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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 4 years

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One Night🌙7

Warnings: noncon sexual acts (to be warned later in series), Angry Andy, kissing.

This is dark!Andy Barber and explicit. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: One night changes your entire life.

for @kittykatlow‘s 200 Follower Celebration

Note: Alright, here’s chapter 7. Andy’s anger is finally at a head.

Hope you enjoy it. Thank you. Love you guys!

Please leave some feedback, like and reblog <3

Felicia waited for you on the patio of the restaurant. She already had a bright blue drink and waved to you as you approached the low barrier around the dining area. You sat across from her and cradled your purse between your leg and the arm of the chair. She handed you the drink menu and you sheepishly set it aside.

The waitress approached and asked for your drink order. You asked for a water and plated nervously with the corner of the menu.

“Water?” Felicia commented. “What are you, on a cleanse?”

You bit into your lip and glanced around. You couldn’t hide it forever. It was inevitable. But that didn’t make it any less embarrassing. You rubbed your cheek and leaned an elbow on the chair.

“I can’t…” You took a breath. “Why don’t you tell me how you’ve been before I get into it.”

“Wha-- uh, things are fine,” She gave you a suspicious look. “Benny and me are just fine. I’m sorry you couldn’t crash but… you back at your mom’s?”

The waitress returned with your water and you paused to give her your order. She took your menus and left you with a smile. You had a brief nostalgic moment for the diner thought it hadn’t been that long since you’d tendered your resignation.

“Yeah… it’s a long story.” You said. “Promise you won’t judge me.”

“When have I ever? Don’t you remember when I got us kicked out of that country bar?” She laughed.

“Ha, um, yeah, but…” You sighed and pressed your hands to your neck. “I’m pregnant.”

“What?” She chocked on her electric blue cocktail as she tried to sip. “Are you serious?”

“Kinda the reason my mom wanted me… out.” You sniffed.

“Well, where are you staying now?” She set her glass down. “Better yet, who the fucked knocked you up?”

You looked around, hoping no one was listening. Felicia didn’t make it hard to eavesdrop.

“You remember when we went to the bar after my hours got cut? I got pretty drunk and…”

“You cabbed home with me,” She argued.

“Uh huh, well it wasn’t-- It was at the bar. In the… restroom. We just, you know.” You lowered your voice and touched your hot cheek.

“Oh my god, I never would imagine-- you!” She trilled. “Oh, I’m sorry, I know it’s serious but… wow.”

“Yeah, it is serious. Mom kicked me to the curb because the asshole who knocked me up insisted on telling her. And he wants to keep the damn kid,” You huffed. “On top of that, he’s…” Married. You couldn’t say it. “Well, I’m staying at his place right now. Not really ideal but it’s a nice place. I guess.”

She blinked and sat back. She scoffed in disbelief.

“Wow. Wow. I… I’m sorry I’ve been awol. I didn’t--”

“You didn’t know. I didn’t tell you.” You said. “Not exactly a shining moment.”

“I can’t believe your mom kicked you out.”

“Can’t you?” You rolled your eyes. “And I quit the diner.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, uh, got more house at the cafe.” You didn’t want to explain to her it wasn’t exactly your choice. “Look, I didn’t come here to talk about it all night. It’s all I can think of and it’s all so… overwhelming.”

“Then we won’t,” Felicia chimed. “Do you remember a few years ago when Liza met that guy online and he took her to the Chuck E Cheeze.”

“Oh my god, yeah.” You laughed. “And they got food poisoning.”

“She ran into him again. She said they’re giving it a second try.”

“You’re not serious?”

🌙

You checked your phone as you finished paying the bill. You had a single message. From Andy, of course.

‘ETA?’ Simple, short. The usual tone.

‘Should be home shortly. Probably around 9.’ You answered, hating that you had to check in with him like a teenager. Yet, if it could appease him and keep him off your ass, a few placid words were worth it.

“So, what now?” Felicia asked as she stood.

“I should probably head home,” You fumbled with the strap of your purse as you hooked it across your body.

“It’s not even nine. Jeez, I know you’ve got a baby on board but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.” She sang. “Come on, save that for when the kid’s actually here.”

“I don’t know,” You hesitated.

Andy expected you at nine, and even if he understood you being a bit late, you really didn’t have the energy for a fight. But you weren’t a kid. You had every right to stay out past nine. Regardless of his house rules. Fuck him.

“Alright, fine, but… what are you thinking?”

“Drinks are a no and I don’t know if dancing is really a great idea but you should come back to mine,” She looped her arm through yours. “Benny’s out for the night but he left his Switch. When’s the last time I kicked your ass in Mario Kart?”

“Kicked my ass?” You scoffed. “That’s not how I remember it.”

“Must be pregnancy brain already,” She giggled. “Don’t worry, I’ll take it easy on you, mama.”

🌙

It was past eleven when you got in. You caught the last bus and hoped against hope that Andy was asleep when you got in. The sheer amount of messages that bubbled up on your screen assured you that he was not happy. You were reassured that the lights were all out, only the porch light remained on in expectation of you.

You unlocked the door quietly and eased inside. You closed it, muffling the click with your hand cupped around the handle. You turned the lock into place and dug out your phone, holding up the screen as a light as you faced the dark house. The lamp beside the couch bloomed with a yank of the chain as Andy sat up.

“You’re late.” He said tersely.

You cringed and lowered your phone.

“You didn’t have to wait--”

“I was worried sick. You said nine. It’s almost midnight.” He stood. “I couldn’t sleep. I drove all around looking for you. You couldn’t send me one text?”

“Sorry, I was… distracted.” You unlooped your purse and set it down on the round table beside the armchair, placing your phone beside it. “Next time, I’ll--”

“Next time? I gave you the rules. I was lenient with you and you do this.” His hands went to his hips the way they always did when he was angry. “There’s not gonna be a next time.”

“What do you-- you can’t-- you’re not my father. I wish you would stop acting like it.” You snarled. “Christ, you said you’d take your foot off the pedal, I wasn’t aware that meant it would land on my neck.”

“I have to work tomorrow! I have to make money so that I can pay for the baby! Not just a crib, or stroller, or car seat, but your hospital room and-- and-- clothes and--” He threw his hand up.

“I had two jobs. You made me quit one.” You hissed. “You can’t throw this in my face.”

“If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be living with your damned parents. If it wasn’t for me--”

“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be knocked up.”

“Takes two to tango, sweetie.” He spat. “You weren’t helpless. If you’re such a big girl, you can’t act the victim.”

“Fuck you!”

“That’s what got us into this mess,” He snapped.

Your nostrils flared as you swallowed down your anger. You grabbed your purse and phone, and shoved the latter in the former. You stormed past him before he could catch you and swept up the staircase. You went to the guest room as you heard him behind you and slammed your door. You flicked the lock into place and went through to the bathroom to lock that door. You returned to the bed room and started shoving clothes into a tote. You didn’t need him. You could find a way.

He pounded on your door. “Hey, what are you doing? Let me in.”

“Go away, Andy.” You hollered. “I’m leaving.”

“And where are you going to go?” He sneered through the door. “Huh? Not gonna look good for you living on the street with the baby.”

You ignored him and kept cramming your stuff into the bag. You winced as the door thumped. You turned as it jolted in the frame again and the third bang saw the latch broken and the wood slamming against the wall. Andy rubbed his shoulder as he stood in the doorway.

“You’re not going anywhere,” He charged towards you.

“Stop!” You stumbled back and the bag slipped to the floor along with your purse. “Andy!”

He grabbed your shoulders and pushed you so that you fell onto the bed. You gasped as climbed atop you, holding himself over you as his nose almost touched yours.

“You’re scaring me,” You whimpered. “Please. Don’t hurt…” You touched his chest shakily. “The baby…”

“You think I’d hurt the baby,” He shook his head. “What the fuck have I been doing here?”

“I don’t-- Andy, please, get off.” You begged.

“Do you have any idea how fucking scared I was?” He got closer until his nose pressed to yours, until you could feel his breath on your lips. “I thought-- I thought something had happened to you.”

“Please, please, Andy, I’m--” The tears welled in the corner of your eyes. “I don’t feel--”

His lips smushed against yours and your hands were crushed between your chests as he kissed you fervently. You were stunned and light-headed. Your eyes rolled back as the room spun and you curled your fingers against him. You groaned as you tried to shove him away.

Finally, he parted but you still felt dizzy. Even laying down. Your head lolled as another wave rolled over you. Your eyes fluttered and your hands fell limp between your bodies.

“Help,” You murmured as you felt suddenly fatigued. “Andy--” Your breath went out of you and it felt impossible to get enough air. “Something’s wrong.”

“Fuck,” He pushed himself off of you and the bed bounced beneath you. “Fuck!”

He lifted you to your feet but you barely had the strength to stand. He wrapped his arm around you and led you to the door. You clung to him without thinking, afraid you would fall as your legs threatened to collapse. He scooped you up as you staggered and angled you through the door.

He carried you sideways down the stairs and bent awkwardly with you in his arms as he gathered up his keys and wallet.

“I’m sorry,” He uttered as he fumbled blindly with the door knob. “I’m sorry.”

Your head spun as it rested against his shoulder. You were inexorably tired. He got you outside and hurried to the car. He managed to get the door open and you slumped into the seat as he set your down. He buckled you up before he ran to close the front door and returned to the car.

The engine rumbled and he backed up sharply out of the driveway. The street lights blurred in your vision and you closed your eyes. Your heart was racing and yet you still couldn’t breath. You listened to the empty streets and the whir of the engine as you felt the car’s motion speeding ahead.

Flashes of reality tinged the haze which fell over you. The sound of the car door, ‘EMERGENCY’ printed in large red letters, voices, panicked and calm, a flurry of activity all around. And then it all just faded away and you were no longer so tired.

🌙

You awoke to the sterile smell of the hospital room. The bright lights painted your vision in white and you looked over to the chair against the wall. The window was a dull grey as another Boston morning approached. Andy sat in the thinly cushioned chair, arms crossed, his chin lowered, breath steady.

You groaned as you brought your hand to your forehead. You felt heavy and your head throbbed but the dizziness had faded. Andy grunted as he sat up and stood quickly at the sight of your awakening. He neared and hit the button attached to the rail of your bed.

“How are you feeling?” He asked as he touched your hand.

You pulled back and scowled at him. All you remembered was him on top of you, smothering you. And that night before, creeping in the dark, touching you.

The door opened and a nurse appeared. She smiled as she approached.

“You’re awake,” She said. “How are we feeling?”

“Tired,” You grumbled.

“Would you like some water?” She asked. “We do have to check your blood pressure quickly but we can get you something before the doctor comes to talk with you.”

“I’m fine,” You breathed. Your lungs no longer felt so thick. “What happened?”

“The doctor will go over everything,” She pulled the cuff free from the machine and wrapped it around your arm. “You’re okay. The baby’s okay.”

You nodded and let her scribble down the numbers. She left you after adjusting your bed to a sitting position. Andy hovered around you and you felt like smacking him and yet you were too weak for that. You let your head fall back and stared at the ceiling.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean too--”

“Save it.” You croaked. “What did you expect, Andy? You know how fucking horrid it is? Having to tiptoe around you? Don’t you think it’s bad enough knowing I have this goddamn child inside of me? Sucking every ounce of energy out of me? I--”

You gulped as you suddenly felt like crying. You kept quiet and blinked away the droplets that threatened to fall. It was almost twenty minutes before the door opened again. The entire time, Andy kept pacing around your bed. His impatience made you restless.

“Hello, I am Doctor Ari-Hass,” The man in the white coat greeted as he took your chart from the plastic pocket. “You feeling alright, ma’am?”

“Better than I did,” You shrugged. “Is there something wrong with me?”

“Nothing serious.” He assured you. “It is normal for many women to experience anemia during pregnancy. It seems you are one of them. An easy fix. Iron and folic acid should help.”

You nodded and shifted on the bed.

“However, you display an elevated blood pressure,” He peeked at the folder again. “It is early on but it would suggest a high risk of preeclampsia later on in your pregnancy. This is not to say that the baby is in danger as yet but it does put in a higher category of risk.” He explained. “That means we need to decrease stressors and you will be expected to monitor your blood pressure at home.”

“Okay,” You sighed.

“Do you work?” He asked.

“Yeah, I’m a… a barista,” You said.

“Ah, yes, customers will be stressful, if possible, take an early leave from work, if not try to reduce your hours,” He suggested. “No heavy lifting. Avoid lifting at all, if possible. No running. Try to calm yourself when you feel anxious, meditation and breathing exercises as well.”

He smiled and glanced at Andy who listened intently, as if taking mental note of every word.

“And at the risk of being forward, I might add that… there are ways as a couple of relaxing,” He chuckled. “Orgasms reduce tension. Forgive my crudeness.”

Andy’s brow twitched and he cleared his throat. “Sure, we understand.”

“Good. Now you are all clear to leave. Your blood pressure is still higher than normal but it has shown improvement. I suggest rest. Lots of it.” The doctor closed your file. “And you can call and ask for me should you feel another episode coming on.”

“Alright, thank you,” You said.

He left you and you crossed your arms as you glared at Andy. You were both entirely deflated and inflamed by the news. Your job would be as good as kaput. You knew he wouldn’t let you go back and that meant more time with him. You sat up and rubbed your forehead.

“Let’s go,” You huffed.

“We should talk--”

“Not now,” You pushed down the rail and threw your legs over the side of the bed. “The doctor said to avoid stress.”

#andy barber #dark andy barber #dark!andy barber #dark andy barber x reader #dark!andy barber x reader #andy barber x reader #fic #series #one night #dark fic #dark!fic #defending jacob

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cakesunflower · 4 years

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No Need Convincing Me [Tattoo Artist!Calum AU] Part 1

Summary: Elodie Banks hadn’t expected to get so caught up in her best friend’s tattoo artist. But all it took was one meeting with Calum Hood for Elodie to feel herself drawing towards him and the ink on his skin. Maybe once she was rid of a miserable relationship and the insecurities that came with it, she’d allow herself to realize that Calum was just as wrapped up in her.

A/N: This mini-fic is most likely going to have 6 parts in total, or so that’s the plan so far. I’m really excited for this, and it’s very loosely based off the song Dark Side by R5. Happy reading, friends!

All Parts: Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Part 1

The sound of Elodie’s nails clicking together overpowered the dull buzz of the tattoo gun going off in the parlor over, hidden by a wall separating them, or the faint music playing as her brown eyes took in her surroundings. The black walls had posters up, ranging from art work, band posters, and grids of minimalist tattoo designs, while the three walls of the parlor, save for the entryway only separated by the rest of the shop by a curtain, had a counter running the perimeter of it with various instruments for tattoos and piercings. Elodie’s nose tickled with the faint smell of antiseptic, and as she took in the many instruments lying about, she found herself liking that everything was neat; every item had its own place where it sat, not at all haphazardly strewn about.

Though, she figured if this place didn’t have as good of ratings as it did, Dominique would never frequent it.

Her best friend sat comfortably, familiarly, on the black leather chair as she scrolled through her phone, only looking up when Elodie’s clicking began getting out of hand. Putting her phone down, Dominique tilted her head and mused, “You know I appreciate you coming, El, but if you’re nervous—”

“I’m not nervous,” Elodie instantly cut in, her words accompanied by a gentle breathless laugh that wasn’t all too convincing. She couldn’t lie—she did feel a bit out of place in the tattoo shop. Elodie was fond of the long, flowing floral dresses she often wore, but in this moment, she felt like an unwanted splatter of color in the all black of the shop.

She watched as the fond smile quirked at Dominique’s full lips, green eyes that were vibrant against her chocolatey skin flickering down to Elodie’s hands. “You’re clicking your nails,” Dominique responded, as if that was a strong enough fact to back up her side. It was. Elodie had the habit of clicking her long nails together when she felt even the slightest bit anxious.

Once Dominique pointed that out, Elodie placed her hands on her knees, offering a reassuring smile. “I’m good. Just hungry.”

Her friend eyed her for a few more seconds before smiling. “It’ll be quick, I promise, and then we can stuff ourselves with Shake Shack.”

Elodie grinned, not at all opposing that idea, just as footsteps could be heard on the other side of the black and red curtain, the rings on top zinging as it was parted to show who was stepping in. Elodie looked away from Dominique, eyes on the newcomer, feeling whatever she was going to say to her friend die in her throat at the sight of the man entering.

“Hey, Dom, good t’see you again,” the guy spoke, dark brown eyes on Dominique as he offered her a small smile. And then his gaze shifted to Elodie, who was staring up at him from where she sat on one of the spare tools, and his eyebrows raised. His eyes remained on her as he said to Dominique, “And you’ve brought a friend.” He held his hand out, one that had a couple of letters tattooed on the skin between his thumb and index finger. “Calum.”

He spoke lowly but in a slight accented voice, and Elodie hadn’t known someone’s voice could have her stomach twisting unexpectedly until she heard Calum speak. The deep timber of his voice, hinted with a rasp, tickled Elodie’s chest as she forced herself to lift her hand and grasp Calum’s, hers feeling incredibly small in the warmth of his, heat spreading through her as he grasped onto her hand and kept his eyes on hers. Brown met brown, his dangerously dark, and Elodie wondered if it was possible to quite literally melt under someone’s gaze.

She somehow found her voice, only just enough to say softly, “Elodie,” as Calum shook her hand.

He offered her a nod just as he let go of her hand, and Elodie was unnerved at the coldness she felt at the lack of his touch, forcing a shy smile as Calum hummed, “Nice to meet you, Elodie,” as he moved past her to where Dominique lay.

Elodie’s eyes followed him as he walked past, his footsteps heavy with his Docs, and she used the moment of his gaze being elsewhere to take in the sight of him before she could help herself. She watched the pocket chain attached to his black pants dangle as he bent a bit, reaching between his legs for the vacant stool and dragging it towards the work station before sitting down. As Calum settled, Elodie noted the tattoos decorating the skin of his left arm, consisting of words and artwork alike, and she told herself she was admiring the ink rather than the muscles under his skin.

He shifted, and Elodie’s gaze snapped up to see Calum’s eyes on her, and a fire erupted in her cheeks at the knowledge of Calum having so obviously caught her admiring him. Guilt made her want to say that she was just looking at his tattoos, which was plausible, but mortification had her pressing her lips together and quickly averting her gaze.

Elodie remained silent as Calum and Dominique conversed familiarly before he started prepping for her tattoo. She’d shown Elodie what she was getting, an outline of a scorpion for her horoscope on the back of her arm, which she thought was fitting for Dominique. She watched, a fly on the wall, as Calum adjusted the chair Dominique was on before she shifted positions to lay on her stomach so it was easier for Calum to work, and Elodie found herself pressing her lips together and sucking in a mute breath through her nose when the tattoo gun in Calum’s gloved hands started buzzing.

Elodie wasn’t quite sure how long this would take, but she found herself getting lost in the process. She had tried desperately to focus her gaze on Dominique’s skin as the ink was gunned onto it, but she found herself wincing at the sight of the needle on Dominique as if she could feel it on her own body, and so her gaze began wandering to the man doing the tattooing.

At one point, from where she lay, Dominique said, “El, hold my hand so I know you haven’t passed out.”

