#everything needs a polish and need to make sure chapter 13 is also finished so idk when i'll be posting - hopefully sometime this week!! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

tilltheendwilliwrite · 3 years

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Star-Crossed: Bound by Blood

Chapter Five

Master List / Read on AO3

Previous Chapter

Warnings: Canon divergent during Chapter 13 of The Mandalorian, serious pining, much angst, violence

A/N: I make this stuff up as I go along, if I screw something Star Wars-y up, apologies in advance, I didn’t do it on purpose, but I’m new to this Fandom. I will be cross posting this story between AO3 and Tumblr except the smutty bits. Those chapters will only be available to registered users on AO3. (I’m trying something new for people who want to read here on Tumblr, but to also avoid the smut for minors controversy. We’ll see how it goes.)

*I do not have a tag list* Please follow the story on AO3 if you want email updates, or follow @tilltheendwilliwrite-library where I post the new/latest chapters of all my stories.

Din watched Baast with growing concern. She'd withdrawn after Nevarro, spending the majority of her time with Grogu or in the sleeping hammock she'd strung between the walls of the Razor Crest. She refused to take his bunk, wouldn't even hear of it. When she slept - which he knew wasn't often as he could hear her prowling quietly around his ship - she did so in fits and starts and bad dreams.

By the time they arrived at the Tribe's new home, he was genuinely worried. He didn't know enough about Zentari biology to be able to say if this was normal or not, but with how worried Grogu seemed, he was going to go with not.

But Din couldn't focus on Baast as he navigated the high winds and icy blizzard of the Tribe's new home. The planet was damn near inhospitable, but that was why they liked it.

This was his first visit since the massacre on Nevarro, and he was both excited to see who remained and dreading it. There had been far too many Foundling helmets in the Armourer's pile. An old outpost carved into the rock served as a place to land ships and keep them from being snowed in. Blast doors slid open, appearing to welcome him home. Mandalorians waved him forward, and he recognized the armour of Paz Vizsla.

"That kriffing bastard would live," he muttered as he maneuvered the Razor Crest around and set it down. The blast doors were already closing, not that those who worked on their ships appeared to care either way.

Descending into the belly of his ship, he found Baast growling at her hair and tsked when he snaked the comb from her fingers. "You're making matters worse," he huffed, quickly separating the tangle. He twisted the mass into a long tail, then wrapped it into a knot at the base of her skull, where he tucked two long sticks he'd picked up in the market on Nevarro. They were made of hardened steel, sharpened to a deadly point, and would make a handy weapon if she ever needed one. She kept her eyes down and didn't look at him when he helped her into her cloak.

While they'd been on Nevarro, he'd been careful to pick out clothing she could layer for cold weather rather than buying winter gear. He had no desire to lead the Tribe's enemies to them again and made damn sure they weren't followed. The one thing he couldn't avoid buying were boots, but Dune came through on that one.

After Baast damn near killed her, they spent a mostly pleasant few hours with Dune while she'd cooed over Grogu and listened intently as Din told of his run-in with the Jedi. They said nothing of Baast's origins and wouldn't. What Cara didn't know couldn't get her killed. Of course, the ex-shock trooper would attempt to kick his ass if he said that out loud, so Din hadn't, remaining silent as Dune fumed for being "out of the loop."

Before he drew up Baast's hood, he lifted her chin with gloved fingers. "Baast, everything will be alright."

She gave him a wane smile, her vibrant eyes too dull for his liking. "As you say, Mando."

He gritted his teeth. That, too, had changed. She no longer called him by his name when they were alone. He was back to Mando. It was the first time in his life that he hated hearing anyone utter that word.

"Baast, we need to talk-" He cut himself off when loud pounding came at the ramp and flipped her hood over her head. "We're not finished," he warned, determined to get to the bottom of whatever was going on with her.

She picked Grogu up but said nothing. There was no defiance, no strength, no beskar spine left to her.

He clenched his fists and headed for the ramp, where he punched the release with more exuberance than was needed. It lowered to reveal Paz and another, weapons trained on the doorway.

"Nice greeting," Din grumbled.

"You've too many bodies on your ship."

He held out his hand, and Baast joined him, her hand sliding up his arm to his elbow. "We seek the Alor."

Weapons slowly lowered, but he could tell they remained suspicious.

"This way." Paz turned and headed across the hanger.

Din didn't bother to hurry. Paz would wait because they'd piqued his curiosity. He would remain once they reached the Alor to see just what Din was up to. Suspicion followed them like a red wave as they made their way through the rock corridors. The deeper they went, the warmer the air grew, indicating the Tribe had found lava flow or hot springs heated the base.

It was good, secure. Hopefully, they could remain here for some time.

Paz stopped at an open doorway and indicated inside. "Leave the child with the other Foundlings."

"Nu draar," Baast growled, her stance defensive as she rolled onto the balls of her feet.

"He will be safe and happy with the others," Din encouraged. Looking inside, his heart plummeted. Where once there were thirty or more Foundlings, now fewer than fifteen remained. "Is this all?"

"Sabine has the older ones. They train."

"This is The Way," Din murmured.

"This is The Way," Paz agreed. "Leave the child."

Baast hissed at him, and Din stepped between them before things escalated. Already he could tell Paz wasn't impressed.

"Baast, udesii," he murmured, laying his hands over hers on Grogu. "He will be safe and far happier with the Foundlings. No one will touch him, I swear it."

She held onto him as if her very life resided in the little green menace, and leaving him behind was allowing a part of herself to be torn apart, but with gentle coaxing, he managed to remove Grogu from her hands and set him down to join the others children. Grogu cooed happily and toddled off to play while Din urged Baast onward after Paz.

The giant warrior peered at Baast for a long moment before continuing away from the Foundling Nursery.

Finally, after more twists and turns and stares from other Mandalorians, they arrived at the Foundry where the Alor waited in her golden helmet. She didn't bother to look up as she worked on polishing a pauldron.

"You dare to bring an aruetyc here?"

At any other time, he might have flinched at such a reprimand coming from her, but not this time. "She is not an outsider. She is Baast'mal, last of the Zentari."

The pauldron slipped and clanged against the forge before she caught it and set it carefully aside. "The Zentari are no more."

"She knows The Way," Din insisted. "We completed the greeting."

The Alor turned then to face them as Baast pushed back her hood. The sharp intake of breath Paz took did not escape him.

"I am Baast'mal, daughter of Sengor'du and Lin'talia of Zentarus." She tilted her head. "Great Alor, I greet thee. Holder of the Creed, blessed of the constellations. May you raise warriors strong in the Way and find your riduur. Your cyar'ika. Your ka'rta."

Din had never seen the Armourer show surprise in her body language before. "I greet thee, Zentari of the Bright Star, though it saddens me to learn you are the last. Can you be certain of this?"

"I felt the only other of my kind die three years past," Baast murmured.

The Alor bowed her head. “Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la.”

Din knew how she felt. It was like a gut punch without warning to know they'd lost something so damn special.

"Be welcome, Baast'mal. Perhaps among our Tribe, you will find the one you seek."

Baast said nothing, looking away as if in shame, and Din reached for her elbow before remembering they were no longer alone on his ship where he could take such liberties. Now, she would be courted by every able-bodied male of the Tribe to see if they proved worthy to be her riduur.

"Leave us," the Alor commanded.

Din hesitated, but when Baast didn't look at him, he stepped back and walked away.

***

"Shut the door, Vizsla," she commanded as the big one followed Din out.

Used to Din's t-shaped visor, the Alor's eye slits were almost disconcerting, but Baast didn't allow it to show.

"You are of a great lineage, Baast'mal, daughter of Sengor'du. The Tribe will see this as a great omen, a reason to rejoice when we have so little."

"Not so great," Baast sighed. "I cannot be what I was born to be. I am no riduur. My fated mate will never complete the bond."

She tilted her head. "Oh?" Then motioned toward a table next to the forge. "Sit. Tell me your story, Baast'mal."

Baast, knowing her future depended on her honesty, spoke the truth. She told the Alor of her kidnapping as a child, her brutal years as an experiment, and the wretched way the Empire forced bonds with the Sand Cat and Manka. She showed off her Snake Tooth and admitted how broken she felt knowing she would never have the one thing she yearned for.

"I was bred to grow warriors, but I will remain barren," she whispered, unashamed of the tears streaming down her cheeks.

The woman across from her tilted her head, having remained silent through her entire recitation. "They took you from Zentarus too young. There are… things missing from your education, knowledge you have yet to acquire."

"There is?" Baast was surprised and yet not completely. She had been very young when they ripped her from her family.

"There is. I can teach you, but it will take time."

"I am not sure Di- Mando will be alright with a delay. I promised I would help him find a Jedi for Grogu."

If she was surprised Baast knew Din's name, she didn't show it. "Hm, for the child you took as your own. You will find parting with him to be like death. I do not envy you the position you have placed yourself in."

"I know," Baast whispered. "But he may be my only chance at a child."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not." She stood and motioned for Baast to follow her to the forge. "For now, you will sleep. Rest, Baast'mal. You are safe here, and I can see you have not been sleeping."

"Not because I felt unsafe," she snapped. "Mando is not to blame."

"Isn't he?"

She stared, but Baast refused to look away. She would give the Alor no reason to doubt Din.

She chuckled and turned to the forge, her hands busy out of Baast's view. "I have long considered Djarin one of our finest warriors. I am pleased to see him living up to his potential."

When she turned back, the mark of the mudhorn was in her hand, dangling from a leather thong. The Alor stepped forward and tied the cord around Baast's neck, settling the shiny bit of beskar against Baast's chest.

"There. Now, none who see you will challenge that you belong. I will have one of the others deposit you in a family suite so you may remain close to your Mandalorian with your child."

"He is not my Mandalorian."

She looked at Baast, and Baast swore she could feel the amusement rolling off the woman. "Isn't he?" she asked before going and opening the door. "Vizsla. Retrieve the child and take her to the home set aside for Djarin."

"Respectfully, no." The one called Paz crossed his arms, radiating defiance. "If she is Zentari, she should not be living with him. She should be available to all to choose."

Baast was too tired and too stressed to deal with his macho bullshit any longer and walked into the corridor with long smooth strides. She let her cloak fall behind her as she stalked the male keeping her from her child.

"And do you think you are worthy?" she asked, soft, cold, and deadly.

"Baast," Din warned.

She could feel him now, more and more; even with the beskar, his emotions were starting to bleed through. Being with him was agony; her soul cried out for his, but being apart would likely be even worse.

"I could be," Vizsla snickered.

Baast smiled to show off her fangs, then kicked him down the corridor. "You do not choose!" she roared. "I choose!"

When she made to stalk after him to teach the too proud Mandalorian a lesson he would not soon forget, she found herself captured against Din.

"He means no disrespect, but he is right. You... you must find your fated mate." The words sounded like they pained him. "You can't stay with me and do that."

Baast felt herself crumble and swayed into him, distraught at causing him such grief.

"She is clan of your clan as the child is the child of her heart. Baast'mal wears your sigil. Until she says otherwise, she will remain Clan Mudhorn. Collect the child, take her to your home, and return to me, Djarin."

The Alor's command was not one they could ignore. Din bowed his head and pulled Baast away, past Paz, who radiated wary respect.

The traversed corridors in reverse until they came to one deserted of others, and Din spun her into the wall. "Are you alright?"

She clung to him, clung and shook as every cell and fibre and atom of her body begged for his until she could hardly bear it. "Your Alor has information for me. My knowledge is incomplete. I must stay until it is no longer this way."

"Then we stay."

The easy acceptance shocked her into searching the t-visor for his unseen eyes. "But, Grogu. The Jedi."

"It can wait."

"Mando," she sighed.

"Din," he growled low, pressing his body closer. "You will use my name with the Tribe and in private, Baast."

She closed her eyes, the pain growing.

"Are you sick? Do you need a healer?"

His concern broke her a little more. "No. I am fine."

"You're not fine!" he snapped. "You're fading! I can see how much something is hurting you, Baast. What is going on?"

She dredged up every ounce of self-preservation she had left to stare him cooly in the visor. "That is not your concern."

He stepped away as if she'd hit him. "Fine. Use my home. I will find somewhere else to sleep."

She watched him walk away, her heart cracking with each step until he turned the corner, and it shattered.

Baast landed hard on her knees, unable to catch her breath, gasping and dry heaving, tears spilling freely down her face. When the hands came, they were gentle, but she would not have cared if they brought pain. Nothing hurt as much as Din walking away.

"I'm Sabine. Allow me to offer aid, Zentari."

Baast could only nod as she allowed the female to help her up and lead her away.

***

He stalked back to the forge with angry strides but a heavy heart. Baast was breaking down, and her continued refusal to let him help would drive him insane.

Paz nodded as he went by and shut the door to the forge as he left.

"So, you have brought us a Zentari. This is well done of you."

He said nothing, knowing she needed no response.

The Armourer held up the pauldron of earlier and discarded it. "But she is soul-sick."

"Soul-sick?" He'd never heard of it before.

"She believes she is damaged. Too long was she with the Empire. Too long has she battled the mind games of the demagolka. They could not break her spirit, so they poisoned her mind. This poison sickens her soul. She needs mirjahaal."

"Demagolka…" Din whispered, horror filling him. The Demagol was the notorious Mandalorian scientist of the Old Republic, a real-life monster and war criminal. He was known for his experiments on children and was hated by all Mandalorians for his perversions. Children were to be cherished, never tortured. "Are you sure?"

She looked at him. "What else would you call one who experiments on children?"

He felt foolish for not seeing it himself and tilted his head in apology.

She hummed and returned to the forge. "You will help her find mirjahaal."

"She doesn't want my help."

"But she needs it. You will do this. I have spoken."

He sighed but made sure the sound didn't leave his helmet and drew the ingot of beskar from his pocket. "For the Foundlings."

The Alor hummed. "This is The Way."

"This is The Way." Din turned and left, knowing a dismissal when he heard one.

He stormed out but only made it as far as the turn to the first hall, where he stopped to sigh and closed his eyes. How could he help Baast find mirjahaal when she didn't want anything to do with him anymore?

How could he help her find healing and peace of mind when he no longer felt it himself?

***

Nu draar - no way/ not on your life

Udesii - calm

Aruetyc - traitor/outsider

Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la - not gone, merely marching far away.

Mirjahaal - peace of mind, *healing*, general term for emotional well-being especially after trauma or bereavement.

***

Next Chapter coming soon

#star-crossed:bound by blood #the mandalorian #au #din djarin

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wiypt-writes · 3 years

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Riding On

Ch 13- Healthy Competition

Summary: Mary decides she wants to compete in her first horse riding competition, so the family take an outing and Frank gets a first-hand experience of the world Fliss once called her life.

Warnings: Bad Language words.

Pairing: Frank Adler x Fliss Gallagher

A/N: This is very Mary/horsey heavy so apologies in advance.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding On Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 12

October 2018

"Lissy, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Course you can sweetie." Fliss looked at Mary as she approached the sofa, Laptop in her arms. "Everything OK?”

"Yeah." Mary nodded, “Just before, some of the other girls at the yard were talking about a jumping competition in a few weeks and I was wondering…” She sat down, perching her laptop on her knees "Do you think maybe I could take Monty?"

"Do you wanna take him?" Fliss asked and Mary nodded. "Then of course you can"

"Really?" Mary's eyes lit up.

"Yeah, it's been ages since I went to a competition. It'll be fun!"

"I wasn't sure I would be good enough." Mary shrugged.

"Mary, Monty could do a jumping course with his eyes closed." Fliss smiled. “And you're plenty good enough. Besides, it doesn't matter anyway. It’s about enjoying yourself. I take it you got the website there?" She nodded to the laptop.

Mary grinned and opened it up. Fliss took it from her and quickly scanned the information. "FireAnt Farm Equestrian Centre, Tarpon Springs..." Fliss mused, quickly grabbing her phone to locate the area on Google maps.

"Is it too far?" Mary questioned.

"Nope." Fliss shook her head. "Probably take us forty minutes in the wagon. I used to travel much further."

"There's a lot of different classes to enter." Mary shuffled towards Fliss so she could see the screen too "I wasn't sure which one I would go in."

"I'd put you in the beginners class." Fliss replied as she read the details. "It's forty cm max height and you've jumped those plenty. And then why don't you try a few flat classes whilst we are there? The schedule doesn't look like they would clash."

"Flat class?" Mary frowned.” You mean like dressage?"

"Kinda, it’s about showing your pony off. You basically do a go round as a group in each pace on both reins and then you do a quick individual show. It’s easy, I used to do a simple figure of eight."

"Oh. Okay." Mary shrugged. "I never saw that before."

"Well, let's have a look." Fliss smiled, opening up a browser to YouTube. She flicked her eyes over to Alex who was fast asleep and then spent the next fifteen minutes or so showing Mary various videos of different kids showing classes on the Web.

"So Monty is a Welsh Pony." Fliss nodded.” Which means he doesn't need to be plaited, or braided, whatever. We turn him out true to type which means we just need to tidy his mane and tail up a bit. And as he's over fifteen he can go in the Pre-Veteran class. So they look at how he moves and performs for his age group. Why don't you do that which is the forth one in the morning and then do the junior rider. Then there's a long enough break before the beginners jumping."

"So I get to do three classes?" Mary grinned and Fliss nodded.

“Hey, it says here they're running a winter league." Fliss mused "Is that what you wanna do? Compete in the league or just the one off?"

"A league like they do for baseball or football?"

"Exactly that." Fliss nodded. "So you join up and it says here you get points immediately for just going in the class. They place to sixth position and award points. So you’d get ten points for finishing first, eight for second, six for third and so on. Then the person with the most points takes the Championship overall at the end."

She pointed at the screen “Say’s here the first one is on 3rd November and they run to March next year, so there’s five overall. What do you think?”

Mary grinned “Bring it on!”

Fliss smiled as Mary gave her a hi-five.

“Why don’t you bring Bronson?” Mary asked, “Or Cap?”

Fliss shook her head. “It wouldn’t be fair on everyone there.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I competed at a professional level” Fliss shrugged “It wouldn’t be very sporting of me if I entered a class full of hobbyists. I would have hated it when I was there myself. The only way I’d do it is if I went in and declared I was 'hors concours' or HC as it’s known.”

“Hors concours?” Mary repeated “What’s that?”

“It means that I’d be taking part without actually competing. So I might enter a competition to give a young horse experience or what-have-you but my marks would not be counted as such.”

“Bronson is only six.” Mary said “You said he had never done a jumping competition before.”

“He hasn’t.” Fliss pondered. “Maybe next season. This one we concentrate on you.”

Mary grinned and then Fliss turned her attention to what they needed to get her. They spent a bit of time looking at Tweed showing jackets, Mary deciding on the type of thing she liked before Fliss found a decent value second hand one on a local Equestrian Buy and Sell group on Facebook which Mary eagerly nodded at, the same seller also having a Navy Blue show-jumping jacket the same size.

“When you’re not growing so fast I’ll buy you brand new ones.” Fliss smiled, tapping in a message to the seller arranging to collect the items the following mornings. “So you have your DeNiro boots which we can polish, your short boots as well, you have a hat that will be ok, it should be velvet but for the time being it will do, so we need canary and white jodhs… a show shirt, a tie. I think we need to take a trip up to the Tack Shack tomorrow.”

“Oh, yes let’s!” Mary smiled “I have some of my pocket money saved, I can put that towards it.”

“Put what towards what?” Frank asked as he walked into the family room. He dropped a kiss to Fliss’ cheek and ruffled Mary’s hair, causing her to scowl up at him. “More horse riding crap?” he nodded to the screen of the laptop.

“It’s not crap, how dare you.” Fliss scoffed as Frank gave a chuckle. “We were talking about all the stuff Mary is going to need for her first competition in two weeks.”

At that Frank paused, looking at Mary. “You’re going to a competition?”

“Yah-hah.” She nodded and Frank smiled.

“That’s great Stack!”.

“I’m gonna do three classes. Two showing and one jumping.” She told him enthusiastically. “So we already sorted my jacket and Fliss is taking me to the Tack Shack tomorrow for the rest of it.”

“Why what else do you need?”

“Jodhpurs, a shirt and a tie.” Mary nodded reeling it off. “Oh and a new hat at some point but Fliss says the one that I have will do.”

“Why do you need another hat?”

“Well strictly speaking show hats should be velvet or suede.” Fliss shrugged “But for this level it won’t matter.”

“Sounds like another bashing my card is gonna take.” Frank grumbled good-naturedly and Fliss swatted at him. He chuckled again and stood up straight from where he had been leaning on the back of the couch, heading to the fridge to retrieve his standard post work beer.

“Can I wear the same tie for show-jumping and showing?” Mary asked.

“Hmmmm possibly. We can get two.” Fliss shrugged. “One that matches your tweed and then you can pick whatever you want colour wise for jumping. Have a look on the website, see if there’s anything you like.”

Mary grinned and took the lap top off Fliss who stood up, stretching slightly. She headed over to Frank, slipping her arms round his waist.

“She’s excited.” He stated, watching Mary as she tapped at the keyboard. His chest was warm at the utter delight on the young girl’s face as she was searching different coloured ties. “What sparked her wanting to do this?” “Someone at the yard. She overheard them talking and asked if she could go.” Fliss smiled. “She wants to do the Winter League” “They run a league?” “Yeah.” Fliss smiled “Five competitions in total. It’ll be good for her, a bit of healthy competition. I already managed to grab her two jackets. Both second hand but no point shelling out loads when she’s gonna grow out of them by the end of the season. Tweeds cost a fortune.”

“How much are the hats she was talking about?” Frank asked, taking a swig of his beer, his eyes flicking back to Mary then to Fliss.

“Erm, her size probably about eighty bucks, why?”

“Just get her one.” He smiled gently, dropping his voice “She never asks for stuff like this so…”

“You big softie.” Fliss smiled, standing on her toes to give him a kiss. “I love you.”

“Love you too. And thank you.” Frank gently, bumped his nose against hers.

“What for?” Fliss frowned.

“For this.” He nodded to Mary “Doing stuff that makes her excited and happy.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” Fliss looked at him, and then for the first time she noticed the look on his face. He was watching Mary, his eyes not quite as full of their usual sparkle. “Frankie, what’s wrong?”

He took a deep breath and looked at Mary “Hey Stack, have you spoken to grandmother this week?”

“Not yet.” Mary said “I was gonna later, why?”

“Why don’t you give her a call before dinner?” He suggested “You can tell her about your competition.”

“Okay.” Mary shrugged standing up “But if you wanted to talk in private you could just ask.”

“Fine, we wanna talk in private” Frank looked at her and Mary snorted as she stood up and looked at him.

“You forget I know you, Frank.”

“Oh, trust me I don’t.” He shot after her as she laughed, climbing the stairs.

Fliss turned to Frank as he sat down on one of the stools by the breakfast bar. “Honey, what is it?”

“I spoke to Greg before.” He looked at her as she moved to stand between his legs. “He still hasn’t heard back from her father about the adoption.”

“Okay.” Fliss dropped her hands to his shoulders as his rest on her hips “That doesn’t mean he’s gonna cause an issue.”

“No, but Greg’s twitchy, I can tell. I mean if the asshole wasn’t bothered about Mary surely we would have heard by now. It’s been almost eight weeks.” Frank wrinkled his nose.

“Baby there’s nothing we can do about it.” Fliss soothed “Yeah, if he protests it’s gonna be a little more agro than we thought but…well, we’ll just have to face it when it happens, ok?”

“I know I just…well I was hoping this would be done for Christmas, that’s all.”

“It might be yet, it’s not even November. Is there anything Greg can do?”

“He’s gonna send a chaser letter but other than that not really.” Frank shrugged before he sighed “I know you’re right, there’s nothing we can do but that doesn’t stop me worrying about it.”

“I know, because you love her. We both do. I’m worried as well but like you said to me, whatever happens we face it together.” She leaned down to give him a quick peck “Now, change of subject…you gonna come with us to the competition in a few weeks? Be nice for us all to go. Can be our first proper family outing.”

“Will there be beer?” Frank pondered, his hand sliding down the outside of her thighs and back up again.

“We can take a cool box” she smiled.

Frank chuckled “Of course I’ll come. Wouldn’t miss her first competition for the world.”

******

October ticked into November, bringing with it a slight drop in temperature and still no movement on the Adoption. However, Frank and Fliss had pushed it to the back of their minds which in the grand scheme of things wasn’t that hard as Mary’s excitement over her impending first competition was infectious.

When Fliss took her to the Tack Shack and told her that Frank said she could get a competition hat, Mary had almost cried, giving Fliss a huge hug but reserving the biggest hug of all for her Uncle when she got home. She’d paraded around the family room in her show gear, showing off her outfit for both Fliss, Frank and then again for Verity and Bill, and on a video call to Evelyn.

She practiced with Fliss or Joanne every day after school. They taught her the ring etiquette, how to talk to the judge and also set up a full course for her to practice on, Fliss teaching her all about how the first round was about getting clear and the jump off also introduced the element of time. Fliss felt an overwhelming sense of pride as the girl improved day by day and found herself actually believing that she’d do pretty well when the day came.

The afternoon before the show was spent with one final practice and then Mary had to give Monty a bath. Whilst he was drying off she then loaded the wagon with her jackets, cleaned her tack and then carried that to the wagon too where Fliss placed it in the tack locker, locking it up.

Frank was under the bonnet of said wagon, checking the oil and the coolant to make sure it was ready for the trip in the morning when he heard footsteps on the gravel and he looked up to see Mary hopping up the steps into the back of the wagon.

“What’s she checking now?” He looked over at Fliss, straightening himself up and reaching for the rag that was tucked in the back pocket of his dirty jeans. Fliss didn’t reply, she was too busy scanning Frank from head to toe, and making no attempt to even disguise the fact she was perving on him. “Earth to Lissy…”

“Yeah, sorry…what?” She asked, looking at him, biting her lip.

He snorted as he wiped his hands on the rag, shaking his head “And you call me a pervert.”

Fliss shrugged “I told you, the whole dirty mechanic things does stuff to me.”

“And the dirty mechanic will do stuff to you if you give him half a chance.” He grinned and she smirked, arching an eyebrow.

“You’ll corrupt our son.” She grinned, placing her hands over his ears, where he was positioned in the baby sling at her chest. “Mind you, he’s probably already scarred for life after your antics last night.”

“Didn’t hear you complaining.” Frank smirked. “Quite the opposite in fact.”

Fliss bit her lip a the memory of a particularly good round of sex the night before, which had resulted in her on all fours in the middle of the mattress. Looking at Frank she shrugged and he snorted, closing the bonnet of the wagon.

“All set.” He nodded towards it. “Oil topped up, coolant and water levels good…”

“So you didn’t find anything to fix, like I told you that you wouldn’t.”

