#kiss to the hand before i flew away from them forever on a magic chair | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

savagenutella46 · 3 years

Text

And Thus With A Kiss I Die

Jasonette 1/1 - A fic I wrote for @moonlitceleste because she’s amazing

All quotes/title in bold italics derived from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

"Banishèd' is banished from the world, and world's exile is death."

There's no finite end to where white and black meet. Everything is shades of grey; infinite on a foreboding scale of fate and destiny: entities that push you to make the choices you do.

It had ended with a flash of light—real or her imagination, she had witnessed it between her own eyes. The kind of flashing light that tells you, "you've died."

Ladybug could still hear the shrieks and screams of civilians echoing ringingly around her, confused, scared, as to why an akumatized villain was hurting them the way that it was; this wasn't how akumatizations usually went, maybe a few scratches, worn out knees, but never this.

(—And to think, it had started out as a normal day.

Marinette rose out of bed with the same grogginess lingering at the corner of her eyes, brushed her teeth, kissed her Maman on the cheek as she ran to school, late.

You'd never suspect you were going to die on a day so normal, so domestic.)

What had this person been through before submitting to Hawkmoth with such a vicinity? How had Hawkmoth prayed to a cacophony of emotions like this—to kill, order, destroy everything in its path? Marinette would never catch an inkling, dying and all that jazz.

It's easy to see the world through a rose-colored lens. To believe that people do the things they do because they're bad. (but no one ever talks about why they do the things they do because they're good.)

And Marinette, masked in all her red-and-black glory, had pushed a frozen-with-fear civilian out of harm's way, an absurd amount of unleashed dark magic from the akuma hurtling its way toward them, and she'd taken the hit. Rolled on the ground for yards from the sheer force that the akuma's magic had flew and stricken her and pierced the skin, blood splattering and trailing as she slapped and hit the street from every possible angle.

Ladybug can't move, can't call for help when she desperately needs to, because her partner is miles away trying to fight what has her plastered to the ground, laying limp underneath her dead weight, breathing muffled and heavy underneath her physical detriment.

Ladybug's eyes droop under the weight of exhaustion, barely running on fumes before she had run out in an attempt to defeat what was supposed to be an everyday activity.—Crazy, how something can seem so domestic until its so, so much more.—A hemothorax forming in her chest where Marinette had been hit, a very open thoracic cavity filling up with blood, and she's spluttering for breath, because her throat is closed up, filled with blood from where the akuma hit her to where it burned.

It burns real bad, almost like an explosion stemming from her chest to the nerve endings on her toes. Marinette feels like she's being tortured with every meek twitch of her wrist as she lays on the ground, unable to see over the car shouldering her path, the pain burning behind her eyes, the white-hot disappointment in her heart.

—And she knows it's time. Because this is the work of fate. Her life in its hands. It had seemed miles away from Marinette just this morning, and how she wished she could go back and cherish the moments since she'd arisen from unpremeditated slumber.

She cannot. This is her destiny, as it seems. No one can be saved if Ladybug cannot save herself, can't will herself to detransform and heal herself because she can't, and she feels a gripping amount of remorse before emotions hit her all around—she should've told Adrien something, she can't recall what it is—should've told her Maman she loved her before running out the door in such a rush—should've squealed about the hot superheroes in America with Alya one last time, before she feels nothing.

Nothing except for the white light. And then dark again. Absolutely nothing.

_________________

It's dark when she opens her eyes, and she blinks to make sure her eyes are actually open, and sees a big, fat, load of nothing.

Marinette's—the ladybug suit had disappeared, her normal clothes taking its place—body feels light, floaty, and utterly weightless against the dark mass she's standing atop of. Her head feels eerily light, calm without the weight of the world on her shoulders, and a calm feeling washes over her.

Her voice echoes against endless sound barriers as she utters her first words since death.

"This is what death feels like, huh?" Utterly amazing. Marinette can't believe she didn't do this earlier.

—But, for a moment, she feels empathy. Empathy for the people stuck in Paris, wondering if this was the day they were going to die, the people all around the world living in fear of something so inevitable.

She closes her eyes for just a second, a moment of vengeful peace. Opens them again, and this time, she's somewhere different.

She's in a library. Unfamiliar, but welcoming all the same. The smell of crisp, unopened books float idly in her senses, a synthetic warm feeling creeping up behind her back. Distantly, she realizes that she recognizes the place, tables placed and shelves abundantly filled with books, ranging from science fiction to classic literature, and it feels exactly how it did all those years ago.

Years ago, when she'd first visited the United States of America, the first place her Maman and Papa took her was a public library in Gotham City, New Jersey. It had welcomed her so openly that she couldn't help but smile a little, slip under from her parent's grasp, and wander toward a vast section of William Shakespeare, someone she'd heard so much about in her eight—nine years, she couldn't help but be pulled toward the ordain shelf.

She'd even met someone, too. Her mother would forever deny—if Marinette had still been alive, but Marinette was convinced the little boy sitting against the mass of wooden shelves had been very, very real. Marinette had smiled at him, sat down next to him, even if he gave her a wary, and borderline aggressive look, she'd introduced herself.

"Hi, I'm Marinette." She'd said with a horrible stutter and an almost unintelligible accent. The boy closed his book—a black and white cover with words she couldn't quite understand the meaning of as well as a simple name like Shakespeare's, and she smiled a little harder.

"Jason," He'd said in a heedful voice, staring at her curiously. "Whadda' you want?"

Marinette shrugged as best she could with weak shoulders, and turned her head from the person next to her to drink in every corner of the library that she could see without moving from her increasingly-uncomfortable crouch on the ground.

"Nothing. Just wanted to see what you're reading." She leaned over his shoulder, monosyllabic and complex English text alike filling her view, so many words that blurred together, and she felt a heat at the top of her head in frustration.

She couldn't read English.

The boy next to her—Jason, had seemed to recognize her distress and pull the book closer to him, floundering for a moment before he exhaled loudly, and started to read.

Words flowed out of the him, smooth and languid, and she found herself trapped in the moment, mesmerized by such an eloquent reading from a boy who looked just her age.

"What cursèd foot wanders this way tonight to cross my obsequies and true love's rite?" He reads off, breaking unevenly for gulps of air, and dove back right where he stopped without much distraction, and moments, minutes passed under his voice.

And the memory fell away from view. She opened eyes she didn't realize had closed when a voice seemed to float from the corner of her vision, a body stepping into view and a realized this wasn't imagination.

Another boy, dressed in tattered—but comfortable looking jeans finds his way over to her, a curious glint in his magnificent blue eye and a raised eyebrow, though he looks troubled, aged where he ought to look youthful.

"Who're you?" He mumbles, lips barely moving around syllables as he stares at Marinette, defensive, yet hopeful.

His voice. Despite the clearly street-wise accent, his voice is beautiful. A voice that could recite hundreds of words and never get old in the canals of her ears. Marinette found herself wanting to hear more.

"Marinette." She blinks, seems to realize the way he seems nervous, and, "You like jazz?" Blurts out the first thing that comes to mind, which, just so happens to be the only sentence capable of such utterance in damning—literally—times like this one.

Jason finally cracks a smile after a few more moments of cricket-inducing silence, and the newfound tension in her shoulders seems to melt away again, just as it did with her entrance to a magnificent limbo such as this. "Not in particular, but I do like to read." His smile is utterly contagious, and Marinette feels it spread its way along her own face, eyes crinkling under the weight of emotion.

They spend their days in an endless limbo like that, reading, laughing, sometimes in the comfortable chair in the library, and sometimes they're gazing upon clouds, feeling the prickly sensation of grass under their backs as they lie next to one another under a cool breeze and warm sun—which is the scene they're settling in, when Marinette turns her head toward the boy next to her.

"It's been," She pauses for a moment, adding up the days since they've both died—it had to be around the same time—and Jason turns his head toward her in a similar fashion, an eyebrow raised. "A few months? And..." She trails off, suddenly feeling less confident in a horrid question.

She knows the way she had died hadn't been peaceful, and if the boy she'd grown so close to in months of passing had died as painfully, he might doubt their budding friendship, as new as it is.

But then Jason reaches over and covers her hand with his, a blooming warmth enveloping her hand all the way to her heart, her vision snaps back to where it had wandered down to the rest of her body, reliving a turret of emotions. "Marinette," Jason stares at her in earnest, "You can ask."

Another thing she'd never understand was Jason's ability to read people so well. He'd always know her intentions, as bad or good as they may be, like something mundane, a book she'd eyed for a few minutes before he'd sighed heavily and got up to get it for her, or when Marinette wanted to be left alone. Just for a minute, to pull herself back together.

"How did you die?" She watches as Jason closes his eyes, curling in on himself despite the foretold question, and waits.

She's good at waiting. (A familiar feeling of heat creeping up to her cheeks, the same way it did with someone else, not so long ago, but in a different lifetime.)

"It started out when I tried to steal Batman's tires—" Marinette widens her eyes in surprise.

Oh, so they're going way back then, huh?

But by the time Jason finishes speaking, pats his sweaty hands down on the slacks he wore that day that came from God knows where, Marinette finds the humor and her mood had dimmed significantly.

And Jason, he looks terrible. Like it was the first time he'd said something about it since, well, death. Almost hyperventilating, Jason is breathing heavily, gripping onto his pants with malice and intent, almost as if stopping himself from something. He'd told his beginning to end with an increasingly shaky voice, cracking at the edges where he'd relived the fear and abandonment he felt when trapped in an unfamiliar country, in a dirty warehouse, trapped in his own feelings in a suit that he thought would always protect him.

Without a dad that he'd thought would always protect him.

Marinette feels a little sick. The boy next to her had died so brutally, alone, scared and slowly.

"I don't regret it. Being Robin." He adds quietly after a moment of hesitation. It's small, but it's there and plain. He doesn't regret something that changed his life, but— "Just the death part."

He would want to change his death, and she couldn't agree more.

If only it meant they could've still met despite living, that is.

She doesn't say that. Instead, she laughs a little. "You and me both." Marinette reaches over to hold his hand once more, and pretends not to see the tears climbing out of his eyes.

"So early waking, what with loathsome smells, and shrieks like mandrakes torn out of the earth, that living mortals, hearing them, run mad—?"

How it felt to tear his way out of the ground, shivering, shaking, flinching at the way his fingernails tore away with every claw and scratch at the unyielding wood before him. Jason was vaguely aware of a horrible groaning noise that might've been his own, but when his hand stuck through to crisp Gotham air, dirt flinging and spilling down on his face as he gasped and choked for breath, he could only think of a single quote from such a cliche play.

He thought of it while tearing out the bloody uvula of his victim, spurred on by the Pit and Talia's ruthless training, starving for the sound of screaming that rung in his ear, continued to clang loudly even in sleep, when it bestowed itself upon him.

Because he couldn't think about anything else. Wouldn't allow himself to, because then he would start thinking about her.

About how she left him.

Jason had turned to retrieve a book from their peaceful library limbo one day, muttering to himself about something so mundane that he didn't even remember, but he'd grabbed the book—a simple fiction, because they were both bored of astronomy—and turned around to silence, instead of the shiny mop of dark hair he was expecting.

"Marinette?" Jason calls, swiveling his head around when the chair previously occupied by her stood empty.

Jason waits.

He doesn't know how long he waits, searches, but she isn't there.

And the feeling of disappointment and fear runs up his spine again, before he knows it, he's kneeling on the ground, trying to catch his breath as tears run down because he's been abandoned again, and it's just as damning as the first time.

His father, his brother, his mother, his birth mother, and now his friend.

Jason breaks down again, gripping harshly onto his hair while he cries, where he'd usually hold onto Marinette's hand.

So he doesn't think of much at all, really. Not when he turns on murder mode, not when he forces himself to stare into the eyes of the person he's killing while they die, because he wants to remember how it felt. How it felt before he met another superhero torn away from her life almost as harshly as he was ripped away from his own.

He wants to go back. Before he flew to Ethiopia unsupervised and unprepared, before he took the Robin mantle, before he decided to make quick cash off of the Batmobile, before his mother died by her own hands, loosely holding a syringe and shaking, shuddering from her overdose.

Jason wants to go back to Before. He can't stand living in the After, where he makes the choices he does.

He’s supposed to be good.

permanent taglist: @nathleigh @stainedglassm @officiallydarkgeek @certainmuffinbagelcalzone @buterflies-and-ladybugs @maskedpainter

#i told yall this would be a Right Person Wrong Time #HOW MANY OF YOU LISTENED #HUH?#jasonette #maribat #mlb x dc #ml x dc #marinette dupain cheng #Jason Todd

55 notes · View notes

petri808 · 3 years

Text

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Inukag AU

As Inuyasha and Kagome cut through a park on their way back to the Higurashi home, they chatted casually, just winding down after a hearty lunch at a nearby cafe. The couple stayed to the pathways traversing the manicured park. It would be shorter to cut through the grass, but why the rush? It was a beautiful location, with a several different kinds of trees dotting the landscape to provide shade and lots of open space for all kinds of activities. Some picnicked, flew kites or played frisbee, they’d even passed a group doing Tai Chi. There were young families to older citizens enjoying the scenery. The couples conjoined hands and twined fingers swayed lazily back and forth between them. Despite the summer heat starting to rise in Tokyo, with blue skies and a gentle breeze brought in from the Pacific Ocean, it was a perfect day for a stroll.

While this journey towards normalcy hasn’t always been an easy one, the past couple of months have been the happiest so far. Ever since leaving the hospital Kagome’s felt better and better. There were even moments she’d made peace with the idea she may not regain her memories. Was it saddening yes, because she wouldn’t remember her job, friends, and other precious moments. But at the same time, she could always make new ones. Sango’s twins were still young. She could relearn her job, and best of all she had Inuyasha who’d she’d become attached to. Their steadily growing relationship was a budding romance regardless of their past history. Think about? Kagome had a chance to re-experience everything in a new way, through a new lens. Well… that’s what she told herself to justify the idea, and so far, it was working.

But there were strange moments starting to occur. Sometimes they were dreams of scenes Kagome didn’t recognize. That in of itself weren’t unusual because how often do dreams ever make complete sense? No, it was in the emotions that came with them. On several occasions Kagome would wake up with the distinct feeling these were not merely dreams but memories trying to break through. At other times, she couldn’t remember the dream, only the emotions she’d felt during them. Sometimes they were so intense, she’d wake up in tears or completely happy for no other reason. According to her neurologist, this was normal during the healing process, but unfortunately there was no true way to tell the difference between reality and fantasy.

“Did I tell you I reached out to Ms. Tanaka the other day?” Kagome asked Inuyasha.

“Mmm, I don’t think so.”

“I called the office and spoke to her briefly about maybe getting lunch one day so she could tell me how things have been there. I may not know exactly what she’s talking about, but maybe it’ll jog my memories.”

Inuyasha lifted their conjoined hands and kissed the back of hers. “I think that’s a really good idea. You guys will have fun talking.”

“I think so too, she seemed very nic—…” Kagome’s voice trailed away as stopped dead in her tracks and her eyes shifted towards one of the parks trees. “Um, c-could we check out that tree?”

“Sure, whatever you want.” Inuyasha smiled knowingly.

It was like her feet gained a mind of their own as they carried her towards a large Sakura tree in the middle of a field. Just from looking at, there wasn’t anything special about the tree. Spring had long since passed and the blooms were no more. But Kagome felt a pull towards this one in particular as if she remembered something about it. What that was she had no idea. She let go of Inuyasha’s hand and reached out, touching the bark of the tree, and staring up at its massive girth. It looked old. Maybe there long before the park existed… maybe older than even the Edo period, who knew? It was just another green leafed tree, yet why was it stirring up a rush of emotions? Happy ones with butterflies dancing in her soul.

Slowly, she moved around the base of the tree like a surveyor mapping it out or searching for secrets only it could provide. And that’s when she saw it. Kagome’s breathing hitched as her eyes fell upon a carving in the wood, approximately five feet above the ground. There, a bit worn nonetheless was a heart encircling two names. “Kagome…” She read aloud, “& Inuyasha—

Oh, my Kami!” She gasped, both hands flying up to cover her mouth in shock. “H-How? When?”

At that moment, Inuyasha walked over, gazing at the words and running his hand over the carving while he spoke. “We carved this about two years ago.” He smiled, eyes crinkling, and growing moist as if reminiscing. “It was a late Saturday afternoon and after eating an early dinner at Genki Sukiyaki, we cut through this park to get to your house. But it started to rain, not very heavy, so we took shelter under this tree.” Inuyasha chuckled lightly. “I remember you being upset about your hair getting wet.” He finally looked to Kagome, placing a hand on her cheek. “You looked so beautiful and even though the weather was miserable, there was just something magical about it all. That’s when you asked me to carve this into the tree.”

“But how did I know to look for it?” Kagome was so confused. “I don’t remember any of that.”

“I have no idea how. But part of you must. Maybe, it’s a sign your memories are fighting to come through.”

The tears gathering in Kagome’s eyes, trickle down her cheeks as a blend of happiness and sadness. She wanted to be happy for such a beautiful memory but devastated that she couldn’t remember it. She wanted to be excited that maybe, just maybe it could be true that her memories were returning, yet she didn’t want to take the chance of a let-down. Inuyasha pulled her into a tight hug as she let go of the angsty emotions. “It’s not fair that I can’t remember! I want to remember!”

“Shhh,” Inuyasha who’s own tears begun to spill, did his best to soothe her with softened tones. “I want that too. It’s gonna get better baby. I think this really is your memories returning, we just have to believe.”

“It’s hard to do that sometimes…”

Inuyasha lifted her chin and swept his thumbs over her cheeks to dry them. “And if you don’t, we’re creating a whole new memory of this tree right now, an even more special one.”

Kagome sniffled. “You think so?”

He nodded his head and placed a gentle kiss on her whetted lips. “What do you think?” Inuyasha questioned with a soft smile. “How can we add to this memory?”

Kagome paused for a moment in thought. “We could add something beneath our names… like… mmm, forever in time?”

“Is that what you want?” She nodded yes. “Okay,” Inuyasha obliged.

He kissed her again then used his claw to slowly, meticulously carve the new words into the bark. It took a few minutes because he wanted to make sure it was easy to read and would last a long time. “I think this is definitely will better than the original memory.”

“Mmhmm, it’s a good one,” Kagome agreed. She felt a lot better now. “Thank you, Inuyasha for being so patient with me. It must be so frustrating.”

Inuyasha shook his head. “Not anymore. I’m not glad about the accident, but I’m cherishing all this time I’m spending with you. Kagome, I truly mean it when I say, this moment right here,” he took her hand. “It’s now one of the happiest moments you’ve ever given me. No matter what,” he smiled, “I’ll always love you, forever in time.”

She giggled. “Forever… I like the sound of that…”

After the incident at the park, Kagome brought it up with the neuropsychologist assigned to her case. The woman patiently sat in her chair as Kagome told her every little detail. What she felt, the emotions, her thoughts, and reactions. She also brought up the dreams she’d been having as well as small incidents that caused her to feel like it might be memories trying to come through.

“Like, just the other day,” Kagome explained. “Sango accompanied me to the hospital for my last physical check-up, but as we passed by the nursery, we decided to stop to look at the cute babies. Then out of nowhere I started to feel emotional, nothing bad, just happy as she talked about the birth of her twins. I mean, yeah it makes sense to feel happy at the time because we were having a good time, but it just felt different. I almost felt like crying. Why is that??”

The woman finished jotting down her notes before speaking. “It’s been about 5 months, correct, since you lost your memories?” Kagome nodded yes. “And according to your latest evaluations, your brain has healed quite nicely. It’s not uncommon at this point for triggers to manifest themselves.”

“I don’t understand…”

“The way long term memory retention works, our brains must process information and create new neurocircuitry, storage if you will once the information has been deemed necessary to keep in the long term. If not, our short term memories are discarded quickly. Of course, this is just a basic explanation and there’s more to it, but what studies have found is memories attached to an emotional event have a higher likelihood of being retained and will evoke a stronger response from us. Think of it like, these emotional memories are much more deeply attached to our psyches.”

“Oh— I think I understand.”

“Mmm,” the doctor hummed. “The park incident was attached to a very emotional moment in your life. So even though you couldn’t remember the event itself, the part of you that remembered the emotions surrounding it did and pushed you towards the tree. Also, the hospital, you mentioned being with your friend Sango and looking at babies. This is just a guess, but perhaps you were feeling the emotions you felt from the time she gave birth.”

As the doctors words were processed, moisture began to pool in Kagome’s eyes. Could it really be true?! Should she really allow herself to hope?! When Kagome finally responded, her voice cracked as it held back the tears. “D-Does this mean… I’m starting to get my memories back?”

“I would say, yes. Again, I cannot say one hundred percent certain, but what you are experiencing is a common one. Those that suffered from acute memory loss, don’t just wake up one day and suddenly they’ve all returned. It’s a gradual process, but once it begins it typically continues at a steady pace.”

“I-I don’t know what to say!” A few happy tears joined the smile on Kagome’s face.

“I suggest that you start writing down the times you feel something or think you’re remembering something and check them with your family and friends. If they confirm it, talk about it. That could help as well to bring more information and memories to the forefront— give your brain a little help to jog itself.”

“Thank you so much, doctor! I’ll definitely do that!”

The woman smiled, reaching over to pat Kagome’s hand before giving it a small squeeze. “You’re very welcome. I wish you all the luck in the world!”

#inukag #inuyasha #inukag au #kagome higurashi #inukag fan fic #inukag fan fiction #inuyasha x kagome #missing memories #ch 8 #petri808

37 notes · View notes

wandering-bard-from-the-id · 3 years

Text

Daughters of Arendelle - Chapter 47

Author’s Note - Hello everyone, I know it’s been forever since I last updated this story. I really have been working on it. Here’s Chapter 47, yes there will be more.

*******

CHAPTER 47

September 16, 1840

Sweat dampened the fresh bandage encircling Anna’s forehead. Sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes closed against a wave of nausea. Dull pain throbbed through the wound in her thigh with each heartbeat.

The soft, warm bed beneath her beckoned with a tempting siren call. No, not till I’ve seen Elsa. Her back stiffened with resolve, sending a jolt of pain through bruised ribs, stealing her breath away.

“Anna, are you okay?” Wooden fingers gently touched her arm.

“I’m fine, Olaf.” She managed a weak smile.

“Oh, that’s good.” The snowman chuckled. “because you look really bad.”

“Olaf!” Alma turned from the dresser to glare at him.

“What?” A hand flew to his mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry.” He leaned in close with a loud whisper. “I thought you knew.”

Anna chuckled, it ended in a sharp gasp. Pressing a hand against the muscle twitching along her ribs, she managed a weak smile. “It’s okay, Olaf. I know I look a little rough.”

“It’s more than a little.” He happily informed her.

She flinched, there were times when the little snowman’s charming honesty could be brutal. Tough love aside, she’d been relieved to find him at her bedside when she woke. If he’s here that means Elsa’s still alive. Startled by the thought, she pushed it away with a shudder. Of course, Elsa’s alive. But for how long? Whispered the dark voice that had plagued her nightmares.

Shut up! Muscles tightened along her jaw, straining to hold against a threat of tears.

Haunting dreams of a bloody and bruised Elsa standing at her bedside had taken a toll. Sometimes she vanished when Anna reached a shaking hand towards her, other times, she collapsed across the bed, succumbing to her wounds. Always there was that haunting fatigue in her eyes, just as there had been the night of the battle. I should have made her stay with me.

“Let’s get your slippers on, Princess.” Not waiting for a reply, Alma knelt before her.

Pulled from dark thoughts, Anna didn’t argue. Watching the handmaiden work the slipper onto her bare foot, was another reminder of how weak she’d become. Her usual morning routine had turned into a series of embarrassing moments.

Alma had to help her with the most basic tasks. Even with help, they had taken far longer than normal to complete. Alma’s insistence on changing her bandages before helping her into a fresh nightgown, had dragged the process out even further.

No amount of protest or pleading would sway the handmaiden from her task. Bandages and fresh nightgowns could wait, she just wanted to see her sister, and Kristoff.

Kristoff, she could almost feel the warmth of his strong arms curling around her. After all of this, I wouldn’t blame him if he ran back to the mountains and never returned. Icy fear tickled her spine.

“Anna?" Olaf said. “Are you cold?”

“What?”

“You shivered.”