Calum had taken that moment to draw the gun back to wipe at Dominique’s skin, his gaze flickering up to look at Elodie as she got up from her stool. She tried not to notice the small smirk that upturned one corner of his lips as she mumbled almost childishly, “I’m not gonna pass out. Jeez.”

She moved to the other side of the table Dominique was on, grasping onto her best friend’s hand—for whose comfort it was for, Elodie didn’t know nor care because in this new position, she had a better view of Calum working. Because she couldn’t watch the sight of ink against skin—instead, her eyes went to the man doing the work.

There wasn’t an intense look of concentration on Calum’s face, as Elodie had expected. In fact, he looked calm as he worked, dark eyes fixated on what he was doing, only the subtlest furrow between his eyebrows. His hair was too short, buzzed, to get in the way as he kept his head ducked to work, and Elodie could feel herself getting dangerously fixated on the way his tongue would occasionally poke out to wet his lower lip, forcing herself to avert her gaze when her heart thudded against her chest guiltily.

Yet her eyes would draw back to him, lost in the buzzing sound of the tattoo gun and the focus on Calum’s face, unable to look at anything else but him. Elodie’s gaze only broke when Calum eventually finished and the gun was set down, grabbing a handheld mirror to show Dominique as he held it above. Elodie found herself leaning over a bit as well, tucking locks of her light brown hair behind her ear as she gazed down at the tattoo.

Her eyebrows raised, taking in the neat linework, Dominique’s dark skin having some undertones of red where it was irritated, though Elodie figured that would ease. She’d seen her friend’s other tattoos before, but this was the first time Elodie was looking at it just done, the first time she was looking at the man who did it, and she found a smile quirking at her lips.

“What do you think?” Dominique asked, tilted her head a bit to meet Elodie’s gaze, who grinned in return.

“It’s beautiful,” she answered honestly, watching as Dominique’s grin widened and they both looked at Calum, who looked equal parts proud and smug at his latest artwork. Elodie knew he had the right to be. She always admired other people’s tattoos, but she’d never really given much thought to the ones who do them; it was incredible.

Calum’s eyes met Elodie’s upon her voicing her comment, and her smile turned shy as he kept their gazes locked while preparing to wrap up Dominique’s tattoo. It wasn’t long until they were done, and soon enough Dominique was giving Calum a hug before he led them towards the front area of the shop. Elodie noted a tall blonde they hadn’t seen when they walked in earlier lingering by reception, chatting up with the pretty brunette sitting behind the glass desk that displayed more small tattoo designs as well as jewelry for piercings. But she kind of recognized him—Elodie had seen him in one or two of Dominique’s Instagram posts.

“Dominique!” the blonde greeted loudly, a friendly grin on his face. “Was hoping to see you—you’re coming Friday night, right?”

“Ashton’s gonna be there—of course she is,” the brunette behind the counter spoke with a teasing grin, and Elodie watched Dominique shoot her a playful grin before rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Dominique answered with a laugh, throwing her untattooed arm around Elodie’s shoulders and pulling her shorter friend into her side. “And I’m bringing this one with me. El, this is Luke and Sierra, and this is my best girl, Elodie.”

She shyly returned the greetings from the two people, though Elodie wondered what the hell Dominique was talking about. There had been no mentions of anything going on Friday night, though she supposed that was in true Dominique style. Her best friend had the habit of ambushing Elodie with plans to get her to go out more, and while Elodie was fine with grabbing dinner or just spending time in general with Dominique, the latter had the habit of keeping certain plans to herself until the last minute because they involved bars or clubs. Those weren’t typically Elodie’s scene, but she ventured because Dominique was always at her side. Not always, though.

Elodie zoned back into the conversation just as Dominique said, “Alright, we’ll see y’all on Friday. We gotta grab some food.”

She sounded her goodbyes before heading towards the door, and Elodie offered the three of them a friendly smile of her own as she voiced her own, “Have a good night.”

Luke and Sierra reciprocated the sentiment and Elodie’s gaze trailed over to Calum, who was leaning on the counter with one elbow, though his eyes were on her. He was watching her intently and Elodie couldn’t help but get the feeling that he was reading her. Her stomach flipped, wondering what could be going through his mind, a muscle subtly working in his jaw before he returned, “Good to meet you.”

Elodie left shortly after, letting out a breath as she stepped out onto the sidewalk and the door to the shop shut behind her. She was briefly bathed in the neon of the shop sign before following Dominique, though Elodie found herself glancing over her shoulder at the tattoo parlor. H & H Tattoo and Piercing.

“What—you couldn’t stop staring at Cal and now you wanna ogle at his shop’s sign, too?”

Dominique’s playful words had Elodie’s head snapping forward, so fast that Dominique feared for her friend’s neck, while a heated flush spread across Elodie’s cheeks. She gaped at an amused Dominique as they continued walking, and Elodie tightened her grip on the strap of her bag as she swallowed the nervous lump that had formed in her throat. “I wasn’t staring at Calum!” she denied, only barely stumbling over her words.

“I wouldn’t blame you if you were,” Dominique hummed, lips upturned into a knowing smirk as she glanced down at a flustered Elodie. “He’s stupid hot.”

Elodie bit the inside of her lower lip, fighting the urge to instantly voice her agreement. Stupid hot was putting it lightly. But before Elodie could venture into the dangerous territory pertaining to thoughts she shouldn’t be having, she shot her friend a look. “You know I—”

She didn’t even have to finish as Dominique waved her hand. “Yeah, yeah, I know,” she relented with a disappointed huff of a breath. They crossed the street and Dominique dropped the conversation, instead telling Elodie, “But, yeah, you’re coming out with me Friday night.” With a grin, she added, “You can finally meet Ashton and not just through FaceTime.”

Elodie let out a gentle laugh at that as a breeze blew by, the material of her long dress flowing as she walked. She wasn’t even going to try to talk herself out of staying in on Friday night—because she didn’t want to. Dominique had started seeing a guy, Ashton, at the start of August, just a few days after Elodie and her family left to London for vacation, and she’d heard all about the guy Dominique met while out with friends who was, to put it in Dominique’s more free-spirited terms, the best fuck she’d ever had.

And try as Dominique might to just show it off as some casual fling, Elodie could tell by the smile on Dominique’s face and the way her bright eyes light up at the mere mention of Ashton that he meant a lot more to her than just someone she was passing time with. She liked him and Elodie, for one, couldn’t wait to meet the man who’d so easily managed to put a crack in Dominique’s tough exterior.

Even if it meant coincidentally hanging out with Calum.

*****

“So does my best friend have your approval?”

Calum wasn’t quite sure what pushed him to spark up a conversation with Elodie, much less what pushed him to sit on the stool next to her right when Dominique had excused herself. But the second he saw that Elodie would be sitting alone at the bar, he muttered something incoherent to Michael before his feet began moving him closer to the bar. He slid onto the stool before anyone else had the chance to do, placing his near empty glass on the bar top as the clink of glass coming in contact with wood was lost amidst the loud music playing.

It was warm in the bar, the lights providing a blue and purple hue, and the people dancing off on the side where the DJ was set up only added onto the heat Calum could feel sticking to him. Still, his leather jacket hugged him snugly, the alcohol only adding onto the warmth, and yet none of it mattered the second Elodie had followed Dominique into the bar. He’d been sitting on the couch, chatting with Luke and Crystal, before his eyes had moved past them and towards the door, as if Elodie’s presence was a magnet to draw his gaze towards her.

He’d felt his tongue press against his lower teeth at the sight of her, pretty and sweet in high waisted black shorts, a lacy white bodysuit underneath a sheer black and floral full sleeved top, and Calum was surprised at the itch in his fingers to run them through her long hair. He didn’t know what to do with the thought that she reminded him of a fairy. Or a mermaid. Except for give himself a fucking slap in the face because what the fuck was he thinking about? Never had he compared a girl to a fucking mythical creature—he couldn’t even claim to be drunk or high to excuse the ridiculous thought.

Calum’s throat had dried when Elodie smiled at him, small and shy and stunning. Yeah. Maybe she was a fucking fairy.

Elodie looked at Calum upon hearing his words and he fought the urge to focus on the way her glossed lips were wrapped around the straw to sip at her Long Island iced tea. Eyebrows raised, he thought for a moment that she was more focused on him sitting down next to her than what he said, which he resisted the urge to smirk at, before Elodie blinked. “Oh, uh,” she sounded before letting out a quiet laugh. Calum strained to hear it over the music playing. “Yeah, I think he does.” Then, to Calum’s surprise, Elodie leaned in just a bit, prompting him to do the same as her brown eyes met his, and she said through a conspiratorial smile, “But don’t tell Dom I said that; she’ll just deny their relationship.”

She pulled back with a giggle, the softest sound Calum’s ever heard, and it took him a moment to sit up straight as his eyes remained on hers, fighting the need to clear his throat as he shot her a lazy smirk. “She does that with you too, huh?” he raised an eyebrow. “Thought Ash was the only one in denial.”

Elodie gave a shake of her head, though her smile told Calum she was amused as she pulled her glass towards her. “They might just be perfect for each other,” she mused before pulling the straw back to her lips.

He watched the sweep of her lashes as she gazed down at her drink, and Calum once again had to look away from Elodie as he downed the last bit of his drink. All he wanted to do was stare at the girl sitting next to him, yet somehow, the action felt wrong. Like staring at her the way he wanted to wasn’t good enough—like she was too sweet for a stare like his on her. And Calum was completely bewildered by the desire to just look at her; he’d felt it when he first met her at his shop, and that was the first time Calum had found himself really needing to keep his gaze on his work, fighting the urge to look at Elodie when he could feel her gaze on him. She watched him, just like he was trying not to watch her. He didn’t understand why it was so maddening.

Gesturing for the bartender, Calum got himself another drink, exchanging his gin for whiskey, and despite his mind screaming at him to walk away, he turned his body ever so slightly towards Elodie. He rested his Doc clad feet on the low bar of his stool, elbow on the bar top as he asked, “Dom said you were in London this past month. How was it?”

The urge to punch himself right in the jaw overwhelmed Calum as he gritted his teeth. What the hell was he doing? Since when was he one for small talk? Since when did he care enough for it? He wanted to cringe at himself, down a few more drinks to drown out the mocking voice in his head repeatedly telling him he was being an idiot, but then his eyes met Elodie’s once more. She looked surprised at his inquiry, like she didn’t think he would ask her anything of the personal nature, and he didn’t blame her. Calum didn’t think so, either; but apparently his mouth had a mind of its own. When it came to her it seemed, at least.

“Yeah, it was fun,” Elodie responded, lips curling ever so slightly in that shy smile. He fought himself from mirroring it, his own mouth remaining in a straight line as the bartender brought him his new drink. “I think it might be one of my favorite cities,” she added wistfully, finger trailing the rim of her glass as she glanced at him. “Have you ever been?”

Calum licked his teeth after sipping his drink, the smoky whiskey tickling his throat in the way that he liked. His rings clinked against them glass as he held on to it, noting the way Elodie’s gaze flickered down to the sound. “A couple of times. My sister lives there, so I try to visit when I can.”

Her eyes met his, the brown of her irises glittering under the lights, and suddenly the alcohol in his system was sizzling at the smile she wore. She did that a lot—smiled. He’d only seen shy and small ones, probably because she wasn’t entirely comfortable with him yet, but Calum knew her real smiles, the ones that carried every inch of joy she could feel, would knock him right off his feet. His grip on the glass tightened. What was wrong with him?

“I wish I had siblings,” Elodie said, almost sadly, as her gaze dropped to her glass. “Being an only child is . . . Boring.” She had hesitated, and Calum figured it was because she’d wanted to say something else instead of boring. Lonely, maybe. With a gentle laugh, one Calum heard over the music, she added, “But Dom’s always been like a sister to me, so I don’t think I’m missing out on too much.”

For a second, Calum felt the urge to lie to her. To tell her that being an only child wasn’t too bad, that having siblings was overrated. All for the purpose of making her feel better, to rid of that lamenting smile on her face that hid a dull ache she failed to hide. But he couldn’t bring himself to do it, to tell her a lie, because he didn’t know what he’d do without his sister. More importantly, Calum couldn’t figure out where the fuck the urge to lie to her came from. A tiny white lie, but one nonetheless in the hopes of making her feel lighter.

Why did he care?

But before he could even open his mouth, an arm draped over Elodie’s shoulders as a man came to stand on her other side, and a frown instantly drew together Calum’s eyebrows at the way Elodie’s eyes widened at the unexpected weight and she tensed when she saw the face of the man. Calum’s shoulders straightened, free hand ready to snap the guy’s arm off, until the guy leaned down and pressed a kiss to Elodie’s lips with an easy greeting of, “Hey, babe.”

Calum hoped to keep the confusion off his face, one that quickly morphed to realization as Elodie straightened and looked away from Calum to look up at the guy. He could barely hear the soft tone of her voice as she returned, “Hi—I didn’t think you’d make it.”

The guy scoffed, still standing as he raised his eyebrows. “You kidding? You barely wanna go to bars—I’m taking advantage.” It was then when the guy’s green eyes shifted over to Calum, expression turning into a guarded, suspicious one as Calum eyed him down. He was dressed in navy blue pants and a white button down tucked in, looking as if he just got off the clock on Wall Street, with blonde hair gelled back and an expensive watch on his wrist. Calum held back a snort. He looked like a douchebag. “Who’s this?”

“Oh.” Elodie blinked, turning to look back at Calum, a small smile tilting her lips as their eyes met. Calum returned her gaze, tearing it away from the man whose arm was around her shoulders, pretending as if it wasn’t the most forced sight he’d seen. She looked uncomfortable. “This is Calum, my friend.” He quirked the subtlest eyebrow at her, wondering if her cheeks flushed under the lights as she ducked her gaze. They were friends. And judging by the look on the dude’s face, Calum saw that he didn’t seem too keen at the news. “Calum, this is my boyfriend, Nathan.”

Calum wanted to laugh. He truly did. He wanted to laugh out of confusion and pity, because the way Elodie was suddenly sitting with straightened shoulders that were being weighed down by Nathan’s arm told him how unwanted the touch was. And when he looked at Nathan, Calum noted the way he stood over Elodie, domineering and possessive, and if Calum was someone else, maybe he would’ve felt a fraction of intimidation. Instead, he just wanted to laugh. And tell Nathan to fuck off. But it wasn’t his place.

“Good to meet you, Calum,” Nathan said, his tone holding no niceties as he eyed the brunette blankly. Then his gaze flickered downwards before asking, “Mind if I steal your seat? Been a long day and I wanna sit with my girl.”

Calum wondered if he’d imagined the pointed, possessive tone Nathan spoke in, like he had more of a right to sit next to Elodie than Calum did. It was laughable, the jealousy Nathan was failing to hide, and Calum looked at Elodie then, who was pursing her lips and had her head ducked, gaze only lifting briefly to meet Calum’s. She looked small. Timid. Much more so than before.

Grabbing his glass, Calum planted his feet on the floor before standing up, forcing himself to tear his gaze away from Elodie to look at Nathan. He smirked, noting the way Nathan had to look up at him just a bit as Calum was a couple of inches taller than him. If he didn’t already dislike him, Calum would be impressed by the stony look on Nathan’s face. But Calum got bad vibes from this dude, and so he kept the condescending smirk on his face that seemed to throw Nathan off.

Though, the smirk fell off Calum’s face as soon as he turned his back to them and walked away, exhaling sharply through his nose as he went. He didn’t know what it was, but in that thirty second interaction, Calum wasn’t impressed with that Nathan guy.

He found himself at the other end of the bar, far from Elodie and Nathan, and Calum stepped up to Dominique’s side as she leaned forward against the bar, Ashton on her other side. Calum dropped his arm around her shoulders, catching both her and Ashton’s attention, and asked, “What’s up that dude’s ass?”

Dominique lowered her glass, shooting Calum a puzzled look before he nodded his head forward, and she and Ashton both followed his gaze until they landed on the sight of Elodie and Nathan. Calum watched as they engaged in a conversation—or, as it seemed to him, as Elodie was left listening to whatever Nathan was saying. Even from where he was, Calum could somehow pick up on the fact that she was desperately trying to be interested, but wasn’t actually.

Dominique let out a frustrated groan, her shoulders under Calum’s arm tensing as her expression contorted into a glare. “For fuck’s sake,” she grunted, the curse nearly drowned out by the music. They were right by a speaker. “Why is he here?”

Calum raised an eyebrow, placing his glass on the bar as he dropped his arm from her shoulders and folded both of his on the bar top. “Maybe ’cause he’s her boyfriend?”

He could hear the distaste in his own voice, earning a look from Ashton that he promptly ignored, as Dominique let out a scoff. “He’s a dick,” she stated matter of factly, green eyes narrowed into a glare at the man in question. “And Elodie deserves more than someone who forces her into a box.”

Calum looked at Dominique, the frown on his face returning as he swallowed a sip of his whiskey. He continued to grow warmer and warmer under the material of his jacket, but he didn’t care as he focused on his friend’s words. “Forces her into a box? What do you mean?”

Dominique let out a slow breath, bracing her hands on the counter as she twisted her lips to the side briefly. She turned her body ever so slightly to look at Calum, the aggravation clear in her eyes. “I know Elodie, and I know how fun and outgoing she can be around the right people. She’s a shy girl, and I love her, and I know she has more fun when she can be who she wants to be.” Her expression had softened when she spoke of Elodie, but then a scowl replaced it. “But when Nathan’s around, she becomes even more closed off than she is. She’s even more shy, if that’s possible, and he likes it that way. I think he prefers it when the only person she speaks to is him. I know for a fact he doesn’t like me, and Elodie is so fucking sweet when she tries to get us to get along. I just wish she wasn’t so hesitant on breaking up with the tool because I know she can be happier than she is.”

The frown deepened on Calum’s face after hearing Dominique’s words and the way she said them. No matter how loud the music, it couldn’t drown out the disdain and anger she harbored for this Nathan guy, and if he really was as much of a tool as Dominique was painting him out to be—not that Calum had any arguments; he could’ve come to that own conclusion himself—then Calum wondered why the hell was Elodie with him.

His gaze turned to Elodie and Nathan as well, saw the way he spoke animatedly while Elodie listened—he wondered if that’s all their relationship consisted of; him speaking and telling and her listening and doing. That was shit. Unable to hold back the gruff sneer, Calum said, “I don’t like him.”

He heard Ashton snort out a knowing laugh as Dominique looked at him, eyebrows raised. “Why? Did he say something?” she asked, digging for some dirt Calum wished he had.

“No,” he scoffed because they knew if Nathan did, Calum wouldn’t be afraid to put him in his place with his words or fists. With a single shrug, Calum added, “He just looked annoyed when Elodie told him I was her friend.”

Dominique let out a sharp breath of a laugh, raising her glass and clinking it with Calum’s as she smirked, “You can be her new best friend if it pisses him off more. I approve.”

Calum’s gaze went back to Elodie, who in that moment, looked at him from where she sat on her side of the bar. He saw the smallest of smiles tilt at her lips, still shy yet sweet, a sight that warmed Calum more than his whiskey. He ignored the warning bells going off in his head and returned the half smile, easy and cool. If being Elodie’s friend meant pissing off Nathan and getting to know her more, Calum was up for it.

