. I’m always pleased with your performance."

Danielle blushed. The sight warmed Alex’s heart. The magnitude of what she had nearly lost flooded over her. She felt weary. It had been difficult, leaving so many things to chance. They had been very lucky.

"Hey, you okay?" Danielle asked.

Alex shrugged and smiled. "I’m fine, in fact lately, I’ve sustained worse injuries in bed." She winked at Danielle who blushed for a second time.

Spike grinned at the exchange.

Alex turned to Spike. "Great job with the special effects."

"No problem. It was a snap. It’s easier to fool the police than the tv audience."

Alex smiled and changed out of her shirt, tossing the broken pack of fake blood on the floor.

When they pulled up in front of the airport, Alex got quiet. Danielle sensed her struggle and gripped her hand. Alex took a deep breath. "I don’t know what to say...how to thank all of you...You’ve given me a second chance."

"Since you’re already spoken for, a hug will have to do." Spike embraced the unsuspecting woman.

"I don’t expect that I need to tell you to take care of her," Spike warned. Alex smiled. "No, I’ve got it covered."

Ann extended her hand shyly to Alex, who grasped it gently.

"Thanks for your help Ann."

Danielle kissed Ann on the cheek causing her to blush furiously. "Please thank Rachel for us."

"Take care of yourselves, huh and try to stay out of trouble." Spike hugged Danielle tightly.

Ann pulled up to the entrance. Kate and Nikki planed to leave the country with Alex and Danielle. They were now dead in the eyes of the law. In the spirit of adventure they both craved, they willingly gave up their old lives and identities to help their friends.

Alex grabbed her pack and handed them each fake id’s. Danielle flipped hers open. When she saw the first name, she smiled. It was Gabrielle. She couldn’t help but be pleased. "Alex...it’s perfect. I think somehow we’ve come full circle."

Alex smiled back. "It seemed appropriate."

Spike and Ann sat in the van. Ann wiped away a tear, while Spike fought to hold hers back. They watched their four friends disappear through the glass doors of the airport and into their new lives.

Spike turned to her quiet companion. "Damn, but you did a good job matching up those corpses. When I sat down beside the one in the driver seat I thought it was Kate." She laughed and patted the stoic woman’s shoulder.

"I’ve seen so many Jane Doe’s pass through the morgue in the last five years. It’s nice to know that these four will at least be given an identity and a proper funeral." The slightest hint of a smile graced her face.

"That’s the spirit. It’s sounds like you might have enjoyed this adventure a little bit." Ann gave Spike a genuine smile. It was the first one Spike had ever seen from her…and she liked it.

"Yeah, I guess I did."

Spike put an arm around her shoulders. "How ‘bout you and me catching some dinner on the way home?" They drove off, feeling satisfied. It was rare they got to witness a real happy ending.

Epilogue

Danielle stood on the balcony of their new home, looking out wistfully at the Aegean. It was a spectacular view. Alex watched thoughtfully. Slowly she approached and placed a hand on her lover’s shoulder.

"Do you regret giving up your family and your roots to come with me?"

"Not for a moment." Danielle turned to face Alex. "You are my family. My home is wherever you are."

"Danielle, thanks for seeing this through with me. I’ve never known such happiness."

"If anyone deserves to be happy, it’s you."

Alex was quiet, thoughtful. "It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, pointing that gun at you."

Danielle looked at her lovingly. She placed her hand gently over the bruise on her chest. "It’s still bothering me some." Alex’s brows wrinkled in concerned.

A twinkle lit Danielle’s eyes. "Yeah, I think you had better take a look. I’m sure that magical touch of yours can make it better."

Alex smiled and gave her partner a flirtive glance. "I’ll see what I can do."

She carefully unbuttoned her lover’s blouse and was relieved to see that the nasty bruise had faded quite a bit. Her eyes immediately fell to her lover’s erect nipples. Without hesitation she caressed one with her lips.

Danielle took a deep breath. "Ah...I think you are a little off the bruise."

"Mmm, can’t be too careful."

Danielle smiled and closed her eyes. "I think you’re right...I can feel it spreading...lower."

Never one to take chances, Alex followed her lover’s direction. She dropped to her knees, intent on giving every inch of her skin loving attention. Danielle’s moans confirmed that Alex’s touch did work magic. Everything around them disappeared.

The end

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena/gabrielle #xena/gabrielle fanfiction #author: friction #mature #femslash #fanfiction

[shydragonrider]

Until the Bitter End Chapter 17

Winter was fairly certain that she would have to fake her death to avoid her mother’s wrath this time. Viserion hissed at the sound of the battle, and Winter cringed. I am in so much trouble. Typical of her, more afraid of being grounded than of dying in battle. Viserion dove through the clouds, and Winter shrieked as a blaster bolt missed her by inches. “Now! Now! Fire!” She screamed. Viserion obeyed, and unleashed a torrent of flame on the ATAT walkers. Viserion pulled up, and Winter scanned the sky for Kylo Ren’s shuttle. She didn’t notice the bolt until it struck Viserion in the chest. Winter gasped in horror, and then screamed out to her dragon. He was screaming back at her, a wail of agony. “No, no no no no. Oh God, Viserion please.” Winter gasped as the dragon’s wings faltered. She couldn’t see the wound, and she prayed to every god she could think of that it wasn’t fatal, but the smoking blood that streamed out of it did nothing to reassure her. Viserion screamed again, rapidly losing altitude. The dragon fell into a glade of trees, hitting the ground running, before collapsing into the snow, unmoving. Winter lay beside him, stunned and winded. She struggled to her feet with a choked cry. “Viserion!” She wailed, running over to the dragon. She fell to her knees by his snout. The dragon whined, and Winter felt hot tears on her cheeks. “You’d better not die. Please Viserion. You can’t die.” Viserion snorted, as if offended that she thought he would give up so easily. “I’m sorry.” Winter sobbed. “I’m sorry, this is all my fault.” Viserion cooed at her, and Winter buried her face in his scales. She could hear his heartbeat, and it sounded normal. He was breathing fine, and the bleeding seemed to be slowing down. “Don’t leave me.” Winter pleaded. His eyes promised her he wouldn’t. Now that she was no longer panicked, she noticed just how much it hurt to breathe. She definitely had broken ribs. A shadow passed overhead, and Winter looked up as Ren’s shuttle approached. She wrenched her blaster free, and fired wildly at it, before running into the trees, drawing them away from Viserion.

As far as Ren could tell, the dragon was dead. It wasn’t moving, and he could sense the rider’s anguish. Dragons were oddly impervious to the force, and Ren sensed nothing from the beast in life or in death. But the rider’s grief was as good a confirmation as any. “Forget the dragon. It’s dead, go after the girl.” General Hux suddenly seemed hesitant. “Supreme Leader, surely we can forget about her, she can’t do any damage without the dragon.” “She’s a troublesome brat, and she is sensitive to the Force.” The shuttle landed, and Ren strode out of it, scowling at the girl.” “Bastard.” She spat. Ren didn’t reply, he just ignited his new lightsaber, since she had stolen the old one. She ignited it now, and from her Ren sensed raw anguish, fury, and determination. “I had no idea you had such darkness in you.” He told her. “You don’t know me.” She retorted. “Stand still, and I’ll make it quick.” “I’m not going easy.” She snarled at him, and lunged. She grazed his leg with the saber, and Ren cursed, before using the Force to hurl her into a tree. Her face went white, and Ren sensed the pain that had ignited in her chest. She struggled to her feet, breathing wet and laboured.

The impact with the tree had driven one of her broken ribs into a lung, and breathing was becoming very difficult as well as painful. Blood was welling up in her throat, and Winter coughed, choking, even as she lashed out at Kylo Ren. As her arm extended, a jolt of pain went through her chest, and she exhaled what seemed like a river of blood into the snow. Ren’s boot connected with her stomach, and sent her sprawling. He approached her slowly, as if he had all the time in the world. When he bent over her, she spat blood into his face. He grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the ground. His lightsaber was hanging from his belt, so it seemed as if he was set on strangling her. There was a flash of silver, and Ren shouted in surprise as he was flung off of the young Resistence fighter. Phasma’s armour gleamed in the fading light, and her voice was like a feral snarl. “Get. Away. From. My. Daughter.” She spat. Winter was fading quickly now, and she struggled to stay awake. It was a battle that she lost, everything faded before her eyes, and she drifted into darkness. Poe had never imagined seeing Phasma so frantic. “She’s going to die.” The Stormtrooper Captain all but wailed. “She’s not going to die. Death does not have the patience for her.” He said, hoping he sounded convincing. At first glance, it seemed she was already dead, her face was deathly pale, and blood was streaming from the corner’s of her mouth. Viserion whined, and nudged her insistently. She did not move.

