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snelbz · 3 years

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Life As We Know It {Chapter 21}

Summary: After the sudden deaths of Nesta’s sister and Cassian’s best friend, they gain guardianship of their nephew, Nyx.

Based on Life As We Know It (2010) and a prompt sent in by anonymous for our Nessian fanfic contest. This is a modern au.

Instead of doing a tag list for this story, we have decided to have a set posting schedule. Chapters will be posted weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Occasional surprise chapters could be posted at miscellaneous times. Chapters will be posted on both my and Tara’s blogs! >> @tacmc.

Life As We Know It Masterlist

Shelby’s Masterlist

Tara’s Masterlist

Before Nesta even opened her eyes, she knew that she’d gotten some of the best sleep she’d had in months. She knew it was early, since Nyx hadn’t even woken them up for his morning bottle yet. Sighing comfortably, she settled deeper into her pillows, the weight of a heavy arm slung over her waist, pulling her in close.

With sudden clarity, she remembered the events of the night before. She remembered the damn kiss that had started it all. She remembered the orgasms Cassian had given her over and over. She remembered seeing something shining in his eyes that had nothing to do with lust or sex.

She was sure it was reflected in her own, but couldn’t work up the nerve to let herself think about what they’d done last night, what it may have implied. What lines they may have crossed.

And the fact that she really didn’t give a damn.

Nesta couldn’t remember the last time she was this happy, and as much as she tried to pretend it wasn’t thanks to the man sleeping soundly behind her, in her bed, she couldn’t lie to herself.

So she gently rolled over, careful not to wake him, and took in his sleeping face.

It was kind of funny.

Nesta had known Cassian for a while, for five years, and before that in passing, considering Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship. She had watched him age, had watched him grow from a young man into the man that had taken her the night before, but looking at him now…

There was an innocence about him when he slept.

He snored, quietly, completely unaware that she was awake, that she was watching him.

He was cute.

So, so cute.

If he awoke at that very moment and saw her watching him sleep, she would have surely been mortified, but she couldn’t bring herself to care, she couldn’t look away.

Memories from the night before flashed through her mind, and it only made her that much happier. She couldn’t remember the last time she had fallen asleep in a man’s arms, but with Cassian, she had fallen asleep peacefully, nearly instantly, and slept amazingly.

There was something about Cassian that she couldn’t quite put her finger on, but she knew that she liked it.

She dared to gently brush a kiss over his cheek, before carefully climbing out of bed, his heavy arm making that a much harder endeavor than she was expecting. But he slept on soundly, not even stirring as she slipped from beneath the sheets and hurried into her closet. She wasn’t embarrassed by her nakedness, not after everything that had happened last night, but she knew that if he caught her naked, they were likely to take far longer getting downstairs to start their morning.

Not that she would have minded, but she was pretty sure neglecting Nyx was not a good enough reason for sex.

No, she’d enjoy him again later, as thoroughly as he’d enjoyed her last night, if he was willing. And she had no doubt that he would be.

Tying her robe around her waist, Nesta slipped from the closet into her room, glancing to make sure Cassian was still fast asleep. His snore confirmed he was.

Her chuckle was quiet as she entered the hall, sneaking down a few doors and opening Nyx’s. He was still asleep, as well, and with a smile, Nesta cracked his door and quietly padded down the stairs.

The kitchen was still a mess, his half-smashed cake on the counter and their clothes strewn around the room. Blushing, she picked them up one by one and tossed them into the laundry room, before making Nyx a bottle and starting on some scrambled eggs for his breakfast.

She could hardly focus. She was constantly thinking about the man upstairs, still sleeping soundly in her bed. Mixing a little cheese into the eggs, she stirred the eggs up in the pan before dumping them directly onto Nyx’s high chair tray.

Last time they’d slept together, Cassian had made her breakfast and then they’d both agreed it would never happen again. Regardless of the fact that it very much had happened again, Nesta didn’t like the sinking feeling she felt in her heart when she thought about having to agree to that once more.

Staring at the ingredients she’d pulled out of the fridge, Nesta sighed and braced her hands on the counter in front of her.

She wasn’t sure when it had happened, but she couldn’t ignore the fact that she had feelings for Cassian anymore. At some point, he’d gone from being a pain in her ass to the favorite part of her day. And that terrified her.

Letting him continue to sleep, she crept upstairs and gently woke Nyx up before he could start screaming, and carried him down to the kitchen, his sleepy head resting on her shoulder. He rubbed his eyes as she put him in his high chair, handing him the bottle, and she started working on their breakfast.

The entire time he ate, Nyx watched Nesta curiously, as if he knew something was up.

Maybe it was just her paranoia. Then again, he was Feyre and Rhysand’s kid and they were always snooping into Cassian and Nesta’s business.

Feyre and Rhysand.

Nesta bet they were pretty damn proud of themselves at the moment.

She heard him moving around upstairs and her heart began to beat a little bit faster. This was it, the moment of truth.

She cursed, all the while Nyx kept watching her as he stuffed his mouth with scrambled eggs.

Making herself busy at the stove, she quickly dropped some bacon into the hot skillet, sizzling filling the kitchen. Within seconds, a few pieces of bread were in the toaster, and she was rummaging through the refrigerator for the blackberry jam she knew he preferred.

Nyx’s babbling announced his arrival, and she turned to find Cassian standing behind his high chair, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants slung low on his hips. He picked up a small clump of eggs and popped it into his mouth, and Nyx angrily began talking at him, though the made up words were unintelligible.

“He doesn’t like to share,” she said, closing the fridge door with a hip.

Cassian grinned. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. I worked up an appetite last night.”

Nesta’s cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “Is that so?”

Cassian nodded and walked toward her, slowly. Nesta remained still until he was standing just in front of her. “I have to confess that I was hoping you’d be there when I woke up this morning.”

Nesta stepped closer to him. “Breakfast and the baby called.”

Cassian scoffed and muttered, “Priorities.”

Nesta laughed quietly, but the sound was muffled by Cassian’s lips against hers.

It was almost instinct to lean into him, to smile against his lips. When she pulled back just a hair, his hazel eyes were bright. She whispered, “Good morning.”

“Morning,” he breathed, his mouth still so close to hers.

She blushed, even though she couldn’t figure out why and turned to the stove. “I…wasn’t sure what to expect this morning.”

Cassian hesitated. “What did you think I’d do?”

Nesta sighed, scratching her head. “I don’t know. I thought you might act like it never happened. Or, you’d say it was only a one time thing like last time.”

Cassian cocked his head to the side. “Last time I didn’t sleep in your bed.”

“And that changes things?” Nesta asked, quietly.

“Last night changed things,” Cassian replied, brushing her hair back out of her face. “At least, for me it did.”

“Me too,” Nesta replied, without any hesitation.

Cassian’s eyes softened. “Nesta, I-.”

“NANANANANANANANA!”

They both spun around, where Nyx was watching them with the most precious of pissed off expressions. His tray was empty, practically licked clean, and Nyx was not having it.

Cassian chuckled as he took a banana out of the fruit basket and peeled it before cutting it up into slices. “He’s awfully full of it this morning, isn’t he?”

“I think he knows,” she said, rolling her eyes as she flipped the bacon. “Not specifically what happened, but he knows something is…different between us.”

He paused his cutting and turned back to her, pausing with a hip resting on the counter. “Good different or bad different?”

“Good different,” she said, smiling. She cracked a few eggs into a bowl and mixed them up with some milk. “Definitely good different.”

For a moment, Cassian didn’t say anything, but when she turned he was grinning. “Really good different?”

Nesta rolled her eyes. “Shut up.” She turned back around. “But yes.”

“Good,” he breathed, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “What’ve you got going on today?”

“Work,” she said. “Seeing how the bar renovation is going. Looks like you’ll have to hire your replacement soon with how quickly everything is moving.”

Cassian groaned. “That’s the part I’m looking towards the least. I hate interviews. I hate being in them, I hate giving them, they’re awful.”

“But the sooner you give them, the sooner you leave that bar and come work at mine,” she crooned.

“Yours?” he repeated, offended.

Nesta snorted. “Ours.”

He and Kallias had both given their notice to the owner of the dive bar they worked in. He wasn’t thrilled, but he had always been a gruff bastard. He’d informed Cassian he wasn’t going anywhere until he’d hired not only his replacement, but Kal’s, as well.

“Speaking of,” he sighed, glancing at the clock. “I’ve got one scheduled for eleven-thirty. What time are you going to the restaurant?”

She poured the egg mixture into the skillet she’d cooked the crispy bacon in moments before and began laying the bacon on the toast she’d made. “Whenever,” she shrugged. “Helion is opening today. What time can Viviane be here?”

“Ten. I’m not working a shift today, so after the interview I can either come back here and give her the rest of the day off, or I can come to the restaurant.”

Nesta chewed slowly as she thought about it. “I wouldn’t mind if you came to the restaurant.”

“Then that’s what I’ll do,” Cassian said, placing the cut-up banana in front of a cranky Nyx. “And you, little man, better be good for Viv today. Because you’re grumpy.”

In response, Nyx spit out the piece of banana he had put in his mouth and smushed up the rest on his tray.

After scarfing down the breakfast that Nesta had made, and making a show of thanking her for it, Cassian was cleaning up the kitchen then hurrying upstairs to shower. Nesta was left cleaning up a fussy, banana-covered Nyx.

“I don’t even think you wanted to eat the banana, kiddo,” she muttered, cleaning off his tray, before wiping him down with an ungodly amount of baby wipes. “I think it was just to play in.”

He had plenty to say about that, just nothing Nesta could understand.

A few minutes later, freshly showered and dressed Cassian came downstairs, where Nyx was playing on the living room floor. She was up the stairs a minute later, hurrying to take her own shower. After an hour, she returned, purse and keys in hand. “I’m going to go ahead and head to the restaurant. I’ll see you in a little while?”

He nodded and as she made for the door, Cassian stood, catching her by the elbow and tugging her back to him. She stumbled a step, but he crushed her to his chest and pressed a kiss to her lips. When he pulled back, they were both grinning like fools. “I’ll see you in a little while,” he repeated.

“Okay.” She was backing towards the door, that smile looking like it was a permanent fixture on her face, before slipping out and leaving he and Nyx alone.

Who was watching him again, looking so much like Rhysand with that little eyebrow raised.

Cassian couldn’t help but snort and say, “This is your fault you know.”

A few hours later, right after Nyx had gone down for his mid- morning nap, Cassian heard a knock on the front door. Opening the door, Viviane rushed in. “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said, shaking her head.

Cass glanced at the clock on the mantle. “It’s barely ten-fifteen,” he chuckled. “No big deal, you’re fine.”

She nodded. “Sorry, just— It’s been a crazy morning.”

“Everything okay?” Cassian asked. Viv was usually steady, so sure of everything she did or said.

“Yeah,” she replied, waving off his question. “I’m fine. Ran into my ex at the coffee shop and— Ugh, ignore me. Don’t worry about it. Is Nyx down for his nap?”

“Yeah, he’s been out for about fifteen minutes. He had a pretty big breakfast, so I doubt he’ll be too hungry when he wakes up.” Cassian gnawed on his lip for a second debating on whether he should ask what was on his mind. After considering how well throwing caution to this wind has worked for him last night, he decided why the hell not. “Does that mean you’re single? Since you bumped into your ex?”

Viviane froze and blinked. “Yes, but I don’t date my employers—”

“No, no,” he quickly said, holding his hands out in placation. “It’s not me. It’s a friend of mine and I think you two might hit it off.”

Viviane raised a brow. “A friend, huh?”

“Guy I’ve worked with for years,” Cassian went on. “Great guy, in fact. You’ll enjoy yourself, guaranteed.”

“Guaranteed?” Viviane chuckled. “Well, I can’t say no to that, can I?”

Cassian grinned. “No, you can’t, and neither can he. Tomorrow night, you free?”

“I suppose I am, if my boss is giving me the night off,” she laughed.

“He is, and it’ll be great, we’ll all go out,” Cassian said. “You and Kal, and me and Nesta.”

“Kal,” she said, the shortened name rolling off her tongue. “Yeah, alright. That sounds fun.”

“Perfect,” Cassian said, patting her on the shoulder as he swept past her. “I’ve got to get going, but we should be home around five or so. Call if you need anything.”

Viviane chuckled. “You say that every time, and have I ever called?”

“It’s a habit!” he called, as he hurried out the door.

When he got to the bar, Kallias had everything under control, which meant Cassian was taking a table in the far corner, waiting for his interviewee to arrive.

Sadly, this wasn’t the interview to replace his own job. That was proving to be far more tedious than he was expecting. But an hour later, after shaking the young man’s hand, Cassian let out a sigh of relief as he left.

“And how’d that go?” Kallias asked, wiping down a few glasses that were drying atop the bar.

“Well, your position is officially filled,” he replied, sitting across from him at the bar. “So congratulations.”

“Cheers,” he chuckled, raising the empty glass towards Cassian. “When are we celebrating?”

“Tomorrow night, actually,” Cassian said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Kal snorted. “Seriously? I was kidding.”

“I’m not,” Cassian replied, shrugging. “We’re going out tomorrow night. You, me, Nesta, and Viviane.”

Kallias blinked. “The hot nanny?”

Cassian grinned. “Yeah.”

Kallias looked at Cassian suspiciously. “I thought you were kidding when you said you were setting us up.”

“Oh, I never kid about love,” Cassian said, winking.

Kallias raised a brow. “Love? Who the hell are you?”

Cassian filled his glass and took a gulp of beer. “Just meet us at Rita’s at eight tomorrow.”

Kallilas continued to stare at him for a long while. “You slept with her again, didn’t you?”

Cassian’s grin widened. “Tomorrow. Rita’s. Eight.”

And with that, he chugged his beer and left.

The next night, Cassian and Nesta dropped Nyx off at Elain’s before making their way to Rita’s.

“Our first date,” Cassian crooned, reaching his hand across the car to Nesta’s.

She took it fondly. “Our first date? After all we’ve been through, do we even qualify for a first date?”

“Why?” Cassian scoffed. “Just because we’ve been sleeping together and living with each other and raising a kid together?” He snorted. “Of course, we deserve a first date.”

Nesta rolled her eyes but did not protest.

Cassian had slept in her bed last night after another night of lovemaking. Even though it didn’t seem possible, it got better with each time. The more they got to know each other’s bodies, the more familiar with one another they became, the more they became one in intimacy, the more amazing it was.

“You look amazing tonight,” Cassian said, quietly. “In case I haven’t told you that yet tonight.”

He had.

Multiple times.

But, Nesta couldn’t blame him. She did look amazing in her navy blue dress and her blush heels. She looked over at Cassian, in his jeans and button down shirt.

Coincidentally, it wasn’t much different than what he had worn on their actual first date five years before. She chuckled, and he looked over at her, brow raised.

“This is actually our second date,” she said.

Cassian shook his head, amused, before looking back out the window as he turned into the parking lot. “Well, hopefully this date goes better than that one did.”

Nesta agreed.

As soon as Cassian opened Nesta’s door, they spotted Viviane pulling into the parking lot. They knew she was a pretty girl, but she usually showed up to work with a ponytail, jeans, and a t-shirt. Now, she had really dressed to impress.

Cassian whistled as she got out of her car and Vivane blushed as Nesta’ jabbed him in the ribs.

“You look beautiful,” Nesta told Vivane.

“Thanks,” she said, and Nesta could tell the nanny was a little nervous, a little uncomfortable.

“I see Kal’s truck,” Cassian said, gesturing for the women to follow. “I guess he’s already inside.”

Indeed he was and he’d already gotten a table for the four of them and was working on a pitcher of a beer.

“Hey, man,” Cassian greeted him as Kallias stood and shook his hand. “This is Nesta,” he said, placing a hand on her back.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” she said, reaching for his hand as well. They shook hands and Kallias smiled.

“You, too,” he replied. “I guess I should call you boss now, huh?”

“No, no, no,” she laughed, shaking her head. “Please don’t.”

“And this,” Cassian interrupted, rolling his eyes at the two of them, “is Viviane.”

As if he somehow hadn’t noticed the blond beauty behind Cassian until this moment, Kallias looked up at her and blinked. He was about to make some sort of hot nanny joke when Kallias breathed, “Viv?”

She was looking at him with the same dumbfounded look Kallias had on his face. “Kallias… Hey.”

Cassian and Nesta looked between the two, then at each other, and after a moment, Nesta asked, “You two know each other?”

Kallias still looked like he was trying to figure out what planet he was on, so Viviane answered, “We were…childhood friends. But my family moved to Velaris when I started middle school.” She shook her head, but she had been looking at Kallias the whole time. “I had no idea you were in Velaris.”

He finally remembered to speak, though Cassian was beginning to wonder if he’d need to answer for him. “I came out here for college. Loved the city and decided to stay.”

“College?” Viviane repeated. “You’re telling me that you’ve been here since your freshman year, and you’ve never called?”

Kallias chuckled. “I didn’t even know you still lived here!”

“Hmm,” Viviane said, taking a seat across from him. “Well, what a small world, hmm?”

“Yeah,” Kallias repeated, “small world.”

Cassian took a seat by Kallias and Nesta sat across from them as they went a little bit more in depth into their long lost friendship. Apparently they had grown up in the same neighborhood and had always gone to the same elementary school. Kallias was a year older than Viviane, but when he went into the seventh grade and Viviane was going into sixth, her family moved to Velaris for her father’s work.

They had never talked again after that. Their friendship was nothing more than a simple, joyful memory.

Seeing them now, Nesta thought, she just knew the two of them had gotten into trouble when they were little. Between their jokes and sly looks at one another, and the obvious chemistry, they had surely been up to no good and gave both sets of parents a run for their money.

“I’m going to the bar,” Cassian announced, looking at Nesta. “Care to join?”

Nesta had a feeling that it was less about going to the bar and more about giving the newfound couple beside them a few minutes alone. She nodded, and took his hand as they walked toward the bar on the other side of the room.

“They’re cute together,” Nesta said, sitting on a barstool.

Cassian sat on the one next to her. “Oh, I know. You know, I’ve gotta say, I feel pretty damn accomplished right now. I definitely made this happen.”

Nesta couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him, even as she leaned into his embrace. She wanted nothing more than to poke fun at him, to mess with him about his unexpected matchmaking skills, but as she looked at the two happy people laughing at the table across the bar, she couldn’t help but wonder if that’s the gift that Rhysand and Feyre had tried to give them all those years ago.

Even now, Nesta’s chest tightened as she smiled, so thankful for her meddling, baby sister.

#snacmc lawki #life as we know it #lawki #snacmc collabs #snelbz tacmc collab #nessian #nesta archeron #cassian #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf

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liesyousoldme · 3 years

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Eddie Kaspbrak/Richie Tozier Fic Masterlist

Completed:

Richie Tozier: Come Out & Play (Oneshot, Rated M)

Richie Tozier: Come Out & Play, a new Netflix special! Comedian Richie Tozier is back after a very public mental breakdown. And he's ready to (over)share. (5.7k words)

baby i didn't know, but i'm glad that you found me (Series, Rated E)

1. i've been waiting

Eddie loses touch with the Losers after he's forced to move away from Derry. After 5 years, he finds a way to see his friends again - including Richie, who is just as beautiful as he remembers. (15k words)

2. i'm seeing the most in your eyes

Eddie comes out to his mom, visits with an old friend, applies for a job, and finds his home. (14k words)

we'll get where we're going even if we're late (Oneshot, Rated E)

Richie sees a lot happen in the deadlights. Eddie has to keep reminding him what's real. (7.8k words)

the time and space between us (Oneshot, Rated T)

For Eddie Kaspbrak, dying was just like falling asleep. And then he woke up. (10.7k words)

The Power of Sexting (Oneshot, Rated E)

Richie accidentally sends Eddie a shirtless picture. Things escalate from there. Or, Richie and Eddie play Gay Chicken: Sexting Edition. (4k words)

i love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard? (Chaptered, Rated E)

They'd been so close to everything they ever wanted when they were young. And then they forgot. Now that they're back in Derry, they're remembering. Or, a retelling of Chapter 2, with a happier ending. (36k words)

(Continued Under The Cut)

That's where you'll find me (Series, Rated T)

1. In The Wrong Place Trying to Make it Right

"Richie wasn’t sure how the fuck he’d managed to forget Eddie Kaspbrak. Like, now that he’s got Eddie’s hand in his (his remaining hand, Richie’s traitorous mind reminds him cruelly, and he avoids looking at the hospital gown lying flat against the bed where an arm should be) he remembers everything. " Or, 27 years later, Eddie makes it out of the sewers alive. (5.5k words)

2. Got My Heart Set On Anywhere But Here

“Let’s make it a rule to never talk about It again,” Richie suggested, and Eddie readily agreed. “Let’s focus on the future instead of the past.” “Like visiting New York next week?” Or, 27 years later, Eddie gets divorced. (4.9k words)

3. I'll Be What You Need (Goodbye, Apathy)

"Helping you through nightmares of me dying is the least I can do after you literally nursed me back to health for six weeks," Eddie responded with a tired smile. Richie didn't say anything, just let his head fall back into his pillow, pulling Eddie with him. Eddie sighed as he nestled into Richie's bed. Richie felt his heart beat faster the way it always did when Eddie was in his bedroom, in his bed, in his arms. The small smile that had formed on his face fell, however, when Eddie spoke again. "I think you should see a therapist." Or, 27 years later, Richie goes to therapy. (4.6k words)

Block the Noise, (Oneshot, Rated T)

Richie has a conversation with his newly ex-manager and Eddie doesn't like what he (over)hears. (1.5k words)

i've never seen nobody shine the way you do (Oneshot, Rated T)

It was like this: Richie had thought that moving to New York together, getting an apartment and going to school, would be good for both of them. And it was! But! While Richie had thought that he had reached his limit, his max capacity, the top level of Loving Eddie Kaspbrak, he was now being proven dead wrong. Perhaps there was no cap to how much a man could love Eddie Kaspbrak, and wouldn’t that have been nice to know before he’d gone and moved in with the little asshole. Because it was one thing to see each other every day at school, and to have sleepovers on Friday nights, and to spend their afternoons together doing fuck-all, but it was another to see Eddie fresh from the shower, his wavy hair dripping water droplets onto his bare shoulders, his skin flushed from the heat. It was another to wake up and eat breakfast together every morning and dinner together almost every night. Especially since Eddie had decided to start looking like he did now, all bright-eyed and ready to take on the world. So, it was like this: living with Eddie had him absolutely fucked. (2.6k words)

just hold me close (Oneshot, Rated T)

It's Richie Tozier's birthday, and Eddie Kaspbrak would do anything to make him happy. (1.7k words)

say anything (Oneshot, Rated T)

There were so many things he wanted to say to Richie, all the time, but he just couldn’t. He couldn’t put himself out there, couldn’t risk ruining this friendship. But it was getting harder and harder with every day that passed to keep his mouth shut. (4.6k words)

you heard them say it (Oneshot, Rated T)

Even after she's 6 feet in the ground, Sonia Kaspbrak still lives in Eddie Kaspbrak's head. (2.5k words)

Misinterpretation (Oneshot, Rated T)

A prompt from Tumblr: "I'm only here to establish an alibi." (1.7k words)

let's find the place where happiness begins (Oneshot, Rated T)

After Eddie survives Neibolt, he and Richie have a few things to discuss. (3k words)

make it feel like the first time (Oneshot, Rated T)

“Eddie,” Beverly said, grinning. Eddie felt his heartrate speed up and focused on taking a deep breath. He was 17, he hadn’t carried around his aspirator in ages, and he wasn’t about to have a panic attack in front of his friends over a stupid party game. “Truth or dare?” Eddie gets asked about his first kiss. Too bad he lied about the fact that he's had one. (2.7k words)

keep you sheltered (Oneshot, Rated T)

Richie has a fear of thunderstorms. (1.6k words)

so into you (Oneshot, Rated T)

Richie is tired of Eddie watching from a distance. (1.7k words)

Like Kisses on the Necks of Best Friends (Oneshot, Rated T)

He’d wanted to kiss Richie for ages, and suddenly, on their walk home from school Richie just fuckin’… plants one on him, blushes beet red, uses a Voice to say “Good on ya, mate,” which didn’t even make fucking sense, and then takes off running in the opposite direction. Eddie had stood there, gaping, until Richie was an entire block away. Or, Eddie has to sit on Richie's lap for a car ride two days after Richie kissed him and ran away. It's totally not awkward at all. (2.2k words)

now my bedsheets smell like you (Oneshot, Rated T)

Richie and Eddie can't sleep without each other. (3k words)

You're only brave in the moonlight (Oneshot, Rated T)

A homophobic church sign makes Eddie cry, and Richie decides to do something about it. (2.3k words)

WIP:

once in twenty lifetimes (Twoshot, Rated T)

Eddie Kaspbrak had to say goodbye to his best friend at age 13. He wished desperately to live in some other universe where Richie never had to leave. He can imagine them. Happy together in other, better worlds. 27 years later, Eddie Kaspbrak gets to say hello to his best friend at age 40. Maybe he decides this universe was worth the wait.

isn't it just so pretty to think... (Series, Rated T)

...all along there was some invisible string tying you to me First kisses at every age in every universe.

a supercut of us (Drabble Collection, Rated T-E)

#reddie #reddie fic #my fic #my fics #redid my masterlist #updated with latest fics

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yetanotheremptypage · 3 years

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losing their V cards to each other? school/college AU?