He ignored the voice in the back of his head, taunting him and wondering where the hell his interest in her came from. Calum ignored it, because he didn’t have an answer; there was something about Elodie, about the sweet smiles and kind eyes and gentle voice that had Calum needing more. Wanting to see what else was there.

He wanted to see the side of her Dominique talked about, the side Nathan tried to force away. Calum had just met her, he knew, but he could feel himself getting drawn in by the soft glow that surrounded Elodie. Yeah—he agreed with her. They were friends.

But that was only the first step.

tags: @irwinkitten @softforcal @valentinelrh @sweetcherrymike @astroashtonio @meetashthere @calntynes @hereforlukescruff @novacanecalum @captain-what-is-going-on @angelbbycal @singt0mecalum @hopelessxcynic @lfwallscouldtalk @bodhi-black @findingliam-o @softlrh @calumsmermaid @erikamarie41 @quintodosuniversos @longlastingdaydream @babylon-corgis @lukehemmingsunflower @imfuckin10plybud @pastelpapermoons @conquerwhatliesahead92 @rotten-kandy @metangi @neigcthood @ohhmuke @old-zeppelin-shirt @5sos-and-hessa @trustmeimawhalebiologist @vxlentinecal @pettybassists @vaporshawn @lu-my-golden-boi @buggy-blogs @visualm3nte @isabella-mae13 @dontjinx-it @lifeakaharry @neonweeknds @antisocialbandmate @ixcantxdecidexwhosxmyxfave @calpalbby @grreatgooglymoogly @gorgeouslygrace @cocktail-calum @miahelizaaabeth @madelynerin @dramallamawithsparkles @theagenderwhocriedwolf @kaytiebug14 @hoodskillerqueen @bitchinbabylon @empathycth @xhaileyreneex @inlovehoodx @calistheloml @aestheticrelated @bloodlinecal @sublimehood @madbomb @raabiac @britnicole11 @outofmylimitcal @fluffsshawn @bloodmoonashton

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sweetest-honeybee · 4 years

Text

To Hell and Back

Chapter 26

Summary: Introducing....The Lord of Darkness.

Characters: Impulse, Keralis, Xisuma, Doc, Wels, The Lord of Darkness, Evil X, Hels

TW: A bit violent, this chapter

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“Impulse get up, your turn.”

Groggily, Impulse turned over in his bed with a whine. “It’s 4 already?” He sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. When he took his hands away, Doc was already halfway flopped onto his bed snoring.

He snorted, but knew that the creeper was up for at least a day before he finally got some sleep. Impulse had a habit of sleeping in so he wasn’t in bed until nearly 2am, and now only having gotten 2 hours of sleep. Thankfully, he had one of the shorter shifts as did Keralis. Xisuma and Doc decided they would be the ones to keep the longer hours.

Tiredly, he threw his legs over the side of the bed and threw on his armor from his inventory. Grabbing his sword from beside the bed, he made his way out of the room and down the blinding white hall. Xisuma could at least put some concrete or honey in here too to not make it so harsh on the eyes but he couldn’t complain when there were more pressing matters.

However, Impulse wasn’t halfway down the hall before he heard shouting- no, screaming- from behind the piston door. Screaming Impulse’s name. Suddenly wide awake, he pulled the lever to the door, preparing for the worst. And boy, did the worst hit him.

The moment he opened the door, he was met with a red eyed stare, but not from Wels. The knight in question was sat up straight, wide eyed, but behind the chair stood a tall shadowy creature. It looked vaguely like a wither skeleton but draped in long black robes that faded into the floor seamlessly. Curled horns made their way from its head and before Impulse would react, large hands seemingly made of shadows quickly made their way to him.

They didn’t grab him. Instead, they shoved themselves inside him and it felt as if they were ripping at his organs. At first, he let out a spine chilling scream, but as the seconds passed, Wels took on a deadly glare and with the tilt of his head towards Impulse, the man fell to the floor.

Behind him, the three from the other room joined with their gear and swords ready. Though they hadn’t prepared themselves for what they saw. They thought it was just Wels lashing out again, probably escaped, but it wasn’t that. Easily, Wels broke through the chains on the chair with a mere tug of his limbs. The creature laughed, a howl of thunder ringing around the room.

“Who are you?!” Xisuma yelled. Nobody made a move to attack whatever it was just yet. Impulse was unconscious and Wels stood stock still just….staring. He wasn’t lashing out nor spitting snarky comments at them. Just red, slitted eyes, gazing at them blankly.

The creature spread his arms as if to show off himself and held his head high. “I am the Lord of Darkness, a creature of pure hatred and chaos, here to destroy your world once and for all.”

The Lord of Darkness….Where had Xisuma heard that from? Quickly his thoughts were shoved aside by a deep chuckle from his left.

“Well,” Doc began, taking a more crouched stance. “I can’t let you do that.” With that, he charged at The Lord of Darkness, but was swiftly caught by Wels. This time, Wels had a vice grip, not showing any signs of letting go.

“I can’t let you do that,” Wels parroted. His voice sounded as if there were four of him in the room. With no struggle, he ripped the trident from Doc’s grip and the creeper growled. Doc was easily a foot taller than Wels, how could this be?!

“Wels, take care of him for me.” The Lord of Darkness turned to Xisuma and Keralis. “And you two-“ It held up a hand, red particles emitting from it. “Can work for me.”

As the particles shot their way, both deflected them with their swords and made a run for it. They both felt incredibly awful about leaving Doc but what could they do? Kill Wels? Kill The Lord of Darkness? The two made a beeline upstairs and out of the base, throwing on their elytra and fumbling to pull out their rockets. Behind them, all they could hear was the growing thunderous cackle emitting from the ground, practically making the jungle trees shake.

“Ohhh that’s bad. That’s really bad,” Keralis worried. “What do we do now?!”

“Would you calm down?!” Xisuma snapped. “I don’t know yet but we need to find Evil X, he might know something about this. He’s mentioned something about The Lord of Darkness before.”

Keralis fell silent, not wanting to stress the admin further. Internally, however, he was terrified. He fired rockets like there was no tomorrow to get away from- from that. Whatever the Lord of Darkness was planning to do to the server, he could only wonder what Wels and Hels had to do with it. Maybe The Lord of Darkness was The Lord of Hels to some extent.

Was Evil Xisuma from Hels? Or lived there? Did he know The Lord of Darkness? Keralis thought up hundreds of questions within the minute they flew. He glanced at Xisuma, only just barely seeing his eyes through the tinted visor. In front of them, the sun was peeking on the horizon and the sky began turning a deep blue. While he could only see Xisuma’s eyes, his brows were quite obviously knitted together.

They circled Evil X’s base, not finding him, nor Hels, outside. Xisuma figured as much, since it was beginning to probably just pass 4:30am. They were presumably asleep. They landed on a decently made stone pathway leading to the front. Glancing at each other, they went inside, but stopped when their communicators buzzed.

Docm77 was slain by The Lord of Darkness

Their breaths hitched at the death message. They could only hope that their creeper friend was okay. At least he would respawn, despite it not it not being very favorable among the Hermits. Both Xisuma and Keralis kind of wondered what The Lord of Darkness did to kill him. Given the current events, it must’ve been torture of some kind and both of their stomachs twisted at the various ways it could’ve happened.

ImpulseSV was slain by The Lord of Darkness

“Oh jeez. I don’t like where this is going,” Xisuma muttered, pocketing his communicator. “Come on, we’re losing time.” He gestured for Keralis to follow, which he did.

Thankfully, both Hermits had been to Evil Xisuma’s base quite often with their close proximity. They knew the Ins and Outs of the place and had no problem descending the winding steps into the darkness below. With their frequent visits also came the knowledge that the darkness was only temporary to scare some people off if need be. Slowly, the light level lifted and they were back to sea lanterns and glowstone littering the walls randomly.

Their communicators were going off repeatedly and Keralis decided to check his while Xisuma led the way, vaguely listening to any minor comments from the admin.

<Stressmonster101> The lord of darkness?

<Tango> The lord of darkness?

<GoodTimesWithScar> Who’s the lord of darkness?

<Tango> Oh wait

<Tango> You guys ok?

More questions about The Lord of Darkness littered the chat, but Impulse, not Doc, had replied and that only worried him further. Nearly hitting a wall on their way down, he replied.

<Keralis> We’re fine but we’re going to the end to find evil xisuma

<Keralis> X said he probably has something to do with it

<Helsknight> DO NOT GO NEAR THE LORD OF DARKNESS

<Helsknight> I CAN HANDLE THAT MYSELF. DO NOT TRY TO STOP HIM.

<Welsknight> I’m afraid they already have, Helsknight.

Keralis’s eyes widened at the texts and finally, they made it to the portal. Before they went in, however, he tugged on Xisuma’s shoulder, stopping the other. Trying to pull up the previous messages, the chat only became more clogged when other Hermits were trying to contact Wels.

“What is it?” X huffed.

“Hels said not to try to stop The Lord of Darkness and….Wels replied to the chat.”

With a raised brow, Xisuma looked at Keralis’s communicator. He frowned. “Well, the more reason to find them, but I’m still gonna help.” He turned to the portal and without hesitation, he jumped into it.

Keralis groaned at the other’s antics. He honestly was starting to grow wary of his friend, but it was just stress he supposed. Like he told himself for the tenth time that minute. The admin also didn’t get much sleep, he knew. If anything, Xisuma probably got an hour or two after handling a few different responsibilities with Doc.

He sighed. He wasn’t doing anything to help by standing here. Following after Xisuma, he jumped into the portal as well, feeling the familiar soft end stone beneath his feet. Looking around, he didn’t see Xisuma but with a closer look into the sky, he spotted the familiar red armor and flew up to that.

Evil X couldn’t be that far away could he? The man was made in The End, he thought. In the void at least. He probably knew his way around the place like the back of his hand. Keralis wondered how far out he’s gone before and how far he went yesterday. Probably much more than they’ve gone. They’ve gone a few thousand blocks out but if Keralis knew anything about Evil X, it was that he liked a lot of space when he wanted to be alone.

He caught up with Xisuma, flying alongside him, not really starting any conversation. The moment was too tense for a conversation in his opinion so he stayed silent. The admin had coordinates displayed on his visor, probably leading him to his brother.

And about twenty thousand blocks out south seemed to do the trick when they found an old broken down end city draped in cobwebs. Near it over the void was a floating ship and that was where Xisuma led them.

Landing on the back near the steering wheel, it was no surprise when they saw Evil X sat against the first mast at the front of the boat, some other legs sticking out behind him. Keralis applauded Xisuma silently, making a proud expression at him. Briefly, the corners of X’s eyes crinkled but that left as soon as he started walking over to Evil X.

The counterpart, on the other hand, shuffled away from Xisuma a bit fearfully, guarding what he just assumed was Hels behind him.

“I’m not mad at you. I need your help,” Xisuma stayed blankly. He peered around Ex. “What’s going on over there?”

Ex shifted to show Hels, who was quite obviously not looking very healthy. His skin looked greyer than it usually seemed. “Um….I don’t know….” At his response, the knight only gave Xisuma a pained expression.

“What happened to Wels while you were there,” asked Hels. He winced at a random surge of pain in his stomach. “What did The Lord say to you.”

Xisuma crouched to examine the knight but Ex pushed him away.

“You said you’re not cleaning up my messes.”

Xisuma shook his head, not having any of it. He kept trying to do so again and again but huffed when Ex kept him away from Hels. “Fine, this is your mess! What did you do to Hels, then?”

Ex huffed as well. “I don’t know but I’m figuring it out. The Lord is here because I kept failing at my tasks.”

“Same here,” Hels added.

Xisuma dragged a hand down his visor with a groan. He felt surrounded by idiots.

“Hold on, all of this is happening because of you?!” Keralis asked from behind the admin, growing more frustrated. The man couldn’t believe that his friend was suffering mind controlled rage all because Evil X was on the server and he would not stand for it.

The counterpart ducked his head. “....Yeah, but it was probably inevitable. Though, Wels isn’t the only one going through it.”

Ignoring Keralis’s anger, Xisuma pushed further. “Who else is going through it?”

Ex looked up, meeting his eyes. “You are, Xisuma.”

#my fic #to hell and back #xisuma #keralis #docm77 #impulsesv #long post

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theonceoverthinker · 4 years

Text

When Will My Life Begin? (Fair Game, 17/?)

Summary: Tangled AU. Clover Callows has been confined to a tower for all of his life, and given the threat that his Uncle Tyrian says his semblance poses to his safety, he accepts that fate. It’s the only life he’s ever known, after all. But when he’s offered the opportunity to fulfill his greatest dream after a chance encounter with a thief -- or bandit, as Qrow Branwen insists there’s a difference between the two -- both Clover and Qrow will discover joys that they never knew life could offer them before. AO3

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Mercury Black had had a long day, and at this point, all he wanted was for it to be over already.

The theft of General Ironwood’s brooch had been nothing short of a pain in the ass, both as he distracted the pathetic masses and guards alike with his fire-powered boots and ran to catch his frustratingly quick accomplice before he made off with what was supposed to be their treasure.

Or rather, it was supposed to be his treasure, once he betrayed Qrow Branwen, that is, and took it for himself.

But that’s not what happened.

He got away. He got away, and what’s worse was that Mercury practically gave him the escape.

How could he have been so short sighted? Branwen clearly wasn’t, and he was definitely a better thief than him.

All the same though, it was Branwen who got away, and not him.

No, his suffering had only begun at Branwen’s betrayal.

Getting caught was so, so much worse.

Mercury had tried to get away, but those damn Ace Ops knew how to work together too damn well, and even without their leader’s semblance at their disposal, they still had every aspect of his capture covered with next to no trouble.

He was all but dead in the water once Marrow got close enough to him to use his semblance. That semblance slowed him to a crawl the instant it made contact with Mercury. From there, Vine’s semblance-fueled arms stretched out all the way to him, and surrounded Mercury’s body before pulling him towards the rest of his team.

And finally...it was Elm’s turn with him.

There were worse ways to be careened around a forest than in his captor’s arm, bound as if he were hugged from behind.

That list wasn’t very long though.

Elm’s semblance allowed her to stabilize herself at any time, regardless of any resistance she might meet...or rather, regardless of any resistance Mercury attempted to put up in order to fight out of her grasp.

That was the way they’d walked for the past few hours, or at least, she walked. Elm, by her own admission later, intentionally held Mercury’s body in a way that left his feet just inches off the ground, leaving him helpless to walk alongside her as they walked through the forest. No, instead, he had to be carried at his waist like an unruly child, unable to do anything but complain.

Because of that, he made sure to complain a lot.

Maybe, just maybe, that complaining would annoy the Ace Ops enough for them to decide it wasn’t worth it to keep him and let him go. With all the time Mercury had at his disposal while the Ace Ops continued to search for Branwen -- added to the fact that he didn’t even have the brooch anymore -- it was certainly possible.

However, that didn’t happen, and in this awkward way he and Elm continued to travel.

Stubborn guards.

Mercury supposed he’d better start getting used to stubborn guards. Soon enough, they were all he was going to see.

Well, at least he’d get fed and sheltered in prison, not to mention away from some certain...uncomfortable presences currently plaguing his life. Maybe there was something to be said for that.

Based on the limited knowledge that Mercury had about the forest, assuming there’d be no more breaks to scope out the nearby areas, it would take another few hours to return to the kingdom’s capital. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to that -- being paraded through the capital as a prisoner, held in Elm’s clutches and unable to even shield his face while getting laughed at by Remnant’s citizens as he witnessed the last glimpses of a free life he’d likely ever see.

Gods, couldn’t this day just be over already?

It seemed like it was going to be soon, now that Branwen had appeared to have completely escaped and Harriet seemed to be without a plan as to what to do next.

But then Cardin showed up.

Mercury knew Cardin, albeit only in passing. He’d gone to his boss’ pub a few times for a post-heist ale on more than one occasion, and Cardin was a busboy there. Cardin had a mean demeanor about hime, one that was likely created to try to compensate for his lack of strength relative to everyone else at that tavern, but instead just made people hate him and notice his cowardice all the more.

It was curious to see him all the way out here, especially still in his uniform from work.

However, once he spoke, it became clear why.

“Br-Branwen,” Cardin said through laborious breaths. “The thief Qrow Branwen. W-we have him.”

Well, that was unexpected, and peculiar for more than one reason.

As Cardin continued to confirm for everyone present that it was indeed Qrow Branwen who they had, Mercury tried to make sense of how that had happened.

Branwen wasn’t the type to stop for an ale in the middle of a heist, especially not with one of Remnant’s most valuable treasures in hand. And even if he did for some reason Mercury couldn’t so much as hazard a guess at, Lil’ Miss Malachite’s was in the other direction from the nearest black market, and despite how fast Branwen had proven himself to be, there’s no way he’d be able to get to the black market, sell the brooch to the highest bidder, and then back to Malachite’s in that amount of time. It just wasn’t possible.

So why had he gone backwards from his destination?

If the Ace Ops -- or Ace Oops, as he had now taken it upon himself to call them in a further attempt to annoy his way to freedom -- actually managed to capture Branwen, he’d certainly have to ask him...in between beating the crap out of him for causing all of his torment today.

With Cardin’s lead, the Ace Ops -- and by extension, Mercury -- were on the move again. Upon seeing Mercury’s...unique means of travel, Cadrin walking beside Elm, snickered.

“Shut. Up,” Mercury grit.

“Or what?” Cardin mocked. “You seem a little too indisposed with your cuddling to do anything about it right now!” He proceeded to laugh his head off.

Mercury seethed on the comment, but before he could bark out another threat, Elm sighed, glaring at Cardin.

“Less talking, more walking, okay?” she ordered, clearly just as annoyed with Cardin’s comments, and voice, and...everything as Mercury was.

It seemed to do the trick, effectively shutting Cardin up the rest of the way to Malachite’s.

Mercury had plenty of problems with Elm, not the least of which was her style of holding him -- though he supposed it could have been worse seeing as how he wasn’t plopped over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes -- but he had to admit that he appreciated her stopping that mocking.

That seemed to be the only thing that had gone right for Mercury today, and after everything that had happened and was sure to happen, he could appreciate that just a little.

Once they arrived at Lil’ Miss Malachite’s, Harriet looped her horse around the neighboring horse post, and signaled for Elm to wait outside with Mercury until she received further orders. As the minutes continued to pass and pass, Mercury found himself curious.

If the staff at Lil’ Miss Malachite’s had Branwen like Cardin said they had, then why hadn’t the Ace Ops brought him out yet? Why hadn’t Mercury heard so much as a bit of Branwen’s voice? He heard everyone else’s just fine -- the other Ace Ops, Robyn, Sun, and the Juniper Jaggers were all coming in as clear as day, even through the closed door.

However, there was no sign of Branwen.

Mercury was pretty sure even Elm had picked up on that, as he could feel a certain rise of tension in her grasp and abs.

Suddenly, the door flung open, with Harriet on the other side.

“Brawen got away,” she grunted.

“He escaped through a hidden tunnel in the bar,” Marrow supplied. “It was actually a little cool.”

“Marrow,” Vine scolded.

“It was!” Marrow defended, “But whatever -- we’ve got to go after him!”

Harriet nodded at him before turning back to Elm. “Elm, chain the prisoner up to the horse post. I’m going to need your help to capture Branwen.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Mercury howled, trying once more to pull against his restraints. Still, Elm’s grasp remained as relentless as ever.