“No, I…I’m just worried about Elsa,”

“Yeah, me too. I wish she’d wake up.” His shoulders slumped with the confession.

“Hey, she’s going to be alright.” It was a gentle lie, as much for her own sake as his. Slipping an arm around him, she’d meant to pull him into a hug. Cold bit into her hand and through the thin fabric of the nightgown. Jerking away, she rubbed at the palm, half expecting to see snowflakes forming beneath the skin. She tried to shake off the thought. Elsa’s magic won’t hurt me. Still a faint voice whispered, again. Enough!

“Where’s Kai?” There was a bit more bite in the question than she had intended. “He should have been here by now.”

Alma didn’t look up as she finished with the first slipper. “I’m sure he’ll be here shortly, ma’am. He knows how eager you are to see Her Majesty.” She reached for Anna’s uncovered foot.

“If he’s not here soon I’m going to…” White hot pain shot through her leg, tearing a strangled cry from her throat. She clutched at the bedsheets with one hand, the other came to rest on Alma’s shoulder, twisting the fabric of her jacket.

“Anna!” Olaf caught her arm, trying to steady her.

“I’m sorry!” Alma lowered the half-covered foot. “I’m so sorry, dear.”

“It…it’s alright.” Panting through the pain, Anna closed her eyes against a wave of nausea. Muscles quivered along her ribs. Pressing a hand against them, she flinched at the pain. None of the fairy tales, from her childhood, ever spoke of the hero having to recover from battle wounds. You’d think at least one of them would have mentioned how painful stab wounds are, or how sore you’d be after a battle. Her shoulders dropped with a weary sigh. They lied about handsome princes, why should I trust the rest?

Gloved fingers touched her cheek.

“Are you alright, dear?”

“Stop asking me that!” Even as the handmaiden, shrank back, Anna couldn’t stop herself. “No! I’m not alright! I ache all over, and it hurts to breathe!” Sucking in a breath, tears filled her eyes. The outburst drained and embarrassed her. Unable to meet Alma’s gaze, she stared at the floor. “I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.”

Olaf touched her arm, she drew away.

“Anna,” The gloved hand cupped her cheek.

Not trusting her emotions, Anna closed her eyes.

“It’s alright, dear. I know you’re tired and hurting. It’s been a trying time for all of us. We’re all a bit on edge. Let’s finish getting you dressed, so you’ll be ready when Kai gets here.” Not waiting for a reply, she knelt and began gently working the slipper on Anna’s foot.

Biting at a trembling lip, Anna watched her work. She didn’t deserve that.

With the slippers securely in place, Alma rose, brushing her hands against her skirt. “Why don’t we get your robe on? It’s a bit chilly in the hallway this morning.”

“Okay.” Came the soft reply.

Alma hurried across the room to retrieve the garment. A moment later she was at Anna’s side holding the robe open for her.

Gritting her teeth, Anna raised an arm.

Alma slipped the sleeve over it.

Anna swiped at the other sleeve, missing on the first try. Mumbling under her breath, she tried to ignore the bead of sweat trickling down her cheek.

“Let me help.” Olaf guided her arm into the opening.

She eased her arm through the sleeve, biting her lip against the pain. Once her hand snaked through the end, she let out a heavy sigh. “Thanks, Olaf.”

Alma pulled the robe up onto her shoulders, adjusting it. “There we go. You’re all set.”

Overcome with a need to hold someone, Anna grabbed Alma’s jacket, pulling the startled woman into an embrace. “I’m sorry, Alma. I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

Arms wrapped around her, in a light, but loving embrace. “It’s alright, dear.” Gentle pats tapped against her back. “It’s alright.”

Both startled at a sharp knock upon the door.

“See, there’s Kai now. You stay put.” Not waiting for a response, Alma hurried to the door, wiping at her eyes.

Closing her eyes, Anna’s shoulders slumped with a heavy sigh.

“It’s okay, Anna, we’ll see, Elsa soon.”

A sad smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks, Olaf.”

“Hi Kristoff!” Olaf called.

“Kristoff?” Anna’s head snapped toward the door. Her breath caught at the sight of the large man, pushing a wheeled chair toward her.

“Anna.” Relief washed over his face in a broad smile. Pushing the chair out of the way, he stepped toward her, reaching out with his unslung arm.

“Kristoff!” He came back! She dove off the bed, managing two steps before her leg buckled.

Solid arm muscles tightened around her waist, pulling her up and forward.

“Easy, I’ve got you.”

She found herself pressed hard against his large frame. He smelled of fresh soap. Beneath there was a whiff of musk, closing her eyes she leaned in drawing a deep breath. There was something comforting and safe about the smell. Lured in by the warmth radiating off him, she rested her head against his chest.

The cloth of his robe and night clothes were soft beneath her palm. Steady heart thumps assured her he was real.

“I missed you.” She whispered.

“I missed you too.”

Soft lips pressed against the top of her head.

Sighing she snuggled into him, sliding a hand over his chest. It passed over a lump of bandage beneath his shirt. She leaned back to look up at him. Bruises marked his face. Black and blue was turning yellowish under one eye. “You’re hurt.”

“It’s not serious.” He flinched as fingertips brushed over a bruised cheek. “Mom said, I’ll be good as new in a few days.” His eyes swept over her taking in every bruise and bandage. “Kai told me, you were hurt, but he didn’t tell me it was this bad.”

Emotions danced in his eyes. Anna noted there was a hint of a shine to them. Days of fear and uncertainty bubbled to the surface threatening to overwhelm her. Grabbing the lapels of his robe, her fingers curled tight into the fabric, pulling him down. Ignoring the pain, she rose to her toes, trembling with the effort.

He leaned down to meet her.

She’d meant to give him a quick kiss on the lips.

His arm tightened around her.

I almost lost him. Emotions swept over her in a crashing wave. She wanted, no needed to feel the reassurance his touch offered. Her hand snaked up, cupping the back of his neck, holding him in place. Not that it was needed, he made no effort to pull away.

His lips pressed hard against her own, refusing to release her.

Pain wormed it’s way into her consciousness. Unable to hold on, she pulled away with a sharp gasp. Tears slipped down her cheeks. Eyes squeezed closed, she was too frightened by the raw emotions swirling through her to meet his gaze.

He peppered her lips and cheeks with soft kisses.

Their foreheads came to rest against each other.

“Anna, I…” He shuddered. “I thought I’d lost you.”

She could hear the unspoken, again. Taking his face in both hands, she forced him to meet her gaze. Unshed tears shone bright in his eyes. “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.” She pulled him into another kiss.

His hand slid up between her shoulder blades, holding her as close as possible.

Ignoring the pain throbbing through her body, she clung to him. Desperate to pull him closer.

Both were winded when they finally parted.

“Come on, you should sit down.”

She wanted to protest as his grip shifted.

His arm circled her waist, pulling her against his side. It was reassurance enough he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Okay.” Wiping her cheeks clean with the robe sleeve, she allowed him to guide her to the wicker chair.

Alma took her arm, helping her up the small step. “Careful now, don’t tear your stitches.”

“Where did you find this?” Settling onto the seat, Anna relaxed, grateful to be off her feet.

��Kai gave it to me.” Kristoff tapped the hand tiller. “You’ll have to steer.”

Wrapping her hands around the polished wooden handle, Anna twisted it back and forth, moving the front wheel in response. “I wonder where he’s been hiding this?”

“Here, Your Highness.” Alma tossed a blanket over her lap. “That should keep you warm enough.”

“Thank you, Alma.” She smiled, adjusting the blanket. “Where’s Kai?”

“I don’t know.” Kristoff shrugged. “He asked me, to bring you the chair, said he didn’t want you trying to walk to Elsa’s room.” His lips curled into a smirk.

Anna gave a short giggle. “He knows me so well.”

“I’ll push.” Olaf bounced to the rear of the chair.

Alma reached the push handlebar a moment before him. “Why don’t I push? You and Master Kristoff can walk alongside the Princess, and keep her company.”

“Okay.” Olaf shuffled to Kristoff’s side.

“Are you ready, dear?” Alma asked.

“Yes, let’s go.” She turned the tiller so Alma could push her toward the door.

Kristoff and Olaf, followed after them.

Once in the hallway, they moved to opposite sides of the chair, keeping pace with it.

“When you’re feeling a little stronger, I’ll get you a crutch.” Kristoff said.

“I’d like that.” She caught his hand. It was warm and strong.

He startled at the touch.

Feeling him jerk back, Anna’s heart sank. She started to pull away.

Calloused fingers curled gently around her hand. Their eyes met.

His soft smile, sent her heart soaring. She was tempted to pull him onto the seat beside her. I’d have to sit on his lap for that to work. The thought sent a pleasant tingle to the pit of her stomach. Pulling his hand to her, she placed a kiss against hardened knuckles. I can’t lose him and Elsa. Her breath caught. Stop it!

“Anna? Are you alright?”

There was so much warmth in the brown eyes staring down at her, she wanted to wrap herself in it and never leave. It drove back some of the cold fear seizing her heart. “I’m fine.” The crease in his brow hinted he didn’t believe the lie. She was thankful he didn’t press her.

Everything will be fine once I see Elsa. Clinging to the thought, her grip tightened on Kristoff’s hand.

0000

Gerda jerked awake with a weak cry, images of blood and death fresh in her mind. Out of reflex her hand tightened around the sock she’d been darning. Pain stung her fingertip as a sharp needle pierced skin. Biting back a curse, she tossed the sewing onto the nightstand, pressing her thumb against a small bead of blood. How long was I asleep? “Elsa.”

Her heart raced as she jumped forward placing a hand on a slender arm. Heat radiated through the thin fabric of the nightgown beneath her hand.

“Queen Elsa?” Giving the arm a gentle squeeze, Gerda watched for any reaction.

There was none.

Elsa lay as still as the night Kai placed her there. The blanket covering her rose and fell with each breath. It was the only assurance she was still among the living.

Closing her eyes, Gerda willed her heart to slow down. It took several deep breaths to ease the thumping in her chest.

Opening her eyes, she rose from the chair with a grunt. Stiff muscles ached in protest. I’m getting too old for this. She tried to rub away a tight knot in her lower back. It refused to yield.

The wound on her arm began to itch. Resisting the urge to scratch it, she eased onto the edge of the bed.

Placing the back of a hand against Elsa’s flushed cheek, her lips drew into a tight line. The fevered heat was neither better nor worse than when she’d checked an hour ago.

Taking a wash cloth from the night stand, she dipped it into a basin of cool water. Several quick twists wrung the excess water away. She pressed it against Elsa’s forehead, wiping away a thin layer of sweat. “There now, doesn’t that feel better?” Elsa’s natural paleness was darkened by the flush of fever and several large, ugly bruises. Deep blackish blue covered one side of her neck, down to her shoulder, disappearing under the nightgown. Gerda wasn’t sure she wanted to know what blow had caused it.

Her blood boiled at the bruises outlining finger-marks along Elsa’s throat. The thought of that Southern Isles bastard manhandling her girls, brought her to the brink of rage. Squeezing her eyes shut, she drew a deep breath, releasing it slowly. Thoughts of him suffering a painful death, cooled her anger. Her attention returned to Elsa.

“My Lady?” There was no answer. She leaned in closer, her voice soft, with only a hint of pleading. “Elsa, dear, it’s time to wake up.”

Her eyes narrowed, searching for any signs Elsa was listening. “Come now,” She spoke with a softness she used to comfort the girls when they were upset. Over the years she’d used it far too often. “you’ve lazed about long enough, it’s time to get up.”

The blanket rose and fell, in a slow, steady rhythm.

Pushing back a rush of emotions, Gerda stroked the washcloth over a pale cheek. Was it a bit narrower than before? “Cook’s going to be very upset if you start losing weight, after she worked so hard the last few months to fatten you up.” There was no response to the jest. She hadn’t expected one. Settling into her task, the wash cloth stroked over Elsa’s face and neck. “You keep losing weight, and that ice dress you’re so fond of is going to slip right off.”

How long can someone go without food? Refusing to dwell on the thought, she forced a chipper tone. “Anna’s coming to see you this morning. She’s so eager to see you, it was all Olaf and I could do to keep her in bed last night.”

Anna’s scream had shattered the quiet night, rousing Gerda from a light sleep at Elsa’s bedside. Stumbling from the chair, she had managed to reach Anna’s room before a crowd could gather. Olaf and Alma were already at Anna’s side, trying in vain to calm her.

Gerda had seen the girl through enough nightmares to know it would take more than words to quiet her. Ordering the guards to keep everyone away, she had sent Alma to sit with Elsa, before settling on the bed, drawing a weeping Anna into her arms. It had been a long night of assurances, hugs and lullabies, before Anna finally succumbed to sleep.

One can’t sleep, and the other won’t wake up. You’ve a cruel sense of humor, All Father. There was little worth in cursing long dead Gods. Her attention turned to the living.

“She’s worried about you.” Fingertips traced over Elsa’s cheek. My sweet Elsa. “We’re all worried about you.” Her hand brushed over soft, blond tassels.“Perhaps later, I can brush out your hair and fix your braid. Would you like that?”

The blanket rose and fell.

“Of course, you would.” So would I.

She startled as the chamber door eased open. The weight of her fears lightened as Kai stepped in, closing the door behind him. Her relief was brief. Specks of blood covered his shirt and vest. Setting the rag aside, she hurried to meet him, wiping her hands dry against her skirt. “Husband, you’re hurt.”

“No.” He caught the hand reaching for his face. “It’s not my blood.”

“Who’s is it?”

“Tollak’s.”

“I see.” Gerda sighed, pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve. “I take it, he didn’t tell you anything about the disk.”

“He claims not to know anything about it, and even if he did, I doubt he would share it with us.”

She dabbed the handkerchief on her tongue before wiping at the dried flakes of dark red peppering Kai’s cheek. Careful of the bruise below his eye. Another reminder of that murderous prince’s attempt to take her family. “How did his blood end up on your face?”

Kai’s eyes cut to Elsa’s still form. “He made some rather, disgusting, remarks about Anna’s possible heritage.”

“Anna?” Gerda’s back stiffened, an eyebrow arching high. “Why would he question Anna’s heritage?”

Kai pulled at his jacket with a sharp snap.

Oh, he’s furious. She bit back a chuckle, not wishing to ruffle him further.

“He suggested, Anna and I, favored, each other.”

“Favored? You mean, he thinks you and Iduna…?”

“Yes!” He jerked the jacket lapels, straining the seams. “that was the gist of his slander.”

Gerda snorted, covering her mouth with a hand to hide a smirk. “I hope you broke his jaw.”

“Actually, it was his nose.” Flexing his hand, a hint of a smile played over his lips. “It was rather satisfying.”

“Good.” She placed a quick kiss on his cheek, rubbing a thumb over the spot.

The door latch clicked open. They stepped apart at the sound.

How the scurry maid’s tongues would wag if we were caught in an embrace, in the Queen’s chambers no less. Gerda brushed at imagined wrinkles in her skirt.

“Gerda?”

“Yes, Alma?”

“Queen Elsa, has visitors.” She stepped in holding the door open, allowing Kristoff to push in the chair.

Olaf followed them. Alma closed the door behind him.

“Anna!” My little Anna. Relieved to see the girl out of bed, Gerda crossed the room in several quick strides, wrapping her in a gentle hug. “How are you feeling, dear?”

“I’m okay.” Anna leaned into the embrace, lingering a moment. “Has she woken yet?”

Gerda held her a little tighter. “No. Not yet.”

Anna pulled back, her attention shifted to the bed.

Unwilling to completely break away, Gerda held to Anna’s shoulder. She felt muscles tense beneath her hand as Anna reached for the chair’s wheels.

“I want to get closer.” Unable to reach the wheels, Anna settled on the tiller, knuckles whitened as she squeezed it.

Kristoff eased her to the side of the bed.

Olaf circled to the far side of the bed. Remaining silent as his gaze shifted between the sisters.

“Elsa?” Not waiting for a response, Anna began climbing off the chair.

“Anna! Wait!” Kristoff caught one arm.

Gerda caught the other. “Careful, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

Kai pulled the chair out of the way, so they could support her.

“Let us help you, dear.” Gerda slipped an arm around her back, taking most of her weight. With each step, Anna trembled in her grasp. Weak as a kitten. Gerda’s grip tightened as she lowered her to the edge of the bed. “Careful now. She has stitches along her right side.

“Okay.” Anna shifted, pulling herself across the bed, till she was hovering over Elsa.

Unable to do more, Gerda drew back a step, giving her some space.

Kristoff stepped back with her.

She stole a glance at the young man. The hard set of his jaw offset the concern in his eyes. His gaze followed Anna’s every move. The boy does have a strong fondness for her. She could do worse. She had done worse, he was rotting in the castle dungeon.

“Elsa? Hey, sleepy head, time to wake up.” There was a hint of fear beneath the jest. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Anna managed a shaky smile. “Come on, Elsie,” She reached for Elsa’s shoulder giving it a gentle shake. “only one royal gets to sleep till noon, and that’s my job.” She sucked in a sharp breath, unable to keep the smile in place.

Gerda flinched at the sound.

Frown lines furrowed Anna’s brow. They deepened as she traced the bruises covering Elsa’s skin. She laid a hand along Elsa’s throat, fitting her fingers into the marks left by Hans’s attempt to strangle her. The hand lifted, trembling, it clutched into a fist. Eyes closed Anna’s head bowed.

Gerda knew the girl well enough to know, she was plotting the Prince’s painful demise. He was going to regret touching her sister.

Releasing a sigh, Anna stroked a hand over Elsa’s hair. “Is she sweating?” Looking from her damp palm, she turned to Gerda. “Elsa doesn’t sweat.”

“I know, dear.” There was no need to hide the truth from her, the time for keeping secrets had long passed. “She’s been running a fever.”

“A fever?” Anna whispered. “For how long?”

“It started the night of the battle.”

“Is it from her wound?” Her hand hovered over Elsa’s side. Fingers curled without touching her.

“No.” The answer slipped Gerda’s lips before she could deny her own concerns. “Dr. Engen believes her wound is healing properly.”

The assurance did nothing to ease the creases in Anna’s brow. “Elsa?” Leaning in closer, her voice dropped to a gentle whisper. “Come on, Elsie.” Her lower lip began to tremble. “Wake up. Please.”

There was no reply. Only the steady rise and fall of the blanket.

Tears burned Gerda’s eyes as Anna touched her forehead to Elsa’s.

Hands folded tight against the front of her skirt, she resisted to urge to gather Anna into her arms. When Anna was ready for comfort, she would be there to offer it.

Drawing a deep breath, Anna sat up. “What does Doctor Engen say about her condition?”

“The fever hasn’t risen to dangerous levels.” Gerda said. “Overall, he believes she has not suffered any premeditate damage from her wounds.”

“Why wouldn’t she wake up?” Pushing herself up with trembling arms, Anna managed to sat up.

“He thinks it has something to do with the disk.” Gerda answered.

Anna’s hands twisted into the blanket. “Do we know where Hans got it?”

Gerda caught a flicker of something dark cross her face.

“No, ma’am,” Kai drew a step closer. “His wounds are rather severe. The last few days, he’s been in and out of consciousness. The Admiral tried to question him this morning without any success. We were able to interrogate Tollak.”

Gerda noted the way his hands flexed as he spoke Tollak’s name. He’s still angry.

“But he offered no useful information.”

“Tell the Admiral, to do what he must to get answers out of Hans.” Anna’s lips curled into a snarl. “He will tell us what he knows.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kai bowed, stealing a glance at Gerda.

Gerda’s eyes narrowed, she’d seen Anna upset before, but there was something different about her anger, no, not anger. Rage. It vibrated off of her. A chill ran down Gerda’s spine.

“Kristoff,” Anna spun toward him, tittering a moment before catching her balance. “We should take her to your family. They may have answers.”

Silence filled the room.

“What?” Anna’s gaze hardened as she looked to each of them. “What aren’t you telling me?” No one would meet her gaze. “Answer me!” Her hands fisted into the bedding.

Kristoff eased to her side. “Grand Pabbie’s already seen the disk.” He held her gaze. “He said, there was nothing he could do.”

Anna faltered but a moment, her shoulders squared, a hardness settled on her features. “Nothing he could do, or nothing he would do?” Her fists twisted deeper into the bedding.

Kristoff’s back stiffened. “You know he would help, if he could.”

Grunting she turned back to Elsa. The weight of his hand came to rest on her back. She refused to meet his gaze.

“Grand Pabbie thinks the disk may have damaged her magic.”

“Damaged her magic?” Her gaze shifted from Elsa to Olaf, who stood silently by the opposite side of the bed. Muscles tensed along her jaw, a faint shine filled her eyes as she turned to the mountain man. “What does that mean?”

Kristoff took her hand, it disappeared within his. “He said, Elsa’s magic needs time to heal.” Rubbing a thumb over the back of her hand, the usually soothing gesture had little effect.

“But she’s going to be alright, isn’t she?”

The plea stabbed at Gerda’s heart.

“I don’t know, Anna.” He didn’t look away from her pleading eyes. “Grand Pabbie said, the disk has powerful magic. We have to hope Elsa’s magic is strong enough to fight the effects of it.”

“Fight the effects?” Her lower lip began to quiver, she reached for Elsa’s arm with her free hand.

“Anna, there’s more.” Kristoff gave her hand a gentle squeeze, drawing her attention back to him. “He said, if her magic can’t heal itself.” His eyes began to glisten, there was a hitch in his voice. “She could die.”

“…no…” Her breath caught. Color slipped from her cheeks.

Gerda knew the look all too well. She’d seen it the night she told Anna her parents would not be returning.

“No.” Tears yielded to defiance. “Elsa’s not going to die.” Her fingers tightened around Elsa’s arm.

“Hey,” Kristoff leaned in, catching her gaze. “We’ll do everything we can to help her. For now, the best thing you can do is sit with her, talk to her, let her know you’re here.”

“Okay.” Anna nodded, her shoulders slumped lower.

One so young, shouldn’t have to shoulder such burdens, Gerda longed to ease her fears.

“Good.” He stood, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be close by, if you need me.”

“Wait, what?” She caught his hand in both of hers. “Where are you going?”

“I was going to let you have some time with Elsa.”

“Stay.” Her grip tightened. “Please.”

“Okay.” He pulled up her hands, placing a kiss upon them. “I’ll stay.”

“Thank you.” Anna struggled to change her position.

“Easy, don’t hurt yourself.” Kristoff flinched as she pulled on his arm for leverage.

Gerda caught the flash of pain cross his face. “Let me help you, dear.” Gerda lifted Anna’s legs, gently placing them on the bed.

“Here, Master Kristoff, sit.” Kai moved a chair to the side of the bed.

“Thanks.” Kristoff settled into the chair, fatigue drew him deeper into it.

“Thank you, Gerda.” Anna stretched out, facing Elsa. She stroked a knuckle down a pale cheek.

“Try to get some rest.” Taking a blanket from the foot of the bed, Gerda covered her with it.

Humming a reply, Anna reached out to drape an arm over Elsa’s stomach. Before Gerda could warn against it, Anna paused, reaching for an arm instead.

Years of longing for touch and now she’s the one holding back. Gerda’s chest tightened.

Anna pressed her forehead against Elsa’s shoulder.

Tucking the blanket in around her, Gerda stroked a hand over soft, copper hair. Oh, my sweet girls. She turned away, giving Kristoff’s shoulder a reassuring pat as she passed him.

“Anna?” Olaf peeked over the edge of the bed at her. “Would it hurt, Elsa, if I climbed on the bed?”

“No, of course not. Come on.” She worked a hand free from the blanket, motioning to him.

He climbed up, careful not to bounce around. After a moment, he settled opposite Anna, placing a hand on Elsa’s arm.

Both settled into comfortable positions.

Gerda returned to her chair.

“I’ll go change the Princess’s bedding.” Alma headed for the door without waiting for an answer.

The weight of a gentle hand settled on Gerda’s shoulder, she looked up into Kai’s concerned face. Her brow creased with a slight tilt of her head.

“Why don’t you go get some rest. Princess Anna and Master Kristoff will keep watch.”

“No.” Shaking her head, Gerda reached for the sewing. “I’m fine.”

“You’ve been up half the night. You need to rest.”

“I need to be here. I’ll rest later.”

“Gerda…”

“Enough!” The sharp word coupled with a hard look, caused Kia to draw back the hand, folding both behind his back.