Alright, so, I've never written smut before. Below the cut isn't, like, super explicit stuff, but it's definitely the smuttiest I've ever written, and I apologize in advance for it.

This is in the same 'verse as Winter Formal and The Guillotine!

no escaping your love #25: free fall (a high school au) (Read 1-24 here.)

Kate would never admit it, but she had a countdown set for when Anthony left for Brown. She looked at it every day, watching the numbers dwindle, no more than binary coded sands in a digital hourglass.

They couldn’t spend quite as much time together over the summer as they’d dreamed during the school year, when just carving out an hour felt impossible and the hope of warmer weather and no school guided them to the end of the line.

But Anthony was interning with the family business, and Kate worked long hours at the Mayfair Academy Summer Camp program with lots of screaming lower schoolers. When he wasn’t at work, he was once again looking after his siblings. When she wasn’t at work, Edwina was demanding rides to the mall, the pool, the movie theater, the park—her sister had truly never been so popular, or busy.

Sunday afternoon became their date night, the precious few hours they could claim together before work and family obligations consumed them. Even just walking hand in hand with him through the grocery store while she did the family shopping felt romantic, a glimpse into a future that might await them further down the line.

Emphasis on the further, of course. There was still her college to consider, and maybe law school, and all the different roads they could find themselves down in the coming years. Together or apart.

In July, the Bridgertons adjourned to their house on the Cape for two weeks, and Mary let Kate join for a weekend. She’d always loved the coast, and it was easy to see just how much happier Anthony was in the salty air, slowly tanning under the bright sun. For once, he looked eighteen years old as he played beach volleyball with her and Daphne and Colin, constructed drip castles with Hyacinth and Gregory, splashed in the waves with Francesca and Eloise, and made out with her in the study after dark. It was hard to leave when Mary picked her up on Sunday afternoon.

When there were nine days left on her countdown—the weekend before he was due to go away—they drove back there, just the two of them. Mary had sat her down before she got in the car for a sex talk and to give her condoms and Kate had squirmed. Just because they were going to be alone in the house didn’t mean they were going to have sex.

Not that Kate hadn’t been thinking about it, though. Providence was less than two hours from Boston, but he would still be leaving. She couldn’t compete with college girls: older, smarter, prettier than her. Hell, Edwina, technically still in her ugly duckling puberty days, was prettier than Kate. Would it hurt more or less if she gave him this piece of her forever?

(Look, virginity is a construct and women should not be shamed for their sexuality. But that doesn’t mean that having sex for the first time wouldn’t be a big deal, wouldn’t make him a lifelong memory that she’ll either get to cherish forever or need to toss.)

They went to a nice dinner and played card games in the sitting room as the sun slowly set. Once the moon was out and the families were gone, they changed into their swimsuits and ran out to the ocean. Diving under waves, trying to body surf. Kate even taught him how to do an underwater handstand. Talking and laughing and being young and alive and in love.

She floated on her back, letting the waves bob under her as she stared at the constellations, Orion blinking down at her. And into the silence she finally asked, “Is this goodbye?”

Hands wrapped around her ankles and pulled, making her shriek. Suddenly her legs were wrapped around Anthony’s waist, his gaze intense in the moonlight as he stared at her.

“What on Earth gave you that idea?”

“You leave in nine days and we haven’t talked about it? We’re here alone and everyone thinks we’re going to have sex? Those feel like goodbye signals to me. For good goodbyes.” She swallowed and kept her gaze firmly on the rocks over his shoulder as she quickly added, “And it’s okay if it is, really. It’s been wonderful, truly, but—”

“Do you want this to be goodbye?” he asked sharply, and she flicked her gaze back to him.

“Of course not!”

“Neither do I! I love you! I want to spend the rest of my life with you!” He froze, eyes wide, for just a second, but just as quickly his expression relaxed, and he warmed up to his theme, “Do you know how terrifying that feeling is?”

“You think I don’t feel it too?”

Instead of responding, he kissed her, pulling her close against him. And all of Kate’s anxieties flew out the window, carried away on the Cape breeze.

Anthony pushed them up so that he stood and she continued to hold onto him, arms looped around his neck and fingers tangling into his hair as her legs tightened around his waist. She hopped down, though, and they practically ran back to the house, stumbling up the stairs to his bedroom, drunk on each other.

“You have to tell me, okay?” he whispered in between kisses, looming over her on the bed. “What you like, what you don’t, if it hurts? Okay?”

“Okay,” she whispered, breathless, arching her back as he kissed a trail down her stomach, stopping just above the band of her bathing suit bottoms. He took advantage of the movement to reach around for the string tying her bikini together.

“Can I?” She nodded, but he didn’t move. Of course he wanted verbal consent. Truly, she hated how much she’d misjudged this man in September, how much time they’d wasted. But they had now.

“Yes!” she groaned, and he didn’t need to be told twice. He undid the bow at the back and the neck quickly, and then pulled it off her with similar speed. Only then did she notice just how much his hands were shaking. Good. He was nervous, too. It made her feel less guilty about just how loudly her heart was beating out of her chest.

“Wow,” he said as her whole body was laid bare before him, illuminated by the moon and the lamp on his bedside table. He swallowed, and she could see him straining against his swim trunks. This part she’d done before, and she reached down to cup him, feeling him and taking confidence from the way his breath hitched. Without another word, she pushed the trunks down.

“Goodness,” she said—she’d never fully seen it before—and he laughed.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He looped his fingers on either side of her own bottoms and slipped those down, too. Suddenly there they both were, naked in front of each other for the first time, and Kate swallowed.

Despite the heady rush that brought them there, they went slow from then on. There was some awkward fumbling and breathless laughter when Anthony almost went in the wrong way, but afterwards, Kate goes to sleep feeling like the sexiest, most beautiful woman to ever walk the planet.

(Even though it means having to listen to Edwina’s innuendos for a whole two weeks.)

#thanks for the prompt!#kanthony #kate x anthony #bridgerton #no escaping your love #my fics #my ships

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gingus-doon · 3 years

Note

For AUs... How about an AU where Keiji and Megumi both survive the First Trial? I'd like your take on that :)

you have opened pandora's box! i hope you're prepared to read a whole ass essay JSHDKABD

BUT SERIOUSLY TY THIS IS SO INTERESTING!! i saw your post on this already and commented on it then (in the tags ofc JGVKDDJDJ), bUT that was the meta of yours that inspired me to think that, maybe, keiji wouldn't be the way he is without that particular first trial and its outcome..? so i'll be operating under that assumption for these scenarios, so as not to feed a fed horse! (as peta would say,)

this does seem like quite the task, considering that it would require both conceptualizing megumi when we have minimal information about her, and reconceptualizing keiji to the keiji before the death game, when we also have minimal information on how he thinks in general... (and his characterization in this is all based on a theory to begin with, so it's not the most steady foundation lol)

of course, their first trial would need to be something else for this au… to keep things simple, it'd be best if it was neutral– neither him saving or not saving megumi, to neither restore nor forsake his faith in himself. megumi saving him would probably leave some positive impression of her on him too, so a trial which includes none of those things would be mosy fitting. but the trial itself isn't what's interesting, so i won't go into it further djdksbdk.

assuming they don't have a trial together, they'd meet each other the first time with everyone else-- i'm sure megumi would recognize keiji after the initial shock of how different he looks. and even if keiji tried to distance himself from her, she'd mention she knows keiji right away. i do think she'd have quite a bit of logic in her, but not an unsympathetic amount! however, she has been shown to throw morality to the wind when protecting keiji in the past (though asunaro may have been involved in the coverup in ways we don't yet know), so i think she'd do something similar here. she'd say she knows him and possibly that he's a police officer to solidify his standings amongst the other participants, assuming that keiji doesn't lie for himself first.

speaking of what keiji would do… so, i'm reconceptualizing him as more solemn and maybe a bit less guarded? however, it's also important to keep some level of his chill with his stupid grin and avoidance, because that constitutes a large part of how he copes with his trauma. a keiji wrestling between solemn genuineness and avoidant nonchalance, protector and sacrificer, logic and emotion! a mid-way between the two extremes of before the shooting and during the normal death game. definitely more stoic, though… less smiley but not brooding either. i think a more stoic, perhaps more reserved personality pre-death game would make a lot of sense for keiji, considering that he has absolutely no friends.

BUT ANYWAY!! back to what i was saying– i think megumi would lie in keiji's favour, because she wants to get him out of there alive (sympathetic megumi ftw!) but she may hold it over his head a bit, if only to keep him in line with her plans by means of guilt. it's worth it, though, if she can make up for what happened with the shooting– really, she couldn't believe it when she saw keiji! after he quit, i bet they'd barely seen each other since. the bags under his eyes make his face look so gaunt and haunted compared to how he was when he was a kid…

she still treats him like a kid, too. they slowly fall into the mentor-pupil relationship again they had before, by habit, like ancient cogs beginning to turn for the first time in years. but, this isn't all easygoing, of course.

i don't think megumi would apologise for the coverup. at least, not right away. she seemed very keen on ignoring it back when the shooting happened, so despite any guilt she'd have around the incident, she doesn't bring it up. keiji's somewhat content to keep it that way as well, considering that facing what he did would shatter him. but being with megumi is like facing the shooting… i'm sure being with her like that would bring up bad memories and relight slumbering resentment. he'd eventually want an apology, an explanation, something… how soon "eventually," would be, though, i'm not sure. especially considering that keiji wants to survive, and megumi will help him do that.

though, i think keiji's will to live in this scenario would be a little weaker, oddly enough. because when he kills megumi, that plunges him into the confirmation of himself as a sinner-- he has more to run from, and if he's killed two people now for the sake of his well-being (first because he feared for his life, second in hopes of being rid of his trauma), why not do it again? he's not going to dwell on it anyway, he's not going to look…

but keiji in this scenario is wrestling with himself. he'd still like to be a protector. maybe… it's still possible? maybe he's not damned just yet? maybe there's worth in sacrificing his life for the more vulnerable.

and that internal conflict could potentially clash harshly against megumi's goals of getting them out alive by any means necessary. she's not malicious, and she wouldn't try to get someone killed for the fuck of it, but when it comes down to it, she's just there for them.

i do think megumi would feel guilty for the children, though… gin and kanna are so young. sara is so bright-eyed and clever, it almost reminds her of what keiji was like back then… but she's willing to shoulder the guilt of murder for keiji this time, if only to finally atone for what she did to him and to save herself as well.

there's a few ways this could go though!! i have about four. 1) megumi is ruthlessly logical as keiji is in the actual game, and keiji goes along with it for the sake of his own survival. they end up being the sole survivors of the death game; keiji hates megumi and is entirely broken // 2) same as the last one except the rest of them thwart megumi and keiji's evil plans and maybe keiji and / or megumi die.. :v // 3) megumi is still ruthlessly logical BUT keiji's resentment of megumi and his morals push him away from her and he works against her to protect everyone // 4) megumi starts out logically, but noticing how keiji has changed as a result of his trauma and how cold he's become (she can see the same strains of her "forget morality, save yourself" logic in him and some of his decisions) she decides to let herself fall to emotion and either sacrifices herself for keiji or someone else.

and, some misc. things i didn't get to mention above....!!

i REALLY loved your idea of megumi being team mom. with the above in mind, it's exactly parallel to keiji's role in the normal death game! a should-be protector wracked by guilt who abuses their power regardless. and to think of keiji potentially taking on the role of the abuser while also possibly being one of the vulnerable underneath the force of that power… it's just really interesting!

depressing parallels aside though, i think megumi would be a nice sensible mom figure for this group of idiots sjfhddj. maybe a little blunt or initially distant, but ultimately caring.

as for her role in a wider sense, i think megumi would actually be more trustworthy than keiji is in the normal death game. although she has the disadvantage of sexism working against her, she's actually in a police outfit and lacks the shady appearance. i'm certain she could conduct herself in a way that would garner everyone's trust-- she wouldn't have any questions she needed to dodge like keiji in the main game, unless keiji brought up the shooting, but even then, that's much less severe than murder. there wouldn't be any creepy flirting with her either, not only because there's no questions to dodge in the first place, but i think she'd opt to use her authority to harshly shut down any opposition, like she did with keiji after the shooting. and when that fails, she'd fall back on logical and / or manipulative rebuttals. i also think a large part of why nao and reko specifically don't like keiji is because he's a man! a creepy man at that, and that feeling really is justified, but the point is that megumi's a woman, a respectable woman, so they wouldn't have the same qualms with her. she could also prove herself to be a more capable leader than sara, being older and still having a cool head. she'd very much come off as a reliable leader if she tried to, i think.

but back to happier things!! i think keiji would take on a less authoritative role if under megumi's wing. it's hard to say exactly how his role would change, considering that we don't know if keiji saw the percentage papers normally, and if he did in this au, would megumi as well and would they both try to cling onto sara for survival's sake? BUT i'm not going to get into that, i just want to say that i think it'd be neat if keiji took up an older brother position to in group! kind of the same as the normal death game, except he has less control over what the group does and is more on the same standings as the other participants. i think he'd get closer to being a genuine protector in this scenario, fail sooner at his attempts to avoid emotional attachments to the other participants, and i also think he'd do a lot less of the creepy flirting!! because really, the only reason he did that anyway was to dodge questions, and that'd be a lot less necessary if 1) he had dependable megumi vouching for him from the beginning, therefore making him less suspicious to the others // 2) megumi's death would no longer be a topic of concern cos it didn't happen! // 3) if someone attempted to dig up info about his past or something of the sort, something that could get in the way of the group's trust of him and therefore keiji and megumi's chances of survival, megumi could likely shut it down as she has a good reputation amongst the group. besides, the only one who would say shit like that is shin, and people don't trust him very much anyways sjfjsbfnd.

i think keiji and sara would potentially have a less manipulative and more wholesome friendship in this au ahhh ;<;

as much as a manipulative dick megumi is to keiji in this au, she gets softer when his hallucinations seem to be affecting him more, or when he has nightmares. (CAN YOU TELL I'M A SUCKER FOR FLAWED BUT GENUINE MENTORSHIPS YET)

i've started to become STAUNCHLY AGAINST the notion that keiji killed megumi maliciously or that he would kill megumi maliciously!! because logically, it'd probably be more beneficial to have such a trustworthy ally in the death game (maybe not trustworthy to him, but to everyone else) and emotionally, I JUST THINK THEY'D HAVE BEEN CLOSE BEFORE OKAY AND I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA THAT HE'D KILL HER 😭😭 (that's more my emotions than his LOL, but i think it's so important that megumi's murder was an inactive murder that keiji was unsure of to the moment it happened and beyond!! you could say his angst about killing megumi during the 2nd main game is more about him killing another person, regardless of whether or not it was megumi, BUT i like to think the fact that it was megumi SPECIFICALLY was significant to him.) so that's why throughout i haven't really entertained the idea of him trying to kill her or anything like that, especially considering the theory i'm weaving this au under, which dictates keiji would likely be a lil softer + more emotional :>

CONSIDER,,, in that scenario i posed where megumi sacrifices herself for someone / keiji: while she's dying or before her death, she hugs keiji and tells him she's sorry, it wasn't his fault. no one's ever told him this before because he's refused to talk about what happened with anyone after her dismissal of it. after she says that, though, it feels as though he's let out a breath he's been holding for years and some of the weight of the shooting is finally gone.

that's all i can think to say at the moment, SO… to sum things up– a tl;dr, if you will--

(i never actually watched this show so pls don't kill me if the casting choices are weird 😭😭)

i hope this wasn't too derivative of yours or too horribly self indulgent to read LOL. this wasn't nearly as thorough as i could've been, but it might've been a bit much to consider more branching paths ajdbsns. thank you for letting me rant about keiji and megumi, i was thinking about them earlier today so it's nice to be given a chance to ramble about them again!!

#your turn to die #keiji shinogi #megumi sasahara #yttd au #yttd headcanons #sometimes i wonder how i still have so many words for these two #like damn i really wrote 2000 words on these guys like that like... damn #i just like them eeee #their relationship means so much to me #which kinda sucks because keiji is one of the most contentious characters and most ppl hate megumi AJDJSJS #im just out here w my megumi + keiji mentorship propaganda...#in my niche lil corner #anyways it makes me happy to talk about them #i should ponder on how they'd interact post-shooting in a non-death game au sometime #i should probably go write smth else now lol #WOW I REALLY OVERDID THIS HUH #the prompt: 5+ headcannons #me: ESSAY??? BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS???? MY ENTIRE HEART AND SOUL?????#no i actually had fun writing this SKDJSK #BUT IF ONLY I COULD ORGANIZE MY THOUGHTS SJFJSJ

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coreastories · 4 years

Text

The Queen’s Horse

Part 6 of Days and Nights of Forever

The king has a gift.

The queen has one, too.

“What are you grinning at?”

Gon kept grinning, then tried to tone it down a little when she started tying her hair.

“And why am I wearing this?” Tae-Eul gestured to her riding habit, which matched his. But hers was red. She looked good in red. She looked… good. So good. Sometimes he forgot how tiny her waist was. It punched him in the gut every time he saw it.

He saw it every night, ran his hands over it as much as he could get away with, and it still wouldn’t fail to gobsmack him that his wife, his wife, was utter perfection.

Even when she flapped her hands too near his eyes. He chuckled, caught her hand and put chopsticks in it.

“Please eat your breakfast so you don’t kill me. And to answer your questions, I’m grinning because I’m looking at you. And you’re wearing that because I’ll show you something.”

She scowled at him but began eating. “I only wore this because the court maid looked ready to cry if I didn’t. And I’m not going to ride.”

“You haven’t even seen her yet.”

She just looked at him in that half-smiling, half-chiding way when he was like a kid showing off his horses, and kept eating.

When they were done, he took her hand and led her to the stables. It was a long walk, her hand squeezing his in reflex whenever they met someone and that person stopped and bowed.

She no longer stopped and bowed in return. Just squeezed his hand and let him know in secret of her lingering discomfort at that seeming lack of courtesy. But she had learned not to bow because if she did, they just bowed again, and lower.

He felt her relax when they were finally out on the grounds. She even leaned on him and hugged his arm with her other hand.

That was why he loved these walks so much. Loved seeing her small smile as she looked at the view and just relished the sun on her face. Loved the way her eyelashes fluttered on her cheeks, and the pink that soon rose in those cheeks and her nose from the exercise, the sun or the cold. Loved the feel of their legs brushing in each step. Loved that she kept up with him, although he always made his gait shorter when he walked with her.

And maybe he’d done something good with breakfast, because she looked happier today. Or maybe all the camaraderie with Yeong and Jangmi, Seung-ah and the guards had worked in helping her settle here. She was even friends with the Prime Minister.

He found that amazing. She was amazing beautiful perfect--

When he tripped on a huge pebble on the gravel path, she tightened her grip on his hand and arm and looked at him like he was an idiot she was fond of, but an idiot just the same. “Look where you’re going. I can’t save you if you fall flat on your face or butt. You’re too heavy.”

He looked around and hoped the guards hadn’t seen that. And of course she saw him doing that and laughed.

When they arrived inside the stables, the grooms were bringing out Maximus and the Hanoverian dark bay from their stalls. They stood almost at the same height, although the Hanoverian was one hand shorter than Maximus.

He only looked at the horses for a second. His eyes were on Tae-Eul, and he grinned when he saw her face go a little slack. Even with the other horses they had, the Hanoverian was still impressive. She had a dark coat that glimmered black, brown and dark red all at once.

“You really got a new horse?” she said, letting go of his hand to take a closer look. “She’s beautiful.”

Gon nodded at the groom to bring the Hanoverian closer, then took hold of the lead himself. He stroked the horse’s deep brown cheek. He had watched her grow up from a little filly. He had bought her on the spot when he’d seen her four years ago.

He just hadn’t known then that she wouldn’t belong to him. He looked at Tae-Eul as she also brushed her hand on the horse’s cheek and neck.

“Do you want to name her?” he asked.

She looked at him like she thought he was nuts. “What do I know about naming horses? You got her. You name her. But choose a good name this time, a lady’s name.” She scrunched her nose up at him.

He laughed. “I was a kid when I got Maximus so she never really had any luck with her name. And this one’s not mine. She’s yours. So we can ride together.”

She turned to him and he was surprised at the expression on her face. She looked torn and contemplative, as if he’d made a mistake and she was trying to assess whether to blame him or not.