Viserion whimpered. The dragon also had a grisly wound on his chest, but a simple scan from a droid had concluded that it was not fatal. Winter’s would be if they didn’t act fast. Poe wanted to pace around, but at that moment, Fletcher returned. “Come on, medbay is prepped. We’ve got to hurry.” Poe patted the boy on his shoulder as the doors to the medbay closed. “She’ll make it, she’s a fighter.” Poe said, as much to convince himself as Fletcher and Phasma. Only time would tell.

@cassandrasummer​

#blood tw

[eternityunicorn]

Elijah’s Eternity: Smutty Oneshot - The Green Monster +18

Author: eternityunicorn 

Genre: Romance/AU

Pairing: Elijah Mikealson x OC

Warnings: Smut, pure unadulterated smut!

Summary: Eternity went with Kol for a night on the town, without telling her lover, Elijah about it, whom happens to be Kol’s older brother. He finds out from Freya about this little outing. Now the ugly green monster of jealousy and anger is stirring up inside the older Original, and he plans on ensuring that everyone knows that Eternity belongs to him, especially Kol.

NOTE: OC is from my up and coming novel series!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Okay, so this fic is based off of ideas @hawaiianohana15 sent me, particularly the suggestion for jealousy sex. I struggled in trying to get this one just right. So, I am not very confident with this fic, as I’m unsure if I hit the mark, but I gave it my best shot. I hope you still enjoy it!

———————————————————————————————————

Elijah was waiting for his lady in the common room of his family’s home. He had a drink in hand and a scowl upon his face that would terrify even the bravest of man as he watched the fire in the fireplace dance. He stood there with stormy thoughts that had come about when he had been informed of Eternity’s outing with his brother Kol, from their sister Freya.

Eternity had never told him about this adventure in the Quarter. Now, Elijah trusted his lady always, knowing there had to be a reasonable explanation for this failure of communication, but even so, it wasn’t a secret that Kol had an attraction for the immortal queen. 

The younger Mikaelson had made that quite clear in the way he tried to charm her and how he would flatter her incessantly. Eternity never fell into the snare of his brother’s flirtations, and she never would, but it still rubbed Elijah the wrong way. He didn’t appreciate another man trying to woo his woman, brother or not - and then he had found out that they had gone out together for the evening from someone other than Eternity herself.

In his angry jealousy, Elijah threw the half filled tumbler across the room shattering it against the wall. Just as he did, he suddenly heard her voice out in the courtyard as she returned from wherever she had gotten off to. Kol’s could be heard too. 

Immediately, he went out onto the balcony that overlooked the courtyard and saw her there arm in arm with Kol. They were twirling about and laughing innocently, like two best friends. 

Perhaps friends was how Eternity saw their relationship, but certainly Kol thought differently no doubt. He probably thought he was winning her over, which was far from the truth. Even so, Elijah knew that his brother had been trying to win Eternity’s favor in the guise of friendship, in hopes to steal her away from him. The sight below looked innocent enough, but there was definitely something more sinister going on.

Elijah couldn’t see past his darker emotions at the sight he witnessed below. The green monster had been unleashed ever since he had discovered this outside no of theirs and it was impossible for him to reign it back in, despite all of his control.

He watched from his place on the balcony as Kol kissed the back of the immortal queen’s hand charmingly in goodnight and walked away. It was then that Eternity noticed Elijah standing there with his hands tightly upon the railing of the balcony. The thin metal groaned under the pressure he applied in his quiet rage. However, she didn’t seem to notice his dark state as she smiled up warmly at him from below, before heading up the stairs to meet him. 

It wasn’t until she had nearly reached his side that instinct warned her to keep her distance. Eternity stopped a few feet from him, gazing at him with wary concern. “Elijah?” She murmured. “What is it?”

Elijah turned to her, one hand remaining on the rail and the other being shoved into his pants pocket. He smiled tightly at her in that dangerous way of his, in that unamused one which meant he was incredibly angry. The same one that usually resulted in violence. He took slow steps toward her and with every one he took forward, she took one back, keeping distance between them.

“Did you have a good time, Sweetheart?” He rumbled at her. 

Immediately, Eternity realized what was wrong. The recognition showed upon her lovely face. She relaxed considerably, a look of confusion mingling with her concern. 

“Yes,” she replied slowly, still keeping distance between them. “Kol and I went to listen to jazz with Rebekah and Marcel. He insisted that I had to go after I told him that I had never cared for that particular genre of music. It was quite the ev-.”

“You went out for the evening with my brother behind my back,” he interrupted with that eerie calmness of his that meant he was anything but calm, not that it wasn’t obvious he wasn’t.

“Elijah,” Eternity said in an almost chastising tone. 

That was what caused him to snap. Using his vampire speed, he had Eternity in his harsh grip and had her dragged into the common room where he had been standing in and waiting for her return. He slammed her into the wall, his hands gripping her arms tightly as he stared down at her.

“Normally, I don’t care that you spent time with my family,” he growled at her, speaking a half-truth while nose to nose with her. “However, what I do care about is the fact that you failed to tell me where you were going and that you were going as Kol’s companion. What’s worse is that you know perfectly well how he feels about you, yet you blatantly went with him anyway.”

Eternity sighed, unperturbed by his anger. “I didn’t tell you of our evening plans, because you were busy dealing in family business with Niklaus,” she explained calmly. “I didn’t want to disturb you with all this chaos in the Quarter and I didn’t think it would matter that much, because you trust me. Besides, yes, Kol has an attraction, but surely that doesn’t mean we can’t spend time together. It wasn’t as though we were alone.” She sighed again heavily and her eyes darkened with her own frustration, “You do realize that jealousy is unbecoming and beneath you, my love.”

While her tone seemed even and honest on the surface about her thinking the outing to not being a big deal, but there was the slightest waver beneath that most wouldn’t be able to detect in her voice - but Elijah did right away. Then there was the fiery, condescending tone with the latter part of what she said. The combination of the two only fueled his anger more. 

His hand shot into her hair, fisting it at the back of her head and pulling backwards harshly. “If you really believed that it would be no big deal, then you wouldn’t sound so guilty,” he said quietly. “And your condescending tone is not appreciated. You know how I feel about you being in Kol’s company without me.”

 “I can handle myself, Elijah. I don’t need you to stand guard over me in regards to Kol,” she hissed in reply. “Besides, your brother wouldn’t dare to try anything anyway. He knows where my heart lies. You’re simply letting your anger and jealousy get the better of you.”

Immediately, Elijah pushed away from her with a growl. He turned around, shoving one hand in his pocket while the fingers of other one ran along his lower lip in thought. He was attempting to reign in his emotions, but what was normally easy to do was difficult now. Eternity was the reason for such difficulty. She turned everything he was completely on it’s head, making him behave more like Niklaus - irrational and out of control.

Yet, despite realizing this, he couldn’t reign in his darker emotions. Not now. They burned through him in an uncontrollable wild fire. There was only one thing that would appease the green monster that had control of him at the moment.

Elijah knew what he needed to do.

Instantaneously, he was back in front of Eternity with his hand fisted in her hair once more. She hissed again as he tugged her head back harshly. “I know that you understand to whom you belong,” he told her, “but perhaps we need to ensure Kol understands it too.” 

Elijah kissed her punishingly then, before he released her completely and once more stepped away from her person. He was panting as he stared at her intensely and she stared back with a fire all her own as she remained against the wall where he had left her. 

Without further hesitation, he moved to remove his suit jacket and proceeded to unbutton his cuffs, before rolling up his sleeves past his elbows. The whole while he kept his eyes upon his lady. Once he had finished with these tasks, Elijah nodded to Eternity and softly commanded, “Clothes off. Hair up.”

He didn’t have to ask twice. The floral sundress she wore was vanished from her shapely form and her hair was magically put up into a messy knot at the back of her head. She stood before him, bare and vulnerable. It was magnificent a sight. 

Elijah moved toward her, undoing his tie and removing it from around his neck as he went. Then with the piece of material wrapped around one hand, he held out the other to her and said, “Come.”

Again Eternity didn’t hesitate in obeying him. She took his offered hand without resistance and let him guide her back out onto the balcony. He lead her to the railing and helped her place her hands upon the thin metal, moving them so that they were together. 

With the tie, Elijah tied her hands so that they were secured tightly to the rail. He also positioned her so that she was bent over with her backside jutted out at him slightly. She didn’t question him nor did she try to move. She simply obeyed and let him have his way.

He felt powerful every time Eternity deferred to him, whenever she granted him her submission. She could easily take back control, dominate the situation, but she didn’t. It was always a conscious choice to give him what he wanted, what he needed from her. He had control over the most powerful being in the two universes - it was humbling as it was exciting.

Elijah couldn’t help but to run his hand over the skin of her backside tenderly. Despite the dark place he was in currently, he couldn’t deny being a little sentimental. After all, he did love the woman he had bound before him, always and forever. 

Eternity sighed in response to his gentle touch. 