She hated when he took that stance with her, it was the same one he used when dealing with people who refused to take no for an answer. They never won such battles.

“Wife…” There was just a hint of annoyance in the word.

She bit back a snipping remark.

“Gerda.”

The couple looked to Anna, who had raised to one elbow. “Go get some sleep. We’ll be fine.”

Looking between the young woman and Kai, Gerda’s stone facade began to crumble. “Your Highness, Anna, I…” Her voice cracked, she ignored the tear tittering in one eye. “I want to stay. Please.”

Anna’s gaze softened. “Elsa would never forgive me if I let you make yourself sick. Go, get some rest. I promise, the moment she wakes I’ll send for you.”

“I…I can’t leave you alone with Master Kristoff, ma’am. What would people say?”

“We’re not alone, Elsa’s here.” Anna declared matter-of-factly.

“Your Highness, I don’t think…” The door opened cutting Gerda off.

Margit balanced a tray with a teapot, cups and snacks piled hight. “Cook set up some tea and snacks for the Princess.”

“Here, let me help you with that.” Kai took the teetering tray from her. He placed it on the chaise.

“Thank you. Do you need anything else?” Margit looked to Gerda.

“No.” Gerda said. “You may leave.”

“Wait.” Anna tried to sit up. Grunting she eased be to her elbow. “Margit can sit with us.”

Panic began to gnaw at Gerda. “Your Highness, I don’t…”

“That’s an excellent idea.” Kai clapped his hands together. “Margit can stay here, and if anyone needs anything they can ask Alma.”

Gerda had a strong urge to slap the smile from his face.

Kai held out a hand to her.

Every fiber of her being screamed to stay. Accepting the offered hand, she rose, ignoring the protest of tired muscles.

“We’ll be in our quarters if you need us.” Kai place a hand at the small of Gerda’s back.

“Thank you, Kai. I want both of you to take the rest of the day off. Get some rest. Consider it a royal command.” She leveled her best regal Elsa glare at the couple.

Hiding a grin, Kai dipped his head. “Yes, ma’am. As you command.” He guided Gerda to the door.

“Wait.” Gerda tried to pull away. “I just need to…”

“Gerda! Go!” Anna pointed to the door. “Now. Please.”

“Fine, but, you’ll call me if anything changes?”

“I promise, you’ll be the first to know.” Anna placed a hand over her heart with the pledge.

“Very well.” She allowed Kai to lead her into the hallway. Once the door latched, she glared at him. “You should have fought to stay.”

“My love,” If he was bothered by her anger it didn’t show. “you have been running almost non-stop for days. You need to rest. They will need you healthy and strong for the days ahead.”

She started to protest, it died on her lips. He was right. She did need to be ready for the coming days. With a heavy sigh, she leaned into him.

His arm slipped around her pulling her closer.

She wrapped an arm around his waist, allowing her head to rest against a welcoming shoulder. “I’ll lay down, but I doubt I’ll sleep.”

“Well, it’s worth a try.” He began rubbing little circles along the small of her back.

The muscles in her back began to relax. “It’s a waste…of time…” She covered a yawn with her free hand, missing Kai’s lopsided grin.

“No doubt, but it’ll make Anna happy.”

“Hum.” She caught the faint teasing in his tone, but chose to ignore it.

They huddled close, making their way down the hall.

#Daughters of Arendelle #Elsa #Anna #Kristoff

27 notes · View notes

jaskierswolf · 3 years

Note

Hello, dearest Wolfie 💜 I come before you with this prompt: hair stylist Jaskier (netflix) with Dandelion (book). Maybe they’re strangers at the salon, maybe they’re friends or roommates in the house bathroom or home salon? Dandy’s particularly sensitive to touch/hair pulling and might accidentally moan while Jask is massaging his scalp 👀 Can get as horny you as you want it to

This fic comes to you courtesy of vodka... so apologies for errors? I did try and proof read.

1.5k of smutty bards.

CW: 18+, masturbation, hair pulling kink, talks of blow jobs and anal,

Dandelion squirmed in his chair feeling strangely nervous. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his roommate, because honestly if anyone could cut hair well it would be Jaskier, but he’d never let anyone except his hairdresser cut his hair before. Unfortunately with lockdown rules, that was no longer an option and Dandelion’s hair was getting ratty at the ends, despite his meticulous hair care routine. It was making him irritable and he’d kept snapping at Jaskier over the smallest of things. He knew he was being a bastard but it wasn’t his fault. He missed people and going outside. He missed their gigs and even their shifts at the coffee shop. Fortunately, Jaskier seemed to know him better than he knew himself at times and the brunet had marched him into the kitchen and pushed him down into one of the chairs, demanding that he sit still whilst Jaskier got the scissors.

Dandelion pouted whilst he waited. He didn’t appreciate being told what to do but Jaskier was right. He desperately needed a hair cut. His hair was now halfway down his back instead of sitting just below his shoulders. He whined and covered his face with his hands.

“Right, got everything!” Jaskier announced as he bundled back into the room, arms full of bottles from their bath room. “I’ve always wanted to play at being a hair dresser.”

Dandelion sighed and raised an eyebrow at his friend. “If you want to wash my hair then we’re going to the bathroom. You can put those back,” he gestured to the shampoo bottles with a flick of his wrist. “I’ll go for a shower first.”

Jaskier snorted and put his hands on his hips, tossing his fringe from his eyes. “We are doing this properly! I get to wash your hair too.”

They stared at each other for a moment, almost identical blue eyes glaring at each other across the room, until Dandelion sighed dramatically. “Fine, but afterwards I am cutting your fringe. It’s driving me mad! You keep messing with it!”

Jaskier pouted back at him. “You. You don’t mean that.”

“I do, now come on my dear, before I change my mind.”

The move to the bathroom did nothing to calm Dandelion’s nerves. If anything it made it worse. Jaskier kept fiddling with the edge of his shirt and moving the shampoo bottles about as Dandelion sat at the edge of their bathtub.

“Let me know if the water is too hot or too cold or. or… whatever,” Jaskier muttered as he pulled the hose off the wall.

Dandelion nodded, leaning awkwardly back so his head was mostly over the tub. He heard the spray of water running and Jaskier ended up squatting awkwardly in the bath behind him, trying to avoid the water beneath his feet.

“Maybe I didn’t think this through?” Jaskier stammered with an awkward laugh.

“Jask,” Dandelion sighed. “Get on with it.”

The water was hot, prickling against his scalp; just how he liked it. He hummed happily at the sensation and he felt the weight of his damp hair shift as Jaskier made sure his whole head was wet through. God he’d missed this. Yes it was more awkward with the weird set up they had in the cramped bathroom instead of the specially made sinks at the hair dressers but he’d always felt pampered. He enjoyed the luxury of someone else washing his hair. It felt intimate, almost sensual.

It didn’t help that his scalp was unbelievably sensitive, always had been, great in the bedroom, less great when getting his hair done, but he’d always managed to keep his reactions under control.

Until now.

Jaskier’s fingers dragged along his scalp, working the shampoo into the roots of his hair. His entire body immediately felt like it was on fire and he let out a low moan.

Jaskier froze.

Dandelion’s eyes flew open.

Nobody said a word for what felt like forever, until Jaskier started to massage his scalp, slowly, tugging gently at his hair to run the shampoo through to the ends. It felt heavenly, Dandelion closed his eyes once more and let himself enjoy the sensation. Jaskier had long musician’s fingers, just like him, and they were magical. It was less of a hair wash and more of a head massage now and Dandelion couldn’t help the breathy moans that escaped his lips.

He was hard by the time Jaskier turned the shower back on to rinse out the shampoo. Neither of them mentioned it but Dandelion knew that Jaskier had noticed. It was too obvious how much he’d been enjoying it for Jaskier not to have noticed.

Jaskier repeated the process with the conditioner, spending more time running his hands through the tips of Dandelion’s hair this time, making sure the conditioner had properly covered them, but the gentle tugs at Dandelion’s hair were like sweet torture. Until he felt Jaskier’s fingers back on his scalp, firm pressure on the most sensitive parts of his scalp.

Dandelion moaned again, unable to help himself. “Jask,” he gasped, voice hoarse “please.”

Jaskier hummed. “Please what, darling?”

“I… I want.”

Jaskier chuckled and his fingers brushed the tips of Dandelion’s ear. He shivered and squeezed his eyes shut tight. Jaskier just pressed a kiss to his forehead, the bastard was really taking advantage of the situation but… Dandelion had been lusting after his roommate for months so he wasn’t complaining.

“What do you want, sweetheart?” Jaskier cooed, pulling a fistful of Dandelion’s hair just hard enough that he could feel a shiver of pleasure down his spine.

Dandelion just whined, his tongue heavy in his mouth, words but a distant memory. He just needed, wanted, desired…

“Do you want my hand on your cock?” Jaskier asked, his voice a husky whisper in Dandelion’s ear as he fingers continued to press against his scalp. “or perhaps you’d prefer my mouth?”

Dandelion moaned, a low guttural moan that should have been embarrassing in its desperation but he was too far gone. “Yes.”

“Touch yourself for me,” Jaskier’s breath tickled his ear “imagine how good it would feel to have my mouth, warm and wet around your cock?”

Dandelion scrambled to unzip his trousers. He gasped as he finally managed to get his cock free, spitting on his hand before slowly starting to stroke his length. It wasn’t nearly as good as having Jaskier’s pretty pink lips around him but with Jaskier’s voice in his ear and his fingers rubbing into his scalp, Dandelion was a wreck. Every time Jaskier’s fingers moved in his hair he felt like the room was on fire, his heart was thundering in his chest and his skin was itching with the heat of his arousal.

He thrust up into his hand with a gasp, biting his lip.

“How long would it take before you’re begging me to fuck you?” Jaskier nipped at his ear, a sharp pain that only heightened his pleasure as he ran his thumb over his slit. “Or would you prefer to cum in my mouth?”

Dandelion could picture it so clearly, Jaskier kneeling at his feet, Dandelion’s cock in his mouth, the contented hums as he sucked and licked at the dick, every sound vibrating around Dandelion until he came down Jaskier’s throat, the brunet would swallow up every last drop, and the smirk on his face, so bloody smug like he’d won the fucking lottery.

God he would be so beautiful.

Dandelion keened, fucking into his own hand, wishing it were Jaskier’s but not wanting to lose the sensation of Jaskier’s fingers running through his hair. He pumped himself harder, feeling the familiar pull as his orgasm draw near, warmth flooding his body, moans and wordless cries falling from his lips.

“That’s it, darling, cum for me…” Jaskier purred in his ear, another tug at Dandelion’s hair.

Dandelion whined as he came all over his hand, collapsing forwards, his clean hand pressing against the cool tiled floor. Jaskier’s voice coaxed him through his orgasm, cooing praises in his ear, hands still loosely in Dandelion’s damp hair.

“Bloody hell…” he muttered as he came back to his senses.

“Fuck, Dandy, if we could record the noises you make, we could make a million pounds over night,” Jaskier whispered, sounding almost as fucked out as Dandelion felt. “You’re so beautiful.”

Dandelion hummed, feeling rather too blissful to answer.

“Let’s finish rinsing your hair then I’ll cut it for you,” Jaskier pressed a kiss to his temple “and then, well, I’d like to take you to bed?”

The last part came out as a question, a slight crack in Jaskier’s voice. Dandelion shook free of Jaskier’s grasp and turned to face his friend. Jaskier’s cheeks were flushed, the pink trailing down his neck and beneath his t-shirt where there was just a tease of dark chest hair peaking out at the neckline. Dandelion grinned and pulled his friend into a kiss, licking into Jaskier’s mouth and biting at his bottom lip as he pulled away. “I would like nothing more.”

______

Tag list: @frances-the-red @thecomfortofoldstorries @elliestormfound @honeysuckletook @bounce-a-coin-off-your-witcher @hailhailsatan @dani-dandelino @artistsfuneral @kittynannygaming @selectivegeekwithstandards @thecomfortofoldstorries @fontegagrilledcheese @anythinggoesfandoms @geraltrogerericduhautebellegarde @veritasrose @trickstermoose67 @nonegenderleftpain @kueble @justjess94 @skai6 @damatris @wherethewordsare @dapandapod @mayastormborn @jaskierslastbraincell

#the witcher #jaskilion #jaskier x dandelion #jaskier/dandelion #nsft #wolfie's witcher writing #suddenly-a-twilight-blog

54 notes · View notes

ukiyo-jaem · 5 years

Text

test packet a (n.jm)