When she looked around them, the grooms took that cue to not just retreat further, but to leave the stables and leave them alone. It registered to him that his--their-- people were already so attuned to their new queen, even as his brain whirred inside his cranium trying to think if he had made a mistake.

She’d always joined him riding on Maximus. He had even taught her the basics and she’d learned so fast-- too fast-- that he had to warn her about the dangers of galloping away so she wouldn’t do that without him.

She was looking down now, absently stroking the Hanoverian’s withers.

When she spoke, it was so soft, he almost didn’t catch it. “Gon, I can’t ride.”

“What do you mean you can’t? You can. You have. I taught you.”

Still speaking softly, she said, “I haven’t had my period since June.”

He opened his mouth to speak but only air came out. June was-- June was when they’d gone to the republic and had her pregnancy test done.

“I haven’t taken birth control since. We got married. And the doctor said periods might stop-- your body resets or resyncs or something. And if you’re trying to have a baby it might take some time, more or less. But if you only used birth control for a short time--”

He gently took her shoulders and turned her to face him, because he needed to look at her to digest this. What-- what was she saying?

“Tae-Eul. Are you saying you might be pregnant? And that’s why you won’t ride?” By the time he finished saying that he could feel a grin threatening to split his face. She was wonderful. He remembered the fierce protectiveness she also had when she’d thought she was pregnant back in June.

And then she answered him and he lost air again.

“I am.”

“I’m--” He blinked several times, squeezed her shoulders. “I’m confused at what you’re saying you are. You mean you are saying you might be pregnant and so you shouldn’t ride? Or you are--”

“I am pregnant.”

He just stared at her.

She clutched at the ends of his riding coat, gripping his waist as she seemed to get her thoughts in order. “Seung-ah gave me an entire year’s supply of pregnancy tests when she found out we weren’t on birth control. She said I should take one whenever I miss my period for the month. And I looked it up online and if you get a positive result it means you’re about two weeks along and I got a--”

She paused, swallowed, and bit her lips because they were trembling-- “My period should have come two days ago but it didn’t. So I tried the test earlier and got a positive result. Six tests. All positive.”

So that was why she’d taken so long in the shower. By the time she finished talking, she was breathing a little hard and looking a little vulnerable, a little emotional, so Gon couldn’t do anything else but pull her into his arms. And kiss her, of course. He kissed her wet eyelids and cheeks, caressing her face and just… staring at her.

She was unreal.

She slapped him lightly on the chest and then held on to his hands. “I was going to tell you today and you ambushed me with a new horse.” She laughed.

He smiled, but he still couldn’t breathe properly. He could hear his heart in his ears. It was racing and thumping that hard.

“You’re pregnant,” he said, and his voice had gone as soft as hers when she first spoke. Now he understood why. This… this was something sacred you didn’t want to disturb with noise.

She nodded against him, leaning her head on his chest. It was rare that she was like this, clingy and tender. It made him tighten her arms around her. But not too tight.

“We still need to have it confirmed. But maybe we can keep it to ourselves for a bit.”

He nodded, and then frowned. “What do you mean keep it to ourselves? We need to take care of you.”

She looked up at him ruefully. “I know that. I’m just a little scared-- What will Lady Noh do to me?”

Gon still couldn’t laugh, but he grinned wider. “All right. I’ll take care of you. We’ll go to the doctor. I have a family friend I haven’t seen in awhile. She’s my noona-- she’ll be discreet.”

She sighed and just softened further against him. “I didn’t know it would happen this fast.”

And just like that, it suddenly hit him then.

She was going to have a baby. They were going to have a baby. She was giving him yet another gift. First, her presence beside him. As queen. As his wife. As his best friend. And now, a child. A child who belonged to them.

He tucked his head on top of hers and kissed her hair. He was crying-- and if he had any thought and feeling to spare, he would have been embarrassed. But he didn’t. There was only Tae-Eul and this… this gift. He could feel his mouth distorting and he saw a couple of tears land on her hair.

She must have felt him trembling, because she moved in his arms and she was holding him now. “Don’t be so dramatic. We weren’t exactly lazy in getting this done.”

The twisting of his mouth stopped and Gon grinned, bending his body to bury his face against her neck. The gentleness in her hands as she stroked his cheek, neck, and ears belied the playful sarcasm in what she said. She knew what this meant to him.

He had always been alone. Without a family. And now he had her. And this… this sacred wonder between them.

He was suddenly all right with keeping it a secret for a while. It felt right. It felt too precious to let anyone else touch it.

She wiped his tears and peered at his face, stroking his cheek. “Are you happy?”

It was his turn to look at her like she’s an idiot he was fond of, but an idiot just the same. He pressed his lips to hers, felt them both smile against each other. He stood tall and hugged her close. “So happy I’ve forgotten what we’re doing here. What are we doing here? Who’s that horse beside Maximus?”

She laughed and he saw her press a kiss on his chest over his riding habit. “That’s the queen’s horse, apparently.”

He gently swayed with her in his arms, and suddenly he had enough air to laugh. So he did. Against her hair while she also squeezed him.

“I love you so much.”

“I know. Me too.”

#CoreaNews #CoreaFiction #RoyalBaby #the king eternal monarch #the king: eternal monarch #TKEM fanfic

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saunteringhusbands · 4 years

Text

“What are your thoughts on me?” Jason looks down at Roy who begged the question while tying his shoes. Jason opened his mouth, though nothing came out, as he wasn’t quite sure what it implied. Roy rose up, locked eyes with the other boy. Looked to his lips then back up, studied those blue eyes and waited.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” the response was gravelly. He turned his back on the red-head to put on his jacket.

Roy grabbed at Jason’s hand and tugged. He spun him around and took a step forward, holding the other man in place. “You know exactly what I mean.”

Jason stared down at their hands, eyes transfixed on how perfectly their fingers tied together. Roy was right. He knew exactly what he meant. He couldn’t answer yet, though, the words weren’t there and any spoken would simply be forced. He leaned forward instead, squeezed the hand he was holding and parted his lips and fell into Roy. And one could say that was an answer enough for Roy. He smiled into the kiss and moved his arms to embrace Jason. Both consider it the start of their life together.

Not much time passes, some months, maybe a year maybe two. They’re shopping downtown, in some furniture store and Jason is looking at plates. He’s holding a blue one in his hands, inspecting its ridges. Roy looks up from a selection of hand cloths to focus on Jay. He smiles softly.

“What are your thoughts on moving in together?” Roy asks, stalking over.

Jason raises an eyebrow, ponders slightly, and bites his lip. He eyes the atrocious, bright orange wash cloth in Roy’s hand. “Fine,” he starts, “but only if I’m in charge of the decor.” He tears the cloth away and gives Roy a kiss in place of it. It’ll simply have to do.

They’re walking through the park. It’s warm, that first solid week of spring when all signs of winter are out of sight, out of mind, and the flowers begin to bud. They’re hand in hand, strolling down the sidewalk path. Neither is really talking, save for simple phrases, lines about the weather and a bird over yonder and what they’ll have for dinner. Things are good for them right now.

Roy takes mental notes of the dogs. He turns to Jason, ever so suddenly. The corner of his lip rises and he looks down at the ground thoughtfully.

“What are your thoughts on getting a dog?”

Jason chuckles. They spend the rest of the afternoon spit-balling names back and forth. They spend the following day picking out chew toys and a leash and collar and harness and food bowls and a bed at the local pet store. By the weekend they’re at the shelter, wandering up and down aisles of kennels. They find a pitbull named Raptor. Jason chats with the receptionist and fills out adoption papers. Roy sits with the dog on the ground, covering him in kisses, scratches, and belly rubs. Jason smiles at the sight.

They just finished dinner, a roast chicken with mashed potatoes and corn. Jason cooked the majority of it, and he does the dishes now, scrubbing away at their plates and setting them aside to be dried. He hears Roy enter the kitchen and teases him with a comment about having to do dishes alone. No response. He rolls his eyes and shuts the water off, drying his hands, ready to say something else, but Roy beats him to it.

“What are your thoughts on marriage?”

Jason’s jaw drops the slightest bit. He turns around. Roy is knelt before him on the ground, a look of pure wonder on his face. One hand is caressing an open box, revealing a simple gold ring. The other reaches out for Jason. He grabs that hand, pulling Roy up. There’s a foot of space between the two and neither’s quite sure what to do. One is holding on anxiously, awaiting an answer he’d hoped would come without thought. The other is terrified. His mind is going a million miles a minute. He loves Roy. He’s sure he loves Roy. Yet, there’s still a tugging, a fear.

It doesn’t matter. It can’t possibly matter. From their last four years together, Roy has given Jason everything he could ever possibly need; every ounce of solace, every kiss, every hug, every dance, every smile. Life with Roy is comfort. It’s serenity. It’s everything he’s never had, everything he’s longed for.

He collapses then, into freckled arms, an embrace. “Yes,” he relieves. “God fucking yes, Roy, god do I want to marry you.”

They spend the night covering one another in kisses, drinking the finest wine their cupboard could serve them, straight from the bottle. They make plans. They aren’t in a rush, but they are in love, and perhaps there isn’t much of a difference.

Their wedding is small. Immediate family and friends only. Alfred walks Jason down the aisle. They marry and eat cake and Dick gives a speech about each of the grooms and they spend the night dancing to a shitty playlist put together by Tim. Oliver and Bruce try to outdo each other with wedding gifts. And at the end of the night, when it’s just the pair of them, Red Hood and Arsenal, Robin and Speedy, Jason and Roy, they hold one another close and talk in soft voices, breath entwining, much like their bodies beneath the sheets. They speak of love and promises.

Months later. Roy is working at the dining room table, clicking away on his laptop. Jason is in the living room, rereading Hamlet for the umpteenth time, twisting his wedding ring around on his finger. He loves that damn ring. Once so afraid of the weight it might bring, he’s been met with the utter opposite. He finds relief in it all. In having someone to hold onto when the nights get long, look forward to on the stressful days, lounge with when the outside world is gray and he’s in need of a day off. They work together. Everything aligned so perfectly, fit so snugly, like pieces of a puzzle.

Jason’s never been happier.

He looks up now and is met with the image of Roy standing in the door frame, laptop in his hands still.

“What are your thoughts on a house with a white picket fence?”

They move to the middle of the country, far from both Gotham and Star City. They hang up their capes and never touch a weapon again. Their days open up and begin to be spent painting the walls of the house. Their nights are spent cuddled up on the couch, Jason reading aloud to Roy and Raptor, exposing them to worlds they’d never before tasted, never even thought to step foot in.

With bliss comes rain and when it rains it pours. They just had a big fight. Each party said things he didn't mean, and though they both know they weren’t coming from truthful places, neither is ready to apologize just yet.

They sit side by side on their bed, a few feet between them. Both stare absently at the wall. They won’t go to bed angry, it’s something they both agreed on. Still, this waiting game doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and it’s getting late. Roy has work early the next morning, Jason an appointment.

It’s half past one when Roy breaks the silence. He gnaws on his cheek, straightens his back, bows his head and looks at his husband out of the corner of his eye.

“What are your thoughts on kids?”

Jason’s shoulders drop, all pent-up tension released in a single second. He crawls across the bed and falls into Roy’s lap, wrapping arms around a slender waist. They stay up late dreaming up a family.

Jason doesn’t make it to his appointment that day. Roy calls in sick to work.

Over the course of the next few years, they adopt three children, who they love as much as if they were their own. Their house becomes chaotic, the good kind. Jason cooks family meals and cleans up and gets the kids to school. Roy works as an engineer for some company and comes home every day to his husband and children.

When the kids are asleep, and the house is still, and the night is a haven in opposed to a battleground, Jason and Roy still snuggle up on the couch for Jason to read aloud to his husband, their dog at their feet. It’s a particular night. Jason’s back is against Roy’s chest, Roy’s fingers are running through Jason’s hair as he reads Picture of Dorian Gray. There’s a candle burning on the coffee table, and a small, warm lamp is turned on from its place on an end table, but besides that, the house is dark, it’s sleepy, it’s homey. Roy trails kisses down Jason’s neck.

“What are your thoughts on me?” He begs, a whisper.

Jason smiles. It’s been twelve years since he was first asked that. He remembers his response to it then: a passionate kiss, a skipped patrol, a night in bed together. He had been young, full of fear, yet lust, yet a deep, growing love for this boy before him. And now, today, tonight, he sits with twelve years of experience in his back pocket.

He’s fallen in love with Roy. With his hands, freckles, eyes, cupids bow, back dimples. With his corny jokes, useless inventions, stupid catch phrases that aren’t catchy in the slightest. With his mannerisms, the essence of him, the ins, the outs, the very existence that is Roy William Harper.

Jason’s heart swells, it’s warm, his head is an eruption of butterflies and he simply thinks to himself, “I love him.”

“My thoughts, Roy Harper, love of my life, father of my children,” Jason starts slowly, taking small breaks between words, as if sounding it all out, warming up to the water before jumping in head first. “Are that I love you, and that you complete me.”

Roy buries his face in the crook of Jason’s neck. “God, I fucking love you.”

They fall asleep there, on the couch, a tangled mess of limps and a book discarded to the floor. They awake the next morning to their children bouncing atop them. They spend the Saturday as a family. Roy plays a board game with the youngest two while Jay helps the eldest with a history assignment in the kitchen. In the midst of it all, they exchange a look, a knowing look, a loving one, one which promises so much, one which reads, ‘we’ve made it.’

#just a drabble #this wasn't the piece i was planning on posting this weekend but the idea came to me this morning so #here we are #jason todd #roy harper #jayroy #menziewrites #red hood #arsenal

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the-regal-warrior · 5 years

Text

Cadre Weaponry: Part Five

Thank you for all the love you’ve shown this story - here’s the next part! We’re almost to the end - there’s just one more part after this.

To find the other parts to this story and all my other writing, check out my masterlist! There’s a link to it in my bio.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way.

Warnings: Language and smut, like always.

THREE YEARS AND FOUR DAYS AGO

Lorcan didn’t think he’d ever been this nervous in his entire life. Even when they were first starting the store and everything was up in the air - even then he hadn’t been this nervous.

He was meeting Elide for a picnic in the park, and he just needed this day to be absolutely perfect. He’d never felt this way about a girl before, and he wasn’t about to let that feeling go to waste.

Running his hand through his hair - and then immediately realizing it was a bad idea because he’d pulled it back into a bun to keep it out of his face - he plopped down on the blanket he’d just spread out. He had just pulled the tie out his hair and was in the process of tying it back up when he heard someone calling his name from behind him.

Turning, he saw Elide walking up behind him in a short floral dress and combat boots. “Elide, hey!” he called, standing to pull her into a hug as he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “It’s really good to see you.”

“Lorcan, you just saw me last night,” she chuckled, the laughter making her eyes light up. “But I’m pretty excited to see you, too.” She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before sitting down on the blanket and pulling Lorcan down by the hand.

He chuckled as she practically pulled him on top of her, just catching himself before he fell completely on top of her. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he pulled the basket over and handed it to her, watching her with a small smile as she began unpacking all of it.

“This all looks really amazing, Lor,” she said. “Did you - did you make all of this yourself?”

He felt the blush crawling up his face at her praise. “Uh, yeah, I did,” he muttered, trying to keep himself from flushing any further. “But if you ever tell anyone I’ll just deny it.”

Elide practically doubled over with laughter at that, clutching her stomach as the giggles just poured out of her. “Fair enough. Shall we eat?”

“Gods, yes. I’m starving.”

~*^*~

They’d finished eating at least an hour ago, all the food completely devoured, but they were still sitting on the blanket, just enjoying the fresh air and being in each other’s company.

Lorcan felt himself falling harder for her with every word she said, his attention never wavering from her, not even for a second. He was so enthralled with they way her eyes lit up when she got excited and how she talked with her hands all the time that he didn’t notice anything going on around them.

Elide was in the middle of a story about her late-night adventures with Aelin, who was apparently her roommate in college, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he came face-to-face with Essar, the closest thing he had to an ex-girlfriend.

“Lorcan,” she smiled, her hands clasped in front of her. “I thought that was you.”

“Essar,” he replied, trying to keep any discomfort off his face. “How’ve you been?”

“I’m good, really good.” She seemed to notice Elide then, because an apologetic look crossed her face. “Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt! It’s just been so long since we talked, and I just wanted to say hello.”

“No, Essar, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

“So,” she continued, her eyes flicking between him and Elide. “Is this your new girlfriend?”

“Uh, no,” he muttered, feeling awkwardness creeping through his veins. “She’s just a friend.”

Essar nodded at that, though she didn’t look like she believed him. “Oh, okay. Well, I better get going. It was good to see you though.”

“You too.” He waved as she walked off, already dreading the conversation he knew he was going to have with Elide.

Turning enough to see Elide, he grimaced at the look on her face. “Your new girlfriend?” she muttered, fixing him with a harsh glare.

“Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that Essar’s my ex.”

“You guess?”

“Elide, I’m not really the kind of guy who dates. Essar and I had a fling for a while, but we were never serious. I just wasn’t that type of guy.”

“So I’m just some casual fling to you?” She was practically yelling at this point, and Lorcan hated the look of disappointment on her face.

“No!” He reached for her hand, rubbing his thumb over her palm. “Look, I never used to be the guy who wanted a girlfriend - but that’s because I’ve never met anyone like you.”

A small smile lit up her features. “That sounds like a line.”

“I promise you it’s not.” He paused for a moment, but ultimately decided that this was the best time for it. “This isn’t how I wanted to do this, but I want to prove how serious I am about you.”

She raised an eyebrow at him, but he forged on before she could interrupt. “Elide Lochan, will you be my girlfriend?”

Elide gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. “Really? You want me to be your girlfriend?”

He barely had time to nod before Elide was throwing herself at him, her arms sliding around his neck as she slid sideways into his lap. “I would love to be your girlfriend!”

Lorcan pulled her against his chest, his arms sliding around her waist as he held her tighter. “You have no idea how happy that makes me, Lochan.”

“So why don’t you show me, Salvaterre?”

He chuckled at her bold attitude, but he leaned down to press his lips to hers all the same.

As her lips moved against his, Lorcan realized he’d never been happier in his entire life.

TWO YEARS, ELEVEN MONTHS, AND TWENTY-FOUR DAYS AGO

Rowan felt tears building up in eyes as Aelin pulled him onto the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. The smile on her face was absolutely breathtaking, and he could see tears forming in her eyes as well.

“You look absolutely radiant, Fireheart,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into him.

“Buzzard,” she whispered, her voice shaking as she tried to hold her tears back. “I love you so much, baby.” Her fingers tangled in his hair, her nails lightly scraping against his scalp as she swayed with him. “And now I get to call you my husband for the rest of my life.”

“My wonderful, amazing wife,” he crooned into her ear, fingers tracing little swirls over her waist. “I love you with my entire heart - to whatever end, love.”

Aelin rested her head against his chest as she replied, “to whatever end, baby.”

Rowan only held her tighter as their friends and family joined them on the dancefloor. He felt a few tears spill down his cheeks as he took in everyone who was there for them on the most important day of their lives. He was overwhelmed at how much love was in that one room, and he realized just how lucky he’d been when he joined that group of boys for a random project back in college.

Without that project, he wouldn’t have the family he did, and he might never have met Aelin. He owed them all so much, and he’d said as much in the toast he’d made at the rehearsal dinner. But now, after their wedding, when everyone was all gathered around them and sharing in their joy, it was all hitting him.

Rowan felt more tears sliding down his cheeks as the emotions flooded him, and he buried his face in Aelin’s hair to keep anyone else from seeing it.

No doubt feeling the wetness of his tears against her head, Aelin pulled back so she could see his face. When she saw the smile on his face despite the tears, she gave him a watery chuckle as she cupped his face in her hands and swiped under his eyes with her thumbs even as her own tears spilled over.

“Everything okay, my love?” she questioned, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips.

Kissing her back, he smiled against her mouth. “Everything is absolutely perfect.”

TWO YEARS, NINE MONTHS, AND NINETEEN DAYS AGO

This was probably the greatest thing he’d ever seen - Connall was absolutely sure of it. The scene unfolding on the screen in front of him had quite literally everyone in the room in complete awe - even those who’d witnessed it before.

The boys had decided to rent out the laser tag place for the night, inviting their girls and all their friends out for the night. All six of the guys were there, along with their girls - who had brought friends. That meant that the entirety of the Thirteen was there, along with a significant number of others. They’d all played several rounds already, with someone new claiming the victory with each round.

However, Asterin had suggested that the Thirteen play the next round alone, and the rest of them had jumped on the suggestion. They’d quickly split off into pairs and trios, all forging “alliances” as they headed for the prep room.

Ten minutes later, everyone was gathered around the screen that displayed the action going on inside the maze, and Connall was fairly certain his jaw wasn’t the only one on the floor. The thirteen women on the screen took to laser tag with an almost military precision. It was all out war inside that room - complete with guerilla attacks and some pretty athletic maneuvers.

“Wait,” Vaughan questioned from his left. “I thought Sorrel and Lin had teamed up for this - why’d Lin just shoot her?”

Elide chuckled from her perch on Lorcan’s lap. “The alliances they make only last the first five minutes of the game. In fact, the only two of them who will still be working together by the end of this are Thea and Kaya. Everyone else will have turned on one another.”

Fenrys whooped as he watched Asterin advance on Edda and Briar with a scary level of precision. Gavriel and Vaughan were playfully bickering as their girls (not that Vaughan would confirm that he and Sorrel were dating) circled around one another. Connall, however, hardly noticed any of this, because he couldn’t take his eyes from Vesta.

She was a warrior in that room, darting around the maze without being seen, taking down opponents with hardly any effort.

“Are they always this intense?” he found himself asking, even as his eyes kept tracking Vesta across the screen.

“Absolutely,” Elide quipped, cheering as Manon managed to avoid Faline. “If you think this is bad, just wait until someone wins.”

Connall raised an eyebrow at her, but she just motioned for the screen, and he turned back just as the two minute bell sounded inside the maze. None of the Thirteen even seemed to notice the buzzer, their focus solely on the competition raging between them.

In what felt like no time at all, the laser guns turned off and the lights flashed on in the room, signaling that the round was over. They all froze on the screen as they waited for the announcement of who had won.

Everyone watching them could see the scores added up on the digital scoreboard, but the announcement reached all of them at the same time.

Vesta.

Connall couldn’t help the grin that broke across his face as he watched her celebrate her victory. She lifted her hands above her head and roared her victory toward the skies, a huge smile lighting her face as the others clapped her on the back.

Eventually they worked their way out of the maze, Vesta gloating about her victory while the others grumbled good-naturedly. She cut herself off in the middle of her bragging to run for Connall, jumping into his arms and letting him spin her around.

“That was truly something to behold,” he told her, loving the happiness shining in her eyes. He set her on her feet in front of him, his arms still wrapped around her waist.