Then Elijah leaned over with his hand firmly upon her shoulder and whispered, “We’re going to make sure that Kol and every other possible suitor in the Quarter knows exactly to whom you belong, Sweetheart. So, my darling, don’t hold back. I want you to be as loud as you can possibly muster.”

Eternity shivered delightfully as he straighten while running the hand upon her shoulder down her back and then over her backside again. He then stepped back and off to the side a bit, falling into the perfect position for what he had in mind. Elijah raised his hand and swung it downward against the protruding rounded flesh harshly. She cried out immediately, her voice echoing out over the courtyard. A moan quickly followed.

He performed the same action over and over again, the slap of his hand mingling with her echoing cries as he did. She didn’t try and escape the pain. No, she embraced it, wanting more of it as she pushed back and moaned needfully. Her arousal spiked the air around them as a result of his harsh treatment of her. It was intoxicating to Elijah and drove him on.

“Tell me, Sweetheart, to whom do you belong?” Elijah asked her gruffly in between hits to her skin.

“To you,” she moaned with quiet vagueness, her head lulling back in her pained pleasure.

That wasn’t what he wanted and she knew it. They both did. He recognized her hushed voice and the lack of his name upon her lips as a small act of defiance. His fiery state intensified in response and he brought his hand down upon her reddened flesh particularly hard on the next swing.

Eternity cried out loudly, practically screaming into the courtyard. 

Elijah grabbed hold of her knotted up hair and pulled back harshly. He leaned over her again to growl in her ear, “Say my name.”

She didn’t. 

Yes, he needed to amend his earlier statement about her granting him her submission. She did so, sure enough, but always with small bouts of rebellion mixed in to keep him on his toes. Eternity was of a fiery spirit, after all. She couldn’t make his authority over her easy, whoever he was in a dominate frame of mind. She always had to bite back, in some fashion, even if it was simply denying him what he asked of her.

Elijah was quite used to this behavior and changed tactics accordingly. He straightened again, running his hand over her back once more and then let his touch fall lower to the wet, warm treasure between her legs. He teased her entrance, dipping then just inside, causing Eternity to gasp in surprise and then moan as she pushed back against his hand, wanting more.

Then he thrusted his fingers inside her completely. He began thrusting them steadily, while curling them inside to drag against her walls on the way out. Her head fell forward and her hands gripped the railing tighter in response to his attentions. His thumb rubbed against her clit simultaneously, making the pleasure all the more intense as he played her like an instrument.

“Please, Elijah,” she soon moaned, though again in a quiet voice. “More.”

“Sweetheart,” he responded warningly and then he issued a threat, “If you want my cock, you’re going to have to abide by my rules. You know what I want.”

Elijah thrusted his fingers harder into her, his thumb playing along her clit in the same fashion. He brought the pleasure higher for her, causing his lady to cry out a little louder. However, it still wasn’t what he wanted. She was still holding back. 

“Stop resisting,” he hissed at her, his own need driving him mad. The feel of her wet warm and the scent of it was enough to make him forget everything as the need to feel her walls wrapped around his cock grew. “Give me what I seek,” he demanded breathlessly.

Then out of instinctual need to gain her full submission to him, Elijah brought her head back further, making her bow. He let his vampire visage show and promptly sank his fangs into the flesh of her throat. That gave him what he wanted, at last.

Because it happened without warning, Eternity was unprepared for it. Therefore, she was incapable of showing resistance. She screamed his name in pained pleasure, while simultaneously, she came hard upon his fingers. He continued to drink from her, while her body quaked with orgasm. 

Then he quickly released her throat. Before her body could calm completely, and as his human face returned, Elijah removed his hand from her hair to reach down and undo his pants with swift deft fingers. Again without warning, he removed his fingers from her depths and then proceeded to bury himself inside her to the hilt, making Eternity scream once more in pleasant surprise. Then she moaned needfully and pushed back. 

His head lulled back as he groaned. His eyes screwed shut at the feeling of her tightly clenched around his cock. Finally, they were joined and Elijah had to breath a sigh of relief for that. With how wound up he was from his out of control emotions and how he desired the beautiful immortal before him, being inside her created the right sort of clarity he needed to calm the turmoil in him.

Immediately, he began to move. Slowly pulling nearly all the way out and then slamming back into her. He set the rhythm exactly like this, moving roughly behind her. She cried out with abandon, the sound of it echoing powerfully across the courtyard. His name soon followed in the same fashion.

“Oh, good girl,” Elijah praises her breathlessly, leaning down to kiss her back tenderly. “That’s it. Don’t stop screaming my name, Sweetheart.”

He moved even harder, slamming into her depths rougher than before, bringing their approaching climaxes to a head. It was Eternity who came first, her walls clamping down upon him as her orgasm wreaked her so completely. She screamed his name even louder this time with her hands clutching the rail so tightly that it snapped beneath her grasp. 

Her quaking walls triggered Elijah’s own end and he came with a roar. Once the violent bliss had finished consuming him, he collapsed over Eternity’s back in the aftermath, as both of them breathed heavily in the quiet. Elijah felt the green monster returned to dormancy inside him and his anger over the events of the evening had gone with his orgasmic euphoria as well. 

With the world coming back into focus, he removed himself from Eternity’s depths and untied her, freeing her from her binds. Fluidly, she turned on him, practically throwing herself at Elijah, as she wrapped her hands around his face and kissed him with everything she had. 

“I hope you’ve had your fun, my love,” she breathed against his mouth, “because I’m about to pay you back for everything ten fold. I’m about to put that famous control of yours to the test.”

Elijah shivered delightedly, grinning at her wickedly, “Well, I look forward to it, Sweetheart.”

With that, Eternity separated herself from his person and moved around him to head inside with the expectation of him following. 

Just as he was going to, he paused as he felt someone watching him. Elijah looked over across the way and saw the partially shadowed figure of Kol standing there gaping. He didn’t know how long his brother had been standing there, but it was obvious he had been watching long enough to get the point. Eternity was Elijah’s and nobody was ever going to come between them.

Elijah smirked victoriously at his brother and nodded in acknowledgment of his presence. Upon his notice did Kol vanish from sight, finally understanding that Eternity would never be his.

Once his brother was gone, Elijah went inside to where his lady was awaiting him, finally freed of the green monster of jealousy.

The End

#elijah mikaelson #elijah x eternity #original character #daniel gillies #the vampire diaries oneshot #the originals oneshot #fanfiction #challenge fic #the vampire diaries #the originals #kol mikaelson #romance

[bad-day-at-work]

Bad Day at Work Venting #218

So this is my first post on this board and after reading many of the posts, I’ve decided to to write about my experience working at the Ways of the Sub and the Brown Box Delivery Service. At 16 years old I started my first job working at a Ways of the Sub and as it was my first “real” job (I had never had a job that required a uniform and that paid me in direct deposit checks, etc.) I happily worked away like a good little sandwich artist for the first few months. I followed every rule to the letter and was polite as could be. (Was always polite cuz it’s how my parents raised me). The place where I worked was in the Midwest in a smallish town so we had a lot of regulars, some of which I enjoyed seeing when they came in. I enjoyed the ones that made conversation with you and reminded both themselves and I that we are humans still. This kept me upbeat in the worst parts of my employment here. Customers being rude was kinda rare, my employers and their family members being rude and inconsiderate was a regular occasion.

The shop was in a gas station owned by the family that was next to the family owned grocery store. We weren’t terribly busy most days but when weekday lunchtimes hit, with 5 workers we were spread thin. We’d being working as fast and hard as we could while trying to follow all the rules that the family had no matter how bs they were. The one member of the family that everyone hated (I mean EVERYONE) was the owners’ daughter in law. (Hereafter referred to DiL)She was a very unreasonable and rude and sometimes plain bitchy…bitch. Never hesitating to yell at someone or make a worker feel like trash. Her kids would come in and get free food since it’s family. They were very polite and well behaved kids. ( The oldest at about 11 or 12). We had a new girl that started working there and had only been around for about a week. She didn’t even know how to bake cookies or prep some foods yet. DiL’s oldest comes in with his mother and asks for a six inch sub as usual. I make his sub for him and NG (New Girl) goes to ring him up. NG tells him his total and he says he gets it for free. NG says he has to pay. DiL who was talking to the employee working the front desk for the gas station overhears this and walks over to the sub counter and begins to chew out NG for not knowing that DiL was the owner’s daughter in law and that the kid was her son. (NG couldn’t even remember my name as I was only the third or fourth person that she had worked with at the time). NG stands there while DiL yells at her as customers are coming in to pay for gas or grab drinks. All of them make awkward looks in our direction clearly taking note of the scene being caused but trying to ignore it. (It is important to note that DiL and I were not on good terms at this point in time). After DiL finishes yelling at NG, I hand them the sub and tell them to take care as if I had not just witnessed the unleashing of Satan himself before my very eyes. They leave and NG looks at me with a look of shock and confusion. And I explain to stay out of DiL’s way the best she can. Abuse like this went on for the entirety of my employment. It was always to different employees. No one was safe. In another instance, she yelled at a coworker for for doing something “wrong” (Whatever task he was working on, he was doing it right but DiL was convinced he wasn’t). A nasty argument ensued and DiL went to go tell the owner that an employee had directly talked back to her. At this point, my coworker is calling the owner explaining the situation in full honesty so that way DiL couldn’t make anything up to make my coworker look bad. The owner RIPPED DiL’S ASS. DiL came back crying and refused to even look at my coworker. What makes it funnier is that my coworker’s sister started to work there and DiL stayed out of her way presumably out of fear of another situation like that. DiL. Was not a very nice lady to say the least. She ultimately was a big reason why I slowly began to resent my job.