words: 2.1k

warnings: smut, tutor!jaemin, student!reader, edging, orgasm denial, punishment

requested: yes

songs listened to while writing: alphabet boy by melanie martinez

part 2

~~~~~

"i spent so long," he raked his hand through his now messed up dark hair, pacing infront of your desk that sat in the middle of your bedroom. "so long teaching and re-teaching you this stupid literature lesson, y/n!" he groaned; glasses hanging on the tip of his nose and his hoodie and jeans still neat and clean from when he walked from his fine arts school to come to your weekly tutoring session.

"i said i was sorry!" you raised your voice, eyes locking with his then going right back down to where you were playing with your fingers in your lap. you uniform still on and uncomfortable as ever. "but why didn't you study more after i left?!" he asked, hands slamming down on the desk infront of you so he was eye level with you now.

you sat back in your chair, only daring to look up at him for a quick second. "my time - wasted." he scoffed quietly while standing fully, and grabbing his bag. you shot out of you seat quickly, running around the desk and standing infront of him. "please don't go. i-i really need you still." you said, desperation coming out in your voice.

you grabbed his hand that held the strap of his bag and looked at him. "please." you whispered. you could see him contemplate his next movements as he stood there unmoved. "my parents will kill me if i get another bad mark." you shook your head.

jaemin saw the tears gather in your eyes. he couldn't help admiring how you looked with them gathering at the edges, ready to spill at any bat of your eye.

he sighed, dropping his bag; the thud making hope spring into your eyes. "...you're lucky you're my only job tonight..." he muttered.

you readily ran back to your seat and sat back down. he trudged over to his seat that was sat right across from yours. "okay. let's figure out why you failed." he said as he pushed his glasses up and grabbed the red inked paper from your hands.

he leaned against his hand and read your test.

on the first question he stared up at you with a cold chill that made you squirm in your seat. "you're joking right?" he asked and you looked down in shame.

"what is a person, place, thing, or idea, y/n?" he asked as he let the paper fall from his hand. "...noun..." was the only thing you could say. "so why the hell did you put 'verb'?" he asked and it all made sense now. he turned the paper around towards you, and your eyes caught the bottom left hand side, 'test a'.

there were 2 versions of the test

"i-" you couldn't come up with anything. jaemin was pissed you failed but he would've been livid if he found out you cheated on the test.

"well here...i'll tell you exactly why you put 'verb'." he said reaching in his bag that was settled by his right foot. once you saw the 2 packets in each hand you already knew you were done for. he knew. you were dead. you couldn't lie out of this one.

you slumped in your seat and just pouted. he dropped both versions of the test infront of you.

"as you see here, y/n. you got everything right for the 'test b' packet." he chuckled, and it hurt. "when in actual reality, you had 'test a' all along." he shook his head, taking his glasses off.

he set them down and massaged the sides of his head. "so not only did you fail...you cheated." he muttered. "i didn't mean to!" you countered sitting up and staring at him. his eyebrow cocked at your boldness.

"i choked! i knew everything but got distracted by something! and poof!" your hands flew up, "everything was gone." he didn't find this amusing at all.

"so that's the only reason, you got 'distracted'?" he asked, arms crossing over his body. you looked around for a moment and nodded.

"then come here." he said and motioned for you to come over with a single wave of a finger. you stood up and walked over to his seat.

he grabbed your waist and sat you down on his lap. you yelped at the suddenness, his hands grabbing your thighs to steady your body.

your legs rested on the outsides of his own as he spread your legs further open. his hand came around and grabbed the blank 'test a' and a pencil.

"do it." he demanded and you just started writing down as many answers as you could.

you had uneasily made it to question 3 when you felt his hand brush against your clothed pussy. you straightened your back quickly, dropping the pencil out of shock. "did i say to stop?" he asked, a slap landing on the inside of your thigh. you whimpered, trying to close your thighs but his hands held them open firmly and forcefully.

"continue." he said and you picked up the pencil again. "want to work on distractions? then do the test while i have my fun." you basically heard the smirk dripping from his lips.

you nodded obediently and started working. his hand creeped closer to your covered core, rubbing lightly on your clit. you bit your lip and tried to concentrate as much as you could.

your body shook with arousal and his hand grabbed your waist firmly. "i don't think you should be enjoying this as much as you should be, princess." he whispered, hand travelling up and grabbing at your still covered chest.

with one quick pull of your panties and a rip sound, his fingers were prodding at your wet entrance. you breathed a sigh of content as you struggled on question 9.

"maybe if you complete the test i'll let you come." he taunted, slipping a finger into you. you gripped the table, trying to close your legs to no avail.

"awe look at you squirming." he chuckled. you tried looking at him but the hand that was feeling your chest was now on the back of your neck, guiding your entire head to look straight at your paper.

his pace didn't let up as he taunted you and tried distracting you.

it was as if a huge ball was forming in the pit of your stomach. where jaemin was there trying to make it explode. "please." you moaned, trying to think of the correct answer. "oh my god please." you begged and you could feel his body shake with a laugh. "please slow- unngmm." you were cut off by his other hand coming down to quickly rub your clit. you looked up to see your reflection staring back at you. jaemin's amused and concentrated face peaked out from behind your figure.

"you can't come yet." he said, motioning down to your paper, both of your gazes locked. you felt yourself come close to the edge, but just as quickly as everything started--it ended.

his once buried fingers were now in his mouth, cleaning your essence off his digits. "i'm giving you a chance to get it done." he said, fingers still on his lips. his one hand that was rubbing fastly on your clit was now just gripping your thigh possessively.

your gaze broke from his and you hurried down to your test. your high was slowly dissapearing as you made it through 4 questions.

his wet fingers traveled back down to your core, teasingly twirling themselves around your hole.

your mind began to get clouded again as two fingers were now plunged into you and your clit being rubbed again. your high came back ten times harder as you whined, finally dropping your pencil and grabbed his arms that disappeared below the edge of the table and landed where your skirt stayed flipped up.

your one hand tried gripping his wrist to his hand that was rubbing you closer and closer to climaxing everywhere.

"oh please don't stop." you said, throwing your head back, leaning against jaemin who was waiting for you. his mouth laid wet kisses all over your exposed neck.

you hands came up to pull at his hair lightly.

your head turned to the side where both of your lips clashed and teeth scraped for control. his movements seemed like they got faster and faster.

your lips detached but you still laid there, your head on his shoulder and your eyes shut while you were experiencing pure pleasure.

"please don't stop." you whined quietly.

he wanted to stay there forever and just watch your puffy and drooly lips beg and plead for him to not stop. your soft voice now in a high-pitched whisper. your back subconsciously arching away from his chest as you try to have him hit deeper inside you. your hand resting on his jaw and your touch so delicate.

but that wasn't going to happen right now. his hands retracted from your core. his grip forced your wrists away from him and then to make you sit up straight.

"only 3 more questions to go, sweetie." he sung, popping his sweetly coated fingers into his mouth where he licked them graciously. he never wanted your sweetness to end...but you were almost done.

your high was so close this, and it was ripped away from you like it was nothing. you quickly tried to get the questions done as your core literally throbbed for a release.

"fini-ah." you began but his fingers plunged directly into you with no warning. "what, baby?" he asked and you gripped the table hard.

"i...i finished." you panted, trying to regain your composure quickly.

"good job, princess." your gazes locked in the mirror and you saw him smiling.

he stood up quickly, you being pushed from his fingers and smooshed against the table and his body. he forcefully turned you around and lifted you onto the table.

you couldn't register what was happening before he was on his knees and his tongue was licking you up and down.

his fingers were wonderful but his tongue was pure magic. "oh-" you moaned, your body weight being supported by your elbows.

"oh my- please." you whispered, so close to the edge. his arms hooked around both of your legs, pulling you onto his mouth forcefully.

he was in paradise. you tasted so sweet and so magical. he could die with you sitting on his face and it being the best way to go in his opinion...but that was going to be for a different time.

he felt a grip on his hair and knew he was doing something right.

he quickly backed away and rested his head on your inner thigh. your exasperated whine made him look up to see your annoyed and pouty face.

tears gathered in your eyes and this is exactly where he needed to get you. "oh look at you." he pouted, his hand coming up to slowly stroke and play with your clit.

"so desperate and whiny. just to come." he sighed, his fake sympathy making your blood boil. yet you were too focused on getting your release, you let it go quickly.

"please just- i need you." you whined and his tongue was on you again.

his arms held your legs open as he ate you out with passion and dedication. you were so close.

the tears fell down your face and were slowly being replaced with stars.

you gripped his hair and he knew this was it. he got ready, tasting your sweetness and trying to make it last; sucking your clit in between his lips. he smirked, and pulled away, standing up.

you laid there on your desk, tear streaks down your cheeks and your nose and cheeks having a soft blush to them. "what...are you doing?" you asked, sitting up.

"...going home?" he chuckled grabbing your finished test and shoving it into his bag.

"b-but-" your eyes grew at the realization once he grabbed his glasses, popping them back onto his face. he licked his lips and wiped the excess away with his sleeve.

"see you next week, y/n." he said leaning over and kissing your cheek sweetly.

"maybe you'll behave this week...yeah?" he whispered into your ear, softly running his tongue under your ear; shivers shooting down your spine.

you watched as he seriously walked out of your room, fixing and adjusting himself so he looked presentable if he were to see your parents on his way out.

your fingers going back down to your clit, trying to match what he was doing; nothing working no matter how hard you tried. you were left just sitting in your desk, pouting at your climax that never tipped off.

jaemin smirked the whole way home, knowing he was gonna be doing this for awhile.

#nct dream reactions #nct 127 #kpop smut #nct dream hard hours #nct dream smut #nct dream #nct drabbles #nct hard hours #nct smut #nct #nct jaemin #nct jaemin smut #na jaemin smut #jaemin smut #na jaemin #jaemin #kpop hard hours #00 line #00 line smut

6K notes · View notes

givemeweasley · 3 years

Text

The Mailing Voice

Fred Weasley x Reader

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: Death and lots of angst, if you’re not tryna cry keep it moving

-----

Until you were eleven, you didn’t know magic existed.

The magic you knew of was in fairy tales with a beautiful princess or an evil sorceress. Handsome princes coming to rescue the damsel in distress. Magic was something to be dreamed of as you fell asleep, not something to be learned or realized.

Then you got a letter in the mail and it changed your life.

Someone from what they called the Ministry of Magic came to explain the circumstances to you and your family. How you possessed magical abilities and were to be educated at a school called Hogwarts.

You went expecting to be exposed to ways to manipulate the world around you with only a wand at your disposal, you didn’t expect yourself to encounter the one magic you cherished above all others.

Love.

Fred Weasley was at first just a friend, a comfort to someone who didn’t grow up in the magical world. Fred and George took you in and made you feel safe. When you were all pronounced Gryffindors, that bond strengthened.

You cheered for them at their Quidditch matches, you suffered detentions together, you studied in the library, ate in the Great Hall, and you even spent summers with them at the Burrow.

Life was brighter with them around, but it was Fred that held your heart. And one sunny day at the pond behind the Burrow, he told you how you held his own heart.

From that day on, the two of you were inseparable. He was truly your soulmate. The prince to your princess. The person you had dreamed of since before you knew magic to be real.

“Y/N?”

You blinked away your tears before looking up into George's face. His eyes were red around the edges and you tried hard not to let your own brokenness show.

“You ready?” He spoke softly.

Your throat closed up rendering you unable to speak. So you nodded instead and grabbed his offered arm. He was clad in a black suit and forgetting the circumstances, he had never looked better. You nervously brushed off nonexistent dirt off your own black outfit. George cleared his throat.

“You look beautiful, Y/N.”

You fought the tears that threatened to readily spill at the slightest provocation as you looked up at George. It was the first time you had really looked at George since- since the incident.

In a lot of ways, you saw the love of your life. But in the ways that truly mattered, he was gone. But you knew you weren’t the only one breaking. So you gathered what little courage was left and spoke.

“So do you, George.” It came out splintered and cracking, but he heard all the same. A soft smile curled his lips.

“No one’s ever told me I looked beautiful before.” The joke made you crack a hint of a smile as well. It gave you a little more strength to face what lay outside.

As George pushed open the door of the Burrow and led you outside, you had a moment where you saw something different.

Instead of rows of people dressed in black crying over what was gone, they were dressed in bright colors crying over what was to come. You would’ve been escorted by your father, not George. Dressed in a beautiful white gown that complimented every inch of your body. You’d be holding daffodils and sunflowers, not a single white rose.

You’d be gazing into the eyes of the man you loved with a smile on your face, instead of blankly staring at the black casket that lay at the end of the grassy aisle.

Finally, George sat you down and made his way up to a small podium. You didn’t really know how many people showed up, nor could you care enough to look behind you to see. Your eyes were glued on the final resting place of the future you could’ve had.

“I just wanted to say thank you for coming as we-” George cleared his throat again before exhaling and continuing. “As we lay to rest a man who meant a lot of things to a lot of people. For some he was an inspiration with his brilliant inventions and ideas, for others he was a friend who showed unwavering loyalty and love to those he cared about, and for an even smaller few he was family who pranked and teased us all until we couldn’t stand him but couldn’t help loving him still, for me-” George let a tear slip down his cheek silently. “For me, he was the best twin anyone could ask for. There are things I will never know how to put into words, and Fred and I’s bond is one of those things.” He looked down at the podium as if he couldn’t stand to look at anyone anymore, before glancing backwards at the casket. But despite his head being turned, everyone heard the next words he spoke quite clearly. “It seems so unnatural to be born together and to die apart.”

Whatever tears you had fought so hard to contain spilled down in waves at that.

George turned completely and laid a hand on his brother's casket. “I miss you already, Fred.” Before he came and sat down next to you.

You grabbed George’s hand and clutched it tightly. The only sense of comfort was felt in that connection between your hands. You tried so hard to tune out the sobs of everyone behind you and the words spoken by the others. Your heart was already so broken.

Instead you managed to tear your eyes away from the casket and gaze upwards into the sky. It seemed awfully unfair that the sky was filled with beautiful full white clouds, the sun shining brightly between them. The sky was stark blue and almost glimmered with brightness. Everything was beautiful, and you hated that it seemed like the earth didn’t care about its loss. You hated that somewhere, there was someone who didn’t know that he died and your world would forever be changed.

After everyone had finished their remarks, the casket was lowered into the ground, and people began to leave after approaching you and George to express their deepest condolences.

You sat in that uncomfortable chair until the sun began to set, you didn’t even notice George had already gone too until you heard him from behind you.

“Should I tell her to come inside?” He whispered, barely loud enough for you to hear.

“She’ll come inside when she’s ready, dear.” Mrs. Weasley responded.

“But-”

“Let her be.”

But you wondered if you would ever be ready when you so badly wanted to crawl into the casket and lay beside him. You didn’t know if you could live without him.

Shakily, you stood and sat down on the grass beside the now covered grave. You brushed the dirt and the headstone gently.

“I’m scared, Fred.” You whispered so softly you knew not a soul on Earth would’ve heard you. “I’m scared I’m going to forget what you looked like. How your nose was more straight or how your eyes were less slanted at the edges. I’m scared I’m going to forget your voice and how it sounded in my ear at night in bed when you told me you loved me. I’m scared I’m going to forget how you felt. That the calluses on your hands, which are so familiar to me I could count the ridges, will be forgotten in time too. How it felt to be in your arms and how your lips tasted. How your shampoo smelled fresh after a shower. I’m so scared, Fred.” You swallowed as the tears poured down your faces watering the soil below you. “I don’t wanna forget you.”

At that your head collapsed into your hands as sobs wracked your body. Your body was shaking and heaving as you mourned. You felt so hollow. So lost.

And then you felt arms wrap around you.

You leaned into the embrace as your tears began to slow and you began to hiccup. You didn’t know who it was, but you were glad they were there with you.

“I love him.” You murmured, staring down through the dirt into a face that would never smile again.

“I love him, too.” Mrs. Weasley cried softly pressing a kiss into your hair. You turned and wrapped your arms around her before breaking into tears again.

The two of your cried there together until the sky was dark and your shadows were cast by the stars that cried with you.

-----

You stayed with the Weasleys for a week before returning to your flat in London. George offered you to come live with him above the shop, one that you readily accepted.

Stepping into your apartment felt like stepping into a past life. There were takeout boxes on the coffee table, papers and bills on the kitchen counter. There was an open box of Fred’s favorite cereal still sitting in the last place he left it. The pictures of the both of you and your Hogwarts friends littered the flat.

And it was so quiet.

You picked up the one you begged Colin to take of the two of you at the Yule Ball. You were laughing wildly as Fred dipped you and kissed you heatedly. Your fingers ran over the picture before setting it down again.

“Twelve new voicemails.” Your answering machine called out. You already knew they would be one of two things: condolences or bills.

But you needed a distraction.

So you softly made your way into the kitchen where the phone hung on the wall.

A short memory flew to the forefront of your mind when you taught Fred how to use a phone when you still lived with your parents. They didn’t mind Owls, but you figured if you could teach Fred how to use a phone it would make your correspondence quicker. He loved it. He used to yell into it in broken English like he wasn’t sure if the telephone could be trusted with full sentences.

But he eventually got the hang of it.

It made you smile even as tears gathered in your eyes once more.

You pressed the button that played all the messages.

“Hey, Y/N. Just wanted to check up on how you were doing. Call me when you feel up to chatting.” Hermione's voice rang out over the speaker.

The next few were bills, as you predicted. Another several after that were more condolences that you couldn’t bear to listen to in their entirety.

You pressed the button to the last, but for a few seconds nothing happened. You sighed and walked away to your bedroom so you could begin packing.

You were in the living room when you heard him.

“Y/N?”

Your head snapped to the kitchen.

“I- um- am not sure if this will work. But I wanted to leave you a mailing voice. I don’t know how things are going to go today and just in case, I wanted to give you something to remember me by. If-” You heard yelling in the background. “ONE SECOND!” He shouted before his voice softened again. “If I don’t make it, I love you. I love you more than pranks or the shop. Don’t tell George I said it, but I love you more than George. I don’t want to leave you, and I don’t think I will-”

You fell to the floor sobbing.

“But if I do, I know you’ll be okay. You’re stronger than me. Just don’t forget to be happy. I’d hate to think that I make the woman I love sad for the rest of her life. Especially when I’ve made it my life's work to make people laugh.”

“FRED!” You heard George shout.

“I’M COMING, YOU GIT!” He shouted back. A laugh bubbled out from between your lips. “Anyway, love, I’ve got to go. I love you and I’ll see you soon.”

You stared at the voicemail machine for longer than what would be deemed normal. But for the first time in weeks, you felt a sliver of peace within your chest. He wanted you to be happy.

You knew you couldn’t do that today, or even tomorrow.

But you knew that one day, you would remember how.

Taglist: @huffledor-able541 @sarcasticallywitty15

#Fred Weasley fic #Fred Weasley x reader #fred weasley #fw #angst #Fred Weasley imagine #George weasley #Harry Potter #Harry Potter fic #x reader #fred weasley x reader

62 notes · View notes

impala-dreamer · 3 years

Text

Muddy Soul - Chapter 26

~ Life isn’t always as it seems and people aren’t who they say they are. Love isn’t always a good thing, and sometimes, finding out the hard way may just kill you. ~

Series Warnings/Characters/Pairings are all listed on the Muddy Soul Masterlist. Please read the warnings before proceeding.

Chapter 26 Word Count: 2,056

Muddy Soul Masterlist ~ My Masterlist ~ Become A Patreon ~ My Original Works on Amazon

Days went by and Y/N found a little peace now and then.

Castiel had been by to heal her new wounds, easily closing up the cuts and soothing the bruises. She smiled as he worked, closing her eyes as his Grace flowed through her. It felt so strange, like an echo of Christian’s magic, and she soaked it in, just a little taste, just a hit of the drug she needed.

The withdrawal came and went. For long stretches, she was fine, almost back to her old self if not incredibly tired and depressed. She felt all right, until suddenly, she felt very wrong.

She helped out when she could, reorganizing the pantry with Dean, and passing him tools as he gave Baby a tune up. It was easy to do things that required her hands; moving was much better than not.

When she sat with Sam in the Library, attempting to help him with some lore entries, she started to panic. The quiet was too quiet, the air was too still. Her fingernails flicked over the tiny ribs in her jeans, tugged at the seams on her shirt, dug into her palms. If she wasn’t moving, she was thinking, and thinking only led her down the darker paths.

What had she done wrong? Why had she been so stupid? Why didn’t he want her?

Over and over, she played out scenes in her head like horror movies as Christian’s phantom haunted the shadowy corners of the Bunker. She tried to ignore him at first, forcing her eyes to pass over him without a thought, but it was impossible. He was solid, lifelike, evil. And she wanted him still.

Eventually, she learned to tune out his face, to push away his image from her mind. It wasn’t always easy, but the more she did it, the more she consciously told him to leave, the more she crossed out his picture in her mind, the stronger she felt. Perhaps, she could beat him.

Some days she smiled.

Some days she cried.

Some days she screamed and fought with anyone who approached her. She drank until her stomach turned, cut until she needed help to staunch the bleeding.

Some days she climbed into Dean’s bed with soft kisses and a plea for a hug.

Some days she ran from him, afraid he would strike her down with a single blow.

It was hard, but she was trying.

Thursday night was pizza night, and it was Dean’s turn to fly. He grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair and headed for the garage, boots clunking loudly against the floor.

Y/N was alone in the kitchen, staring down into a cup of cold black coffee.

He stopped in the doorway and whistled at her. “Hey. You gonna drink that or interrogate it?”

Y/N shivered and yanked her mind from a flashback, forcing a smile as she looked up at Dean. “Going somewhere?”

She sounded sad, lost. His shoulders dropped.

“Just running into town to grab dinner.” He twirled the car keys in his hand. “Come with me.”

Y/N shook her head. “I don’t know-”

Dipping his chin, Dean gave her the eye. “You’re coming. Let’s roll.”

Reluctantly, she followed. It was hard to say no to him even in her darkest moments. Especially when he looked up at her through those thick lashes, green eyes bright with ideas. “You suck,” she mumbled.

His chuckle rumbled off the tiles. “I know.”

Y/N hadn’t been outside in weeks and the early evening sun burned her eyes as the Impala drove out of the garage. The light rose on the windshield like sunrise on a beach and Y/N squinted at the brightness, not used to the feel of it against her eyes, her skin.

When they hit the road, she rolled down her window an inch and Dean watched as she stuck her nose in the crack, cautiously sniffing the air. She inhaled deeply and the cool air filled her senses.

“It’s almost fall,” she said, rolling down the window even more and sticking her hand out. She let her hand ride on the wave of the wind, smiling honestly for the first time in a long while.

Dean smiled. “Yeah. Almost.”

Y/N closed her eyes and let the wind kiss her cheeks. It felt good to breathe again, to feel the air rush through her hair. The sun flickered like a strobe through the trees and she unbuckled her seatbelt, turning towards Dean.

“Let’s go to Vincenzo’s,” she suggested with a soft smile.

Dean raised a brow and shifted his hands on the wheel. “Vincenzo’s? That’s like thirty minutes away. We’re just popping into town.”

Y/N pouted. “I just wanna… drive for a while.”

He nodded and stretched his arm out across the back of the long bench seat. “OK.”

Y/N scooted over and settled against his side, head on his shoulder, hand on his chest. He bent his lips to kiss the top of her head; he hadn’t felt this good in forever. Maybe she was finally on the way back.

The pizzeria was crowded and Y/N clung to Dean’s hand as they walked inside. She hung back as he ordered; two pies and a side of wings. Y/N closed her eyes and tried to breathe, but the lights were too bright, the voices around her too loud. The walls began to tremble, ready to close in around her, and she dug her nails into her palms, begging her mind to slow.

“You all right?” Dean asked, turning away from the counter. She was a step behind him, muscles in her arms and neck pulsing rapidly as the rest of her stood stone-still. “Y/N?” Concerned, he reached out to touch her arm and she jerked away, violently jumping back.

“No!” She screamed at his touch, at the room, at the random strangers now turning to look at her. Their faces twisted and contorted into viscous sneers and evil laughter rang in her ears. She swung at Dean who tried to pull her close, knocking him off balance with a left hook he didn’t see coming.

Christian loomed in the darkness behind the crowd that now turned to gawk and point at the crazy woman in their midst. He tipped the ashes from his cigarette onto a freshly baked pie and laughed. “You’re losing your mind, pretty girl.”

Her vision blurred on everything but his smug face and she raged at him, shouting over the dense noise pounding in her skull. “Shut up!”

Hands reached for her, faces rushed into her line of sight. Her skin began to crawl, her veins ached, her breath stopped.

Y/N spun on her heel and rushed to the door, Christian’s booming laugh echoing behind her.

“You can run all you want. I’m inside of you. You’re stuck with me. Forever.”

Bells crashed above the door as Y/N pushed out into the night air. She took off down the street, not knowing or caring where she was going.

Darkness settled around her, the cool air stung her cheeks.

Boots thudded behind her; Dean called her name.

Out of breath, she stopped, sneakers skidding on the asphalt. She closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky, arms spread, soul open. She begged Heaven to strike her dead. Dared Hell to come take her. She’d had enough.

“Smart girl.” Christian’s voice flew through her mind, carried by the wind that lifted the short hairs at the nape of her neck. “Death is the only way out of this.”

Y/N screamed. “Please!”

She felt the light hit her eyelids, burning them bright orange and red. She smiled, relieved that the angels were listening, and opened her eyes.

Headlights blinded her and Y/N lifted her arms to shield her eyes.

Dean slammed into her like a brick wall, knocking the breath from her lungs as he grabbed her up off of her feet, rushing her to the side of the road where they both fell in a heap on the grass, panting and terrified.

“What the hell is wrong with you!” He screamed, rolling over her, pinning her to the cold ground. “You trying to get yourself killed?”

Tears pushed out of her eyes, sliding down the corners, and she gasped for air, unable to control herself as he yelled. “Please...stop.”