“Thanks, love,” she replied, her own hands resting on his biceps.

“We’ve been doing whatever this is for a year now,” Connall started, squeezing her waist lightly, “and I’m in awe of you in everything you do.”

He paused, and Vesta gave him a slightly confused look, not quite sure where he was going with his words.

“Which is why there’s something I need to ask you. Vesta, will you be my girl - officially?”

Leaning into him, Vesta pressed her lips very lightly against his jaw. “There’s nothing I would like more, Con,” she whispered, her hands sliding up to tangle in his hair.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Connall gave her a few seconds to giggle at his reaction before he’d claimed her lips with his own, kissing her like he wouldn’t get enough of her.

Even with their friends yelling at them to get a room in the background, Connall decided that this was one of the best days he’d ever had.

TWO YEARS, THREE MONTHS, AND THIRTEEN DAYS AGO

“Gav, you can see that mine’s closer from here,” Lin laughed from behind him as he walked toward the target. Everyone was gathered behind the shop, watching as he and Lin had a friendly archery competition. He knew without picking up a bow who would win, but he’d been challenged and he wouldn’t back down.

Of course, it was all a front for the question he was about to ask, but she didn’t need to know that yet.

Gavriel shook his head as he kept walking. “I don’t know, I think I’d better check.”

“It’s in the middle of the target!” she cried, and Gavriel could hear their friends laughing as he waved her off and stopped in front of the target.

Making a show of pretending to study the two arrows in the target, Gavriel slipped a ring and a note on a string out of his pocket. His slipped the string around the shaft of her arrow, tying it fast as he acted like he was measuring the distance between his arrow and the bullseye - which was exactly where Lin’s arrow was.

Satisfied that the ring was secure, Gavriel turned to face everyone and shrugged his shoulders dramatically. “Lin was right,” he said, walking back to her. “Hers was closer - she wins.”

Lin just laughed, although she did lean in and wrap her arms around his waist when he started to pout. “I told you so.”

“Yeah,” he sighed. “Yeah you did.” He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.

She grinned up at him, and he smirked as he pulled away. “Alright, babe, go get the arrows from the target.”

Lin smacked him on the chest as she gave him a bewildered stare. “You were just over there!”

Gavriel chuckled at the indignation burning in her eyes. “I know, love,” he whispered, “but just do it for me?”

She huffed but did as he asked, though she was glaring as she turned away.

Watching her walk toward the ring, Gavriel couldn’t help the nerves that rose in his throat. Lin had been hinting for a while now that she wanted to get married, but a part of him still worried she would say no. It was the same part that constantly worried he wasn’t good enough for her - that he would never be good enough for her.

He cleared those doubts from his head and sank to one knee as she reached for her arrow. He tried to keep his expression calm as her hand stopped in midair when she saw the ring.

Lin’s jaw went slack as she read the note - “I love you with all my heart” written in Gavriel’s tiny script - before she took the ring in her hand as she carefully untied the string. When she turned to face him, there were tears in her eyes.

“Gav?” she questioned, her eyes fixed on the ring sitting in her palm. “Baby?”

He smiled at her, though his hands were shaking when he started talking. “Linnea, you are the love of my life and everything I could have ever wanted. For so long I thought you would realize you wanted someone better, and when I realized you were here to stay, I wanted nothing more than to be with you forever. My love, my life, will you do be the greatest honor and marry me?”

Lin was crying by the time he finished, but he barely had time to absorb that fact before she was sprinting across the space between them and tackling him to the ground. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she braced her hands on his chest, tears slipping down her cheeks and soaking into his shirt. “Yes,” she cried. “I thought you’d never ask!”

Gavriel laughed as he reached up to dry her tears, but she caught his hand and pressed the ring into his palm, clearly asking him to slip it on her finger - which he did with the biggest smile on his face.

“I love you so damn much, baby,” he whispered, pulling her down to kiss him.

Their kiss only lasted a couple of seconds before Sorrel, Vesta, and Asterin were pulling her into their arms, Elide and Aelin right behind them, but what she whispered as they grabbed her made the moment even more perfect, even as Vaughan and Rowan practically threw themselves on him, Fenrys, Connall, and Lorcan not far behind.

“You’re everything I could ever want and more, my love - there is absolutely no one better. I love you completely, Gav.”

ONE YEAR, ELEVEN MONTHS, AND FOUR DAYS AGO

Fenrys locked the front door, whistling to himself as he headed for his office and Asterin, who had shown up five minutes before closing with a pizza and a six-pack for dinner. He had to take inventory after he closed up - they all took turns, so once a month one of them would stay late and take inventory of the entire store - and it was going to be a late night. Usually he didn’t look forward to the task, but since Asterin had showed up, he was dreading it a little less.

Still whistling a merry tune, he opened his office door stopped short, the happy sound dying mid-note as his jaw fell toward the floor.

Asterin had seated herself in his desk chair, her t-shirt and bra on the floor by his feet. Her arms were crossed behind her head, pushing her breasts forward and perfectly displaying the piercings in both of her nipples.

Fenrys was so in love with this woman.

“I guess we’re having dessert before dinner, then.” He stalked toward her, his eyes never leaving her nipples and those beautiful piercings.

He could practically hear her smirk in her voice. “And probably after dinner, too. Maybe even when we get home, if you’re lucky.”

Fen just grinned at her before dropping into his favorite position - one his knees for her. He pulled his shirt over his head and leaned up to kiss her, his tongue slipping into her mouth and tangling with hers as he worked her jeans and underwear down her legs. She kicked them off, her flip-flops getting tangled in the fabric and getting lost in the growing pile of clothes on the floor. Asterin groaned against his lips, her fingers tangling in his long hair and pulling. Hard.

Releasing a groan at the sensation, Fenrys slipped his lips from hers and kissed his way down to her jaw. He nipped at her chin once, twice, three times before continuing down her throat, licking a stripe over her pulse.

She whined at the sensation before mewling as his sucked at the hollow of her throat. Her noises only encouraged him to suck harder, his tongue sliding out to soothe the mark he’d left on her skin.

He continued to make his way down her body, sucking and nipping at her skin until he reached the valley of her breasts. Working his tongue over her skin, he moved back and forth between the heavy underside of each breast, sucking large marks on the sensitive skin he’d discovered.

Once she was groaning and moving her hips frantically in the chair, he pulled back to stare into her eyes. The little gold flecks in the black of her irises practically glowed with the heat of her lust, and her eyelids fluttered with every breath.

He leaned in to press one kiss to each of the tattoos inked over her ribs - lengthy quotes written in the language of The Wastes, where her family came from, and one single tattoo in English that said “from now until the darkness claims us” - before he finally decided she’d suffered enough and leaned in to capture one of her nipples between his lips.

Fenrys had learned long ago how to tease her nipples and piercings to get the reactions he wanted, and he put his skills to good use. Sucking her nipple between his lips, he scraped gently against the stiff peak with his teeth before flicking the balls of her piercing with his tongue - first one side of the piercing, then the other. He continued those motions until Asterin was practically whimpering at the gentle suction of his lips, and then he switched to the other nipple.

He continued his ministrations, switching between her breasts until he was so hard in his jeans that he physically couldn’t stand wearing them anymore.

Releasing her nipple with an audible pop, he reached for the button on his pants, groaning when he saw what Asterin had been doing with the hand that had fallen from his hair soon after he’d latched on to her nipple.

She had three fingers deep inside of herself, her thumb pressed against her clit as she thrust in and out slowly.

“Fuck, Rin,” he groaned, working his jeans down his legs as he watched her run the fingers of her other hand over her folds. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are?”

She groaned, her fingers working faster as he kicked off his jeans, his cock springing free from the fabric. “Probably about as sexy as you with your dick all hard and all that ink on display.” She’d never kept it a secret how much she loved his sleeves, especially when they were having sex.

Smirking up at her, Fenrys lowered himself back to his knees and pulled both her hands away from her dripping folds. He was just leaning in to attach his mouth to her center when one of her hands wrapped around his throat, her grip tight enough to make breathing a little difficult.

He tried to fight against her grip, but she only tightened her hand and raised his head up to hers. “No more teasing,” she whispered, choking him as he whined. The lack of control, the struggle to breath - all of it only made him harder.

Fenrys nodded once, a slight movement of his head that had her releasing him and pushing him to sit on the floor with his back against his desk. Smirking down at him, Asterin made a show of stretching as she stood, arching her back and swinging her hips once before she dropped into his lap, sheathing his cock inside of her.

They both groaned at the sensation, Fenrys practically shaking with how perfect her silken walls felt against his cock. She was grinding against him as she rode him, breasts brushing against his chest every time she moved.

It didn’t take long for Fenrys to start fucking up into her, Asterin’s groans turning into high-pitched whimpers as his cock brushed against that one perfect spot inside her. He just smirked as he fucked into her harder, listening for when her moans started to sound a little breathless.

He finally heard the hitch in her breathing, and unwrapped one hand from her waist to flick his thumb over her clit in time with his thrusts. She was practically screaming above him, and he raised his eyes from where he was splitting her apart until his gaze met her own, which was desperate and full of need.

“Fen,” she whined, practically throwing her hips against his as her nails dug into his shoulders hard enough that he knew he’d have marks for a while. “Fen, babe, please.”

“Please what, love?” he whispered in response, reaching down to smack her ass.

Asterin shuddered in his lap, her walls spasming as she chased an orgasm she couldn’t quite reach. “I need to come, baby. Gods, please, I need to come.”

“You’re so needy, baby,” he quipped, pinching her clit a little more aggressively. “But it’s okay. I know what you need - I’ll give you what you need, my love.”

Locking his eyes with hers, he slid his other hand up her body, cupping her breast briefly before wrapping his hand around her throat and squeezing. Asterin gasped at the sensation, her eyes never leaving his even as her eyelids starting fluttering again.

“Harder, baby, pleasepleaseplease,” she moaned, the words slightly breathless. “I’m so close, please, I’m right there, pleaseplease.”

Fenrys tightened his hand just enough that she started to gasp for air, thrusting hard against that spot and flicking her clit at the same time.

Asterin screamed as she came, her eyes practically rolling back in her head as her walls clenched and spasmed around his cock. Her juices gushed around him, falling against his thighs and making her legs slip against his.

It was that final slip of her body against his that drove him a little deeper, her scream breaking off into a gasp as Fen’s orgasm exploded through him, his release sliding out to pool with hers on his thighs.

After a couple minutes, once Asterin had come down from her orgasm and she wasn’t as sensitive, Fenrys finally pulled himself from her, releasing her throat and wrapping both arms around her shoulders. He practically crushed her against him, his heart swelling as his love for the woman cradled against his chest hit him.

“Gods, Rin, I love you so much.”

“Love you, too,” she murmured, utterly worn out from how thoroughly he’d fucked her. “Remember how I said you’d get dessert after dinner and when we got home?”

“Yeah, baby,” he chuckled. “I remember.”

“Well, I think you might have to wait until we get home.” She giggled into his shoulder, her own arms wrapping around his waist.

Fenrys laughed with her, the sound peaceful in the quiet room. “That’s just fine, babe. I’m just glad to have you here with me.”

She hummed into his skin, and his body filled with even more love for her. As long as he was with her, he was content.

ONE YEAR, SEVEN MONTHS, AND SEVEN DAYS AGO

His heart was beating so hard in his chest he thought it was going to burst through his ribs. Lorcan actually thought this feeling, the anxiety building inside his bones might kill him.

Elide Lochan really was going to be the death of him.

“Lor,” she grumbled for what was probably the tenth time, “where are we going?” They were walking down the street, hand-in-hand, and Lorcan had been keeping their destination a secret since they’d left the shop several minutes ago.

He stopped walking, tugging on her hand as she kept walking and pulling her chest against his chest, his other arm falling around her waist. “Fine,” he sighed, an edge of exasperation in his tone even as he leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose. “Fine, you insufferable woman, I’ll tell you. If you must know, we’re going to the library.”

Elide’s nose scrunched as she pondered their destination. “That’s your big secret? We’re going to the library?”

“Uh huh,” Lorcan agreed, pressing his lips to her forehead before spinning her around and continuing on their way to the library, even as the confused expression stayed on her beautiful features.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive at their destination, Lorcan wrapping his arm around Elide’s shoulders as he kept her from walking through the front door.

“I thought this was where we were going?” she questioned, her brow furrowed as she looked up at him. “Wasn’t this your big surprise?”

He quirked an eyebrow at her, chuckling at the adorably confused expression she was still wearing. “Really? You really believed the library was my grand surprise?” He shook his head at her, acting like he was disappointed. “No, my darling, the library wasn’t my surprise - it’s what we’ll be doing while we’re here that’s the surprise.”

Slipping his hand into his pocket, he pulled out a folded blue index card and handed it to her. “Here’s your surprise.”

Elide slipped her arm from around his waist as she took the paper from him. Unfolding it, the confusion cleared from her eyes as she read what he’d written on it. “It’s a scavenger hunt!” she squealed, excitement and happiness dancing across her face.

“I hope you like it, baby,” he whispered, a smile breaking over his face as he watched her practically shake with happiness. “Well, go on. I’m sure we’ll cross paths again somewhere on your little adventure.”

She leaned up to press a swift kiss to his lips, still beaming as she read the note once more and made for the entrance to the library - Lorcan knew she was heading for the front desk, which was where her next clue was hidden.

Waiting until he was sure she’d gone where the second clue had directed her - a complete copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, as it was a reference to the massive raven he’d drawn for her that was tattooed across her entire upper back and neck - Lorcan walked into the library. He nodded his thanks to the head librarian, since she’d helped him plan this entire activity.

He’d purposely sent Elide in the opposite direction of where he needed to station himself for everything to work out perfectly as part of that second clue. Satisfied that she was no longer in the lobby, he made for the murder-mystery section in the back of the second-floor stacks.

Lorcan pushed open the door that led to the section, a nervous smile breaking across his face as he saw all of their friends waiting for him. “Thanks for being here, you guys,” he said, though the nerves made his voice shake.

“Of course, man,” Rowan replied, the other guys nodding in agreement and offering smiles of encouragement and support.

“Yeah,” Fenrys, chimed in, “you know we’d do anything for you.”

Connall nodded along with his twins words, adding “we’re all family, Lorcan. You know that.”

“I do,” Lorcan confirmed, his eyes prickling as Gavriel and Vaughan voiced their sentiments as well. The sensation only grew when the five women standing in the room, the five women who’d made his family double in size, offered up their own opinions.

Knowing he was short on time, Lorcan blinked once to keep his emotions at bay before preparing himself to ask the most important question of his life.

~*^*~

In what felt like no time at all, though in reality was probably about fifteen minutes, Lorcan heard the sound of footsteps approaching the door they were all waiting behind. Dropping to one knee, he opened the ring box in his hand as the door swung open.

Elide was reading to herself as she walked through the door, not really paying attention to her surroundings. “‘Come to our favorite section and answer the question you’ll be faced with.’ Rutting gods, Lor, what does that even me-” she griped, but cut off suddenly when she looked up and saw him kneeling before her. “Lor?” Tears sprang into her eyes as they dropped to the ring box in his hand. “Is this what I think it is?”

Lorcan smiled at her, a genuine smile that he only seemed to wear when he was around her. He could feel the tears building behind his eyes again, though he did his best to push through them. “Elide Lochan, I loved you since the moment I saw you throwing at ax at the target a little over two and a half years ago. I love everything about you, and I fall more in love with you every single day - every single minute. You are the one true owner of my ancient and wicked heart, and I gave it to you a long time ago. You make me want to be a better man, and I want to spend every day of the rest of our lives showing you how much you mean to me. Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she whispered, the tears falling from her eyes in full force. “Oh my gods, yes!” Elide reached for him, and he slid the ring on her finger before she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips to his.

Lorcan felt his own tears streaming over his cheeks as he kissed her back, a groan slipping free as her tongue slid into his mouth. Sliding his hands down to her thighs, he lifted her into his arms, sighing as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Before they could get too carried away, their friends were pressing in around them, Aelin muttering veiled threats at him as Elide laughed. She slipped out of his arms with an “I love you so much, Lor” and a kiss to his jaw, her happy smile causing his to grow.

Lorcan was happier than he ever thought he’d be as their family celebrated with them - and it was all because of Elide Lochan.

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @froggy-waddles @mis-lil-red @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @photofeesh @belamoonbeam @velarian-trash

As always, if you would like to be added to my tag list, please let me know!

Thank you all so much for reading - part six (which is the final part!) comes out tomorrow!

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specialagentrin · 4 years

Text

Day 2 – On the second day of Christmas, Wincestmas gave to me: the continuation of the A/B/O dynamics fic

Warnings: A/B/O dynamics, Alpha!Sam, Omega!Dean, Mention/Discussion of miscarriage/stillborn, Mention/Discussion of NonCon (but not between Sam/Dean), Angst, Depression, Happy Ending, Smut

“Does dad know?” Sam asked Bobby when he made his way to the kitchen. Dean had fallen asleep, his expression still pained, and Sam needed more answers.

“Yeah. He dealt with Jerry.” At Sam’s alarmed expression, Bobby continued. “He didn’t kill him. But he made sure Jerry went to jail.”

“Why isn’t he here? I mean, I’m glad you contacted me, I’ll take care of Dean. But shouldn’t dad be the one taking care of Dean?” Bobby sighed and Sam realised he agreed with his point of view, even though it was a lost cause.

“He can’t face Dean. He blames himself for what happened. He left Dean here so I could take care of him, but not only am I a Beta, but I’m also not blood. And, I mean… Dean has been… okay. But he ain’t getting better. I hoped that with you he’d finally have some closure.” Sam nodded, sitting down by the table. Bobby gave him a beer and sat next to him. They remained in silence for a moment, Sam still trying to wrap his head around all of this.

“He said he was going to call his daughter Samantha.” Sam mentioned, frowning.

“Yeah. He told me that, since he was planning on cutting both you and your dad from his life, he at least wanted a piece of you. Samantha, Sammy, Sam. It wasn’t a hard choice for him.” Sam nodded, drinking some of the beer. He felt exhausted, but he knew he would be able to fall asleep, even if he tried.

“Is it okay if I stick around? Just until Dean feels better. Then we… Then I’ll find us a place and—” Bobby interrupted him.

“Son, you two are welcome here any time. You can stay for as long as you want. For as long as the two of you need.” Sam nodded, feeling tears in his eyes once more. He drank more beer. Still lost in thought, Sam barely noticed the plate of scrambled eggs Bobby put in front of him. “Eat it. You’ve been up since that time I woke you up, and you haven’t eaten properly.” Sam nodded and ate – slowly, his stomach still in knots after everything he’d heard that day.

After eating, Sam went back to Dean’s room. This time, Dean didn’t wake up. Probably the scenting helped Dean feel at ease with an Alpha smell at close quarters. Sam decided to lie down next to Dean and sleep, at least a little. He held Dean, much like Dean had always held him when they were young, and managed to fall asleep.

He woke up much later with a hand threading through his hair. He blinked a couple of times before noticing it was Dean who had been stroking his hair. Dean gave him a soft smile before messing with his hair and letting go.

“Your hair is too long. It needs a trim.” Sam pouted, but his heart wasn’t in it. He just tugged Dean closer, nosing at his neck again, scenting him once more. Dean froze at first, but then he let himself relax before doing the same with Sam.

“I like it like that.” Sam said, his voice still sleepy. Sam realised Dean’s smell was less apprehensive, less sad. There was still a lingering sadness there, but maybe Bobby had been right – Sam being near, scenting him, protecting him in this moment, might have helped Dean feel slightly better.

Almost a month had passed since Sam arrived at Bobby’s, and while Dean still refused to talk about his failed pregnancy, his daughter, or anything that had happened, he did seem lighter, happier. There was still some sadness in him, Sam could feel. But most days his brother seemed better, almost felt like he had been before all that happened.

They never talked about it, but Sam continued sleeping with Dean in his tiny bed, the two of them scenting each other before sleeping and then again when they woke up. Bobby never mentioned anything either, but Sam caught him smiling often enough to notice that he was relived in seeing Dean be himself again.

It was in the middle of an afternoon, almost a month later, that Sam knew he should probably leave.

Dean was about to start his heat.

Dean probably didn’t notice – he had been working at the cars in the morning, but he had felt a bit odd after lunch and decided to do some studying on Bobby’s many books. Sam, on the other hand, had noticed as soon as Dean had gotten back from the yard, his sweat smelling strongly of the heat that was to come, and Sam felt an urge he had never felt before, with anyone – and thus, he knew he had to leave.

He prepared a small bag to spend a few days on a hotel near Bobby’s house – but far enough that he wouldn’t feel like touching Dean, claiming him, bonding with him. After all, they were brothers. All the other times Dean had gone in the heat in the past, when Sam had already popped his knot, he had never felt the need to sleep with his brother. In fact, he would barely be affected at all. If anything, he’d just feel a little horny, but nothing impossible to deal with.

But now, the sight of Dean was enough to drive Sam insane with lust.

As he was leaving, though, Dean went to him, frown in place.

“Where are you going?” Sam felt the fear and anxiety in his brother, and he hated himself for doing this.

“Dean…” Sam started, unable on how to tell his brother that he wanted to do things to him that no sibling should. “Your heat… It’s…” At that, Dean’s fear deepened, and Sam could see in his brother’s eyes a desperation forming. “Dean…” Sam tried again.

“Don’t.” Dean said, holding Sam’s arm tightly, looking at his brother with such intense fear that Sam knew he’d be unable to leave.

“But, Dean… I…” To explain better, Sam got closer and tilted his neck. Dean hesitated for a moment, but then he got closer, scenting Sam’s neck. When he put some space between them again, Sam was sure that Dean would accept that he left, but instead, Dean was blushing, his eyes unfocused.

“Stay.” Dean said, pulling Sam closer, scenting him again and, in the process, making Sam scent him back. Smelling the arousal in his brother was all it took for Sam to hold him close and start mouthing at Dean’s neck. Dean gave a soft moan, his body growing heavy. Sam could feel both of their erections against each other, and he knew that he needed to take them to their room quickly.

Thankfully enough, Bobby had been working on some cars outside, and probably had no idea of what was going on. Sam closed the door of their little room, still fighting against his urges of claiming his brother.

Dean, on the other hand, was far beyond himself. Once the door was closed, Dean jumped Sam, kissing him on the lips, with tongue and all. And it was so overwhelming that Sam’s instinct was to kiss back just as intensely. They took off their clothes quickly, and at the sight of Dean’s bowlegs wet from his heat Sam lost all self-control. Not that Dean minded. In fact, he moaned and whined as Sam kissed him, and then his neck, sucking at the gland that, if Sam bit down, would make them mates for life.

Somehow, they managed to fall on the bed, and Dean was already begging Sam for his cock, but Sam, although completely beyond himself, still wanted to make sure he wouldn’t hurt his brother.