Harriet snorted. “Afraid not, thief.” She walked over to her horse, took a set of chains out of his saddle bag, and gave them to Elm. Elm then carried Mercury over to a nearby horse post just across from the tavern’s entrance.

Mercury loudly groaned upon feeling the cool, harsh metal bind themselves to his wrists, one after the other just after the chain that connected them was looped through the open piece of the metallic horse post.

Grimacing, he looked at his new situation.

On one hand, he could finally move around a bit more, no longer contained to just Elm’s clutches and finally able to walk now that his feet were on the ground again.

On the other hand, this may have been worse.

Mercury was so close to his freedom, but the metal of both his chains and the horse post stood as quite the barrier between the two of them.

Jeez, even Harriet’s horse was only bound to the post by rope -- not metal!

Did he seriously get more restrictions placed on him than a horse?

How was this his life right now?

“Don’t worry,” Elm teased, a chuckle under her breath as she pat Mercury’s shoulder. “You’ll just be here for a few hours. Then it’s off to the kingdom’s prison!”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Mercury sneered.

“I’ll leave that interpretation to you.”

Elm then casually ruffled Mercury’s hair before walking towards Malachite’s entrance, her body moving away just in time to perfectly avoid Mercury flailing head attempting to hit her. She seemed amused with herself at that development, still chuckling as she joined up with her team.

Great. Now on top of everything, his hair looked like a disaster, and without the free use of his hands, he could only do so much to fix it.

Mercury could, even without seeing his reflection, feel it -- so messy and unkempt, just like his former accomplice’s locks.

“Branwen!” he shouted out in frustration.

No one responded to his cry -- not that Mercury expected anyone to, given that he was supposedly gone. Instead, Mercury just heard the jovial sounds coming from the bar he stood outside of, muffled through the tavern’s closed door.

Oh yeah, and how could he forget? He wasn’t just chained up -- he was chained up right outside of Lil’ Miss Malachite’s, too, and in broad daylight, no less.

So now he didn’t even have the dignity of the relative privacy he received while traveling as the Ace Ops’ prisoner. People -- people Mercury knew and had a reputation with -- would see him helplessly chained up, and given how word tended to spread in this kingdom, it wouldn’t be long before everyone in the capital knew of this as well.

How much more humiliating could this day possibly get?

If the Ace Ops didn’t get to do the honors first, he was going to kill Branwen for this personally.

...And then move somewhere where absolutely no one knew him.

...And then change his name, too, for good measure.

“Mercury,” a man’s voice called out from behind him.

Surprised, Mercury jumped in place, ever so slightly. He’d hoped whoever was behind him wouldn’t have noticed, but given how the rest of his day had gone so far, he didn’t hold his breath.

Mercury tried to turn around to see his new guest as best as he could, and succeeded, if only a little, giving him a half view of the man behind him.

That turned out to be all he needed, for upon turning around and seeing him, however poorly, Mercury realized that he recognized the man -- Tyrian, he believed. Yes, Tyrian. He was hard to mistake for anyone else -- lanky in his build, but by no means weak, adorned in white clothes, sporting a scorpion’s tail, and hosting eyes that all but promised a trouble that he could no doubt deliver on if he so desired.

What was he doing here?

“Tyrian? You’re one of Salem’s minions, aren’t you?”

Whatever was the right thing to say to Tyrian, Mercury soon learned it wasn’t that.

“I’m more than just her minion, boy,” Tyrian sneered.

“Well, you’re not Cinder.”

“For now, at least,” Tyrian muttered underneath his breath.

“Yeah, good luck with that,” Mercury mumbled, rolling his eyes.

Tyrian made a ‘tsk’ noise, giving Mercury an unimpressed look. “Don’t mumble. It’s hardly befitting of one of Salem’s men.”

“Well, I’m probably not going to be one of Salem’s men now. As you can see,” Mercury said, flinging his chains as well as he could, “my last mission didn’t exactly work out as expected.”

Tyrian smirked. “Yes, you’re absolutely the epitome of failure right now, aren’t you? Caught by the Ace Ops and with no brooch to speak of. What a stroke of bad luck.”

Mercury grit his teeth. “Don’t talk to me about bad luck. I’ve had more than enough of that for one day.”

Suddenly, Tyrian’s tail slinked out from behind his back, brandishing its small, yet sharp point at Mercury before it started to move towards him.

Oh Gods...what was he going to do?

Mercury knew Salem didn’t take failure well, and he also knew that poison lived in Tyrian’s tail the same way ale lived in a keg. Was this going to be his punishment for a job poorly done?

But no, Tyrian didn’t do that, and that didn’t seem to be his intention. Instead, he let his tail slowly move towards the lock of one of his chains, but stopping just short of touching them.

“Well, then this should come as a pleasant surprise because luckily for you, you’ve caught me in a deal-making mood. I’d like to offer you something for your freedom, as well as my silence to Salem on this little problem of yours for the time being.”

“What’s that?” Mercury asked, unable to keep every last bit of the vulnerability out of his voice.

Tyrian took a step closer to him. “I need you to get the man Qrow Branwen is traveling with away from him. From there, you can just leave the rest to me. Simple, no?”

Mercury grunted. Deals with Salem’s forces always started out easy at first, but they had a habit of never staying that way. He’d been cheated out of untold amounts of gold over the fine print of those little deals, and forced to agree to more just to stay afloat.

Right now though, it looked like he had something of a choice. It couldn’t hurt to push his luck just a bit.

After all, what else did he have to lose?

“And what if I’m not feeling in a deal-making mood myself?” he snipped.

Tyrian eyes flashed -- as violent as a storm for the briefest of seconds, but then settled, replaced instead by a smirk. Calling it unsettling would be something of an understatement. “Oh I think you’ll find yourself very quickly in a deal-making mood, unless you wish for me to tell Salem of your failure to grab that brooch.” Immediately, Mercury’s eyes bulged.

“I don’t think I need to tell you that she’ll be...less than pleased to hear that news,” Tyrian continued. “And let’s be honest -- not even the guards and the prison cells in the capital will be enough to protect you from whatever retaliation our goddess will see fit to bestow upon you for such weakness.”

Mercury felt his blood freeze. Gods, damn it.

“Besides, Tyrian added, “you’ll get more than just your freedom and my silence out of this little exchange of ours.”

“Oh?” Mercury asked.

Grinning, Tyrian grabbed his satchel and took out something Mercury hadn’t expected to see again any time soon. “If you do this, you’ll get this back,” he said, flashing the emerald brooch in front of Mercury in the same way a wealthy man might flash a crust of bread at a starving beggar. “You’ll have an opportunity to redeem yourself in our queen’s eyes, but that’s not all.”

Mercury gulped. “I’m listening,” he said.

Tyrian’s smirk widened. “You’ll also have your chance to get back at the man who took it from you -- Qrow Branwen. Once I have the man he’s traveling with, Branwen is all yours to do with as you see fit. So, I think your choice should be obvious, but I’m not the presumptuous type -- what do you say?”

Unfortunately, Tyrian was right. There was only one thing to say.

And so he said it.

“Deal.”

“Good.” Immediately, Tyrian pushed his tail the rest of the way into the lock of one of Mercury’s chains. Once that one unlocked, he got to quick work on the other.

When they were both undone, Mercury massaged his wrists, taking a deep breath of the open air.

Free.

After this long, lingering, humiliating day, he was finally free.

However, just as Tyrian’s tail had given Mercury his freedom, with a pull of his chin that was sharp in more ways than one, he took it away just as quickly, pulling Mercury towards Tyrian so that he was just under his harsh, wild gaze.

“Don’t forget,” Tyiran added, smiling serenely. “I’ll be watching you very, very closely, even if it doesn’t seem like I am.” Suddenly, Tyrian’s smile dropped, and he began glaring at Mercury. “If you fail to meet your end of our little deal, there won’t be so much as a stone in Remnant you’ll be able to hide under where our goddess won’t be able to find you, you wretch. Understood?”

Mercury felt devoid of all manner of speech, simply nodding.

“Wonderful,” Tyrian said, his smile blossoming back like a rose. His tail released Mercury, causing him to almost trip.

Then...Tyrian took off, and Mercury was alone, or at least, was as alone as he could be with Tyrian’s promise in mind.

Gods, Mercury didn’t even know where Branwen was, much less who was his traveling companion that Tyrian seemed to care so much about.

What would he do?

What could he do?

Mercury looked at his surrounding, no longer bound to them, but instead able to use them as he saw fit.

And then, he saw what it was he should do.

Well, if he was going after Branwen, he couldn’t just rely on his own foot power. No, Mercury needed a horse, and right now, he had the pick of the litter. He looked at the other options -- a black steed with a gray mane, an orange steed with a cream mane, a chocolate-colored steed with a matching mane -- but quickly decided that none of those would do.

No, it was the horses with a white coat and white mane -- Harriet’s steed, in fact -- that would do the trick.

Not to mention, it would serve as not just a great means of travel, but also as a great means of revenge, both to the Ace Ops and soon enough, to Branwen.

It looked like Mercury was getting a bit of an upgrade.

Even still though, the work he now faced was anything but enviable.

His long, long day had just gotten a lot longer.

#fair game #rwby #mercury black #tangled au #ace ops #elm ederne #tyrian callows

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reddie-fangirl24 · 4 years

Text

Losers Face the T-Rex at Jurassic Park (An IT Crossover)

NOTE: This is a crossover I thought up with the Losers in Jurassic Park in the scene where the T-Rex escapes from her paddock. I love writing crossovers! If anyone has suggestions for my future IT crossovers, let me know! Enjoy!

“Boo!” Richie jumped up onto the passenger side seat wearing these thick night vision goggles with a green glow, startling Stan and Eddie.

Richie laughed at Eddie, removing the goggles. “I told you that you screamed like a girl!”

“Where did you get those?” Stan asked sternly.

“They were in a box under my seat. Pretty cool, huh?” Riche responded checking out the goggles.

“Are they heavy?” Stan asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Yeah.”

“Then they’re expensive, so put them back before you break them!”

Richie scoffed, crawling his way into the back seat. “Sure, dad!”

Eddie lightly whacked his friend in the arm. “Don’t scare me! This place is giving me the creeps!” he said staring out the window at the thick dark jungle behind the fence. Rain pelted against the car. Now, the cars had been stopped for a while now. Why didn’t one of the adults go with them?

“What are you crying about? Your Grandfather owns one of the soon-to-be most popular dinosaur attractions in the world! The place is awesome!” Richie played around with the night vision goggles, excitedly exploring outside through the windows. He took a look into the other Explorer car which held their fellow remaining Losers.

“Is Bill actually drinking rainwater?” Richie laughed.

“Drinking rainwater does keep you hydrated,” Eddy commented.

“Bev looks bored out of her mind! Ben, man, you’re sitting right next to her! This is where you put your arm around her shoulder!”

“Rich, would you quit spying?” Stan warned him.

“Who put you as the parent in charge?” Richie retorted. He looked out at the goat which was still outside, standing behind a gate made up as bait for any dinosaurs.

Meanwhile, in the other car, Mike tapped at the car, trying to get a response from the computers. “Do you think I should check under the hood?”

“No, the cars moved on a track. It must be a technical difficulty,” Ben pointed out.

Bev looked out the window at the falling rain. She watched as water droplets race each other. Something about all this wasn’t right. The cars wouldn’t just stop. Today had been one of the most incredible days she could ever experience. First, she got to come back to Derry to visit her friends after a year. It was strange how at first she didn’t recognize Bill’s voice. And that was when everything came back to her from the summer before.

Dinosaurs. Real-life actual dinosaurs! None of this felt real. Eddie’s grandfather really wanted their opinion on this part to open it to the world?”

“D-Do you think we sh-should walk?” Bill proposed an idea. “It’s not that far to-to the g-gate, right?”

“No, Bill, we should stay put,” Beverly advised. “It’s raining.”

“And we don’t know what could be out there,” Mike pointed out. “I’m sure the power will turn on in a bit or Eddie’s grandfather will send some help.”

Time crawled by. It was getting later now. Stanley shut his eyes for a little rest as Eddie was in one of his long tangents about... well, whatever was on his mind as Richie kept looking out the window through the night vision goggles. That was when he... felt it.

Crawling towards the backseat, Richie pressed a hand against Eddie’s shoulder, interrupting him. “Do you feel that?”

“Feel what?” Eddie asked, looking up at his friend, alert. Oh, if this were a trick...

Without answering, the ground shook. No, it was not an earthquake. Glancing at two cups filled with water, at each moment that they heard something pound against the ground making the water ricocheted in perfect circular rings. This wasn’t good.

“Maybe it’s the power trying to come back on,” Stanley tried to think positively, although he sounded scared.

Richie looked through the night vision goggles again. He looked out at the spot where the goat was. But, there was no goat. The chain that held the goat swung back and forth in the air without an owner.

Eddie grabbed his inhaler in his pocket. “Where’s the goat?”

Something hit the window. Looking up, Stanley and Eddie gasped in disgust at the half-eaten bloody leg of the goat.

His mouth hanging open, Richie removed the night goggles to stare up at the gigantic, sharp-tooth T-Rex standing right behind the fence in which separated them. The creature devoured the goat in one thick gulp. And then it turned its head and looked right at him! Its claws clung to the fence. Di it... know that her electricity was off? Yes, it was smarter!

“Jeez, on jeez!” Stanley uttered in horror.

Turning around when they heard a door open, Stanley ran out of the car!

“Where the fuck is he going?” Eddie screamed.

Richie saw him run into a bathroom which was luckily close by. “Well, when ya gotta go, then you gotta go.”

Stanley locked himself in a stall. He was a sissy to run away! He kicked himself for doing that when his friends were in need. Losers stuck together after all. Something told him that it wasn’t a good idea to come here in the first place.

“Should we leave, too?” Ben asked when he saw Stan disappear into the bathrooms.

“No, we should stay put,” Bev told them. “It’s going to...”

Hearing this horrifying creak, the group witnessed the T-Rex biting through the wired that once kept her from escaping the paddock. The poles tumbled into the mud just inches from even hitting the cars. The T-Rex stomped out of her paddock, emitting this loud and terrifying roar that made their bones raddle.

“Oh, God...” Beverly shivered. Ben placed a calming hand against her shoulder.

Bill’s heart pounded. “J-Just keep very very still...”

Eddie scrambled into the back of the car. Anything. There had to be something here to get the other car’s attention. Opening a suitcase, he found a flashlight. Bingo!

Turning it on, the flashlight had the opposite effect that Eddie was hoping for. The Losers noticed the frantic light, but so did the T-Rex who was already walking towards the light.

“Turn the light off. Turn the light off!” Mike gritted through his teeth.

Richie grabbed for the flashlight. “What the fuck are you doing?!”

“Sorry!” Eddie cried trying to figure out how to turn it off.

“Turn it off!”

“That’s what I am trying to do!”

Hushing themselves, the T-Rex was right next to the car. The driver’s side door! It was open! Wow, Stanley didn’t even shut a door behind him.

Slowly, Richie crawled up to the front seat. He heard Eddie mutter something, but he ignored it. While the T-Rex was distracted, Richie reached out for the handle and shut the door. Unfortunately, the dinosaur heard and the creature snapped its head, staring at Richie with her ferocious eyes. Why-Why did those eyes look familiar, like another diabolical figure he knew all too well?

Staying as still as statues, Richie just slightly turned his eyes to look at Eddie. The poor boy was shivering out of his skin. His breathing hitched, choking. The dinosaur peered in at them through the windows, staring right at Eddie who shined the light in her eyes.

“Nice move on the flashlight, dimwit!” Richie whispered.

“I didn’t know!”

Growling, the T-Rex studied the car. This gave time for the two to scoot as far back as they could. Then, thumping its mouth against the car, it dangerously rocked back and forth. Eddie screamed while Richie clung to whatever he could. What was she trying to do?

Richie climbed into the backseat, grabbing the flashlight from Eddie. “How dod you turn this thing off?”

“I don’t know!”

“How could you not know?!”

“Just find the button! It should be this one right...”

Right in sync, Eddie and Richie looked up to see the dinosaur plunging at them, breaking the glass window on the roof! It didn’t break into pieces, luckily. Screaming, Richie and Eddie could only hold the glass in front of them to avoid the T-Rex from grabbing them. What were they to do? Listening to Eddie scream in terror was bad enough, but it was the part about being helpless to do anything was what made Richie feel terrible and hopeless.

Listening to the horrific echoes of their dear friends, the others were trying to figure out how to help their comrades if they could help them.

“We have to do something!” Ben yelled.

Beverly was already scrambled in the trunk trying to find something. Anything! “I got something!” She showed them a flare.

“Give it to me!” Bill ordered with a plan in mind.

“What are you going to do?” Mike asked him.

Now, the T-Rex capsized the Explorer making the two boys tumble with it! Pushing down on the car with her ginormous foot, she bit into the wheels. Muddy water pooled inside the car as Richie and Eddie struggled to do something.

“Richie!” Eddie hollered in fright and disgust. Were they going to drown? Oh, his mother would go insane if she were here!

Richie’s glasses were filthy that he could hardly see anything. “I’m here, Eds!” He called out to him.

Eddie managed to crawl over to his friend and grasped him as the seats, now above them, were slowly being crushed against them. The boys held each other tightly. “Don’t let go!”

“I got you! Just uh... think about your mom sniffing dog poo!”

“She doesn’t do that!”

Bill got out of the car, lighting the sparkler. “HEY!”

The T-Rex roared at him. This was insane! Here was attempting to battle a dinosaur. Sure, this nothing out of the ordinary. He battled against crazier things!

Slowly, moving the flare around as if the dinosaur was a dog, the T-Rex actually fell for it, curiously watching the movement. Bill threw it as far as he could to the side. It proved to be the perfect distraction. The T-Rex went after it. Good, now he could help Richie and Eddie.

“Hey, hey!” Mike’s voice called out. Oh no, Bill thought to himself. Mike caught the dinosaur’s attention carrying a flare in his hand, too.

“Mike, freeze!” Beverly screamed at him. Ben held her back so she wouldn’t make a move to leap out of the car, too.

“G-Get rid of the flare!” Bill ordered.

“I got it under control!” The T-Rex changed her course, chasing after Mike who went into the direction where the bathrooms were.

“Mike, no!” Ben called out.

“Get rid of the flare!” Beverly called out to him.

Stanley felt the whole bathroom shaking. No, it was coming towards him?

Lucky for Mike, whose foot was bitten into, the T-Rex crashed into the small hut, destroyed it altogether. Mike was covered in the rubble, passing out from the pain. Stan ducked out of the way, hiding under a fallen stall. What was he to do now?

Bill fell to his knees, almost touching his head into the muddy ground to look into the mess of the car. He could just barely make out Richie and Eddie huddling together, crying. Eddie was gasping for breath.

“Hey, guys, I’m right here!” Bill told them, reaching his hand in. Beverly and Ben also arrived, falling to their knees to help.

Eddie looked up, his face completely filthy, but relieved. “Thank God!”

Richie pushed him towards the others. “Go on!”

“No, we go together!” Eddie begged, reaching for him. Bill already had his arm.

“I’m stuck! Don’t worry, I’ll get out of here!” Richie said trying to pry his foot from under one of the seats.