His face was red, nostrils flaring, jaw clenched. “Stop? I just fucking saved your life!”

Y/N whimpered loudly as his voice crackled through her. Her bottom lip shook, her body trembling beneath him.

Dean sat back on her legs and lifted a hand to scrub down his face. She saw the arm go up and cringed, turning away from him, afraid he was about to strike.

“D-don’t.”

“Jesus, Y/N/N,” he gasped, climbing off of her and lowering his hand. “What the hell did he do to you?”

Still shaking, she rolled onto her side and popped up on all fours, scurrying away from him as fast as she could. She didn’t get far, collapsing into a pile of weak limbs and flowing tears.

“Baby, come on… please.” Dean went to her, falling down next to her head, listening in pain as she cried. “I’m sorry I screamed at you. I just- I don’t know what’s going on half the time anymore and I- You were standing in the middle of the road, talking to yourself. For fuck’s sake, Y/N, this can’t go on. You can’t go on like this.”

Tears calming but heart aching, Y/N pushed up and sat on her heels, wiping her cheek with her sleeve. “What are you saying? That you’re done with me?”

Dean startled. “What? No…”

“That I’m too much of a fucking burden and you’re over it?” Her voice grew with anger and resentment. “You don’t want to have to deal with the crazy girl anymore?”

Dean shook his head and sat forward, reaching for her. “Y/N, no. Stop it.”

“Oh, I’ll stop it.” She jumped to her feet. “I’ll leave you to get on with your life, Dean Winchester. God forbid anyone else have a fucking trauma around here but you or Sam! I’ll just leave you two to it, then, shall I? The Righteous Man and the Boy With The Demon Blood, twin fucking assholes!” She turned, ready to run, but Dean’s cell phone rang, throwing her off track.

He was frozen, staring at her as the ringtone blasted from his jacket pocket.

“Well?” she yelled, one hand waving towards the sound. “You gonna answer it?”

“I don’t know,” he said calmly. “You done yelling at me?”

Y/N crossed her arms and sneered. “Yes.”

Dean pulled the phone from his pocket and swiped, putting Sam on speaker.

“Hey. Where are you guys?”

Dean sighed. “Oh, just rolling around in a ditch by the side of the road. You?”

“What? Just get back here. Rowena’s got something.”

Y/N leaned in. “Rowena?”

Sam cleared his throat. “Yeah. I asked her to look into a few things for us. She, uh- Just get home soon as you can.”

Dean nodded and pulled the phone closer. “OK. On our way.”

As if he could sense her apprehension through the phone, Sam added, “Oh, Y/N? It’s a good thing.”

She scoffed and looked away. “Yeah, yeah.”

Dean ended the call and stuffed the phone back in his pocket. “You ready?” he asked, looking up at her.

Y/N nodded gently and held out her hand to help him up. He mostly jumped, but she helped a little.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Dean licked his chapped lips and sighed. “Me too.”

After a glance that lasted a moment too long, Y/N turned and tried to start back for the car, but Dean refused to let her hand go.

“What are you doing?”

He turned his palm and pushed his fingers through hers, locking them together. “Not letting you go again,” he said, voice calm and sure.

Y/N smiled and Dean blushed as she stared at him, an adorable laugh shaking her shoulders. “So much for no chick flick moments…”

Dean gave her hand a tug as he walked off, pulling her behind him. “Yeah, shut up.”

‘21 Forever Tags:

@akshi8278 @alwayskeepfightingsweetheart @amanda-teaches @beardburnsupersoldiers @because-imma-lady-assface @broiderie @burningcoffeetimetravel-fics @cheritzie @cno92 @cosicas-cuquis @covered-byroses @crashdevlin @deansgirl215 @defenderrosetyler @dontshootmespence @donnaintx @feelmyroarrrr @focusonspn @gabrielslittleangel @hannahindie @ilsawasanacrobat @justcallmeasmodeus @katelynw93 @kittenofdoomage @laxe-from-outer-space @lyarr24 @magicsharilynn @mariekoukie6661 @missjenniferb @mylovelydame21 @mysticmaxie @pandaxo79 @pilaxia @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester @squirrelnotsam @tatted-trina6 @thoughts-and-funnies @typicalweirdbookworm @vulgar-library @winchestershiresauce

Muddy Soul:

@starryeyeseunbyul @sycochick @vicmc624 @jtink27 @lil-bitty-mushroom @couldabeenamermaid

29 notes · View notes

star-lemonade · 3 years

Text

Chapter 5: Casserole

Series rating: R (AO3: E)

Warnings: polyamory, marking, mentions of pegging, smut

Word count: 5k

Genre: Smut, romance

Female Reader x A.C.E Byeongkwan, Female Reader x A.C.E Sehyoon

beta-ed! Thanks so much to @Alexing1061

Masterlist

Chapter Index

Summary: You admit your crush on Sehyoon and after an apparent rejection, Sehyoon has to make a confession of his own.

If you don’t enjoy reading about relationships that involve more than two people, this story is not for you

Taglist: @multistan-net

The cafe was comfortably warm. While waiting in the queue you rubbed your hands. A cold had settled into the streets of the city and it would take some time inside before you could feel your fingers again.

You ordered two coffees and sat down at one of the small tables. No sooner had you settled down, the door opened and Sehyoon entered. You waved and he waved back, a little smile on his face.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

He peck you on the lips and seated himself opposite you. The long, black coat matched his dark suit and white shirt in its professionalism. He looked like the hip CEO of a startup.

“So. How did it go?”

You were on the edge of your seat, wanting to know how the talk with his boss had gone. Before he could answer, a figure appeared next to you. The waitress smiled and set the mugs of coffee down. You thank her and she left. Sehyoon sipped on his coffee, lost in some thought, but you were still waiting.

“So?”

A smile broke on his face. He leaned forward, beaming and said:

“I got a raise.”

“Oh my god! Congrats!”

You took his hands and shook them violently to release your happiness. This was amazing news for him. Although he had been at his company for years they had underpaid him. If Sehyoon had gone somewhere else, he could have made more. That was why you and Byeongkwan had joined forces and persuaded him to talk to his boss.

In your celebration you had somehow landed in his lap. Some of the other customers, but especially the two young women at the table next to yours, glared disapprovingly.

“He matched the offer I got from that other company. So, let’s get something nice to eat after I get my salary.”

You nodded and kissed him. It ended too fast, but you were in a cafe. Sehyoon reluctantly let go of you and you sat back on your chair.

“Talking about fancy dinners. Someone from work invited me for dinner with her husband. Do you wanna go with me?”

Having to spend an evening alone with her and her husband did not seem like a good time. You needed backup there.

“Sure.”

He offered you his hand and you took it. Despite walking outside in the cold, his hands were warm.

“Oh, are you cold?”

Without waiting for an answer your hand was sandwiched between his. He rubbed your hand and slowly the cold faded.

“The other one is cold too.”

Pouting, you showed your other hand. He smiled and gave it that same treatment. What a good way to stay warm.

The weak sun hung deep in the blue sky and the cold was already lurking in the shadows. An almost magical feeling hung in the air. First Christmas decorations had appeared in the shop windows and some trees in the park had been hung with small lights. You stood at the entrance of the small park and waited. It was Friday late afternoon and the street was packed with shoppers. You scanned their faces but so far you had not seen him. For some reason you felt nervous. Even though Sehyoon had expressed his delight at the thought of you and Byeongkwan going on a date, it still felt odd. It would take time to get used to.

A figure waved. You saw him on the other side of the street waiting for the crosswalk. Byeongkwan wore a puffy jacket, loose fit work out pants and a beanie. The thick scarf hid half his face.

“Hey!”

“Hi!”

You threw your arms around him and he chuckled. When you pull back he would not let you get away. He pecked your lips once and as you were about to protest, he kissed you. You moved your lips against his. His lips were wonderful. They were warm and soft, exactly what you needed right now. For a moment you forgot that you were outside, on the street with people around you.

“… I’m really happy with how the students are doing, that choreography was pretty hard for them.”

You walked slowly along the path as joggers and shoppers passed. It felt nice to spend time with Byeongkwan again. You slipped your hand between his arm and his upper body. Walking arm in arm around the park felt like a scene from a movie.

Byeongkwan had come off work a little earlier so you could meet, when it was still daylight. The sun set earlier each day.

“Well, I’m sure it has nothing to do with you being a good teacher.”

A smile tucked at the corners of his mouth and he petted your hand on his arm.

“Thanks.”

The sun was disappearing behind the buildings and you shivered, snuggling closer to Byeongkwan.

A couple passed with some delicious smelling food. That reminded you …

“Do you wanna have dinner with me?”

Just as you asked, you walked past an entrance to the park. Byeongkwan and you had completed a round.

“I thought that’s what we were going to do anyways.”

You had not actually decided anything beforehand. It had just been a vague declaration of “we want to spend time together”. On your phone you had a short list of recipes you liked.

“What do you think about this?”

Byeongkwan checked the recipe on your phone and nodded.

“Sounds good but I don’t think there are any of that at the apartment.”

You went to the store to pick up the groceries. There were surprisingly few people around and you flew through the aisles, picking out all the ingredients. Because this was an unfamiliar supermarket it took a while to get everything. You had read somewhere that the layouts of stores were confusing on purpose to keep you there longer. While in the line for the checkout you and Byeongkwan held hands like it was the most normal thing. No one was paying any attention to this and smiled to yourself because you knew a secret they did not.

Outside the store it was freezing. Byeongkwan looked around before starting to walk.

“Where are we going?”

He headed in the direction of the next subway station.

“To Sehni’s place.”

The sun had made way for the biting cold of the night and your breath rose, puffs of fog. Each of you carried a bag with ingredients.

“Isn’t your apartment closer?”

He looked in both directions before crossing the small side street. A sign at the next corner marked the entrance to the subway.

“My apartment is … very practical.”

Byeongkwan pulled the zipper of his jacket higher. His scarf was also back in his face. You hurried to the stairs that promised escape from the cold.

“I basically use it for storage only at this point.”

Indeed the air got warmer as you descended underground. The glass doors at the bottom of the stairs released a stale, warm wind from inside the subway station.

“So you moved in with Sehni?”

Your voice echoed from the tiled walls of the hallway that lead to more stairs going down.

“I mean, It would be great to have an actual shared apartment, where I have all my stuff…”

This topic was dropped, when you saw that your train had arrived and you both ran to get to the door. Inside the car was packed with people and way too warm for your thick coat. Byeongkwan unzipped his jacket and you seized the opportunity to sneak your cold hands under it and around his chest. Compared to Sehni’s broad shoulders and massive chest, Byeongkwan seemed rather petite but his body felt solid and warm. Your head rested on his shoulder and he kissed your hair before burying his nose in it. In this position the ride with the subway could have lasted forever. You loved it.

Sehyoon‘s apartment was deserted and dark when you arrived. Its owner was currently spending his evening with some friends which was partially why you were with Byeongkwan on this day instead of him. Date night was date night, today just with someone else.

The small hallway with the built-in closet opened into the open kitchen and living room with the only other rooms being the bedroom and the bathroom. The kitchen was separated from the living room with a counter that also added more space for cutting and working. On the living room side of the counter stood a small table with two chairs where you had had breakfast with Byeongkwan last time.

For dinner you had opted for something simple to make, a casserole. While you made the sauce, Byeongkwan cut the vegetables into small cubes and you watched with half your attention. He had rolled up the sleeves of his black sweater so they would not get stained and the muscles in his forearms moved as he cut. His skin was very pale against the dark fabric and even to your surprise you found yourself thinking about leaving a hickey somewhere on him. How it would look when you sucked at the skin. It would turn red and you would have done that. The thought was exciting. Now where would you put one? The neck was an obvious answer but not one you liked. A bit tacky. On his chest maybe? Not as obvious but you would know it is there. Maybe if he wore a low cut shirt the mark would be visible. Everyone could see someone did that to him.

“What is it?”

He did not even look up from his vegetables and your brain needed a moment to register that he had addressed you.

“What?”

You echoed. I think I stared. Damn. I stared.

“What were you thinking while licking your lips like that?”

“Ehm…”

The cutting stopped and he looked at you expecting an answer, but you were a bit too embarrassed to tell him. He would think it’s weird that I want to essentially bruise his skin.

“Come on, spill.” He pressed and when you reverted your attention to the sauce, he put down the knife and wrapped you in a back hug. He kissed your neck and it tickled.

“Tell me!”

Perk. It tickled.

“No!”

You wound in his grap. Tickling.

“Come on!”

You ducked your head trying to limit his excess. Your face was hurting from laughing.

“Tell me!”

Breaking out from his grasp seemed impossible. You could hardly breath.

“Okay, okay. I will tell you.”

He let you go, gently turning you towards him, but you looked down, catching your breath. You had to tell him because you would not survive another assault like this.

“I was thinking about … how I wanted to … ehm … leave hickeys on you.”

Oh boy, I said it. He will think I’m weird.

“Okay.”

You looked up at that. Definitely not the reaction you had expected. Byeongkwan did not seem particularly distressed about this and went back to cutting the vegetables.

The sauce had thankfully not burned while you had almost died from laughing. You watched Byeongkwan from the corner of your eye. His reaction has been so odd, it bothered you. You wanted to know why he was so calm about this.

When he was done with the vegetables, you stacked the casserole. The oven was hot and you opened it.

“How long will it take?”

He asked with a slightly husky voice, when you placed the dish in the oven.

“About an hour.”

You started the timer set for 50 minutes. Then you would have to put the cheese on it and increase the temperature for a good finish.

“Good.”

Byeongkwan’s hand landed on your shoulder and turned you around. His eyes were dark and his hands wrapped around your middle. Okay, so that is where this will go.

He crashed your lips together and backed you up against the counter. The kiss was desperate and your stomach clenched as his hands slid into your hair. Secretly you had been thinking about him all week, since you had decided to meet.

You could feel him, half hard, pressing against you and moaned quietly. He used your weak moment and slipped his tongue into your mouth. The counter was pressing uncomfortably against you back but you could endure it for a bit longer if it meant having him kiss you like this. It made your knees like rubber. What ever cold had remained from outside was now driven out. You felt hot. Breathing would be nice though. You broke the kiss to get some air and saw the pupils of his eyes blown out with the want.

“Come.”

He took your hand and you followed him to the bedroom feeling like a lovesick teenager. Giddy and beaming from ear to ear. The bedroom was mostly unchanged from last time except the sheets on the bed were now a dark blue.

Byeongkwan sat down on the bed and pulled you into his lap, his arms secure around your waist. His soft lips moved slowly against yours as your fingers buried themselves in his silky hair, lightly pulling at it. He moaned, low and quiet, into your mouth and you rolled your hips in his lap for some friction. You were getting a bit worked up too.

He broke the kiss and pulled his sweater over his head leaving him in a dark, soft t-shirt. You took the hint and removed your pullover. His hands were under the hem of your t-shirt immediately, gently rubbing your lower back as you continued to kiss. The feeling of his lips was addicting, you did not want him to stop clouding your mind.

“So you want to leave a mark, hm?”

He purred into your ear before kissing down your neck that you presented willingly to him. An affirmative noise was all you could muster. Coherent sentences were not possible at the moment.

“I got a suggestion as to where.” He leaned back slightly and you looked at him, head spinning with the need of wanting him inside you. You got gently pushed off his lap and you stood up with shaky legs, watching as he pulled the t-shirt over his head and opened the button of his jeans. Okay, wow. You could not decide where to look first. He had beautifully defined muscles and his pale skin was begging for you to mark it. The fact that he wanted this too had alleviated all concerns and guilt you had felt.

Your hands flew to his abs like metal to a magnet and ran down towards the bulge in his pants but never reached it because he laid back on the bed. He pulled the jeans and the hem of his underwear down exposing more of his perfect stomach.

“What do you think about here?”

His finger ran over the area that was previously hidden just under the waistband of his jeans. The thought of putting a hickey there made your mouth water and you swallowed hard. The smile on his face was down right evil as you pulled down his pants and the underwear the rest of the way. He positioned himself in the middle of the bed. You ran your tongue over the area in question, earning shiver from him, before starting to suck and bite. The way he responded made you even more wet. The sucking in of air, was followed by a higher pitched moan and his hand landed on your head. He had a hard time keeping still and shifted slightly under you. His fingers were tangled in your hair. You pulled away to look at your work. The area was a deep red and Byeongkwan was panting audibly, he looked uncomfortably hard.

“Do you want to ride me?”

It sounded more like a plea than like a question.

“yes.”

You could not get out of your clothes fast enough. He got a condom from the bedside table, rolling it on. You straddled him and rocked your hips forward along the length of his hard penis before aligning it under you. You let yourself slide down on it until he was completely inside you and your hips met. As you had not even fingered yourself the stretch was almost painful, but so good at the same time. You rolled your hips and his hand caressed your thighs.

“You feel so good.”

His hips twitched a little under you, trying so hard not to thrust up. Your hand traveled up his body and landed on his chest that you proceeded to use as rest as you lifted your hips and pushed down into him again. His arms supported your motion. A sharp pain in your knee made you stop. _Okay, then I have to do it differently. _You opted for rolling and grinding against him instead.

With your hands on his thighs, slightly bent back was the perfect angle. The pressure on your clit and g spot was making you light headed. You felt your whole body tense and you held your breath. So good. His cute moans pushed you over the edge and you rode your orgasm out while looking into his eyes.

“Can you continue?”

His voice was tense, his face and neck flushed pink. Some hair stuck to his sweaty forehead. You nodded and rolled your hips into him again avoiding your oversensitive clit touching anything. He closed his eyes and moaned again. It motivated you to push through the uncomfortableness. You let his hands guide your hips. He looked beautiful, with his pink cheeks and half opened mouth. He came with a loud, half-suppressed moan.

Thankfully the casserole did not burn while you had been in the bedroom. You turned up the heat for the last 10 minutes to get a good crust and went to the bathroom to clean yourself up.

“Here.”

Byeongkwan handed you a sweater and some fluffy pants.

“Thanks.”

The clothes smelled of the detergent that they used. You sniffed at it as you walked back to the kitchen and turned off the oven. The casserole smelled delicious.

Byeongkwan joined you not long after in the kitchen. He set the table and you placed the hot dish on it.

“It smells amazing.”

You helped yourself to some food. It was very hot and despite your hunger, you forced yourself to eat slowly. Byeongkwan’s hair was still wet from the short shower. You wanted to hug him. I guess the sex made me soft for him.

Thankfully the kitchen had a dishwasher. Washing everything by hand would have been awful. You settled down on the couch after loading the dishwasher and Byeongkwan turned on the tv. The hoodie he was wearing was too big for him and made him look very cute. He laid down and you snuggled up against his chest.

You continued the series you had watched the last time. Despite the warmth coming from Byeongkwan your back felt cold and you shivered.

“Are you cold?”

“A bit.”

He pulled out a blanket from under his head and threw it over you.

“Thanks.”

You did not pay that much attention to the story unfolding on screen. The position you were in was too relaxing. You were surrounded by warmth, secure in Byeongkwan’s arms. He stroked your hair. It was so gentle that it made your heart arche.

“Kwanie…”

You did not know what you wanted to say, so you just snuggled closer to him, if that was possible. His breathing had become very steady and when you looked up you saw that he was asleep. It’s very nice laying like this, but it won’t be comfortable to sleep here all night.

“Kwanie!”

You shook him gently. He stirred and groaned.

“Let’s go to bed.”

The sun woke you up the next morning._ _Byeongkwan was next to you, still asleep. His hair was disheveled and you wanted to pet it. He however was not the only other person on the bed. Sehyoon laid half on top of him, also sleeping. You had not noticed when he had gotten home or had entered the bedroom. Either he had been very quiet or you had slept like a stone.

As quietly as possible you stood up and opened the door. It creaked. You went to the bathroom.

When you came back, Byeongkwan had turned around and they were facing each other. His eyes were open now and he listened to Sehyoon talking. His voice was too quiet for you to understand anything but it sounded a bit husky. One hand was drawing circles on Byeongkwan’s bare shoulder, but now Sehyoon pulled him into a hug. You felt like you were intruding. _Maybe I should go shower first and give them some space? But I still gotta get something to wear. _You decided to just announce your presence.

“Good morning.”

You said and they both perked up. For a very short moment Byeongkwan was surprised and Sehyoon confused. It was only a moment. Then Kwanie beamed at you and Sehni gave you a smile that could melt ice instantly. Sehyoon looked very tired and you wondered when he had actually come back.

“I will make breakfast!”

Byeongkwan peeled himself out of his boyfriend’s embrace and got up. He collected his hoodie and pants from the chair next to the bed. Before he could leave however Sehyoon half-shouted: “Wait! What’s that?!”

“Huh? What is what?”

Byeongkwan looked down and you followed the outstretched arm too. It pointed to the hem of Byeongkwan‘s underwear. There something red and blue was peeking out. The mark from yesterday evening. Your face was instantly hot and your heart hammered in your chest.

“Wow.” Sehyoon reached over and ran a finger over the skin. Byeongkwan bit his lip. _There are no other marks on him so I guess Sehni doesn’t do this. _Yesterday the thought of other people seeing the mark on Byeongkwan was a huge turn on but now that Sehyoon was examining it, you felt anxious. As if he had heard your thoughts, Sehyoon looked at you, then up at his boyfriend’s face.

He smiled softly. “You two? Huh?”

A pout replaced the smile as he sank down on the bed again. “And you didn’t even tell me?”

He looked back and forth from you to his boyfriend.

“Ugh.. I …”

You stammered.

“Don’t make her feel bad.”

Byeongkwan lightly slapped him.

“I’m not mad, just.. I wanna know things too. Come here!”

He spread his arms and you jumped on the bed, into his embrace.

“You smell like a liquid store.”

Sehyoon laughed and kissed the top of your head. Byeongkwan joined you on the bed, embracing both of you.

“My head hurts.”

“And whose fault is that?”

Byeongkwan pecked his lips and got up. He left for the kitchen and you got to enjoy a moment with Sehyoon. You wrapped your arms around him and snuggled against his chest.

“How was it yesterday? When did you come home?”

Your voice was muffled by his shirt. Sehyoon groaned and rubbed his eyes.

“3 am, I think?”

You had been asleep then for sure.

“A friend had a bad break up and I had to take care of him.”

He tightened his embrace as if he was afraid you would leave too. So that’s why he is this hungover. Usually he doesn’t really get drunk. You kissed his cheek. Poor Sehni, he needs some extra care today.

“I need to drink something and shower. Let’s get up.”

You got some clothes from your backpack that you had brought the day before and took a quick shower. The hot water was a blessing.

Sehyoon had made coffee and Byeongkwan set the small table. There was a problem though. The table was only for two. Two chairs.

“You two eat, I will have coffee first.”

The mug in Sehyoon’s hand steamed. He leaned against the kitchen counter and watched as you sat down opposite Byeongkwan.

“I need a bigger apartment.”

Friday had become your favorite day of the week. It was the day when you spent time with Sehyoon and Byeongkwan. Either with one of them or sometimes with both. You would have movie nights and clubbing with Byeongkwan, long talks and cuddling on the couch with Sehyoon.

On this particular Friday you went to their apartment for a game night. Three was a good number to play any number of games. It was not as boring as playing with two. You did not know what game they had in mind, just that it was a cooperative one.

You arrived at the building at about half past six with a backpack. They had told you not to worry about food and drinks, but you still needed something to wear. Secretly you loved wearing their clothes. You did not know whose clothes were actually in the closet. There was no indication of who owned what. Byeongkwan tended to wear a looser fit, so everything except the suits seemed to be comunal.

Sehyoon opened the door and you fell into his arms. The thick fabric of his sweater was perfect to just sink into. Sehyoon felt warm and solid in your arms. You let your weight rest on him. He held you up as if it was nothing.

“We’re gonna play something later. Are you sure you can play like this?”

Holding onto him tighter was the only answer you gave him and he chuckled.

“How about you give me some love too?”

The pout in Byeongkwan’s voice made you smile. Being left out was not something he liked. If there was cuddling while he was in the room, it had to involve him as well.

“Okay.”

You let go of Sehyoon and moved on to the next victim. Byeongkwan was almost drowning in his clothes. The fluffy tie-dye hoodie was the cutest thing.

“Hard week?”

His voice was soft against your hair. _Had _it been a hard week? One of your colleagues had been sick since Sunday which meant all their work had to be done by other people. So in addition to your own work you also had to do a bunch of other things that you were barely familiar with. To get everything done in time you had to work over time. You had even fought your boss to get off work so you could be there on time. It was not like your boyfriends would not understand and more like you did not live for your company. You had to have leisure time too.

“Yes…. I missed you.”

“Aww. We’ll have a nice relaxed evening, okay?”

He kissed the top of your head and patted your back.

On the couch table they had already set up a board game. The map vaguely reminded you of fantasy novels.

“Here.”

Byeongkwan handed you the manual. The game they had bought was like an easier version of dungeons and dragons. Each of you played a different character with a specific skill set. You had to work together to fulfill the mission and win the game.

The time constraints of the game were what made it interesting. Indeed you lost the round.

“Let’s order some food and try again.”

Sehyoon handled the actual ordering and you decided to prepare some plates. Eating out of the container was okay, but you prefer something that was not cardboard. Byeongkwan joined you in the kitchen.

“I think, if we spread out more next round we will do better. We waste too much time by trying to go long distances.”

He nodded absentmindedly and made himself a tea. I guess the game is not where his thoughts are.

Byeongkwan studied your face. Something he did when he wanted to say something but could not quite bring himself to say it.

“What is it?”

He pursed his lips and sized you up. Is something wrong with my outfit?

“What do you think about pegging?”

It was as if he had hit you between the eyes. You were dumbfounded. Byeongkwan took a sip from his drink without breaking eye contact. He just loved making you blush didn’t he?

“Ehm..”

You were not sure what to say really.

“You know what that means, do you?”

You nodded stiffly. Why am I this speechless?

“It’s just, I have never done that.”

Good, so you can speak.

His expression softened.

“That’s okay, but do you want to?”

His eyes glittered as he waited for your answer. Byeongkwan however was not the only one who was waiting. Sehyoon had sat down on the other side of the kitchen counter and watched with eyes wide open. He looked like someone who did not want to miss a single detail.

“Maybe she needs to … see some arguments for that.”

Sehyoon offered to Byeongkwan. Arguments? Why does that sound like code??

Byeongkwan had this evil glitter in his eyes. He had something in mind. You swallowed hard. In a motion so fluid it could only come from someone with a lot of body control, he leaned forward, his arms outstretched over the counter. The position showed off his firm ass. The way he arched his back made the air catch in your throat.

Sehyoon exhaled and the sound snapped you back to reality.

“This is too much tension for me.”

Byeongkwan straigthened again and looked at Sehyoon who walked away.

“How about you get to watch?”

Sehyoon froze mid step. He had voiced on several occasions that he wanted to watch, so this really got his attention.