“Hey, I just wanted to make sure it’s safe for my girls, it hasn’t been anywhere in a while.” He shrugged

“Joanne used it yesterday to go to the wholesalers for feed and shavings.” Fliss looked at him.

“Yeah, well…whatever, I make no apologies for wanting to check anyway.” He smiled, taking the kiss she offered.

Mary jumped down from the back of the wagon and reached up to lock the back door before she trotted round and handed Fliss the keys.

“You happy you got everything?” Frank looked at her. “Seeing as that’s like the five-hundredth time you checked.”

“Don’t exaggerate.” Mary rolled her eyes as Alex made a noise and the three of them looked at him before Mary pointed. “See, even he thinks you’re an idiot.”

“Rude.” Frank grumbled.

After one last check on Monty who was sparkling white (although Fliss knew they’d end up giving him another quick clean up in the morning), they headed home and after a quick shower Frank lit the BBQ outside. The family enjoyed a good grill for dinner, before Fliss disappeared upstairs and came back with a wrapped packaged. Frank frowned, as she handed it to Mary.

“Everyone needs one of those for competitions.” She smiled, as Mary looked at her, taking it gently.

“What is it?”

“Open it and see!” Fliss rolled her eyes as she sat back down on the seat, glancing at Frank who had Alex against his chest, his head resting on his shoulder.

Mary tore the wrapping paper off and gasped as she held up the pink gilet top. It had a small horse’s head embroidered on the front right hand breast but it was what was on the back that had caught her eye. She looked at it, then to Fliss and with a stunned smile turned it round so Frank could see. It was a motif of a horse jumping her fence with ‘Mary Adler’ arched over the top in gold, cursive writing and ‘Monte Carlo VI’- Monty’s show-name- underneath in the same typeface. Small diamantes were scattered around the entire design which caught the lights that were dotted around the garden and Frank’s face broke into a huge smile as Mary looked at him, then to Fliss.

“Sally has one of these for Jackson.” She whispered. “I always wanted one, how did you know?”

Fliss smiled “Sally’s mum told me you asked where she got it from. I thought I’d get you one. It’s a bit bigger so will fit over your jackets and a hoody if you need it to. You can wear it in the collecting ring and then take it off before you go in to do your shows and jumping.” “Lissy I love it, thank you so much!” Mary stood up and rounded the table to give Fliss a huge hug. Fliss kissed her head and cupped her cheek.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

“Well, come on.” Frank nodded to it. “Let’s see it on!”

Mary grinned and shrugged the gilet on over her jumper and beamed, giving them a twirl. Fliss told her to stand still and took a photo of the front and the back if it, before setting her phone down on the table.

After a little more chat, given the fact they had a busy day they all headed up to bed. Frank tucked Mary in before Fliss popped in to say goodnight, Thor jumping up onto Mary’s bed clearly deciding he was staying there for the evening with Fred. Fliss closed the door and made her way to the master bedroom where Frank was led on top of the bed in his boxers, Alex sleeping in the basinet as his dad flicked through the channels on the TV.

“How much did that gilet set you back?” he asked and Fliss wrinkled her nose.

“Does it matter?” “Not really.” Frank chuckled. “You spoil her.”

“So do you.” Fliss shrugged and pulled off her T-shirt and jeans before opening the door to the en-suite.

“But if it makes you feel better, I got a present for you too, Sailor.” She grinned, shedding her underwear and beckoning for him to follow her.

Frank blinked, smirked and jumped up off the bed, the pair of them giggling as he dispensed of his boxers and backed his future wife into the shower, shutting the cubicle door behind him.

*****

Fliss and Mary set off early the next morning, whilst Frank took a little more time making sure he had everything Alex needed before he headed out to his truck and keyed the location into his GPS. When he arrived he parked up, got Alex settled in the stroller and wandered down the yard. As he rounded the corner, he gave a blink, the place was packed with horses and people, all sorts of different competitions going on. After a little walk around he located their wagon and as luck would have it, Fliss and Mary were making their way back. He smiled, Mary was dressed in her older jodhpurs, and a hoody with her personalised gilet proudly donning her top half where-as Fliss looked every bit the cowgirl in her jeans, plaid shirt, cowboy boots and her hat.

“Hey!” She greeted him, giving him a quick kiss before she looked at Alex, her hand stroking his cheek.

“You all set?” Frank asked and Mary grinned.

“Yeah, we booked in, registered…I got my membership number...” she held up the laminated piece of paper with the digits 287 printed on “…and we got about 40 minutes until my first class.”

“So we need to get him off the wagon, quick bush down and then you can get on to warm up.” Fliss said, nodding to the ramp. Frank moved the stroller out of the way and he and Fliss undid the latches, dropping it down as Mary hopped up and undid he partition. She brought Monty down and set about undoing his travel boots and his tail bandage, taking his tail out of the braid before she hopped up to get her brushes.

“She’s like a coiled spring.” Fliss grinned, looking at Frank who chuckled.

“Yeah, she doesn’t do anything by halves.” He smiled, looking around “It’s busy.”

“First one of a season always is.” Fliss mused “There’s over twenty in her first class and 11 so far in her second. No idea about the jumping, I didn’t ask. I told her not to bother about it, as long as she enjoys herself…”

Frank smiled as Fliss gently touched his arm and set about helping Mary. Fifteen minutes later Monty was tacked up and Frank, from what little he knew about horses, had to admit they looked pretty smart. Her tweed was a dark green with a check pattern of brown and pinks, her show shirt was cream and the tie she was wearing was a green and pink striped one, matching perfectly. Fliss had braided Mary’s hair so it hung down her back and had secured it with a matching ribbon and as she jammed her new hat on she grinned at Frank.

“Looking good Stack” he smiled.

“Ok, ready?” Fliss asked.

Mary nodded and hopped up onto the small step at the back of the wagon, vaulting onto Monty, the pony simply standing still and observing his surroundings as if he did this every day.

Frank pushed the stroller as Fliss walked besides him, Mary slightly ahead as she made her way into the collecting ring. Fliss followed her in and Frank stood at the side, watching as Fliss made sure the girth on the saddle was tight enough before she nodded, spoke to Mary who also gave a nod and walked away from Fliss. Fliss stayed in the ring with her, gently giving her instructions, helping Mary to warm Monty in. And then Mary’s class was called. Fliss took the gilet off her before Mary looked over at Frank. He gave her a huge grin and a thumbs up and she smiled back before he saw her take a deep breath and follow another rider into the ring.

Fliss joined him and they made their way down a little so they could watch. Monty was easily the smallest pony in the class and Frank frowned.

“He looks tiny.” “He is only 14’2 hands high.” Fliss shrugged “But this is a veteran class, for horses fifteen and over. So they’ll look at how he moves, not how he looks next to the other horses.”

“Oh.” Franks shrugged, turning his attention to Mary, then the two women stood in the middle “Are they the judges?”

“The one in the hat is the judge.” Fliss said “The other is a steward. She basically shouts the instructions out and helps the judge.”

Frank watched as the woman instructed the group to trot on. They did a few laps around the ring before they set off into canter. Mary’s face was set in concentration as thy ride repeated the action on the opposite rein before they all lined up.

“Now they do their individual shows.” Fliss said, her eyes focussing on the action in the ring. “This is what Mary was practicing yesterday when you showed up.”

There were two horses before it was Mary’s turn. She walked Monty out of the line-up and stood him, perfectly square in front of the judge. She chatted to the woman who walked around Monty to take a look at him, before Mary set off to do her show. Frank glanced at Fliss and smiled as his girl was beaming with pride as Mary completed her show, foot (or hoof) perfect before she halted, saluted to the judge and then gave Monty a huge pat. She glanced over at Fliss who gave her a thumbs up, smiling.

All in all it took about forty minutes to work through the class, and once the last person had done they all set off in a walk as the judge was muttering something, her eyes flicking along the ponies. Eventually she nodded and the steward walked out, pointing to a large bay. A few people started clapping as the Bay moved inwards to take first place, and then next was a smaller chestnut and then she pointed at Mary.

“Fuck, Frank she got third!” Fliss almost exploded as she started to cheer, Frank giving a grin as he also clapped, Mary’s face split into a huge grin as she took her place. 4th, 5th and 6th were awarded, rosettes were handed out and then the placings took a lap of honour before exiting the ring.

“Well done!” Fliss beamed at Mary as she grinned, looking at her yellow rosette “3rd out of 20! Mary that’s amazing for your first go!”

Mary nodded, taking a deep breath, the tears filling her eyes “I’m so happy!” she spluttered and Frank gave a chuckle, looping his arm around her, giving Monty a pat.

But that was nothing compared to her reaction when she won second place in the next class she was in, the Junior Rider. Fliss really did explode at that point, and Mary burst into tears, the judge looking a little shocked before she smiled at Mary, handing her the blue rosette.

After they’d calmed Mary down, they untacked Monty as there was a little wait until the jumping started and Frank headed off to grab them a burger from the fast food van at the far end of the yard. They sat on the ramp of the wagon, Frank teasing Mary as usual, before they heard a little cough and all looked up.

“I’m really sorry to bother you.” A woman spoke shyly “But are you Fliss Gallagher.”

“Yeah.” Fliss smiled “Erm, hi.”

“My daughter…she’s a huge fan. She followed you and Charlotte DuJardin in the 2012s and she’s…well, she’s hiding over there because she wouldn’t come speak to you.” The woman bashfully admitted and Fliss felt her cheeks growing red.

“Oh…thanks.” She said, “Which one is she?”

“The blonde over there…”“Be back in a sec.” She smiled at Frank, standing up.

Frank looked at Mary, his mouth falling open “What just happened?”

“Fliss is a horse riding celebrity Frank.” Mary shrugged. “She was a huge star until her accident.”

Frank turned and watched as Fliss spoke to the teen who was clearly in awe, and then smiled and nodded when her mom waved her phone. She posed for a quick photo before she turned and started to walk back towards them.

“I feel kinda sorry for her in a way.” Mary sighed.

“How do you mean?” Frank looked at his niece.

“Well, imagine finally doing the job you always dreamed of…only to have it cut short like she did.” Mary spoke, her mouth full of burger “Half the show-jumping teams around the world have people in them that are in their sixties you know. Fliss was only 28.”

Frank pondered for a moment as Fliss approached, he hadn’t really thought about it from that point of view before, nor had he even considered for one second that Fliss might still be recognised. Either way, he felt a little warmth in his chest as she flopped back down next to him, reaching for the rest of her burger.

“Can I get an autograph?” he asked.

“Piss off.” She snorted as he laughed, dropping a kiss to her cheek.

Despite having enjoyed Mary’s flat shows, Frank did NOT enjoy the jumping. It scared the shit out of him. Fliss walked the course with Mary, now dressed in her jumping outfit of white breeches, navy jacket and a bright pink and blue sparkly tie as they examined the route she would take. And then far too soon in his opinion it was her turn to go in and he wasn’t sure he could watch.

“And entering the ring now we have Mary Adler riding Monte Carlo VI…” the announcer spoke on the tanoy as Mary trotted Monty in. The buzzer sounded and she picked up canter and pointed the pony at the first jump. Monty cleared it with ease and did the same with the 2nd, 3rd…all the way to the 11th leaving one to go.

“She clears this she’s in the jump off.” Fliss muttered. Frank took a deep breath, watching as Mary approached the small oxer and Monty took off. His back feet brushed the pole and Fliss held her breath, but thankfully despite rolling, it didn’t fall.

“Wait, that means she has to do that again, right?” Frank asked as Fliss clapped and cheered as Mary headed towards the gate to exit the field.

“Yeah, but not as many.” Fliss said, as she headed over to Mary.

Not as many, but twice as damned fast as Frank found out. The ponies where whizzing over the 5 jumps in the jump off, which were part of the course but not in order, the numbers being 2, 7, 5,9 and 8 the turns being tighter as the idea was still to go clear, but in the event more than one clear was achieved it went down to time.

The riders were in no order, and Mary decided to go a little further down the line so she could watch the others take the turns, a tactic Fliss suggested. By the time she was due to go in there were 5 clears already.

“Ok, so you’re gonna have to go for speed too.” Fliss said, looking at her “But the main thing is try and stay clear. If you want my advice, cut the corner between numbers 5 and 6. Everyone is looping round 6 to get to 9 but if you hang a right as soon as you’re over 5 you’ll have a few seconds off. Its tight, and he won’t have as many strides, probably 3 max, but let him take you ok?”

Mary nodded, swallowed and headed in. She took the first jumps easily and then after the 3rd did exactly what Fliss said. Monty put in an extra half stride, however, which threw Mary’s balance a little as he took off and for a horrible moment Frank thought she was going to fall but she didn’t, she regained her balance and turned, taking the last 2 jumps easily.

Mary secured 4th place in her jumping, the smile on her face was infectious and Frank found himself beaming along with them as they walked back to the wagon.

***** “Where’s Stack?” Frank asked as Fliss emerged into the room dropping the bag of Mary’s show clothing onto the sofa. Thor, who had been with Joanna whilst they had been out all day, flopped down onto the rug in front of the TV.

“She’s giving Monty some treats after he did so well today, and chewing Jo’s ear off about the competition. Jo said she’d watch her back over when she’s done.” Fliss smiled, reaching for Alex as he started to gripe “You hungry, Bean?”

Frank smiled as she settled on the sofa, undoing her shirt so she could feed him and he sat on the arm, looking down at her.

“She did so well today.” He said, “I never in a million years dreamed she’d be doing anything like this.” “Well, I did warn you the first time you walked onto my yard that once you have that horse smell on your hands, you’re hooked.”

“Don’t I know it?” Frank grinned, kissing her cheek.

A little while later, Fliss finished up feeding Alex and peered down at him, the baby gazing at her, waving his eyes, his lips curling up into a smile and Fliss laughed.

“He’s smiling again.” She said.

“Sure it’s not wind?” Frank teased.

“Err, no I just burped him.” Fliss scofed indignantly “They start smiling at 6 weeks, he’s smiling. I can tell.”

Frank chuckled and peered down, smiling at his baby and earning himself one back in return. He gently took him from Fliss so she could do up her top before he set him down and followed her into the kitchen where, upon examining the contents of the fridge, they settled on take out for dinner.

“So I know Mary did but did you enjoy it?” Frank asked as Fliss pulled a beer for them both out of the fridge.

“Yeah, yeah I did. You know, seeing it there, all those people competing…there’s nothing like that around here.” “Got me thinking, maybe I could run something like that at some point down the line.” “Sandybrook Show huh?” Frank smiled as he popped the caps off their beers, settling down at the kitchen counter.

Fliss grinned “Yeah, it would be kind of cool to expand into stuff like that.” She took a drink “I’ve actually been giving it a bit of thought in general.”

“What, competitions?” Frank asked.

“No, expanding.” Fliss swallowed a mouthful of drink “The land at the back has always been available to me to buy, the old Farmer said he would give it to me whenever I want, and it would add another ten acres to the portfolio. I could grow the yard area, more stables, more grazing, hold events like that one today…” she trailed off, frowning as she noticed the look on Frank’s face. “What’s wrong? Don’t you think it’s a good idea?”

“No, I mean yeah, I do. We always talked about expanding your business.” He hesitated “I guess I didn’t realise it would be so soon.”

“What do you mean?” Fliss looked at him. “I’ve been up and running now for almost three years.”

“I mean after Alex being born.” Frank said, his eyes flicking to where his baby son was asleep in the basinet. “He’s barely ten weeks old Liss, don’t you think you’d be taking on too much?”

“I’d manage” she waved her hand “I could recruit more staff.”

She could see from the look on Frank’s face he wasn’t convinced. She took a deep breath and turned in her seat so her body was facing his “Sailor,I can tell you’re not happy about the idea.”

“It’s not that I’m not happy.” Frank shook his head, and that was the truth. The fact she had such drive and want to build something better was amazing, he loved it in her, but he was struggling to find the words to voice what he was feeling about it. “Ok, I’m…just gonna come out and say this and I don’t want you to fly off the handle…four weeks ago you were petrified of leaving Alex with your mom. You still don’t like being away from him now, and…”

“Of course I don’t like it.” Fliss frowned “I’m breast feeding him, and-“

“Exactly.” Frank looked at her “So you take on this extra work, what are you going to do? You wanna put him in Creche, find a Childminder?”

Fliss shrugged a little “Mum said she would have him but I don’t want to put that on her, not every day. Maybe two days a week and then I don’t have to be at the yard all the time. Joanne runs things now and I can just…”

Frank chuckled “I know you. Name me one day in your pregnancy that you didn’t pop in. You were teaching like almost until the day you dropped. And before you start I’m not saying that was a bad thing, far from it. You said yourself it kept you active and your brain engaged. I’m just saying there’s no way you’ll take a back seat. It’s bad enough trying to get you to stick to your Sundays off.”

“I know.” Fliss nodded “But that’s something I’ll have to get stricter at.”

“Ok.” Frank took a deep breath “Whatever you say.”

Fliss frowned “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Dismiss what I said.”

“I wasn’t.” Frank shook his head.

“Yes you were, you just completely shrugged it off.”

“No.” Frank said, his voice remaining calm “I said whatever you say. If you say that’s what you’re gonna do then…”

“Don’t you want me to do this or something?” Fliss asked and Frank took a deep sigh.

“Liss, we literally just went over this. I never said I didn’t want you to do it. Quite the opposite. I just…well I think it’s too soon ok?” he looked at her “Alex isn’t sleeping through yet, you’re tired during the day as you tell me when I get home. Hell, I’m tired and my job is nowhere near as physically demanding as yours not to mention the fact I’m not the one feeding him and…” he licked his lips

“You fix boats.” Fliss looked at him, a little sullenly “That’s physical.”

“Not as much as I used to.” Frank shook his head “I’m based in the office a lot now, as you well know because you complain I don’t come home full of grease as much as I used to. We won’t mention the fact that I’m growing a little…how do I put this, softer round the edges now because of that, hence the weights in the garage”. He smiled, attempting to make a joke out of it as he could recognise only too well the look in her eye. It wasn’t full blown anger yet but if he didn’t cut the discussion off soon it was going to be. “Look...” he reached out and took her hand “We’re incredibly lucky. We’re in a position where you don’t need to rush back to work. My job pays well, your business brings you in a very decent turnover each month, we have savings…I just think that we should take advantage of that and you should take a few more months off, maybe look at going back in March, say. Take a full 6 off to be with him, enjoy being a mom.”

“Is that what you want me to do?” Fliss asked after a moments pause.

“This isn’t about what I want.” Frank sighed, his tone now starting to betray his frustration. “I can’t and won’t stop you doing anything, you know this. I just want you to consider your options, that’s all.” Fliss took a deep breath, gave a nod and pushed her stool back, draining the rest of her beer. “Where you going?” Frank frowned.

“For a shower.” She said simply “I need to get out of these jeans and this shirt.”

Frank gave a groan “Why do you do this?” “Do what?”

“Every time we have a slight difference in opinion on something you clam up.” He looked at her “Let’s talk this through, Liss. Don’t walk away.”

“I’ve nothing else to say.” Fliss said, her voice ending in a little chuckle. “You’ve made your opinion on the matter very clear.”

“Yeah, and now I’m waiting to hear yours.”

Fliss took a deep breath “I don’t wanna take six months off.”

“Ok.” Frank nodded “Then you don’t have to. I still think it’s too soon for you to be looking at expanding though.”

“I know what you think Frank, you told me.” Fliss shrugged “You don’t need to keep repeating yourself.”

“I keep repeating myself because you seem to be completely and utterly dismissing what I’m saying.” Frank looked at her.

“For fucks sake Frank.” Fliss looked at him. “Stop talking to me like I’m one of the kids.”

“Well to be honest, you’re doing a pretty good job of acting like one.” Frank looked at Fliss, his eyebrow raised as he felt his temper beginning to flare “And a petulant one at that.”

Fliss gave a chuckle of ironic laughter “Oh that’s rich, you calling me a petulant child. You’re the one kicking off because I’m refusing to entertain some stupid idea about taking 6 months off work”

“You know, a lot of women would kill to be in the position to be able to do that.” Frank looked at her and she shrugged.

“So?” she frowned “With the greatest of respects, I don’t care. Yes, I’m lucky. I get that but I don’t want to Frank!”

“And I’m not saying you have to! Jesus Christ!” Frank groaned “When did I, at any point in this discussion, ever say you have to stay at home huh? You tell me exactly when those words left my mouth….” Fliss looked at him, and blinked as her mouth closed and she swallowed. “See, you can’t because I didn’t say it!”

“Well, you might as well have.” She glared at him “You’re trying to control my decision about what I feel is right for me…”

“You think…” Frank cocked his head to one side, as he felt a flash of angry heat rush up his neck to his cheeks at her words. His temper was really brewing now, the angry knot in his stomach growing tighter by the second. “You think I’m trying to control you?”

“Well aren’t you?”

“God damnit Lissy!” Frank’s voice was loud as he stood up from his chair, “You’re downright infuriating at times. No, that’s not what I’m doing. At all. What I’m doing is trying to have a sensible discussion with you.”

“Well I don’t want to discuss it anymore.” Fliss’s voice raised “So, like I said. I’m going for a shower. Or would you like to discuss that as well.”

“Oh for fucks sake…” Frank groaned his hands rubbing his face as he let out a frustrated noise, shaking his head. “You know what, I give in. Do what you want. Shower, buy more land, work, don’t work…just…whatever.”

Fliss shot Frank a glare, and then a small noise from the basinet jerked them both out of the stare-down and Fliss headed over to pick him up. Turning she made for the door, baby in her arms.

“What are you doing?” Frank asked.

“Going for a shower, like I just said.”

“Well leave him with me.” Frank frowned, “What’s the point of taking him upstairs just to lay him in the crib whilst you shower?”

“Because I want to take him with me.” Fliss looked at Frank. “I can leave the door open. I like him being there. Is it a problem?”

Frank snorted, his hands on his hips as he looked at his feet “No problem.” He huffed out a little laugh as he raised his face to look at her “But you tell me you’re ready to go back to work when you can’t bear to be apart for the ten minutes it takes you to shower.”

Fliss’ face fell and Frank felt a pang of guilt at what he had said, but in his mind it was true. She hated leaving him, and he didn’t want her to be in a position where she felt she needed to, whether it was to prove something to herself or everyone else. He’d never tell her this but he loved the homely feel of coming home and his future wife and baby son both waiting for him, either on the sofa or the sun lounger. It was a wonderful, caring, passionate environment that he’d never had before and if he was brutally honest he’d quite happily see her at home until Alex was back in school. She didn’t need to work, but she wanted to, he got that. And he would never stop her. But the fact was she was still on edge about their son being left with people and he could almost picture the melt down she was going to have if she rushed back.

“Fuck you” Fliss seethed at him, drawing him out of his thoughts as Alex began to cry, clearly picking up the vibes in the room. Frank sighed, shaking his head as Fliss began to soothe him

“Lissy, just…”

But she didn’t stay to listen, instead she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, Alex’s little whimpers dying in his ears as she made her way up the stairs.

The argument made for a tense family dinner. They both tried their best to be normal, talking to Mary about her day, not wanting to but a dampener on it but as ever she was sharp. When Frank tucked her in, she asked him about it and he assured her there was nothing to worry about and that it was a silly disagreement which would be forgotten in the morning.

He hoped.

Fliss didn’t really speak to him much the rest of the evening, taking herself to bed early and she was flat out when he came up a little later. With a sigh he gently brushed the hair off her cheek before he kissed her temple and settled down himself.

He woke in the middle of the night, and still half asleep reached out to Fliss’ side of the bed but she wasn’t there. He sat up, blinking and then saw that Alex’s bedside crib was empty too. Frowning, he climbed out of bed and as he headed downstairs he could head soft baby cries from the family room.

“Hey, everything okay?” Frank asked, opening the door and looking at Fliss as she was stood by the large window seat, gently rocking Alex as she tried to calm him.

“Yeah he’s grouchy.” She said, “I’ve fed him, he’s been changed…” “Want me to take him?” He offered and she shook her head.

"It’s fine Frank, I got him. I mean, that is what you wanted isn’t it? Me, being a good little wifey-to-be and mummy, right?"

Frank blinked before he gave a groan “Really, do we have to do this now?” he sighed, shaking his head. “I never said that, at all.”

“What it sounded like to me.” “How would you know?” He looked at her “You were so focussed on your position that you didn’t listen to a damned word I said. Because if you had you would have understood my point of view instead of accusing me of trying to control you.” He took a deep breath “When are you going to get it into your head that I am not your shit bag ex?”

“I didn’t say that.” Fliss looked at him, shaking her head

“But you thought it.” Frank eyed her “I could see it on your face.”

“There you go again, presuming you know what I’m thinking.”

“Am I wrong?”

“Yes, you are.” Fliss looked at him “What I was actually thinking was how shit it was you couldn’t just support me with what I wanted to do.” “Baby, I do support you, and I’ll back you with whatever you want to do, but I’m not gonna lie to you and say I’m happy about something when I’m not.” Frank shook his head.

“How can you back me when you don’t agree with what I want?”

“Because that’s what being together is about.” Frank looked at her “It doesn’t matter what I think…” “It matters to me.” Frank let out a groan “We’re going round in circles…” he shook his head as Alex’s screaming grew louder “Look, why don’t you let me take him? You go get some rest, we can talk about this later.” “I said I got him its fine.” Fliss shook her.

“Oh for fucks- just let me help will you?”

“Go back to bed Frank.” Fliss blazed it him in the dim light of the family room, her brown eyes angry “You have work in the morning, I don’t. Remember?”

He words themselves were innocuous, but the sheer sarcastic way she said them wasn’t. Frank felt the weary anger from their earlier argument which he had been fighting so hard to keep buried, slowly seeping back into his veins. He’d tried to explain his point of view, over and over again but she was being too fucking stubborn to even attempt to see it through his eyes. As he watched her cradling their sobbing son to her chest he didn't have the energy to keep going round and round in circles, not at 3 in the morning anyway. So instead he gave into the frustration he was feeling, and shot a stinging barb, one simple word spoken with exasperation as he shook his head and turned to leave the room. "Bitch"

**** Chapter 14

#riding on #frank adler #frank adler x ofc #frank adler x original female character #gifted #gifted fan fic #chris evans #chris evans characters

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capricornus-rex · 3 years

Text

A Shadow of What You Used to Be (13)

Chapter 13: The Favorite | Cal Kestis x Irele Skywalker

Requested by Anon

Summary: There is another! Years after young Anakin Skywalker departed Tatooine, his mother Shmi delivers a second child—this time, a daughter. Whilst the circumstance of the girl’s birth remains unexplained, Irele Skywalker has yet to choose the true path between those laid out for her.