The day I put in my Two Weeks Notice was one of the best days of my life. It was hard to resist smiling as I handed the envelope to DiL herself.

I had held both middle fingers to the sky the last time I walked out of that hellhole as an employee. (It was dark and no one was really there to see it except my coworker but it felt good, don’t judge.)

I have since gotten and currently hold a job at the Parcel Services United and it’s different from fast food and retail in every way. It’s hard, fast-paced labor. Lots of lifting and sweating and swearing. It’s not as easy as working at a sandwich shop but it’s more gratifying and the people that work there are hard workers. Even the supervisors have been in the lowly position of loader and unloader. (The toughest and shittiest job in the company.) They understand the trouble new people have and can relate to the struggle when something goes wrong or if there is a problem. They understand that we are all humans. No more, no less. It makes a difficult job that much better. It sucks some days and other days you’re pissed off at the fact you were born and were even capable of getting the job. But when the week ends and Monday comes, I’m ready to start the grind all over again and do it with a smile.

If this gets enough attention, I’ll tell some good stories for my experience at my current package job.

“I know/am related to the owner, so I can do whatever I want!”

Yea… bitch, please…

~Ash

#stupid customers #submission

[nejihinata]

Day 5 – Road to Ninja

1747w | Romance/Crack | Read on AO3

That definitely wasn’t a bad way to wake, Neji thought before he could stop himself when he opened his eyes and saw her face so close, cascades of indigo hair shrouding them, her hands on his chest, her hips settled on a part of his anatomy that was especially sensitive that time of the morning.

That was also a very wrong way to wake.

Fighting the urge to swallow, he stared hard at her.

“What is the meaning of this, Hinata-sama?”

“You were taking too long to wake up.”

Never in his life had Neji slept in, and his internal clock told him that he still had a few hours before his usual rising time, it should be dark yet even, if she would let him, he could check himself. And was the uneasiness what liberated him too look down, something he wouldn’t never let himself to do in normal circumstances. Hyuuga Neji did not used training sessions as excuse to checking out Hinata no matter what Hanabi or Tenten would say. So, when he did it, when he looked down, and instead of view the modest cotton nightgown he had the privilege to have seen Hinata wearing once, and the image imprinted in his head forever. For he was presented with the image of Hinata’s breasts accented by sexy dark lace picking from the generous neckline of her almost see-through white satin negligee.

He pushed her out of him hard, trying ever hard to kill the images his over-creative teenage boy hormones fuelled brain started to breed and spread like wildfire.

“You are not Hinata-sama.”

That made her furious.

“Of course I am!”

“No you are not. Byakugan!”

He couldn’t find anything, no sign of ninjutsu, no henge, no clone, nothing. What the hell was going one? Who was that person? Why did she looked so painfully like his lady?

His lady…

He knew it was dangerous to abandon a stranger on his room, but at that moment, he didn’t care, he just needed to know she was alright, so he bolted from the fake Hinata’s presence and ran towards the true Hinata’s room only to find if empty.

Anger and fear spreading through his veins like poison, he turned to look for the fake and get answers, she should have fled by now. Maybe that was Hinata’s body in some kind of possession jutsu his eyes couldn’t detect, but he would find her, no matter when she hid, he would get Hinata back and would make that impostor pay.

So, it was really anticlimactic when he turned and she was by the door, looking at her crimson painted nails as if she was waiting for his dramatic brooding moment to end.

“I guess for my byakugan readings and you completely rejecting the chance of sex earlier that you are not my Neji-nii either.”

He had reject the chance of what????

“Who are you?” He asked coldly.

“Hyuuga Hinata. But I guess… Not your Hyuuga Hinata.”

Neji never fancied he really had one.

“What have you done to her?”

“Me?” She looked shocked. “Nothing. Why would I want to have to do something with your Hinata? Wait, on second thought…” She seemed a bit lost in thoughts there. “Oh man, you would want to see that.” She got out from her hazy dreams and considered him. “Well, maybe not you. My Neji-nii would, the pervert. Hey, why did you push me like that?”

“Strange woman, half-naked, over me. What did you expected?”

“First: Not strange, I’m Hinata. Second: I expected you to make out with me, don’t you like woman? That would be a funny one considering my Neji-nii.”

His anger was starting to be difficult to keep on this preferred artic temperatures and began to burn.

“You are not Hinata and that is not of your business.”

“Ho ho ho. He’s repressed the poor thing. What? Your Hinata don’t give you any?”

“Don’t you dare to talk of her like that!” He morphed into a fighting stance but she didn’t see not even a little fazed. In fact, she was unconcerned enough by his killing aura that she walked towards him, all swaying hips and bare legs, until she was invading his personal space.

“Like how?” She started to trace the line of the top of his pyjama, her ghost almost-touch making the hairs of his arms stand. “You know, I bet your Hinata would give you something if you just asked. I mean, I quite dig the repressed look, with my Neji-nii is always so easy, you I’d have to seduce first. Could be fun.”

“Get away from me.” But he didn’t bat her hand away. There was something wrong with him, why wasn’t he moving?

“Oh please, you might not be my Neji-nii, but you are a Neji, you want me.”

“I do not!” He retorted noticing with horror that he was, in fact, lying.

“Oh… Not me? Her then? I mean if you are nothing like my Neji and I’m nothing like your Hinata, what should I do seduce you?” She put a finger on her bottom lip contemplating the situation, then her eyes shone with malice, before all her body language changed, shoulders feel, back curved slightly to make her smaller, lips became a little pouty and lashes flapped with fake innocence. “S-should I st-t-tutter a bit? Should I p-play shy?”

“Stop it!”

“It is working, isn’t it?”

He wanted to die. But die could he not. Not when he didn’t know what happened to Hinata. Willing his blood from nether locations back to his eyes he focused on his byakugan. There had to be something, anything!

Nothing, nothing, nothing. Hell! But he couldn’t give up like that, and as he tried to find the flaw on that impostor, she kept taunting he with lascivious words and excessive amounts of bare skin that she had no right to put on display.

“You won’t find what you are searching. I am not a fake. Look at me. Not my chakra, me. I know you want.”

Seeing there was nothing he could achieve with his doujutsu, Neji deactivated the byakugan.

“Much better. Be honest. There is really much difference?”

“You are nothing like her. Tell me where she is!”

“She’s closer than you think. Why?”

“Is not it obvious? I have to rescue her from whatever you have done to her.”

“I haven’t done anything to her. And that was not what I was asking. Why am I nothing like her?”

Of course he couldn’t trust her, but the ropes on his heart unleashed a bit. If that person wasn’t lying Hinata was fine, he just had to keep her talking to find out where he could find his lady.

“You might look like her, but she does not present herself like that.”

She smiled wickedly, the seductress back on.

“Like how?”

“She would never look so vulgar. Where is she?”

“Not telling you! And oh dear… She is a woman, she could look like this is she wanted.” She then let one of the thing straps of her negligee fall in a provocative pose. “I don’t think I look vulgar, I look sexy.”

He swallowed. Her smile became bigger.

“What do you think you will achieve? You stole the princess of the Hyuuga, you are surrounded by the main house. You are not leaving alive even after I find Hinata-sama.”

She started to play with his top again, she hadn’t fixed her falling strap and when she moved the arm she gave him a show of a little bit more of tantalizing breast exposure.

“Why should I fear? I’ve told you. I am Hyuuga Hinata. No one will be able to tell or care about the difference besides you. And about what I want…” She got even closer to whisper on his ear. “Isn’t that obvious?”

When he didn’t move she just sighed heavily.

“I give up.”

She took a step back, the seductress was gone, even with the red lips and sexy sleepwear, that was just plan old sad Hinata.

Neji was horrified.

“I j-just made a fool of myself did I not?”

“Hinata-sama?” He tried cautiously.

“It is me…” She looked away and blushed, crossing her arms to hide. “I have been sending you all this signals but you never seen to understand my intentions… Why must it always be like that for me?”

He held his hands for her to stop and blinked a few times.