He brought his fingers to Dean’s hole, and, sure enough, one finger entered without any restrain. Dean moaned, opening his legs even more, eyes never leaving Sam’s. Sam put another finger and, although it was tighter, it still went in easily. After the third finger, Sam knew that Dean would be able to take anything he gave him.

Sam entered Dean – slowly, still worried he might hurt his brother – and he grunted at how good this felt. He had never had sex during an Omega’s heat, but from what he heard, it was natural to feel this good. Yet, it shocked Sam how good it actually was. Was it because they were brothers, and, therefore, were compatible?

“C’mon, Sammy.” Dean whined, locking his legs around Sam and forcing him even deeper. Dean moaned, closing his eyes for a moment, but then opening them again with a smile. “Fuck me.” Sam didn’t need to be told twice.

He started moving his hips rhythmically, but Dean’s whines grew louder, and Sam knew that he’d have to fuck Dean hard if he wanted to quench Dean’s heat. With renewed vigour, Sam started pounding into Dean. His moans of pleasure were loud, but clearly positive. Sam, himself, felt a little bubbly, and he couldn’t help the smile on his face. Dean had a matching one on his own face.

Even though the sex was amazing, Dean’s smell intoxicating, their will to stop nowhere to be found, Sam was finally feeling more in control. The thought that this was Dean, his brother, that he was fucking, didn’t cross his mind, though. Only that this was exactly how it should be, that he wanted to make Dean happy, claim him and mate with him.

In that moment, nothing else made as much sense as that. Claiming Dean made all the sense in the world. Even though they would never be able to tell others they were brothers, they would finally be able to settle down, have children and live peacefully. They knew of monsters, and if they came to them, they’d be able to protect themselves, but they could retire from hunting, maybe find a regular job, have a house with a white-picket fence.

It was with all those thoughts in mind that, when Sam came, his knot tying him and Dean together, he bit at Dean’s neck, right at his gland, claiming him.

That was enough to make Dean come as well, moaning loudly.

Sam licked at the bite mark on Dean’s neck, lapping softly at it, and he saw that Dean had finally closed his eyes, breathing harshly. The smile, however, never left Dean’s face. He looked content, happy. And his smell, still thick with arousal, had some happiness in it as well.

For the first time, Dean forgot about his sadness, about what had happened. Even if just this moment, Sam felt glad that he managed to help his brother.

Dean’s heat was over three days later. Bobby had left a note saying that he’d go to a neighbouring town to hunt some vamps and would be back in a week or so. Sam and Dean didn’t actually talk about their situation, about being mated. It just happened, and it felt natural, even after the heat was over and they could think for themselves.

Dean’s sadness would come and go – ever so often he’d remember Samantha and would get upset. But it wasn’t as overwhelming as before. He was learning to cope – slowly, but surely. Their bond helped, of course, and whenever Dean was feeling particularly bad, Sam would spend most of his time with Dean, scenting him, hugging him.

It was a couple of months later that they had a surprise: Dean had gotten pregnant again.

Sam was exhilarated – growing up, the idea of having children of his own was alien to him, but ever since he bonded with Dean, his desire for having a child grew with each passing day. Dean, on the other hand, had a severe panic attack.

Sam managed to take him to a clinic, and after Dean told the story of his last pregnancy to the doctor – with both Dean and Sam crying – the doctor promised to make everything in his power to deliver the baby safely. As long as Dean periodically went to the clinic, made exams and took care of his health, the doctor was sure the pregnancy would go smoothly.

Seven months later, their daughter was born. They decided to name her Dinah – since Dean’s first daughter had a name similar to Sam’s, Sam wanted similar to Dean’s, and they decided on that name because it was short, simple and in Sam’s case, he had liked the meaning of it. God has judged. Obviously, he hadn’t told Dean what her name meant, because he knew Dean didn’t believe in God and would probably complain about the meaning, but for Sam, that was important.

Even though they were brothers, they managed to create a life together – a healthy, chubby baby girl with Dean’s green eyes and blonde hair, and Sam’s eye shape and dimples. For Sam, that meant that if God existed, he approved of their union and of the life they had created.

Sam and Dean moved to a new house before Dinah was born, but still near Bobby’s, who had been more present in their lives than John, who had called only once or twice and had no idea his sons had mated.

Finally, Dean found peace. He would still get upset, mainly on the day of Samantha’s birth/death, but Sam and Dinah were there to bring happiness into his life once again.

#wincestmas!anon❄#wincestmas #WINCESTMAS ANON #YOU MADE ME CRY THATS NOT FAIR #THE ENDING WAS BEAUTIFUL #THEY HAVE KIDSSSSS #LIKE ITS PERFECT #THANK YOU #THANK YOU SO MUCH #OH MY IRENE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW #SEND ME A ASK RIGHT NOW #NO SCRATCH THAT SHOW YOURSELF #bottom!dean #omega!dean #alpha!sam #top!sam #spn #submission

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izzy-b-hands · 4 years

Text

Marks

Another piece of what I’m calling the San Francisco AU for Papillon and Dega. Just a small snippet, but now that I’m working from home I’m trying to get out more smaller pieces as I can, and possibly longer stuff on the weekend if I can manage it (for any ship, no guarantees, but if nothing else I want to keep posting one shots as much as I can!)

They had a budget, a limit, and Louis had trusted him with it. This wasn’t even the top of the limit, yet he was shaking as he led Louis up the path to the front door. San Francisco was expensive, and he knew Louis knew that too, but still...

“If you hate it, we can still back out. I sign the last bit of paperwork tomorrow; we’d lose a little bit of money, not enough to stop me if you don’t want this.”

Louis pulled the blindfold off, and took in the front of the house. It was small, but he thought it would be to Louis’ taste.

“I like it.”

The weight was only half gone off Papi’s shoulders with that. “Good. I’m glad. Now, the inside-”

Louis was inside before he could get another word out, and he could see the disappointment in his shoulders as they slumped.

“Well. A bit plain inside, but-”

“That’s where you come in! If you want, I mean; I had an idea, is the thing,” Papi interrupted, and pulled Louis gently to the sitting room. “You could paint, if you wanted to, I thought...”

He’d bought actual supplies, nothing like what Louis had been forced to use on Devil’s Island. No matter what Louis said, he knew how much he wanted to keep working on his art, though he rarely gave himself time to do it.

“I’m not go-”

“Don’t you say it,” Papi interrupted him again. “You are. And if you had to force me to choose only one way to decorate our home, and it was between your art and anything else, I would choose your art. Every time.”

Louis smiled, but it was a nervous one as he glanced about the many blank white walls. “This will take ages though, surely-”

“I can be patient, especially when I know it will be well worth it,” Papi didn’t want to keep interrupting Louis, but he could just hear the excuses Louis had floating about his head to stop himself from being able to do this, to have fun making their house beautiful.

“And what will I tell my job?”

“This doesn’t all need to be done in a week, or a month, or even a year. You don’t work weekends, and if you want, a day off to stay at home and paint if you want or even just, you know, relax, would be good for you.”

Louis nodded. “Okay.”

“To the painting? Or to just the house?”

“To all of it,” Louis replied softly, kneeling down to inspect the various paints and brushes on the sitting room floor. “Can I start tomorrow night?”

He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “Of course. As soon as we get home.”

“What about our things?”

“I can move all that,” Papi said. It was no second thought to him, and he was more than happy to move everything they owned while Louis painted.

“Even the couch?”

Papi nodded.

“The couch that the two of us couldn’t get in the apartment alone?”

He nodded again.

“The couch that we had to get three strangers off the street to help us fit into the apartment because of how awkward and heavy it was?”

“Louis,” Papi sighed. “I’ll be fine.”

Louis shook his head and laughed as he stood back up and turned to Papi. “Let me help with the couch, at least. I can’t paint if I’m taking you to the hospital because you’ve hurt yourself moving it.”

“If you insist,” Papi said. “But you could do a mural of our moving in, and include that in it.”

“Oh yes, the grand mural on the first wall when you come in,” Louis snickered. “Yes, here’s the bit where you can see my husband nearly breaking his back moving our couch.”

That stopped him cold for a moment. “Husband?”

They had exchanged rings, but neither had used the phrase, and they hadn’t really ever addressed why. For Papi, it was because he felt bad it wasn’t legal. He knew there wasn’t a way to make it so, but he knew Louis would have been happier if it could have been. He worried about things like death and how the other would survive after, if they would have access to each other’s funds and things, if their bodies could be released to one another to plan a funeral. Without marriage, legally, none of that could happen. So he didn’t use the word, to avoid making Louis think about it.

“Yes,” Louis replied. “I should have been saying that long ago, even before we got the rings. I was...being silly. Wanting things we can’t have, and completely looking past all that we do have. Maybe it will be a mess, later on, when one of us...”

He could tell Louis wanted to look away, but he didn’t. The tears sat in the corners of his eyes, but didn’t fall, and his gaze didn’t break.

“Anyway. I’m sorry, for not using it sooner. And now, especially, I should be. My husband bought us a house!”

“Technically we both bought a house,” Papi clarified. “You contributed just as much money as I did.”

“True, but it could only be in one of our names, and it’s in yours,” Louis said, and brushed away the tears before nearly leaping into Papi’s arms. “So, my husband bought me a house.”

“And my husband is going to make it beautiful,” Papi murmured as he gave Louis a soft kiss. “Can you believe they left this place so...”

“Dull? Ugly? Boring? Blank?”

“Yes,” Papi agreed. “There’s so much they could have done with this place.”

“We’ll fix it,” Louis said. “I’ve got ideas...”

And ideas he did have. The first night in their new home he spent covered in paint in the sitting room, the furniture (including their heavy couch) moved to the center to be out of the way. At first it was just patterns, nothing overwhelming, but at the same time eye-catching and enticing to sit and stare at, curlicues and circular moving lines, intersecting and crossing one another in a way that Papi knew had a great deal of thought and technique behind it, but he couldn’t explain it if he tried. They were in light yellow and green, the paint dotting Louis’ skin, a gorgeous contrast that marked him with his art, marked the house as theirs, a mark of not just ownership but love.

In the weeks to follow, it was shocking how much he got done. Papi would watch Louis come home, only to give him a quick kiss before dashing to change into his painting clothes and racing into the latest room he was working on. He missed spending their evenings as they had done before (usually both with a book, laying across each other in a tangle on the couch until it was time for bed), but this was good too.

It was like watching math in action, Papi thought. All calculated lines and structure, but that flowed so softly and loosely that you could forget the cold calculations behind it for a moment or two, and take in how it all came together. A room of butterflies in blue and purple in their bedroom, a mixture of stripes and eyes like those on the backs of butterfly wings in the dining room, abstract flowing lines through the kitchen that showed up in other rooms as well, tying one room to another as if Louis sought to stitch the house together.

And it was utterly perfect, but he didn’t get a chance to tell Louis that until he finally reached the last room, much sooner than Papi had anticipated.

“Before you go,” Papi said softly, gently grabbing Louis’ arm as he started to charge into the guest room. “I wanted to tell you-”

“I can make any changes you want,” Louis said, and up went his hand to nervously adjust his already mis-adjusted glasses.

“What? No,” Papi said. “I love it all. I wanted to tell you. I don’t know quite how you do it, like you do.”

“You’ve done your fair share of art.”

“Perhaps, but this is different,” Papi replied. “You got done in weeks what I figured would take at least a year. And it’s all gorgeous, and I don’t know how you made it all happen like you did. It seems effortless.”

Louis giggled, and ran a hand through the soft curls he was finally growing out, at Papi’s persistence, the same curls he’d helped wash paint out of the past few weeks, when Louis somehow managed to get it on them. “Effortless is...a very kind thing to call it.”

“I know you’ve worked incredibly hard,” Papi said. “But you make it look easy.”

“Want to watch me finish up?”

“I’d like that.”

The guest room was rich, red and purple jewel tones with gold. It made him think of the lush wallpapers from the fancier hotels in Paris, though none of them could ever beat what Louis was doing.

He’d again gone for butterflies, a theme that Papi more than loved, but this time a singular line of them, all shaped fully but connected and made with one purple line, flowing up and down in flight across the red walls, with gold accents upon them in unique designs. It was warm, and easy to get lost in as he laid on the bare mattress they’d tossed in the center of the room until they could afford to better furnish the guest room. He ended up too lost, too relaxed, so that he jumped when Louis dropped down next to him on the mattress suddenly.

“You’re half asleep,” Louis teased. “Is watching me paint so boring?”

Papi shook his head. “Soothing.”

He could feel the half-dried spots of paint on Louis’ hands and all over his clothes as Louis snuggled in close to him, but he didn’t mind. On the contrary, he wanted it. To be marked, to be covered in the colors of their new home, their new life, finally getting on track like they’d always said it would be after they escaped.

Louis would draw up the tattoo designs later. “Do you really want another butterfly tattoo?” Yes, he did, and he knew exactly how he wanted it. The line to create the butterfly on his body matched up to where the one making Louis’ started, so if they laid together, side by side, the lines flowed together, connecting them both, the same rich purple and gold from the guest room.

Marks of their new life, there forever, long after the drops of paint would be cleaned from their skin.

#text post #LeeH writes #Papillon fic

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mdelpin · 4 years

Text

The Red Dragon - Chapter 26

AO3 | FF.Net | Tumblr: Ch1 | Ch25

I'm not strong enough to stay away I can't run from you I just run back to you Like a moth, I'm drawn into your flame You say my name But it's not the same You look in my eyes I'm stripped of my pride And my soul surrenders And you bring my heart to its knees

And it's killin' me when you're away. And I wanna leave, and I wanna stay. And I'm so confused, So hard to choose Between the pleasure and the pain. And I know it's wrong, and I know it's right. Even if I try to win the fight, My heart would overrule my mind. And I'm not strong enough to stay away.

Not Strong Enough by Apocalyptica

Chapter 26

Natsu was able to hold himself together for about two blocks before he found an alley and walked into it. He collapsed against the wall, for once not caring at all about the dirt or the stench, his chest shaking as he dissolved into sobs. He could still feel Gray’s pain and anger on top of his own, and the combination was more than he could handle. It didn’t help that he understood the enormity of what he’d done.

It was over, there was no coming back from this. How could there be?

Natsu heard footsteps entering the alley and approaching him but couldn’t be bothered to see who it was. He heard a familiar voice ask kindly, “Son, are you okay?”

Surprised, he looked up to see Anna Heartfilia, the closest thing he’d ever had to a mother, looking down at him. “Natsu? Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

When he continued to weep without saying a word, Anna knelt down and held him to her chest, letting him cry. Natsu held on to her tightly, seeking to let her smell soothe him like it once had. She made soft, comforting noises and placed her head on top of his until he calmed down enough to talk.

“Are you feeling a bit better?” Anna asked as she moved a few strands of blonde hair, which were starting to turn gray, away from her face. Natsu shook his head miserably.

“Come on, let’s get you some cocoa.” She coaxed, standing up and pulling him up with her. She walked towards the orphanage, and Natsu followed behind, not really caring where he was going.

They entered the building and walked into her small apartment, Anna gestured him towards the kitchen as she put her keys down in a small bowl by the door.

She entered the kitchen and grabbed an apron, tying it behind her back as she looked around for something. Making an aha noise, she grabbed a small container that was filled with a reddish powder.

“Natsu, will you be a dear and light up the stove for me?” Anna asked as she continued to search for ingredients inside her small kitchen. Natsu got up from the chair he had settled on and did as she asked. Once the stove was lit, she quickly got to work mixing ingredients and stirring the contents in a small pot.

After a few minutes, Natsu recognized the smell and managed a small smile. She was making his favorite childhood drink, chile hot chocolate. She poured the contents of the pot into two mugs and carried them to the table, setting them down carefully. Grabbing one last item, she placed it between the two of them before sitting down. When Natsu didn't move, she grabbed a handful of the little sugary pillows and dropped them in his drink.

“Thank you, Anna.”

“You’re very welcome,” Anna replied, waving the act away, “Now, why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind? That might be the first time I’ve seen you cry since Erza knocked you down your first day of school.”

“I don’t think I ever thanked you for taking care of me,” Natsu said quietly, his mind already full of goodbyes.

"Nonsense, you would have died otherwise. Igneel and Atlas might know a lot about dragons, but they knew nothing about babies." Anna rolled her eyes. "Your mother would’ve had both our hides in the afterlife if we let anything happen to you."

“You knew my mom?” Natsu questioned, eyes widening as he realized he’d never thought of that possibility before.

“Of course I did, we were friends most of our lives,” Anna replied, her mouth curving into a smile, “Hang on, I think I have a picture around here somewhere, it’s from before Igneel arrived.”

She got up from the table, and Natsu took the opportunity to drink his chocolate. Anna had made it for him when he was little. Any time he’d gotten in trouble with Igneel, which was often. Natsu would help her make it, using his fire to heat the small pot as it cooked. It was one of the few sweets he'd had as a kid. He’d loved it because it was both spicy and sweet.

Anna would listen to him rant about Igneel and comfort him, often staying with him until he fell asleep. She really had been like a mother to him, and he'd loved her dearly. Still did. She was also the only human who had known what he was, and she'd never treated him differently for it. Now, Natsu thought, maybe he understood why.

She returned with a picture of two young girls holding hands and smiling, one had blonde hair and was obviously Anna, the other had long pink hair and stunning green eyes, just the same as his. It was an excellent likeness of Anna, so Natsu could only assume that it was a good one of his mother as well. He stared at the picture hungrily, finally able to see his mother for the first time in his life.

“That was us,” Anna grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief, “We were trouble back then!”

“Can you tell me about her?” Natsu asked hopefully, “I only know what Atlas has told me, but he didn’t know her very well.”

“I should have said something before,” Anna apologized, “but your father, well, he still can’t really talk about her.”

"Hmm, let’s see, Porlyusica was a lot like you actually," Anna smiled at him fondly, "She was very passionate, fought for what she believed in, and once her mind was made up, there was no turning back, and boy did she have a temper!"

Natsu rolled his eyes at Anna, but he also ate up every word.

"I think, had she lived, the two of you would have gotten along very well and ganged up on your poor father, and he-- he would have loved it," Anna suddenly became quiet, and Natsu could see she was trying to fight back tears.

“I’m sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve talked about her,” Anna apologized as she sniffled.

"It's okay, you don't have to keep going," Natsu assured her, but she only smiled as she got herself under control.

“I want to, you should know about her. What else? She was an amazing healer, people would come from all over to seek her advice,” Anna continued, “Did you know that you were born here?”

“I was born in the orphanage?” Natsu asked confused, Atlas had told him he’d been born at his house.

"Well, not exactly, this was where your house was. After you were born and Porlyusica passed, Igneel kind of lost control of himself. He explained later it was a mate thing, their connection had been severed and it was excruciating for him. He lost control of his magic and burned the house down. He couldn't eat the fire since he'd created it."

Natsu could feel Anna's eyes on him, watching for his reaction to her words, but he was too tired to play games and too shaken by Anna's description of what had happened to his father to hide anything.

“So it’s as I thought, whatever is bothering you is somehow mate related,” Anna mumbled to herself. She didn’t push though, just looked at him with concern.

“Did you know they’re having a festival in your honor today?” Anna asked him suddenly.

Natsu looked at her in astonishment, “You knew that was me?”

“Well of course, who else would it be?”, Anna replied, amused by Natsu’s surprise, “You’ve protected this village one way or another for a very long time.”

She reached out to touch his face, giving him a look that was tinged with worry.

"This village loves you, Natsu. You have come to their rescue time and time again, and they wanted to show you how much they've come to appreciate you." Anna said proudly, "I even heard Erza say they were going to build a humongous bonfire for you to eat, and I know the kids were hoping you’d show up to do some of those flying tricks you do."

“I know you feel down right now, and I’m not going to push you to tell me why,” Anna added quickly before he had a chance to protest, “But you’re important to a lot of people in both your forms and I think it’s time you realized that.”

Natsu nodded, only half listening, he'd reached a sort of numbness that was almost manageable. He'd walk around the festival for a bit and maybe even make an appearance for the kids when it got dark, but he hadn't changed his mind. Tomorrow he would begin his search for Acnologia. If he could manage to take him down, the village wouldn't need his protection anymore. Maybe then, he and his family could move to Drak Aast with Belserion and the remaining dragons. Far enough away for him not to feel this way anymore and to give Gray a chance to start a new life without him.

Natsu thanked Anna again, allowing her to fuss over him a bit longer. He gave her a tight hug goodbye and told her he loved her. He could tell from the look on her face when he said goodbye that she knew he wasn’t planning on ever coming back.

O-o

Gray was emotionally exhausted. The onslaught of memories hadn't stopped since Natsu had released them. He was out of tears at this point, but still, the memories came, full of images of a happier time but moving too fast for him to be able to hold them for long. The pain was more than he thought he could bear. He felt betrayed, but at the same time, he also felt how happy and in love they'd been in those months, and he couldn't decide which hurt more.

Gray, I’m a fire dragon.

He remembered eight-year-old Natsu saying those words to him before Gray attacked him in anger. Why the hell was Natsu continuing to insist on this ridiculous farce? He didn’t believe him then, and he certainly didn’t believe him now. Still, that small memory loosened a bigger one.

“Can you imagine Erza’s face when she finds out you’ve been back all this time, and you haven’t gone to see her yet?” Gray laughed with glee as Natsu immediately looked nervous.

“I’m not afraid of her.”

“Sure you’re not, Pyro.“

“I set one thing on fire, and it was your fault. You startled me!” Natsu complained loudly as they got to their field.

“That one thing was the hotel.” Gray reminded him, causing Natsu to immediately pout and cross his arms in front of his chest cutely. Gray stopped and kissed him. “You’re just lucky I’m such a great provider.”

“I paid for the stay and all the food for six months!” Natsu replied in outrage.

“Yeah,” Gray agreed readily before adding, “But I paid for the building.”

“You’re going to have to make it up to me tonight,” Gray smirked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

“Okay, fine,” Natsu grumbled but didn’t look at all displeased by the idea, “Just don’t tell Erza about the hotel, okay?”

“That’s gonna cost you extra.”

“Ugh! You’re the worst!”

"But you love me," Gray teased, loving that he could get a rise out of his mate so quickly.

He was surprised when Natsu didn't answer, it wasn't like him. When Gray turned to see if he'd managed to actually upset him, he noticed that Natsu was gaping up at the sky, eyes widened, and body covered in a thin layer of flames. He followed Natsu's gaze and saw something that both set his blood boiling and terrified him. A monstrous black dragon covered in blue markings was flying towards Talos. He immediately glanced at Natsu, the only dragon slayer around, and grabbed his hand, yanking him towards the village.

“Stop!” Natsu yelled as he dug his heels in and refused to move any further, “We have to get out of here!”

“What are you talking about? We have to get to the village and help!” Gray argued, confused by Natsu’s actions. He’d seen him run into more dangerous situations than this without a thought.