“What do you say?”

Without thinking about it your hand landed on Byeongkwan’s ass. A triumphant smile appeared and your face burned. Maybe that had been a bit much.

“Yes and yes.”

Sehyoon whistled and Byeongkwan kissed you.

#ksmutclub #wkcnet #story: fall season #a.c.e smut #a.c.e wow smut # a.c.e Byeongkwan smut #a.c.e x reader #kpop x reader #a.c.e fanfic #A.C.E fics #kpop fanfic #non idol au #kpop smut star writing #queue #star writing

30 notes · View notes

smilexdrarry · 3 years

Text

- Promise Ring -

(Short Drarry Fic. You can find this on my Wattpad also)

"Do you have to be so cheesy all the time?"

"Well, I don't want to be, but you know you're the one who caused me to be cheesy in the first place."

Harry laughed, leaning against the blonde,"I can't argue with that."

Draco kissed the top of his head and snaked his left arm around the skinny boy's waist, breathing in the cold night air that swept past them.

The moonlight reflected off the black lake making a majestic glow to the whole scenery. Draco looked at his man and smiled to himself. He took his right hand and brushed a lock of thick black hair that covered the faded scar on his forehead.

Harry's eyes fluttered shut at the touch and leaned in even closer to Draco.

"You're warm." Harry mused with delight.

Draco hummed in return still stroking his hair.

They sat there for what seemed like an eternity. Just too boys that grew up too fast in a very cruel world. The trees danced in the wind and made shapes across the lake that looked way to alike to the people who had fought and died in the war.

My mind is an odd place, the blonde thought to himself, now looking back at the Castle which it's normal magical glow had gone and burned out, for now it stood damaged because of the destruction and heartbreak of the war had caused, never to be the same again.

"I wanted to marry you." Draco's heart skipped a beat, and he bit his lip still looking at the castle, away from Harry.

Draco gulped, eyes shut, voice cracking as he tried to speak but no words found him, for he always seemed to be at a loss of words when his Harry caught him off guard.

"I did, I really did." Harry took a breath, breathing in the air, the freshness of the cool water mixed into the night air. Wind rippled throughout the water as another gust of wind ripped through the sky making Draco shiver.

"I wish, still, we could, only if it were sooner. We could of-"

"Harry." Draco gasped out the name, he hadn't noticed when he stopped breathing.

"Harry, please... just stop."

"I know we were too young anyway. We couldn't have and Voldemort and the war and-"

Draco choked back a sob.

"Draco?" Harry's voice had become incredibly soft, concern written all over his face.

Draco had to look at Harry, so he tore his head from the Castle and looked at green eyes that shook ever so slightly.

Draco removed his hand from the boy's waist and cupped his face. Harry closed his eyes for a only a brief moment then opened them again to look at Draco, who now held back tears.

"Hey what's wrong?" Harry asked, now grabbing Draco's hand from his face and holding it with his own.

"Nothing, nothing at all, can we not talk about what could have happened and enjoy this beautiful night, ok?"

Harry looked skeptical but nodded and squeezed Draco's hand one last time before he let go and leaned against Draco once more.

This was all what Draco wanted, he just wanted to be with Harry one last time, without any thought of before and be with him in the moment, for the last time before he would never see him again.

Of course Harry didn't know that, though.

Draco took his left hand and held it up to the moon, the sliver promise ring glinted against the moonlight, it was breathtaking.

"I love you." He whispered to nothing.

***

"How's lily doing?"

"Oh she's wonderful, got into Hufflepuff."

"I'm not surprised." Hermione said, getting up from her chair and crossing the kitchen to get the tea.

"She's a good soul." Draco said, looking around the quant little house Hermione and Ron owned.

Hermione returned to kitchen table and pored a cup of tea for Draco.

"Thank you." Draco said before taking a sip.

After a bit of awkward silence Hermione dared to say, "Harry would be proud of you."

The mention of the name made Draco's head spin and he put the China tea cup down before he dropped it, his hands were shaking.

Hermione bit her lip immediately thinking that wasn't the best thing to bring up, but to her surprise Draco spoke.

"I-I think he would be." Glossy eyes looked up at Hermione and she gave him a small sad smile.

They talked about everything and anything until Draco had to go home and get ready to pick up Lily, it was Christmas break starting today.

***

Once Draco saw the first year Lily hop off of the Hogwarts express he smiled so wide and waved at his little girl, the black haired and hazel eyed girl saw him and ran to him, arms open wide.

"DAD!" Draco picked her up, hugging her while he spun her around, Lily laughed.

He put her down and got to her height.

"How are you? How's school? Did you make friends? How-"

"Dad!" Lily said shaking her head, "too many questions!" She giggled.

Draco's smile grew even wider, "ok, ok." He got up and held his hand out to her. She took it, he grabbed her trunk and let her carry Olive, her brown owl.

Draco got in the car and started to drive, then Lily noticed he wasn't driving to their house.

"Where are we going dad?" She asked.

"I wanted to bring you somewhere. I want to show you something."

"Ok!" Lily smiled brightly and looked out the window as the trees and cars flew by.

After what seemed like forever, Draco parked the car and got out, instructing Lily to the same and to grab a coat since it was freezing outside.

Godric's Hollow seemed brighter the last time Draco visited, but it was still dull as ever.

"Where are we?" Lily asked, looking around with big, wide eyes.

Draco took a deep breath, breathing in chilly air, before he keeled down again to her hight and put his hands on the side of her arms.

"Do you remember me telling you about Harry?"

"Yes, I do, he saved everyone and he was your boyfriend." She spoke fast, she knew her dad was sensitive about the subject of Harry. "I know the stories dad."

"Right of course you do, I-I wanted to show you where -where h-he was um-" Draco gulped and blinked his eyes.

"Buried." Lily helped, she said the word so quite she wasn't sure he had heard her.

"Yes, and his parents-"

"Ok, let's go." Lily gave him a smile and took one of his hands in her's.

Draco smiled back at her and stood up leading her to the graveyard.

Right next to Lily and James Potter lay, was Harry.

Lily gasped, and traced Lily's name on the grave stone.

"Is that where you got my name-"

"Yes," Draco said quietly. Lily went back and hugged him tight. Draco did the same looking at Harry's grave stone.

He finally let himself close his eyes and let the tears fall.

Lily pulled back and saw her dad, he looked so broken.

Draco smiled down at her, and moved over just a tad where he could face Harry's grave fully and keel down on the ground in front. Lily stood next to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

Draco took his wand out and whispered something and flowers laid at his headstone and Lily's and James'."

"I see a lot of him in you." He reached up and laid his hand over his daughter's.

"How? He was in Gryffindor and I'm in Hufflepuff-"

Draco shook his head, "has nothing to do with that, you have a good soul Lily, you have so much faith and hope, and you're brave, so brave. Just like Harry."

"Oh," Lily said, her own tears threatening to spill.

Draco looked at his left hand and saw the ring that he kept on for all these years. The promise ring Harry gave him. He smiled at it, tracing the words that were engraved into it: L'autre moitié de mon cœur

He took it off and placed it on the bottom of the headstone, whispering a spell, so it would stay.

"He was the other half of my heart Lily."

Lily looked at him, tears now both graced their cheeks, "I know." She hugged him. Draco closed his eyes and held her.

"I love you dad."

"I love you too my sweet girl."

#drarry #drarry fic idea #drarry fandom #drarry fanfic #drarry fanfiction #drarry drabble #drarry au #drarry stuff #draco malfoy #gay draco malfoy #hogwarts #harry potter #harry potter fic #harry potter fanfiction

39 notes · View notes

marmolady · 3 years

Text

Reginald

Main Pairings: Aleister x Grace

Summary: Grace and Aleister’s baby boy celebrates his first birthday.

Word Count: 5578

Tagging: @saivilo, @edgydepressedchoicesthot, @sceptilemasterr, @greengroove @mauvecatfic

Thanks for reading!

“Dada!”

Reggie, sitting up in his cot, waved his arms over his head. His cherubic face was full of delight from the moment his father opened the door. “Dada, up!”

“Time to get up? Yes, I think it might be.”

Aleister scooped his infant son into his arms. The way Reggie held onto him with his small hand, finding comfort in his simple being there, was still a heart-rending thrill.

“It’s a very special day today, my darling boy; do you know what it is?”

“Da!” came the happy squeak of reply. Reggie kicked his legs around happily; there was something that had gotten his father excited, and that good feeling was catching.

“Your very first birthday,” Grace cooed. “One whole year Reggie has been with us! Aren’t we lucky?” She reached and took a tiny waving hand and kissed it. Her eyes were heavy with rings; it had been so late that she’d waited up, hoping for a last-minute reply of some kind-- anything-- from her mother. Still, there was today… but Grace was left feeling, as she so often had, that hell would freeze over before Blaire acknowledged her grandson. There was a unique kind of tiredness that came with a long cry, and Grace was feeling it all over. But this was Reggie’s day; a celebration of the little boy who had quickly become the light of her life-- and Aleister’s. Today was for love and laughter.

The morning routine was as usual; Reggie was changed, then had a feed and cuddle, then the family sat down together for breakfast around the wooden table on their front porch. Iris, of course, was present for the meal, even though she couldn’t physically partake. So much of her own son’s life she’d missed out on, and she’d be damned if she wasn’t going to be right there cheering on her little grandson as he bravely tried new foods. The hole her untimely death had left in Aleister’s life couldn’t be healed; his childhood had been what it had been, and it gave what they had now, as a loving family, a certain poignancy.

Already, the sun was shining, and the sea sparkling. From their home in the Catalyst village just outside Elyys’tel-- now quiet and usually near-empty-- the family of four could look over the stretch of beach that would take them to a far smaller reincarnation of The Celestial, and hear the distant sounds of Vaanti life going on within the majestic tree just north of them. It was utterly peaceful. On his mother’s knee, Reggie contentedly gummed on a piece of toast, while turning his head to the sights and sounds of La Huerta, all around him. Today, his attention had been caught by a butterfly the size of a tea plate, as it landed on a nearby tree.

“Can you see it, Reggie?” Grace encouraged, pointing her finger. “Big, big butterfly.”

“Fuuh.” Reggie watched, entranced, as the butterfly flew away. “Buh-buh!”

Aleister beamed. It seemed that every day, his young son brought something new. There was so much that Reggie was learning-- soaking in the world around him like a sponge. Aleister couldn’t imagine he’d ever tire of trying to understand the world through Reggie’s eyes; the small things that caught his interest, the actions that made him smile.

“Bye-bye, butterfly!”

“Buh-buh, fuuh!” Reggie cried, his face lighting up as he realised his father understood what he was saying.

Grace kissed his soft, curly hair. “You are such a clever boy…”. Never; not ever, would she ever let it be that her little Reginald didn’t know how proud she was of him… how his every achievement-- however small a thing it was that brought him pride-- would be her happiness to share. He would know he was enough. Always. The thought brought with it another wave of tiredness, of longing for the approval she could tell herself she didn’t need, but still craved nonetheless. But, she told herself, as she had done again and again; Reggie was not missing out by his maternal grandmother being absent. It was better that Blaire Hall stay away than make contact only to cause harm. That kind of toxicity was not what Reggie deserved… and, Grace had to remind herself, it was far less than what she herself deserved too. As Reggie turned around to offer in return a much more slobbery kiss than the one he’d received, Grace couldn’t help but laugh her woes away for the time being. Reggie had that kind of magic effect about him.

_______________________________

July 2022

Grace gritted her teeth, and braced herself, curling her small frame inward.

“...you’ll at least consider having a termination, surely?…”

She panted, and her pants became painful groans as her body seemed intent on tearing itself apart. She could do this… she had to do this. Small pants, small pushes, the midwife had said. It was hard, everything in her body screamed to give more.

“...I didn’t pour a small fortune into your education for you to waste the best years of your life chained down with a baby…”

The midwife spoke, her voice coming to Grace as if through a fog, barely cutting through the pain that was now all-encompassing… and the gripping fear of failure, of falling short as she always, always seemed to.

“The head is delivered; now I need you to push really hard. Your baby is almost here.”

Aleister’s voice followed after… warm, and remarkably close to calm, though the way his hands trembled as he stroked Grace’s back gave away his nervous trepidation.

“Darling, you’ve been so strong… heroic. More than I’ve ever believed in anything… I believe in you now. And I’m here, Grace….”

A whimper escaped Grace’s lips. A split-second doubt in herself that flared up, borne of a habit of a lifetime. Panic that faith in her was being woefully misplaced….

“...I’ve become used to you disappointing me, Grace, but this… you’re not the daughter I thought I’d raised…”

With a guttural roar that made Aleister jump in surprise, Grace heaved, pushing down into her body with all her might. This, she was doing for herself. And she was going to kick labour in its ass while she was at it.

“Hold my hand!” she demanded, and Aleister did.

“Grace… you can do this, love.”

Her breath shuddered with the strain of labour, but then Grace’s jaw set with determination. “I know I can do this.”

A tiny, squalling bundle of baby emerged into the world, quickly gathered up by the midwife and placed on Grace’s chest.

“Congratulations! You have a healthy son!”

Aleister’s legs gave way, and it as only with the midwife’s timely assistance that he didn’t collapse straight to the floor.

“We… we have a son…,” he stuttered.

Dazed, Grace gently stroked the infant, their little boy. She’d done it. All those years she’d believed she wasn’t enough… and now there in her arms was indisputable proof that she’d been been sold a terrible falsehood.

“Our little baby…,” she murmured. “Hello, little one. We’ve been so looking forward to meeting you…”.

Any doubts in herself, in the future she’d have with her beautiful family, had washed away, expelled through the screams of a mother bringing forth a new life. As Grace’s senses returned to her, she breathed in her baby’s scent, marveled his perfect, bewildered face, and felt his heartbeat against her own… and she wept.

Aleister tenderly put his arms around her and kissed her damp forehead again and again as she laughed and cried, delirious.

“He’s amazing…,” Grace gushed through her tears. This moment… she had to hold onto it forever; let it be her strength.

No cruel words could reach her now.

______________________________

One-year-old children, Aleister had established, had refreshingly simple needs when it came to parties. Though there was a part of him that had been saddened that it wasn’t possible for the extended Catalyst family to be around for baby Reggie’s first birthday, that fact had meant that the occasion could be enjoyed without an excessive hullabaloo. One only had to utter the ‘p’ word around the likes of Raj and a feast would materialise… along with noise, and booze, and more than likely, a cupcake tower. The cupcake tower they’d deigned to keep, but the rest Aleister was quite happy to do without. What mattered was what would make little Reggie happy… even if that meant putting on the most undignified high-pitched sing-song voice he could muster. Again, thank god this thing was being kept small.

Diligently, he put out the necessary play-mats, picnic blankets, chairs, tables, and-- of course-- toys, for the small and simple first birthday celebration in the grass out front of the Rourke-Hall family home.

“What do we think, Reggie?” he asked, taking the time, as he always did, to engage his young son in whatever he was doing. “Not half bad, I’d say. A bit of shade… and perhaps we should bring out the bassinet for Liv, and I believe we’ll have a venue fit for a very special birthday boy.”

“Da!” Reggie cried from his bouncer, strategically placed so he could watch all the goings-on, and his father could in turn watch him.

“Thank you, I thought so. We may not have all the bells and whistles, but a little birdie told me there might just be some wrapping paper on the way… that is your favourite part of any gift, I know.”

Parenting had not been as hard a slog as Aleister had anticipated. Certainly, the broken nights’ sleep had been… less than pleasant, and the tinkling sounds of Reggie’s favourite musical toy were seared into Aleister’s mind, surely to torment him until his dying day; but throughout it all, he knew a most complete happiness, and somehow, he seemed to make his small son happy as well.

Reggie was an easy-going baby. For all that they had felt like torture, those nights of interrupted sleep were short-lived; Reggie settled into the routine with limited fussing. As the months went on, he spent far more time smiling than he did crying; in fact, once he’d started to become more mobile, he barely seemed to cry at all. A little shy with new people-- and overwhelmed by the sheer energy of the Catalysts all gathering together-- Reggie approached the world and people in it with wide-eyed curiosity, and one hand hanging on tight to one of his ‘safe’ people. Aleister was certain his son had inherited that amiable nature from Grace-- the alternative seemed… unlikely. Reggie’s joie de vivre was infectious; seeing that easy contentment, Aleister had to believe that he and Grace must have been doing something right.

______________________________

July 2022

Aleister looked down at the tiny bundle in his arms, and a lump rose in his throat.

“I wonder if he’ll look at all like me,” he pondered out loud. “I think we’ve established that my father’s genes aren’t the strongest; Estela is the image of her mother and I… well, the cloning process must have been a long way south of perfect. I have his build but, to be honest, it ends there.”

Iris smiled. “I don’t doubt he will.” Her eyes sparkled cheekily. “I could go so far as to scan your resemblance, but I feel a mother’s word holds more value. I’d recognise that face anywhere. Baby Reginald Aleister is taking after his daddy.”

The baby grumbled, and a quick check determined that a diaper change was in order.

And so it begins.

Setting down a changing mat on the floor, Aleister’s hands trembled. Who was he kidding to think he was cut out for this? His experiences on the receiving end of parenting had only instructed him in what not to do, and he remained convinced, though Grace demanded otherwise, that he had all the warmth of a polar bear with hypothermia… eating an ice cream.

Noticing her son’s clear apprehension, Iris hovered closer. “It’s truly daunting to bring a child into the world. A whole little life… dependant on you.” She knew the regret would come through in her voice, but she’d always give Aleister honesty. He’d had precious little of that from the man he’d called ‘father’. “The only advice I can give is to break it down. Eighteen years of raising him doesn’t happen all at once… it’s small steps. Changing one nappy at a time.”

Aleister slowly went through the process, one that sounded so simple, but with the significance he placed upon it, it might as well be scaling Atropo.

“Would you believe I do actually know how to put a fresh nappy on a baby?” he said as he powdered Reggie’s bottom. “But I get down here and try to put it into practice-- the simplest of tasks-- and I’m completely hobbled by my own certainty that I’m bound to get it wrong. I don’t know if I’ll break this down small enough that I won’t be daunted. He’s… too important.”

“You mustn’t underestimate how powerful your own intent is. I know without a shadow of a doubt that you will always mind your son… you’ll never let his needs be lost. You love him, and if that’s guiding your path with him, I don’t believe you’ll go far wrong.”

Painstakingly, Aleister fitted a new diaper, adjusting and readjusting when he did it up too tight, and then not tight enough. With the adhesive worn out, he had to move on to a second. Finally, though, baby Reggie was changed, and one significant small step had been taken. With a sigh of release, Aleister got back to his feet, and with utmost care, picked up his son, whose eyelids were now heavy.

“I do appreciate your faith in me, Mother,” he said. “Truly, I do. But I cannot fool myself into believing that my best intentions will prevent me from inflicting harm on my son. We have all seen first-hand just what my best intentions can do.” When he looked up, Aleister saw such sorrow in Iris’ face; in her eyes was an aching desire to hold him-- something that could never be. He reached out his free hand, letting his fingers brush through the projection of hers. “The most terrible, most idiotic thing I’ve ever done was a decision made out of love. Arrogance as well-- I’ll never deny that. But all I wanted was to protect the woman I loved from something too horrifying to even comprehend.”

“My darling,” Iris whispered, “the fact that you care so much makes all the difference in the world. The people you love believe in you; all that’s left is for you to learn to trust yourself.”

Aleister sniffed. “Is that all? Just a bit of crippling self-doubt to conquer? I’ll have that polished off before lunch.” He smiled sadly. When he truly thought about it, he knew that he’d learned from his own mistakes-- the foolish certainty in his own being right, even in the face of those he trusted telling him otherwise. He’d taken their lives in his hands, well-intentioned or not, and they’d suffered for it. If they could all endure that stupidity and everything that came of it… and still manage to regain some belief in him, it seemed the lesson he needed to hear was to place his belief in them right back. “Well,” he said, “I certainly owe it to a lot of people, myself included, not to shy from that challenge.”

Iris’ eyes shone with pride and tenderness. “Reggie is going to have a wonderful father in you.”

And Aleister dared himself to believe it.

_____________________________

“Reginaaaald!”

At the sound of the cry, Reggie pulled himself up onto his feet, holding onto his mother’s leg while he peered out to the direction of his aunties’ house down the way.

“Oh. Here come the rabble,” Aleister said, bracing himself. Farewell, peace and quiet. It was nice knowing you.

Grace giggled and took her son’s tiny hands. “Who’s that, Reggie? Is that Auntie Taylor?”

“Ah-tah!” Reggie proudly confirmed. “Yah-steh!”

“That’s right, Auntie Taylor and Tia Estela. Do you want to walk to see them?”

Reggie lurched forward, balancing against Grace’s hands as they guided him.

At seeing her nephew’s awkward goose-step in her direction, Estela paused her approach and hunkered down with her arms opened wide. “Look at you go!”

Coming up behind with tiny baby Liv strapped to her chest, Taylor enthusiastically cheered Reggie on.

The toddling infant shrieked with mirth, and his little legs worked all the harder, until Grace let him go, and he collapsed into his aunt’s waiting arms.

“Yah-steh!”

“Happy birthday, mijo!” Estela cried, lifting Reggie in the air and planting a kiss on his face while he giggled. “You are getting to be such a big boy!”

Taylor brought over the much-smaller Liv, who greeted her cousin with wide eyes. Six-weeks-old, she was beginning to take an interest in the people and goings on around her, and Reggie was about the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen.

“Happy birthday, Reggie!” Taylor said in a sing-song voice, gently waving Liv’s hand. The little boy squealed happily as he waved back, and his aunt grinned from ear to ear.

Estela angled Reggie closer so Taylor could properly greet him with a kiss and a tickle.

“I love you so much, sweetheart. Best. Nephew. Ever!”

“Ba-bee!”

“That’s right, Reggie…baaaay-by,” Taylor said, and she bounced Liv a little closer to her curious cousin. “Baby Liv has come to see you!”

Reggie gently bonked the smaller child on the shoulder, and she blinked at him in fascination.

“Ba-bee, ba.”

In no time at all, a picnic was laid out, and Reggie was merrily tucking into some soft pieces of fruit, and offering up portions to the members of the loving family who had gathered around him. He gave a jolly chortle as Aleister made a big show over just how delicious dragon-fruit was. To his right, his baby cousin was being fed, something that always piqued his curiosity. Liv was something he was still getting his head around. He’d seen other babies in Elyys’tel on occasion, but the fact that this particular baby seemed to be attached to his aunties, made her very interesting. Pouting slightly, he gazed up into his Auntie Taylor’s face as she fed a grumbly rumbly Liv. It didn’t look like he’d have any luck muscling in there… and he already knew that he did not want to make that baby thing start crying. Liv was far too loud for his liking.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Taylor cooed gently, reaching out her free hand to stroke Reggie’s cheek.

That small acknowledgement was all that was needed. Reggie hadn’t been forgotten, and he could get back to cheerily playing with the last scraps of his birthday lunch.

With lunch polished off, it was time for presents. The sight of the bright, colourful packages that Taylor pulled out from her bag made his eyes go wide. More big, crinkly paper? For him?

“This is from us… and this one is from Livi.”

Grace laughed and leaned over to give a fed and contented Liv a kiss on the head. “My word, you are a generous little lady! Thank you both-- so much. I can’t say what it means to us… for our special little boy to be shown so much love.”

By now, Reggie had some understanding of the way this ‘presents’ thing worked. A smiling grown-up would hand him a thing made of colourful paper, and his job was to rip it until something inside fell out. Then, the grown-ups would clap and cheer, and the paper would be free to be further ripped and crinkled and played with. It was a fun game.

Burbling happily to himself, Reggie tugged at the paper until he’d extricated the pesky thing inside, something soft and floppy.

“Oh, look, Reggie!” Grace exclaimed. “It’s Furball! Auntie Taylor must have been very busy sewing for you.”

“Thank heavens it isn’t a spear…,” Aleister muttered.

Estela smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Yeah, I lost rock-paper-scissors. Reggie will get his spear next year. He’ll have stopped putting everything in his mouth by then, right?”

Lord, give me strength. This, Aleister now knew, was the price of family. But it was better, infinitely better, than being without.

_____________________________

July 2022

Taylor was a bundle of nerves, and if the uncharacteristic twitchiness was anything to go by, Estela was too. As if to reassure, but taking just as much comfort in return, Taylor grasped her wife’s hand.

“It’s okay, Taylor,” said Estela, softly. “I’m scared too.” She was scared of herself, how she’d feel when she walked in that room and saw Grace and Aleister with their perfect new baby boy. They didn’t deserve the most joyous day of their lives to be clouded by someone else’s envy and longing. Somehow, she and Taylor would have to forget just how much they’d been hoping for that magical day for themselves. Gently, she kissed Taylor’s brow. “Are you ready?”

With a deep breath, Taylor nodded. A piece of the family she’d dreamed of lay just ahead… she was someone’s aunt now, a fact almost incomprehensible when she looked back at what she came from. There was no way in hell she was going to let her own heartache take the shine off this day. “Yeah, I am. Let’s meet that little nephew of ours.”

Aleister opened the door, to find himself pulled straight into one of Taylor’s world-famous hugs. “I really should have braced myself for that, shouldn’t I?”

Estela laughed. The only other time she’d seen her brother so completely helpless in the face of a smile that just wouldn’t leave him was the day of Niala’rei when he’d been wed to Grace. That kind of happiness was impossible not to catch. “Don’t worry; you’ll soon be able to deflect her onto your son.” Oh, what the hell? She joined in the hug, putting both arms around her brother. “Congratulations, hermano!”

“Yes, yes, isn’t it wonderful, et cetera, et cetera…,” Aleister said as he found his way out of the three-way embrace. “If you’ll follow me, Grace and I have someone we’d like to introduce you to.”

Oh my god, Taylor thought to herself, as she trailed after her friend, he is practically skipping!

They came into the neat and tidy lounge room to find Grace gently rocking in the hand-carved nursing chair that had been a gift from Varyyn and Diego. In her arms… a small bundle, wrapped in a soft powder pink blanket.

Grace beamed as Taylor rushed forward, and had to hold back a laugh as her sister-in-law’s mouth fell open. “This is Reginald. Reginald Aleister Hall… but I have a feeling he’s going to go by ‘Reggie’ more often than not.”

“Grace!” Taylor gasped. “He is absolutely gorgeous… oh my god….”

“Isn’t he just? He wasn’t too sure about coming out, but I’m so glad he eventually decided to bless us with his presence. Isn’t that right, little man?” With a great deal of effort, Grace looked up from her newborn son, and noticed a wide-eyed Estela hanging back. “It’s all right; you can come closer.”

Estela swallowed hard. With the relationship she had with her uncle as close as it was, the thought of being someone’s aunt was… overwhelming. And she knew from that first look that she’d willingly move mountains for this kid.

“Hey,” Grace said warmly, “would you like a cuddle?”

Her heart in her throat, Estela allowed Grace to place the baby into her waiting arms. Reggie made a little squeak as he settled into the new embrace, then his body relaxed, safe and secure as his aunt held him. Holy shit. “I… can’t believe I’m his tia. I am so happy to meet you, mijo. You are gonna be so loved.”

Taylor brushed away a tear from her eye. “I think he already is! Oh god, the waterworks just aren’t stopping….”