“I do not understand.”

“Sakura-san told me about she and Naruto-kun went to this other world in which everyone had opposite personalities, and I thought maybe was that could help me…”

“Help you? Help you with what?”

She blushed even harder.

“W-w-w-with you.”

“With me?” He considered her. “What about me.”

“Oh… Nothing. I just thought… But I was wrong.”

“About what? What did you think?”

“It does not matter.”

“If went to this lengths I think it do.”

She sucked a breath and looked up at him almost angrily.

“I thought that you wanted me, alright? But you do not. It is ok, it does not matter I will just-“

But she couldn’t complete her thought because his hand grabbed her waist and pushed her flush against him as he kissed her hard.

Hinata felt her surprised yelp be swallowed by his hungry lips, and her eyes fell closed, the hand that had protected her from shocking herself with him too hard by hanging of his shoulder sliding to his neck and hair.

But before that she could really enjoy herself, he was a step back and not touching her at all.

“I am…” He swallowed. “I am sorry. I should not… I should have asked first.”

She giggled.

“Oh you have my permission.”

Saying that, she stepped forward and after a moment staring his eyes, she kissed his lips softly.

“Do you really want me, then?”

“Always.”

“But not looking like this?”

“Hinata-sama, I do not think there is a way I will not want you.”

“But you resisted me until the end.”

“And it was very hard. And I did not, I kissed you.”

And to illustrate he kissed her again, this time letting his tong caress the roof of her mouth as his hand explored her back covered only by that thin satin.

“Please do not resist me anymore.” She asked on a breathy voice when he let her go.

 “I do not think I would be able too.”

#nejihina #nejihinaweek #nejihinaweek2018 #fanfic #my fic #neji hyuga #hinata hyuga #road to ninja

[pizza-is-my-buziness]

I'm sad, would you ever consider writing a malvie Hogwarts au?

You sent me this a while ago and I’m sorry I’m just now getting to it! I hope you aren’t still sad, my friend! Enjoy!

There are definitely things that Mal loves about Hogwarts.Mainly the fact that she gets to practice magic for nine months of her life,that she no longer has to suffer through the ridiculous rules and spells thatlimit her magic when she’s not inside the castle walls. Seriously? A spell to limit spells? Mal is pretty sure that the geniuses who thought that up(aka the Headmistress and the Ministry) didn’t really think that through. Butstill, Mal isn’t going to argue, since Hogwarts has finally opened its doorsagain to the children of those found guilty of practicing dark magic. Mal doesn’twant to waste time pointing out all the flawed policies that govern those particularchildren, just in case it impedes her chance to do actual magic. Which would be a definite shame.

There are plenty of things, however, that Mal dislikes aboutHogwarts. Namely the other students.

The students who have been able to attend the school sincethey were first years, who always knew that there was a Hogwarts acceptanceletter waiting in their future. People like Doug and Jane and Audrey, who comefrom families made famous for vanquishing the darkness that apparently flows inMal’s own veins.

Hogwarts would be absolutely perfect, Mal thinks, if she didn’thave to tell with anyone else.

Mal tries to ignore the stares of Audrey and some of herfriends, instead working at keeping her head down and her focus on her potionshomework. She has her potions lesson after lunch and her homework is most definitelynot done and, well, it’s not the first time this week she’s found herself inthis particular predicament. So she can’t afford to let herself be distractedby Audrey’s snickering, not if she wants to get this done on time so ProfessorMerlin doesn’t find another excuse to send her to detention.

Though, listening to Audrey not so quietly gossip about herand the other six-year transfer students while trying to muddle her way throughpotions homework is not the type of thing that makes remembering why she lovesHogwarts an easy feat.

Mal tosses her Slytherin tie over her shoulder so it doesn’tget in her way as she leans closer to the table, her quill scratching acrossthe parchment. She’s nearly finished, just one more potion to analyze and then-

And then the quill in her hand suddenly turns into a snakeand Mal nearly jumps out of her seat, dropping the wiggling creature down ontothe table.

Audrey and her friends immediately burst into laughter andMal narrows her eyes as she looks across the library at them.

“Oh, sorry Mal,” Audrey says sweetly with a smile on herface, “we were just practicing our Transfiguration homework.” She sets her wandaside, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

Mal can feel the magic churning inside her stomach, can feelit burning in her veins. She narrows her eyes at Audrey, trying to even out herbreathing, trying to resist the urge to reach for her own wand and teach thegirl all about Transfiguration.

Not that it really matters because, suddenly, the papers andbooks scattered across the table between the girls turn into creatures alltheir own. Dozens of spiders and a half dozen rats suddenly appear wherehomework had been only seconds before, wasting no time at all in scampering andcrawling across the girls’ forearms and up their shoulders.

Audrey’s shrill scream cuts through the library, easilylouder than the shrieks of the other girls and the chairs falling backward andclattering across the stone floor of the library. Mal can only stare at them inshock, her eyes widening as she watches Audrey and the other girls attempt toshake spiders out of their hair and rats off the pleats of their skirts.

Her wand is still sitting in the pocket of her robes, thoughclearly that doesn’t matter. Mal can still feel the magic humming inside her, threateningto claw through her skin, desperate to be unleashed again.

Quickly, Mal gets to her feet, grabbing her parchment andbooks and turning on her heel, trying to ignore the panicked screams of thegirls and the murmurs of confusion of the professors who are attempting to helpthem.

Even still, Mal can feel the eyes of her classmates on her asshe hurries past their tables. “Did you see that?” One voice whispers. “Shedidn’t even use her wand.”

“And did you see her eyes?” Another voice from another tablechimes in. “They, like, changed colors.”

No one tries to stop Mal as she leaves the library, which isa relief. A few heads turn in her direction as she hurries down the hallway,but most people ignore her. For now, Mal thinks. Once news of the little libraryincident starts to spread, she doubts she’ll be able to avoid people’sattention so easily.

Mal decides to take advantage of the fact that no one islooking for her just yet, hurrying out of the castle and toward the lake that shimmersat the front of the grounds. She drops her books in the grass, following suitquickly, leaning against the trunk of a gnarled tree.

She knows that wandless magic is traditionally difficult foreven the most experienced magic uses, that it was often a sign of those inleague with practicing dark magic. The stronger the abilities, reportedly, thedeeper the connection to dark, evil magic.

Mal knows that once upon a time, her mother had been able topractice wandless magic. That she could do nearly anything without evenreciting a single spell.

And now…

Mal swallows, closing her eyes and tipping her head backagainst the rough bark.

Now she thinks that she’s just proved everyone right abouther after all. That she’s proved her mother’s words true too. That she isn’tvery different from Maleficent at all.

Mal listens to the sounds of the mermaids singing beneath thewater, to the sounds of the wind whistling through the leaves in the treebehind her. It all seems quiet compared to the humming of the magic inside her,the churn of it in her blood and bones. It used to be a sound that comfortedher, one she could reach out and press against with her mind, knowing that shewas special, that she had magic inside her despite the attempts made by othersto repress it, to keep it from surfacing lest it proved to be magic that couldbe used for evil. Being at Hogwarts had been the first chance Mal had tounleash it, to see what she could really do.

Maybe all of that had been a mistake, too. Maybe Belle, theMinister of Magic, and her cabinet had been right to fear the children of thoseconvicted of practicing the dark arts.

The sound of footsteps makes Mal open her eyes and she feelsher body prickle with relief at the sight of the girl in blue and silverstriped robes carefully picking her way across the lakeshore in Mal’sdirection.

“I thought I might find you here,” Evie says as she sits downbeside Mal, spreading her robes out beneath her.

Mal makes a face. “So I guess that means you already know.”

“Know what?” Evie questions. “That you apparently turnedAudrey into a giant spider?”

Mal can’t help but smile slightly. “That would have been cool.”

“What happened, M?” Evie questions. “Really?”

Mal can only shake her head. “I don’t really know. I just…Audreyand her friends were being assholes, like always,” she says and Evie nods,unable to dispute this particular claim. “They turned my quill into a snake.”

Evie’s eyes widen. “They did what?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Mal says with a shake of her head. “That’snot…it’s not important.”

Evie narrows her eyes slightly but she doesn’t argue, thoughMal knows Evie well enough to know that she thinks it’s important. Importantenough that Aubrey might have more than just a few spiders to contend withlater.

“I don’t even know how it happened. I wasn’t thinkinganything specifically…I was just…” Mal looks down at her hands, sitting in herlap. “I didn’t have to use my wand or a spell. It just…happened.”

“You were upset,” Evie points out, leaning her shoulderagainst Mal’s. “And they definitely deserved it.”