Eddie was pulled out, once again, mud pouring all over his face, even into his mouth. Ben sat him on his knees, helping him clean up, as Bill and Beverly helped Richie.

As soon as the mud was brushed out of Eddie’s eyes, he screamed. “GUYS!!”

Ben slapped a hand over his mouth. Bill and Beverly stayed perfectly still, holding hands.

Could the T-Rex really not see them if they were completely still? The dinosaur covered over them, its warm breath in their faces. Beverly shook. Its eyes. Why did they...

Right then, the dinosaur hit the car, turning it to the side, taking the Losers with it. Fortunately, it gave a new opportunity for them to hide as they were facing away from the creature.

“Richie, are you okay?” Eddie asked, bending down to look into the broken windows.

“Yeah, I’m fine! My foot’s free. I can get...”

The T-Rex rammed its snout against the car, making the group back into the wall. The car was going to crush them! “Get up on the ledge!” Bill called out.

They all climbed up, nearly falling over into the paddock. The T-Rex wanted to drop the car all the way down there?!

“What do we do?”

“We have to get Richie! He’s still in there! We gotta help him!” Eddie cried. Ben was just holding him back from going to help his friend.

Bill looked around, spying a rope. “Climb onto my shoulders!” He told Bev. “Ben, take Eddie!”

Following orders, the Losers shimmied down the wall of the paddock as the car dangerously learned over, about to fall at any second.

“What are we going to do now? The car is going to hit us?” Beverly alerted.

There was another rope just off to the side, out of reach. “B-Beverly, Eddie, gr-grab the rope! Ben, we have to-to swing ourselves to that rope!”

“Huh?” Eddie was so pre-occupied about Richie still being in the car that was falling over the edge, several feet below them.

“Hey, Eddie, you’re choking me!” Ben croaked.

“S-Sorry!”

Traversing along the wall, it took a couple of tries until Bev grabbed the rope just as the car came careening into the paddock, landing in a tree.

The T-Rex let out another ear-piercing roar and then stomped off.

Making it to the ground, some members of the group cleaned off by a nearby tunnel spewing water. Eddie was trying to breathe. Bill walked up to the tree which held the car up in the branches like an apple. The headlights were still on.

“Richie? H-Hey, Richie?! Are you okay?” Bill called out.

No answer.

Eddie walked up to the tree, shaking, his breath hitched. “We gotta go help him!”

“What about Stan and Mike?” Beverly asked, noticeably shaken.

“Should we go help them?” Ben asked.

“N-No, first we help Richie, and then tog-together we go see if Stan and M-Mike are okay! You guys, w-wait here, hide, and I’ll go get Richie.”

“I’m going with you!” Eddie stepped in.

“No, Eddie, you should...”

“I’m going with you, Bill! I have to see if he’s okay. Besides...” he paused. “What if he’s hurt?”

With no more questions, Bill and Eddie climbed up the tree as Beverly and Ben hid in the tunnel. What was going to happen now?

Getting closer as they climbed the tree, there was no sign of movement in the car. “Richie?” Eddie called out. Right when he was close enough to look in, huddled up in the corner of the passenger side of the car was Richie, shivering and sniffling.

Bill opened the door which was tricky at this vertical angle.

“Rich, are you okay? Say something!” Eddie gently said to him.

Slowly, Richie lifted his head to reveal his tear-streaked face. “I fuckin’ threw up...”

Both their faces fell at seeing their usually uppity and energetic friend look so sad and scared. Bill reached in touching the wheel to get a better grasp, inadvertently touching the wheel.

“Come on, Rich, it’s going to be okay. Let’s get out of here,” Bill urged him.

Richie just stared at him. “W-What are we going to do?”

“Stick together, Rich! We’ll find Stan and Mike and then we’ll get back to my Grandpa’s!” Eddie said to him with a smile.

The young man still didn’t show any signs of moving. It was starting to scare them.

That’s when Eddie had an idea. “Hey, Rich?”

Richie made eye contact with him as another tear fell.

“Who do you think is smarter? That T-Rex or your mom? I’d have to say the T-Rex!”

And finally, Richie movie, grabbing Bill’s hand and climbed out of the car. “Just you wait and see who’s smarter!”

Now, they had to get out of the tree. Slowly, climbing down the branches, the three easily made progress getting closer to the ground. “I’m never climbing trees ever again!” Richie said.

Just then they heard a snap. Oh no, the car was going to fall. Scrambling, as the branches broke Bill, Richie, and Eddie hurried down each branch. Getting his foot stuck, Eddie thought he was about to get killed just as the branch above him stopped the car from colliding with him.

“Come on!” Bill urged, helping Eddie.

Just as they got out of the tree, the car landed on the ground, tipped over, and the three boys fell in the line where the hole was in the car, as it smashed to the ground.

Beverly and Ben ran out of the tunnel. “Bill?! Are you guys okay?”

“Well we’re back in the car again,” Richie lightly jabbed, catching his breath.

“At least you’re out of the tree,” Bill said looking at the bright side.

#Jurassic Park #It 2017 #It Movie #IT Fanfiction #Reddie #Stozier #Benverly #Billverly #bill denbrough #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #Stanley Uris #Mike Hanlon #ben hanscom #Beverly Marsh #Reddie fanfiction

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knives-out20 · 4 years

Text

Magnetic Pull - Erik Lehnsherr x Male!OC - Part 4

Fandom: X-Men: First Class (2011)

Pairing: Karmel Rosenstein (OC) x Erik Lehnsherr

Warnings: Spoilers for X-Men: First Class, Swearing, Internalized homophobia,

Notes: Welcome to Part 4! I really hope you guys are enjoying the series so far.

The following morning, Karmel found himself outside a covert CIA research base with the people he had only become acquainted with the previous day. He looked at the front of the building from inside Moira's car, ignoring the thoughts brewing inside his mind with Erik sitting so closely beside him. Karmel opened the door and got out, leaving it open for Erik, who nodded at him. He spared Erik a quick smile, hands balling into fists because he hated how he was getting so worked up over a man. Karmel stood between Charles and Erik glancing over at the latter.

"Welcome to my facility" the agent spoke."My mission has been to investigate the application of the paranormal powers in military defense" he explained, leading the way towards the front door.

Erik lagged behind, Karmel doing so as well but trying to stay discreet about it, like he would when chewing gum on the job."Or offense.”

"Or offense" Karmel and Erik spoke in unison, looking at each other after it happened.

Charles raised his eyebrows, turning away to let them have their moment.

"Karmel, correct?"

"Yea. You're Erik, right?" Karmel asked, as if he didn't already know. He happened to have spent the past night beating himself up over the strange feelings and thoughts he received when Erik came to mind.

Erik nodded.

”I, uh, I like your leather jacket” Karmel complimented.”I have a black one kinda like it.”

”I know, you’re wearing it” Erik pointed out.

Karmel looked down at it; he was indeed wearing the same black leather jacket from the day before.”So I am” he mumbled, slightly embarrassed for forgetting.

Erik turned away.

"This guy Shaw, Schmidt, whatever you wanna call him, he's working with the Russians. We might need your help to stop him."

"Marvelous" Charles commented, looking around."So we're to be the CIA's new mutant division, yes?"

The agent paused."Something like that."

They group was led inside the building, into a huge room and in front of an on-display plane of some sort. There, they met a young worker with small glasses and a thin-built frame.

"It's a supersonic" the worker clarified, as Karmel stood between Erik and Raven."The most advanced plane ever built. You should see it in real life, it's incredible."

"Hank, these are the special recruits I was telling you about" the agent introduced, gesturing to the mutants at his side."This is Hank McCoy, one of our most talented young researchers."

Karmel instinctively crossed his arms, nodding in greeting.

"How wonderful," Charles smiled, quick to approach Hank and shake his hand."Another mutant, already here, why didn't you say?" He asked, turning to the agent, unaware of the faltering smile on Hank's face.

Karmel noticed."Shit..." He breathed.

"Say what?" The agent looked confused.

That's when the light bulb in Charles' mind turned on."Because you don't know-" he shakily breathed, turning back to Hank."I am so, so terribly sorry" Charles apologized, gaze going soft.

Hank shook his head shyly.

The agent approached him slowly."Hank?" He called.

"You didn't ask, so I didn't tell."

"So your mutation is what?" Raven piped up, coming forward, "you're super smart?"

"I'll say. Hank here graduated Harvard at the age of fifteen" Charles hummed.

"I wish that's all it was" Hank muttered, Karmel leaning back where he stood as everyone, except for Erik and himself, crowded around Hank.

Erik nudged him."Karmel."

Karmel instantly looked over."Yea-?" He answered a little too quickly. Karmel cleared his throat, shifting a bit."Hmm?" He hummed instead, arms still crossed."Calm down, you're a man, he's a man. These feelings don't exist" Karmel thought to himself, wondering why Charles glanced over at him.

"Thank you for your mutation last night. Being pressed up against a stranger while soaking wet...wasn't pleasant, but I can’t really think of any easier way we could've gotten out of the water there" Erik spoke, looking Karmel up and down.

Karmel shrugged, fighting back a blush and a smile."I was simply doing what Charles told me to. But..." he went to fix his tie, "no problem, Erik."

"You can control them quite well."

"If you're who whipped those chain-links yesterday, I gotta say the same about you" Karmel chuckled, turning back over to him. He repeated his earlier thoughts, reminding himself that Erik was simply being nice: nothing more.

"You Jewish?"

"That obvious?"

Erik shrugged."Many Jews I know happen to have surnames ending in '-stein'. A trend of some sort."

Karmel chuckled."Guilty, I guess. How 'bout you?" He asked, noticing when Erik tensed."If- If you don't wanna answer that, that's fine-" Karmel told.

"No, it's just..." He sighed and glanced at his wrist, "being Jewish hasn't landed me anywhere nice in the past."

"I could say the same on my parents' behalf. I'm not a fan of rocks" Karmel turned away.

Erik looked over at Karmel, eyebrows furrowing. He decided against further questioning, attention back on the group gawking over Hank's feet mutation.

Hank jumped up, his big feet gripping onto a wing of the plane.

Karmel pushed himself off of the railing, following Erik's slow steps over to further inspect Hank's mutation.

"Ta-da" Hank sheepishly told, as Raven approached him.

"Jeez..." Karmel breathed.

"I know" Erik agreed, hand accidentally brushing against Karmel's.

"Sorry-"

"My mistake" Erik glanced down, though neither of them stepped away from the other.

***

That night, Karmel stood at the front entrance of the base. He leaned against the wall, taking swig after sip of a bottle of gin. Karmel felt he was in dire need of a moment alone with the cool winds...and a bottle of gin, his favourite alcohol. He did not expect to hear the front doors open, nor did he expect to see Erik rush passed, carrying a suitcase. Karmel wiped his mouth on his sleeve, pushing himself off the wall and stepping onto the pavement."From what I know about you, I'm surprised you've managed to stay this fucking long" he spoke, Erik freezing in his tracks.

Erik slowly turned around, Karmel taking another cool step towards him."What do you know about me?" He asked."Are you drinking-?" Erik then asked, squinting.

"Yea. Gin's my favourite. It also calms me down." Karmel closed his eyes, repressing down the ways Erik's voice made him feel. He took a sip of his gin."Everything Charles had the audacity to tell me...for some reason" Karmel hummed in thought, shaking his head to regain his attention on the- devastatingly- good-looking mutant.

"Then you and him would know to stay out of my head."

"Oh, no, Charles does all the mind games, that lil’ fucker. The extent of my powers are these bad boys" Karmel corrected, slowly raising a hand.

Vines emerged from the bushes, one wrapping around his gin bottle to hold it, another vine twisting the cap back on.

Karmel grinned for a moment, eyebrows raised proudly. He glanced down at the suitcase.

Erik looked at them, turning back around to continue walking away from the base.

"I'm sorry, Erik, but Charles informed me that he knows what Shaw did to you" Karmel slightly outstretched an arm, as if reaching out to stop him; but he was too far away. He couldn't bring himself to make his vines grab Erik and physically stop him, for them to wrap around him and hold him like a doll. Karmel took the advantage of Erik stopping to walk a few more steps towards him. He stuffed his hands into his pockets of his leather jacket."He felt your agony, and needed me to fish you guys out of the water. He can help you- we, can help you. Each other, too" Karmel planted most of his weight onto his hind leg, not complaining about the view he had from behind Erik. But, he was sure to cuss himself out for feeling like this, later.

Erik stayed silent, and didn't even move. He then huffed, turning to face Karmel."I don't need Charles' help.”

"Beware, it goeth before the fall, Erik. And Charles' help, sure, but you'll probably want mine. When was the last time you interacted with a Jewish man of your kind, with, I'm assuming, similar morals?" Karmel questioned, looking around at the vines bobbing behind him."You think I’m all for Charlie’s sunshine-rainbows co-existing fantasy?” He scoffed.”If you don’t want his help, you’ll at least want mine.”

“I don’t need your help, either.”

“Don't kid yourself, Erik, you very well needed my fucking help in the waters last night, you even thanked me for it, earlier." Karmel felt himself grow heated with the way Erik was looking at him, and hated it."You're men" he thought, "fucking control yourself."

Erik didn't answer, looking down in thought.

"That's what I thought" Karmel chuckled."It's not just Charles you're walking away from. Not just me either, Erik" he advanced towards Erik."Charles told me that here, you have the chance to become something much bigger than yourself" Karmel explained, stopping again.”As dim-witted as it sounds, I’m as in as I can be Especially if it’s with you- with- with someone like me.”

Erik blinked.”I always thought I was alone” he confessed.

"You’re not alone, Erik.” Karmel shook his head, a certain sureness in his blue eyes that shone despite the night sky dimming their surroundings.”You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone again.”

Silence followed, until Karmel spoke up once more.

“I won't stop you from leaving" Karmel's heart hurt as he said that, viciously grabbing the gin bottle and opening it. He took a much-needed chug, since he desperately wanted to stop Erik from leaving, but refused to acknowledge why."Believe me on that. I know what it's like to be forced to do something you don't wanna do. I know what it's like to hide something you don't wanna hide. I know what it's like to be angry, and not in control, Erik. But, still..." Karmel took another sip."I won't stop you from leaving. Physically, with my vines, I could. I also want to, really” he blinked his gaze away, looking down sadly.

Erik kept staring at him, gears slowly turning in his head.

“Charles stopped me, but I don’t fucking know if he was in my head controllin’ me while doing it or not. See those footprints?” Karmel asked, pointing over at a bush he was standing beside, just about an hour ago. He remembers, word-for-word, everything Charles and him said to each other in that hour, when Karmel was sure he was set on getting outta there and going back home to his mansion. Getting Erik out of his head, and these despicable (to Karmel) thoughts about him.

Erik turned his head, seeing semi-fresh footprints in the mud. He looked back over at Karmel, at the bits of dirt visible on his shoes.

Karmel looked down at his shoes.”But I won’t stop you.” He slowly started to walk backwards."Think about if you want me to be the only mutant to show the world what Jewish people are really made of" he called, waving his bottle of gin."Shaw has got friends. You could do with some, as far as I can tell. Friends of your own kind, even" Karmel forced himself to turn back around, vines retreating from back where they came from."Don't tame your demons, Erik: always keep them on a leash."

Erik watched him go, the two Jewish mutants blissfully unaware of the fact that Charles listened to- and watched- the whole thing from a window of the base.

Charles smiled softly at Karmel walking back into the building, smile growing when he saw Erik walk in pretty soon after.

#X-men #X-men OC #xmen #xmen oc #erik lehnsherr x oc #erik lehnsherr x male #erik lehnsherr x male!oc #Male oc #male x male #male x canon #male x oc #oc #canon x oc #canon x male #oc x canon #oc x male #brad pitt oc

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winterknight1087 · 4 years

Text

Flower from the Fae (ch 44)

Chapter Title: The Idea Is Not To Destroy Magic, Vee!

Summary: Virgil likes plants, but when he goes to investigate a plant his friend, Remy, tells him about, he doesn’t exactly check out the plant. Little does he know that the handsome man he meets there is a fairy who is about to challenge the world Virgil knows.

Word Count: 1875

Chapter Warnings: Sympathetic Deceit, sympathetic Remus, cursing

Chapter Pairings: LAMP, Demus, Sleep/Picani

AO3 Link My Writing

A/N: this is chapter 44, so read the first chapter here!

Roman had a lot of pent up energy and no one was doing anything! Remy had washed the blood off of their face before Emile forced them to take a nap. Emile was also trying to help Roman’s energy by trying to discuss some old memories that hurt Roman to remember. His Pa was alive in those and he did not want to fell that ache anymore, damn it. Remus was still softly talking to Dee about what Roman’s Dad had apparently done in a deal for Dee’s dad. Dee, for his part, was sobbing and muttering that cancer couldn’t have taken his dad, though even Roman could hear the doubt in his voice. Logan was messaging his temples, kind of useless without his glasses and Patton was sitting with him. Virgil was just standing on the other side of the room, though he occasionally shifted his wrists or awkwardly rolled his shoulders.

Roman finally just screeched and ran straight at the door. It accomplished nothing except hurting his shoulder and knocking the antsy prince to the floor. He groaned but jumped back onto his feet to try again, needing to try something!

“I can’t tell which blob that is, but I assume that it’s you, Roman,” Logan commented. “You aren’t going to force your way through the door.”

“I can’t just sit here! Virgil is over there, so we can get rid of these disgusting amulets and get out of here if we can just get out of here!” Roman growled at the door as if he could scare it open.

“Ro, as much as I want to agree, there isn’t anything we can do,” Patton said softly. “Virgil seems confident in his plan. We’ll just have to trust him.”

Emile glanced out of the window to the dangling man. “I wonder what’s going through his head, right now.”

“A lot of memories that I’m trying to process. And it’s a little hard to do so with the screeching and thumps of princey throwing himself into a two-inch-thick steel door.” Virgil’s voice answered.

“Come on, tell us what this grand plan of yours is, please! I’m going mad not knowing!” Roman begged.

“I cast the spell that bastard wants me to cast. Other than that, I can’t say as I don’t want Nero having a chance to counter.” Virgil still had his eyes shut. “What the hell does ‘flowers bloom best in spring after a forest fire’ supposed to signal, Sarge?”

“Uh… Virgil, you alright there?”

“Just talking aloud. I got hit with a lot of memories when stepping through the fairy circle and my head is still bursting with them all. I’m trying to process them before I actually have to think.” Virgil sighed, looking over to the window. “I know it’s hard to just accept this, but Princey, we just have to wait and buy time.”

Roman glanced at Logan, used to looking to him for answers, though Logan looked as confused as he felt. “Buy time?”

He looked back at Virgil, who’s eyes flicked towards a security camera. Roman looked around, realizing that there were quite a few of them, ensuring that the room was well covered. Bastard probably has people watch over us. Then Roman wondered if there were microphones as well, which would explain why Virgil wasn’t explaining his plan. He didn’t like this, but he figured that he at least understood Virgil had a little more idea of what was happening.

That didn’t ease Roman’s restlessness. He figured that if they were supposed to be buying time for whatever, he could at least entertain those watching the cameras. He wasn’t sure how long he had been at using the nail to try and unlock the deadbolt before he huffed and finally gave up. He slumped down next to his partners, curling into a ball, as bad thoughts filled his mind.