Grace chuckled, totally content, and smiled as she watched Taylor gently kiss baby Reggie’s soft forehead. “It’s amazing. This kind of love… it’s just taken over my whole body. I can’t imagine feeling happier than this.”

Soft as a murmur, Estela hummed a gentle tune to the baby as she rocked him, and the smile on her face just grew broader and broader. It had cut her to her core to discover that she’d been fathered by the murdering bastard Rourke… and now that connection had given her the chance to be this little one’s aunt, to pay forward the loving care her uncle had lavished on her. There was not a shadow of a doubt in her mind; young Reggie would have his Tia Estela in his corner, ready to hold his hand through whatever life saw to throw at him. She sighed happily. “How about you meet your Auntie Taylor? If she gets any more excited she might just explode. We don’t want that, do we, chiquito?”

“Haha, very funny,” Taylor said, rolling her eyes. “But, yeah, I would love a cuddle.” She inhaled sharply as Estela eased Reggie into her arms. “Oh, little man! You are one handsome little tyke….”

Aleister watched proudly-- and catching himself from hovering too protectively. The way Reggie’s aunts looked at him… it was a look of adoring family. Love was something that little fellow would surely never need yearn for. “Yes,” he said, quietly, “he’s rather perfect.”

___________________________

With full bellies all round, the birthday party had gone on pause for a couple of hours, allowing for desperately-needed naps to be taken. Reggie woke from his afternoon snooze to his home filled with lights and streamers, and even more friendly faces seemingly intent on showering him with affection. He wasn’t completely sure what to make of it all, but it sure was fun.

Birthday cake took the form of cupcakes, of course.

“Quinn Skyped us through the whole thing,” Diego explained. “Obviously, she really wanted to make something for Reggie herself, so we basically ended up being her cupcake-baking puppets.”

“Cupcake-baking, and frosting-licking,” Varyyn corrected. “Quinn was very right when she said that is the best bit.”

Grace smiled from ear to ear. “That was so kind-- of all of you!”

It had been a significant wrench for both herself and Aleister to see their friends return to the States after the reunion a month prior. Life didn’t stop; it couldn’t-- so much had already been upended, and the world outside La Huerta would keep turning, waiting for no one. Grace suspected her longing for her friends’ closeness was tied to the stirring of the wounds she carried over her relationship with her mother. Or… her lack of one. Time had done wonders in healing, but these moments she spent with her precious son had their way of making it so starkly obvious just what was missing. It couldn’t be changed, and she’d woken up that morning with the resolve to stop wasting her energy on wanting that change. Quietly, she re-directed her mind whenever it wandered into destructive territory.

The people who matter won’t let distance keep them from showing their care.

Aleister sunk into the couch and put an arm around his wife.

“That little fellow is going to be out like a night, come bedtime,” he said warmly, looking over Reggie as he toddled between friends with Diego holding his hands. “His legs have barely stopped moving since nap-time.”

Grace sighed happily and cuddled close. “He’d better be able to keep his eyes open long enough for the bedtime group call. Craig will be gutted if he doesn’t get to sing ‘Happy Birthday’.”

“I’m sure Craig would survive, but I have a feeling the sugar from those blasted cakes will see Reggie through just long enough.”

Reggie, indeed riding a slight sugar-high, was showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Everyone wanted his attention, and he was loving it. Varyyn, who was gently bouncing baby Liv in his arms, had made a point of wearing his crown; experience had taught him that the infants were mesmerised by the way the scarlet feathers danced on his head. Between staring up at the elyyshar with wonder, chasing around the colourful holographic projections Iris bounced around the floor, and cheekily prodding Estela into tickling him, Reggie had no shortage of entertainment in the form of his guests, but something from behind Taylor’s chair did catch his eye.

“So,” Taylor said as she pulled out a bulging sack of gifts, “we got left all this to surprise you with. I think everyone just went crazy with gifts; Reggie’s got a lot of love from all his aunts and uncles.”

In no time, Reggie was laughing fit to burst as he crawled through a sea of coloured paper; it was like some kind of wonderland… but emerged from it to see that, for some reason, his mother was… weepy. Concerned, Reggie awkwardly dragged the largest piece of paper he could find, then offered it to Grace as he hoisted himself upright using her leg.

“Mama?” It looked like she was… happy? Really, grown-ups were the strangest things….

Grace chuckled warmly and scooped up her boy. “You, young man, are such a lucky little guy.” She kissed him, and kissed him, and kissed him again, until he was once again giggling. Reggie, she knew, was not missing out on anything at all. Her worst fears would come to nothing; her son would forever be loved without conditions… and his mommy and daddy would just have to get used to the fact that they were too.

#endless summer #reginald aleister hall #graleister #playchoices #grace hall #aleister rourke #estela montoya

18 notes · View notes

kodzusken · 4 years

Text

fate // t.h.

pairing: tom holland x reader

warnings: a little angst, a whole lot of fluff

word count: 2k

a/n: this is a repost!

tom holland was pretty sure he’d never been in love. sure, he’d seen the notebook and listened to taylor swift and like the other countless lost souls, wished for someone who could light up his heart. perhaps he was too busy to find love, or maybe he just hasn’t found the right person yet. he was tired of everyone telling him to wait, telling him he’ll find the “one” eventually, or that any girl would be lucky to have him as a boyfriend. he’d given up on trying to find a reason to stay in one city for longer than a few days or so, and no matter what he heard, he’d given up hope of ever finding love in a seemingly unlucky world.

that is, until he met you.

about two years ago, he stumbled into the most beautiful girl he’d ever laid eyes on in the crowded streets of new york city. he’d muttered an “i’m sorry”, not expecting a response. but you looked up and smiled at him, whispering a reply before you moved around him to get past. tom couldn’t help it as his eyes followed you down the street, never losing sight of your light blue scarf. it wasn’t on purpose, but looking back, tom was sure it was fate. how else would he explain the series of events that were to follow?

keeping his coat collar high and his hat low, tom pushed the door open to his favorite local cafe and joined the short line. as he absentmindedly shuffled up to the counter, his mind couldn’t help but wander to the girl he’d bumped into. even though you’d only locked eyes for a brief second, he had a strange feeling that those eyes, those stunning eyes, would be the ones haunting his dreams forever.

“can i get you anything?” the barista behind the counter broke through to his thoughts as he peered at him curiously.

tom blinked himself back to reality as he scanned the menu above her head. “yeah, i’ll just have a hot chocolate, thanks.” he nodded and turned around to make his drink.

“wise choice.” tom turned to see a girl staring at him, smiling and holding a mug of hot chocolate. the first thing that caught his eye was the blue scarf he never thought he’d see again. his eyes drifted up to meet yours, and as you caught his gaze, a sense of deja vu filled him from the tips of his toes to the top of his head.

he smiled and shoved his hands in his pockets. “so, uh, forgive me for the cheesy pickup line, but have we met before?”

you blushed and chuckled as you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear with your free hand. “perhaps we did,” you teased, winking at him. “maybe in another life?” even though it was meant to be a joke, tom couldn’t help but wonder the possibilities as he laughed along with you.

“i’m y/n.” you held out your hand for him to shake. tom took it, grasping your hand and giving it a firm shake as your name rang through his head like church bells. y/n, y/n, y/n. what a beautiful name for an even more beautiful girl.

“a hot chocolate for tom?” the barista called, handing him his beverage. tom blushed and took it, feeling the warmth from the paper cup spread to his body. he turned back around to see you looking curiously at him. he pressed his lips together, knowing it was just a matter of time before you recognized who he was.

“well, tom,” he could’ve sworn your eyes twinkled as you said his name. “i should be getting back to my apartment. i’ll catch you later?”

tom blinked once, then twice, unable to say anything.

“i’ll be here tomorrow, at 3 PM,” you reassured him with that dazzling smile of yours. tom nodded again, his toes curling with excitement. you tugged on that baby blue scarf one last time as you sipped your hot chocolate, waved your fingers at him and disappeared out the door.

tomorrow, 3 PM. he absentmindedly took a swig of his hot chocolate, wincing as the burning hot beverage scalded his tongue. he shuddered and blew into his cup, smiling. he’d just found his reason to stay in new york.

two meetups turned into three, and three turned into tradition. although he’d never admit it to anyone, least of all you, seeing you at 3 PM everyday was undoubtedly the best part of tom’s day. he found himself finding more excuses to stay in the big apple, weeks turning into months and months turning into a full year.

tom’s stomach filled with butterflies as he watched your familiar figure stroll into the small local cafe, your signature blue scarf wrapped cozily around your neck. it was winter once more, which meant paper cups filled to the brim with hot chocolate and freezing hands shoved in jacket pockets.

a smile spread across your rosy, cold-tinged cheeks as you approached him, a small package in your hands. no words were exchanged as you shyly slid the silver, neatly-wrapped gift over to him, his jaw dropping open.

“y/n, y-you didn’t have to-” tom stammered, turning the gift over and over in his hands. he peered at the label, his heart fluttering at the sight of his name neatly printed in your familiar handwriting.

“open it,” you insisted, staring back into his chocolate brown eyes with your own. tom blushed and hesitantly tugged at the ribbon on the package, unable to say no to the sparkle in your eyes. careful not to tear apart the wrapping paper, he shook off the silver to reveal a brown box. he raised his eyebrows and lifted the lid.

tom gasped, his shaking hands nearly dropping the box. inside the box was a folded up, familiar baby blue scarf, a small card tucked along with it. his eyes flicked back up to yours, slowly filling up with tears. “y-y/n, you shouldn’t have.”

“i know how much you like my scarf,” you admitted, your pink cheeks flushing. “i got you your own so we could match.” you played with the frayed ends of yours, smiling. “see?”

he gently set the scarf down and threw his arms around you for the first time, hugging you close. you let out a small squeak of surprise as you delicately wrapped your arms around his waist, squeezing him tight. tom’s eyes fluttered closed as a slow smile spread across his face, his hand running through your soft hair. he’d been trying to nervously work up the courage to hug you for the longest time, and now that he finally had you in his arms, he thought he’d never let go.

your grip around his waist tightened as you slightly pulled away, smiling back up at him. “you give great hugs,” you whispered, causing heat to flush into tom’s cheeks. he felt a smile of his own spring onto his face. you slowly pushed away, your fingers softly pressing against his chest. tom bit his lower lip to hide his disappointment as his eyes landed on the card tucked into the scarf.

“oh, hey,” he teased, reaching for the card. your hand shot out to grip his wrist, stopping him from taking it. tom looked over at you, tilting his head in curiosity. you turned red, blushing hard.

“i-i have to tell you something first,” you muttered, your eyes darting towards the ground.

a nervous lump rose in tom’s throat as he nodded for you to continue.

you squeezed your eyes shut and took a deep breath. “i’m moving.”

tom couldn’t hide his shock as his mouth dropped open. “w-what? moving? t-to where?”

“s-somewhere across the world. i got a great new job opportunity and i-i can’t pass it up, you know?”

across the world. tom felt his heart sink as his teeth clamped down on his bottom lip at the prospect of possibly never seeing you again. he nodded, still trying to cling onto the last shred of hope as his whole world seemingly ended before him. “i-i know. i’m happy for you.”

your eyes watered as you reached out to grasp his hand with both of yours, sniffling. “i-i’m sorry, tom, i don’t want to leave you.”

it took all of him, every muscle and every vein, to keep himself from begging you to stay. instead, tom squeezed your hand tight and gave you a sad smile, his lower lip wobbling. “no, no, don’t be sorry, y/n. you got an amazing opportunity and who am i to stop you?”

you blinked back tears as you squeezed his hand again, not saying a word. tom took this as a sign to continue as he forced the words out of his mouth, his voice shaking. “i want you to be so, so happy, darling.” he meant every word of it as he pulled you close for another hug.

you pulled away, hiding your face as you leaned up to kiss his cheek. “i’m sorry.”

stunned, tom’s hand flew up to his cheek as he numbly watched you run out the door, the small bell jingling as you disappeared down the street, your blue scarf flapping in the wind.

tom’s eyes filled up with tears once more as he squeezed the scarf you gave him, his trembling hands reaching for the card. he peered at the three words written neatly on the card, his heart nearly stopping as he read them. i love you.

as he sank down into his chair, his mouth wide open and his eyes teary, he felt you slowly slip away from his fingers. no, he wasn’t in love with you. definitely not. you were his best friend, his hot chocolate buddy. it’s just when he looked at you, his heart and body felt lighter, and he couldn’t picture his future without you, and-

oh my god, he was in love with you.

a pit formed in tom’s stomach as he squeezed the scarf again. no matter what it took, he’d find you again. he’d tell you that he loves you, and he wants to be with you until you grow old. hear that, y/n? i’m coming for you.

~~ a year later ~~

365 days passed and tom still hadn’t given up hope. he’d traveled the world for press tours, but he couldn’t help but search every city he visited for you. he’d never lost sight of his blue scarf, or the fact that one day, some day, he’d find the mysterious, magical girl who somehow made him believe again.

on the day that you left, tom pushed the door open to the coffee shop where you first met. sipping his hot chocolate, he carefully sat down in a wooden chair and stared out the window, a baby blue scarf wrapped around his neck.

“i can’t believe it.”

an unmistakable voice rang throughout the store caught his attention as he spun around.

“tom holland?”

tom’s mouth hung open as he slid off the chair, running towards you. “y/n l/n?”

you threw your arms around him and hugged him close, squeezing him tight. “i thought i’d never see you again,” you whispered so faintly that he barely heard you. “i can’t-i can’t believe-”

“i love you too,” he blurted out, his body filling with relief and with shock as he said the four magical words. his arms were wrapped tightly around your waist as he pulled you close, running his hands through your hair. “wow, i-i love you.”

and suddenly your mouth was on his, your lips moving together in a delicate fashion. the kiss was soft and sweet, and nothing short of filled with love. when tom managed to pull himself away, he pressed his forehead to yours and smiled. words were on the tip of his tongue, but he gulped them back down in fear of ruining the moment.

call it soulmates, call it fate, call it whatever you want.

all he knew was that he loved you, and you loved him. as he slowly kissed you again, there was only one thought left on his mind. heaven help the fool who fell in love.

permanent taglist:

@quitetommy @princepeteys @plushparker @cutesparker @zipitparker @peterparkersbodyguard

@estate-euphoric @its-the-unknownspidey

@aesthetically-parker @a-hardcore-romantic @pastelpeter @tomshufflepuff @lostinspidey @peterplanet @alopix861 @trustfundparker @peteunderoos @asiabelfiore @cloudy-zoey @zabdisamor @dahliaspidey @jakesmysterio @hollandraul @loveu3000more @falloutbarnes91 @saysomethingspiderman @starlightparker @miraclesoflove @hollandisapuppy @finnius-bitvh @rosebeegraham @boyfriend-cal @fairytaleparker @tsh-darling @parkerpeter24 @pterstingle @parkeroverdose @stiles-banshees @marshyrebelcloud @neverletyoufall @voiidbarnes @softbaby-tom

@parkerslutz @k-wedgeworth @xximaweirdoxx @tomshufflepuff @doctor-spence-reidd @yourlocalbisuperhero @petersdiaries

477 notes · View notes

diaryofabeautyfiend · 3 years

Text

Small Time Witch (23)

...haunted

Main Street is lined with cute little bars and restaurants. On most nights they were pleasantly crowded. You and Loki would frequent such establishments and you had gotten to know some of their patrons. After the snap, some of the little bars were shuttered. The ones that were still open were far less lively. People would gather to commiserate, to cry. Mostly people were tired of drinking alone.

At least twice a week you would ride your bike to Captain Kidd’s Inn and drain half a bottle of Jameson with the bar tender Jason. He lost his wife in the snap. You would usually stay until last call which happened to be whenever Jason felt like closing up. He would offer to take you home and you’d usually end up fucking.

There was absolutely nothing behind it. The two of you just needed to feel. Some nights it would be quick and dirty then he’d leave. Neither of you would say a word. Most of the time you didn’t even get undressed. On some occasions you would drink more then pass out in bed together.

You didn’t sleep in the master bedroom with him. You stayed in Thor’s massive bed where the two of you could sleep as far apart as possible. It was nice to feel the mattress sag with his weight. Occasionally you would sleep on his chest when you really needed it. He never pushed you away. Sometimes he would rest on your stomach and cry silently in the dark.

Anytime he spent the night, you dreamt of Loki. The first time it happened he didn’t say anything. He just looked displeased. When it happened more frequently he began to make comments. He mentioned how you stunk of whiskey or how he hated seeing you with another man. You never answered him. It was just a dream.

After the tenth time you decided to bite back. “You’re dead. You left me. You don’t have the right to be angry at me. Piss off, ghost.”

It took him a while but he finally summoned enough power to manifest a spectral version of himself. When Jason left Loki appeared. It was only for a moment. You didn’t trust your eyes. You threw back some water and headache medicine and retired to the couch.

A few days later you noticed the bedroom door was open. You only ever went in there to grab new clothes. You didn’t shower in your bathroom and you never disturbed the bed. When you left the room you always locked the door. When you went to close it you swore you saw him sitting in your chair in your reading nook. You felt too ashamed to go to the bar after that.

Jason texted to see if you would be around. You thought about ignoring him but couldn’t bring yourself to do it. You just said you needed some alone time. He said he’d be by later to check on you.

That’s what people did now. They checked on each other. At around 12:30 there was a knock on your door. It wasn’t Jason on the other end. It was Hilde.

You were pretty certain no one called her by her name. Everyone just called her Valkyrie. You were the only person who bothered to ask what it was. Thor randomly sent her to check on you. He couldn’t bear to look at you after the final failed attempt to right this tragedy. She didn’t mind driving out. It was a welcome escape for her from New Asgard.

It started with her bringing you food (which you didn’t need) then morphed into good friends drinking and laughing. She was the only one who made you laugh these days. Then it turned into sloppy drunken make out sessions to full on fucking.

You loved fucking her. She was soft and always smelled divine like salty sea air. She was an absolute wizard with her tongue and fingers. She taught you how to eat her pussy. You were an excellent student.

You stepped aside and let her in without a word. You pulled her to you by her belt and swallowed her tongue. She was always so hungry for you her Kærasta. From the little Norwegian Loki had taught you, you knew that meant girlfriend. Though you never put a label on it you supposed you were.

“You smell like the bartender” she said breathless.

“Sorry. Come shower with me. I’ll get rid of him” you smiled against her neck.

You pulled her towards the hall bathroom. Though not nearly as big as the master, Loki had to make sure Thor could fit comfortably in the shower. It was more than enough room for the two of you.

“Don’t you have a big bathtub in your bedroom?” You froze.

“Yeah. I don’t use it.”

“Can we tonight? I need to relax.”

“I haven’t since...Loki and I....”

“Sssshhh, Elskan. We don’t have to. I just thought it would be nice.” She slipped her hand into the waistband of your leggings and was pleased to find no panties underneath. You braced against the wall as she expertly teased your clit.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt” you whispered.

“That’s my good girl.”

You rinsed a layer or two of dust out of the tub and fished a new sponge out of the cabinet. She undressed and pinned up her hair. Once the tub was filled, she slid into the spot that Loki usually occupied.

The tub was wide enough for her to spread her legs. You sat facing her and she pulled you in so your cunts were pressed up against each other.

You kissed again pressing as hard into her body as you could. She held you with one hand and tweaked your nipple with the other. Before long the pressure was too great and you had to move. You rode each other into your first of many climaxes that night.

You spent the rest of your bath soaping each other’s bodies and she washed your hair. When you got out you slicked each other with one of your oils and she braided your hair. The whole thing was so intimate. You loved pampering each other. Clearly you both needed the attention.

She pulled you onto the bed and felt your body hesitate. “Do you want to go to another room?”

“No. It’s ok. I just haven’t slept in this bed in ages.”

Her face split into a smile that was so sinful a fresh burst of wetness trickled out of your snatch. “Oh, Kærasta. You think daddy would drive all this way at this time of night to sleep?” She grabbed one of your nipples between her teeth and shook your breast like a dog. You giggled for the first time in forever. That’s when your water glass flew onto the floor and shattered.

“Shit. I wasn’t even near it.” You crawled across the bed to get to the door. You came rushing back in with a broom. She moved to help you, “No. Stay on the bed. I’ve got it. I guess he didn’t like that.”

“He who?” She looked around the room suspiciously.

“This is going to sound silly but, I think Loki visits. I know. I should seek help.”

“I wouldn’t exactly be surprised. It would piss him off royally to know that I was bedding his wife. We never really got along.” Her laugh was carefree and melodic. You were visibly upset. “Hey, Y/N. I’ll stop. I’ll hold you all night if you want. But, I think you need. A. Release.” She kissed her way down the column of your neck. You melted in her palm.

“I need both.” She laid you down on the bed and spread your legs. She licked her way up her thigh to your dripping pussy and slowly dipped in her tongue into your folds.

“You’re always so wet for me, Kærasta. Do you like it when daddy licks your pretty pussy?”

“Mmmm. Yes, daddy. I want your fist.”

“What my good girl wants, my good girl gets.” She massaged your opening with her thumbs inserting them and pulling you apart gently. She coaxed the muscles helping you relax. She flattened her tongue and pulsed it gently. The sensation was overwhelming. She eased in three fingers helping you to stretch more. You arched your back off the mattress.

“Fuck. Daddy that feels so good. I need more.” She buried her hand up to her wrist. It burned but it felt exquisite. You fucked back into her face and came harder than you had in a long time.

“I want to make you cum. Sit on my face” you said as she plunged her tongue back into your mouth.

You pulled her on top of you and hooked your arms around her to pull her thighs taught. You pulled her down and licked slowly around the opening then plunged in your tongue. She gasped and grabbed on to the headboard. You made slow concentric circles around her clit. Every now and then you’d suck a little making sure to get the hood too. Two fingers fucked deep into her cunt carefully manipulating the soft spongy button inside. You picked up the pace building a rhythm that had her moaning and cursing. You moaned back to encourage her. When her thighs started to shake you pulled her down harder so she could fuck your face bathing you in her juices.

You licked her until she relaxed. She slid off of you and down to the bed. You wiped your faces on a towel and wrapped your body around hers. For once you were able to make her relax and feel like a precious little spoon. She hummed and smiled in her sleep.

As you drifted off you felt Loki looming around you. You held Hilde tighter hoping the feeling would go away. It only grew stronger. Unable to rest you slid your arm from under her and went to the kitchen for tea. When you heard Loki’s voice you nearly dropped your cup.

“My lord! You don’t need to scare me like that! Am I dreaming again?”

He was sitting at the kitchen table staring at you longingly. He wished you could sit on his lap and kiss him until the steam came screaming from the kettle. It was an act that you preformed so many times that it seemed trivial. Nothing seems trivial anymore. “No. You are very much awake. Is this what you do now? You bring random people into our bed? Drink every night until you pass out?”

“Oh calm down. It’s Valkyrie. I like her. She makes me feel something. I mostly don’t feel anything like I’m not here.”

“Yes, I’m sure she’s thoroughly amused that she makes you scream her name in our marital bed.” He spat the words at you. All of the joy snapped from your face. It hurt him to see it.

Over the last few weeks he watched you split more and more as you straddled the world of the living and the world of the dead. He was doing no better. Hel was pushing him to make a decision whether he would ask you to join him or use your magic to separate from him. As much as he wanted to be with you, it wasn’t your time. To him you barely had the chance to live. You deserved to have babies and grow old with someone. He was doing the exact thing he promised he wouldn’t. He was selfishly keeping you all to himself. This night he decided to tell you about the spell.

“I’ve been thinking and I may know a way to fix all of this. There is a healer in New Asgard who trained under my mother. She is familiar with Freyr’s magic.”

“I know. Hilde told me about her. We’ve already come up with the spell.”

“Then why haven’t you done it?”

“Because when I do your magic will fade from the house, the grounds, our rings...me. I’m not ready to let you go.”

“I am not ready either but I think it’s time, Pet. We can’t go on this way. You feel empty because part of you is literally dead. I hate that I’m doing this to you:”

“I’m not ready. I’m still trying to figure out a way to bring you back.”

He sighed heavily, “I’m not coming back this time, Y/N. You know in your heart that I’m not. You need to move on. I want you to love and have children and grow old. We’ll be together again.”

You were completely offended. The girl you were when you met your husband was not the woman you were now. You were unbridled and a force magically. He helped you to become this woman. How could you put all of that away now just to have a white picket life?

Maybe another lifetime ago you wanted kids and barbecues in the back yard. This you wanted passion and madness. He was the Clyde to your Bonnie and his outlaw heart was yours forever. But, if he wanted to be free of you, that’s what he’d get.

He saw the fire burning in your eyes. He longed to know what you were thinking. You were seething but shook it off, gave him a sweet smile and said, “You’re right. I’ll go back to see the healer with Hilde tomorrow. I’m glad we had this talk.”

“You look angry. Please don’t be angry. I love you so much. I don’t want you to die, Y/n. I’m sorry I’m gone but you’ve barely lived. Please understand this. Can you say it back?” He was desperate to touch you, to connect one more time. “Norns, wife! Will you look at me and say you love me too?! Please!”

Your voice was cold and unfeeling, “I’m not your wife. I’m your widow. Goodbye, Loki.”

You didn’t look back to see if he left. Your heart felt like it was plunged into ice. You strode back into your bedroom and used your magic to fling open his closet doors and dresser drawers. You put all of his clothes into a pile. Hilde woke up to the sound and shook the last tendrils of sleep from her head.

“Kærasta, what are you doing?” She got out of bed and threw on a tshirt. You wouldn’t look at her. She followed you and the bundle of clothes down the hall to the yard where you set them. A fireball grew in your hands and you sent it sailing into the clothes. They went up with a whoosh. She wrapped her arms around your waist and watched with you until it burned out.

“Want to tell me what that was about?” she said against the shell of your ear.

“I think my dead husband just broke up with me.” You both laughed but your laughter faded into sobs.

“Come on. Let’s go back to bed.” She held your hand all the way down the hall. You both stripped and got back under the covers. She kissed your cheeks then your eyelids then your forehead. You finally fell asleep nestled into her body.

You felt Loki’s sadness all night. He looked on from your reading loft watching your chest rise and fall, your body being comforted by someone else. If his heart was beating he thought it may have stopped the moment you left the kitchen. It was evident by the way your mood so easily shifted that you needed to be released from this burden.

——————————————————————

Loki returned back to the underworld feeling more conflicted than he did earlier in the evening. His daughter was waiting for him eager to hear his thoughts on the matter at hand.

“Welcome home, Father.” She kissed his cheek and ushered him into a soft chair.

“It seems my darling wife is angry with me. Am I wrong? Should I have done things differently?”