Mal exhales, shaking her head. “That’s not the point,” shesays. “I used wandless magic. Just like…”

Evie’s hand settles on Mal’s knee and Mal closes her eyesbriefly against the touch. She misses Evie, misses the moments like this,moments that would have been so easy to have back home, when no one cared wherethey went or what they did, when there weren’t classes and lessons and pryingeyes. Sometimes, Mal thinks that all the children accepted into Hogwarts aftercareful deliberation by the Ministry were placed in different Houses on purpose,to keep them as separate as possible. Of course, Mal thinks they clearly don’tknow her and Evie. As though anything could keep them apart.

“Like our parents,” Evie finishes for her, her tone devoid ofemotion, the way it always is when their parents are brought up.

Mal nods, looking at Evie. “Exactly.”

“You aren’t your mother, Mal,” Evie says gently. “You aren’tanything like her.”

“I used to think that was true,” Mal says quietly. “Now Ijust…I don’t know if I can argue that anymore.”

Evie smiles at her. “That’s what you have me for, then,” shesays. “To talk some sense into you.” She presses her lips to Mal’s forehead.

Mal smiles slightly, leaning closer, wishing the touch neverhad to end. “I could be dangerous,” she points out. “I can feel the magicinside…it wants to be free.”

“I know, I can feel it too,” Evie assures her. “It’s a partof who we are. But that doesn’t mean it’s something evil. Or that we have to dosomething evil with it.”

Mal makes a face. “I kinda already did,” she points out.

Evie rolls her eyes. “Spiders and rats?” She raises aneyebrow. “Audrey totally deserved it.”

“Maybe…” Mal sighs. “Next time it might be worse…it might…”

“It won’t,” Evie says firmly, giving Mal’s knee a squeeze.

“You don’t know that,” Mal points out.

“But I do know you,Mal,” Evie says. “I’ve known you might entire life.”

When she leans closer, their lips meet and Mal sighs into thekiss, reaching for Evie’s hand on her knee and twining their fingers together.The feeling of Evie’s lips against hers, of Evie’s magic humming in tune withthe magic Mal can feel inside herself, makes it easy for everything else tofade away. It makes it easier to stop worrying, to quiet the magic, to calm herquickly beating heart. It makes it easy for her to believe what Evie is saying.

“You’re trying to distract me,” Mal mumbles against Evie’slips, not entirely willing to pull away, not quite yet.

Evie smiles, nodding. “It’s working.”

“It always does,” Mal assures hers, slipping her fingersthrough Evie’s hair, which perfectly matches the coloring of her tie and housecrest.

“See, I do knowyou,” Evie says, kissing Mal’s cheeks and forehead. “I know your magic ispowerful, like you. And good, like you.”

Mal turns her head so that her lips meet Evie’s once more andshe closes her eyes, letting Evie’s words repeat through her mind.

Evie’s conviction is catching and Mal can feel it spreadingthrough her like a balm, easing the nervous fire in her chest. Evie thinks sheis good and that seems to be enough, for now. Mal figures that other studentsat Hogwarts might not be willing to take the word of another student whopossibly has dark magic flowing through her veins too, but it suddenly doesn’tmatter what they think. About either one of them. She has Evie’s lips againsthers and Evie’s hands on her hips and Evie’s assurance that she is not hermother.  

What more could she possibly need?

#malvie #mevie #hogwarts AU #this is just a short quick little ficlet but I do like this AU and would like to do more with it #thanks for the prompt it's a pretty fun universe to play in!

[summahsunlight]

We Belong to the Stars, CH.9

Word Count: 2668

Pairings: Poe/Evelyn (OC)

A/N: Here is the next chapter.  Links for the other chapters are provided below so you can catch up :)

Chapter One / Chapter Two / Chapter Three / Chapter Four / Chapter Five / Chapter Six / Chapter Seven / Chapter Eight / AO3

Poe was standing at the holotable in the situation room when Evelyn entered; he couldn't stop the small smile that spread across his face as BB-8 and CB-2 followed behind her, like little bantha cubs.  He had wondered where his droid had gone, now he knew; BB-8 was with Evelyn.  His little companion had always been enamored with Evelyn because she treated him with respect, much like Poe treated him.  There were times Poe questioned if the droid loved her more than he did.

Evelyn looked up then and saw him smiling at her. Instantly, she blushed, which only made Poe's smile grow. She adverted her eyes as the other pilots began to file into the situation room.  It took a few moments for her to look back up, waiting while Snap and Jessika took their positions at the holotable.  Evelyn should have been surprised that he was still looking at her, still smiling at her slightly, but she wasn't.  For a brief moment, their eyes locked and it was as if she was the only other person in the room with him.  She felt her heart flutter; no one looked at her like the way Poe did.

He didn't look away until Leia entered the room, Major Caluan Ematt following behind her.  Poe immediately noticed Ematt's concern upon seeing Evelyn in that room.  The Major had been good friends with the Solos and Skywalkers, Ematt had watched the Skywalker children grow up.  Poe was certain that the former Rebellion solider was having trouble separating the little girl from the young woman she had become, but Poe knew that Evelyn was more than capable of the challenges ahead of them.  She's the daughter of two top notch pilots and one of which was a Jedi Knight. 

Leia approached the table and slipped a disc into the chip reader.  She pressed a button and the holoimage of a man, with white blonde hair and pale blue eyes appeared, hovering over the table. "Commander Dameron was already briefed earlier on this matter, we feel it's time to bring his squad in and take action. This is Agent Lothor.  Up until recently, he had infiltrated the First Order and had been gathering intel on the base they are building in the Unknown Regions.  We lost all contact with him about three days ago.  The First Order attacked his last known location.  Major Ematt has activated his tracker and we've located it on a habitable planet close to his last known location."

Ematt continued, "It is vital that Agent Lothor and the information is retrieved before the First Order finds him. This is a highly classified mission, Commander Dameron, so it's essential that you and your team keep this information from leaving this room. Do you understand?" 

"Of course, Major," Poe answered, with a curt nod. 

"Good. You leave first thing in the morning," Ematt replied. 

"Poe, the first sign of trouble, you get out of there," Leia informed him. "We cannot afford heavy losses."

"Yes ma'am."

"What did I tell you about calling me that?"

Poe just gave her one of his trademark smiles. Leia somehow resisted the urge to roll her eyes.  For the most part, Poe reminded her of Luke—he had a good heart and always tried to do what was right—but there were other times, the handsome young pilot reminded her of Han.  

Instead of arguing with the leader of Black Squadron, Leia dismissed them.  They needed time to prepare; they had an important mission tomorrow, probably the most important mission for the Resistance to date.

Kaleb was tried.  All he really wanted to do was grab a quick dinner in the mess hall and then head to his bunk. However, upon entering the mess, the tension in the air was palpable. He jumped into the food line, grabbed a tray, and leaned into Joph's shoulder.  "What's going on?"

Joph glanced at him as he scooped some food onto his tray. "Rumor has it that Commander Dameron's squad is going out on a classified mission tomorrow morning; they spent a lot of time in the situation room today with Major Ematt. Yolo saw them take their dinner in there about an hour ago; they haven't come out yet.  My guess, mission prep."

"No one has any theories what the mission might be?" Kaleb questioned just as realization dawned him. The missing spy. 

"Well," Joph said, his cheeks getting slightly red, "they're too busy talking about Poe assigning Evelyn to his squadron."

Kriff, Poe, really? Kaleb thought, rolling his eyes.  He knew that Poe assigning Evelyn to his squadron was because he believed in her skills, he trusted her, hell he had been one of the ones to teach Evelyn how to fly but the rest of the Resistance, they didn't know those things.  To them, it looked like an attempt to get closer to Evelyn. Maybe, he wants that, but I know that's not the reason he put Evie in his squadron.  "Joph, trust me, Poe didn't assign my sister to Black Squadron to win her back or anything.  He taught her to fly; he knows how good she is."

Shrugging his shoulders, Joph grabbed his tray of food and went off to find his friends.  Kaleb sighed, heavily, letting his eyes sweep the mess hall. Knowing that his sister was about to go on a classified, highly dangerous mission, made him not so hungry anymore.  He needed to find Poe.

Moving through the base quickly and quietly, Kaleb found Black Squadron exiting the situation room, empty trays in their mechanic, Oddy's hands.  Kaleb set his jaw and grabbed Poe, roughly, by the arm. "We need to talk."

Poe started to smile but then seeing the serious look in his friend's eyes, stopped himself. "Okay," he said, letting Kaleb drag him off to a quiet part of the base.  "Does this have something to do with my assigning Evelyn to Black Squadron?"

"No," Kaleb replied, releasing Poe's arm. "But we'll get to that in a moment.  I know my aunt gave you the mission to find Lothor."

"Yeah, we leave in the morning," Poe replied, brow creasing with mild concern.  "This is about Evie, isn't it?"

"Besides my aunt and uncle, she's the only family I have left, Poe."

"Kaleb, I won't let anything happen to her."