I should have listened to Logan. He was scared and his partners were in danger. He was supposed to be able to protect them. He always figured that if he were to die, it would be like how his Pa went: as a hero. Yet, he was just some prisoner having to hope some plan he knew nothing about would work.

“That is a lot of information moving to long-term memory.” Remy’s voice intruded.

“What?” Emile asked, confused.

Remy looked around the room before standing up and looking out the window. “How the hell? I… I can feel way too many memories being processed into long-term memory, something that happens during sleep. Yet, only Vee is asleep? But that’s way too many memories for just one person…”

“Set it aside, Remy. Just let the poor thing sleep.” Emile sighed.

Remy slowly nodded before twirling their wrist. Sand appeared, glowing golden in the late afternoon light. They hoped that they could at least do this as they blew the sand out the window. Twirling in beautiful patterns, the sand left their hand and drifted towards the sleeping man. Virgil took a deep breath but gave no other indication of anything happening as he slept. Hopefully, that makes his overworked brain process whatever easier, they thought to themselves.

Slowly, but surely, the sun began to set. A door slammed and the bastard was back. He was pulling down mason jars filled with plants, vials of various liquids, candles, Bunsen burners, and everything that someone could ever need to cast a spell. Finally, he undid the chains and threw Virgil at the workstation.

“For any attempt at attempting to cast that little counterspell of yours, well, just know that your friend’s death will be your fault.” He stated.

Virgil scowled but didn’t fight him. Instead, he pulled over the first jar he would need herbs from. Rather than the herbs that filled the jar, the first thing that came out was a small flower. It was white with weird petals sticking up. It was a nice enough flower, but Virgil’s fingers ran over the leaves, rather than the petals.

“Filth, what is that?” Nero demanded.

“My guess would be a flowering Trifolium dubium.” Four leaves. “It was in the Celandine jar, which this is not.”

He tossed the flower aside and got to work. Dee finally worked the nerve up to stand near Remy, who flinched but didn’t say anything, as they moved a little so he could see. Dee knew he deserved the gut punch that seeing Remy flinch gave him, but he just silently moved into the spot Remy gave him. He can better deal with the entire Remy/Dad deal issue once they weren’t at the mercy of a hunter. The two beings watched as their friend worked magic far beyond what he should have been capable of.

Occasionally, Virgil would pause to rub his temple but didn’t stop working. Herbs, smoke, liquids, words, and magic were flung around with so much confidence, that the two friends were terrified that Virgil might have just been throwing things together at random. Yet, the man, or Nero if Virgil’s calling him was to be believed, watched each action carefully, not harming anyone in the cell. Which had to mean that the idiot was doing something right.

Dee finally called, knowing that Virgil was actually trying to cast this spell! “Anx, what are you doing!”

“What I have to. Now shut up, so I can concentrate.” Virgil stated as he measured a silvery liquid into a beaker.

“Oh, that does remind me,” Nero drawled as if he wanted it to be offhand. “That little rescue party of yours was easily defeated. Did you really think a handful of fairies, sprites, and witches would be enough to save you freaks?”

Something dropped in Remy as they saw the surprise on the witch’s face. Had that really been Virgil’s plan! The witch unconsciously touched the flower, which the man smirked gleefully. Nero pulled a gun out and pointed it straight at the cell window where Remy and Dee were both standing.

“Ah, so that flower was a signal. Glad to see I ruined your little plan, freak. Now, get back to finishing my nice little spell. Or, your friends don’t get to see the outcome.” He stated.

Virgil scowled at him but went back to work. Remy and Dee both wanted to scream and strangle their friend. He had hinged his entire plan on some rescue party? What kind of plan was that! Virgil knew his father’s skill and he thought that would be enough? Dee banged his head against the door, muttering about Virgil being such a dumbass, while Remy watched the witch’s movements.

They noted that the news of the failed rescue attempt hadn’t faltered the witch’s work. He was just as productive as before the news. Remy would give and admit that he was shaking a bit, but they knew Virgil better than that. Whenever his plans fell through, he moved with a lowered head and one hand toying with his jacket strands. His movements would be slower and he would begin to make more and more mistakes. Still, Remy knew that this was not the time to show they understood their best friend. Now was the time to act like he was a dumbass.

Hours passed as they watched. Virgil looked exhausted as time passed, but he remained certain in his work. Finally, after drawing a circle on the floor, Nero gave the witch a handful of zip ties and shoved him into the cell to tie the groups’ hands behind them.

“Jeez, what did they do to you lot?” Virgil asked as he set the zip ties down.

“Nothing that matters anymore, dumbass.” Dee hissed, angrily. “Just get this over with.”

Virgil winced at the venom in Dee’s voice but obeyed. The group let him zip tie their hands back, wondering what was about to happen. Looking into the witch’s eyes, Remy found themselves to be even more sure that Virgil was confident in something. They knew that they had to sell whatever Virgil was trying to show the bastard, but they didn’t know how to do so.

“I’m sorry, Remy. There’s no choice.” Virgil sighed, not looking at them as he tied their wrist back.

“Save it.” Remy saw the directions Virgil was giving them for their full value.

Nero made all of them wiggle their wrists in their ties. He had Virgil tighten Patton and Emile’s but otherwise, he seemed happy with the witch’s actions. He let Virgil move them to the circle he’d drawn, carefully positioning everyone in a specific spot. Dee and Roman were refusing to look at Virgil. Remy made a point to watch the witch’s every movement like they had been.

Virgil finally paused, looking over everything, weakly picking at the flower as he did so. Remy saw the witch nervously gulp as he began to move the supplies and whatever else he’d worked on for the past several hours to the circle. Once he was set up, he started pouring the vials, sprinkling herbs, chanting different spells, working magic far outside his comfort zone. The witch paused, as he found himself at the last point of the circle, hoping that he didn’t just ensure all of their deaths.

“Ego expello magicam.”

“RROOOOOOAAAAWWWWWRRRR!”

Next Chapter

Taglist: @that-one-nb-kid, @hufflepuffxfox

#Flower from the Fae #sympathetic deceit #sympathetic remus #deceit #remus #tw cursing #Sage writes

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mrslittletall · 5 years

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Title: A Storm is coming (Chapter 6) Fandom: Dark Souls Characters: Chosen Undead/Dragon Slayer Ornstein Word Count: 4.329 AO3-Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16603610/chapters/44306962 Previous chapter: https://mrslittletall.tumblr.com/post/183652108349/title-a-storm-is-coming-chapter-5-fandom-dark

Summary: Tempest and Ornstein arrive at the archives. Everything should go smoothly. The emphasis is on should.

(Author's note: Jeez, I am really sorry taking SO long for this story to update. I am very glad for the interest in it and I promise, I will write it to the end. Also, we are finally getting into some action. I hope you enjoy!)

After the elevator had arrived, Ornstein jumped right off, heading for the small building that they had to cross to reach the Duke's Archives, not paying any attention if the Undead was following him.

“Hey, wait up, please!”, his voice sounded and Ornstein stopped, not without annoyance, watching the Undead running to catch up to him.

“You are as slow as a snail.”, Ornstein complained. “Maybe you should consider getting rid of some of that armour. You clearly aren't used to wearing it.”

“No, it is because you make two steps when I make one.”, the Undead countered.

Ornstein huffed and turned around. “Just try to keep up.”

Once they arrived at the small building, Ornstein stopped in front of the Smough statue and laid a hand on his heart, saying a silent prayer, trying very hard to not let new tears form in his eyes. He was – however – brutally ripped out of his prayer by the sound of a halberd connecting with armour and an Undead's face slammed into the ground. Ornstein turned around to see him fighting one of the giant sentinels, no, that wasn't the right word, the giant sentinel was mopping the floor with him.

The Undead pulled himself up and struggled to roll out of the way from the next swing. “Um, Ornstein? How about a little help?”

Ornstein crossed his arms, watching the drama unfold. “On the way to us, you had to go through several of these guys. There is even the royal version standing right outside of the great hall. How are you able to fail so bad?”

After Ornstein had finished his rant, the Undead had already been beaten to a pulp and desperately grabbed for his Estus. Ornstein deeply sighed, grabbed his spear and drove it through the giant sentinel which disintegrated instantly.

The Undead sipped a few times from the Estus and got up. “By the lords, I thought I was done for.”

“Just how did you ever made it to us?”, Ornstein blurted out.

“Um... I may have just ran past them?” The Undead grinned sheepishly at Ornstein.

“How did I lose to you again?” Ornstein turned around and took care of the second giant sentinel, that had only had stood there and watched. He himself wasn't attacked by any creature in Anor Londo anyway, but the Undead wouldn't be able to get past them without being spotted.

“So, let's not waste anytime anymore and go on.”, Ornstein said only to see that the Undead had ran to the chest next to the Smough statue.

“Who even put them there?”, he murmured and impatiently tapped his foot, when the Undead went to the chest right of the statue and proceeded to open it. Something about this chest looked wrong.

“Oh no, wait, it's a mimic!”, Ornstein shouted, but it was too late, the Undead already had fallen into the trap and groaned and squealed while the sharp teeth bit down on him several times, making blood spray, Ornstein cringed while he watched the scene, but he knew that trying to pull someone out of a mimic grab was an impossible task. Once the monster had spat the idiot out, which was hopefully still alive, Ornstein took up the fight against the mimic.

He was used to them, the cathedral seemed to attract them like cheese would attract mice. With a few graceful swings of his spear he managed to deal the killing blow. The mimic spat out the treasure it had swallowed, which fell on the floor with a clank. He picked it up, a crystal halberd.

“Huh, how fitting that this was near the Archives.”, Ornstein said to himself. In the meantime, the idiot seemed to have managed to get back on his feet.

“So... are you actually planning to do anything or will you let me do all the work?”, Ornstein hissed and tossed the crystal halberd in his direction, which the undead struggled to catch, but he managed.

“So this is the treasure you thought was worth to die for. They look fancy and can do quite some damage, but once they break, they cannot be repaired ever. Not a good weapon in my opinion.” Ornstein turned around again, walking with long strides towards the day. He could hear the Undead clanking up behind him.

“Wait, how did you know it was a mimic?”, he wanted to know.

Ornstein stopped and turned around to eye the idiot. “First, I can't believe that you wouldn't attack any chest when you can't see the difference and second, there is a subtle difference. Look at their chain and their colour. It is becoming obvious once you spot it.”

“Sorry... I promise I won't let myself eat by another mimic.”, the Undead stared at the ground or at least it looked like it.

“I sure hope so.”, Ornstein said and walked out of the door, where another giant sentinel blocked the way to the archives. He sighed.

“I hope you actually do some fighting once we are in the archives.”, he murmured and readied his spear to get rid of the giant sentinel. The Undead just stood there when it dissolved into souls.

“Sorry...”, the Undead murmured once again. His defeated tone almost made Ornstein feel bad. This guy clearly wasn't a fighter. That he even managed to make it that far could be counted as a miracle. It probably was the greatest of luck an idiot like him could ever imagine to have.

The both of them walked in silence next to each other (Ornstein actually slowed down his steps a bit for the Undead) until they arrived at the long, narrow hallways, that lead to the archives.

“I haven't been here in a while, this place had been locked off for quite some while now.”, Ornstein explained. “One day suddenly a fog gate appeared and we recognized it as Lord Gwyn's, even though he had long left when it appeared. He probably had it set up to activate once a certain event happened.”

“So why is it gone now?”

“Because you placed the lord vessel. I guess this toothy serpent has told you all about it?”

“He only told me that I need to collect four powerful souls.”

“Well, Seath is one of them and he is in the archives behind this hallway, so let's go.”

The Undead nodded and followed Ornstein inside, staying closely behind him, as if he wanted to use the big body of the dragon slayer as a shield.

“How about you go ahead?”, Ornstein said and swiftly changed places with him, so quick that the Undead couldn't even complain.

“Fine...”, he just said and clutched shield and katana in both of his hands, carefully crossing a corner and then running back right away.

“Oh no, it's one of them.”, he murmured.

“What are you talking about?”, Ornstein asked and took a peak around the corner as well, spotting an armoured boar. “Oh, these are new. Seath didn't guard this hallways earlier.”

“So what shall we do?”, the Undead whispered as if the boar would charge at them any given moment.

“Fight, of course.”, Ornstein answered. He didn't even need to think twice about this. “So how about you show me that you actually are able to fight?”, Ornstein mocked. The Undead turned around with a “Hmph” and Ornstein saw him readying a pyromancy flame.

“Oh, you got yourself some pyromancy? Not a bad move.”, he commented, leaning against the wall. “I just wonder why you didn't use it in your fight against us.”

“You guys are dragon slayers, what would fire have done to you?”, the Undead replied in a tone as if he couldn't even believe this question. Ornstein didn't answer. It was true that their armour had some more fire defense, but if the Undead had used pyromancy right away, he could have probably prevented a few deaths. Or maybe not. Ornstein's usual reaction to fire was to answer with lightning. When the idiot really was going to use a pyromancy spell, Ornstein maybe should look somewhere else.

The next thing Ornstein saw, was that the Undead got tossed at the nearest wall. Judging from gazing at the armoured boar and the sound he had heard before the Undead flew through the air, at least one spell made it through. The Undead stood up, grabbed his weapon and charged at the boar, which quickly made him connect with the ground again.

“You don't attack them from the front, but from behind.”, Ornstein broke his silence and leaped over the boar to drive his spear into that one particular unarmoured part of the boar.

“There isn't enough room for me to go around it.”, the Undead shouted and muttered a “Brutal...”, when he saw Ornstein's attack.

“Just jump over it!”, Ornstein called out to him, not minding that his spear stuck deep in the rear of the boar.

“You don't really think I am able to do this wearing several pounds of plate armour?”

“Then don't wear several pounds of plate armour!”

“You really think I am able to jump like you AT ALL?”

“Fine, then not.”, Ornstein pulled his spear out of the boar which had squeaked in agonized pain over their whole conversation. “Just finish it off.”

The Undead nodded and hurled a fireball at it, making the boar collapse to the ground. He took another sip of his Estus and stared at the tiny rest still into it. “I hope the next bonfire comes soon...”, he complained.

“We have been on our way for 20 minutes now and you already have used up all your Estus...”, Ornstein shook his head in disdain. He took up the lead again and when he rounded the next corner... “You won't like this, there is another one of them...” He could hear how the idiot groaned loudly.

“Alright, I have to admit, it is quite sadistic of Seath to place them into such a narrow hallway.”, Ornstein mentioned. “I will weaken it like the first one, then you finish it off.”

The Undead nodded and one spear strike and one fireball later the boar was also taken care off.

“I don't get how you can stab into their butt with a straight face.”, the Undead murmured.

“Who said I have a straight face doing it?”, Ornstein teased, making the Undead cover his helmet, probably in shame of having being heard. But when Ornstein was honest to himself, he had seen some messed up stuff in his life, stabbing some boar into the rear wasn't the icing on the cake. He stared at this spear though, which was riddled with blood now and maybe... other things, he should clean it soon.

The hallway ended and they arrived in a large room and the Undead sighed in relief when he saw the bonfire, rushing over to it, to fill his Estus. Ornstein used this opportunity to get out a cloth and clean the tip of his spear of any blood or other bodily fluids.

After he was done, he walked over to the Undead, who just stared into the bonfire. “Well, can we go?”

The Undead moved with a start. “Sorry, just had to brace myself.” He got up and took a look around. “So these are the archives? I was expecting more books.”

“We aren't at the library part now, idiot.” Ornstein pointed at a platform in front of them. “We first have to take the elevator up.” Ornstein walked over, pulled the lever and the elevator came down with a rattling noise. He walked on it and saw how the Undead followed.

“So, when we are up there.”, Ornstein said after pulling the lever to get the elevator moving. “We have to expect do deal with Seath's experiment and nobody can say if there are traps. Follow my lead and don't storm forward, understood?”

The Undead nodded, clutching his katana and shield. A knight's shield, Ornstein recognized. A pretty standard, but decent one. Ornstein always had preferred to not use shields, even as a silver knight. He of course knew how to use them, but against dragons they just felt like extra weight, so his fighting style was based entirely around being shieldless.

When the elevator stopped with a loud clang, Ornstein headed forwards and hid behind the wall, peaking in the next room. He saw how the Undead imitated him at the other wall, only that he peaked a bit too much forward and had to withdrew his head when an arrow zoomed right next to his head.

“And we have been spotted... great.”, Ornstein sighed and readied his spear, seeing how the Undead ducked, muttering “How are you even able to see anything?”

“I manage and now prepare yourself, because that aren't our standard hollows.”, Ornstein charged forward and drove his spear into the first target or he would have liked to do it, but instead it clanked against the solid crystal. The Undead followed and apparently wanted to slice the hollow, but faced the same problem.

“Damn, normally they aren't that hard.”, he said and began another attack, as well as Ornstein and together they managed to go beneath the crystal and soon the crystallized hollow laid lifeless on the ground, but it had been only one of them. The battle noises had attracted a few more of them along with the sniper that continued to shot arrows in their direction.

“From all the things Seath had to experiment with, it had to be twinkling titanite.”, Ornstein growled.

“Is this bad?”, the Undead asked, struggling to fight his current foe and evading the arrows. With another sigh, Ornstein kicked his current target down and prepared a lightning bolt to get rid of the sniper.

“Bladed weapons have a hard time cracking through it.”, Ornstein explained while he stabbed the crystal hollow that already had gotten up from the kick. “Something like a mace would probably be more suited, but that isn't a type of weapon I am experienced with.”

Without the sniper, the Undead had managed to eventually cut his foe down. “I may have something like a mace with me, but I don't have any titanite with me to reinforce it.”, he said.

“Then stay with your blade, it will still be more useful then a non reinforced weapon.” Ornstein had managed to take all the foes down who had been charging at him. Which had almost been the entire room. He could probably consider himself lucky that the Undead had at least managed to strike one of the crystal hollows down.

“Have this been all or are there more?”, the Undead asked and suddenly stormed the stairs up, running right into a crystal golem standing there.

“Are you nuts?”, Ornstein shouted and leaped over to the Undead, who had already gotten hit by an uppercut. Great, crystal golems. Their skin was far too hard for Ornstein's spear to do much damage, so it was just him chipping away at the creature until it dissolved into dust. When he was done, he turned around and saw the Undead standing behind him, his weapon in both hands, staring awkwardly as if he had wanted to help but had been missing the guts.

“I told you to not storm off.”, Ornstein growled.

“I just wanted to be useful...”, the Undead replied. “Huh? I think that golem left something.” And with that words the Undead had already ran past Ornstein and picked the item up.

“What is this? Some kind of broken pendant?”, the Undead stared at the trinket, seemingly trying to make sense of it. Ornstein came closer to take a look.

“I have the feeling I have seen this trinket somewhere before.”, he murmured but then his expression darkened, of course not to be seen under his helmet, but his voice turned into a dangerous tone. “And that was the second time you stormed off.”

“Relax, there haven't been any foes anymore.”, the Undead said in a far too casual tone.

“This item could have been a trap. Do I have to remind who was eaten by a mimic earlier?”