Tags: Fem! OC, Irele Skywalker, Force-sensitive! OC, Anakin’s Younger Sister, Skywalker! OC, Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice, Long-lost Sibling

A/N: I’M NEGATIVE FOR COVID, YAY!!1!! That’s the only negativity I need in life lmao

Requesting to be tagged: @heavenly1927

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14 of ?

16 BBY

Battered by the sweat and grit in this confined dojo, Irele had proved her capabilities for battle.

For every instructor that walked in to face her, the difficulty climbed as well.

But the dojo had become her sanctuary. No limitations, no rules. She can be angry as she likes, she can be violent to her opponents, and then there would be no repercussion—it was all at the expense of “training” which was basically they had in mind for her.

Now that she was conditioned for combat, the next phase of the plan laid out for her growth would come next—although it would be simultaneous to this training regimen.

Today marks the first anniversary of her training, the day that started this all. To commemorate the event in some sorts, they sent in an electrohammer Purge Trooper to fight with her. No trooper of this sort has ever come in to this dojo until today. For a second, it startled her; but then she shook off the anxiety from her shoulders and tightened her grip on a weapon she had stuck with since Day One—a javelin.

Her one display of power that warranted Darth Vader himself to pay a visit to the dojo in Nur.

“Admiral, ready my shuttle and chart a course to Nur.”

“Right away, my lord.” The admiral did not give it a second thought, he immediately proceeded with the preparations.

Everyone in Nur knew that Darth Vader was coming, and so they were all in full-blast in cleaning up the place to make it presentable to the lord. Everyone—except Irele, who was too engrossed with her training.

It was just getting good when Vader had arrived in the viewing room of the dojo—Irele’s already picking up the pace in the fight, but the Purge Trooper was nowhere near tired. Suddenly, it seems like out of nowhere, a strong invisible wave had lifted the instructor off the floor and threw him across the room. The last thing Irele saw was her hand held out, fingers curved in a manner as if choking a neck, and vibrating with remnants of that energy that had sent the trooper five feet away from her.

Little by little, her sensitivity with the Force has become more active.

She could not explain it. She couldn’t even believe it, she thought those moments were just illusions or daydreams that she had mixed with reality.

But this moment proved otherwise.

And it intoxicated her.

Although she had not mastered how to utilize it actively and consciously, she would take every chance she gets when she felt like it would come to her aid in the fight.

Vader departs the viewing room and makes his way down into the dojo.

“You fight well, child,” he boomed as he entered, causing Irele to turn to his direction, javelin at the ready. “But you’ve a long way to go if you are to master the art.”

Under his cape, Vader revealed his weapon: a silver cylinder accented with black duraplast grips, covered to the pommel. His leather thumb pressed the switch and out comes a blood-red beam. Irele has heard the stories, but never did she imagined seeing it in person; as a matter of fact, she’s not sure if her javelin has any chance against that.

Irele took the offensive, she moved first.

Vader, unbeknownst to her to be her own brother, effortlessly evaded it as simple as stepping out of the way.

The girl had too much pride in her to admit that her opponent was indeed stronger and more skilled, but she thought she could outsmart him, outmaneuver him, not knowing that her efforts would be in vain.

They traded strikes, but Vader was taking the lead in this fight. Irele’s tiring herself out in evading and looking for an opening, landing fewer strikes than she did with her first opponent—the trooper. The dark lord was neither generous nor kind with the training, he wanted to show Irele different levels of strengths—if she were to be dispatched in campaigns where combat is inevitable, she might as well be fazed now than later out in the field.

“It’s unwise to presume you can overpower me, child.”

With their blades locked in, Irele caught a glimpse of Vader’s face up close. The crimson red film of the lenses of his helmet uncovered a hazy view of his eyes—his real eyes: twin golden discs, glinting with menace and at the same time, a sort of grief.

For a moment, Irele’s expression showed humanity; but in the next second, she remembered the fight.

“I wasn’t planning to.”

Her overconfidence in her strike was her undoing, Vader’s lightsaber swiped it out of her hands, leaving her literally empty-handed.

“Perhaps you should re-assess that teenage confidence of yours, little one.”

Vader was moving in for a killing blow. He dared go that far. The operators in the viewing room think, “He’s going to kill her!” but the unexpected happened. In that one moment, time seemed to have slowed for Irele; Vader’s heavy yet nimble movement appeared to be slower in her eyes, which afforded her mere seconds to concentrate.

She closes her eyes… and focused.

Behind the darkness shrouding her view, she wondered why the strike hasn’t landed her yet, slowly she lifts her eyelids and saw a clear sheen shimmering in front of her—like glass with a frosted finish—while her hands were held up in front of her and wide open, sparks sputtered on all sides of Vader’s saber.

There was no time to comprehend this, but what Irele understood is that she needs to use this to advantage… now.

She pushed one hand further away, towards Vader—in effect, he was being backed away, by her. The girl took one more step, and alternately used the other hand to do the same thing as the first hand. Once aligned again, she slowly gravitated both hands to each other, closing the space in the middle and she watched Vader succumbing to his knees.

“Yes…” he lowed, rather satisfied. “You are strong with the Force. Like the blood before you.”

Those words rang into Irele’s soul, like a heavy bell with its ram, and on the top of her mind, there was one that came: Anakin.

She ceased using the Force and stumbled to her bottom, Vader remained kneeling but he held his head up to face the frightened, confused teen.

“Well done, Irele. You are ready.”

–

15 BBY

Irele’s training program did not hold her back, neither did it confine her within the walls of the fortress in Nur.

Roughly a month after her first year, she was tasked to hunt Jedi. Everything she needs to know about them—she did some reading in her time alone. She studied every form, their art and history: down to the most minute part of the culture and norms. And especially the broken legacy that had was their downfall.

It’s been an impressive second year.

Irele has been training consistently, of course, having nothing else to do—except interact with HY-L33, whose programming has been modified into half-protocol droid and half-nanny droid. Most crew members who had the gall to speak to the girl kept telling her that interaction with a droid does little with human social development and growth, to which, in her chagrin, Irele would reply: “I think I’m too old to be told about pediatric psychology.”

Despite her snark, Irele tries to be learned in terms of battle strategies—she’s juggled combat training with studying naval strategies and ground assault tactics, after learning that she may be dispatched on missions with a squadron of troopers in a particular planet from time to time. In one or more occasions, she would cross paths with the devilish Admiral Thrawn, but rarely do they meet for conferences—virtual or otherwise. She can’t help but use some of her street smarts in campaigns, which more often than not, actually works.

These privileges that she enjoys were personally decreed by Vader himself, in the hopes that she would maximize her abilities from more than being a reckless warrior. Some were against it because they perceive her as a rebellious, smart-mouthed child; others decide to give her a chance, because after all, she is a growing girl who’s got a lot to learn in this kind of world she’s been thrown in.

Not all know what she was before—but to generalize it, she was just some local girl in a desolate planet in the middle of nowhere.

The droid HY-L33 looked for her master, and found Irele examining and polishing her lightsaber—something she crafted on her own, the exterior at least. The kyber crystal was harvested from a Jedi survivor she killed not too long ago, in a tropical moon where she was dispatched alone with little to no reinforcements as the troopers were designated as patrols in the town.

“Lady Irele, the briefing with the Inquisitors is due in thirty minutes.”

“Ah yes, the Jedi hunters,” Irele’s brows furrowed, “I thought I wasn’t required?”

“Indeed, but it’s been said to be beneficial for your upcoming campaigns.”

“Who said so?”

“Lord Vader, apparently… and the Grand Inquisitor.”

“Right then, thank you, Haylee.”

Irele dressed into her garbs. Tailored to perfection: the bodysuit and pants were a dark gray waterproof fabric so that the garment won’t weigh her down when fighting under inclement weather such as rain, fog, and snow. The standard material for the armor plating was duraplast—tried and tested against Stormtroopers’ blaster fire and Purge Troopers’ electro-powered weapons—and it covered her torso, shoulders, and forearms; an armor skirt made from the same material complemented the utility belt. Supposedly, they’re to be worn when in the field, but since she’s been cooped up in the Fortress in the past few days, she doesn’t bother strapping on the armaments.

Lastly, she slipped into her low, black boots. Looking at the mirror, she bound her hair in a ponytail. It was once a medium bob with ragged tips, but now she’s grown it out to a length just after her shoulders.

“Alright, I’m ready. I’ll see you in a bit, Haylee.”

The droid gave a short bow and Irele departed her room.

Nur has become her home. The metal maze once confused her, but now she knows where she’s going even with her eyes closed.

She stepped into a turbolift and pressed the button that leads her to the level where the holding rooms and war rooms are.

“Holding Room A-121,” she muttered to herself in reminder.

Along the way, she exchanged short or curt bows to the crewmen who bothered tipping their hats or saluting to her as a greeting. When she saw the engraved number on the door, she pressed another button to prompt the door open. Before her was the group of Inquisitors around a table, lounging about like schoolchildren. Her entrance silenced their already hushed conversations and she stepped in, hoping to find a spot to sit the farthest from them.

“Oh, look who’s come to join us. The favorite.” chided one of the male Inquisitors.

“Let’s make this quick so we can forget each other’s sorry asses were in the same room.”

The briefing consisted of the locations where they would be dispatched. Holograms reflecting the planets flashed one by one on the podium, head profiles of surviving Jedi flashed after the planets, and Irele squinted her eyes on a particular one that stood out like a sore, red thumb.

“Do you know this one, Irele?” one of the male Inquisitors, the Second Brother, asked Irele. He noticed she looked at this one Jedi rather specially—or so he thinks.

Irele turned her eyes to the Inquisitor and replied with a frosty “No” and then she scanned the other head shots. She studied them, since she didn’t want her not being a Jedi-turned-Inquisitor to be a disadvantage. She’s got as much as grit as the rest of them. After the briefing, she isolated herself in one of the couches, locked herself away deep in thought that the Inquisitors’ chatter was just white noise.

She couldn’t wait to retreat to her bedchambers, where she can have some time of her own, unafraid that her idea and its credit might be stolen by another. Over time, Irele has proven to be the kind who “does their homework,” for instance, she remained in the holding room when everyone else had left—probably starting their leg of the hunt once they’re off the moon—and studied the briefing’s log.

“The Jedi are going to be extra cautious if they discover the Inquisitors are hunting them out,” she spoke under the finger against her lip. “Inquisitors are too obvious to spot. The uniforms are a dead giveaway…”

Her eyes widened at the thought.

“But I won’t!” she gasped.

Before leaving the room, she humored herself with listening to the voice logs of Stormtrooper Commanders during their operation in Zeffo. She switched between data tapes, hoping to find an inkling if it was the best place to start.

Audio Data 03403, plays:

“Most of the ancient relics have been extracted from the tombs after much deep digging. Although the acquisition of these antiques were done at the expense of some of us here. Captain Kane, for instance. Who was tagged as K.I.A. while excavating more of these relics underground when local fauna attacked her and a few men in her team.”

Irele stopped midway and scrolled a new one in the databank. Audio Data 34735 plays:

“I’m starting to have a feeling that our patrols are thinning out…”

“Finally, something interesting,” she commented.

“We don’t have the luxury of deploying new troops while sending injured men to the nearest Star Destroyer or outpost. No thanks to that Jedi that was obviously headed in the same direction as we are.”

The girl’s eyes widened upon hearing the word. Her chest tightened, her heartbeat was slow but the thumping was heavy, she could almost feel it pulse through the skin of her ribs. She anticipated more.

“Though I don’t think he was after the relics. I think he was after only one relic, that I don’t know though. Whatever it is, it’s important. But another important thing is that we need to do our job if we don’t wanna lose it—or worse, our lives.”

She’s heard enough and stopped playing the audio recordings. She clicked her way to the metadata of the file and saw that both recordings were one and two days old respectively. She rushed back to her bedroom to slip into her armor, entering the room startled HY-L33, leaving her stuttering and practically choking on what words to say.

“Miss Irele?”

“Haylee, run me a quick scan. How far are we from Zeffo?”

Without question, the droid obeyed. For a minute or two, she stared with unblinking photoreceptors, the white light behind them was unmoving as a faint whirring ran in her central processing unit.

“Approximately two and a half parsecs away, milady.”

“Too wasteful to use Anathema’s hyperspace. No small carrier armed with hyperspace, but the speed is there.”

The words literally rolled off of Irele’s mouth as she talks to herself until she comes into an epiphany of an idea.

“Come on, Haylee!”

“Coming, Lady Irele.” the droid monotonously cooed but one can sense the urgency she adapted with her mistress.

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quillyfied · 3 years

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Fanfic Writer 20 Questions

tagged by @shakespearevillain! Much thanks!

My AO3, because that's the only link I have the energy to provide, folks :P

1. how many works do you have on ao3?

135, according to the internet. That seems like a lot.

2. what’s your total ao3 word count?

957,125. Oh heck guys that's not too far off from a truly staggering number that I can't process XD

3. how many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

Um...thirteen, if you take out the duplicates. In order of content, it's Homestuck, Good Omens, Dice Camera Action, The Adventure Zone, Avatar: Legend of Korra, Twilight, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Powerpuff Girls, Red vs Blue, Sherlock BBC, Avengers, Pokemon Sun and Moon, and Harry Potter. Mind, this is just what's posted on AO3...though even the stuff that's not on AO3 and never will be is mostly here. I think there's some various anime fandoms that got some stuff. Maybe some Phineas and Ferb, some Kick Buttowski.

4. what are your top five fics by kudos?

Let's see...

1. Snake Children, or Snildren, (Good Omens, Wiggleverse)

2. Snake Cottage, or Snottage, (Good Omens, Wiggleverse

3. Comfort and Joy (Good Omens, Wiggleverse collab with OlwenDylluan)

4. running into the sun (but i'm running behind) (The Adventure Zone: Balance)

5. Broken Crowns (Homestuck)

5. do you respond to comments? why or why not?

I try to! Don't always succeed or have the spoons, but especially sweet or thoughtful comments I try to give some semblance of response to. I cherish every single comment, even if I don't always respond.

6. what’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Ha. Um. Probably "Ashes", a Twilight fic from Marcus' point of view about losing Didyme. Entirely canon-compliant and canon-driven, which is probably why it ends so sadly. If we're talking off AO3, I'd have to go digging and I have no such time.

7. do you write crossovers?

No, not really; I've done it by very special occasional request. Of course, you have to define a crossover these days, bc to me, a crossover is shoving two fandoms in the same space and making them interact with each other, but some people tag their AU fanfics as crossovers when it's just "insert characters from fandom A into world of fandom B" and that's...not a crossover. That's an AU. Regardless: no. I don't write these.

8. have you ever received hate on a fic?

Kinda? Had one comment where someone said "i am going to kill you" and that's it so I had no context for if it was a playful jest or a statement of intent and I reacted as if it were the second XD (Also had one fic where the story didn't turn out how a reader was expecting and my collaborator and I knew from their comments that they probably weren't going to like what was coming up and they didn't, and there was some small bit of friction over it, but that wasn't really hate.)

9. do you write smut? if so, what kind?

No.

10. have you ever had a fic stolen?

Kinda? I had someone post a fic from forums/deviantART to FFN because I was young and thought I needed parental permission to make an FFN account (which I did not have, dad said no) and I had a reader who insisted the FFN crowd needed to read it and started posting it without my permission, but they didn't say it was mine until the author's note at the very end of the last chapter; at that point I finally had made an FFN account on my own and tried to insist the poster take it down since I was there now and could post it myself but they didn't reply. I reported it on FFN but nothing was ever done about it and the poster never replied to my messages. Far as I know it might still be there and I'm resigned to it.

11. have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope! Would be cool, but I'm not holding my breath XD

12. have you ever co-written a fic before?

Oh yeah, all the time now!

13. what’s your all-time favorite ship?

Oh boy. Coming from a veteran shipper, this is quite the question. Naruto/Hinata (from Naruto) and Toph/Sokka (from Avatar: The Last Airbender) were my first big OTPs and I will always love them and have a special place in my heart for them. But I don't know if I can pick a FAVORITE. All my ships are precious.

14. whats a wip that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

I wish I could have finished Broken Crowns and its prequel (and maybe the possible sequel I was toying with). That was a fun experiment in flying by the seat of my pants, and the first thing I've ever written that was so big it broke Spellcheck, but ultimately falling out of the Homestuck fandom and losing interest in the project were the death of it. I'm glad I was able to provide a "here's where this was going" chapter, at least, so many fics that fall by the wayside don't get that and it's such a great thing to do for readers.

15. what are your writing strengths?

I think I'm best at character voices and dialogue, and maybe the occasional witty turn of phrase. Also technical polish; sure, my plots are contrived and the characterization might be dodgy but by gum at least my commas are mostly in the right spots and everything is spelled correctly XD (Given that as a reader grammatical errors are what throw me off and distract and irritate me most, I think my own writing evolved to not distract myself with that, at least.)

16. what are your writing weaknesses?

Oh, boy. Settings, I think. Describing settings. And finishing long-form work that's in any way original. Long fic based off another story/movie/whatever? Easy peasy, got an outline all ready to go and tailor-made. Long fic based off my own random ideas? Um...help??

17. what are your thoughts on writing dialogue in another language?

Since I only know one of them, I am scared stiff to try it XD Google translate can only take you so far.

18. what was the first fandom you ever wrote for?

Very, very first? Probably either Disney or Luigi's Mansion. Published on the internet? Harry Potter.

19. what’s your favorite fic you’ve ever written?

Oh, gosh. I have such love in my heart for many of my own works, which is pleasant and comforting and a nice change from visceral self-loathing, but if I had to pick a few (because heck no I can't just pick one)...the Sherlockbound series I wrote for Homestuck, "i have loved the stars too fondly" for The Adventure Zone: Balance, Suboptimal Omens for DCA, and probably a million oneshots along the way that have helped me work things out and figure myself out as an artist and as a person.

20. who do you tag?

I tag anyone who's looking at this and thinking "gosh, that would be fun." You can even tag me in the post. Blanket permission. Do it!

#quilly writing: director's cut #thanks for the tag friendo!

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kpophoneybunny · 4 years

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Aurora (Chapter 7) - ATEEZ OT8 Pirate!AU

Genre: Adventure/Romance (Mostly fluff)

Rating: PG-13 (select chapters will have strong language, violence, and suggestive situations)

Disclaimer: Our main girl has a name but feel free to self-insert.

Tag List: (comment to be added or removed from the tag list). @unatempesta-dipensieri @sugarrimajins @masterninjacow

“You’re selfish. You knew you were putting her in danger. You should have stayed away.” Seonghwa muttered. “You care too much about her now! If you had just stayed away-!”

“If it wasn’t her, it would be Wooyoung.” The two stared at each other, as if their gaze alone could take the other down. “The curse takes me and the person closest to me by my twenty-first birthday.”

“That’s in three days.” Seonghwa gulped, looking at the calendar they had next to the map.

“Right. So you can keep antagonizing me or you can help me lift this curse. You used to want to help to save me but now… at least do it for her.”

“Fine. But where the hell do we find the damn amulet?”

“The map’s taking us to a mountain in Qing.” Yeosang kept his gaze straight ahead, grateful that it was a natural excuse to not have to look at Seonghwa. Sharing affections for the same woman was proving to be a much bigger obstacle for teamwork than they would have thought. “We’ll reach the port by sunrise. Hongjoong’s waking the crew. Go tell him.”

“We’ll find it, Yeosang.” Seonghwa sighed, starting to walk away. “We’ll get the amulet of tides. You won’t be cursed for much longer. That’s a promise.” He disappeared through a door to the lower decks.

“Since when did you two start being nice to each other again?” Jongho came up to the main deck with a large pot of stew tucked in one arm and some bowls in his free hand.

“Since Seonghwa realized that my curse will take Jangmi down with me...” Yeosang’s eyes flickered over to Jongho and he cracked a pained smile. “She has no clue what she walked into. Giving up her eye for me… she put herself in the line of fire.”

“What does that mean?” Jangmi was coming through the doors to the main deck, eyebrows furrowing. “Line of fire? Yeosang, do you have something you need to tell me?” She grabbed a bowl of stew and sat on a crate, watching Yeosang cautiously.

“Finish eating. We’ll talk later.” He moved to get a bowl of his own but Jangmi set her bowl down with a notable clatter, forcing him to look at her.

“We’ll talk now. No one’s told me about this curse. I gave my blood, my eye, for the map to that amulet. So tell me what’s the curse and why am I in the line of fire?” She stood, walking right up to Yeosang. Her face was centimeters from his but there wasn’t that sense of romantic tension they usually shared. She was livid, ready to start fighting people.

“I pissed off a witch back in Joseon. I asked too many questions and touched too many things. She said I deserved it since I broke a jar containing the rarest heart, whatever that means.” Yeosang was stalling, trying to think of how to tell her that she’d fall horribly ill and die within the next couple of days. “So she put a curse on me.”

“Great. I know why you’re cursed. But what’s the curse?” Her voice was icy and held a dangerous edge to it. She wasn’t in the mood for his games right now. Waking up to hear that she was in some sort of danger wasn’t what she wanted her day to start like. “Tell me before I twist Wooyoung’s arm to get it out of him. I know he’s your best friend. He probably knows all about-“

“I’m going to get sick - very sick, painfully sick- and then I’m going to die. And the person I care about the most… they’ll suffer the same fate as me. I have three days to lift the curse or we both die.” He couldn’t meet her eye, too afraid to see her reaction to the news that she would die.

But it seemed to go right over her head. She didn’t seem to register that she was going to die yet. “The person you care about the most? Isn’t Wooyoung your best friend? I still don’t see where I come in.”

“Wooyoung is my best friend, you’re right. But I already cared about you a lot and then you gave up your eye to help me, Jangmi. I didn’t hate myself because you went through pain. I see pain all the time. I even cause it when I have to…”

“I don’t understand. What are you saying?” Jangmi’s jaw clenched and she shut her eye, starting to grow dizzy from the information. It was too much.

“I hated myself because seeing you be so selfless made me fall in love with you. Wooyoung’s safe, Jangmi. You put yourself in the line of fire when you made me fall in love with you.”

“You’re not in love with me.” Jangmi’s breath hitched. “No! You’re infatuated. You don’t know me well enough to be in love.”

“But I do. You’re Min Jangmi, the eldest daughter of the Min family of Jeju. You sew, you paint, and you’re great with a sword. You put yourself in harm’s way over and over again to protect the members of this crew.” His eyes searched her face for a reaction, any reaction but she seemed stunned into stoicism. “You’re selfless and reckless and arrogant and incredibly kind. You’re curious and adventurous and you still haven’t figured out how to see with just one eye which is both hilarious and worrisome. You cry in your sleep because you miss home but you love the sea and you never want to go back to Jeju. You don’t care about ever getting to Pyeongyang and you still hate trousers because they aren’t as warm as all those layers of skirts you’re used to.” He held Jangmi by the shoulders,holding her at arm’s length so he could get a good look at her. “Stop me if I’ve gotten anything wrong.”

“You haven’t.” She looked down at their feet, eyebrows knitting together as she tried to put together the pieces and make everything make sense.

“I know you, Jangmi. We’ve been trapped in this ship together for weeks and I know you well enough now. I love you”

“Stop.” She squeezed her eye tighter, starting to squirm away from him.

“And that’s why you’re going to die if we don’t lift this curse. Because I love you.”

“Stop saying that!” She shoved his hands away from her shoulders and took off running, climbing the central mast and sitting in the crow’s nest. She only really sat up there when she needed a break. It was her way of asking to be left alone.

“That was a lot to take in.” Mingi sighed, grabbing a plate of stew and patting Yeosang’s back. “She’s going to need a while to calm down but she’ll come around. You’re a catch.”

“You broke her.” San gave a heavy sigh. “I can hear her crying from down here. Maybe Woo should climb up there and talk to her?”

“No.” Seonghwa shook his head. “Give her space. She just found out she’s going to die. She also just found out that you’re in love with her.” He faced Yeosang, expression stony. He was angry that Yeosang had confessed first. But seeing her reaction made him a bit less angry. “And despite our constant reminders that social class doesn’t exist on our ship, she’s still a noble woman at heart and you’re a navy man.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Yeosang muttered, looking down at his stew.

“It means that she has a lot of new information to process. Give her space. Talking to her right now will just make her more upset.” Seonghwa shrugged, looking up towards her. “She doesn’t need our help right now.”

After another hour, they spotted Qing’s harbor, the port filled with life that could be seen from several miles out. “Now might be a good time to get her to come down.” Hongjoong walked over to the railing, polishing his sword. “Yunho, go get her.” Yunho started climbing without saying a word.

“We know it’s at the top of this mountain. It’s the tall one between these two shorter ones. We get the amulet and then what? How do we use it?” San asked, looking up from the map to Yeosang for answers. Surely, he knew how to lift his own curse.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” Seonghwa grabbed Yeosang by the shirt collar. “You better find out before time runs out. It’s not just you on the line.”

“Supposedly there’s an inscription next to it that tells you how to use it.” Yeosang pushed Seonghwa off and looked over at Hongjoong. “You don’t get to guilt-trip me anymore. I told her everything. She basically rejected me so if you want to make a move, nothing is stopping you.”

“I’m not going to make a move. Not now. Not until she’s safe. Then I can confess to her and tell her that I love-“

“Don’t finish that sentence. Please don’t finish that sentence.” Jangmi stood behind Seonghwa, face puffy from crying. “One of you thinking you love me is enough for one day. Just… don’t finish that sentence.”

“We’re docking.” Yeosang announced, rushing back over to the helm.

“Drop the anchors!” Hongjoong called. “Everyone, be prepared. This is Qing. Only Seonghwa can speak the language fluently so try not to interact with anyone if you can help it. We don’t need any misunderstandings.”

“Actually, I learned the language too. It’s standard noble education.” Jangmi spoke up.

“Speaking of your old life, go put your dress on. They’re very traditional here and wearing pants could get you hostile attention.” Hongjoong sheathed his sword and looked over at Jangmi. “You know where it is, right?”

“Yes, Captain.” She disappeared into the lower decks.

“Seonghwa.” Hongjoong looked at the first mate apologetically. “Put on your noble clothes too. It’s better to travel with two people of status than one. We’ll be treated better. Especially since you’re a man.”

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victoriareyloficlists · 3 years

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04/12/2020 Additions to Reylo Friends-to-Lovers

These fics have been added to the Friends-to-Lovers list located here.