Pain flashed through Kaleb's blue eyes. His mother was dead, his father vanished... and Ben... it hurt the most thinking about Ben.  So, Kaleb shook away the horrendous memories, and looked his friend straight in the eye. "Promise me, Poe, promise me that you'll make sure she comes back.  I can't lose her, too." 

Setting his jaw, Poe nodded, firmly. "I promise, Kaleb. I'll make sure to bring her home." He didn't need to voice it, both of them knew it; Poe would die before letting anything happen to Evelyn.  He would die to protect her if need be. "Something tells me though, she's going to be the one to be making sure I get home," he said, with a sly smile to break the grief filled tension. 

Kaleb chuckled, sadly. "Yeah, that's probably true."

Poe reached out and gripped Kaleb's shoulder. "She's a hell of a pilot; I should know, I taught her to fly."

"I know, and because of that, it's one of the reasons I'm terrified.  She can be just as reckless as you at times."

"Unlike me, she knows how to reign it in, not to mention she's a Jedi.  She has the Force on her side."

"You know she's shut herself off from the Force, right? That she has completely shunned that part of her identity..."

"I had my suspicions but I didn't want to push her."

Sighing, Kaleb nodded. He understood; Poe and Evelyn were actually on good speaking terms, in fact rumor had it that they were more than just on good speaking terms. Kaleb knew Poe wouldn't jeopardize his relationship with Evelyn asking such a heavy question, regardless of what kind of relationship they had at the current time.  "Ever since my father left, she's been avoiding that part of her.  She keeps her lightsaber locked in a compartment in her x-wing but I can't tell you the last time I saw her use it."

Poe had noticed that Evelyn didn't carry her lightsaber, something she had been so excited to complete just before the fall of the Temple. "Maybe she just thinks it the easiest way to handle everything that's happened, Kaleb."

Kaleb shot a glare at him. "Easiest? Nothing about our situation is easy, Poe. Kylo Ren is our problem to deal with and he's only going to be defeated if Evelyn stops being afraid and becomes the Jedi we both know she can be."

"Come on, Kaleb, you're asking her to face someone, possibly killing him, that she cared about at one point in her life."

"The person she cared about is gone, Poe; only Kylo Ren remains." 

"Have you talked to her about this?"

"You haven't been around here long enough to know two things, so I'm going to tell you them; one, don't piss my aunt off and two, don't talk to my sister about the Force."

He knew enough that you didn't make Leia angry, Poe had known Leia his whole life, but talking to Evelyn about the Force... she had always been so open to him about it.  He supposed that given everything that had happened in the last five years, talking about that part of her was difficult. "You just gotta give her time, Kaleb.  She'll come around."

Turning away from him, Kaleb sighed, heavily. He'd told himself that very same thing for the last five years, so far it had not come true yet. It wasn't fair that he was unleashing all this pent up frustration on his friend. "I'm sorry, Poe. I shouldn't be taking my frustrations out on you."

Poe reached out and clamped his hand down on Kaleb's shoulder.  He gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze to remind him that they were in this together, and that they were going to see this through to the end. No matter what that ending might be.

"General, you're going to want to read this."

Armitage Hux turned precisely on his heel.  He strode along the command deck of the Finalizer towards the nameless officer that had grabbed his attention.  "Yes," he said, "what is it?"

The officer handed him a data card. Hux knew the young boy had been in charge of finding out more information on the attack in the Uvoss System. The Supreme Leader had been furious Hux's men had let the pirates get away with the yacht. "It wasn't the Irving Boys that stole that yacht.  Rumor has it that it was the Resistance."

Of course, Hux thought.  He had read up on the logs his pilots had submitted and he'd been suspicious.  The pilots that had attacked the Senator's yacht had obviously been combat missioned trained.  Pirates wouldn't have attempted to charge a Regurgant-class Star Destroyer. He frowned at the names on the data pad. He knew little about Poe Dameron, but he knew enough that the man was reckless, but had the skills to back it up.  "Now that the Resistance has the yacht, they're going to know about Agent Lothor.  Make sure every last one of those transmissions is tracked down. Kill any of the recipients."

"And what if the Resistance sends out their own team to retrieve the information?" the officer questioned, swallowing slightly. 

"Do I have to honestly spell that out for you?" Hux snapped, resisting the urge to roll his eyes when the officer stood there, dumbfounded. "Kill them too; leave no survivors."

#star wars #star wars fanfiction #poe dameron fanfiction #poe dameron #evelyn skywalker (oc) #kaleb skywalker (oc) #leia organa #snap wexley #jess pava #bb-8 #armitage hux #kare kun #iolo arana #black squadron #snap wexley x kare kun #poe x oc #we belong to the stars

[snkpolls]

SnK S3E09 Poll Results (Anime Only Version)

The poll closed with 145 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Please note this is the anime only viewer version of the poll. Manga readers, please click here for the results of the manga reader poll!

RATE THE EPISODE 132 Responses

Another episode with mostly positive reviews. Only a few were unimpressed with the episode.

HOW ABOUT THAT BARRICADES ORCHESTRAL REARRANGE? 124 Responses

The majority of voters continue to agree Sawano continues to kill it with the soundtrack.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WERE YOUR FAVORITE OVERALL SCENES? 128 Responses

Rod’s titan face reveal was the overall favorite moment of the episode, followed up by Levi finding Kenny. Rod’s demise created a tie between the Survey Corps defeating him and Historia giving him the final blow. 

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WERE YOUR FAVORITE MC CHARACTER INTERACTIONS? 126 Responses

Levi telling Kenny he’s going to die was the favorite character interaction for anime only watchers. Followed closely behind that was Eren showing Armin that he is gaining his confidence back, and finally Eren realizing horrifyingly that he insulted Levi while calling Rod a tiny, old man was another favorite. 

HOW COOL WAS IT TO SEE THE POV OF A MINDLESS TITAN? 129 Responses

The majority of people definitely appreciated getting this new perspective.  We agree this was a really nice touch!

YOUR REACTION TO ROD’S TITAN’S FACE REVEAL? 129 Responses

45% of respondents thought Rod’s titan was awesome, but 47% thought it was disgusting or horrifying - we think it’s safe to say some combination of all three.

Horrifying for sure, but in an awesome way!

It was simultaneously horrifying and impressive.

Sexy!

Ugliest Titan ever to grace the fandom.

WHO DREW IT BETTER - ISAYAMA OR WIT? 128 Responses

The majority of people thought WIT’s simplified version of Erwin’s sketch was drawn better.

WHOSE GRAVE DO YOU THINK EREN WAS VISITING? 129 Responses

61% of respondents thought Eren was visiting Hannes’ grave, but there were also a few interesting thoughts below.

An old friend in the survey corps?

His Mother’s

His fathers

Marco

HOW MUCH DO YOU RELATE TO EREN PUNCHING HIMSELF? 128 Responses

This question is much more evenly split than it was with manga readers, with nearly ⅓ of voters relating to each category. 

HOW DID YOU LIKE THOSE THROWBACK FLASHBACKS FROM SEASON 1?

127 Responses

A majority of respondents enjoyed the throwback or thought it was surreal to see Season 1 animation alongside Season 3.  

I think the quality of the first and second season was great. Frankly, Season 3 has been a bit disappointing in comparison, because its scenes (for the most part) have been very simple without a lot of movement or detail (despite being animated and not a still image). I think S03 is the least visually-striking season so far, with minor exceptions.

It made me reflect on the overall quality of this season. While I don't think is a bad season, it's definitely a downgrade compared to the first 2 seasons. On the first 3 episodes, the show got me excited as the first 2 seasons, but after that its just not that much exciting anymore. I really hope it improves on the next arc, since everyone are saying next arc is the best arc

WOULD YOU ACCEPT HISTORIA AS YOUR RULER? 127 Responses

The overwhelming majority of respondents would accept Historia as their queen.

ROD IS A TINY OLD MAN. IS LEVI A TINY OLD MAN TOO? 129 Responses

43% of voters agree that Levi is not old. 42% are ready to pay their respects to Eren for even considering such a thing, even if accidentally.

Eren insulting Levi will be remembered for eternity.

WHY DO YOU THINK EREN WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL ROD’S TITAN? 127 Responses

Plenty of different theories here but the majority of people thing that Eren is just not able to access his full titan power, just like Rod said.

Eren cannot control titan shifters

I don't think he has a very good grasp of how to do it. Karate chopping the air and shouting "YOO TITAN PLS STOP" is probably not the secret to unleashing that skill.

Noble blood immunity

eren is a noob when it comes to using the  power of the titans

EREN WAS REALLY DOWN ON HIMSELF THIS WEEK, DO YOU THINK HIS BEHAVIOR WILL CHANGE MOVING FORWARD? 127 Responses

84% of voters believe that Eren will step up his teamwork game, but are divided on whether he will continue to be his usually bothered self or if he will find his chill more easily. A small 13% believe he will not change after his breakdown.