“You don’t understand, that’s Acnologia,” Natsu said as if that explained everything.

“Who?”

“The renegade dragon slayer that almost killed me,” Natsu said impatiently, “We don’t have time for this, I’ll explain on the way.”

“That’s a dragon, I thought you said he was a dragon slayer,” A million questions tried to burst forth, but Gray shook his head to clear them away, this wasn't the time. They needed to hurry. Every second they hesitated was a second less they would have to react.

Natsu refused to budge no matter how hard Gray pulled. “We have to go help them, Natsu. Lyon, Erza, Juvia, Anna... they’re all there, they’ll die if we don’t help them.”

With a sigh, Natsu said, “If I go fight him, will you promise me you’ll stay here?”

"I won't let another dragon destroy my home," Gray replied stubbornly. He was determined to fight but also scared out of his wits. The dragon was huge, and he could feel an aura of malice radiating from it that set him on edge.

“GRAY!” Natsu exploded, sounding both angry and terrified and altogether unlike himself. Natsu’s voice softened into a plea, “I can’t fight him if I’m worried about you.”

“I’m going, Natsu. You can either come with me or not, but there’s no way in hell I’m staying behind.”

Natsu looked at Gray and back at Acnologia, who was flying ever closer to the village. “DAMMIT!” Natsu roared, “I didn’t want you to find out like this!”

Gray gazed at him in confusion, having no idea what he was referring to. He watched open-mouthed as Natsu somehow transformed into a red dragon, and with a mighty roar swiftly took to the sky, racing to reach Acnologia before he could destroy the village.

Gray's immediate response was disbelief, and it was soon followed by denial. There was no way that Natsu had turned into a dragon, it was just a figment of his imagination. It had to be. But as he saw that same red dragon ram into the black one, he knew it was real, and he was filled with a profound rage.

Gray covered his mouth to keep his screams from being heard by anyone outside. He felt as if he were going insane. Had Natsu been telling him the truth this whole time? How was that even possible?

Gray's mind started reeling, starting to put together the pieces that had always been there. Natsu had tried to warn him away, but Gray had refused to listen, too consumed by what he wanted to pay heed.

Of course, I want you, you jackass! I always have. But what the hell am I supposed to do when you hate everything I am? Don't you see how futile this is?

Now that he thought about it, there had been many clues over the years, Natsu's incredible regenerative ability, his power level being a magnitude higher than any of the other dragon slayers. The way Natsu was able to soothe Happy after he, Sting and Lyon had attacked him when none of the other dragon slayers seemed to know what to do. How upset Natsu had become when he'd told him dragons were nothing but beasts intent on destruction or when Gray made references to wanting to kill them.

Gray had been such an asshole about all of it, even as Natsu had attempted to be patient with him. As angry as he was at his mate at the moment, he was starting to see, he might also have been at fault.

Natsu had tried to distance himself from him, but Gray had refused to allow it, never once pausing to consider why Natsu might be doing that. He'd been overjoyed when Erza had forced them together even though it was obviously not what Natsu had wanted. Natsu had even tried to slow things down once they'd gotten together. Fuck. Natsu had attempted to protect him every step of the way.

But why? Why go so far as to remove his memories? What had he seen or done that would make Natsu do that? Surely it wasn’t just because he’d seen him transform. It didn’t sound like something Natsu would do. Gray was still angry, but suddenly it felt like he was still missing something. What had Natsu been trying to protect him from?

Gray once again found Natsu sitting outside in the middle of the night. He sat down next to him and grabbed his hand, squeezing it and placing it in his lap. He remained silent, not wanting to disturb whatever Natsu was doing. It didn’t take long for him to break the silence, but not in a way Gray expected.

“Am I a monster?” Natsu asked him as they sat together underneath the starry sky.

Gray draped his arm over Natsu’s shoulders, pulling slightly until Natsu’s head was against his shoulder, allowing Gray to kiss his head, “You’re about as far from a monster as you can get, love. Why would you even ask something like that?”

“I’ve taken so many lives,” Even though Natsu looked at the ground, Gray could hear the tears he was trying to hide in the way his voice wavered, “In my dreams, I can still hear them screaming.”

Gray thought about saying something to lighten the moment, but one look at Natsu, at the tension in his shoulders, and the set of his jaw made him realize that would be a mistake. He thought about how best to answer.

"Natsu, if you were a monster, you wouldn't feel bad about the things you did. You were put in a bad situation, and you did everything you could to survive. You didn't enjoy any of it."

“Maybe, but sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve to be happy.”

"Of course you deserve it. You lived in hell for a year and a half, we both did. Every time I see your scars-" This time it was Gray who was tearing up, his hand letting go of Natsu's and immediately moving to trace the worst of the scars over his shirt, a sizeable nasty X shaped scar by Natsu's hipbone, "All I can think of is that any one of those could've taken you away from me, and it scares the shit out of me."

"You were the only thing that kept me going," Natsu looked up at him with an intensity that made Gray a little nervous, and when he looked into Natsu's eyes, he saw what looked like small flames shining in them, "I love you."

Gray's heart sped up, and his breath hitched at the sound of those words. It was the first time Natsu had said those words to him, words he hadn't heard since Ur had died, and even back then, he'd had a hard time accepting that he was worthy of such deep emotion. He hadn't said them to anyone since his parents had died, even though he'd always known that it was what he felt for Natsu.

He couldn't bring himself to say the words now, and he worried, but to his great relief, he could see Natsu wasn't expecting him to. Gray leaned in to kiss his boyfriend, and as he kissed, he began to work Natsu's shirt off, separating from him only long enough to remove it. He pushed him to the ground gently and began to trace every scar with his fingers, followed by his lips, every caress a silent I love you he hoped Natsu understood.

Gray heard music coming from outside his window and was surprised to see that afternoon had turned into early evening. He'd managed to waste the whole day, and for the first time since he'd kicked him out, he wondered how Natsu was doing.

Gray could only feel the faintest trace from him, and that worried him. He thought back to how devastated Natsu had looked when he'd left and remembered his words.

His mate would transform back into his dragon form as soon as the sun set. If Gray hurried, he might still be able to talk to him, to at least say a proper goodbye. He didn't know what was in store for them, but he didn't want to leave things at angry words. Not when they had such little time left, and certainly not after everything they'd meant to each other over the years.

He hurried into his bedroom to change into some clothes more appropriate for the occasion, knowing Erza would kill him if he showed up in what he was currently wearing. He changed quickly, grabbed his keys, and left his apartment, following the throng of people that were walking towards where the festival was being held. It was slow going, and he used his magic to make the people around him uncomfortable enough to clear a path for him. The sun was getting lower in the sky, and he started to run.

When he got to the plaza, he was out of breath. The festivities were in full swing, the ample space packed with people enjoying the live music. An area had been set aside for dancing, and Gray quickly spotted Erza and Lyon.

The festival must have gone well because they both looked pleased. Lyon offered his hand to Erza and led her towards the dance floor where they spun around with the other couples, Gray watched them, and all of a sudden, a memory got hold of him.

"Will you marry me?" Natsu blurted out as he held out a sword pendant with a beautiful firestone embedded at its center for Gray to take. "I-- I made this for you."

“You want to marry me?” Gray gazed at Natsu, not quite believing what he’d heard. When Natsu nodded and replied with a grin, the one Gray couldn’t resist, he knew just what his answer would be.

"Yes!" Gray picked Natsu up and swung him around as the dragon slayer laughed. Gray put him down, and when Natsu locked the clasp of the chain around his neck, the pendant immediately began to glow.

“Why is it glowing?” He asked, holding it up to examine it.

“Because our souls are in harmony, our bond is whole,” Natsu explained as he touched the pendant. “I enchanted it with a ton of protection magic.”

“As if I need protection,” Gray scoffed good-naturedly.

“You are my Ice Princess,” Natsu winked, his tone mischievous, and Gray swatted him.

Gray couldn’t remember if he’d ever been this happy before. He grabbed Natsu’s hand and kissed his knuckles before dragging him over to the dance floor, wanting an excuse to put his arms around his fiance while there were so many people around...

They were engaged? Had they gotten married? As furious as he’d been, Gray knew he still loved Natsu, had always loved him, since before he’d even understood what that type of love was. The years of worrying, the sorrow, the anger, none of it had changed that. But if Natsu really was a dragon, how could they have any kind of relationship, and why was he human now? Wasn’t there a chance they could change him back?

He couldn’t waste any more time thinking about all of this, he had to find Natsu before it was too late. He needed his help to make sense of some of the things he was seeing. His hand moved up to the pendant, it’s origin finally revealed. It had been a mystery he’d been trying to figure out for the last two years.

He tried to feel through their bond, hoping to get an idea of where Natsu might be, if he were close or far, but to his dismay, even the constant hum that he'd gotten used to over the years had become faint. Gray had a terrible feeling that if he didn't catch up to Natsu before he transformed back into a dragon, he might never see him again. He looked around the plaza, but the only person he saw with pink hair was a little girl.

He would ask Erza whether she’d seen him, it was the only thing he could think of to do. He saw her talking to some people while Lyon danced with Juvia. He walked towards her urgently, bravely grabbing her by the arm and pulling her away from the others.

“What’s gotten into you?” Erza’s nostrils flared as she put her hands on her hips.

He ignored her question and immediately launched into one of his own, “Have you seen Natsu?”

Erza looked at him worriedly, knowing him well enough to detect the urgency in his tone. “Is something wrong?”

“Have you seen him?” Gray repeated impatiently.

“No, not since I saw him at your place. Did you two have a fight already?”

The song had ended, and Lyon had joined them, hearing the tail end of the conversation. "What did he say to you?"

"I got my memories back, Lyon. Well, most of them, there are still a few things I don't understand, but I need to find Natsu before the sun sets."

"Why before the sun sets?" Lyon and Erza both asked at the same time, and if he hadn't been in such a hurry, Gray would have teased them about it.

“No time, I’ll explain later.”

“Did you check his favorite spot?” Erza asked, her expression thoughtful.

“His favorite spot? You mean the field?”

"No, I guess maybe he stopped going there once he got busy with the patrols, but I could always find him there. Come on, it'll be faster if I show you." Gray chased after her, thankful that he had thought to ask. Erza had known Natsu for a very long time.

They tried to get through the crowd, but it proved difficult. Erza requipped into one of her armors, and that was enough to get people moving. She led them through several streets stopping in front of one of the few buildings in Talos that had a flat roof and an unobstructed view of the lake and mountains. He could feel Natsu near.

He thanked Erza before calling on his ice, using it to lift himself to the roof. He found Natsu perched on the edge of the opposite side of the roof. He sat facing the lake, legs dangling, and eyes fixed firmly on the beautiful view. Gray had never been up there before, but he could immediately see why Natsu liked it.

He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. There were a lot of conflicting emotions raging inside of him. He wanted to go to Natsu, touch him, kiss him, take him back, but at the same time, he also wanted to yell and punch him again. The conflicting desires were too much, and he ended up paralyzed, watching the sun's progress with an aching heart.

He just wanted things to go back to the way they’d been before Acnologia attacked.

After a few minutes of silence, Natsu finally got up from his spot and acknowledged him. Gray almost wished he hadn't. He'd never seen Natsu look as utterly defeated as he did at that moment. To make matters worse, he also had an air of determination about him that scared Gray even more than the defeat. He knew that face, Natsu had made up his mind up about something, and Gray had a pretty good idea he wasn't going to like whatever it was.

“You must have a lot of questions,” Natsu guessed, his tone stoic as he looked at the sky, “There isn’t much time left.”

Gray took a moment to do something he’d failed to do that morning. He scrutinized Natsu, searching for changes from the last time they had seen each other a year earlier, and in doing so, he noticed something peculiar.

There was a grouping of stitches on his arm, stitches that looked oddly familiar. His eyes moved to Natsu’s chest, which was only covered by the open vest he always wore, noting the scars that covered his torso and finding several he didn’t remember Natsu having the previous year. One, in particular, looked recent. A scar that resembled charred skin, in a place that combined with the stitches on his arm and what he now knew Natsu to be, could only lead him to one devastating conclusion.

As outrageous as it might seem, Natsu and Fukou were one and the same.

Gray’s mind flooded with all the telltale signs in his interactions with Fukou that he’d ignored.

The way his necklace had reacted to the dragon, how Fukou had called him Princess, and been so upset whenever he was in danger, yet still came to his rescue time and time again. How he’d healed his injuries while trying to warn him away from Natsu. But more than anything, he remembered that strange sense of peace he’d felt just sitting with Fukou at the top of the mountain and how often he had thought the two were similar.

He wanted to discredit it, still wanting to deny what his heart had already accepted, but it made too much sense. Why would any other dragon put up with him? Even Happy would have probably told him to fuck off.

Gray cursed himself for not realizing it before, although he likewise knew there was no way he ever could have. Why would he?

He also remembered he hadn’t exactly always been kind to the dragon, and felt even worse about the name he had chosen for him, knowing now some of the things it had probably brought up for Natsu.

“You’re Fukou, aren’t you.” Gray phrased it as a statement, already convinced of its truth but wanting to hear it from Natsu just the same.

“Yeah,” Natsu responded, and for some reason that Gray couldn’t begin to understand, he sounded sad by the admission.

“Why?” Gray raged, “Why not just tell me instead of making me think you didn’t care? Hell, you told me as much!”

Natsu sighed, pulling at his hair in frustration, “You would never have believed me, and it allowed me to remain with you for a bit longer.”

“And maybe I thought if I could get you past your hatred…,” Natsu closed his eyes tightly, “Nevermind.”

His mate might not have finished his sentence, but Gray could still gather the meaning loud and clear…. then we could be together…

The cruel irony was that Gray had wished for the exact same thing. He'd wanted to spend an afternoon in that wildflower field with Natsu, and he’d been so frustrated to spend it watching over Fukou instead, not ever realizing his wish had been granted.

Gray had spent so much time being angry, thinking that Natsu hadn’t even been trying, only to now discover he’d been by his side the whole time. He felt awful, knowing he should have known better, that he should have trusted that Natsu would never have left him behind without good reason.

"Are we married?" Gray blurted out, realizing they were rapidly running out of time. He hadn't remembered a wedding yet, and he desperately needed to know. He hoped they were, that they'd done something with that happiness he'd felt earlier.

Natsu nodded, trying to look unaffected. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you can get it annulled.”

Those words hurt Gray more than the fact that Natsu had locked away his memories, or had hidden his identity from him. That he could just take everything they'd been and push it away so carelessly. He had to remind himself that Natsu was wearing a mask. He was hurt, and at the same time, he was trying to protect Gray.

"What if I don't want to?"

Natsu shrugged, still refusing to look at him. “I’m sorry. I don’t really know what to say.”

“I-- I don’t want to lose you," Gray found himself growing ever more desperate at Natsu's attitude.

"You deserve to be happy," Natsu whispered, almost as if he was talking to himself, and Gray heard the pain in his voice. More importantly, he'd felt something through their bond, and that excited him.

Their bond was still there, Natsu was just trying to mute it. There was still hope that Gray could get through to him!

“Don’t you?”

Natsu ignored his question and uttered the scariest words Gray had ever heard, “I’m going after Acnologia.”

“That black dragon? Absolutely not, are you out of your mind?”

“As long as he lives, no dragon will ever be safe. That’s something I can try to do something about.”

“Natsu, please don’t do this," Gray pleaded, finally understanding how much was at stake, "I didn’t mean to send you away, I was angry. I love you, I‘ve always loved you.”

Frustrated by Natsu's silence at his words, Gray snapped, “Will you look at me dammit?! We can make this work somehow.”

Natsu complied, still trying to keep his emotions hidden, “No. We can’t. Don’t you get it? I can only take this form one day a year, and who knows how long that will be true. Is that what you want? A husband that can only be with you one day out of the year? What kind of life is that?”

“I’d rather be with you one day out of the year than never at all. We can… we can hang out as we have for the rest of the year.”

“You’re fooling yourself. Now that you know it’s me, can you honestly tell me it’s not going to hurt you to see me and know we can’t be together? Because it hurt me, a lot.”

Gray remained quiet, suddenly understanding the dragon’s constant absences. He looked at Natsu with pity.

“Natsu--”

“No, no more!" Natsu roared, looking heavenward, "I’m going to do the right thing, for once. I release you from our bond.”

“What?! No! I refuse. We can find a way to work this out. Isn’t that why you came to see me this morning?”

“It’s almost time. I have to go.” Natsu’s voice had once again returned to the same stoic tone that was working away at Gray’s very last nerve.

“We have all the time in the world. We’re going to be together for the rest of our lives.” Gray stared at Natsu levelly. “Do you remember saying those words to me?”

Natsu flinched as his words were thrown back at him. “That was when I thought I could remain human forever.”

“I don’t care what you are, Natsu. I care about who you are.”

"I know you think that, and I really am proud of how far you've come, but you don’t seem to understand. This is who I am, it's who I've always been, and I am done hurting you."

The sun had finally set, and Gray watched helplessly as red scales appeared and slowly began to cover Natsu's body, starting at his feet and working their way up his body. Gray witnessed as Natsu grew a tail, and his body expanded. He forced himself to watch, wanting to show Natsu he could handle it. Even so, it was painful to see his love slowly disappear in front of him and change into the one thing he’d always hated.

But that wasn’t exactly true anymore, Gray felt no animosity towards Natsu in this form. Before Natsu could stop him and while he could still see his face Gray rushed to put his arms around him and press their lips together in one last kiss. Whether he meant to or not, Natsu responded.

“I love you,” Gray repeated urgently, wanting Natsu to hear it, and hold on to it. That he could say those words to him even when he was in this form. Gray was by no means giving up, but he would give Natsu some time to think about what he'd said.

"Goodbye, Gray," Natsu said, and he stood in front of Gray as Fukou, the red dragon he had grudgingly befriended over the last year. He let Gray observe him briefly before taking off from the roof without another word.

Gray watched Natsu fly away from him, feeling more alone than ever, and thinking about how he and Natsu had managed to hurt each other so much over the years without meaning to.

Another memory overwhelmed him. This one more vivid than all the others that had preceded it.

“No, no, no,” Natsu rubbed his snout on Gray’s face as he fretted over Gray’s lifeless body, “Stay with me, love. I need you.”

“I don’t care if you hate me, just please, please don’t die.”

Natsu? Gray gazed up in confusion at the enormous red dragon that was staring down at him. It seemed to be crying. Why was it crying? Its green eyes were glowing as brightly as emeralds, and it reminded him of something, no someone.

Gray could feel the blood oozing out of him as he kept coming in and out of consciousness. The sharp pain in his head alerting him that he probably had a concussion. He felt so cold and, with a slight panic, realized he couldn’t feel anything below his waist. Gray wanted nothing more than to close his eyes, but the dragon's eyes begged him to stay.

Gray could see there was a lot of blood, and he didn’t think it could have all possibly come from him. Was the dragon injured too? This all felt so surreal, how had he gotten to the field with this dragon? And why wasn’t it trying to kill him? Where was his hatred?

His emotions all felt so far away. Gray wanted to yell at the dragon to leave him alone, but he couldn’t, there was something different about it. He felt connected to it.

A soothing warmth began to travel down his body, it was familiar, and his tired brain tried to make the association as feeling returned to his legs. When had he felt this before? He started to feel better as the warmth healed his wounds. Gray still felt woozy, but the dragon seemed to be in worse shape than before. It continued to treat him regardless, and Gray could hear it muttering to itself even if he couldn't quite make out the words. Suddenly it stopped and fell over panting and whining.

"Natsu!" Gray yelled and tried to get up, but he was still too weak. That's right, he remembered now. Natsu had transformed into a dragon to fight off the black dragon that had attacked Talos.

They both lay on the ground staring at each other.

“Gray?” Natsu called out to him, and when Gray grunted, he dragged himself over. Gray could now see the dragon was acutely injured, and he began to panic.

"You idiot, why did you heal me? Look at you!" Gray's voice sounded shrill as the fear settled into it. He had no idea what the fuck was going on, but his husband was injured and in pain, and there was nothing he could do about it. He chose to ignore the glaring issue with him being a dragon for the moment.

“You were -- dying, “ Natsu gasped the words out with great difficulty, clearly not in good shape, “Couldn’t -- let -- that happen.”

“We have to get you help,” Gray tried to move once again, screaming in frustration when he couldn’t.

"Don't worry,-- I'll be -- fine," Natsu began to cough, and blood sprayed on the ground near Gray's head, "Sorry -- Gray."

“Just shut up, we’ll talk about it once you change back.”

“Can’t -- change -- back.”

“What are you talking about, of course you can.”

Natsu shook his head, bright emerald eyes dulling to dark green. “Can’t -- last time -- felt it.”

"I don't understand any of this," Gray reached out his hand towards Natsu's snout, wanting to comfort him. He could see Natsu's eyes reclaim some of their radiance at the small gesture, but Gray had to put his arm down seconds later.

He couldn't do it, he couldn't bring himself to touch his husband, and while Gray hated himself for it, it didn't change the way he felt.

“I — I can’t,” Gray wanted to say something, anything to make things better, but he knew there was nothing that would reduce the sting of his rejection.

Natsu only nodded and closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath as his tears fell discreetly. “I -- understand.” He managed to stand up, using his wings for balance. “You should be free of this.”

“Natsu -- I’m sor--”

“It’s okay,” Natsu interrupted, beginning to cast a spell. Once he was done, his talons began to glow with a bluish light, creating a small magic circle.

“What are you doing?!”

Natsu opened his eyes at last, and Gray had to gasp at the sorrow he saw in their depths, "I'm setting you free, you deserve to be happy." He touched his talons to Gray's forehead.

Gray tried to protest, but the magic soon entered his head, and he wasn't strong enough to fight it off. He closed his eyes for a second, needing to think.

Gray opened his eyes, finding himself alone in the field. How had he gotten here? He heard a noise above him but couldn't make it out and was soon distracted by a voice echoing in his head.

I’m sorry.

With the last mystery finally revealed, Gray’s first reaction was to throw up violently, the acid bile in his stomach revolting against his actions.

Gods, what had he done?! Natsu had almost killed himself to save him, and Gray had rejected him.

Natsu hadn't taken his memories to shield himself. He'd done it because when faced with an impossible situation and Gray's rejection, he’d done what he always did. Protect Gray as best he could. He'd set him free and doomed himself to a life of loneliness, with only their memories for comfort.

Gray was still standing on the roof when Natsu returned to eat the enormous bonfire the town had built up for him as an offering. He watched as the dragon did a few lackluster aerials for the kids before giving a mighty roar and flying back to his cave.

A/N: The song that represented both Natsu's conflict and his personality for me as I plotted the story was Not Strong Enough by Apocalyptica, which is also one of my favorite Gratsu AMV's.So now you have a better idea of what happened to make Natsu take Gray's memories. A lot of full circle in this one. Now, all we have left is to give them their happy ending. After next week's update, I will return to updating every other week.