A Reylo Christmas Carol Chapter 3 by altargaryen (AO3 2019 Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben wants to know what Rey wants for the office Secret Santa.) sign up now for a free trial! by hi_raeth (AO3 2018 Rated T Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben catches feelings and decides to take things to the next level with his long-time roommate, close friend, and occasional hook-up. Rey, ever the more sensible half of the duo, decides that they should make sure a relationship between them won’t be a total disaster first. What they need is a trial run.) Saturday Morning by Graendoll (AO32018 Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey asks her roommate for advice on losing her v-card.) My Whole Life by AttackoftheDarkCurses, thebuildingsnotonfire (AO3 2018 Rated E Complete, 13 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The "Without a Hitch" high school sweethearts, fake-dating rom-com AU.) Kiss My Dreams, Make them Sweet by Hellyjellybean (AO32020 Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey keeps falling asleep in the living room when she's watching tv or hanging out with her roommate Ben. He carries her to her room and tucks her into bed. After several weeks, Rey sleepily admits she does this on purpose. No one ever tucked her in when she was a child.) Not Delivered by Erulisse17 (AO32020 Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are neighbors who have been pining for each other for a year. Rey decides to move out of state as she thinks her love is unrequited. That's just the kick Ben needs to get him to confess his feelings.) Number Thirty-Seven by AttackoftheDarkCurses (AO32019 Rated E Complete, 12 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey discovers her neighbor is hopeless with computers. She also discovers he has an interesting to-do list... one she might want to help him with.) Spending Valentine's Day Solo by jyn-z-solo (jynzandtonic) (AO32020 Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey has the hots for her coworker, Ben, and decides to send him a Valentine's Day card. While at the shop choosing one, she bumps into him. Too embarrassed to confess it’s for him, she lies about the intended recipient. Ben is in love with Rey and gutted the card is for someone else!) Tits v. Porny by jeeno2 (AO32019 Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo and Rey Johnson are attorneys, working together to defend their client against claims of plagiarism and copyright violation brought by a published author of original A/B/O fiction. It involves them having to read a lot of online porn and leads to some pretty awkward moments.) Making Love Out Of Nothing At All by LoveofEscapism (AO32019 Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and Ben are roommates who are also friends with benefits. Ben knows Rey doesn't want a relationship but he can't help but fall in love with her.) I'm Your Dream Girl by Hellyjellybean (AO32020 Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Reylo AU where Ben & Rey are roommates but Ben is constantly blowing up at Rey for being messy, eating his food, but Rey always just smiles and takes it. That’s because she knows Ben’s secret. He talks in his sleep. Mainly about how much he loves her and wants her to be his wife.) Dear Future Husband... by Hellyjellybean (AO32020 Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey writes a list of requirements for her future husband, her smitten flatmate Ben finds the list...) Sugar and Spice by Rebel_Scum1221 (AO32019 Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey bakes when she's stressed, but unfortunately never has enough room to finish all of her baked goods. Thus leading her to give her neighbor- who she may or may not have the hots for- her leftovers. Shenanigans ensue.) Needing A Teacher by Twisted_Mirror (AO32020 Rated E Complete, 4 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey tells her roommate, Ben, that she has only had sex in missionary position, he offers to let her use him to see what she likes. He vows to himself it's all for her pleasure, he has no idea that Rey is trying to drive him crazy.) under thy own life's key by galvanator (AO32020 Rated E Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey share a bed on a trip and everything is totally normal and nothing is weird.) Fireproof by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO32020 Rated M Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey's home is overrun by a wildfire, she has to evacuate with little time and no warning. Then she saves the life of Ben Solo, the neighbor she barely knows, on the road and he offers her a place to stay in the aftermath.) A Christmas Hope by CanteculLuiA (AO32019 Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is a grumpy businessman meant to spend Christmas all alone until he meets a homeless Rey, who might be his good deed for the year.) Building Something Together by walkingsaladshooter (AO32020 Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Ben confronts his new upstairs neighbor who keeps making all manner of odd noises at all manner of hours, he didn't expect what she's doing up there. He also didn't expect her to be so pretty.) She's My (Work) Wife! by Darth_Malfoy (AO32020 Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben and Rey are platonic coworkers as far as she knows. When Ben introduces himself and Rey to new hire Poe, Ben has a Freudian Slip and refers to Rey as his wife.) At First Scent by g_girl143 (AO32020 Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey, an omega, thinks her best friend, designated alpha Ben Solo smells amazing. But he doesn't smell her so she assumes they're not compatible. But when Ben gets surgery to fix a deviated septum, he develops a keener sense of smell. As luck (or misfortune) would have it, Rey goes into heat just as he comes home from the hospital.) Now I'm In It by crystanagahori (AO32020 Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: So Rey might have accidentally told her boss that she was bringing her loving husband and sweet two year old son to the fundraiser. She does not, in fact, have either. She does, however, have her neighbor Ben and his two year old son Noah.) Halloween Wishes by danceinmystorm (AO32020 Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo tries his best to make sure that his daughter gets to trick or treat and get candy for Halloween. Just as the night feels like a bust, their next door neighbor invites them in for a fun surprise.) Locked Out by INTPSlytherin_reylove97 (AO32020 Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single mom Rey has never accepted help from her neighbor Ben. But when she gets locked out of her apartment with a crying toddler, Ben is there. And Ben wants to continue to be there for them.) His New Girl by Hellyjellybean (AO32020 Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo has a problem...he is completely unprepared to run into his polished princess ex-girlfriend Bazine. Now he is standing in front of her without an answer to her question regarding if he is seeing anyone because of course he isn’t but he doesn’t want to tell her that. Then he hears a familiar voice. Rey. Would she be willing to help in his hour of need?)

#reylo #reylo fanfic

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thebiasrekkers · 4 years

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Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn WC: 2,494 Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 18: Magic Shop

"I won’t say clichéd things like 'have strength'. I’ll just listen to you, listen..."

Busan - Marine City; Haeundae District South Korea

The trip to Busan yielded much fruit.

Seokjin expected no less, however, when it came to Anastasia.

While she already submitted her letter of resignation to her own company, holding true to her word, Seokjin decided it was best that he kept his as well. He would give her time to bid her co-workers farewell and to get her affairs in order. When she brought the contract, it was signed and he also put his own signature on it as well – completing the deal with his sealing stamp. It didn’t surprise him that she was anxiously waiting for anything to change; for the final nail to sink into her coffin.

But no, this was the beginning of a very beautiful relationship. He would make sure of that.

And he did. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Seokjin informed her that she needed to pack a suitcase so they could go on a business trip. He wanted to take the time to properly get to know her in the business aspect. He knew what she was like personally, at least from what the younger ones often mentioned. She was funny, loyal, and fair. But she also had self-esteem issues, mostly stemming from attempting to claim a dream and failing in said endeavor.

He didn’t want her to feel she couldn’t take anymore risks. Certain risks could bring the greatest rewards. But some gambles left a person completely destitute. Seokjin wanted to make sure that she was capable of discerning which types of deals she would be willing to take to bring more profit to the company, as well as reassure her that it was okay to make mistakes.

They took the train to Busan. There was no need to rush. They had three days of work ahead of them, all paid for and then some. Seokjin explained the details of what they were to do while they were out and about. It was also a chance for her to explore and get some downtime away from the cramped office space of a corporate building. Most of her work would involve being at his side as he conducted business deals and attended corporate meetings. Again, something she was used to, but not in such an intimate fashion.

Anastasia enjoyed taking photos and would do so every time they stopped. She had a keen eye for location and architecture, as well as for anything that looked aesthetically pleasing or what sorts of things could use improvement. It was a little difficult to get her to talk about herself, but when she did, the American woman did not hold back and it was something Seokjin appreciated. Her honesty made her human and being more human meant being more empathetic to the ideas and understandings of others. It was a necessary skill when it came to being an investment company. Sometimes it wasn’t always about turning a profit.

He took her to various shopping centers, allowing her to take notes on a variety of stores. They tried different foods and tested out a plethora of products. Everything from electronics to makeup and skincare items. She seemed a little surprised at how her complexion looked after having a makeup artist provided her with a color palette to suit her skin tone. Seokjin purchased the kit, as well as the skincare lineup that accompanied the makeup. Anastasia protested, of course, but he simply told her that it was work-related and to let it be. She couldn’t properly help to advise him on what to do with his finances if she didn’t know what they were investing in.

The first day blew by faster than either anticipated. They enjoyed a nice meal at a high-end restaurant where he offered up suggestions. She listened and even asked the servers what they recommended for the evening. Again, Anastasia took notes even while they ate, which amused Seokjin.

The second day was much more productive and they visited more stores. A few of them offered sales pitches to which Seokjin listened politely. He offered his ear to Anastasia, wanting to hear what her thoughts were on a few of the companies. Practical and fair, she agreed that some needed to be reworked before they could be given investment funds to continue their ventures. She even reached as far back to the factory workers who would be producing some of the items that were being pitched to them. This was something most people failed to consider or would completely disregard the workers’ financial needs in the production line. Could they afford to give compensation and pay their people overtime? Would they have paid holidays off and was there a rollover system for PTO?

Every single detail was not overlooked by Anastasia and she gave advice even when they looked to Seokjin since he rarely spoke in these instances. In actual board meetings with a few of the companies he’d invested in, he made sure that she was right beside him to hear and comprehend everything that was going on. She didn’t have very many questions and when she did, she did not hesitate to ask them to the other board members. There were whispers about her being disrespectful for speaking for Seokjin, but he quickly squashed those comments when he explained her position on his staffing team.

They took breaks often, which he insisted. She didn’t complain but he could tell that she was averse to the idea of breaking her momentum. But after the eighth meeting scheduled for the day, he could tell that Anastasia needed a break.

Seokjin took her to a variety of places, explaining the reasoning behind wanting to invest all the way out in Busan. The Golden Jackals weren’t planning on working the underground circuit forever. Assimilating their assets, selling off those they didn’t need, was all part of the plan to legalize themselves. Golden Star was just the beginning. With Jimin working Jeju and Taehyung dipping into the entertainment industry alongside Namjoon, eventually they would be able to build from those foundations and focus on key aspects of their company that they wanted to shine the most. Even Jungkook’s eyes were turned toward industrialization and Yoongi’s foreign relations were key to solidifying their own need for investment overseas.

And Hoseok would be the figurehead over it all.

Their final night in Busan was a celebratory one. He wanted to reward Anastasia for all her hard work. She agreed to the reward, but only accepted it on the terms and conditions that it would be a casual night. Nothing fancy and nothing that involved her having to walk around in high heels all night. Seokjin laughed, obliging.

They agreed on dinner and a movie. Anastasia preferred actions or thrillers to horror films and Seokjin wasn’t really a fan of romantic comedies. They came to a happy medium, settling for a murder mystery film instead. After it finished, they discussed when they were able to conclude who the actual killer was at the family estate.

Seokjin liked it when Anastasia laughed. He enjoyed seeing her nose wrinkle up when she blew her food and how freely she smiled when something tasted good or if she saw something amusing. There were times when she seemed to have a faraway look in her eye, but then he’d have to catch her as she tripped over her own feet. As organized as she was, he found it a little humanizing that she was also a bit of a klutz.

“I want to shoot fireworks on the beach,” she said suddenly as they walked and ate Bungeoppang.

He chewed, the sweet red bean paste thick on his tongue as he looked down at her. “What?” Seokjin laughed. “Do you know how cold it gets at the beaches here during this time of year?”

She took another bite of the fish-shaped bread, blowing around her teeth to cool the snack. “So?” Anastasia swallowed, puffing one of her cheeks out at him as he scrutinized her. “I’ve never done it before. Get off me.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “And you want to do it now?”

Anastasia shrugged. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back out here just for fun.”

Seokjin grinned, nudging her shoulder just a bit. “Don’t worry,” he said gently, “you’ll be able to come out here when you have time off and enjoy yourself. I promise.”

She rolled her eyes. “You and your promises.”

“I haven’t broken one yet, have I?”

Anastasia raised her brows at him. “Well, no…but—”

He shook his head. “Then trust me when I tell you that you’ll be able to come out here again.” He leaned in toward her as they continued walking. “…when it’s warmer.”

“I’m holding you to that,” she said while pointing at him.

“Feel free,” Seokjin replied easily, polishing off the rest of the fish-shaped bread. He watched her do the same. “Tired?”

Anastasia gave a nod while attempting to stifle a yawn. “Yeah, a little bit.” She stretched her arms over her head. “Are we still scheduled to leave in the morning?”

He nodded. “We are. Unless you’d prefer we leave tonight.”

“Getting train tickets this last minute is expensive.” She frowned up at him and he did his best not to smirk. He merely arched a brow with mild curiosity. They began walking down the street to head back to their hotel. “Besides, we haven’t even packed our things or checked out of the hotel yet. Don’t be unreasonable.”

“Who’s being unreasonable?”

“You are,” she clipped while rolling her eyes, “knowing you, you’d make the staff work double time just so they wouldn’t get a bad review.”

Seokjin laughed outright as they turned the street corner, his hands slipping into his coat pockets. “So harsh. Last minute checkouts aren’t unheard of, nor are they unreasonable.”

“No, they’re not. But in this case, it’s completely unnecessary. Don’t make those people sweat for no reason.”

He laughed at the reprimanding expression painted over her face and nodded, making sure that she walked on the inside of the sidewalk and away from the street. It was a little late, but Seokjin knew that they would have enough time to pack and get everything together tonight before leaving first thing in the morning. As soon as they arrived back in Seoul, it would be business as usual. He’d already received the reports from Namjoon and the others. Taehyung was out of the hospital and Hoseok was uneasy after his meeting with Changkyun.

He knew that Hoseok would never say it out loud, but Namjoon conveyed his worries over the phone. Things were moving faster than they anticipated and Seokjin couldn’t help but wonder if The Jade Fangs were in the process of making another move to expand their reach.

“Seokjin-ssi?”

Seokjin looked at Anastasia, blinking a few times when he realized she had a concerned look on her face.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“No, you just looked like you were deep in thought.”

His smile fell a margin. “Did I worry you?”

She nodded and, again, he appreciated her honesty.

Seokjin reached out to press his hand to her lower back, ushering her toward their hotel just as a sleek gunmetal sedan pulled up by the entrance. He took note that her brows were furrowed and he tried to give her his best smile. He didn’t like that he even had such a look on his face.

Strange, he thought, I normally don’t let people read me like that.

As they made their way toward the front entrance, Seokjin’s eyes narrowed when he saw a familiar figure exit the vehicle. He leaned toward Anastasia so he could whisper into her ear.

“Go ahead and get some rest.”

She seemed to take note of the situation, reading it quicker than he’d anticipated. Her brows furrowed with concern as she tried her best not to bring any attention to herself. He really did appreciate her care.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded, an attempt to reassure her. “Yes, I’ll be inside soon.” Seokjin met her gaze, smiling to alleviate any worries she may have had. “I promise.”

Anastasia bit her lower lip before nodding and entering the hotel. Once inside, Seokjin waited until she entered the elevator. Once the doors closed, he turned and glanced over his shoulder as the person approached him. His lip piercing was connected to a chain that was attached to his right earring. Seokjin saw him grin widely at him, however he didn’t return the smile.

“Well, this is certainly a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here of all places, Jin Hyung.”

“Wonho-yah,” came Seokjin’s even tone, a soft lilt toward the end of it, “I didn’t expect to see you here either.”

Wonho shrugged. “Oh, you know, business meetings and the like.” Seokjin watched his eyes dart toward the hotel lobby where, thankfully, Anastasia was no longer located. “Was that your personal assistant?” Their eyes met once more. “She’s kinda cute.”

“Don’t even dream about it,” he said while grinning, “you wouldn’t be able to keep up with her.”

He saw Wonho’s lips form into an “O” shape before it melted into a smirk, his eyes narrowing deviously. “Is that a challenge?”

Seokjin scoffed while tilting his head to the side. “She’d eat you alive. Salvage your pride a little, will you?”

Wonho belted out a full laugh, his eyes almost disappearing as he did so. Seokjin grinned but there was no warmth behind his eyes. The younger male held his hands up in mock surrender while shaking his head. After a while, the two just stood shoulder to shoulder, faces in opposing directions.

“You know, Jin Hyung, I heard an interesting little rumor.”

“Do I want to know?”

Wonho shrugged, his head lifting to the sky. “If it’s true, it’s a shame.”

Seokjin cast a sidelong glance to him. “Yeah, I don’t think I want to know.”

He pivoted on his heels to head back into the hotel. Just as the sliding glass doors opened, he heard Wonho shifting behind him.

“When you’re gone, Jin Hyung, I want to see just who is going to be able to stop us…”

Seokjin paused, craning his neck slowly to look back at Wonho, whose smirk was still firmly in place.

“…when we decide to completely take over.”

He narrowed his eyes at Wonho as the younger man stuffed one hand into the pocket of his leather jacket.

“It’s not smart to aim for the sun, Wonho-yah.” Seokjin smirked, scoffing soon after. “Icarus died when he tried.”

Then he went inside the hotel lobby and made his way toward the elevator. A soft buzzing reverberated in his pocket and he pulled out his phone to see a text from Namjoon.

Namjoon: Hyung, it’s almost time.

Seokjin’s eyes narrowed.

We’re almost there, my brothers. I promise it’ll all be over soon.

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comicteaparty · 4 years

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May 25th-May 31st, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from May 25th, 2020 to May 31st, 2020. The chat focused on Meet and Greet by 91burrow.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Meet and Greet by 91burrow~! (https://tapas.io/series/Meet-and-Greet)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until May 31st, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

sierrabravo (Hans Vogel is Dead)

First of all, this art is gorgeous! The monochrome green palette is really working for me, and it's taking my breath away. This comic has such a distinctive style and visual appeal that is very well done.

carcarchu

This comic has a lovely whimsical surrealness and the foliage all looks so lush. the shade of green chosen was really nice, it feels really calming and relaxing to read. I really love how the world building expands a little more with each subsequent chapter it makes me look forward to reading each new chapter. I think my favourite illustration is from chapter 23, those red roses juxtaposed against the green make for a really gorgeous image, though it's really hard to decide because each panel from this comic looks like it belongs in an art gallery

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

This is such a cute comic!!! My favorite character in the comic is Mister Bear. He's just such a big, lumbering doofus :p https://tapas.io/episode/776319 https://tapas.io/episode/1731912

Erin Ptah (BICP | Leif & Thorn)

Ooh, yes, this is lovely.

Single favorite image: the splash panel in #35 where the thunder angel (?) appears. The lighting is so dramatic and effective, and the contrast with the usual cute soft environment makes it stand out really well.

RebelVampire

In terms of both the beginning and overall content, I just like how whimsical the story is. There's always a bit of magic mixed with a bit of a happy ending. And it's just one of those comic's that's a genuine feel good experience and is one of the rare comic's that is kind of for everyone in its own way since its so light-hearted - can work for any situation that needs such comforts. My favorite moment in the comic was probably when they helped the snake prince. Since it was the rare strip where I was like "whoa whoa wait kids this is dangerous." But then it turns out okay and the snake prince was adorable all along. My favorite character is probably Lyn. I like just kind of how brave and forward Lyn is. A good role model. As for characters interacting, rather than a specific character, I like in general seeing the kids interacting with the various human(?) magic users. Mostly just cause I like seeing kind of that adult wisdom contrasted with that kid cute kindness. Makes you want to be a kid again. For the art, I really just in general like the linework. It's got that nice blend of being polished but also sketchy since not all the lines complete. I think that's what really helps add to the whimsy. As for a theme the comic explores, I kind of just like the general theme of being kind to others and that scary things don't need to be scary - you can fight them with kindness. Last for this first question batch, I think the comic's main strength is just, again, the whimsy. There actually aren't a lot of comic's where I really think they nail whimsy, so it's hard to put yourself in the character's shoes when they're wowed by something. I didn't have an issue with this comic, and I really felt like I was seeing child wonderment through their eyes.

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

Very sweet story, simple and has a wholesome vibe to the themes overall. I enjoy reading each new character they are introduced to, in each chapter. I like the encounter with the nature spirit and the kids had to make 7 expressions to pass. I think the strength of the stories lies in the fantasy world build up with the nature, the character designs giving a sort of British fairytale approach to the story? Fun little story, I enjoy it(edited)

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. In what ways do you feel the comic captures the fairy tale vibe given many of the stories are inspired by fairy tales? In what ways does this comic modernize those tales for a new audience, and why is this important?

10. What aspect of the strange world John and Lyn live in is your favorite? What aspect are you hoping to learn more about? Also, in what ways do you think the world captures the feeling of “whimsy?”

11. What do you think the comic shows us in terms of the themes of communication? What moment showcases this the best for you, and how do you think this comic is unique in how it tackles them?

12. How do the protagonists being children affect how you perceive the story? Do you think you’d think differently of the comic if the characters were adults? Lastly, what about having children as the main characters enhances the stories of the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

Most fairy tales were originally created to deliver some sort of moral about living a "virtuous" life. And while what constitutes a virtuous life has evolved since most fairy tales were created (and differs by their opinion), that is still generally their function. As such, modernizing such tales really kind of helps guide a new generation into what we hope would be a better life. As for what the comic does to capture the fairy tale vibe, besides the atmosphere, for me is just kind of...the non-logic. Fairy tales don't always have strict rules in their worlds, and there's always random things happening, loop holes, etc. And that's kind of feel I got from the comic - anything can happen, and that's a good thing since that's what helps make it whimsical. I've gone on and on about whimsy. My favorite aspect of the world though is just kind of how many different kinds of creatures and people are all living in the same place. I do wish I had a better sense of geography sometimes, but that doesn't really matter since there's just so much creativity and variety. In terms of the themes of communication, I think the comic honestly just shows us its important and that without communication, life sucks. Additionally, I think the comic also shows us that we need to be kind in our communication. I can't really point to a particular moment out since I kind of think its really the whole comic that embodies the theme and each episode in it showcases that in its own way.

For me I think the fact this is children helped add kind of both to the whimsy and suspense of disbelief. When it's adult characters you expect adults to kind of be...well more logical. And to call bs when something doesn't make sense. But because the protags are children in this case, since they don't question anything, I don't question anything, since kids are a bit dreamy. And this makes it easier to get into the setting and just accept everything at face value and enjoy what's being presented.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

I most looking forward to just exploring more of the comic's world since I think the comic is largely about that experience. This is a wonderful comic, and honestly one I'd recommend to see in a library since it'd be perfect for kids.

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Meet and Greet this week! Please also give a special thank you to 91burrow for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Meet and Greet, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: https://tapas.io/series/Meet-and-Greet

91burrow’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/91burrow

91burrow’s Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/A057788

91burrow’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/91burrow

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #comic chat #comic discussion #book club #bookclub #webcomic book club #webcomic bookclub #comic tea party #ctp #meet and greet #91burrow

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crazy-little-cool-cat · 5 years

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Hand in Glove - Chapter 18 | Ben Hardy x OFC

A/N: It finally happened! I’m slightly mad! And also, you know, I finally finished writing this. I’m so sorry it’s been so long - life has truly been kicking my ass (for all of you wondering: break ups, pregnancy scares and swimming in men. In a nutshell.) Welp! Here it is. Hope you enjoy it! It ended up much shorter than I expected it to be and I’m not mad about it, because every word in this one is pure gold. Also, I hope I didn’t miss anyone in the tags, but if I did just send me a message and I’ll add you because I have no brain force left anymore. K bye!

Word Count: ~2.3K

Warnings: Comdeic gold. Ben being a dad. Joe being Joe. Just... Just read it.

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

The door to Annie’s hospital room almost flew off its’ hinges, startling both Annie and Ben.

“I have come to see the baby Jesus!” Joe bellowed and strutted into the room.

Lucy and Rami carried an obscenely large fruit basket. The fruit was arranged so it would look like a giant teddy’s face. A balloon was securely tied to Rami’s wrist, congratulating the newborn baby and welcoming her to the world.

“Jesus Christ Joseph!” Annie clutched at her chest, “have you lost your bloody mind?”

“This has been going on all day!” Rami untied the balloon and handed over to Annie. “He won’t stop calling her The Baby Jesus!”

“Well, either you calm your tits, Joe,” Ben smacked him on the back of his head, “or you won’t get to hold, see or simply exist within a meter’s radius from The Baby Jesus.”

“Aw,” Lucy cooed after she placed the fruit basket down on the first available surface she could find, “look at him, so protective!”

“I mean it.”

“Where’s Gwilly?” Annie smiled down at a soundly sleeping Rory.

“He’s just outside, waiting for Brian and Roger.” Lucy reassured.

“Brian and Roger are coming as well?” Annie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“They insisted.”

“Well, we should probably get out of here and go to the visiting area?” Ben rubbed his hands together. “No way in hell all of you can fit in here.”

“That’s what she said.” Joe mumbled, eliciting a loud snort from Rami.

###

“Aurora?”

“Yes, Gwil.”

“You named her after a Disney princess?” Gwilym shook his head slightly, his eyes fluttering. “You named your daughter after a bloody Disney princess?”

“I, for one, think it’s a beautiful name.” Brian peered over at baby Rory as she gently waved her arms about in her sleep, “very well done, you two.”

“Meh-neh-neh…” Joe muttered, his upper lip pulling up in a mocking snarl.

“Problem, Joe?” Ben smiled cheekily at his best friend as he reached for yet another slice of orange from the fruit basket.

“It’s a stupid name.” Joe sulked. “Is that what you’re going to call her all the time? Aurora? Like some snooty little brat?”

“No, you arse.” Annie threw a grape at Joe. “We’ll call her Rory.”

“Rory?” Roger’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Oh, that’s heaps better than Galilea!” Roger chuckled and drummed on the table top. Annie looked at Roger in astonishment. “Oh, don’t you worry, love, I’m still going to call her Galilea.”

“Look at those eyes!” Brian cooed, his figure looming over the baby, “what a doll!”

“So that’s it?” Joe crossed his arms over his chest. “You lied to me for almost nine months, making me believe that the baby will be named after me, her favourite uncle, just to break my heart?”

“She’s still named after you, you goof.” Annie rolled her eyes. “Her middle name is Josephine.”

“Her middle name is -” Joe scoffed.

“Joe, listen to me very carefully, now.” Annie snapped her fingers to draw his attention back to her. “Her middle name is Josephine.”

“You don’t have to lie to me to make me feel better.” Joe skulked. “The damage is done.”

“She’s not lying, you twat!” Ben got up from his chair and disappeared down the hallway, only to return moments later with a piece of paper in his hand. “There.”

Joe took the piece of paper from Ben and placed it on the table.

“Joe, just read it.”

“No.”

“Just fucking read the thing!”

“No!”

“It’s Rory’s birth certificate.” Gwil quipped, turning the paper to him. “Aurora Josephine Jones, born July 13th, 2018.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Joe, just have a look at it, will you?” Ben groaned.

Joe snatched the paper and cleared his throat. His hazel eyes darting left and right as he read along.