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THE PARALLELS IN THIS EPISODE OF THE SMALL CHILDREN POINTING TO ROD LOOMING OVER THE WALL IN COMPARISON TO EMA DOING SO TO BERTOLT’S TITAN FIVE YEARS AGO? 129 Responses

Looks like everybody loves Isayama and his trios!

A little emotional

Childhood trauma! Yay!

They will be traumatised for life cos Rod was more horrifying.

DO YOU THINK HISTORIA WILL BE A GOOD QUEEN? 128 Responses

Overwhelming support for Historia as queen here, with a smaller portion of people believing she’ll be a ruler in name only.

I think she'll be very difficult to work with. She's strong-minded, but she's not a leader and she doesn't have the knowledge necessary to rule a kingdom. She has some foolish ideas and unrealistic expectations, and I think they are going to cause conflict.

I'm certain that she'll try her best

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT HISTORIA STANDING UP TO AND COUNTERING ERWIN ON HIS ORDERS? 126 Responses

Historia standing up to Erwin has overwhelming support from respondents.  

I expected it; she outranks him now after all.

I still think everyone is stupid for allowing such an important person to participate in battle. I was promised a real explanation for this silliness, and then Erwin was just like "Well I only have one arm so I guess you can do what you want" and I was angry at everyone.

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT HISTORIA CARRYING OUT THE FINISHING BLOW? 126 Responses

Mostly everyone thought Historia being the one to finish her father was super positive.

WILL KENNY USE THE SERUM? 127 Responses

85% of total respondents are certain that Kenny will not use the serum.

DISCUSSION QUESTION! HOW DO YOU THINK THE STORY WOULD HAVE CHANGED IF EREN HAD BEEN EATEN IN THE CAVE? 47 Responses

We enjoyed reading your responses and theories to this open discussion question:

Historia enslaves humanity like the biggest femme dom the world has ever seen

Historia would inherit Grisha's and Founding Titan's powers. If she would be able to resist the First King's will then Rod would be able to save humanity from the titans. If she wouldn't be able to resist the First King's will then Rod would lose another family member to the FT and the rest of humanity would get their memories erased.

Historia, with memories of the first king, would’ve probably erased the memories of everyone inside the walls

I doubt they would kill Eren at this point, so if he got eaten they would do something like the first season again (Eren "dies", but he is back because of some random reason), but that would be a horrible choice on the plot.

I think humanity would be screwed bc then Mikasa, best girl, would be too depressed to continue to help fight.

I thinking lots of shit will be avoided and more people would be saved I don't trust eren

Mikasa would've absolutely wreaked havoc, possibly even killing Historia. The Survey Corps would've had to fight Historia (assuming she got taken over by the First King's memories like Frieda and Uri), and maybe try to get her eaten by a mindless titan to regain humanity's 'ace'.

Mind control-->shit machine dismantled-->Ackerman/oriental rebellion

Things would have remained the same as it has always been for the past 100 years. Historia would have been controlled by the will of the first Reiss King. She wouldn't have saved humanity from the Titans and the Reiss family would have altered the memories of humanity and our main squad probably would have been caught and executed.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE?

The sight of Eren's Titan carrying the bomb was awesomely surreal.

Mixed feelings overall. It was an exciting watch at the time, but in hindsight, it still feels like they're cutting critical details for the sake of time. Rod was too easy to defeat and didn't really amount to anything as a character or a threat, and Erwin's decision to let Historia participate in the battle didn't make any sense. It looked like they opted to give us Eren's POV on that scene instead of giving us Historia's, and I think whatever she said to convince Erwin was pretty obviously cut. This is disappointing because it makes the characters look like fools for taking unnecessary, unjustified, and illogical risks.

According to the poll this was the best episode so far in season 3. I, personally, didn't like it THAT much, but I wager there will be even better episodes in the future. If WIT keeps the streak of really good episodes going on, then Attack on Titan will regain it's popularity in the West.

Best episode so far S3

Felt sorry for Rod in the end.  He was being more honest than I thought.

I wonder if erens titan will be recognised by the civilians in the future. If he will ever be considered a hero or not.

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 110 Responses

Thanks again to everyone who participated! We’ll see you again on Tuesday!

#snk poll #snk polls #snk spoilers #snk s3

[omnimpotent]

Mothers

The first time my therapist "broke" me was when he said "maybe your mom hasn't ever loved you". I sat there, tears raging uncontrolled across my face. I tried to speak, I tried to process, to think. All I did was open and close my mouth, gasping like a fish in a broken bowl where all the water just violently rushed away. I vocalized half-words as I tried to speak, as I tried to refute, as my brain ran through the course of my more than 40 years of interaction with her. I tried to find the examples of love and affection, however all my brain wanted to find were the examples of horrible treatment. The many awful birthdays I joked about, the time she put a lock on the refrigerator, so many others. I thought about the things we did as adults. And realized, when looking through an eye not desperate for a mother's love, that she never really saw me as anything more than a burden.

And why should she? I was the caboose on the fun train. She was young, graduated high school in 1970 and was very much a freewheeling hippy flower child. Just like my dad who she met and fell in love with. But the party stopped as soon as I arrived. Later when my father, the man who has still never grown up, betrayed her enough she finally left him and had to care for my brother and I by herself, without even help from her parents. It wasn't easy and here I was, troublesome and bright, thwarting her and her control at every turn, all on top of bearing the same name of the man who had done her wrong and would never pay a single penny to help raise us. Of course she resented me.

But look, even now I still seek to explain, to excuse her when really I shouldn't. Growing up I always heard about the many ways I was a disappointment, she even complained about how she had wanted a daughter. When I first came out to her she couldn't resist bringing that up (like it hadn't rattled around in my head with increasing frequency ever since my trans epiphany) and even suggesting the name she'd always wanted to use. Maybe my refusal (I'd known my name since the first time I had it suggested as mine when I was 15) is what led her to about face two weeks later as she e-mailed me, instructing me that I was not welcome to come for the upcoming planned father's day visit. What followed was the occasional e-mail, begging me to see how this affected her and her standing within her old lady groups (she is an avid member of the DAR and DUV). I responded to these attacks gently until later that year she unleashed the latest cruel attack. Words were always my mother's favorite weapon, weaving guilt and misery like some emotional spider. This time she informed me, and the cold, impersonal tone was very specifically merely a "polite" notice, that rather then celebrating my birthday the following day, that she would throw a memorial for her dead son.

Long before my mother revealed herself, when I finally accepted that I had no choice but to transition, I sought out a therapist. I knew transition would be hard, but I never suspected it would be this difficult, that my mother would lash out at me so hurtfully, and the realization that I probably SHOULD have anticipated this finally dawned on me as my therapist dissected the scaffold I'd built over so many years propping up the idea that of course she loved me.

When I finally had my first taste of freedom, a freshman in college, I'd had an argument with my mother where I hung up on her. I was furious (don't ask me why, I have no recollection) and i stomped back to my room (in those days, less than 2 decades ago, long distance calls were only able to be made on the communal dorm payphone) sulking in anger which eventually turned to regret and then sadness until half an hour later, I returned, called her back and apologized. From there I'd always worked hard to maintain an adult relationship with regular weekly phone calls and frequent get togethers, never moving too far away. I had always assumed that the friction and fightin' and feudin' with her that started when I was 15, and ended with that phone call, was the product of teenage rebellion. But part of me now wonders if that acquiesence and returned phone call was the death of me recognizing my mother's true disdain and asserting my lack of need of her in my life.

I am an indulgent optimist, so of course, even with continued rudeness heaped upon me, I left the door open, and eventually she came back around last year. We started rebuilding our friendship with monthly visits where we'd meet for a movie and then usually a meal and even once where we went shopping at a beauty store and she pointedly purchased me actual women's products for the first time. It felt like slow grudging acceptance and I leaped at it, as I'm certain she knew I would. It was not a coincidence that at the first such meeting she informed me of an upcoming surgery that I of course jeopardized my job to spend a week unpaid to help care for her. This summer she has visited and communicated even less (though taking her to the hospital for outpatient care was of course one of the few rare visits) and I'm again unsure if I'll ever have a real mother/daughter relationship like the one I hope for ideallized in my mind, but I'm at least cognizant that maybe I'll be just fine without it.

This all comes to the forefront of my mind, with fresh considerations that had not occured to me even before writing this, while reading of similar difficulties penned by a valued friend. A trans masculine person experiencing rejection from his mother and a lifetime of mental and emotional abuse. I see his strength in cutting ties and instead of feeling sadness it uplifts me, knowing that as trans people not only can we free ourselves of our fake costumes and personas, but that we can find in that power to care for ourselves enough to even surpass the painful bonds that we had previously let weigh us down.

#transgender #transition #trans woman #trans #trauma #amab #reclamation of self #motherly abuse #caboose on the fun train