Hel thought for several minutes opening her mouth to speak occasionally but closing it just as quick. “Shouldn’t she have chosen her fate, Daddy Dearest?” she cocked her head to the side awaiting his answer.

“Perhaps. It would have been the wrong decision.”

“How do you know? Why are you so afraid of her being here? Am I not a hospitable hostess?”

“Of course you are, my baby. I’m afraid...”he hesitated to say out loud what he feared the moment you put on those infernal rings. “I’m afraid she’ll regret being with only me for all eternity.”

“Pity you never got the chance to know what she actually wanted. When the ritual is performed tomorrow, I’ll give you a moment to touch her warm skin before you are split from each other. Savor it, Father.”

————-————————————————-—

You woke up feeling uneasy and unsure of yourself. Anytime you felt this way you called Steve. He had a knack for talking you off the proverbial ledge. You explained the conversation and how angry you were.

“If he gave you a choice, would you choose to put on that ring or live? You already wrote the spell right?”

“I had it as a back up in case I couldn’t bring him back.”

“So in both instances, you chose to live which is exactly what he is asking you to do. It seems like you’re not conflicted at all, my dear. Sounds like you are angry that you don’t have him anymore. You’re allowed to be angry, Y/N. I certainly am.”

You were quiet. You hadn’t thought about it that way. “Why do you always know what to say?”

He chuckled, “I know how that brain of yours works. Can I come with you? I’ll drive you back.”

You didn’t know how you would be after but knew you didn’t want to be alone. Hilde couldn’t stay away for too long. “I would love it if you came.”

Steve arrived in under an hour. This was his first time meeting Hilde. When he extended his hand she pulled him in for a hug. She smelled like you all warm and spicy. He didn’t ask but judging by her constant touching, he could imagine.

The drive up was quiet. Hilde kept a protective hand on your thigh the entire way there. When you first started hanging out you made her a playlist of your favorite Midgardian pop songs. You made her a new one every time she came to visit. The one she had blaring on the radio was your road trip mix. She sang at an obnoxious volume trying to get you to sing along. When “Shut Up and Drive” popped on you couldn’t help but laugh. You sang at the top of your lungs right back at her. For someone so ancient she certainly had the spirit of a twenty something woman.

When you arrived in New Asgard Thor met you with the healer. Maja was an old careworn. Her eyes were soft and knowing. She took you by the hand and lead you into her space. Thor was noticeably silent as she explained the task at hand. When she asked for your wedding rings Thor asked everyone to leave for a moment.

“I don’t think I have to ask how you are feeling, sister. I’m sure it’s the same way I feel. Hopeless.”

“I’m beyond that now. I’ve tried everything, Thor. I can’t bring him back.”

He sniffled and turned away from you so you couldn’t see him cry, “He’s the last of my family, Y/N. This just feels so...permanent.”

You wrapped your arms around his waist. He hugged you back and you both cried.

“What a sorry pair you two make.” Loki appeared in the room solid but glowing. You reached out your hand and he took it kissing his way up your arm.

“What? What is this, Brother?”

“Your niece sends her love. In a cruel twist of fate, the spell is only truly successful if both of the souls are near each other. The rings are a fine substitute but my darling daughter thought she would gift her new mother with one more moment.”

You felt like all the air was sucked out of you. He ran his hands over your skin trying to etch your warmth and softness onto his soul. He spoke to Thor but never took his eyes off of yours. Thor squeezed his little brother with all of his might. Loki never let your hand go.

When Maja and the others came back into the room they didn’t exactly look shocked but they were confused. Maja promised to explain later.

She had the two of you join hands just as before and you each held your rings. She spoke a language you didn’t understand and once again came the golden light. This time it receded from the two of you rather than the Yggdrasil. You began to feel him fading from you and you broke down. He pulled you towards his body and held you with all his might.

Once the ritual was almost completed Maja spoke to the two of you directly. “Once I say this last part, your soul will not be able to sustain itself here on Midgard. If there is anything left to say, now is the time.”

You looked into his eyes and cleared your throat, “You talked so much about how you were never enough. Not to your people your father or even your brother. You should know you are everything to me. All I can hope is that I’ve been enough for you. I will never stop fighting for us, Lok. In this life or the next, we will be together again. I swear it.”

He didn’t have a speech for you. No pearls of wisdom to send you off into the rest of your life. He held your face in his hands and kissed you for the last time. This was not a kiss of arousal but of love and the feverish need to consume you. His mouth tasted salty. You weren’t sure if was your tears or his. The two of you embraced while Maja continued. He pressed his lips to your ear and whispered “I love you” over and over again. Your cries were too loud to hear the final words. You felt the last shreds of him falling from your fingertips. On a breath of air he was gone.

Steve held you as you sank down to the floor. Thor and Hilde sat down with you. The three of them held you and cried along with you but all for very different reasons. Your rings, now unremarkable clippings of the Yggdrasil tumbled from your hand. Steve picked them up and put them in his pocket.

You didn’t stay around much longer. Thor retreated back home. You made him promise to come visit even though he would never step foot in your house again.

Hilde kissed you and said she would be back soon. “You will call me tonight and at least ten times a day until I see you again, Kærasta. Say yes.”

“Yes, I will. Thank you for being there today.” You offered her a weak smile and she kissed you again. You grabbed Steve’s hand and held it all the way home.

#marvel #marvel witches #loki laufeyson #loki x reader #mcu x reader #steve rogers fanfic #captain america x reader #steve rogers x reader #loki angst #valkyrie x reader

17 notes · View notes

elejahfanfic · 3 years

Text

Fanfiction

And so it is Christmas

Part 3

Elijah Mikaelson x reader

ft. Klaroline, Kennett and tvd lot

_human_no vampires

a/n:There will be great mad Mikaelson chaos and lots of love… i.e. Elijah falling for Y/N...cookie baking, etc.

well, actually_absolute christmas fluff... ho-ho-ho

_also this just blew into such a long ch_ thanks for reading. xoxo

🎅

A week after Thanksgiving Ball

New York

Elijah went through the fundraising proposal Y/N had sent him a few times just to make sure everything was all right. He added a couple of suggestions and and now sent it to her. There was a tone of work to do, but he now opened the mail his sister sent with all the photographs from the Ball. In one of them was him and her standing together.

He now sighed looking at the photo with Y/N and him on, and now flashed back to a conversation he had with his sister Rebekah after the Ball.

Flashback

Exiting Kol's room, he now bumped into Rebekah.

"So, when is this girlfriend of yours coming?" the blonde asked as they walked down.

"She should arrive here later this afternoon." Elijah replied.

"So, is this serious?" Rebekah looked at her brother curiously.

"I don't know." Elijah replied.

"You don't know? Klaus said that you've been dating her for the last three months. And you have invited her doqn to meet us all - what is going on, Elijah?"

"What should be going on?" Elijah said looking at his sister somewhat puzzled.

"There is someone else- I know that look." Rebekah was like a detective, especially when Elijah was concerned.

"What look? You talk daft." Elijah tried to sway her from the subject saying, "Why are you rushing with the wedding? Are you pregnant?"

"No, I am not. Not don't sway from the subject. I so you last night when you get back from the shelter and talked to mother about the fundraiser for the Whitmore Medical Center," the blonde stopped there like she had an epiphany as she now remembeted Y/N being mentioned, "Oh, no. You are doing this because of Y/L/N!?"

"I am not doing it because of Y/N- Dr Y/L/N" Elijah said, "I am doing it because it is a good cause and mother needs help"

"Yeah, right. Suddenly mother needs help- please, Elijah, who are you kidding. You got that same look, this pensive look, you had when you fell in love with Rayna in your Freshman year."

"Please - stop now."

"I will. There is something you should know- she and Klaus hooked up this summer at the Lake Festival thing."

"What? She is - with Klaus?"

"No. They just hooked up. He is into her, but so far she is - not giving him the time of the day. She went through a messy break up. That's why she moved back here from New York. I think she is not ready to start a relationship of any kind." Rebekah explained.

"She lived in New York?" Elijah said.

"Yes, in a hospital. She quit her job as a resident cardiac surgeon." Rebekah said.

"Really?" Elijah couldn't believe it.

"Yeah, Stefan said that she wanted a fresh start, but also go back to herself, whatever that means"

Elijah understood what it meant. He knew how busy and all-consuming New York could be.

"Poor Caroline" Rebekah said.

Elijah now looked at his sister even more puzzled at his sister's remark-

"Why would you say that?"

"You are not in love with her?! I can see it, Elijah."

Elijah gulped a bit. That much was true. He liked Caroline a lot. She was sweet and great to be round with, but he had not felt the quiver, like he did when he saw Y/N in the boutique.

Now, Elijah, drew a deep breath. He was not in love with Caroline. He liked her, yes, and he found her attractive, but, no matter how much he tried, he never passed over just caring for her. The truth was also that, the kisses they shared didn't provoke his insides start to ruffle any kind of remote butterflies in his stomach. Whereas Y/N - she had his whole being move with just one look beamed up at him. He gulped remembering her entering the Historical Society Ball.

She was a vision of beauty. It's been forever since he felt anything like that. His phone rang and it was Rebekah. Elijah picked the phone up.

"So, I hear from Klaus that you will be here this weekend, too?!"

"I am "Elijah replied.

"Don't tell me you will be here to bake the cookies for the Christmas Medical Fundraiser thing that Y/N is doing?" Rebekah was always straight to the point.

"Cookies?" Elijah said now caught by the news.

"Yes. Mother called her for a cup of tea and they were talking and they got this idea, and now we are all to bake cookies. I don't bake. And now I promised I will do it. Klaus and Hope are doing cookies, too. I can't believe this is happening."

"But this will not raise much money" Elijah said.

"No, but it is Y/N's idea to raise awareness. And so we have become one giant cookie bakery." Rebekah said.

"Klaus didn't mention anything about baking cookies" Elijah said.

"If you want to ask if they were together or if anything is happening there- I can tell you - yes. He took her home because her car wouldn't start. And he didn't return home till two in the morning."

"Why would I ask - Rebekah- I have a girlfriend if you have forgotten" Elijah now said like this additional news didn't matter, but he felt like someone had kicked him pretty hard in the gut.

He chatted some more about other insignificant family stuff and hung up.

It was obvious that she was with his brother, and now he thought that all he was starting to feel should be shut down. He returned to his work, concentrating now solely on it.

💘 Elsewhere

Courthouse

Caroline just walked out of the courtroom and now looked at her watch. It was lunch time, and she thought of ringing Elijah to meet her, but then, put her phone away in her bag. Her mind now flew back to the Thanksgiving Ball. And Klaus.

Flashback

"Did my brother leave you stranded?" Klaus said as he came to the blonde.

"What? No. I just - came out for some fresh air. It is a bit hot in there." Caroline replied.

"Yes, it is rather - hot" Klaus said.

Caroline now patted the horse on the head.

"He is a beauty. And he likes you" Klaus remarked as the horse moved with his head towards Caroline obviously enjoying her brushing her hand down his head.

"I had a horse when I was a teenager. But then he broke his leg and -"

"I am sorry"

"Yes - ahm- he is beautiful." Caroline said moving away a bit.

"Yes- so beautiful" Klaus said directing his look at Caroline. It was obvious that the comment was not for the horse, but ti her. She gulped, caught by the moment, by the way Klaus looked at her.

Now, Caroline gulped again as her heartbeats accelerated. OMG. What was happening to her. She was with Elijah. Though not really with him, but he had introduced her to his family as his girfriend, a now all she could think about as she returned from Mystic Falls was his brother Klaus.

In New York later that evening

Caroline knocked at the door of Elijah's office before she entered.

"Hey" Caroline said.

"You are still here" Elijah said as he now looked up.

"I am, but not for long”, Caroline said," and you?"

"I am - actually done." Elijah nodded a little.

"Can we talk?"

"Of course." Elijah said getting up from the chair. "What is it?"

Caroline smiled a little and then went up to Elijah and kissed him.

⛄

Meanwhile in Mystic Falls

Bonnie finished grading and she now took her phone opening the contact list. She scrolled down to Kol's number.

She sighed, hovering over the call button. She swallowed hard putting the phone down, getting up now, going over to the kitchen getting a bottle of water out of the fridge. The unexpected knock at the back door now startled her and she nearly dropped the bottle. There was another knock and she now went to the door asking who it was.

"Kol"

Bonnie's heart raced up. Taking a deep sigh, she now unlocked the door.

"Hey -what are you doing here?"

"I - come to see you - can we talk- because - I know - why you broke up with me"

"What?"

"I heard Klaus talk to Elijah on the phone" Kol said.

Bonnie swallowed hard now, feeling her stomach flip.

"I - it's for the best"

"Why is it -? I have never felt about anyone like I do for you."

"Kol - please -"

"I love you," Kol now said, "and you may think that I am not mature enough-"

Bonnie now cut the young Mikaelson off in the middle of the sentence moving over to him, pressing her lips on his.

At the same time in New York

Breaking up from the kiss, both Elijah and Caroline looked at one another, with a bit of an awkward look. Elijah stepped back from the blonde and said

"I am sorry -I "

"Yeah - I am sorry, too- ahm- huh- this is weirder than weird - but - I haven't got - like the fire - you know- and - this is not working- right?!"

"No, it isn't - huh - I am - don't get me wrong- you are so sweet and nice" Elijah said.

"Yeah -sweet and nice- but there is not fire- something inside you that makes you go all fuzzy and crazy and you lose your mind and forget about the world and just want him to kiss you "

Elijah now looked at Caroline somewhat puzzled. "Him?"

"Ahm- what?- yes - you know- I am talking about that magical moment- a situation - we - like you said- I also think that you are sweet and nice - but I just - I am sorry if I have been stringing you along- I really didn't mean to-" Caroline rambled.

"You haven't really. We just said we will take it slow and see where this is going- and it seems like this is - not going "

"No. Huh - I am so glad that you are not making a big deal out of it. And I am so sorry that you have now introduced me to your family as your girlfriend and everyone was so nice. If things were different, I would so love to be part of your family. Your sister and your mom were so nice to me." Caroline omitted 'and your brother'

"Hey - we still can - be friends? And you still are welcome to come to Mystic Falls whenever you wish to." Elijah said.

"Yes?"

"Yes, of course. Just because things didn't go anywhere with us - it does not mean that you can't come down. I saw that you really got on well with Rebekah."

"Yes. She has already called me and asked me if we are going to do lunch when she comes up tomorrow" Caroline said.

"Right. That's great." Elijah said continuing now, with a mental sigh of relief, "Want to go out for a drink?"

"To celebrate our weird break up and beginning of a new friendship"

"Yes." Elijah said.

Caroline nodded with a great mental sigh of relief.

🎄🎄🎄

Mystic Falls

In the morning

Bonnie and Kol where awaken by the buzzing of the alarm on Bonnie's phone. She opened her eyes, reaching for it on the nightstand, switching it off.

"What time is it?" Kol muttered not opening his eyes.

"Six." Bonnie replied.

"Oh -" he moaned a tad bit annoyingly and now pulled Bonnie to him,"Don't get up yet."

"I don't want to, but I have to." Bonnie said as she placed a kiss on his lips.

Brushing his fingers over her cheek he now said, "Last night was so good."

"It was" Bonnie said looking at the man dreamily. Her mind was telling her not go into it, byut her heart was refusing to let him go. She had missed him terribly since she broke up with him. She never thought she could fall so deep. But it happened. Now, even she wanted to run, she couldn't. Her heart was not letting her.

"I am really sorry about the way I treated you -believe it or not - I did it - partly because I got scared"

"Got scared of what?" Kol didn't quite understand.

"My own feelings." Bonnie admitted.

Kol' s eyes now shone with happiness, the kind he had only experienced once before, with his first girlfriend Davina, back in New Orleans.

"So, you -have feelings for me?" Kol’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Yeah- totally " Bonnie admitted. She knew that this was not the smartest thing to do and everything she tried to keep him away, now fell through. She thought that she was being terribly irresponsible, but she now just wanted to be kissed by him and forget about the world. She now shifted, straddling him, kissing him. Kol drew her to him and they both now got lost in one another.

🎄

And as Bonnie and Kol continued to make up, in the other part of Mystic Falls, Y/N was drinking her morning coffee, being busy writing an e-mail to Elijah about the fundraiser. As she sent it, just a few minutes later, her phone rang and she looked amazed at the display. It was Elijah.

"Hello-" Y/N said as she picked up the call, biting a gulp back.

"Good morning. I am sorry to bother you so early, but I have just seen your e-mail and I thought that instead of writing to you, it is much easier if I give you a call. Your ideas is fine, but I still think that a fundraiser on a bigger scale would be much more fruitful" Elijah said.

"Well, yes, but I haven't got the resources and the time to organise something in such a short amount of time."

"My mother will be more than willing to offer to organise a Ball or something. This is a great opportunity to acquire this building. It will be perfect for the Medical Centre." Elijah said.

"This is great, but I cannot bother her to get into this. She is already very busy with organising your sister's wedding. I can't bother her to take this on as well." Y/N sighed a little.

"I do understand. I will talk to her and I will see if we can employ someone that can take care of it."

"Professional Fundraiser? That costs money, which I don't have-"

"Leave it to me." Elijah now said. "I am really sorry that I have to go- I got another call coming through. I am coming down to Mystic Falls this weekend and we can talk more about this."

"All right." Y/N slipped and hung up

Putting the phone down, she sipped a bit of her coffee and tried to get her head around it all, especially why Elijah was so involved in the fundraiser that much. Her heart ticked giddily at the prospect that she would see him. Picking her car keys up, she strolled out of the house, ready for a new working day.

🎄🎄🎄

Days passed by like the summer's breeze. And besides everything else that was going on in their lives, most of the talk revolved around Christmas and all that pre-christmas activities.

Friday evening found Bonnie arrive at Y/N's house with a bottle of red wine. She was on cloud nine now sharing all, well nearly all about her and Kol making up.

Checking the pizza that had just arrived, Y/N turned to her friend, "I am happy for you. I am sure you will find a way to make this work."

Pouring the wine, Bonnie was still a tad bit unsure how this will go on, but she now said, "I just want to be with him. Besides being sexy, he is has got the sweetest, kindest soul."

"You are so in love. From what I heard of Klaus, Kol was sa bad boy reincarnated." Y/N said.

"He told me all about his mad teenage years, but he has so matured - since he lost Davina."

"He talked to you about it?"

"Yes. That comics book and the story he wrote was about it- he opened his soul in it." Bonnie said.

"I need to read it."

"You still didn't?" Bonnie raised an eye brow at her friend as they now walked in the living room.

"I really didn't get the time. I have taken all Jo's patients, I volunteer at the homeless shelter in Whitmore, got myself into that fundraiser- oh - and I got roped into doing- helping with the school board Christmas show." Y/N reminded her friend of her busy schedule, now adding, "and tomorrow I have to bake cookies and sweet potatoe pies"

"Oh, about the cookies and the baking- I have invited Kol to come here- I hope you are not mad. You can invite Klaus or I can tell him to bring Klaus along"

"No, don't tell him to bring Klaus."

"I thought you liked him? Maybe you two could- start phase two"

"I cleared things with Klaus. I told him that I don't want anything- and we both decided to be friends." Y/N said.

"Really? You didn't tell me anything."

"Because there is nothing to tell really. We just had this one night stand, and I was drunk. He is a good guy, but I just don't feel - that something- you know." Y/N explained.

"That something that makes you go- hmmm- hmmm"

"Exactly. I just got out of a long term relationship and I just- don't want to jump into something-ok - enough about boyfriends- one night stands- which movie are we going to watch- something new or something old?" Y/N now pulled a few movies she has already narrowed down."Sleepless in Seattle, Family Stone, or Christmas at Pemberly Manor or It's a Wonderful Life"

"Christmas at Pemberly Manor- seriously- another remake of Pride and Predjudice- "

"Yep." Y/N said. "Oh, come on. We watched the others like a million times and I am really in the mood for something totally cheesy and - let's see if this Mr Darcy is - something - or nothing."

"Oh, God remember that actor that played Mr Wickham in Bride and Predjudice- he could so be Mr Darcy- real Mr Darcy. You were always so into Mr Darcy." Bonnie said.

"Yeah, I saw him in that medical drama - he played Dr Joel Goran- I so had - #imagines."

"What- imagining Damon was Dr Fun-?"

"Please don't"

"Sorry. No mention of Damon. I forgot." Bonnie apologized.

"Hey- it's no big. There is no need to tiptoe around it."

"You know what- talking about Dr Joel Goran- Elijah reminds me of him-"

"Elijah?" Y/N now looked kind of taken in at her friend.

"Yeah. If you put Dr Goran in a 1000 dollar suit and have him clean-shaven- he would be spitting image of Elijah." Bonnie now said.

"Yeah, I think he would." Y/N smiled, biting her lip unconsciously.

"There, you have Mr Darcy on your doorstep- shame he has got a girlfriend."

"Yeah." Y/N said with a little sigh and now pressed play for the movie to start, her mind floating away for a moment imagining Elijah as Mr Darcy in an unsual remake.

🎄🎄🎄

_to be continued

#elijah mikaelson #elijah mikaelson x reader #kol mikaelson #caroline forbes #klaus mikaelson #kennett #klaroline #the originals #the originals imagine #the originals christmas #fanfiction

26 notes · View notes

ghoul-lover9000 · 4 years

Text

Slow Dancing w/ The Lost Boys

There is a specific time and place for slow dancing with each of the Lost Boys. I can’t see them slow dancing with you in front of the others like they all do it, but they all do it in different ways, with different songs, and in different situations.

David sent the boys to the boardwalk without him or you tonight. When asked why, he cited that he had very important plans that Max had him working on that involved you. Really, he had been wanting a quiet night in alone with you for a while and, goddamn it, he was going to get it. He was seated on his chair and you were comfortably sitting on his lap. The shitty old radio they had was playing a station that was forever stuck in the 50s. David would never admit to his fellow hardcore vampires that he actually liked it at times. It reminded him of other times he lived in, the lives he’s led that weren’t necessarily better, but different. You could see this part of him, the part of him that is somewhat, a little bit, maybe vulnerable. As you think about this elusive part of him, the soft melody of a trumpet comes in through the radio.

Hold me close and hold me fast

The magic that you cast

This is la vie en rose

You get up and tug David out of the chair. He wants to ask what you’re doing, but he already knows. This had happened a few times and he can’t say he didn’t like it.

When you kiss me, Heaven signs

And though I close my eyes

I see la vie en rose

You wrap your arms around his torso and bury your head into the crook of his neck. David wraps his arms around you too. To an onlooker, you both would look like you’re just hugging until you both start rocking back and forth.

When you press me to your heart

And in a world that is apart

A world where roses bloom

Only words that no one else will know or hear are whispered between you two and there is nothing else but the cave, you, and him.

And when you speak

Angels sing from above

Every day words

Seems to turn into love songs

You’re precious to me.

Song: La Vie En Rose -Louis Armstrong

Dwayne and you were having alone time together on the beach. Walking just far enough away from everyone else where you could see them, but they couldn’t interrupt your time with the quieter of the group. One thing leads to another and you’re playfully running away from him and, when he catches up to you, he picks you up spins you around in a circle and you guys realize that you wandered closer to the boardwalk. From a shop’s radio, you both can hear a faint song.

I’ve lost all ambition for worldly acclaim

I just want to be the one you love

As he sets you down, Dwayne looks in your eyes and keeps his hands on your waist. Your fingers find their way to his hair.

And with your admission, that you’d feel the same

I’ll have reached the goal, I’m dreaming of, believe me

You both just sway back and forth calmly and gently. Neither of you talk, you don’t have to. He’s looking into your eyes and you can see the love and adoration he has for you. You’ve never felt more secure and loved.

I don’t want to set the world on fire

I just want to start a flame in your heart

As the song ends, you can’t help but smile at him and he gives you a genuine smile that you thought was obsolete.

Song: I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire -The Ink Spots

Marko was heading out for a food run and you decided to tag along. You kind of just needed a brake from all of the constant action at the cave. He happily let you walk with him and off you both went. You walked deserted streets at 2 AM and made your way to the 24-hour diner. When you both got there, you both ordered and waited, food for a whole group of people would take a while to make so you both knew you would be there for a little while. The diner was empty except for the two people working on your food. You and Marko had the whole outside of the diner to yourselves. The place had a jukebox that looked like it had seen better days, but was still functioning. Out of boredom, you and Marko went over and he put in a quarter. You pointed out a song and said, “Pick that one.”

In the still of the night

I held you

Held you tight

You move your hands to Marko’s and you guide him over to an emptier spot on the floor. He gets the idea and puts one hand on your waist and holds yours in the air.

‘Cause I love

Love you so

Promise I’ll never

Let you go

You both sway together and, after a while, he gets more comfortable and he twirls you here and there. Marko feels decades younger, like a kid again, someone fresh, who’d never done anything worse than stealing a soda from the grocers, but you did have that effect on him. You who was so comfortable being here with him and being childish and happy with him.

I’ll hope and I’ll pray

To keep

Your precious love

You both look at each other and smile and enjoy this moment of perfect love and perfect trust in each other. You love him for all he is and he loves you for all you are.

So before the light

Hold me again

With all of your might

In the still of the night

“Sir! Your order’s ready.”

Song: In the Still of the Night -The Five Satins

Paul flew you and him up to the top of one of the boardwalk shops. It’s funny. The boardwalk’s noise was so much quieter when you’re up here. The only prominent sound is that of the radio playing under you. You and Paul spend most of the time sitting around, drinking cheap alcohol, talking about dumb shit, and occasionally pelting each other with rocks and small debris you found on the ground.

Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you

Caught up in circle

Confusion is nothing new

“Babe, I love this song!” You jump up and pull Paul up with you. He protests a little claiming it to be too mushy. “No, come on! Like this.” You position yourself in front of him and put his hands on your waist.

Paul: Ooh, I like where this is going.

You put your hands around his neck and start swaying to the beat.

Then you say, “go slow”

And I fall behind

The second hand unwinds

You’re really excited and you’re singing a long, smiling. Paul’s just watching you, smiling and thinking how fucking adorable you are when you’re excited over something as mundane as your favorite song coming in over the radio. Paul could die happy knowing that you’re content in his arms.

If you’re lost you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting

Time after time

He gets into it too. It’s just you and him, smiling like idiots and singing together on the roof of a comic shop, completely separate from the world beneath you.

Time after time, time after time, time after...

Song: Time After Time -Cyndi Lauper

Bro, I listened to so many slow songs to write this and it got me feeling some type of way. My choices in the music might be a little cheesy, but I like them. Thank you to @maddeleinegrace for requesting this. I loved it. It made my heart ache.

#the lost boys #poly!the lost boys #the lost boys headcanon #the lost boys x reader #the lost boys imagines #david x reader #david #david headcanon #david imagine #marko x reader #marko #marko imagine #marko headcanon #dwayne #dwayne x reader #paul #paul x reader #80s horror #80 movies

157 notes · View notes