“Is this a prank?” Joe looked up at his friends with glassy eyes. “Are you guys shitting me, or is this for real?”

“It’s as real as it gets, buddy.” Ben ruffled Joe’s fluffy, curly hair.

“Oh my God…” Joe breathed, tears escaping the corners of his eyes. “Oh my God!”

“Oh, my God.” Gwil and Rami choired and rolled their eyes.

###

It’s been three days since Rory was born and Ben was both sleep deprived and buzzing with adrenaline at the same time. He went back and forth from the hospital to his and Annie’s house. He needed to make sure Frankie wasn’t peeing all over the place and he also brought her some clothes with Rory’s smell on them to sniff and get acquainted with.

“Franks?” Ben hollered from the doorway. “Daddy’s home!”

Frankie scrambled down the stairs, slipping and sliding on the polished wood floors and running into walls. Her entire body swayed from side to side as her tail wagged excitedly. Ben kneeled down and placed Rory’s little onesie on the floor, murmuring words of encouragement to his pup.

“Good girl, Frankie!” Ben cooed and scratched behind her left ear, “you’re going to be the best big sister, aren’t you? You’re going to love Rory so much! Yes you are!”

He trudged up the stairs, taking his clothes off as he went. He fantasised about this shower for days, now. All he wanted was to just relax, have some quiet time, and smell good before he made sure everything was prepared for his baby’s arrival.

###

“Home sweet home!” Ben cooed as he nudged Annie and Rory forward, wrapping his arms around his girls. “Welcome home, Rory.”

Annie did a small side-step around a very excited Frankie, not taking her eyes off the bundle in her arms for a second. She half-listened to Ben cooing and gushing over what a good girl Frankie is as she deeply inhaled the familiar smell of her house. She didn’t even realise her eyes were closed.

“Lay down for a bit?” Ben carefully took Rory from her and started walking around the living room, his fingers softly caressing the velvety skin on her cheek. “You must be exhausted.”

“I am, but I doubt I’ll manage to sleep.” Annie followed him and plopped herself down on the sofa. Frankie strutted over to her and placed her head in Annie’s lap, her tail wagging. “Hey baby girl. I missed you.”

“Well, stay with us, then.” Ben unwrapped one arm from around Rory’s tiny body and bounced her gently as he walked over to the kitchen. “Hungry?”

As if on cue, Rory opened her tiny, rosy little mouth and started screaming like a Banshee. Ben scratched his head with his free arm and looked down at her in confusion.

“Did she just…?” Ben’s brows furrowed. “How did she do that?”

“It was a coincidence, Ben.” Annie giggled and shook her head. “But to answer your question, yes.”

“So’s she, apparently.” Ben mumbled as he walked over to Annie and carefully passed Rory off to her.

###

“She’s so perfect!” Clara whispered in awe at Rory’s week old little face. “Babies usually look like shrivelled little monkey aliens, you know?”

“The amount of ugly babies I had to ‘awww’ at in the hospital…” Annie rolled her eyes and scoffed. “She really is perfect, isn’t she?”

“I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there with the guys!” Clara repeated her mantra again. “I’m such a horrible friend and -”

“Shut up before I punch you in the tits, Clara.”

“The fact that you’re still talking to me is mind-boggling.”

“You were working!” Annie took Rory from Clara’s arms as she got fussy and sat down on the sofa. She reached for the Boppy-Pillow and lifted her shirt. “You need to make bank if you want to shower Rory with gifts, you know.”

“Blimey, what happened to your nips?”

“I am a village feeder now.” Annie yawned and gave Rory’s bum soft pats. “You hungry? I can pull the other one out too.”

“You are disgusting. Vile woman.”

“I’m just trying to be a gracious hostess!”

###

“Arizona?” Annie wondered as she and Ben gave Rory her evening bath. “The job is in Arizona?”

“Well, yeah,” Ben dipped the little plastic cup in the tub and poured the water over Rory. “I mean, it’s big. It’s huge.”

“I get it,” Annie dried her hands off, “I support you. One hundred million percent.”

“But?”

“But it’s so far away, Ben.”

“I know, but it’s only for three months.” Ben bit the tip of his tongue as he smiled down at his three weeks old baby girl. “Three months, and then I’m back.”

“I mean, I’ll have to get back to work and you’ll be away…”

“I’ll come back for as many weekends as I can.” Ben reassured. “You’ll have Gwil right here with you.”

“We can do three months without daddy around. It’ll be fine.” Annie bit the inside of her cheek. “Right?”

“Of course.”

“I wasn’t asking you.” Annie chuckled. “I was asking her.”

“We have five whole months before I go.” Ben flinched away from a big splash. “That’s a lot of time to prepare. We got this.”

“I’ll remember you said that when the day you’ll have to leave comes around and you’ll be crying like a baby.”

###

“Are you allergic to shirts now, Ben?” Annie asked as she walked out of the little gym room, towelling off some sweat.

“What?” Ben scoffed as he wiped some drool off his chest with the back of his hand. “It’s tummy time! This is mandatory!”

“She’s drooling all over you!”

“It’s skin-on-skin time, too!” Ben stuck his tongue out cheekily. “Killing two birds and whatnot!”

“Very efficient!”

“It’s not my fault that I’m just an exceptionally good parent, Annie.”

“Said the man who put the poopy diaper in the fridge last night?”

“I was tired!”

“You were also somewhat drunk.”

“That too.” Ben groaned. “I could’ve just told you to do it, missy. You’re lucky I was already awake and feeling chivalrous.”

“We had shit in the fridge, Ben.”

“Well find me another bloody drunk father who can actually manage a diaper change in the middle of the night!” Ben laughed incredulously. “You’re lucky I didn’t put the bloody diaper on your head!”

“Does my tummy still look wonky?” Annie changed the subject and towered over Ben, turning this way and that. “I feel like I’m wearing a fanny-pack full of blubber.”

“It never looked wonky, Annie,” Ben said, making faces at a fussy Rory, “you had a baby.”

“I just need my body back, okay?”

“Your body is perfect.”

“Shut up. Kiss ass.”

###

“You’re acting like such a baby, Rory.” Joe huffed as he attempted to change Rory’s diaper for the third time.

The first time, she pooped right on the changing table. The second time, she almost ripped his eardrums with a very impressive roar. Now she kept trying to kick him and try to squirm away.

“You’re two months old, now. Practically an adult. Act like one!” Joe chided.

“Trouble in paradise?” Ben lilted from where he stood at the doorway to Rory’s nursery. “Thought you were her favourite uncle and she was nothing but an angel?”

“Shut up.”

“Step aside, Joseph.” Ben said and cracked his knuckles, a smug smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Let me show you how it’s done.”

Joe rolled his eyes and mumbled, but stepped away nonetheless. When Rory saw her dad’s head loom over her, she gurgled and kicked about happily. Ben smiled down at her and tickled her feet a little, assessing the situation.

Grabbing her tiny, plump feet in his hands, Ben went about distracting his baby from what was going on.

“I like to move it, move it…” Ben started, making silly faces as he song Rory’s favourite changing song. “I like to move it, move it…”

“What the actual fu…” Joe started and clamped his mouth shut after getting a death glare from Ben.

“I like to move it, move it…” Ben started moving Rory’s legs to the beat of the song. “You like to…?” he paused and raised his eyebrows, beaming when Rory attempted to mimic his expression. “Move it!”

Ben wiggled her feet and shook her body gently, eliciting happy coos and murmurs from his daughter. After that, changing Rory’s dirty diaper was all but a breeze. Joe stood, awestruck, as he watched Ben effortlessly changing Rory. No fuss, no tears.

“I think…” Joe gasped. “Does she really love you more than she loves me?” he said, clutching his chest for dramatic effect.

“She’d better!”

###

“Jamie said what?!” Annie almost dropped the entire pile of folded clothes she carried from the laundry room on top of Frankie. “How dare he!”

“It’s literally everywhere!” Ben rushed over and steadied his girlfriend, Rory secure in her carrier, strapped to his chest. “Your fans are going bonkers!”

“He can’t…” Annie tried to come up with something to say. “He won’t!”

“Ball’s in your court, my love.” Ben shrugged and pressed a quick kiss to the top of Rory’s head, holding the sauce-covered wooden spoon out of her reach. “You need to do something.”

“He can’t just leave the series because of me!”

“The entire world thinks you won’t be coming back because of him, Annie.”

“The entire world can shove it!”

“True.” Ben raised his eyebrows in agreement. “And still, the record needs to be set straight. You can’t hide forever. Your maternity leave will end, you know.”

“What, do I need to make some big public gesture? Dramatic reconciliation?” Annie scoffed as she walked off to put the clothes in their respective places. “This isn’t fair! I’m not the bad guy here!”

“I know you’re not. But Jamie had his little meltdown, he tweeted his pathetic tweets…” Ben tapped the wooden spoon on the rim of the pot. “It’s messy.”

“What do you think I should do, then?” Annie hopped on the counter next to Ben and blew a kiss at her daughter. “What would you do?”

“I’d talk to him.”

“No, really!”

“I’m serious.” Ben shrugged. “I think this right here,” he nodded down at Rory, “pretty much solidified the fact that you’re mine, not his. If he’ll try making a move on you again…”

“He’s an idiot, but he’s not evil.”

“So talk to him.”

“And say what?”

“That he needs to shut his bloody mouth, for starters.”

“Obviously.” Annie scoffed.

“I’m sure you’ll find the right words to say.”

TAGLIST: @likeit-or-leaveit @ramibaby @xgoingdownx @qweenly @violetpond @sweeterthancheese @drummerqueenrmt @westansstuff @rogerinamainbitch @justgivemethekeys @blondecarfucker @cheeseedreams47 @rogerspoison @deacy-dearest @pinkmarvel @onceuponadetectivedemigod

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shipmistress9 · 5 years

Text

FTLOAP - 39: Once Upon A Time We Had A Lot To Fight For. We Had A Dream, We Had A Plan

Fandom: HTTYD

Theme: Hiccstrid - Medieval-style AU - Romance - Angst/Hurt/Comfort

Summary: Reduced to little more than a stable boy, Hiccup, despite his noble birth, has few prospects for more in life. But when he meets a girl who came to look at the horses, being a stable boy might not be enough anymore. Together, they have tough choices to make and great risks to navigate if they want to survive and be together.

Rating: Explicit

FF-net - AO3 -

Discord-server for discussions and questions

Part 1: Prologue; Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11;

Part 2: Chapter 12; Chapter 13; Chapter 14; Interlude 1; Chapter 15; Chapter 16; Chapter 17; Chapter 18; Chapter 19; Chapter 20; Chapter 21; Chapter 22; Chapter 23; Chapter 24; Chapter 25; Chapter 26; Interlude 2; Chapter 27: Chapter 28 ; Chapter 29 ; Chapter 30; Chapter 31; Chapter 32; Interlude 3; Bonus 1; Chapter 33

Part 3: Chapter 34; Chapter 35; Chapter 36; Interlude 4; Chapter 37; Chapter 38

Alpha/Co-author: @athingofvikings

. – * – _ . o O o . _ – * – .

AN: Okay, this was a tough chapter to write, though for once not because of the content. Let me tell you about the fourteen days since I last updated. The first nine I had writer's block and couldn't get even one word down for this story. Then followed two days where I was on quite a high and got down 7k words, which is a lot for me. And after that, there were two and a half days through which I struggled again to get anything done, which left me and my alpha-reader with less than half a day for edits. I still can't believe it's actually done by now, and if it sucks... well, then I'm sorry!

In addition, I'm not quite sure of this chapter. It got awfully long, but somehow I feel like nothing happens. I mean, I know that's not true. But still, it feels off. Well, it's something of a bridge chapter, I guess.*sigh*

This week's chapter owes its title to a friend who made me listen to The Rasmus again after many years of not thinking much about this band. And when I listened to 'Sail Away'... well, the very first lines of lyrics of that song just really hit me. They fit so well to how Hiccup and Astrid feel right now.

Also, a special shoutout to @lauracalabresi Thank you for your comments over the last few days, they were a great encouragement! ^^

. o O o .

Hiccup couldn’t remember how he’d made it back to the stables, nor how the night had passed in any specific detail. It was all just a blur of pain and sorrow, of desperation and hopelessness. It was over. Everything was over. It was true what he’d told Cami once, after all, that his entire life only revolved around her. But now, she was gone, and he didn't even understand why. He’d been so sure...

But now, it seemed as if the Gods had abandoned them, if not for that guttering spark in his chest that kept reminding him of her, cruel and unrelenting.

When Eret arrived at the stables, hours after the sun had risen, Hiccup was still sitting in his stall, unmoving, staring blankly out the small window, and registered nothing until his cousin’s broad hand touched his shoulder.

“Hey, Hiccup. You okay?”

Slowly, Hiccup turned to look at Eret, and forced a wry grin to his face.

“Hey. Yeah, I’m just… just tired, I guess. I’m sorry, I didn’t finish polishing all of your kit, but I’ll get back to that today.”

Eret gave him a scrutinising look, but nodded, accepting this explanation. “That’s fine, I won’t need it right away. But–” He paused, his eyes on Hiccup’s injured and bandaged hand. “What’s this?”

Quickly, Hiccup covered the hand with the other one. “Nothing. I cut myself, but it… it’s nothing.” At some point last night, the pain of the cut had eventually registered in his mind, but it was still too dull and unimportant to matter. All it did was remind him of her hands on his as she’d attended to the cut. Probably the last time he’d ever felt her touch… He swallowed, then made an effort to appear normal. “Anyway, what brings you here today? Don’t you need to do some training, or so?”

Eret still looked at him funny, but then shook his head. “Maybe later. But I came here for another reason. The thing is… I’m going to need my squire from now on. The hunts start tomorrow and then there’s the first small tournament in a few days, and… I already talked to father and we agreed that it will be safe enough now to keep these hotheads–” he nodded at the stallions, “– in a separate part of the main stables, now that the herd isn’t there anymore and there’s enough free space. They need to get used to that anyway. So... for the rest of our stay, you’re going to be my squire full time, which also means you’ll have to move; I can’t afford the time for you to hike back and forth to these stables. We could move to our townhouse, where there’s enough space for you to have your own room… but Grandfather’s staying there and...” he shrugged helplessly.

Hiccup needed a moment to wrap his head around what Eret had said. He seemed to be sorry for some reason, but Hiccup actually couldn’t see why. As much as he’d enjoyed the solitude of these outer stables during the past months, a change like this seemed like the best thing that could happen to him right now. It would keep him busy, would keep him from mentally tearing himself apart. It would keep him from remembering all the nights they’d spent here...

And then the rest of it registered. Oh. Right. His grandfather, who thought of him as a failure. Well, he was right, after all, but that didn’t mean Hiccup needed to hear it from the old prune.

“So what else is there?”

“Sharing a room in the squire barracks or the couch in my rooms,” Eret said apologetically, and then hastened to add, “It’s clean! I promise!”

Hiccup almost laughed – out of humour or despair, he had no idea. But he managed to keep the smile up. “The couch will do,” he murmured.

Something like a relieved smile played around Eret’s lips. “I’d hoped you’d say that. Dag and I already organised a trunk for your things and while it’s not an enclosed room, you’ll at least have a separate corner for yourself there. A little bit of privacy. Come, I’ll help you pack your things, then we can get the horses ready to be moved.”

Not having any reason to hold back, Hiccup got to work. His few possessions were quickly tossed in a rucksack – with Hiccup carefully avoiding a certain object hidden between the straw bales least Eret would ask unnecessary questions – before they turned their attention to the horses. All the while, Hiccup felt as if Eret was throwing him weird looks every now and then, but it never became so obvious that he felt like asking about it. To him, it wasn't important, and if Eret wanted to talk about something… well, then he could bring it up. Which he eventually did.

They had just started their way to the main stables – with Hiccup riding Chomp and leading Hunter at his side while Eret rode Squish and led Crusher – when Eret eventually broke the silence. "So… what do you think of these… new plans?"

Hiccup snorted. "What's there to think about?" he asked and tried not to sound as bitter as he felt. "I’m your squire and I would have needed to fully act like it by now anyway. So this is good, a change for the better.” Wrong! “And in case you meant the… the festivities... It's the King's right to entertain his people with hunts and tournaments and whatever else he's planned. It might even get interesting for us.” He forced himself to shrug nonchalantly in case Eret was still watching him.

“Yeah, interesting might be the right word.” Eret let out a deep sigh. “But that’s not what I meant. I mean this whole wedding scheme. I don’t get why Uncle Osmond thought that was a good idea. Or Daniel or my father, for that matter.”

Hiccup’s hands around Chomp’s reins tightened; it made him wince when the cut stung and the stallion snort in annoyance. Was Eret honestly asking him what he thought about her impending wedding? If he hadn’t been in danger to spill out exactly what he was thinking, he might have laughed. Instead, he just said, “Same answer. I don’t think it is my place to question the King’s decision. She’s going to marry one of these noblemen for the sake of the Kingdom. That isn’t really different from what was planned before, right?”

“True,” Eret admitted reluctantly. “But it still doesn’t feel right. And it’s certainly not right for Swanja! From what Snot said last night, she isn’t herself anymore. She lost her spark, her wit. He said she’d tried to appear unperturbed, as usual, but he saw right through her. All this must have hit her pretty hard; she was devastated at her birthday dinner. She wouldn’t even let us help or comfort her, for Odin’s sake!”

He sounded tense, worried, and Hiccup was incredibly glad that they’d reached a narrow path by now that wouldn’t allow them to ride side by side. It meant Eret couldn’t see his expression of soul-deep pain and self-loathing. Devastated… That seemed like an apt description of her the last few times he’d seen her. And it had been his fault.

Everything was his fault! And always had been… If he’d spoken his mind more firmly all those years ago, about not losing their connection to the Kingdom, his father might have stood up against their fellow tribesmen. If he’d acted more like the tribesman their people had expected him to be, they wouldn’t have been so openly against him being the heir to the High Chief’s title. If they hadn’t lost their standing within the tribes, his parents and siblings might still be alive and he would be a knight by now too. He could even participate in this competition for her hand as a ducal heir himself.

The thought was too good to be true, literally, and, unable to bear it, Hiccup pushed it aside. They all had thought they’d been doing the right thing back then, and reprimanding himself for it now, when he knew better, wouldn’t do him any good. Besides, he didn’t even need to go that far back into the past to pin down his mistakes.

He should have stayed away from her in the first place. The idea that, after all the things he’d messed up, his life could change for the better… this too had been too good to be true. Again, he’d made the wrong decision by becoming Eret’s squire just to be able to see her again, and now, she was paying the painful price for his impudence. Oh, he’d thought he’d been right back then, too. But the pain in her eyes last night was wholly and entirely his own fault, and any attempt of his to comfort her was bound to only hurt her more.

There was nothing he could do to help her.

Except…

“Don’t worry,” he heard himself say, oddly calm and composed. As if it wasn’t really him who was speaking. “What was is you said once? The Princess is a fighter. She’s tough. This whole wedding thing took her by surprise, but I’m sure she’ll accept it, eventually. She’ll come around and then you all can be there to support her when she’s ready for that.”

Eret grunted, but didn’t say any more until they’d reached the end of the narrow pass where he waited for Hiccup to take his place next to him. “You’re right,” he admitted, face turning to Hiccup, who was now focused entirely on keeping his feelings locked away as deep inside himself as possible. “But this is still different. Our fathers want her to marry one of us. How can we support her as her brothers when everyone is looking for signs as to who she’ll choose as her betrothed?”

“But maybe that’s the point,” Hiccup replied with a light shrug. “She was to marry one of you anyway, wasn’t she? Maybe it’s time to get over how you grew up like siblings and start seeing each other as what you are. An option. I… I think I know her well enough by now to say that she won’t spontaneously fall in love with one of those strangers her father presented to her. But a love match was never a likely possibility – for neither of you. And I remember what Daniel said on that first night we spent here, your accolade. He said that you would be good for each other, and… and I agree.”

Saying those words felt like a hungry beast tearing at the dead remains of his heart and soul. It hurt! But it was better this way. His own pain he could deal with, but hers? Not so much. And if it wasn’t within his power to help her directly, then the least he could do was send comfort in another form.

As they rode on, Hiccup was aware of Eret’s scrutinising gaze on him, and all he could hope for was that he wouldn’t see how Hiccup felt inside. But he didn’t say anything else until they reached the stables where a group of grooms quickly took over the horses to lead them to their new stalls.

“Hey, Hic,” he eventually spoke again once they were alone. “I know I offered to help, but… Would it be all right for you to get Markor and Cassie on your own? They shouldn’t give you any problems, after all. And I’ll take your bag up to my rooms, and…” he paused, grimacing, then shook his head. “There’s a message I have to send and I need to see whether I can find Dagur. Gotta talk to him…” He ran a hand through his hair, and if Hiccup wouldn’t be feeling so dead inside anyway, he’d be sorry for his cousin. It wasn’t only she who’d gotten thrown into this mess, after all…

But still, it was better this way.

“Sure,” he agreed with a sympathetic smile and a clap to Eret’s shoulder. “See you tonight then.”

On his way back to the outer stables, he wasn’t able to control his thoughts and emotions any longer though. He didn’t cry; after last night he didn’t think he had any tears left, but the pain still returned in full force.

It’s better this way, he kept chanting to himself. No matter how much the thought of her marrying Eret or one of her other brothers hurt, it was still the best option there was. She would have a good life with a husband who respected her as a person and not just saw her as an object, who cared for her. It might not be the right kind of love that connected them, but at least there was some form of affection, enough for her to eventually find comfort in her fate. It was all that was left for him to hope for.

And if she chose Eret… Well, Hiccup did feel sorry for him and Dagur. Even with knowing that their relationship couldn’t last, having it end this abruptly couldn’t be easy either. No wonder Eret had wanted to talk to his lover.

Once back at the outer stables, he concentrated on getting Cassie and Markor ready. It was a welcome distraction, and the familiar motions and the simple affection the horses offered gave him comfort, Cassie especially. She’d been with him for so many years now, had been his only support during trying times, and now easily adapted to his pain again. He took several minutes just scratching her and accepting her rubbing her nose to his chest, until something like a smile was back on his face. Not a happy but at least a content one.

The smile didn’t last long though, only until he entered Markor’s stall. The gelding directly looked up at his visitor, clearly hoping and then being disappointed as it wasn’t who he’d hoped it would be. The sight gave Hiccup a new sting, and he did his best to cheer the horse up by rubbing and cuddling his neck.

“I know, I know. I miss her too,” he whispered, hiding his face against the gelding’s warm fur. It was three days now since she’d last been here – a long time considering how often she’d been here during the past three months. No wonder Markor missed her, especially since he couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t come. “But don’t worry, boy. She’ll get back to you. You’ll see.”

Hiccup let himself feel comfort from the horses’ presence for a few minutes longer, before he got them both ready. He struggled a bit with which saddle to put on Markor, but then decided on the ridiculously decorated side saddle. It was the official saddle, after all, and he would need to ask Eret where to store the unofficial but more practical one.

When he was done, he let his gaze wander through the stables that had been his home during these past wonderful months, and gulped. Leaving this place for good felt like a sign. It was truly over, and their time really had only been borrowed, had never been intended to last.

He was about to leave when he remembered the one thing he’d left here before and hurried back to his former sleeping stall to retrieve it. If anyone was to find it by chance, it would only raise unnecessary questions. Hesitantly, he picked up the small swan-shaped oil pot. His chest was tightening – at the sight, at the memories, and at what it stood for. He’d been so grateful to Cami for this gift, not just because of why she’d given it to him but also because of what else it represented. He’d meant to keep it during the weeks and months of their separation, as a reminder and a promise for better times. The scent of the oil alone would have served to comfort him over missing her. But now? Now, it only hurt to look at it, the cool ceramic feeling as if it was burning his skin. All it did now was remind him of what could never be.

With a low suppressed sob, he stowed it away into a pocket, then left the stables without looking back. He tried to leave it all behind him as he once more rode down the path to the main stables on Cassie’s back, but his thoughts kept whirling around the pot and what it stood for. Why had the Gods abandoned them? He’d told her that maybe they’d been wrong, that they weren’t soulmates meant for each other after all. But he didn’t believe that, not really. She’d been right, he’d felt it too, the connection, their bond – and still felt it! All that had been real! And yet… And yet, the Gods had turned away from them, had separated them without leaving them any hope. Why? What had happened, what had changed?

A whirlwind of thoughts blew through Hiccup’s mind, thoughts that, in a way, added another layer of pain to his battered soul, but that, at the same time, made perfect sense.

It was all his fault.

With shaking hands, he pulled the pot back out of his pocket – leaving Cassie to find the way on her own – and stared at it. They’d gone too far... It made sense, now that he thought about it. This had to be what had angered the Gods. Them ignoring the rules, getting intimate before it was allowed. A part of him wanted to blame Cami for her support, for her assurance that it would be all right as long as they kept to certain rules. But Hiccup knew that wouldn’t be fair. It had been his decision to go further than he’d felt comfortable, than he’d been taught was allowed. He had ignored the rules he’d learned, had given in to his desire. He should have known better!

His breath became ragged as he kept staring at the oil pot and everything clicked into place. Them getting intimate must have angered the Gods. The timing was a clear indication. They’d gone too far, and before they’d been able to break another rule with their forbidden plan to have anal sex, the Gods had put an end to it. The timing was unmistakable.

It was all his fault!

A pained sob tore itself from Hiccup’s throat. Having lost her… that was bad enough. But now, he knew that it had been his own doing, that he should have known better. If he hadn’t been so foolish and selfish… their future would still be in reach.

Hiccup’s hand tightened around the pot – until it cracked. Without a warning, he was emerged in a cloud of intense mayweed scent, and it momentarily rendered him blind and deaf to everything around him. His mind got flooded with the memories he’d tried to hold back – of her smile, of her being in his arms, of burying his face in her hair and inhaling deeply. Of the flush on her face and her little gasps, of the taste of her skin, of holding her through the night. Of all the things that could never be.

With a pained and desperate outcry, he hurled the pot away. He wasn’t looking, didn’t care where it might land. He only wanted to get rid of it, to never relive those memories again. It was too painful.

But when he heard the splash of water, he looked up after all, puzzled. Without him noticing, Cassie and Markor had paused near the little lake that used to house her swans, and the pot must have landed in there.

How fitting, Hiccup thought bitterly as he watched the waves on the surface getting smaller and fading away. Eret had told him about the swans’ fate, how that, too, had hit her. It felt oddly right that this place now was also where all their hopes, dreams, and plans for the future were buried. Forever.

He stayed for a little while longer, gazing at the now-calm lake, and let the pain wash through and out of him. It was over, and there was nothing he could do but accept it.