Ornstein didn't await an answer and twirled around to peak in the next room. This was where the archives really started. Loads of books were aligned on shelves, they were stacked on the floor or on tables and there were all kind of constructs and other stuff Ornstein didn't had any clue what it was or why Seath needed it. This wasn't the important thing however.

The important thing was, that in this room he could spot a good number of crystal hollows already and that wasn't counting the ones who could hide. He scanned the room once more and spotted one of Seath's channelers on the stairs. The stairs that led to an elevator that they needed to use to get into Seath's study room.

“Alright, this time we are going into this more calmly.”, Ornstein whispered to the Undead.

“What? You have to talk louder!”, the Undead shouted from the other side of the wall where Ornstein had peaked into the room. Ornstein winced. He thoroughly hoped that channeler hadn't heard them.

Ornstein hold a finger in front of the lion mouth of his helmet to indicate silence, whispering “Shhh, not so loud.”, but realized that his whispering probably was prompting the Undead to shout again and instead gestured for him to come over to him which he did.

“Why are you whispering when I am several meter away?”, he asked.

“Because I thought you were standing right next to me.”, Ornstein sighed. “I want us to go into this room and not spark up a storm right away. Can you do this? Are you able to search the left area of the room and taking care of every crystal hollow that charges at you without the channeler in the middle taking note?”

The Undead seemed to consider. “I can try...”, he said but it didn't sound very convincing.

“Are you still having estus left?”

The Undead nodded and Ornstein relaxed a bit. “Then you can take a few hits without trouble. I am going to clean out the right part. We meet behind the stairs to take care of the channeler.”

Another nod. Ornstein gave the Undead a signal when to start only to gain a shrug of the small not-knight. Of course, he didn't had any clue how the military gesture code worked. Ornstein sighed again. They had been on this journey for less then an hour now and he couldn't wait for it to be over. Ornstein settled for another, simpler gesture, that the Undead could understand and he nodded once he got it. Then both of them were off into the room.

Ornstein tried to make as little noise as possible, not an easy task with wearing several pounds of plate armour, but he had worn it for so long, that it was easy for him to dampen some of his noise. He fought his way through any crystal hollow daring to stand in his way and made it to the stairs to see that there was another crystal hollow hidden. Very clever of Seath to position them there. Ornstein easily dispatched them too and now had to wait for the Undead.

Ornstein leaned lazily against the wall, listening to the battle noises. Technically he could have gone and helped the Undead with his side now, but Ornstein already was sick and tired of having to do almost all the work. The Undead had somehow managed to overcome every challenge to arrive Anor Londo and even beat him and Smough. Ornstein was beginning to assume that he was failing on purpose so that he didn't had to do any fighting anymore.

Nonetheless, the Undead needed quite some time. Ornstein could hear the clanking of a blade on crystal, the sound of estus being sipped, souls getting sucked in by the dark sign and the sound of a soul arrow connecting with an undead.

Wait a minute, the sound of a sould arrow connecting with an undead?

Ornstein shot out of his hiding place and in fact, the channeler had spotted the Undead and he was still busy fighting the last crystal hollow. Which still wasn't dead and so Ornstein decided to take the fight against the channeler up, stabbing them with his spear which prompted the creature to turn around and cast a teleport spell.

“Damn.”, Ornstein muttered. “Now they can get an advantage.” He frantically looked around where the channeler would appear again and spotted more crystal hollows up the stairs, readying arrows to shoot while the channeler appeared again a bit higher up.

“How many of these are here? I knew it was a mistake to let Seath guard the Undead after the Oolacile mess.”, Ornstein said and threw his hands up. The Undead finally seemed to have finished his battle and stepped next to Ornstein only to panic roll away, Ornstein noticed how awkward it looked in that armour he was wearing, when two arrows and one soul arrow were aimed at his direction. Ornstein leapt out of the way too and yanked the Undead behind the nearest shelf.

“What have you done?”, he hissed. “We wanted to meet behind the stairs to take care of the channeler, not get their attention right away.”

The Undead ducked. “I accidentally stepped in their line of sight while fighting. It wasn't on purpose. Also, you left me all alone.”

“Because I thought you could at least take care of a few crystal hollows without getting spotted.” The Undead ducked again because of Ornstein's furious whisper.

“So what do we now? Hide and wait until they stopped firing?” The sound of magic and arrows hitting the shelf was still very present.

“Hollows aren't smart enough for this, they won't stop to fire in the direction they have last seen us. For the channeler, I have no clue what happened to them, but they seem to be as dumb as the hollows now.”, Ornstein explained. He took a deep breath. “Listen, I am fast enough to take care of the channeler up on the stairs but you have to take care of the snipers before they have a chance to shoot me. I am not immune to arrows either.”

“You surely are able to take a few hits?”, the Undead whispered back.

“I am, but for your reminder, estus doesn't work on me and I have recently been badly injured. By you.”, Ornstein countered. “It is in our all interest that I don't get hit by a mess that you brought us into, got it?” Ornstein crossed his arms and stared anywhere but into the direction of the Undead.

“Fine, I'll do it.”, the Undead said.

“Ready, I am counting to three. One, two, thr....” And the Undead stormed off to early. “Idiot, not now.”, Ornstein shouted and leapt out of his hiding place, ran over to the stairs and to the position of the channeler. Luckily, his first hit had already weakened the channeler enough that his second hit made short work of them. And he hadn't even gotten hit by an arrow, so at least this had worked out.

When Ornstein turned around, he saw instead that the Undead had a few arrows stuck in him but the snipers were dead to his feet and he took another sip from his Estus.

“Shouldn't you pull them out first?”, Ornstein asked and pointed at the arrows.

“Oh, don't worry, they normally fall off once the wounds are closing.”, the Undead reassured Ornstein and in fact, they just fell onto the floor.

“Impressive.”, Ornstein said. “And of course I don't have to give you a rundown about what went wrong here in this room, right?”

The Undead backed away. “I have been the first time here. I admit, things haven't gone smoothly, but I have tried my best.”

“With your best you mean charging far too early and even though I have told you to wait for my command, little storm?”, Ornstein said disparagingly.

“Actually, it's Tempest.”

“Huh?”

“My name, it's Tempest, not Storm.”

“That is basically the same thing. And would you do me a favour and stop acting like one?” Ornstein pointed to the elevator. “At least we are ready to take it now, I don't see any more hollows or channelers. And this time stay behind me.” The last few words he hissed between gritted teeth.

They rode the elevator in silence. Once they were up, Ornstein stepped forward. “Follow me, little storm.”

“I told you it's Tempest.”

“Don't care.”

Ornstein followed the way to another staircase, that was so overgrown with crystals, it very much indicated that Seath's study room was near. The only foe in their way was another crystal hollow, but apparently a stronger version. However, because it was only one foe, the two of them managed to kill it quickly and soon they stood in front of the fog gate.

“Alright, Seath is a tricky one. He experimented with immortality and there is no guarantee that this isn't a trap. So our next step should be well considered...” Before Ornstein could continue his thoughts he heard the sound of someone having stepped through the fog gate, the chinking of crystals from a dragon's breath and the sound of an Undead dissolving into ash.

“Oh, this IDIOT!”, Ornstein shouted out. (Author's note: About the pendant, Tempest actually hasn't spoken with Dusk yet. Normally it only appears when Dusk has been talked to, but I want to keep the flow of the story and it wouldn't make sense for my protagonists to return to the archives after being done there, so the pendant dropped right away. I am allowing myself to take some artistic liberties simply for a smoother story. Thanks for understanding ^^) Next chapter: https://mrslittletall.tumblr.com/post/184714873284/title-a-storm-is-coming-chapter-7-fandom-dark

#dark souls #fanfiction #dragon slayer ornstein #chosen undead #orndead #oc tempest #littlewritesstuff

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the-shield-of-infinity-writing · 7 years

Text

He’s more than just my saving grace (Request)

Prompt: Can I request a Loki x reader where she was alone and the avengers took her in? Flash forward and reader and Loki spend a lot of time together because they don't let him go on missions yet? Preferably not in an established relationship yet but obviously care a lot for each other? Thank you! -roxitinkerbell

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Note: Slightly descriptive torture, Panic attacks, and fluff

Words: 1650

Requested by: @roxitinkerbell

Everything was dark, everything felt heavily like she couldn’t breathe as she struggled against her bonds in the dark room. She had been abducted by a group named Hydra a few years ago, but suddenly yesterday they up and left like nothing happened. They chained her to her bed and abandoned her, left her to die like she was nothing to them. She was afraid, her blood was roaring loudly in her ears as fresh tears threatened to pour down her face while she struggled. Her wrists were aching, she had moved too much and caused her wrists to be rubbed raw and hissed at the pins and needles that jolted every time she shifted in her chains just a little.

Fear was consuming her entire being, fear of dying in this room alone with no one to save her. She closed her eyes as her breathing slowed down, as if she had accepted her fate and was giving into the darkness. Just went she thought all hope was lost there was a loud explosion that shook the room as her eyes snapped open. Dear lord they were blowing up the place with her in it so she wouldn’t slowly die anymore when she heard feet pounding down the hall. Her heart was thumping loudly in her chest, didn’t care who was on the other side of the door. “H-Help!” She exclaimed, throat feeling dry from not getting food or water since yesterday morning and that was only a small portion.

She coughed as she let out a sob struggling against her bonds not caring about the blood that was seeping through the metal. “I-I’m here!” She sobbed when the door was kicked down before she cried out from shock when a man dressed in a suit of red, white, and blue stepped in. His eyes widened at the young woman’s state before he immediately ran over to her when he busted open her shackles. She knew quickly recognized the man to be Captain America due to him being a well known enemy to the Hydra base. “Can you stand?” He asked as she tried to, but everything felt like jello before he suddenly scooped her up brightly style.

She allowed herself to be taken by him, she didn’t feel threatened despite them trying to program her to be another killing machine. “Stevie, who’s the girl?” A man with a metal arm stepped towards him as her eyes dilated. The Winter Soldier. She was about to speak before her vision blurred when she passed out in arms. “No time to explain, we need to get her out of here if we expect her to live.” Steve said immediately as Bucky nods before they started for the exit and towards the Quinjet. “Who--” Tony started as Steve laid her down onto the bed. “Just go, I’ll explain later!” He hissed as Natasha and Clint flipped on the Quinjet before they took off back towards the Avenger’s Tower.

It was a whole day before she had awakened and when she did Steve asked her a few questioned. He found out her name was (Y/N) (L/N) and she had been taken from her home a few years back after her father had sent an attack against the infamous Hydra. That seemed like so long ago because it was almost a year now and (Y/N) was settling into the tower and everyone quite nicely. Especially with a certain God of Mischief who had become an Avenger to become more than what he was. (Y/N) would sometimes have panic attacks due to what happened at the Hydra base which Loki was always there to help her, because he hadn’t been cleared for missions just yet.

Just like right now, (Y/N) was on the floor in her room wrapped tightly in Loki’s arms as she sobbed with a violent tremble. Loki had one of his hands coursing through her hand while his other hand gently rubbed her back. She was gripping tightly to his shirt while her face was buried into his chest as they slowly swayed. “It’s okay, it was just a dream.” He whispered softly into her hair. She felt the tremors finally cease before panting softly as she laid limply in his arms feeling safe like always. She couldn’t see his face in the darkness considering it was about three almost four in the morning while the others were away on a mission.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered as he shifted making her look at him. “For what?” He asked, she couldn’t see it, but she could feel the frown on his face. “For waking you up… again.” She whispered softly looking down when his hand slid over her face before he made her look back up to him. “Now that shall be enough of that mundane talk. I want to help you whenever you are like this, I enjoy your presence (Y/N). You are the only one I actually like in this Gods forsaken tower.” He said as her face heated up gently causing an amused chuckle to rumble from his chest. “My dear, we spend a lot of time together. You are someone I could call a friend.” He comments as her eyes widened.

“R-Really?” She asked softly as he nods before she bit her lip. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She confessed as Loki’s heart stopped before he swallowed softly. “Are you feeling better?” He asked softly. “Much.” She whispered before laying her head back against his chest when she gasped feeling him lift her off the ground as he laid her back down onto her bed. “Thank you.” She mumbles as he smiles despite her not being able to see it. “You’re welcome. I hope you rest well for the rest of the night.” He helps her into the covers before he left the room as (Y/N) cuddles into the blankets with a smile caressing her lips when she dozes off again.

“So when are you going to tell Loki how you feel about him?” Natasha asked bluntly looking up from her bowl of cereal as (Y/N) chokes on her juice. “Nat!” (Y/N) hissed glancing over to the guys who were watching a film while her, Natasha, Laura, Wanda, and Pepper sat at the island talking. “What?” Natasha asked quirking an eyebrow. “Oh come on, you two care so much for each other. It’s sickening how oblivious you two are.” She huffed softly as (Y/N) frowned. “He doesn’t like me that way.” She said crossing her arms as the four women stared at (Y/N) with an ‘Are you kidding me right now?’ type of look. “Oh shut it.” She mumbles softly.

“(Y/N), I don’t think I’ve ever seen Loki so happy until you showed up. You’ve come a long way for day one. You’ve grown close! Hell he’s helped you through your attacks.” Pepper said setting down her coffee cup as Natasha gestured to Pepper with a smile on her face. “See, and we’re not the only ones who has noticed this cuteness between you two. Now stop being a little bitch and confess.” Natasha spoke bluntly as (Y/N) flinched looking down. “Jeez, I’d love to see what it’d be like if you actually hated me.” She mumbled as the women chuckled softly to her. “Lady (Y/N)!” Thor’s voice boomed as everyone looked over to him when Loki was trying to make him sit back down onto the couch.

“What?” (Y/N) asked tilting her head. “I would like to inform you of my brother’s affection towards you.” He grins excitedly as the color visibly drained for Loki’s face at the sudden outburst. Everyone glanced from Loki to (Y/N) whose eyes were widened in shock at the claim before she swallowed thickly looking at Loki who held a dark expression. He looked ready to slaughter Thor because of his incompetence when he noticed she was staring as he looked back to her. “I-Is it true?” (Y/N) asked not caring that everyone was staring and the movie was paused to watch the events unfold. “I… Uh…” Loki’s mind was literally befuddled and unable to utter a single word.

(Y/N) stood up smiling softly. “I hope it is, because I have affection for you too.” She laughs softly brushing her hair behind her ear as Loki’s eyes widened. “You-You mean…?” He asked as she nods smiling shyly. Suddenly Loki crossed from the living room to the kitchen as (Y/N) stood up before he immediately ceased her into a small kiss “Finally!” Tony exclaimed throwing his arms in the air. “Damn it took you this long.” Natasha huffed as she pulled away from the kiss blushing profusely. “Well at least they’re together.” Steve said smiling when everyone nods. “Um can we go somewhere else?” (Y/N) asked when Loki took her hand before leading her back to his room.

“Awe! Fine ruin our fun!” Tony calls as (Y/N)’s face lit up even more before Loki immediately closed the door. He slowly turned to her as they stood in awkward silence for a moment before they smiled to each other. “I guess that just happened.” (Y/N) chuckled breathlessly as Loki nods. “But, I want to ask you properly… So will you become mine?” He asked as (Y/N) smiles nodding before pulling him into another kiss. “To think we could have been together all this time.” She laughs as he lets out a chuckle. “Good things come to those who wait.” He whispered before she held him tightly without a single care in the world.

#Request #Loki x reader #loki fanfiction #loki #loki of asgard #loki laufeyson #Reader was tortured #Captured by Hydra #Loki fluffs #Loki feels #Thor is only trying to help

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diyunho · 7 years

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The Joker x Reader - “French Fries”

How you and The Joker met involves a pretty surreal story involving French fries and Arkham. Due to both parties’ impulsiveness, you got married on a whim and never had a proper wedding reception. Time to finally take care of the issue.

The Joker is 46

You are 43

You oldest son, Kase is 17

Your youngest, Kaiden just turned 16

Your sons walking in the office unexpectedly makes you jump.

“Oh my God!” Kase gasps, covering his younger brother’s eyes while pushing him out.“Don’t look!”

You are all over J in a very much needed makeout session after you just had a fight an hour ago. It was about the wedding reception coming up next month: you just can’t decide on the color of your outfits: Purple? Green? Classic black and white? After all the conflict, it’s still up in the air.

“What are you guys doing back so early?” you shout, getting off your husband’s lap and fixing your hair as you pull down the hem of your short dress; The Joker is not happy with the interruption.

“Can’t you two knock?!” he snarls, trying to regain control of himself.

“We thought you weren’t here; so sorry,” they elbow each other, silently snickering outside the door.

“Be grateful we weren’t naked!” the Prince of Crime points out, winking and you mutter a faint “Stop teasing them.”

“Ewww, dad,” Kaiden scrunches up his face, holding the folder they wanted to leave in the office for both of you.

“How do you think you two showed up, hm?” J buttons up his shirt, only the 2 bottom buttons of course.

“Jesus, dad, we don’t need a visual!” your oldest son complains, patiently waiting to come in.

“Are you guys decent now?” Kaiden asks after texting one of his friends.

“Yeah, come in,” their father announces and you go back to sitting in his lap since you can’t help it.

The two boys stroll inside the office again and you are handed the binder you were expecting: new updates about Arkham’s security policy.

“I though you’ll be gone all day,” you look at them, admiring how much they look like you and J.

“That was the plan, but then uncle Frost… (a low grumble from your husband) “…said he was able to obtain this for you and he dropped us off so we can bring it over. We knew it is important so we just came back.”

“Uncle Frost!” the eruption is quick to follow. “Give me a break!” The Joker hates the fact that your kids call you best friend “uncle”. “Isn’t it enough that I have to put up with him being your mom’s best friend? He’s not your uncle. Period!!!”

Well, this is going downhill very fast; you and your boys know something needs to be done: J has to be distracted.

“So, dad, you met mom during Arkham prison time, right?” Kase points out towards the folder that is currently placed on the desk, taking a sit on the couch by his brother.

J stops his rant, takes a deep breath and switches his focus on the new subject – one of his favorites.

“Yes, in the cafeteria. They brought me there every day in the strait jacket, chained me to the chair at the table in the left corner…Remember that, Pumpkin?” the roar is fast to follow and you yank at his holster, pleased at the memory.

“U-hum…”

“It was my recreational time; I wasn’t allowed to eat with the others. Nobody even looked my way. Until one day, I see this woman walking towards me, a fellow inmate, apparently. She seemed out of it, probably from the meds, quite awkward in that orange jumpsuit that was definitely not her color. “

“Yuck, horrible color indeed,” you recall, shivering with disgust.

“Anyway, she just comes over, drags a chair from a nearby table and slams this plate full of French fries in front of me. She takes a bite out of a fry and feeds me the other half. I really wanted to snap her fingers with my teeth but I didn’t. You know why?” he addresses his sons and there’s no answer. “Because she smelled like chaos, despair and slaughter.”

“My natural pheromones,” you cross your legs and J squeezes you harder towards him.

“Exactly! She looked like crap and so insane I was smitten. I asked for her name and she didn’t answer.”

“That’s because I didn’t remember it ; the stuff they have me was very strong. I just saw this guy sitting alone at a table without a plate and I thought I should give him something to eat. I didn’t even realize it was the King of Gotham,” you explain to the kids again, your heart beating so fast recalling stuff you are very emotionally attached to.