Thank you once again to @oryu404 for beta reading the chapter for me!

@ao3feed-gratsu

#fairy tail #gratsu #ftlgbtales #fairy tail big bang 2018 #update

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dust2dust34 · 5 years

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(i will be the fire) that keeps you warm (4/5, Olicity, AU)

Summary: Felicity has trauma of her own, but just like Oliver, she doesn’t have to deal with it alone.

(read on AO3)

(read from beginning)

It started out with a few raindrops.

They pelted her large picture window, soft and gentle, almost romantic. She could handle that. Nothing bad happened during those kinds of rainstorms. In the very far distance, she caught a flash of lightning, but it was so far out there that it did little more than make her heart skip a beat. And then she was okay.

See? She was growing. Evolving.

Felicity turned back to her work. The clock in the corner of her screen told her it was one o’clock, which meant she could squeeze out a couple more hours of work, at the very least. Although if this jerk code had anything to say about it, it might be a bit longer.

“That is fine by me,” she mumbled, fingers flying over the keyboard.

She had her eighth cup of coffee around nine, which probably wasn’t the smartest plan, but hey, it meant a happier client sooner, and darn it, she was all about that customer service.

A crack of thunder rocked the house.

Felicity’s heart shot right out of her chest and she jumped, eyes flying to the window. All she saw was the blurry reflection of her bedroom. She hadn’t seen any lightning, had she? No, she would have noticed. Because she noticed those types of things now. Enough to take precautions, at least. When nothing happened, she checked the time again - it was nearly 1:30.

“See?” she said. She ignored the tremble in her voice. “Not that bad. It’s fine.”

Lightning shot through the sky, illuminating everything in a flash that made her yelp. Her heart raced so fast she could taste copper. Hugging her laptop to her chest, Felicity stared at the window.

“One… two… thr-”

Thunder cracked, so loud it drowned out her startled scream.

Before common sense could take over, the power went out in a whoosh, descending her world into darkness.

Felicity yelped, shoving herself up against the headboard. Another flash of lightning bleached the world, showcasing the sudden whip of wind that tore through the open yard outside her window. There were trees dotted all over the lawn, including one close to her window. But not close enough for anyone to actually climb up it. Because she had checked. She had made sure that couldn’t happen.

Not again. Never again.

Her tree swayed in the heavy wind gusts, the branches reaching closer… closer…

The scrape against her window shot terror through her veins as another boom of thunder wrenched the sky open. Rain bombarded the house in vicious torrents. More lightning, then thunder, the tree reaching closer, so much closer.

In a flash, she didn’t see the branches any longer.

She saw hands, moving to crack the glass.

Coming in.

Her desperate whine shot into a terrified cry and Felicity dropped her laptop. She slid off the edge of the bed, landing on the floor with a hard crash. She barely felt it. She pushed the nightstand away from the bed frame, so hard it knocked her lamp to the floor. Harder, harder, she pushed, her glasses slipping off, falling somewhere. When there was finally enough space, she shoved herself into the tiny spot, making herself as small as possible, burying her head into her knees. Fear like she hadn’t felt in months bled through her and it was all she could do to push herself back even further.

If she was small enough, he wouldn’t see her. Nothing would happen. He’d go away.

The storm raged.

“Go away, go away, go away.”

For the longest time, the only sound was her blood rushing through her ears, the rattle of the nightstand from her violent shaking, hard pellets of rain and thunder. So much thunder. Lightning lit everything up and even though her eyes were squeezed shut, she swore she saw a figure breaking through the window, glass erupting around him in a shower of horror, an enraged shout of her name, the slash of a blade burying in her pillow, so close to her face, so close…

A little bark broke through.

Felicity latched onto the sound like the liferaft that it was and clung to it.

“Artie?” she croaked, forcing her eyes open.

Another bark and then a little body threw itself at her. The puppy wriggled into her arms and Felicity opened with a relieved little sigh. No, it was more of a laugh because the instant Artemis was in her arms, she calmed. Her baby girl pit bull beat back the fear with a happy grin and wet slobbery licks as she fought her way up Felicity’s chest to lick all over her face. She was getting so big that if Felicity hadn’t been propped between the nightstand and bed, she would have fallen over. Thankfully they’d let her go without the cone for a few days now and she was leaving her healing paw alone, far too interested in better things. Like licking Felicity’s skin off in an attempt to wipe away her tears.

The reprieve was short-lived, though.

Lightning lit up the room again, and a dark shadow caught her eye.

She tried to act, to think, but a shock of terror closed her throat, strangling the air right out of her. Thunder boomed, so close it shook the walls. Another flash of lightning flooded her room.

“Felicity?”

“Oliver.”

His name was a mixture of a breathy plea and a relieved sob. He slid out of her closet, shirtless and confused and worried, looking around for her. She pushed herself out of her self-made cubby and Artemis jumped out of the way to assist her.

The second Felicity was free, she launched herself at him.

Lightning lit things up just in time for him to see her.

Oliver caught her with open arms

Maybe it was a testament to who he was as a person, or maybe it was because of all the time they’d been spending together after she had slept in his room, but whatever it was, she was grateful for it because he instinctively yanked her up off her feet and cradled her to his chest.

“What is it, what’s wrong?” he asked, smoothing a hand down her unruly hair, his other arm banding around her back. His skin was so blissfully warm and the heat leached into her. When had it gotten so cold in her room? His grip loosened and she shook her head, winding her arms even tighter around his shoulders. “Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay, I’ve got you.”

And it was.

With him there.

There was more lightning, more thunder, the storm gaining momentum like a shark scenting blood in the ocean. But despite that, the terror abated. Just a little, although that was more than enough for her to take a breath. When all she smelled was Oliver’s woodsy scent flirting with an edge of detergent, she calmed a little bit more.

She didn’t realize they were moving until she felt the edge of the bed against the back of her legs.

“Don’t go,” Felicity whispered into his neck. “Please.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Oliver promised. He didn’t make a move to set her down and she knew he meant it. “You’re shaking really bad, though, so I think you should get back into bed. Is that okay?”

That was probably smart, and she knew it. But the thought of actually doing it - of letting him go - had her freezing again.

“You’ll stay?”

“I’ll stay.”

It was only when he repeated the words, squeezing her gently and rubbing his hand across her upper back, that she finally relented. The instant he set her down, a stab of panic nearly overtook her. But he stayed true to his word, not leaving. He urged her to the bed and she climbed in.

Artemis jumped up on her own and plopped down at the foot of the mattress as Felicity slipped under the covers, looking back to make sure he was staying.

She wanted him to join her, she realized. She needed him to, and he didn’t disappoint.

Oliver paused long enough to move her discarded laptop to the nightstand and then he followed her, slipping under the covers as well.

“Wait, is this… You don’t have to do this,” she whispered, remembering he usually slept on the floor on a good day. “I mean, if the bed isn’t what-”

“Felicity,” Oliver interrupted. He dragged the syllables out, turning it into Fe-li-ci-ty. He said it with such familiarity that her face crinkled up and tears burned her eyes. “I’m fine right here. With you.”

“Okay,” she replied on a nod. Was her voice shaking as bad as she thought? “Good.”

“C’mere,” he murmured to her when he was fully under the comforter. With a relieved sigh, she dove into his arms. He snuggled her close and she responded by burrowing into his bare chest. “I’ve got you.”

He was big and warm and strong and soft and everything the harsh world wasn’t right now. He wrapped them up in the blanket even more and all of it was made better when Artemis migrated up and sprawled out against Felicity’s back, effectively bookending her in a cocoon of protection.

The storm raged on, but now it couldn’t touch her.

“Thank you,” Felicity whispered, inching even closer, pressing every bit of herself she could to him.

“Of course,” Oliver replied. He tightened his arms around her and pressed a soft kiss to her head. He didn’t move, lingering there, his breaths warming her even more. “I’m glad I can help.”

She nodded and pushed her face into his chest. Security wound around like a fuzzy wool blanket, dulling the outside world even more. On a shuddery sigh, she finally relaxed.

A moment passed before he ventured, “Is it the storm?” Felicity bit the tip of her tongue, so hard she winced. He must have felt it because he quickly added, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I get it. But… I’m here. If you need me.”

She did need him. More than she knew what to do with.

The words tumbled out of her of their own volition.

“I have my own company, Smoak Technologies. Except you already knew that considering you commissioned me to design the security here. I… I had a boyfriend in college. Cooper. We were both scary good with computers and we had it in our heads that we should use it to do some good. Well, our definition of good. We called ourselves hacktivists. We hacked into everything and anything. We stole information, we erased school debt, we took money back from those we thought had been wronged. You know, just tried to Robin Hood our way through the world. Long story short, he got in trouble, and he… he took the fall for both of us. He ended up going to prison, where he… Where I thought he had killed himself. That’s what they told me. That he hung himself in his cell. But it was a lie, because he showed up about a year ago and apparently he’d been working for this governmental agency called AR… I can’t tell you, because I also do work for them and I signed an NDA and, wow, I’m babbling, please stop me.”

“I wouldn’t dare, I like it.” Felicity’s face warmed. She could honestly say she didn’t know the last time someone had said that to her. If ever. She bit her lip to stop from smiling and ducked her head, pressing her forehead to his scarred pec. He must have misread her silence because he added, “I won’t say anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“No,” Felicity said. “It’s not that.”

The words hung there for a moment until she felt him smile, his stubble soft against the crown of her head.

“Anyway,” she continued, her voice a little lighter. Well, as light as it could, all things considered. “He used a virus I had designed, a very bad, very dangerous virus that could take out an entire city. It stopped everything and he was using it to steal some money from these armored trucks from ARG… from the governmental agency. He just didn’t count on me being there to stop him. But I was, and I did, and when they found what he’d done, they tracked him down. But he wasn’t there. Because he had tracked me down. Because of coffee beans. I really like these certain coffee beans and he followed the trail I didn’t even think about covering because who covers coffee bean trails? Why would I know to do that for my crazy, supposed-to-be-dead boyfriend from college? Nobody, that’s who!”

Hysteria edged her words.

Oliver held her tighter. To comfort her, or maybe because he knew where this was going.

“He… he found my apartment and… and there was a storm that night. I didn’t know he was there. I was in bed crying because he was alive and so mad because how dare he use something I had created as a weapon, and for money of all things. I don’t know how I heard it, but there was this scrape. On my window. The storm was so bad that I didn’t really know what it was until… until he… He broke through the glass. It was everywhere, covering everything, and then he was there and he had a knife and he swung it at…”

She didn’t know her words were turning into sobs until Oliver hushed her, cradling her closer.

Artie whined at her back, twisting to press her face into the back of Felicity’s neck.

“So,” Felicity finished on a broken surge. “Long story short, I don’t like storms anymore.”

Oliver’s voice was strangely devoid of emotion as he asked, “Is he…?”

“He’s dead.” The word came out on a croak. “ARG… My house was being watched for my protection, apparently, and they knew when he’d gotten there. He didn’t get the chance to do whatever he was there to do before a bunch of guys broke down my door and shot him in front of me. I watched him die.”

“I’m sorry,” Oliver whispered. The softness she’d come to associate with him was back and she wrapped it around her as tight as she could. “I’m sorry you went through that.”

“It’s why I got Artemis,” Felicity told him. “It’s also why I moved in here. I feel safe here.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Oliver replied. “But now I feel like a dick for agreeing to take Artie every night.”

“No, don’t. That was my idea, remember? You are forbidden from feeling bad about it. She helps you so much, and she’s good at it, and she adores you, so I don’t want to hear it. Besides, she… While she did help, it wasn’t… The storms aren’t usually this bad. It’s been a while since I’ve lost it like this. I can usually handle the smaller ones just fine, it’s the big ones that make me, you know, catatonic. And it’s not until it’s over that it really goes away. Well, until now, I guess.”

Until you.

Oliver cradled her closer in response.

They held each other in comfortable silence. The storm was still going, but it barely registered on her radar anymore. Instead, sleep started to beckon. The heavenly feeling draped over her and she settled into it with a grateful sigh.

Oliver shifted and her eyes shot back open. “Are you…?”

“No, I’m good,” he replied. “I’m more than good. Your bed is comfortable.”

“You don’t feel the urge to get down on the floor?” It was supposed to be a tease, but then the words registered and she grimaced. “I’m not trying to make light of-”

A soft laugh fell out of him as he shook his head. “You’re not,” he told her. “And I’m good right where I am. If you are?”

Relief saturated her entire body. “I am.”

“Good,” he whispered.

“Oliver?”

“Hmm?”

“How did you know what was happening?”

“I didn’t. Artie did.”

Yep, there go the waterworks. Felicity’s voice wobbled as she asked, “She did?”

“She heard you all the way from my room. She shot up and took off like a bullet to my closet,” Oliver told her. Felicity huffed out a laugh, suddenly understanding where this was going. “I didn’t know what was going on until she nosed her way into that door you mentioned before. It still didn’t click until she disappeared and I freaked out and followed her.”

“You actually fit in there?”

“No,” he admitted and Felicity laughed even louder. “I think I broke a few walls, and I’m pretty sure I destroyed the door in your closet coming out, but… Artie had pushed it open and I heard you and I just had to keep going.”

Felicity’s heart clenched. “Yeah?”

“I had to make sure you were okay.”

“I am now,” she whispered. “With you here. You make me feel safe.”

He smiled. “I know the feeling.”

Thank you so much for reading! Reviews literally feed the soul and muse.

Final part will be up tomorrow!

#olicity #olicity fic #olicity fanfic #olicity summer sizzle #olicitysquee #oliver queen #felicity smoak #arrow #fanfiction #my fics #my fics: au #dust2dust34 #fic: puppy au #olicity au

33 notes · View notes

malecsecretsanta · 4 years

Text

Merry Christmas, @ninwrites!

Here it is, a fic with a looot of fluff and way too many clichés but i had fun writing it for you and i hope you’ll like it (at least a little)

Merry Christmas!

*****

Icy What You Did There

Alec had been looking forward to spending Christmas with his loved ones for once in his life. He still wasn't out to his mother, but his siblings knew and loved him all the same. He had even planned to let them properly meet Magnus, his boyfriend.

After a semester full of stress and tension, he could finally breathe when he crashed on his sofa on the first day of the holidays. Being an athlete was something he loved, and he was glad he could share his passion with his brother, but it was hard to keep up with all the other amazing students in his classes. Sport was a commitment after all.

Especially because he might be part of the NYU varsity track and field team, but he was getting a degree in Physical education as a whole which meant that had to follow many different sport classes – but at least he could continue archery at a high enough level to be eligible for national competitions.

Although considering the appreciative looks he got from Magnus the first time they saw each other in flesh, he was more than happy to wake up early every day to work out – Jace couldn't say anything, his motivations were even worse.

He didn't know how he got lucky enough to meet Magnus. More than his good looks – he kind of froze the first time he was a picture – his boyfriend was the sweetest and most lively person he had ever met. That a guy like him would be interested in studious and boring Alec was a miracle.

(He had found a nice Christmas gift for Clary, Izzy's soon-to-be girlfriend to thank her for making them meet.)

He sighed when he heard his phone chimed. Probably another family invitation from his sister. He loved her, really, but he only wanted to sleep at the moment.

From Izzy: Come on, put on a smile and a nice outfit, we're going out tonight and you won't regret it.

Did he really have a choice? It was either disappoint his sister or have a hopefully nice evening.

He sent her a confirmation and asked for an address.

He changed quickly into something his sister had given him once upon a time and went to meet her in front of the nice pub she had chosen for the night and had a surprise when he saw his mom was here. Ever since the divorce, she had been discreet, too busy dealing with the fallout to really spend time with them. It was fine, Alec had been too afraid to accidentally come out to really seek her out.

I'm so happy to see you could join us, Maryse greeted him with a hug.

He awkwardly hugged her back before making small talk, waiting for what he supposed was Izzy and Jace being fashionably late.

He smirked to himself, thinking that Magnus would probably do the same when he'd meet Izzy.

They settled inside once everyone was here, finding a nice and cosy table at the back. It was a bit big for only the four of them, but he was told Clary and Simon were hoping to join them a bit later. They had barely ordered their appetizers when Alec received another message. He grinned when he saw who texted him.

From Magnus: Hey darling, got a surprise for you!

He was about to ask more details when Jace and Maryse stood up. He could hear the excited voice of Simon at the entrance. Rolling his eyes at the familiar display, he still stood up to welcome him – and he guessed Clary was with him, it was rare to see the two best friends away from each other.

He turned around and almost tripped on air when he saw Magnus.

Surprise! Screamed everyone at him, especially Clary who looked way too proud of herself. He would bet everything she was the one who had planned it all.

Great, mumbled Alec while blushing, and now I have to find you another great Christmas gift to thank you…

Jace laughed wholeheartedly with a wink, patting Alec on the back.

Team effort then.

Magnus had been planning on coming to New York to celebrate the holidays with him – and Alec had been more than glad to offer him to crash at his place – but that was supposed to be in four days. Not that Alec was complaining, he’d gladly take any chance to spend some time with his boyfriend.

It took a few minutes for everyone to sit back down and settle around the table, their drinks arriving in between. Then Maryse raised an eyebrow and waited for the introductions to be made.

Right, Isabelle started, you obviously know Clary and Simon. This is Magnus, one of Clary's closest friends.

She looked at Alec, waiting for him to decide whether he wanted to keep it at that or not. Magnus looked happy either way, keeping his hands to himself to support whatever Alec was comfortable with.

Simon and I are together, announced Jace to distract Maryse in the meantime. It's quite recent but... I wanted you to know.

Maryse did look surprised, as Alec was expecting, but not in a negative way. If anything, her eyes seemed to shine, happy for her adoptive son and the fact that she was included. Alec took a deep breath, clasped Magnus's hand tightly in his to give him courage and feeling him squeeze back at him before speaking.

And Magnus and I have been together for over a year and a half.

He almost winced when he saw her look at him before a grin appeared on her face. She was happy for him and she told him so, apologizing for the distance between them. Alec shrugged, more than used to the loneliness he had been feeling for years, but that had slowly disappeared with his siblings and Magnus' presence.

So… You and Clary then? Guessed Maryse with a smirk.

Not yet, coughed Jace from his corner.

Simon was laughing so hard when he saw the two girls' faces that he had to hide his face in Jace's shoulder to not fall off his chair and get some semblance of control back. Who would have thought that the fiery and brave Izzy would be the last to confess? And that clary would not take matters in his own hands.

Alec grinned when he saw Magnus's scheming face. Yeah, getting them together would make a magnificent Christmas gift, wouldn't it?

That went well, Magnus commented when they were back at Alec's place later that night.

Alec made a noncommittal sound, too busy enjoying the weight of Magnus on him while watching stupid Christmas movies. He wasn't planning on doing anything except enjoy the moment until it was time to go to bed.

Think Izzy is going to ask Clary out before Christmas? He teased.

With our help? Sure. We might even get her to do it on Christmas eve.

Christmas eve. The first with Magnus – hopefully not the last – and his whole family together. Now, that was going to be spectacular and amazing. He couldn't recall a time when he had been looking forward to the celebrations that much.

The tv kept playing the final act in the Christmas movie they'd been watching, but Magnus and Alec kept messing around with ideas to play matchmakers. Each was stupider than the last, and when they reached the point of spy-movies level of complicated plans, they laughed it off and decided that maybe, it was better to let things develop on their own.

After all, we didn't need anyone's help, murmured Magnus while Alec played with his hair. And look where that had got us.

Only because you asked me out. I wouldn't have done it.

Alec was man enough to admit he had been terrified of rejection. Even if, technically, Magnus lived on the other side of the country and it was much easier to text that to physically voice his feelings, he had been paralyzed. Fortunately for him, Magnus called him one day, offering a drink.

Due to the distance, they could only have that drink on the fourth of July, when Magnus had visited Clary but then things had been smooth sailing for both of them. Having a long-distance relationship was sometimes hard, but between video calls, texting, and the few visits they had over the months, they had managed.

Even better, for their relationship to not break under pressure, they had been forced to communicate. That had been hard for Alec, especially at the beginning, but in the long run, it had been a blessing. He was much more comfortable in his own skin – as demonstrated by his coming out to his mom – and in general, much happier.

Now, his goal was to give Magnus the best Christmas, as he knew he had grown up without a loving family or the opportunity to celebrate them for the longest time.

Apparently, that included helping his mother and his boyfriend setting up everything on the big day. He was not complaining, he was glad to spend the afternoon goofing around while finishing the Christmas tree decoration with his little brother or prepare the turkey for his mother.

At one point, Max had even convinced Maryse to have helium inflated balloons and gone overboard when buying them, which meant Magnus was stuck for a full hour inflating each one and then tying them and decorating the house with them.

Alec was reminded of one of their skype dates when Magnus had been having fun with the voice software and had spoken with silly or really deep voices until Alec could relax after a hard day.

He was elbow deep in turkey stuffing when Magnus barged in, a balloon behind him, and breathed in some helium.

Hellooo, he cooed at Alec checking to see if Max was around, this turkey isn't the only thing you'll be stuffing tonight...

Alec was torn between laughing at the silly – and naughty – pick up line or hiding because his mom had just stopped in the doorway, arching an eyebrow. Laughter won, but only because he couldn't resist Magnus' cute little pout.

Washing his hands quickly, he breathed in some helium too before answering.

You are the reason Santa has a naughty list.

Maryse gave up then, pushing them to the living room so she could work in peace in the kitchen, far from their distracting influence or she just wouldn't get anything done.

Silly boys, she sighed but she was happy to see her eldest laughing freely.

She heard her youngest put some music while they finished setting up everything. And when she said everything, she meant everything.

Magnus had somehow convinced Max that for the first happy Christmas in the Lightwood household, especially with so many couples, going overboard was the bare minimum. Her house would soon be unrecognizable, but she didn't worry.

If needed, she could still ask Magnus to help clean up what he did, and that would have the bonus of making Alec happier because she would make sure it would take ages to clean everything properly – but in a friendly atmosphere.

No one was going to ruin their Christmas.

Soon Max and Magnus teamed up, to Alec's despair and the whole living room was shining. There was glitter everywhere, even on their clothes or their hair to the enjoyment of Max.

Even after taking a shower, Alec was still shining, reflecting the different lights they had put on the walls and ceilings. He had never seen that much colour on himself before – unless he was letting Magnus or Izzy dress him.

He heard Maryse knock on his childhood room door and let her in, Magnus getting out to let them speak while he was entertaining Max and waiting for everyone to show up.

I'm really happy to see you happy, Maryse started. And everyone is going to get here soon, so I'll cut this short. I just wanted to give you this, I feel like you might be needing it soon.

She handed him the Lightwood family ring – well, one of them. There were four, so each of the siblings could have one, Maryse had made sure of that.

This one was the original, for the eldest.

Alec blushed, understanding dawning on him.