He let himself wallow for a little bit longer, then forced every remaining trace of pain into a distant corner of his heart to keep it locked there forever. From now on, he had to function. Be it the upcoming tournaments and other occasions or the possibility of still seeing her regularly in case she chose Eret – he couldn’t let her or anyone else see his pain.

From now on, he wouldn’t let his emotions slip ever again.

. o O o .

A part of Astrid still clung to the hope that she would eventually wake up. Nothing seemed real; not the days she’d spent getting introduced to all her suitors, not the evening meals she was to take in the usual company of her father, the Grand Dukes, and their sons, and not the nights when she lay awake crying or too agitated to fall asleep until exhaustion took over. And now, she sat beneath a neat little pavilion, overlooking the fighting grounds that were decorated for the first of many upcoming tournaments, and still didn’t feel as if she was fully awake.

The whole setting was just… surreal. The sudden snow from the previous week had all melted by now, but it was still rather cool, and the practical part of her mind was grateful for her gloves and the warm cloak she was wrapped in – even as her heart kept recalling the warmer days from not so long ago. Around her, everything seemed dull and bland, colourless beneath the grey sky, except the brightly painted flags and banners everywhere which seemed completely out of place. It all just felt wrong to her. And the fact that the men in the arena beneath somehow believed that fighting each other would gain them her favour was just absurd.

Not for the first time, a pained outcry sounded over the crowd followed by a wave of whispers as one of the fighters fell to one knee and clutched at his thigh. Blood quickly stained his blue-and-green-coloured clothes in shades of red, and Astrid hoped that the blow from his opponent's sword hadn’t severed his main artery. It was quite possible that he’d not survive if it had.

The thought upset her even though she didn’t feel as if there was much left of her to be upset. She’d probably talked to this man during the past days, and now, he might very well be dying a pointless death. And the worst was that, if he died, he wouldn’t be the first and certainly not the last one either.

The first had been an accident during a short hunting trip two days prior. The man’s horse had been wounded by a misguided arrow from one of his companions, and the fall off his horse’s back onto the uneven ground of the forest had caused severe injuries – or something like that. Astrid only dimly remembered how the King and the other men had talked about it during dinner. It had been one of three deaths on that day, and since then, the body count had only climbed higher.

And as much as the small sane part of her mind despised these unnecessary deaths, she still had to admit that they weren’t unusual. Accidents during hunts happened. Likewise, injuries during tournaments weren’t uncommon. Many of the young men who participated considered the event incomplete if they hadn’t gotten a scar out of it. Once she had agreed with that bit of joking humour, but now? Now, she just felt numb.

So it was with a heart of stone that she watched the loser be carried off to the healer’s tent, festooned with Freya’s symbol. He wouldn’t be the last victim of these festivities, that was for sure. But as much as she loathed that thought… it wasn’t what really bothered her.

As selfish and as vile as the thought made her feel, she couldn’t bring herself to care too much for these strangers who had all come to haggle over her future as if she was nothing but a pretty adornment for their household. They had known what they were in for.

Although… with a strong sense of unease, she remembered the half hour she’d had to spend with Thuggory the other day. And even though she tried to forget his words, they still lingered.

“So here we are, Milady Astrid, in a close and intimate conversation, just like it should be. I hope you’re enjoying my company, because you’d better get used to it.”

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I will never become your wife. There’s nothing you can do to make me choose you!” It had been nearly the only words she’d said for days she actually remembered.

But Thuggory had only laughed. “Oh, you naive and stupid girl. You think I can’t force you to choose me? What if there’s nobody else left? What if I remove every other candidate until you see reason? You will become my wife, whether you want it or not.”

A shudder ran through her at that memory, and she quickly buried it in the depth of her mind. Thuggory could talk all he wanted, and chances were that he’d get himself killed. She didn’t even really feel bad for hoping for that outcome. But even that wasn’t what really concerned her.

No, what truly occupied her mind was the same topic that was ruling her every thought since the moment the King had made his announcement on her birthday.

She could see him standing at the side of the battleground, holding Eret’s substitute shield and sword ready in case his master might need them. It was the first time she’d seen him since he’d fled from her in the armoury that night, and even though she’d known he would be here, the sight of him had floored her completely.

During the last few days, her heart had… No, it hadn’t started to heal, but it had become numb. She’d refused to think about him, hadn’t let her consciousness dwell on what couldn’t possibly be true. He couldn’t have been right! This wasn’t the first time they’d encountered difficulties or misunderstandings, like when they’d first started to get intimate and he’d more or less avoided her for days. Back then, they had only needed some good advice and the chance to talk openly until everything was clear again. This was no different… wasn’t it?

Her eyes were burning, her lower lip starting to quiver, and she turned her attention back to the fighting men before she would burst out into tears in public. It will all be solved, she repeatedly thought to herself. We just need time to work it out.

But deep inside, she knew that this was very different from the little problems they’d encountered before. Because they already had talked. And it hadn’t solved anything. On the contrary, as much as she hated to admit it, the words he’d said to her at the armoury were not ones she could easily dismiss.

‘We’ve already lost.’

Yes, she’d refused to believe those words, but she also couldn’t simply dismiss them as wrong. No matter how much she wanted to ignore them or how much she tried to come up with a solution… she couldn’t find one. Maybe he’d been right after all...

This was another thought she’d vehemently ignored during the past days, but now… Seeing him standing there tore all wounds open anew. No, she didn’t want to believe that their shared future had been nothing but a pipe dream. But arguing against it became harder and harder, especially with seeing the utter hopelessness in his posture. Oh, he might be trying to hide it, to appear unperturbed and focused on his work – but she easily saw through him just like he’d always been able to see through her mask. She could see how much he was suffering, saw the pain in his hollow eyes. He’d said that he still loved her, that their feelings hadn’t been just their imagination. And yet, he’d clearly given up. There was no fight in him anymore, no strength to even consider fighting. He was broken, and seeing him like that broke her, too.

Biting down on her lip, hard, she gazed down at her hands, clenched into tight fists to keep them from trembling. So, what if he had been right? She’d tried her best to find a solution, but everything she’d brought up he’d warded off as impossible, and rightly so. And he who was so much smarter than her, who was able to think so quickly and come up with solutions for every problem… had given up. Slowly and against her will, the realisation seeped into her heart.

They’d already lost…

Once more, she glanced at where he stood and it felt as if her heart was breaking all over again. It was over, really and truly over. Her hand wandered to her chest as if to catch the shards and keep them together, but it was no use. A fresh wave of pain tore through her and it only got worse when she saw him grimace and mimic her gesture, his hand pressing to his chest as if he could feel it too. For a short heartbeat, he glanced up at where she sat and their eyes met. It was like a last goodbye, a last shared moment, the acknowledgement that he felt the same but that that didn’t change anything.

There was no hope left for them, nothing they could do.

. o O o .

The realisation left her feeling hollow, even more so than the pain of the announcement and his words had before. There was nothing left for her. Nothing to look forward to, nothing to hope or to fight for. All that was left to her was a dull and empty future with a man she didn’t care for while always remembering what she’d lost, what could have been. It was a frightening thought, and for two days, it was all she could think about, making her tumble deeper and deeper into her misery, until Ruff put an end to it.

“This can’t go on,” she exclaimed when she spotted the plate of once more untouched tea and biscuits. “I get that you feel horrible and I’m sorry, I really am. But you’ve got to eat! You can’t let yourself waste away just because that boy turned your head and broke your heart. No matter how much you might despise this and how little I like to remind you about it, you’ve got responsibilities.”

Astrid snorted, the only reaction that gave away she’d listened at all with her standing by the window and looking out over Lake Vola’s calm surface. Responsibilities… Yes, that was all that was left to her. Fulfilling the expectations placed on her, marrying to keep the Kingdom stable and popping out children for her future husband until her body gave up. It wasn’t any different from what she’d been prepared for all her life, but where before she’d accepted the thought with a certain composure and even a hint of pride to fulfil this duty, it now only made her feel dreadful. But who knew… maybe she would be lucky; maybe she would end like so many other women and not survive such a life for long…

She flinched when, without a warning, a hand touched her shoulder. “Milady, you’ve got to move on,” Ruff said urgently. It could have come across as cruel and cold-hearted, but Astrid knew her maidservant well enough. Most of all, she was practical. “I know it’s not easy, but you have to. You have a few hours left before today’s hunting party returns and you’ll have to welcome them back; how about you try and get on other thoughts until then, take a break? You could visit your horse; Tuff can escort you there. Or the herb garden? Maybe there are a few plants that already grow, or you could clean it up for the warmer days?”

Swallowing, Astrid closed her eyes. Ruff was right, and she knew that. She couldn’t continue like this forever, like nothing but an empty shell. Eventually, she would have to go on, to get over him. A tiny voice in the back of her mind was screaming at her that this was wrong, that she shouldn’t have to get over him, that they were meant to be… But she ignored it and hoped that, one day, the voice would disappear. So far though, it only threatened to tear her apart – the logical knowledge that they had no chance against the denial still simmering beneath – and she wrapped her arms around herself in a fruitless attempt to keep herself together. Suddenly, seeking distraction sounded like an excellent idea.

“Okay,” she whispered weakly. A slight frown crossed her face as she thought about Ruff’s suggestions though. The idea of visiting Markor was alluring, but even with him now housed at the main stables, he was too tightly linked to all those wonderful memories she tried to forget, and she wasn’t sure whether she could stand being near him yet. No, that wasn’t an option, and visiting the herb garden wasn’t an appealing idea either; it would only remind her of these last few days at the dead royal gardens where she’d been offered like meat to a pack of wolves. But what else could she do?

Something like a small smile tugged at her lips as she remembered another option, another place she could go and hide from reality, from who she was, and where she got treated like a normal person.

“Is Tuff ready?” she asked in a quiet but somehow steadier voice. “I’d like to go visit Fishlegs.”

Ruff reacted with an approving grin. She even went so far as to pack the biscuits and other pastries to take with her, even though Astrid felt odd bringing food Heather might very well have prepared herself as a gift. However, she understood that Ruff’s main motivation was her hope that Astrid might still eat something, so she didn’t say anything, and not even half an hour later she knocked on the door to her friends’ house.

There were grunts and the shuffling of cloth audible, even through the door, but it still took over a minute before a tired looking Fishlegs opened her. When he recognised her though, his face brightened. “Astrid! Now, that’s a surprise. Uh, come in, come in.”

He stepped aside and waved her in, threw a wondering look at Tuff but shrugged and closed the door again when her warder made no attempts to come in as well and instead stayed with the chickens outside. He hurried around on his short legs to which he owed his nickname, and picked up boxes and other stuff to make room for her.

Astrid hesitantly took the seat he eventually offered to her and watched him with a worried expression. “Is everything all right? Is this a bad time for me to visit?” she asked, a little self-consciously. She’d looked forward to coming here once the plan was made, but hadn’t spared even a second to think about whether her friends even had time for her. But Fishlegs directly warded her concerns off with a smile and a shake of his head.

“No, no, don’t worry. We were just taking a nap, but it’s time to get up anyway.” As if to contradict himself, he yawned. “Uh, sorry. ‘s been a tough few days, but who am I telling this… Still, it’s good to see you. How are you doing?”

Warding his question off with a grimace and a shrug, she began to unpack the parcel of treats Ruff had given her. She hadn’t come here to dwell even more on her situation though, so she directly changed the subject. “And you?”

Fishlegs gave a little shrug, then longingly eyed the biscuits. “May I?” He reached for one when Astrid nudged the parcel toward him without a word, and ate it with obvious delight. “Mmh, that’s good. Not sure when I last ate anything.” He took another one, and only continued speaking once it was gone, too. “I’m okay. Tired. Overworked. Usually, I wouldn’t take a nap at this time of day, but Master Mulch insisted on it. He claimed that I’ve been on my feet for over thirty hours – and the fact that I don’t know whether that’s true is probably proof enough. But there’s just so much to do! It’s like these men are actually out on getting severely injured. More than one even asked whether he’d keep a ‘cool scar’ out of it.” He shook his head and helped himself to another pastry.

Or others are out to get them injured, she thought, grimacing as she again remembered Thuggory’s sneer. She shuddered, but ignored Fishlegs’ inquisitive look. “So, what kind of injuries do you have to treat? Mostly cuts, I assume?”

“Aye. Or that’s my job, at least, while Master Mulch treats the more urgent injuries,” he nodded, then intently looked at her. “Do you remember how to treat such a cut?”

Astrid chuckled, surprising herself with the sound. It felt odd, as if her being happy was some form of betrayal. But that was a stupid thought; Ruff had been right in insisting for her to get distracted would do her good. And she also was incredibly grateful for Fishlegs to catch up on her mood so quickly.

“I think so?” she replied to his question, focussing on what he’d taught her. “First, you have to clean the wound, with clear water or maybe strong alcohol. Then you put willow bark tincture on it, for disinfection and against the pain. Depending on how deep the cut is, you might need to sew it shut with a good needle. At last, you cover the wound with moss to soak up blood, put a tight-enough cast around it, and threaten the patient with your eternal wrath in case they don’t give the wound enough rest to heal properly,” she recited Fishlegs’ former lesson – even though the last bit was her own addition. It had the desired effect as it made him laugh and congratulate her on still remembering.

They chatted for a while longer, with Astrid feeling lighter by the minute, until Heather joined them. She looked even more tired than her husband had, and gracelessly slumped onto the bench next to him. At first, she eyed the pastries Astrid had brought with a slightly wrinkled nose, but then shrugged and picked one to nibble on.

“Hey, love. Had a good rest?” Fishlegs asked, then jumped up, startling Astrid. “Wait, I’ll make you a mug of that herbal tea. Astrid, what about you?”

“Sure, why not,” she replied with an amused smile, then turned her attention back to Heather. “Lots of work for you too, I guess?”

Again, Heather shrugged. “Yes, but it’s manageable, all in all. Mostly providing refreshments for those watching the tournament and preparing and preserving whatever them men bring from those hunts. It’s not like the crazy increase of work Justin has.”

Astrid raised an eyebrow at her, which made the other woman chuckle.

“Yes, yes, I know what you’re thinking. I say that, but still, here I am, looking as if I’d been up for over three days straight.” She shook her head, a soft smile spreading over her face. “But I still say it’s not the work. I’m just kinda always tired lately. Maybe I’ve caught some bug, or so. It’ll pass.”

Before Astrid could reply anything, Fishlegs returned and placed a steaming mug in front of each. “So, here you go. But I’ve gotta leave you now. I’m sure we’ll get new patients once the hunting party returns, and I need to help Master Mulch prepare for that. Bye, Astrid. Was great to see you again.” He waved at her, bent to kiss Heather goodbye, and left.

Astrid reached for her mug, and hummed. She knew that the brew was too hot to drink it yet, but she could still enjoy the heat as part of the comfort around her, and she basked in it all, in this small sanctuary.

Until Heather brutally tore her back into reality.

“So, you’re getting married,” she stated.

It wasn’t a question, and when Astrid threw her a short baffled look before quickly averting her gaze she thought she detected a strange expression in Heather’s eyes. Pity, determination, and… satisfaction? But no, she certainly had imagined that last one, she thought and shook her head, chiding herself. She, too, was overly tired and exhausted, that was all. “Yes,” she breathed, the only answer she could think of. What else was she supposed to reply anyway? It wasn’t a secret, after all. Not anymore.

Heather watched her for a minute, quietly, and then sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said, sounding weirdly formal. “I remember what we talked about some while ago, and… Well, judging by how you haven’t openly proclaimed your love yet and your gloomy mood… I guess the one you had feelings for isn’t someone your father would approve of?”

Astrid pressed her lips shut, her hands around the mug tightening. This was not why she’d come here. She didn’t want to talk about this, about him, didn’t want to think. She wasn’t strong enough for that, not yet. “No, he’s not,” she mumbled weakly. “And-and it’s over anyway.” Saying it out loud, now that she knew it was true, hurt even more, and she hoped that Heather would drop the topic now. But apparently, she wasn’t that lucky.

“I see,” Heather sighed. “Well, again, I’m sorry for you. But this is part of what I meant, you know? When you asked me about how it feels to be in love and I told you to be careful? And it’s probably better this way anyway, that it’s over I mean.” She sighed again. “Gods, I sound heartless. I’d apologise, but what I wan– what I need to tell you won’t sound any better to you.”

Astrid wanted to make her stop talking, to order her if necessary, but she couldn’t find her voice. Unbiddenly, just thinking about him made images and memories flash through her mind, of his shining eyes when he smiled, of his touch when he cradled her cheek, of his warmth when he held her in his embrace. They flooded through her, leaving her powerless to rein them back in, and only Heather’s voice – even as it had caused this in the first place – was able to tear her out of it again.

“The thing is… I know that a marriage out of love is one of the best things that can happen to a person. But you are more than just an ordinary person! You aren’t just responsible for your own happiness, but also for that of your people. And even though I wouldn’t want to begrudge you a love match… I want to ask you to make a prudent choice. Please, think of your people.”

Astrid was trembling, but with the painful memories had also come the numbness of the last few days. As if her body and mind reacted on reflex, shutting down to ward off any harm. “What exactly are you asking of me?” she heard herself ask, her eyes on the little waves on the tea’s surface.

Heather gave a deep sigh. “I… I want to ask you to marry Dagur – or his horse-crazy boyfriend, if necessary. These two… with their impossible relationship and their refusal to marry and take responsibility, they’re a bigger threat to the Kingdom’s stability that those pathetic Malarians who can’t do anything but be an annoying pain at the border. Please, I-I’m begging you. It is within your power to separate them and end this selfish infatuation of theirs that so easily can turn half the Kingdom into chaos. Marry Dagur and give him an heir. It’s w-what the people need!”

There was a heavy silence once Heather stopped talking. To Astrid, it felt oppressive, like a thick blanket smothering everything; every sound, her thoughts, her movements, even the air to breathe. Only slowly, she managed to raise her head and to look at the other woman.

Heather was clearly afraid of having spoken her mind so openly. She was watching her with wide eyes, one hand over her mouth to cover it, the other wrapped around herself in something like a protective gesture. It was a funny sight, in a way. This woman, who had adamantly fought expectations and the people who had wanted to keep her in the place she’d been born into, was afraid of her, a powerless puppet who wasn’t even allowed to choose what she was wearing? It was ridiculous.

But Astrid felt too numb to laugh. Instead, she silently gazed at the woman who she’d thought of as a friend until now. “Thanks for the tea,” she eventually whispered, let go of the untouched mug, and rose to her feet to leave.

In passing, she heard Heather mumble another “I’m sorry!” but she wasn’t in a condition to accept the words.

Tuff looked up in surprise when she appeared next to him, but quickly caught on to her mood after he caught her expression. “Guess that didn’t go as Ruff hoped, eh? What a surprise… You wanna go back?”

Astrid nodded and mutely followed Tuff back to her chambers. And all the while, her head was spinning around what Heather had said.

How dare she? How dare she ask something like this of her? Essentially, it was the same thing the King had asked of her, the same he had suggested. But marrying Dagur – or Eret or Snotlout for that matter – that was insane! How could people even think of this option? It was ridiculous, and wrong, and simply impossible.

. o O o .

No matter how much Astrid tried to dismiss Heather’s suggestion as pure idiocy, the thought kept popping up in her mind at the weirdest of moments. Over and over, she mulled it over in her head, all the reasons why it was a stupid idea and could never work out. It was annoying – but she was still grateful for it. Thinking about this kept her mind occupied and prevented her from drowning in pain. At night, she was still helpless to the onslaught of memories, crying until she had no tears left, but at least during the day she was managing better now. And during dinner two days later, she was even able to pay attention to what happened around her again.

“Hey, Dag. Could you hand me the cheese plate?”

The question came from Snot next to her, and Astrid reacted without thinking as she reached for the plate that stood right in front of her and pushed it over to him.

“Uh… thanks, Astrid,” Snot grunted, clearly perplexed.

She gave him a nod and something like a small smile, then looked around into the astonished but smiling faces of her brothers. “What?” she asked, a little defensively. It wasn’t as if she usually was too proud to help either.

Eret’s smile softened a little. “Nothing. It’s just good to have you back.” She frowned, but he didn’t elaborate and she was grateful for that. She really hadn’t been here lately, had she?

With a low sigh, she reached for a bread roll and the cheese as well. She did it out of reflex, to not get scolded again for eating too little, and only after taking a first bite did she realise how hungry she actually was. Maybe Ruff had been right after all. Maybe it was time for her to accept the lot fate had dealt her and roll with it. As always, the thought came with a hidden, painful sting, but she refused to let it hit her, to even let the tiniest of thoughts about… about this topic reach her consciousness. She might be more composed now, but she certainly wasn’t strong enough for that. So when Eret addressed the older men at the other end of the table a minute later, she happily focused all her attention on their conversation.

“Uncle Spitelout? I know I’m asking this every night, but have you received any news from Daniel today?”

At that, Astrid looked up with real interest now. Whenever Spitelout was at the castle, he happily took over overseeing the royal pigeonry for the time being. She’d never understood his fascination with the birds, but then, everybody needed a hobby, she assumed. It made him happy and also meant that he was always informed about what kind of messages had left or reached the castle through the homing pigeons. And even with how twisted her thoughts about Daniel were these days, she was still eager to hear from him.

However, Spitelout, who’d just pushed his plate away with a clearly satisfied sigh, just gave a little grunt and shook his head. “Sorry, boy, but there still was no answer. The last time we heard from him was a week ago when he informed us that everything goes as planned.” He shrugged. “Beyond that, ‘No news are good news’. Besides, who knows whether your message has even reached him yet? My birds only fly to their nests in Westhill, after all, and from there a courier would have to be sent out to find him and deliver your message – and while we know where the Prince is supposed to be, itineraries in that region can be seen as little more than polite suggestions.”

“Looks like you’ll have to wait until he’s back, son,” Eret II added with an amused smile. “Just be a little patient, he’ll be back in two weeks anyway.”

Eret grunted, but didn’t ask anything else, and instead focused on his overly full plate.

Astrid had watched the short exchange with a bit of apparently obvious bewilderment, so Dagur, who seemed to have caught her puzzled look, now leaned over to explain in a low voice. “Eret sent a pigeon with a message to Westhill, a day or two after… well, after this whole mess started. I read a part of it and it was hilarious; a collection of not-very-nice insults and the repeated demand for what in the name of Hel’s pale tit Daniel had been thinking.” He shrugged, grinning. “To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniel chose not to answer. I certainly wouldn’t. Either way, their next meeting is going to be fun. Chippy was fuming in the beginning, and I bet he’s still not entirely calmed down, though don’t ask me what exactly it was that had set him off like that. He didn’t even tell me.”

She threw a glance at Eret, and the tight grip with which he held his cutlery and the slightly troubled grimace on his face seemed to prove Dagur’s words true. It made her wonder. Sure, she didn’t have the most sisterly feelings for Daniel these days either; his knowing about this plan and not telling her felt like too much of a betrayal. But it made little sense for Eret to have the same reasons for his anger. She didn’t get the chance to further wonder about his behaviour though.

“I’ve got to agree, it’s good to have you back among the living,” came suddenly Snot’s voice from beside her, and when she turned to look at him, he had a wide grin on his face. “And since the kitchen provided us with this dish tonight... May I suggest you try this cold venison? It’s deer prepared after a recipe our chef in Westhill developed, and it is delicious.”

Perplexed, she watched as Snot placed a piece of the rosy meat onto her plate before she could even react. Then she grimaced, and shook her head. “No, thanks. No venison for me,” she mumbled. Snot couldn’t know her feelings there, of course. But she simply wasn’t able to eat any form of venison – or meat in general – lately. Not since her birthday.

“Snot, you really are an idiot, do you know that?” Dagur commented dryly as he reached over to pick the venison off her plate and devoured it whole. The sight made a small amused smile tug at her lips. Good manners weren’t exactly one of Dagur’s strong assets – and probably never would be.

Snot huffed, but didn’t further react to Dagur. Instead, he turned his attention back to Astrid and the cheese plate between them. “I’m sorry, how thoughtless of me. But… well, then how about this?” He cut off a piece of soft cheese with a greyish-yellow rind and held it out for her with a broad smile. “Father and I brought this on your father’s request; he liked it a lot the last time he visited Westhill. It has a rich and piney flavour that only develops when the cheese gets extra time to age.”

Hesitantly and with a slight frown, Astrid accepted the offered cheese, more out of reflex than of real interest. What was up with Snot? It wasn’t as if she didn’t know this behaviour from him; focussing all his attention on one person, being friendly and observant while more or less subtly advertising himself, his family, or his home. But so far, he’d never directed it at her! Was he actually flirting with her? He couldn’t be serious, could he? Surely, he had to be joking, overacting to throw it back into their fathers’ faces… right?

She looked at him, trying to detect something in his expression, a twitch of his lips maybe or an amused spark in his eyes. But there was nothing. Still trying to make sense of Snot’s behaviour, she took a bite of the cheese, but couldn’t help but grimace at the weirdly unctuous taste. “Urgh, sorry, but I think I’ll pass this one,” she said in as polite a tone as she could muster. She kind of appreciated Snot’s attention as it served as a good distraction, but it still left a strange aftertaste.

Hoping he would leave her be now, she wanted to reach for her glass of wine, but sighed when she found it empty.

“Here, let me get you a refill,” Snot directly prompted. He reached for one of the wine carafes at the end of the table, and before she could even blink her glass was filled again. “This one is another speciality we brought from Westhill, and if I remember correctly, you quite liked this one. ‘Rich-yet-not-overpowering berry fruit flavour surrounded with hints of cassis and cherry’ was your description, I think.”

Despite her annoyance at his renewed attention, Astrid couldn’t help but feel grateful, both for the wine and that he’d remembered. She tried a sip, and couldn’t help but hmm. The rich liquid tasted wonderful and made her relax almost instantly. Before she knew how, the glass was empty, and with a low, regretful sigh, she placed it back onto the table. She didn’t want to get drunk, couldn’t afford it, but the idea of getting rid of all her problems, if only for a few hours, was alluring. And the wine really did taste good.

So she didn’t object when Snot got her another refill, and didn’t even mind him directly diving into his next story about all the formidable vineyards they had in Westhill and how much more they could have.

With a resigned sigh, she settled on sipping her wine and tried to drone out his monologue. A part of her tried to reason that he certainly didn’t mean to annoy her into anger with his apparent flirting. Maybe she was just too over-sensitive and strained right now to detect the signs of joking.

Because he couldn’t be serious, right? He couldn’t be actually flirting with her. No matter what their fathers wanted, he was still her brother! But the longer the dinner lasted, the more plain his advances became and the more she wished to get away from him. Snot, like all of her brothers, had always been a source of comfort to her, but tonight she felt the opposite.