“You mom kept on coming day after day and shared her fries with me: always munching on them first, then gave me the other half.”

Every time the story is told, there’s always new details emerging, one crazier than the other.

“I didn’t know this part!” Kaiden admits and his sibling agrees.

“Oh yes, it happened,” The Joker bites his lower lip, enticed. ”After about 10 days she stopped coming. I didn’t want to care but it bugged me. I really had to fight with myself on that one, but I behaved for a whole week and as a reward I was allowed to roam around the cafeteria for once. I searched for your mom and there she was: alone at a table, staring at her empty plate, completely gone.”

“Yeap, they changed my meds so I was even more screwed up,” the simple explanation makes your boys laugh.

“Anyway,” their father continues, “ I kicked her chair and she didn’t even blink. I think you hold the record, Doll: I’ve never seen anybody gazing at something without blinking for so long.”

“ I can still do it,” you proudly utter and your butt gets pinched.

“Good Kitty,” J whispers in your ear and the boys suspect there is something going on but not sure since it was a very discreet gesture. “So,” he gets all pumped up again,” I took the plate, filled it with fries and placed it in front of her. She didn’t move so I said: ‘Eat your stupid potatoes, craziness.’ Nothing. Your mom was completely bonkers. I kicked a guy off his chair at a nearby table, grabbed it and sat by your mom. Took a fry, bit off it and gave the rest to her. She actually ate it and I kept on doing that until the fries were gone. “

“That’s pretty amazing, dad,” Kase praises the tale, immersed in the topic.

“Right?!” The Joker huffs, full of arrogance. “When Frost and my men came to bail me out of there, I searched for your mom, don’t ask me why,” he lifts his shoulders up, not having an explanation after so many years.

“Jonny was the one that carried me outside after they found me,” you bring it up, delighted. “ I wasn’t in great shape to walk so he lift me up in his arms and stomped on the corridor ; your dad was too busy beating the shit out of two guards that were mean to him with a baseball bat. He looked so classy while doing it and I thought: ‘My God, what a perfect man, adding such a personal touch to his revenge; no gun, just him and his bat.’ “

“I am perfect,” your husband scoffs and Kase softly kicks his brother’s shin, trying not to draw attention to his signal; he holds in the laugh and continues to listen.

“I remember that I sneezed on Jonny’s impeccable suit and instead of getting mad, he smiled and said ‘bless you’…”

“Hold on!” Kaiden interrupts, “Uncle Frost smiles?!”

“Smartass!” you snap, “Just like your father,” and you are getting groped as revenge.

“Bad Kitty!” J growls and you giggle, starting to kiss him all over his cheeks, forehead, temples, then peck his lips.

“Jeez, dad, you’re 46!” the youngest son discloses with a grimace. “Aren’t you embarrassed to have mom spoil you like this?!”

“No! Why should I be embarrassed?! I deserve it !” he answers, irritated.

“U-hum,” you mutter, amused and aware he means it. “Did I ever tell you I was the one that asked your dad to marry me?” you divert everyone’s attention to the new, captivating plot.

“No way!!” the two siblings shout in the same time.

“Yes, after only two weeks we escaped Arkham, I said: “You should marry me, Green Hair.” And your voice goes low, imitating The Joker: “ Why?”; “Because I shared my fries with you,” I replied and your father agreed: “Fair enough.” Now, if this is not the most romantic thing ever, then I am totally insane,” you conclude, kissing your husband.

Your teenage kids gaze at one another, puzzled: they have no idea how you two function since you live in your own little world; a real mystery.

“So you got married only after 2 weeks?!” Kase double checks, surprised by the revelation.

“Yes. Like, why would we need more?!” J responds, not understand what the fuss is about. “We got married the next day. Frost was the witness and I’ll never forget the look on the reverend’s face while held at gunpoint, officiating the fastest marriage ever. We were out of there in 10 minutes, huh, Pumpkin?”

“Yes, it was super-fast,” you regretfully sigh. ”Never had a reception.”

“That night, there were fireworks, I’m telling you,” The Joker winks and the boys protest.

“For heaven’s sake dad, really?!” “ You two have dirty minds; there were fireworks because it was the 4th of July,” the wicked chuckle resonates in the office. “So much fun to tease them,” J reckons, thrilled to have someone to taunt all the time.

“Stop messing with my babies,” you pout, but he knows you enjoy it also.

“What are you boys up to?” their father wants to know about his sons’ plans.

Kase opens his mouth to report on what’s going on but J cuts him off.

“Hold that thought, I suddenly have an itch that only your mom can scratch!”

“Jeez, dad!!!”

“Seriously?!” the protests are fast to follow his comment.

“You kids have a really dirty mind, definitely my offsprings ,” the proud observation coming from the Joker makes them shake their heads as you take a deep breath, knowing there is nothing you can do about it. At least it’s funny. “I have an itch here, on my shoulder and since Y/N is right here, she can scratch it for me.”

They both roll their eyes and J slaps your waist, excited: “They’re soooo much fun to pick on!” the malicious snicker echoes in the room again.

“Well,” Kase reports, “ I have a date tonight with Aria.” (That’s Frost’s daughter)

“NO!!!” your husband barks.

“What?! WHY???” your oldest objects, unhappy at his dad’s refusal.

“One date is gonna lead to another and God knows what else and before we know it I’ll be related to Frost!”

You want to laugh so badly it’s hard to hold it in.

“Baby, it’s just a date,” you try to cool him down, gently tracing the collar of his white shirt. “They always hang out anyway, so…what’s an official date added to that?”

“No way in hell! Did you kiss her yet?”

“Yeah, many times,” the teenager swiftly spits out, and you smile to yourself because you already knew the little secret.

“Shit!! I’m gonna be related to Frost!” J panics, displeased and he shoves himself into you, feeling he’s starting to sweat from anxiety.

“They are just teenagers, handsome, you are thinking too far ahead,” you state the evident detail, kissing his Damaged tattoo.

“He’s not going!” J fumes, determined to stop any kind of actions that might lead to him being related to your best friend. The ideas he gets…

“But dad…” your son has a vague comeback and his younger brother warns him to shut up.

“I don’t wanna be related to Frost, don’t make me repeat myself one more time! “ The Joker shouts, antagonized.

You wink at your sons, then turn your attention towards the third child you have:

“If your dad says no, then it’s a no,” and they get up to leave.

“Fine…” Kase sulks and his sibling opens the door so they can both get out. Once the boys are on the hallway, they silently high five, smirking.

“Mom got this!” oldest mutters, relieved. “I’m going to take a shower soon and get ready for tonight.”

“Can I come too?” Kaiden begs since he doesn’t want to be left behind.

“No way, dude! Find your own date!” he shows his brother away and they start horsing around on the way to the kitchen.

In the meantime, you got on the desk, keeping your feet on J’s lap while he tries to figure out why the damned computer just froze. You sigh, puckering your lips, which prompts the question:

“What’s wrong, Doll?”

“Too bad we got interrupted, hm?”

“Yeah, no kidding. Those kids need a life, teenagers are supposed to be out and about, this way we can have fun too.”

You pretend to be upset and scoot over more towards the edge of the desk.

“Mmmmm, since my baby can’t have fun, I’m not in the mood for too much either.”

“What do you mean?” The Joker licks his silver teeth, intrigued.

“A shame you didn’t even get to see what I’m wearing under this dress…”

“What exactly are you wearing under your dress?” He wants to sound totally uninterested, but you know better.

“Purple lace, one of the most outrageous, obscene and vile pieces of lingerie you’ve ever seen.” J is absolutely obsessed with purple lace, one of his few weaknesses.

“Your strategy is not going to work, Pumpkin. I don’t care; he’s not going on that date.”

You lift your shoulders up, playing with your nails.

“Can I…e-hem…” he fakely coughs, “…get a little glimpse to see what I’m missing on?”

“If you insist,” and you pull down on your front zipper, revealing the outfit in all its might and glory.

“Fuck!” he gulps, scrolling back on his chair so he can see better. “That is niiiice. Daddy likes it, get over here!”

“Nooo, I don’t feel like doing anything anymore; plus, the boys are here also, so…”

“Playing hard to get, huh?”

“If my baby can go on his date, I might be happier also…” you playfully tap your toes on his knees, zipping up your dress again.

You sons barely made it to the kitchen when you peak inside, triumphantly announcing:

“Honey, you’re going on that date with Aria.”

“I knew it!” Kase comes and strains in order to lift you up in his arms.

“Don’t break your back, Casanova!” you point out and he puts you down, panting, kissing your cheek in the process.

“You’re the best mom!” he compliments you, feverish it all worked in his favor.

“I know,” you caress his face, turning around to leave and thinking: “the purple lace strikes again.”

You’re almost out of the kitchen when your oldest has an outburst:

“I wish dad was more like you, mom. Sometimes he can be such a jerk!”

You freeze in place, your right eye twitching.

“What did you just say?!” you spin on your heels to face him, being so mad your ears are ringing. Kaiden gets frightened seeing how menacing you look walking towards his brother. “Did you just call my husband a jerk?!”

“Ummm…I …I…didn’t mean to,” Kase stutters, realizing he’s in big trouble.

“Your father might be a jerk, but that’s for me to assess and deal with, do we understand each other?!” you raise your voice, pissed. Kaiden places himself in between you two, alarmed – you’ve never direct such anger towards them before and he knows it’s dangerous to keep you in this state.

“Mom, mom, he didn’t mean it, you know he’s stupid! Mom, please look at me!” he cups your face, forcing you to glare at him. “Mom, please…he didn’t mean to…” he repeats, scared to see how you get when you can’t control yourself.

You exhale a few times, struggling to keep it together.

“You’re lucky you’re my kid! If I ever hear you disrespecting your dad again, you’re going to regret it for the rest of your life. I shared my fries with him and I never share my fries, so don’t talk like this again! Did I make myself clear?” you sneer, annoyed. “Yes, mom, I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t mean it…” he whispers, startled.

“No date!!!” you decide and your boy is stunned. “ No cell, no TV, no computer, no tablet, no Play Station for 2 weeks!!!” and you signal for his phone which he gives up right away, figuring out it can get worse if he doesn’t comply.

You snag the phone from his hand and head towards the balcony to chill.

“You’re an idiot!” his younger brother concludes, still shaking from the commotion.”What is wrong with you?!”

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

Kase decides to go talk to his dad, maybe there is something he might be willing to do to shorten the sentence.

“What’s the ruckus about?” The Joker growls, still trying to figure out why the computer is acting out.

“I said something I shouldn’t have and that woman took it out of proportion,” his son whines, not comprehending the extent of his new offense. “Now I’m grounded for 2 weeks.”

His father stops typing and adjusts his gold bracelets, then lifts his cold, blue eyes to stare at his kid.

“Did you…just…called your mother…that woman?!” A few bones crack in his neck and to say he is furious would be an understatement.

“Ummm…Yes, I did, I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to,” Kase wants to patch up his huge mistake, backing out towards the exit, unsettled.

“That woman,” he gets up his chair, slamming his fist on the heavy oak desk,” shared her dumb potatoes with me at Arkham, and she never shares her fries. Do not disrespect my wife or I swear you will deeply regret it, understand??!!!!” J shouts, trying to control himself since this is his own son, otherwise he would probably be dead now.

“Y-yes dad,” Kase stammers, fleeing the office before it gets worse but its’ too late.

“Add 3 more weeks to those 2 your mother punished you with!” the grave, deep voice makes him aware while his younger brother punches his side, irked:

“You’re a moron!! If you keep it up, you’ll be grounded until you’re 40! A complete ass!!!”

“I don’t need this from you,” Kase pushes away his sibling, bitter and resentful.

But after about 30 minutes, he decides that is better if he apologizes to both you and J.

He goes into the office and it’s deserted.

“Mom? Dad?” he takes a quick look around. “Where are they?” Kase mutters, intrigued. “Hey, Kaiden, are mom and dad upstairs?” he yells and the reply confirms:

“No, not here, maybe on the balcony?”

The penthouse is pretty big, on two levels, 7 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, the huge living room being the center of it, plus the kitchen and the balcony. Even so, it shouldn’t be that hard to find one’s parents. But there is no trace of you two.

“Kaideeennnn!” Kase shouts again, “I think they abandoned the nest again and sneaked out to go on one of their little dates!”

“You mean robbery?” his brother comes out of the bedroom, gathering his long hair in a messy bun.

“Yeah, that! Wanna go and catch a movie? I’m grounded, but only from electronics.”

“Might as well since we’re home alone. Hold on, I need to get my gold bracelets!” (just in case you were wondering which son takes more after J).

After the boys leave, you and The Joker come out from under the desk you were hiding. When Kase barged into the office, you and J were beneath it, plugging and unplugging cords, messing with the wiring, trying to figure out why the computer doesn’t work. You stopped what you were doing, deciding not to disclose your whereabouts. Now that the kids are out of there, you’ll have some privacy with your husband. The little strategy worked and you are more than happy to enjoy some fun time.

Unfortunately, the boys came straight home after the movie. They walk inside and it’s dark.

“They’re not here yet,” Kase stretches, walking in front of his brother and when they take the corner to get to their rooms, they notice the door cracked opened to the master bathroom, candle light flickering in the darkness. Water splashes, you giggle and their father purrs so loud they feel the need to make their presence known right away: “Ummm, we’re back…” Kaiden sniffles, clenching to his brother’s arm.

“What?!” they hear your displeased comment and J groans, fed up with all the disruptions.

“Hold on, baby, I’ll take care of this,” you kiss him before getting out of the Jacuzzi. You grab your fluffy robe and get out on the hallway, turning the lights on.

“Hi, mom,” they both greet, looking guilty like they did something wrong when in fact…they didn’t.

“Aaahhh, my beautiful boys,” you get in between them, taking their arms and guiding them downstairs. “Why are you home so early, hm?”

“It’s 10pm, mom,” you youngest shyly attempts to bring it to your knowledge.

“So early! You teenagers are supposed to be out there, doing crazy stuff that young people do.” You make them walk towards the elevator, not before stopping in front of the armoire and taking out hundred dollars bills that you stash in their pockets until they don’t fit anymore. “Go have fun, the night is young!” you encourage, pushing them inside the elevator when the doors open. “Kiss!” you point out towards your cheeks and they each kiss one in the same time. “Have fun!” you wink before the elevator’s door close.

On the way down, the siblings look at each other, puzzled.

“Did we…did we just kicked out the penthouse so our parents can have sex?!” your oldest son addresses Kase, scratching his arm with the new tattoo he got last week.

“Obviously…How much do we have?” his brother inquires, trying to put together the pile of hundred dollar bills you gave him.

“Not sure…” Kaiden takes a visual of both their monetary resources, concluding: “A few thousands?”

“Acceptable amount for a decent night out. You do realize we have the best parents ever, right?”

“Pffftt, suuuuuure,” his brother replies and they push each other around, snickering all the way down.

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

Tomorrow is the big day: you’ll finally have the wedding reception you never had.

The Joker goes into the bedroom, carrying a small box. He places it on the nightstand on your side of the bed and heads out of the room, but Kase blocks the exit.

“Where are you going, dad?” he crosses his arms on his chest in disapproval.

“To get your mom so we can go to sleep,” J squints his eyes, not seeing the big picture.

“NO! It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” and Kase slams the door in his father’s face, locking it from the outside.

“Are you kidding me?!” a very vexed Joker bangs at the door. “I’m already married to her; we’ll just have the reception. Open up!”

“Nope, you’re not sleeping in the same room tonight, gotta keep some traditions going!”

“I can’t sleep without her, open up, don’t piss me off!”

“No way, dad, not this time!” Three doors up, you were looking for some items in the guest bedroom and now that you are done, you should probably go to sleep so you are heading out of the room when Kaiden blocks your way.

“Where are you going, mom?”

“To sleep,” you divulge, wanting to pass by but he won’t bulge.

“No, mom! Dad can’t see you tonight. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

“We are already married, you silly child, we’ll just have the reception.” “No, mom!” and the door gets slammed in your face and locked on the outside.

“What in the world?! …Open up, don’t annoy me! You know I can’t sleep without your dad!” “You’ll have to, mom, gotta keep up the tradition!”

And the brothers meet up in the middle of the distance separating your temporary prisons, fist bumping and pleased at their little perfect plan to keep you apart for the night.

Meanwhile, you found a solution to your problem: you are walking on the railing constructed on the outside of the building, carefully moving with your back against the brick wall. The cement railing leading to the master bedroom is not very thick so you don’t even look down from the 30th floor, hoping you’ll not get dizzy since you hate heights. You finally reach your destination and knock on the window. J is still at the door, annoyed he has to put up with his crazy kids and their crazy ideas.

“Princess!” The Joker grins when he sees you and rushes to open the window so you can slip inside.

“Ssstttt!” you smile and jump in his arms. “Keep your voice down, we have to let them think they won, otherwise they’ll keep bugging us!” you whisper in his ear, glad you will be able to sleep since you can’t afford dark circles and baggy eyes tomorrow.

“I was thinking to do the same,” he points out towards the window, moaning when you keep on biting and kissing his neck in frenzy. “I got you something, Doll! Consider it a wedding gift,” J places you on the table and grabs the little box he placed on the night stand earlier.

“Yum, it smells good, what is it?” you open it with the outmost curiosity and…”OH MY GOD!!!!” you look at him, stunned. “Are these…Arkham French fries?! “

“Surprise!” he chuckles, keeping it low. “I had to pull some strings to get the damned potatoes but…here they are. Still warm.”

“Wanna share?” you hop off the table and clasp his hand, taking refuge in the walk - in closet. After you seal the door, you feel this is your new fortress so you start eating the fries. “Wow, baby, they taste the same. Do you reckon they have the same cook?!” you lean your head on his shoulder, biting half of one piece and feeding him the other half.

“Wouldn’t be surprised,” he licks his lips, pleased he got you so excited with the little present. “Trapped in there just like the rest of the inmates.”

“Probably,” you sigh and slide down to the floor, continuing to munch on your food.

“Holy crap!” your husband gasps when notices a small piece of your reception gown coming out from under the plastic wrap. “Is that…purple lace?!” “U-hum,” you nod your head and he gets worked up.

“How am I supposed to make it throughout the day with you wearing that?! I might have to steal you away for a couple of hours so I can get it out of my system,” he yanks you in his arms, roughly kissing you.

“I was counting on that,” the naughty look on your face lets him know. “Auuchhh,” you protest in pain when his hands go down your back.

“What is it?”

“It still hurts a bit,” you uncomfortably squirm in his lap and turn around a bit so he can see. “I got it this morning,” and you lift your shirt up, disclosing the patched up skin at the bottom of your back. “Take a look; it’s one of your gifts!”

The Joker peels the bandage and gasps: your new tattoo represents a pile of fries and hearts, having “I only share with Mister J” written around it.

“I fucking love it!” he caresses the skin, aroused. “It makes me wanna…” and he stops, devouring you with his blue gaze.

“What, Daddy? Makes you wanna do what?” you outline his lips, mesmerized.

“…eat more fries!” he gropes you and you start laughing so hard he has to cover your mouth. “Shush, those crazy kids will hear you!” but he’s laughing too so you have to cover his mouth. After you calm down, you take another fry from the almost gone supply, take a bite out of it and give J the rest, not wanting to waste any.

After all, you got married because of these damned things.