His behaviour reminded her of the impossible implication of her marrying one of them. Although, at least Snot didn’t seem to think it impossible, even though the thought made her shudder. Marrying one of her brothers… that was completely insane!

Wasn’t it?

. o O o .

Right...Yeah, it still feels like not much has happened in this chapter, but it's actually been a lot, I think. Many little things, development, preparation...Sorry if it sucks...

And I promise this is still very much a Hiccstrid story!

*jumps back into hiding*

Next chapter

#For The Love Of A Princess #FTLOAP #hiccstrid #hiccstrid fanfiction #hiccstrid angst #romance #Royalty AU #hiccstrid royal au #medieval au #Hiccstrid Medieval AU #httyd #Hiccup and Astrid

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crowkingwrites · 5 years

Text

Bang Bang!: Guilty (Ch.14)

Pairing: Ramsay Bolton X Reader

Summary: You are now a full-fledged member of the Red Kings. After your first successful mission, Domeric comes with troubling news: they’re being watched and there’s a mole among them. The Red Kings, Ramsay, and You now stand against a new enemy: Stannis Baratheon, a high ranking FBI member out to seek justice who may have his own dark secrets he’s trying to hide.

In this next part of the series, you will be tested, face old enemies, and encounter faces you’d thought you’d never see again. You thought you were safe, but the game has just begun.

Words: 2267 // Ao3 Link

[Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13]

Domeric read the note over and over and over. Char, I did as you asked. Don’t fuck me over. The words haunted and bothered him.

“You’re talking to Ben?” Domeric stood up and followed Charlotte. “Why are you talking to Ben without telling me?”

“What? Are you jealous?” Charlotte yelled back. Ben followed her voice into their shared bedroom where Charlotte was angrily folding clothes.

“I’m not!”

“You are! I went to Ben for some help because I knew you would be like this,” Charlotte responded.

“Like what? Jealous?” Domeric threw it back in her face. “Ben had less than noble intentions with you. There’s history there. And you went to him for help. Why?”

“Because he’s the only one who really understands—

“Understands? Understand what?” Domeric shouted. “You’re my fiancée, right? Explain it to me. Your future husband.” Charlotte scoffed.

“I fucking knew you would be jealous. It’s not even worth it.”

“No! Explain it to me. What am I not understanding that Ben understands? What is it?” Domeric threw his arms in the air. Charlotte stopped folding clothes and narrowed her eyes at him.

“You don’t fucking listen, do you?”

“Apparently, I fucking don’t,” Domeric matched his lover’s rage. Blood started to boil under his skin so intensely, goosebumps rose on his arms.

“It’s Ramsay.”

“No, no, no,” Domeric started to leave the room. “I’m not listening to this again.”

“We need to do something about him! Or are you fucking blind?” Charlotte said with increasing anger. Domeric kept his arms at his sides, he feared he would raise them soon if Charlotte didn’t stop.

“Ramsay is my little brother. How do you want me to stop him? Hm? You want me to hurt my family?”

“No that’s not— “That’s not what? What you meant? You want to stop Ramsay? Go ahead and try then,” Domeric threw his vase to the ground.

“Domeric, you need to cal—

“Calm down?” Domeric laughed, continuing down the hallway. “I won’t. You think I need to hurt my little brother.”

“He’s kicked her out, Dom,” Charlotte said. “Ben and I have been talking. Ben’s told me that their operation to shut down Stannis isn’t going well. Y/N did what she does best and seduced someone. Ramsay felt like he was cheated on and he kicked her out.”

“Why are you on her side?” Domeric asked. “Seriously, why? What do you know about her?”

“Excuse me?”

“You know nothing about her. She could be a fucking snake to Ramsay—

“Oh, and like Ramsay is a saint, right? God forbid someone treat Ramsay the Good wrong. Fuck you.”

“You think my brother is a fucking monster for fighting with his girlfriend? I’m fighting with you right now, am I a monster too?” Domeric shouted. His voice raised making Charlotte freeze to the spot and her eyes flinch.

“No, I don’t think you’re a monster,” Charlotte said in an even tone. “I just don’t think you’re understanding me completely. Ramsay is spiraling. He needs help. He killed Beth. He’s going to kill Y/N.”

“Ramsay’s killed a bunch of people. You don’t feel bad for them?”

Charlotte shook her head. She let out a long sigh. Her fingers rubbed circles on her temples. “Look. I had Ben send her away to s safe house in the northern country. To an older Red King where she’ll be safe. Locke won’t hurt anybody and I’m going to call your father. Roose needs to know this is getting too far.”

“Why are you protecting her?”

“She’s my friend! She’s a woman! She’s human?!” Charlotte snapped. “You can tell me how little I know about her. You can remind me what she is and where she came from. The point is that Ramsay is a problem. He hurts everyone around him for his own benefit. Why can’t you see that?”

“I don’t agree with you,” Domeric shook his head, crossing his arms. “You’re wrong. Ramsay is more than a one-track minded killing machine. Ramsay is intelligent. Ramsay knows what he’s doing, and he loves Y/N. They’re in a rough patch right now.” “He wanted to hurt her for flirting with another guy,” Charlotte pointed out.

“Not going to lie, but I also kind of want to hurt you right now for talking to your ex and getting help from him instead of coming to me,” Domeric threw it back at her. “Bolton men are jealous like that I guess.” The poisoned words left his mouth and reached Charlotte’s ears. Tears appeared in her eyes, but she wiped them away.

“Ben is the only one who sees Ramsay for what he is. Ramsay needs help.”

“Ramsay doesn’t need help,” Domeric argued. “You do. Ever since Y/N became a Red King, all you want to do is break her and Ramsay up. You’ve been fucking obsessed with it. You haven’t even started to plan our wedding.”

“Neither have you.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t get married then,” Domeric grabbed his keys and left the shared home they had. He started his car despite Charlotte yelling at him to come back inside the house. He drove off and kept driving. He spoke to his cell on the console.

“Hey Siri,” Domeric said in a tired tone. His phone woke up. “Siri, call Sansa Stark.”

The phone rang twice before someone answered on the other side.

“Dom? Are you calling me?” Domeric heard Sansa’s voice and a warm feeling settled in his stomach. He was home again.

“Sansa, we need to talk,” Domeric’s eyes searched for words on the highway. “Things are—

“Getting bad again?” Sansa finished his sentence. “Where are you?”

“I’m going to Chicago. Can you meet me there?”

“I thought you were closer to Las Vegas?”

“I can’t risk being seen with you in Vegas. Not with my father’s dogs hunting around there for you. I can keep you safe in Chicago.”

“Is it that bad?” Sansa asked. Domeric paused before he answered.

“I miss you. I think I really need you,” Domeric choked up. “Call me when you get to Chicago.”

Jon Snow wore his best suit he could find on short notice to Stannis’ office. Stannis had been good friends with Ned since Ned’s arrival in Washington D.C. After his mysterious s death in New York City, Stannis kept Jon close to his side and aiding him however he could. Jon did not look forward to meeting with the disgraced FBI director who failed the Red Wedding.

Especially when Jon was busy with a very pretty girl during the evening when all of those immigrants crossed the border illegally on his watch.

His hands shook as he entered the building. He cleared his throat more than once and straighten out his back. He needed to have some sort of spine to face Stannis.

“Good afternoon, Jon,” Stannis greeted Jon as he stepped into his office. Stannis office looked more of the same as any other office of a government official. All of his furniture was made of polished wood. Pictures of his family hung next to plagues of accomplishments and achievements. An entire government career based on organization, order, and military discipline.

Jon sat in one of the two seats in front of the desk. “Hello, Mr. Baratheon.”

“You can call me, Stannis, I told you that.”

“If we’re being frank, sir, I’m afraid to.”

Stannis closed his laptop and set it aside. His eyes met with Jon’s. “Jon, I’m sure you’re aware of the immigration leak. I heard you weren’t around. Care to tell me where you were.”

“I thought I would leave work early,” Jon admitted. “I had a lot of things running through my head and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I sincerely didn’t think I would be leaving five men for the last time. I was at a bar with my work phone turned off. I know I’m not supposed to do that, but everything’s been so stressful lately—

Stannis held up his hand. “You’re not being fired today, Jon Snow.”

“I’m not?”

“No, quite the opposite,” Stannis revealed. He handed Jon a new flash drive. Jon turned it over in his hands. “With everything that’s been happening in our blessed United States of Westeros, I think it’s time I let my associates know the bigger picture. There is an underbelly present in USW. There are illegal people here, they’re bringing their weapons, their drugs, and their filth into this great country. There’s people born in this great country taking advantage of it to better themselves. I’m through stressing out every night. I’m doing something about it.”

“What exactly are you going to do about it?” Jon gripped his seat. He had a bad feeling about all of this.

“You, for starters,” Stannis pointed at him. “You’re my new and personal spy. You’ve worked in espionage before. You have little to no family, so you’re the perfect candidate.”

“Are you removing me from the Border Wall?”

“Yes, your new mission is to the find the Red Kings.” Stannis opened a picture of the Bolton family on his laptop. “This is the Bolton family. They’re known to be the leaders of the Red Kings, but we have zero evidence of any of them.”

“Why started with the Red Kings? If the underbelly is as serious as you say, why not start with finding my sisters? Arya’s been gone for so long and she’s always been a wild one, and now Sansa? My brothers? Last I heard of Theon Greyjoy, he was kidnapped. What about the Red Wedding? Why not revisit that case?”

“I am,” Stannis clarified. “The Red Kings are the head suspects for the Red Wedding. The Red Kings kidnapped Theon Greyjoy. The Red Kings know what happened to your brothers, Bran and Rickon. As far as I’m concerned, Sansa could be with them.” Jon froze to the spot. He had been dragged through the mud and spent many sleepless nights on how to fix his family. Now, he knew exactly who to find.

“If I find them, can I destroy them?” Jon coldly asked. Stannis smiled. He knew he had the right pawn for the job.

“Anything you need.”

Locke let his mind wander once more in the car. His time in solitude changed him into a reflective man. He remembered how his little girl would be so happy to see him when he came home from missions. He also remembered the birthdays he missed. He remembered the miserable event of your high school graduation and the inevitable day where he discovered you had run away.

He wanted to blame himself, but he knew it wasn’t his fault. He may have been away for a lot of the important times in your life, but both of you had to suffer your mother together.

Locke did not have too many happy memories of his only wife. He spent a lot of his life trying to make her happy. After a few, hard discussions, she realized what she was missing: a child. Locke and his wife tried over and over and over again. Nothing happened for years. His worst fears came true when Locke discovered he was infertile.

As devastating as that was, he felt relieved. He never thought he would make a good father. That is, until his wife introduced him to the idea of foster care.

“We’ll just host a child here, and they can move along. We don’t have to adopt,” she shared. “Besides, you won’t be here as much. You won’t have to be a real father.”

Locke wasn’t too happy with the idea until one long and awful night. He had just got back from another mission. His head rang like a bell, and his gut hurt from the bad job from the night nurse. His wife met him at the secretive makeshift hotel hospital for criminals. The whole place was outfitted with stolen medical equipment and comfortable beds that the old hotel left behind.

“You didn’t have to visit me here,” Locke said.

“I did,” Kathy smiled. Locke’s wife ran her hand up and down his arm. “This is where we met, remember?”

“Yeah, I remember,” Locke smirked. “I remember how good you look in one of those nurse’s uniforms.” Kathy slapped his arm. Both of them laughed at the happy memory. Kathy opened her mouth to say something else, but a nurse interrupted them.

“Kathy! I know you don’t work here anymore, but we need you. It’s bad. It’s a Code Blue.” Kathy rushed out of the room with her friend. Kathy returned a half hour later with a bundle in her hands. The baby cooed and grabbed onto her finger. Locke sat up, confused.

“You’re back with a baby?”

“Someone came here with her. Someone in bad shape. She had this baby with her, and…she’s gone now, but no one knows whose baby this is,” Kathy explained. “She has nothing just a blanket and her clothes.” Locke caught sight of you. Maybe it was your eyes or the way you smiled at him, but he felt something deep inside of him when he held you for the first time.

“If anything happened to you, I would kill everyone. Do you hear me? I’m going to protect you now.” Locke blinked back his tears in his eyes. He still drove on the highway towards a certain destination. He looked over to your form sleeping in the passenger seat of the car. So much has happened to you and he could have prevented it.

“I should’ve fucking listened to Roose,’ he muttered to himself. “I’m such an idiot.”

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#bang bang #bang bang guilty #bbg #ramsay bolton #ramsay snow #ramsay #ramsay bolton modern au #imagine ramsay bolton #ramsay bolton imagine #ramsay bolton x reader #ramsay bolton/reader #got #game of thrones #game of thrones imagine #got imagine

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amnachil · 5 years

Text

The College Society Chapter 1 Part 3

Hi :) Here is the next part, sorry for the little delay !

Enjoy :3

Liam Saturday September 9 – Sunday September 10

Pasta's Place was a rather famous restaurant in town. Located near to his appartement, it was a nice and wide building, which probably could host more than one hundred of customers at one time. By the way, Liam didn't want to work here at first, but he needed money. The boss and owner, Shannon Liliano, was the sister of Mrs. Liliano, who owned a bakery in his highschool's town, and thanks to his mother acquaintance, he had been hired here. The boy arrived at Pasta's Place at 3pm, and introduced himself to the young girl who welcomed him.

"Well, nice to meet you Liam." she said. "I'm Judith Liliano, but you can call me Judy. I will present you to the team and then explain the work. You'll see, it's easy once you get used to it."

They started by meeting their coworkers, and then he helped to get the restaurant ready for 5pm, hour of opening. Judy explained him approximately everything. She was nice and kind, and Liam felt reassured by her attitude. Eventually, the first customer came in, and the process began. The young lad was doing the dishes on the washboard. It was exhausting, way more than he thought. C'mon Liam, you can do this. Think about the money. Moreover, it was also repetitive, and he felt quickly bored. (He wasn't used to work a long time on something... He was more the kind of boy to let his mind ramble). Fortunately, after four hours, Judy came to see how he was doing.

"I can imagine it's a little frustrating, but someone needs to do it." she told him. "I was at your place not that far ago."

"Don't worry, I can handle it." he assured.

(To be honest, he was tired, his hands were trembling and he had an headache, but she would take him for what, if he admitted this ?) (He didn't have a lot of pride, but at least enough to not confess he was weaker than her). (Was it seriously that hard every night ? Because he wasn't sure to be really able to handle it).

"Liam, are you there ?"

The lad blinked, surprised. He stared at her, and frowned. Did she said something ?

"You literally were sleeping on your feet, were you ?" she asked while holding her laughs.

"May... Maybe... It's exhausting you know ? I don't know how you have handle this so far."

Realizing what he was saying, he blushed. Can I really be that clumsy ? Judy just laughed.

"You deserved a break big boy. Come with me."

She led him towards the kitchen to a little room, where worker were supposed to eat during their breaks. The girl told him to sat, and took two plates from a counter. She took a place in front of him, and smiled.

"You'll see why we're quite famous in town."

Liam looked his plate (obviously it was pasta) and the surrounding. In a corner, there were a TV switched on, but otherwise, they were alone.

"I'm not really hungry." he said.

His gurgling stomach belied his words, and he blushed. Judy stared at him with a smile, and ate a big mouthful of her own plate.

"Don't be shy. A big and strong man like you have to eat anyway. Besides, our pasta are really really good. You'll love it."

Did I already tell I have no willpower ? The young lad didn't want to eat. Food wasn't its friend anymore. (Yeah, food was like a living thing). But his belly and Judy were insisting. Liam took his fork, and started to eat. As promised, it was awesome. He didn't imagine pasta could have this taste. Without any restraint, he polished his plate in no time, and felt rather satisfied.

"As I told you." laughed Judy. "Do you want more ?"

"No."

Liam realised he answered too fast, and too agressively. I really don't want anything more but I don't have to be this rude.

"No thanks." he corrected himself. "It was nice, but I'm fine now."

As he said before, food wasn't its friend anymore. He remembered him too many bad memories. I have to put limits, that's all... C'mon, let's back to work.

The ringtone of his phone woke him up the next morning around 11am. Like an undead (or whatever, the point being he was dozy), he stood up and checked his phone. Mom, 38 calls. Okay... Slowly, he put his phone back and laid down onto his bed. Wait... Mom, 38 calls ?! He raised up suddenly, and realized what it meant. He was supposed to meet her this morning ! Without even taking the time to dress, he rushed towards the door and opened. Rachel Strucker was waiting there, drinking a coffee in a little procelain cup. Wearing an original flowery hat, a long red dress and high heel, she smiled cheerfully to her son.

"38 calls before you finally wake up, that's less than I expected."

"Hi mom."

She entered in the room, and put her purse shaped like a heart in a corner. Well, at least she didn't change that much since the last time I saw her... I bet she'll firstly say it's dusty, or I'm not her son.

"Are you eating well Liam ?"

Shup up. Not you mom, the voices who are laughing. (To err is human, after all). (He was still his son). Of course she would ask that. She had noticed month ago that he stopped to enjoy his food.

"Don't worry mom, I'm fine. By the way, how are ya doing ?"

Liam knew she went through a difficult period with the problems they had been facing recently. It was already impressive that she didn't fall into depression. After all, between him moving and his siblings leaving... (That was a part of the sad story Liam didn't want to tell).

"At least I'm alive." she answered quite ironically. "But we're not here to discuss about me. Did I said your appartement was dusty ?"

"Not yet, but I reckon you thought it loudly."

His mother nodded unthinkingly, and took a close look at him. She sighed with weariness, and threw up her hands.

"My lord, tell me what went wrong with this boy ?"

What ? He blinked, surprised. She was waiting something, but he didn't know what. Just think Liam... What did you do wrong ? Maybe she glimpsed the beer in the fridge ? Or the pizza, the burgers and the pasta. It would have been a problem, but she didn't open the fridge yet. Did she have a new haircut ?

"You're in underwear Liam." she eventually sighed. "And despite the fact I find you cute my little boy, I must remind you I'm your mother. Go get dressed please."

Rebecca Wednesday September 13

Since the induction seminar, things were going well for the young girl. After all, several members of the swimteam were nicer than she first thought, and she started to feel at ease with them. And for her delight, she now had two friend in her promotion. Well, more one friend and one fucking little smart Aleck. After all, she wouldn't really consider Nick as a friend. He was too immature, noisy and mischievous. Anyway, Rebecca finished her diner quickly, took her bag and went to the pool with a mix of excitation and fear. She had not make any swimming yet, and she was eager to show her team what she was capable of. She entered in the locker room, get dressed, and then went in the pool. She glimpsed Nick, sat on a bench playing at his gameboy, and Laura, selecting swimming caps for the next tournament. The other were all in the pool. I somtimes wonder why Nick joined this team... He had nothing of a sportsman. Well, he got a "normal" body, tall and slim, without neither muscle nor fat, just a flat stomach and chest. Theo appealed her attention when he shouted :

"Hey Rebbie, are you going to train a bit ? I want to see what you're able to do !"

"Coming captain."

She kindly went into the water, and once perfectly ready, she started to swim in crawl. Slowly at first, and then faster and faster. Quickly, she did a serie of lenght, tempting the others. Theo yelled :

"Faster Rebbie ! Faster !"

Maybe he didn't know that, but he used exactly the same sentence than Bob. The sentence she got used to when she needed to do her best. That was why she sped up. She could hear the clappings, the supports, but only Theo's words counted. Faster. When she eventually finished her series, they all were astounded. A bunch of students rushed her to congrat her performance. Rebecca smiled. Guys, I'm a national athlete, to surpass my limits is my job, you don't have to be so surprised. She felt proud of herself while listening to them, but she lost her smile for a second when she glanced at Nick. This asshole didn't move from his bench, at all. He didn't even raise his head. He was still playing. He could have at least watch me ! She wanted to tell him something, but a remark caught her interest.

"Black girl are always good for sports." was saying the sophomore called Matthew. "It's natural."

Rebecca turned towards him and frowned spitefully.

"What do you mean ? You think I'm doing this only because I'm black ?"

"It's playing, at least."

She clenched her fist and wanted to punch him in the balls without any hesitation, but Theo took part hastidly and placed himself between them.

"C'mon guys. She did well, it's the only thing which matter. Just go back to your training now."

They all obeyed, but Rebecca and this asshole of Matthew stared nastily at each other for a long time...

After the training, in the shower, the young girl was still pissed by this fucking motherfucker. He dared tell she was good because she was black ! Seriously ? He's jealous. A girl is better than him, he's just jealous. Laura, who was next to her, whispered :

"You know, this bar of soap did nothing wrong."

Rebecca blinked, surprised. (She was crushing the soap in her fist). Theo's girlfriend smiled softly.

"There will always be people to point out your difference when you're better or worst than them. It's safer to ignore them as much as possible."

"I know that." responded the black girl to Laura. "But I expected university to be different. In my highschool, a lot of girls and boys were laughing at me because I was tall and athletic. They said I was a boy without balls. I thought this was over now."

"Sorry to disappoint, but college isn't a paradise." confessed the small girl. "We may be older and freer, we're not perfect for all that. Racism still exist, as all the vice which affect humanity."

Rebecca nodded slowly. She knew that, even if she pretended the contrary. Matthew was just a stupid jackass, and sadly not the only one.

"Anyway, you're really good at swimming." continued Laura. "Theo was stunned by your performance. I think he would love to see you in tournament."

"I'm sorry, I already told you I can't. I have to focus on running."

Bob agreed for a sport, but not for competitive sport. He thought she could manage to practice swimming, but she had to keep her mind focused on running. Plus, her parents wanted her to study. And I can't count on Nick nor Liam to help me with lessons... The first one was certainly too geek to be a good student, and the second was... miles away.

"It's exactly what I told him." assured Laura. "But Theo is a bit stubborn when it comes to tournament, so don't be mad if he insist a bit."

"Don't worry. I didn't saw him train, by the way. Did he give up to be trainer ?"

She knew he was doing law studies, and was quite good at it. According to Pete, his father was a famous lawyer, and the son followed in his footsteps. However, Rebecca mainly saw him drunk or stoned.

"He's training during the afternoon, with me. It's quieter." revealed the small brunette girl. "And trust me, he's good. Anyway, will you come to the induction seminar of our sorority this weekend or have you a tournament ?"

"Well, I have a big training and a tournament." replied Rebecca. "Is that bad to miss this event ?"

"Not so much... As you probably guessed, we'll drink, make party and drink again... Plus, the fraternity Theta Omicron will be right next to us so... we'll certainly also have sex."

The black girl smiled, discomforted. She was not used to this kind of talk, because she didn't really have many female friends... (Honestly, she didn't have friends from highschool at all). Laura, who have finished her shower, got dressed and headed towards the door.

"See you soon Rebbie. Good night." she concluded.

Pete Friday September 15

One week after the beginning of the classes, the young lad started to understand why Friday wasn't a good day. His private law's professor gave them an essay, as the last week. And he hated this, because he had to make it during his sunday's evening in addition to his new job at Mcdo. It was a part-time job, in order to finance his studies. Pete went out of the amphiteater B, and glimpsed Theo, waiting for him leaning back against a wall. Jeezus... I shouldn't do this. Just... I should ran away. Despite his thoughts, he came closer, and smiled to the swimteam captain. This one was wearing a singlet and a bermuda short, showing his perfect body to whom wanted to see it. He had this dark handsome stranger style Pete loved. When they were close, the captain smiled.

"Hi little boy. Why are you blushing like this ?"

You know why... Damnit, this is bad. Since the induction weekend, they grew closer. Sexually closer. In highschool, Pete experienced several boys, despite not being popular, (there always are some boys curious, and he was glad to show them), but Theo was... at another level. But in the same time, the swimteam leader was dating Laura. I'm a lover, I'm not official... that's not good. Nevertheless, it was so enjoyable. And Theo was so hot.

"You're just... good-looking today." answered softly Pete. "Even more than yesterday."

"But less than tomorrow..." whispered his friend. "This induction seminar of the fraternity will be... joyous."

As he said "joyous", Theo slipped his hand under Pete's tee-shirt, and stroked his belly. My god. It feel so nice... Looking around, the young lad realized they were alone, all the students were gone to eat. He focused on his captain, and murmured :

"Are you seriously loving me being a bit fat ? I think it's kinda weird, you know ?"

Theo barely listen to him. While his right hand continued to rub Pete's stomach, he kissed him in the neck, and came closer. His hardenning penis struck against the freshman's short. I can't control this... He is too hot, too eager...

"You're not fat." whispered Theo. "You're perfect... This little pudge is perfect...Don't hold yourself back from doing sex, you know you want it... Relax yourself."

Pete hesistated a second. The time his lover put his hand down in his boxer. Then, he gave himself to Theo.

This night, Pete came back to his appartment quite late. He worked at Mcdo until 2am, and felt tired. And I have to wake up early in order to get ready for the induction seminar... Honestly, he was dying to go, and to have sex with Theo as much as possible. (He knew it was bad, but he couldn't restrain himself). However right now, he wanted to sleep. Gently, he went to the bathroom, and get naked. Pete took a moment to watch himself. His momma had told him he was ugly, back in the times, but with Theo, he didn't feel ugly. She was doing this only to provoke me. And she's crazy anyway. Blond, with blue eyes, he was 177 cm (5'10") and weighted 73 kg (160 pounds). Of course he wasn't fat. Not even chubby. He just have a bit of belly, which was the reason why Theo loved him. The swimteam captain was the first man he met loving bellies. It's weird but... I please him thanks to this... Pete was aware it wasn't thanks to his personality, because they didn't know each other for a long time. Theo just liked his body. And if I lose weight, he will stop... I don't want him to stop... For now, the freshman really needed Theo in his life. His mother had assured he would fail his first year, but with the junior by his side, he felt stronger. And on the romance side, she would be happy to know he found a boyfriend. Well, he's not really my boyfriend, but she doesn't need to know that. A knock at the door made him jump.

"What the fuck you want Mike ?" he asked.

His roommate, a footballer, answered through the wood :

"I need to pee, and you're in this fuckin' bathroom for at least ten minutes now. What are ya doing ?"

"Nothing important. Wait a second."

Pete wore his pajamas, and then opened the door. He smiled to Mike. This one was a tall (really tall) and beefy freshman. He looked strangely to the smaller boy, and then sighed.

"I said I wanted to pee. You will not stay here to watch me, right ?"

To be continued

Part 5 next week ! (I said that last time too :x)

#the college society #CS #Liam #Rebecca #Pete #You need to work to attend college #sad life #food everywhere #Theo is kinky #chapter 1 #Part 3 #My Story

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drkineildwicks · 5 years

Note

*Rubs hands together* Time to go nuts >:D. Questions for A Writer's Ask Game! 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 30, 34, 38, 39, 48, 49. Also, got your last reply. Great! I'll try to send you a PM sometime soon (just know it will mostly be me gushing over your writing). Apparently tumblr keeps swallowing up my asks. Did you get the rewritten ones? If not, I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

Yes, more asks! :D

Just so you know, this one was a bit slower due to dissertation demands and length, so sorry for the delay—now let’s get to it. :D

5: How much writing do I get done a day? Three pages minimum. When I was getting my Master’s at Full Sail University, one of the pieces of advice they gave (it was in a textbook and I think was advice from Jerry Lewis?) was to write a page every day and mark it on the calendar when you did. I started doing that, making it my New Year’s Resolution to do a page a day, bumped it up to two pages when one wasn’t enough, and for the past few years have written three pages a day. I might try bumping it up again once the dissertation’s done, but it feels nice getting all that writing done. :D

9: Current WIP? Don’t make me pick one, because I never have just one—I always switch up between several WIPs on any given day, depending on where my inspiration is. Currently the focus is on some BH6 fics, but I’m swinging back around to work on my active fics (even got a page done on Shadows and Ash the other day—it was part of the interaction with Sabrina and not on the latest chapter, but still).

11: Books and authors who influenced you the most? The Bible and God. No other book or author has been as consistently inspiring or influencing. :)

13: Describe my writing process from idea to polished—start with getting the idea, wandering around the backyard raking and talking to my chickens about it and figuring it out, come back in, write about it, draw it, keep writing until finished, go back and reread and edit and exhibit frustration every time I get to where I stopped because that was some good stuff, keep writing, give a final edit before publishing. And then there’s the times when I write by the seat of my pants and post something hot off the presses, but even then I usually give it a once-over before posting. There are times when I do rewrite whole scenes when I feel it’s not working, mostly because I tend to skip around and write piecemeal to make sure I get the big highlights down and then work to fill in the gaps—most of the time what gets rewritten is when I run into my older writing that started at a different point than we ended up. Rare is the time I do more than one draft with edits though, mostly because by the time I get it down on paper I’ve gone it over in my head so much that it might as well be on its second draft by the time it’s on paper.

14: How do I deal with self-doubt? My Mom has actually been very good for this, teaching me at a very young age that you can’t please all of the people all of the time—this has gone really far in getting me okay with the attention my writing gets, as I know I have to just keep plugging away (honestly, the attention Shadows and Ash gets totally threw me—I was not expecting this). Plus, telling me that until someone else pays me to do something, to do it like I love it. Getting lessons on how to give and take critique at Full Sail helped too. And it especially helps that I really don’t have time for self-doubt.

15: See the answer to question 14—ain’t nobody got time for that, and it’s hard to have writer’s block when you have at least 100 active WIPs to cycle through. Actually, it’s good that I write every day—otherwise everything would bottle up and probably explode. :O

16: How many drafts do I need before I’m satisfied with a project? I feel like I answered this question already, but generally just the one with some edits (so maybe that counts as two). Most of the time, I just want to get everything written down before it’s lost to the ether.

19: How do I keep myself motivated? By not worrying and being happy—nothing tanks the writing mood faster than being upset over something. Other than that…just the need to get it all out on paper, I guess. Although knowing there’s people out there who like what I produce helps a lot. :D

20: How many WIPs and story ideas do I have? I said this earlier, but it bears repeating: too many to count. Over 100 active WIPs I cycle through, depending on which idea is freshest in my head, and there are still some ideas and concepts I haven’t committed to paper yet—do you have any idea how hard it is to explain to non-creative people what goes on in your head at any given moment? “What’s on your mind?” *Three thousand characters all chatting at once* “Nothing.” *three thousand characters being simultaneously offended*

21: Who is my favorite character to write? Oooh, man—this tends to vary depending on story and day, and if we’re talking just Shadows and Ash I’d have to go with Frenzy, because that bug is a mess. XD In general though…I think Maxwell from Don’t Starve—it’s the combination of the surface-level charlatan snarky sarcastic huckster combined with the base-level imposter complex that has him mentally flogging himself combined with a trickster mentality where his favorite moment is when he one-ups or completely throws a person that’s fun to write. But boy, I’d hate to meet him in person—probably’d punch his lights out if I did.

23: Favorite author—that would be God. :)

25: Favorite part of writing—going back and rereading it and going now that’s some good stuff yes I love it. Least favorite part would be hitting the end and going dangit I gotta write more now.

30: Favorite idea I haven’t started on yet—ooh man…not sure, because usually when I love an idea I have to at least jot something down because it hits me so hard. I do love the concept for Obake Itoko, need to work on the actual current storyline more than the season one stuff. As for stuff I’ve written but haven’t posted yet…love the concepts behind Ghost’s Fury, My Brother’s Wings, and Obake Yashi—AKA the stories that have been sucking up all my free time lately.

34: What was the hardest scene I’ve ever had to write—anything with emotions. I can do snark, I can do silly, but emotions, oi—EMOTIONS ARE HARD, OKAY???

38: Weirdest story idea I ever had—a Yu-Gi-Oh!/Gremlins crossover with Yugi as Gizmo and Yami as Stripe. It came from a joke between me and a college friend years ago, snowballed, never had anything written for it but I did do some art for it that I never posted and I have concerns that the full concept is still there in the back of my head and fresh enough that that’s the first thing I thought of. O^o

39: Weirdest character concept I ever had—see Question 38.

48: What’s the most self-insert character/scene I’ve ever written? PFFFAHAHAHAHAHA—friend I can count on one hand the number of fics I’ve written where a self-insert doesn’t show up. My first forays into fanfiction involved me going on adventures with the Yu-Gi-Oh! gang—self-insertion is the norm for me, not the exception, and I never understood the hate it gets; I have too much fun to care to be honest. :)

49: Which character would you most want to be friends with, if they were real? Probably Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh!—mostly because he’s the least life-threatening I always enjoyed his character and he’s a lot of fun to write and read and see. And I’ve always wondered how that hair would work in real life….

Thank you for your questions! And everyone remember that asks are still open but I’ll be slow in getting to them because of dissertations. XP Anyone have any suggestions on Tumblr eating messages? I’m still too much of a noob here to know anything about that. :O

#asks are open

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quicksilversquared · 5 years

Text

There’s No Camembert in Tibet: Chapter 13

links will be in the reblog.

The Valley of the Temples was stunning.

A clear blue stream meandered through the middle of the valley. The emerald green meadow sloped up gently towards the edges, turning into forest before they sloped upwards abruptly in a circle of rolling foothills, merging into several low mountain peaks. Taller mountains peeked over the slopes from further out, some snow-capped and reaching into the clouds. The meadow was interrupted in places by stands of trees...and the ruins of the temples, right in the center of the valley.

"It was more divided up when I was here," Master Fu told them as they all followed him down the valley, pace no longer frantic. "There were fields down there for us to grow our food, and on this far end we had out livestock. There in the middle- it's so overgrown you can't even tell where it was- that was our training area. One section was brickwork, another swept dirt. We learned many styles of combat there. And that grove over there was where we students like to sit and learn. It looks quite different now than it did back then, of course. A large part of it got flattened in the fight, and a good many new trees have come up."

They all stared as they peered around, trying to envision the large valley full of life. It was hard to visualize, especially since the whole place had a lonely, abandoned feel to it. The former fields were overgrown, no hints of the previous crops left in them. The bricks and swept dirt of the training area weren't even visible. The forest had clearly started to creep forward over time, smaller trees springing up on the edge. If they squinted, they could see where the remains of some structures had been near the stream.

And as they got closer to the center of the valley, the ruins of the temples came into clearer relief. In the corner of the largest one, a white light gleamed and swirled.

Chat Noir swallowed hard. Ladybug slid closer to him, wrapping her fingers around his. Lycaena wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a side hug as they walked. The Rat gave them a puzzled look, and Chat Noir did his best to square his shoulders and look unaffected by the swirling mass of magic light that warned that his mom was trapped there, because it would not do for the Rat to figure out who he was now.

Not that he actually thought that the Rat would be a threat, but he just wasn't comfortable with it.

They were actually here. His mom was so close, and hopefully, hopefully, he would have her back within twenty-four hours. He wouldn't be able to run up and hug her like he so desperately wanted to- he had to keep his secret identity secret from her, just in case- but he would be able to see her, and know that she was safe.

The nerves were building in his stomach.

"We can set up camp by that orchard over there," Jade Turtle told them, pointing as he headed that way. "There's a mountain stream that runs nearby, and we can refill our water there. It's also gorgeous."

"And not too close to the ruins, which are creepy," Queen Bee piped up. "And- is that a graveyard?"

"I did mention that there was a battle here, right?" Jade Turtle reminded her. "It was not like the akuma battles in Paris. There were heavy casualties."

Queen Bee shuddered. "Gross."

Chat Noir blinked, then looked to the Rat. The other user couldn't understand the conversation at all, of course, but was also looking at the graveyard. Chat Noir looked again, and noticed something odd. Some of the graves were fresh.

Like, just-this-past-month fresh. Or just-a-few-months-ago fresh. Which in turn suggested that there had been burials in the not-so-distant past, even if there hadn't been people dying here recently.

Which also suggested that the Rat hadn't just been returning to the valley just to keep it safe from invaders. He had been returning to give his fallen ancestors and their companions and teachers the burial they deserved.

...that had to be really depressing.

Master Fu pointed out a few more things- some of the old dorms, the large garden where he often sat and studied herb lore, a crater in the ground that hadn't been there prior to the attack- but Chat Noir had more or less checked out. A slight breeze had picked up, and the magical light was bobbing and swaying with it, leaning towards them as though it could sense their presence.

Did his mom have any sense as to what was going on in the outside word while she was trapped? Or was everything just blank until she was rescued?

They reached the orchard and detransformed, pitching tents in a half-circle. Mrs. Cheng and Master Fu worked on preparing the kitchen area while the rest of them headed off with the water filter and every water vessel that had been brought along on the trip.

"Dibs on using this first," Chloe said as she filled up one of their Sun Showers. "I will die if I have to wait another week to get a hot shower, and I know that the sun's gonna go down soon."

"I'll go last," Nino volunteered. "It takes me less time to wash up, so I don't mind as much if my water isn't super warm. Or I can go if someone doesn't have enough water in their bag for someone with long hair to do a complete shower."

"We're going for two people per bag, then?" Marinette asked as she filled their second Sun Shower. "Making sure to turn the water off while soaping up?"

"That's the only way we'll even be able to hope to get through everyone this afternoon." Adrien capped off another water bottle before reaching for the next one. "And we might have to do the heat some water in a pot, mix it with a bit of cool water, and then dump it over our heads thing to get everyone through. The sun isn't going to be up forever."

"A couple people could go tomorrow after the valley tour and before we try the spell," Marinette pointed out. "If we need to. It's possible that the last four people might just have to deal with lukewarm water."

They finished filling up all of the bottles and bags with water and headed back. Master Fu already had veggies chopped up for a stew, and Mrs. Cheng was mixing up a flatbread to have with it. The Rat had prowled off somewhere, just leaving the seven of them.

"We'll have dinner cooking soon," Master Fu told them as they set up water bottles and put the sun shower bags out in the sun. "And then we can practice reciting the spell. I know I introduced it earlier in the trip, but, ah..."

"I've forgotten it," Chloe announced right away. She scoffed at Marinette's startled expression. "What? It's not in French, so obviously I wouldn't remember it."

"I've been working on memorizing it every night! Well, almost," Marinette corrected herself when Alya gave her a dubious look. "Every night when we weren't completely exhausted. I tried to get a section memorized, and Tikki coached me."

"And I generally know it because of her, I just need to polish it up a bit," Alya chimed in. Nino nodded.

"Same. I've been listening to Adrien practice."

"Well of course Adrien knows it," Chloe sniffed, apparently choosing to ignore the fact that the others had been working steadily on learning the spell as well. "He's good at remembering stuff in other languages. And I'll work hard on it. I'm good at memorizing things short-term when I work on it. It's how I pass all of my exams. It's easier than studying a bunch."

"That's a, ah, very useful skill," Mrs. Cheng managed, looking as though it wasn't very nice at all but she felt as though she had to say something. "But I suppose we should start working on that right away. We want to be ready for tomorrow, after all."

"And the spell won't work in French, are we sure?" Chloe asked, clearly still not enthused about the idea "Because that would be easier to memorize."

"The kwamis think that it wouldn't work," Master Fu told her. "And it's not as though there's a direct translation for all of the words. This is just how we know the spell works, so I don't want to mess with it."

"Fine," Chloe grumbled. "That's still stupid, if you ask me. But I can start now. So, what's the spell, again?"

The sun was high in the sky by the time they headed to the temple ruins the next day, all transformed and with the intention of trying out the spell for the first time. They had spent the previous evening taking their showers and polishing up their knowledge of the spells. Marinette, Adrien, and Mrs. Cheng (and, of course Master Fu) all had it memorized. Nino and Alya needed work on their pronunciation. Chloe...

...well, at least she had thrown herself into it and made a good bit of progress. And while they were taking a tour of the valley that morning after their lie-in, the Rat drilled her on the spell.

They were ready. Hopefully.

Chat Noir's grip around Ladybug's hand had grown tighter as they drew close to the dancing light. She gave him a gentle squeeze back, but it was hard to tell if it had helped at all.

"Okay, everyone form a circle," Jade Turtle called. "The main seven, I mean. Try for even spacing. Okay. Now, hands out, like so. We'll go in three, two, one-"

Ladybug raised her hands to mimic Jade Turtle and carefully started reciting the spell. They had worked on it so that they would all talk at the same rate. The column of light grew more solid, settling into a human height. It grew brighter, and brighter, and brighter-

-and then dimmed, thinning out and going back to normal when they were only partway into the spell. Ladybug frowned, hoping that maybe that was just something that was supposed to happen.

They got to the end of the spell. The light remained as it was.

"Once more?" Jade Turtle suggested. There was a slight from on his face. "All together?"

They started again. The same thing happened. The Rat spoke up, saying something in Mandarin. Ladybug looked to Chat Noir for translation.

"He said that the pronunciation might be wrong," Chat Noir explained quickly. The panicked look on his face had faded somewhat. "Which- I mean, I wouldn't be surprised."

"We probably should have had one last run-through before coming out here," Paon agreed. "I bet I was off again. And I also bet that I wasn't the only one."

"Let's break for lunch," Jade Turtle suggested. "We'll review pronunciation again there, then try again later this afternoon. We want to get this problem ironed out as soon as possible, but I'm sure you all would work better on a stomach that isn't empty."

They all made noises of agreement and moved away from the ruins, carefully picking their way over broken stone and brick. Ladybug was at Chat Noir's side immediately, and they lagged behind the group as they headed back.

"I thought it was going to work there," Chat Noir said quietly as their fingers laced together. "I really, really did. The light changed. And then it just...didn't."

"At least we're on the right track," Ladybug offered, unsure of what else she could say. "We got a reaction, even if it ended up dropping off. That's better than it, like, just not reacting at all and just being a blob of light, right?"

Chat Noir nodded and detransformed. Plagg swirled out of the ring to perch on Adrien's shoulder. The kwami looked startled, glancing around. His eyes settled on the light and he visibly drooped, snuggling up to Adrien's neck in his own form of comfort.

"We're going to try again after lunch," Ladybug, releasing her own transformation. "There were probably some pronunciation problems. We should have been spending more of our evenings practicing, apparently."

"But you've had it down perfectly these past few days!" Tikki objected. "I mean, you've got a moderately strong accent when you say things, but it's clear enough that it should work with the magic."

"We're guessing that the problem is probably Nino, Alya, and Chloe," Adrien chimed in. He was slowly recovering from the disappointment of not having their first attempt work. "They weren't quite as dedicated as Marinette about learning the spell. Alya and Nino just need to work on pronunciation. Chloe..."

"She remembered the spell pretty quickly," Marinette said. "Really quickly. The basics of it, at least. But her accent is worse than mine, and pronunciation..."

"It's harder for her to memorize exact pronunciations and words in a foreign language than it is to memorize just enough to skate by in classes at school, which she should have known." Adrien neither looked nor sounded pleased. "I would have thought that she would have put in at least a little effort beforehand."

Marinette reached out for him, her fingers curling around his arm. She didn't blame him for his frustration- none of them could believe it at first when Chloe mentioned that she hadn't even started trying to learn the spell that would release Mrs. Agreste- but it wouldn't help anything for him to get frustrated and take it out on Chloe now. They needed to stay calm, breathe, and try to help the others learn their pronunciation and remember it for at least as long as it took to get the spell to work.

"Hopefully we can get them all ready by the end of lunch," Marinette said, pulling Adrien closer. "Then we can try again. And we do have the Rat to help coach people."

Adrien nodded, and then the two of them sped up to re-join the group. Master Fu had leftovers from their dinner re-heating on the stove, and Mrs. Change was listening to Alya's recitation of the spell while Nino listened. To the side, the Rat was listening to Chloe. In the few seconds since they arrived, both had received a pronunciation correction.

"Hoo boy," Adrien muttered as they went to join Master Fu. "Okay, we definitely should have spent our rainy days getting drilled on that rather than playing games all day. And back when we were doing normal hiking, we could have been memorizing, too."

"They're all close," Master Fu told them as he handed them the water jugs to fill. "Very close. We should have just done a run-through a few times right before heading to the temple, and that probably would have eliminated the problem."

Adrien just nodded.

They practiced all through lunch, going over the same words over and over until everyone had the proper pronunciation absolutely memorized. Then the kwamis got re-charged and they headed back across the field, still muttering the spell under their breaths.

Ladybug hoped that it would work this time. It had to.

"Keep your focus, guys." Jade Turtle called. "Ready? Three, two, one-"

The pillar of light gleamed and grew stronger, getting less translucent. It condensed to the height of a human, and then started narrowing. It had just started to look human-shaped when it dimmed again, going back to the loose swirling mass.

"Let's try again," Jade Turtle suggested as soon as they had finished and nothing had changed. "Focus and make sure that you're saying everything right. I know we can do it. Again."

The same thing happened. Chat Noir's expression had turned worried again.

"Let's break again and do a bit more practice," Master Fu proposed. "Surely someone is tripping up somewhere."

Chat Noir frowned as they all stepped away again. "Again. This is going to take forever."

"It might just be one person at this point," Ladybug pointed out. "Which could be easy to fix."

"Or it could be the wrong spell and it won't work at all."

Ladybug hoisted herself up on top of a broken wall, detransforming and pulling Chat Noir against her so that his head was tucked under her chin. "Tikki, you can understand the spell, right? Does it sound like the wrong spell?"

Tikki shook her head. "No! No, it doesn't. It definitely mentions release from a trap. It sounds right, and obviously it's working to some point."

Chat Noir sighed, settling into her arms. "That's true. There must just be an error, then. You're right."

"We'll get it, kitty."

Jade Turtle came up to them then. "The others are all getting the spell right. If you two could run through it really quickly, just to check..."

Marinette went first, followed by Chat Noir. Jade Turtle's frown grew deeper.

"Well, we're all pronouncing things correctly," he said, frowning. "We got that fixed, at least. We'll try it one more time. If that doesn't work, I'll revisit the spell and see where I've gone wrong. I'll keep an eye on when we lose the spell and pay particular attention to the translation there."

Marinette transformed again and one more time, they formed their circle. Chat Noir was looking properly nervous now, but he let out a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and lifted his chin. His eyes went to Jade Turtle, awaiting the signal.

Ladybug couldn't be prouder of him. Shoe couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it must be for Adrien to stay composed and focused through their failures. She was having a hard enough time with staying focused and not letting her mind wander to worries of what if it doesn't work, and it wasn't even her mom that they were rescuing.

The group started again, frowns on all of their faces. The light grew, then died back again, just like it had before. Chat Noir pulled his eyes away from it as soon as their recitation was finished, a pained expression on his face. Ladybug was at his side immediately, wrapping him up in a hug.

"Master Fu still has to look at the spell again," she reminded him, feeling the way he leaned into her, limp and miserable. "There might be something translated wrong, or maybe there's some hand motions to go along with the spell that we don't know about. We'll figure it out, kitty cat. No matter what, we are not giving up."

Their group had headed back to the campsite in silence, occasionally glancing back at Chat Noir as they went. Once they were back, the kwamis were released in a multicolored flash of light, and then both kwamis and wielders settled down in their little cove. Master Fu headed into his tent to pull out the Miraculous book and settled down a short distance away to double-check his work.

After glancing at Adrien, Alya pulled her things out of her and Marinette's tent and brought them over to Nino's tent, waving Adrien over so he could join his girlfriend. Adrien managed a smile at her and carried his things over to Marinette's tent, crawling in immediately and setting up right next to Marinette's sleeping bag instead of on the other side of the tent like Alya had before returning to Marinette's side.

"I can't even imagine what he must be going through right now," Nino murmured in her ear as they watched Adrien. His knees were drawn up to his chest and his chin was perched on his folded arms as he stared a bit blankly at the fire that the Rat was setting up. "We've come so far, and now the spell isn't working right." He sat up straight all of a sudden. "You don't think we need all of the Miraculous active, do you? I don't know if we'd be able to find holders for them all."

Alya worried her lip. "I don't know. That seems like a really big thing to miss. But if that's the problem, then at least we would know where to go from here." She glanced over at Adrien. "But I don't know how we would be able to get away with another trip like this. It's not like it's a weekend camping trip. I had such a hard time getting my parents to agree to this, when we had no idea when the end date would be. They weren't expecting me to be gone this long, either, which is going to make it difficult if we have to go again."

Nino snapped his fingers and pointed at her. "But we know where to go, now. Maybe we could hire a 'copter- when I say we, I mean Chloe, or Nathalie once that money is cleared- and just fly out and back. Then we could say we're on a weeklong camping trip and get away with it."

"We'd have to find people with passports to be holders, though. Either that, or find people here." Alya glanced over at Master Fu again. He was immersed in his notes, brow furrowed as he checked his translation against the copy of the original text. Over on the side of the camp, Adrien was still in the same position as before, but Marinette had returned to her spot at his side. Her arms were around him and her head against his shoulder as she whispered to him. Tikki and Wayzz were there as well, clearly trying to cheer Adrien up a bit. Wayzz didn't stick along for long, though, before flitting off to re-join Master Fu and the Rat in bending over the notes in search for something that they might have missed.

"Hopefully Master Fu figures out what went wrong soon," Alya commented quietly. "So we can at least know that something wasn't right, and that was why it wasn't working, instead of just...this."

They kept sitting. Nino once opened his mouth to suggest they maybe play a game, but then caught sight of Adrien again and thought better of it. Then Sabine got up to start preparing dinner and he hopped on the opportunity to get up and help. Anything was better than sitting around and moping until they figured out what had gone wrong.

Mrs. Cheng was distracted as she directed Nino, glancing over to Adrien frequently. Nino winced as he watched, hoping that she wouldn't accidentally cut herself while working. When he saw an opportunity to take over, he took it.

"I can chop those, Mrs. Cheng," Nino said, snagging the cutting board from her. "Then you can get the, uh, rice started. Or whatever it is that we're having with this."

"Is this a ploy to get me away from the knife?" Mrs. Cheng asked with a small laugh, seeing right through him. She handed it over to him regardless. "That might be a good idea, I will admit."

Nino managed a small smile as he took the knife and started cutting. "Yeah, I can tell that you're a bit distracted."

"I so hoped that we could get the spell to work today," Mrs. Cheng told him by way of explanation. "Just to get that part of the trip over with. Hopefully we can figure out where we went wrong and try again tomorrow."

Nino nodded, slowly and carefully making his way through the vegetable cutting. "Yeah. Having to have an entire day of waiting would stink."

"It really would. And can you cut those a bit finer, please? It's so difficult to get everything to cook through in such a large pot when the pieces are big."

"On it, Mrs. Cheng!"

Even with Nino's super-careful fine chopping, dinner didn't take nearly long enough to make. He brought two bowls over to Master Fu and Tsomo, who hadn't made any move to leave their work at all, then got in the end of the line to serve himself up last.

"Do you know where our food is stored, Nino?" Duusu asked politely, appearing at his side. "We- the kwamis, I mean- are hungry, too."

"Of course, dude!" Nino leapt and the chance to stay busy. Setting his bowl aside, he dug in the big backpack with all of their food and supplies. "Okay! Uh, dried figs for Trixx, sugar cubes for Tikki, a chunk of cheese for Plagg-"

"Can I have two?"

"No, we don't want to run out. I can throw in a couple dried mushrooms, though."

Plagg made a face and snatched up his cheese. "Nah, I'll hunt for fresh ones. We have the time."

"Okay. Wayzz, some dried pea pods for you-"

"Thank you!"

"Honey for Pollen- how much do you get?"

Pollen whizzed up to him, a grin on her little face. "An entire bottle!"

Nino laughed. "You do not. Chloe, how much does Pollen get?"

Chloe glanced over. "Just use that little cup that's in the kwami food bag. That's what it's for."

Nino dug, and it didn't take long for him to find the measuring cup. "Got it! Thanks, Chloe."

Chloe just gave one sharp nod and turned back to her food.

It didn't take long for the last two kwamis to get fed, and then Nino could finally finish dishing up his own food. He sat down between Alya and Marinette, shoveling a generous forkful of food in his mouth. Across their little circle, Adrien was nervously picking at his food, but at least he did seem to be eating some.

Gah. Nino understood the tension in the group, but it was going to give him indigestion. And indigestion was not something that he wanted to deal with in the wilds, not when their options for a bathroom were behind a tree and in a destroyed ruin of an ancient bathroom.

Maybe he shouldn't complain. Normally they only had one option, aka behind a tree. Or a rock. Or a bush. But Nino couldn't deny that there was also something deeply unsettling about using the bathroom in an outhouse that had half a wall blown out and the roof completely gone, particularly when the view out of the blown-out wall overlooked the new graveyard and part of a destroyed temple.

Dinner finished, and Alya and Chloe dove in to volunteer to package up the leftovers and clean up the dishes. Nino raised a brow at Chloe's sudden enthusiasm for cleaning, but he guessed that she wanted to try to avoid the uneasy tension as much as he had earlier. He had just started trying to figure out what he could do as an excuse to get away from the campsite when there was a shout from the far side of the site. They all jumped and turned to see a triumphant-looking Master Fu sitting there, beaming.

"I have found it!" Master Fu announced, sitting straight up and grinning at them. Next to him, Tsomo was looking pleased. "With Tsomo's help, I have discovered why the spell didn't work! There was a simple mistake in my translation."

#Miraculous Ladybug #My writing #There's No Camembert in Tibet

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