We're not... I mean...

It's fine, Maryse reassured him. You can just put it somewhere until the time comes, but just in case…

That was a nice gift, Alec thought. And it definitely meant a lot that she was willing to give the ring to him right after meeting Magnus. She truly had changed. Alec smiled shyly, passing a hand through his hair to hide his nervousness when he took the ring and, after a second of hesitation, put it in his pocket.

Who knows? He certainly wouldn't mind building a future with Magnus.

They stayed there a few moments, awkward after a heartfelt moment they didn't know how to react to when the doorbell ringed.

Jumping a bit, they hurried down the stairs to welcome everyone.

Dinner was a success, despite Magnus' flirty comments when the turkey arrived – he remembered very well his line from earlier thank you Magnus – and Jace's inability to eat properly.

They had quite the debate about whether they should open the presents at midnight or stay the night and open them on Christmas morning and Max and Simon finally won, claiming that it was the tradition to open them in the morning. Luke had to accept the guest room, everyone else just staying in their childhood rooms or their significant other's childhood room.

Or that was the plan, but everyone kind of spontaneously decided to have a sleepover in the biggest room, putting mattresses on the floor so they could chat until morning.

(They did not, most of them fell asleep around 3 am but they had fun teasing each other until then, and Luke and Maryse gently scolded them the morning after but really, they did the same thing, so they had no ground to stand on.)

Everyone was excited when they saw the living room full of presents – they really had gone all out this year, noted Alec with a chuckle – but they managed to at least have breakfast before Max declared it was present opening time.

Some gifts were serious, others were really no, but they had fun. Without moving from his – very comfortable – place in Alec's lap, Magnus offered a book to Alec, one he had been dying to read along with an envelope that had everyone hovering in curiosity.

That was a letter of acceptance into New York Tisch university of the arts dance program.

Magnus had got in!

Everyone cheered for him, knowing it was one of the best dance school in the world and that it was a dream come true for him. Alec congratulated him, happy to have his boyfriend living his dream AND being in the same city as him. They'd finally get to live together, after fantasizing about it for months during the audition process.

I'm like a Christmas present, you'll love waking up to me in the morning.

Alec laughed, kissing Magnus' temple. He probably shouldn't encourage him and his awful pick-up lines, but he secretly liked them, so why the hell not? And he liked kissing him.

Watching everyone open their present after that felt perfect. His smile did not leave his face for a second.

(He might have been close to tears of happiness at one point. Might.)

Surrounded by people he loved and who loved him, he couldn't imagine a more perfect Christmas.

Wait.

Actually, he could.

Tracing the outline of the ring in his pocket, he waited until Magnus' attention was back on him.

Are you Christmas? Because I want to Merry you.

Magnus froze, before laughing it off as another silly pick up line. But Alec was dead serious.

Ignoring his family watching them, he got the ring out, and sent Magnus one of his lopsided smiles, waiting for his real answer.

Not what I was expecting when I said all I wanted for Christmas was you, grinned Magnus.

Alec held his breath. It sounded like a yes, right?

That's a yes, in case you needed to hear it, teased Magnus.

Izzy squealed so high Alec flinched but eventually laughed. He accepted every congratulation from his family, soaking in the happiness that was all around.

Jace demanded to be the best man; Clary said if that was the case, she needed to be the maid of honour, cause hello, she was the one who introduced the two lovebirds.

But Alec was no longer paying attention to them.

All he could think about was how good the Lightwood ring looked on Magnus' finger.

#ninwrites #malecsanta19 #*fics19 #*gifts19

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advocaado · 5 years

Text

Day 18: Diplomatic Solution

@thirtydaysofzutara, @zutaramonth

I live! Sorry for posting this one late. It grew way too large for me to finish yesterday. But I suspect a lot of you will really enjoy today’s story. That being said, I wrote it in like two days so it’s VERY rough around the edges. The pacing is terrible, the flow is choppy, and the dialogue is awkward. If you’re looking for something polished, look elsewhere, my dudes. We die like men, today.

Find the whole collection on fanfiction.net. User: Advocaat

“Sokka, get this thing off me right now. I’m not kidding around.”

Katara gave her brother a look blacker than night. She was not impressed. Not in the least. Rather, she was furious.

Sokka withstood her look of murder and shook his head. “Nope. We had a talk and we all agreed that this was the best, most diplomatic solution to your problem with Zuko.”

Beside him, Aang nodded seriously. “Sorry, Katara, but we couldn’t think of any other way to make both of you happy. You want to make sure that Zuko doesn’t try anything funny and he,” he pointed at Zuko who was standing silently beside her, “wants an opportunity to earn your trust, which he can’t do if you’re just going to stalk away whenever he tries to talk to you. This is really the only way to give you both what you want.”

It took all of Katara’s willpower not to snarl at Aang. She knew he was just doing what he thought was best, but this plan of theirs was absolutely bonkers. Not to mention the worst thing that could ever happen to her. Controlling her rage as best she could, she said hotly, “You think this will make either of us happy?” She lifted her wrist, which was encased in a hard leather cuff attached to a length of sturdy cord and waved it demonstratively. “Tying us together with a bison tether?”

At this point, Zuko, who had been standing by unsurely while she argued with her brother and Aang, finally deigned to speak up. He didn’t look any happier than her to be essentially cuffed together. “There has to be a better way. You can’t seriously expect us to live like this.”

Sokka crossed his arms and shook his head. “The tether’s long enough to give you an ample range of motions. And we’ve already agreed to remove it for Aang’s lessons.”

“But…!” Katara protested, taking a step forward. “But what about sleeping? What about using the bathroom? What about bathing?”

Beside her, Zuko nodded vehemently.

Aang shifted his weight to one side and scratched his head. “Can’t one of you just stand outside the door while the other uses the toilet? It doesn’t seem like much of a problem to me.”

Sokka nodded. “Yeah. And we can move Zuko’s bed to your room to solve the sleeping problem.”

Katara bristled in outrage. “You want me to sleep with him?!” she shrieked. “Absolutely not! I can’t believe you would even suggest such a thing!”

Sokka waved a hand dismissively. “Sleep in the same room with him. Not with him.”

This differentiation did nothing to sooth Katara’s ire and she let her brother know this by reiterating her refusal to be in any way a part of this horrid, terrible plan. “No way! I won’t do it. This is madness!”

“Listen, Katara,” Aang said in his sage voice. “You just have to stand it until you and Zuko learn to get along. After that, we’ll take the cuffs off and you two can go back to your separate lives.” He tilted his head then and offered the two of them a grin. “Think of it as a team building exercise.”

If Aang thought that would make her feel better about the situation, he was sadly mistaken. However, it was becoming clear to her and he and Sokka were going to stick to their guns on this one. The only way she was going to get out of this was by doing as they asked. They’d left her no choice in the matter.

Exhaling a rough sigh, Katara turned her steely gaze on Zuko. To his credit, he met her gaze without flinching. “Fine,” she said without inflection. “I’ll learn to get along with you.” She turned back to Aang and her brother then and her eyes narrowed angrily. “But let me be clear about one thing. Zuko and I will never be friends.”

Her bit said, Katara turned on her heel and marched off down the corridor toward the common area. Unable to do anything else with their wrists tethered together, Zuko followed.

Day One

Morning

Katara tried not to flush in embarrassment as she and Zuko walked into the common area. The moment they entered, all eyes turned on them. Haru, Teo, and The Duke stared at them with wide eyes and she saw them whisper to each other too softly to hear. Suki smiled apologetically at her from the cooking pot where she and Chit Sang were just finishing up breakfast. Nearby, Toph had her head turned in their direction and Katara could see a wide grin growing on her face. She had no doubt Toph would give her no end of hell for this. The last person she looked at was her father, and when she turned her gaze to him she found him wearing a bemused expression. He was looking between her and Zuko with a single raised eyebrow but he said nothing. Katara didn’t know if she was relieved or disappointed by this.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the happy couple,” Toph was the first to vocally acknowledge their entrance. “You guys seem closer already.”

Katara shot the small earthbender a heated glare which was wasted on her.

“Sorry, Katara,” Suki apologized as Katara joined her by the pot. “I knew you wouldn’t be happy, but we all agreed that something needed to be done. Hopefully this will help the two of you come to an understanding.”

Katara said nothing to the short-haired warrior. She simply nudged her aside and took over scooping the morning’s porridge into bowls. She needed to feel like she was in control of something.

Zuko wisely remained as far out of dodge as he could, opting to sit beside Chit Sang while she worked. Normally, he would offer to help, but even he could sense that today was not a good day to press her buttons.

Noon

“Alright, you two! Bonding exercise number one starts now. I won’t stop even if you cry!”

Katara shot a glance at Zuko as he took a ready stance as far from her as the tether would allow. Across from them, Toph had collected a pile of rubble which she’d explained she was going to throw at them until they, in her own words, ‘made nice’. Katara wasn’t sure how exactly having rocks thrown at her was supposed to change her feelings for Zuko, but Toph had made it clear that this was happening whether she liked it or not.

“Here it comes!”

Katara had no more time to question Toph’s plan because suddenly bits of temple were being hurled at her with enthusiastic abandon. Katara yelped as a chunk of stone shattered near her feet and she was forced to jump out of the way when another came hurtling right at her chest. She managed to dodge the lumpy projectile, but her movement caused the tether to strain and she heard a cry of surprise as Zuko was tugged along with her.

The rocks continued to sail at them and both Katara and Zuko struggled to fight them off with the tether yanking them this way and that. Several times, Katara was nearly pulled into the path of an oncoming rock because Zuko was attempting to dodge the other way. Getting fed up, she growled at him and yanked her arm hard, causing him to stumble and nearly get hit. Zuko righted himself and scowled back at her. “What was that for?”

“That was for pulling on me!” she shot back.

“Well, maybe I wouldn’t pull on you if you didn’t insist on being as far away from me as possible!”

Katara bristled. “Me? You’re the one staying away from me!”

“Only because you’ll bite my head off if I come any closer!”

“Children!” Toph called over top of them. “Quit squabbling and get dodging! Momo and Appa could do a better job than you two are right now. Jeez, are you guys allies or aren’t you?”

At Toph’s admonishment, Zuko snapped his mouth shut and Katara saw his jaw square into a look of resolution. Exhaling a sigh, he moved in closer until the cord fell slack against the floor.

Toph nodded in approval. “That’s better. Now try again.”

This time when Toph’s rocks came flying at them, Zuko made a conscious effort to match her movements. When Katara dodged left, Zuko did the same. When she used her water to swat a rock away, Zuko stayed close so as to not limit her range of motion. This simple adjustment did wonders to make the trial more palatable. After a few minutes of this, Katara begrudgingly decided that if Zuko was willing to put aside his pride to work together with her, it was only fair that she do the same. She began mirroring his motions as well and soon they fell into a something of a rhythm.

Now that they weren’t fighting just to dodge the attacks, they were able to move onto the offense, slowly gaining ground with each leap, dodge, and strike until they were within range to counterattack. When they breached the five foot mark, however, Toph abruptly stopped. She dropped her arms, allowing gravity to pull the rocks back down to the floor. “That’s enough for today,” she announced without preamble. “Good work, you two.”

Katara and Zuko relaxed out of their fighting stances and shared a confused look.

“That’s it?” Zuko asked uncertainly.

Toph placed her arms behind her head and shifted her weight onto one hip. “What? The goal was to get you guys to work together. You did. If you want me to keep throwing rocks at you, I’m totally willing to, but I figured you guys would have, like, other plans for your day.”

Katara hurriedly shook her head. “No, you’re right. Zuko and I have tons of plans.”

“Yeah. Tons,” Zuko agreed without needing to be prompted. Clearly he didn’t relish the idea of dodging rocks all day any more than she did.

Toph smirked. “That’s what I thought.” With that, she walked away, leaving Katara and Zuko to their own devices.

Afternoon

Katara peeked over the top of her book to see what Zuko was doing. She hoped to find him up to something nefarious but he was just reading a crusty old scroll with a bored expression.

Disappointed, she went back to her own reading. The book she’d found was a bound collection of old Air Nomad pie recipes. It wasn’t the most riveting read, but it was sort of fun to learn about Air Nomad cooking. She’d already found several recipes she’d like to try if she could get her hands on the ingredients.

After a few more minutes of perusal, she again looked up at Zuko. Surely by now he was doing something dastardly.

He hadn’t moved. He was still reading quietly, his expression betraying no hint of any evil plotting. Katara’s eyes narrowed in frustration.

Without warning, Zuko’s eyes flicked up from his scroll to look at her and his expression turned to one of annoyance. “Would you stop scowling at me? That’s the sixth time in the past ten minutes.”

Katara felt her cheeks heat at being called out. Covering up her embarrassment with bluster, she said, “I’m just checking to make sure you’re not up to anything.”

Zuko gave her an incredulous look. “We’re in a library. What am I going to do in here? Plagiarize?”

Katara humphed petulantly and returned to her recipe book. After a drawn-out moment, she said, “I wouldn’t put it past you.”

Zuko just rolled his eyes.

Evening

Katara stared hard at the second bed that had been placed in her room just a couple feet away from her own as if she could somehow will it out of existence.

This was really happening. She and Zuko would be sharing a room from tonight on.

Putting on her most furious face, she whirled around and gave Zuko the coldest of murder glares. “If you even think of—”

“I’m not going to do anything,” Zuko declared in a flat voice before she could even get her warning out. He crossed his arms over his chest and stared her levelly in the eye, challenging her to try accusing him of anything untoward.

Katara shut her mouth and merely glowered back. She hated to give Zuko credit for anything, but of all the evil things he’d done, it was true that he’d never struck her as a sleaze. She supposed everyone at had least oneredeeming quality. She gave him a warning glare anyhow before marching across the room—pulling Zuko along with her—to her bed. There, she pulled off her boots one by one and unwrapped the sarashi from her arms. That was as far as she’d go in unclothing for the night. No way was she taking off any more in the presence of her most hated enemy. Not that she could take off her tunic with the tether in the way, regardless.

Now as prepped for bed as she was going to be, she settled under her covers and promptly faced the wall, determined to become unconscious as quickly as possible. If there was no option but to share a room with Zuko, then she might as well go to sleep so that she didn’t have to look at him.

Through the movements of the tether, she felt Zuko make his own preparations for sleep. She heard him place his own boots on the floor followed by the rustling of blankets as he slipped into bed. She felt the tether pull as he attempted to face the opposite side of the room and she joined him in sighing in resignation when it proved to be just a little too short. Great, now he would be staring at her back all night. That was just what she needed; the cherry to top this sundae of misery.

Eventually, even with the knowledge that Zuko was most likely watching her, she did fall asleep. It was a restless, wary sleep, but it was better than nothing.

Day Two

Morning

“So, how’d our Siamese twins sleep last night?”

Katara dropped her chin and slowly turned from the cooking pot to level a forest-withering glare at the far too peppy earthbender. Toph wore a shit-eating grin larger than Aang’s arrow and though Katara was sure Toph could sense exactly how unimpressed she was by the gibe, she didn’t seem bothered by it.

“Whew! Someone’s in a foul mood this morning,” the small bender said joyfully.

Katara couldn’t deny it. Last night had been hell. She’d been tugged nearly off her bed in the middle of the night when Zuko had rolled over in his sleep, and when she’d tried to wake him to make him turn back over, she’d startled him into sitting up abruptly, causing their heads to bash together. After that, they’d spent twenty minutes arguing over whose fault it was, followed by another twenty in which they glared at each other across the gap between their beds. This only ended when Katara’s exhaustion finally got the better of her and she passed out.

“What about you, spice lord? No comment?”

Zuko sat as far from Katara as the tether would allow him, holding his head in his hand. Katara had to admit that he looked just as bad as she did, though she would never say it aloud.

“No.”

Toph just shrugged at his clipped answer and then turned to call back the rest of the group gathered. “I think it’s working.”

Noon

“Alright. Team building exercise number two!” Aang announced to the gloomy pair standing sullenly beside each other across from him by the temple’s fountain. He wore a large, optimistic smile which he turned back and forth between them as if showering them in his good cheer would cause them to catch it.

“Please don’t say it’s more training,” Katara said, deadpan. She was way too tired to deal with dodging rocks today.

“It is!” Aang declared brightly. “Positivity training. I want the two of you to sit across from each other and you’ll take turns listing the other’s good points.”

Katara couldn’t stop her eyebrows from shooting up in surprise. “What?” She looked at Zuko then and her brow furrowed. “But he doesn’t have any good points.”

Zuko promptly crinkled his nose in offense.

“Sure he does,” Aang stated before they could start an argument. “Come on Katara, you’re a master at seeing the good in people. This exercise should be easy for you.”

Katara frowned. She wanted to continue to protest, but instead she pursed her lips. She couldn’t let Aang down. “…Fine.”

Doing as instructed, she and Zuko settled onto the stone ground across from each other. Zuko stared directly into her eyes, unblinking, and Katara did the same. What followed was a drawn out staring contest both were determined to win.

The contest was ended by Aang who stepped in between them and levelled both of them with a disapproving expression. “Come on, guys. You’re acting like kids. The two of you are never going to resolve your differences if you don’t try.”

Katara’s cheeks heated in shame at being called a child by Aang. Reluctantly, she closed her eyes and cleared her throat. “You’re right. We should be fully capable of handling ourselves like mature young adults.” She opened her eyes and met Zuko’s gaze, challenging him to prove her wrong.

“That’s the spirit,” Aang said, his good mood returning. “Then why don’t you start, Katara? What’s one good thing about Zuko?”

Curses, she swore in her head. Aang wasn’t supposed to pick her first. Her mouth thinned into a line as she attempted to think of even one good thing about the teenager sitting across from her. Zuko watched her patiently, his golden eyes looking right into hers. She watched his eyebrow slant just slightly in a look that said, I’m waiting.

Katara’s own eyebrows twitched in response. Oh, how she hated him. “I guess if I had to pick one good thing about Zuko…” she started, wishing she could swallow her own tongue, “it’s that even if he’s an underhanded, backstabbing scoundrel, he’s terrible at lying.”

Aang scrunched his brow in disappointment. “That’s the best you can do? Come on, Katara.”

“What?” she protested. “It’s a compliment. I’m saying that if nothing else, he’s honest.”

Zuko didn’t look any more impressed than Aang. “…Thanks?”

Aang sighed. “Alright, Zuko. Your turn,” he said, choosing not to fight any further.

Katara fought a grin. She was all prepared to turn Zuko’s smug look from before back on him, but to her surprise he answered right away. “Your bending,” he said simply. “You’re really good.”

To say she was blindsided was an understatement. Katara blinked, then she blinked again. When she’d gathered her wits, she tentatively asked, “…Really?”

He nodded. “Yeah.” Looking suddenly bashful, he raised a hand to scratch the back of his head and added, “I…like fighting with you.”

For the second time, Katara felt heat rise in her cheeks, but this time it wasn’t from shame. “Oh. Um, thanks.” To think Zuko actually thought she was a worthy opponent. He’d always lorded his skill over her in the past.

Aang smiled brightly. “That was perfect, Zuko. You’re really getting this.” Turning back to Katara, he said, “Okay, your turn again.”

Somewhat subdued by Zuko’s actually nice comment, Katara sucked up her pride and gave the task some proper consideration. After all, what would it say about her to be out-niced by Zuko? She’d never be able to live with herself. After a moment, she said, “I suppose you’re pretty good about helping out. I mean, when Toph first joined us, it was like pulling teeth to get her to do anything, but you make us tea and you always offer to help. That’s pretty cool, I guess.”

Katara had to fight not to feel just the smallest bit charmed when a tiny, pleased smile appeared on Zuko’s face. It struck her in that moment that Zuko actually had a rather nice smile—on the rare occasions he chose to wear one.

Aang beamed. “That was way better! See? I knew you could do it.”

Now it was Zuko’s turn again, and this time he took some time to think about what he wanted to say. Katara could see his brain working behind his eyes. After a moment, he said, “You have a lot of compassion.” He looked down at his lap and Katara saw his cheeks dust pink. “You offered to heal my uncle once, and…I’m sorry I yelled at you for that. You also offered to use your spirit water on me…before.” He peeked up at her a little uncertainly. “I was really surprised. And touched.”

Once again, Katara felt warmth rise within her. Normally, she’d get angry at Zuko for reminding her of his betrayal, but he sounded so genuine just now that the anger flickered out as soon as it appeared.

“Wait, you were going to use your water on—”

“You were? Really?” she asked overtop Aang.

At Zuko’s nod, Katara scooted a little closer and furrowed her brow seriously. “Then, why did you attack Aang? If you hadn’t joined Azula, we would’ve beat her and I could’ve healed you.”

Zuko’s expression turned uncomfortable and he turned his face away to look at the fountain. “I don’t know.”

Katara’s frown deepened and she leaned forward. “What do you mean, you don’t know? If you don’t know, then how I can be sure you won’t do it again?”

Zuko whipped his face back to look at her. “Because I won’t,” he said insistently.

Katara shook her head. “That’s not good enough, Zuko.”

Zuko opened his mouth to retort but he was stopped by Aang who stepped between them and held his hands out for silence. “I think that’s enough for today, guys. I don’t want this to turn into an argument. You’ve both said a few good things so let’s just leave it here.”

At Aang’s request, Zuko shut his mouth. He looked like he wanted to defend himself still but he curbed the urge. Katara also wanted to keep pressing him, but she knew Aang was right. They were just going to argue if they kept going. Reluctantly, she nodded and said, “Fine. We’ll continue this another time.”

Aang smiled, clearly pleased by their cooperation, and stepped back so that he wasn’t standing between them anymore. Clapping his hands together, he said, “Great! Then this team-building exercise is finished. Good job today.”

Katara and Zuko both nodded and stood. Katara snuck a glance at Zuko that for once was devoid of overt hostility and Zuko did the same. They had an odd moment of sort-of connection in which they simply looked at each other, then they broke it at the same time and followed Aang back to the common area. It was time for Aang’s firebending lesson.

Evening

Katara hummed as she stirred the night’s stew. She was in an oddly good mood after Zuko and Aang’s bending lesson. Perhaps it was because she’d been able to use her temporary freedom to have a nice bath. She felt refreshed and positive. Even being bound to Zuko again wasn’t bringing her down.

Zuko also seemed a little less prickly than usual. She had him chopping onions, a task he’d set to gladly, seemingly happy to have finally been given a chore. Suddenly, Katara found herself wondering why she’d been so against putting him to work before. Not liking him didn’t mean she couldn’t extract some labor out of him.

Perhaps their positive moods were sensed by the others, because tonight everyone was gathered round the cooking pot. Chit Sang and The Duke were having a discussion about flame newts while Sokka, Teo, and Haru argued about the details of some mechanical contraption Sokka wanted Teo to make. Her dad and Suki were listening to Toph and Aang talk about earthbending practice while Suki finished chopping potatoes for the stew. All in all, it was a much nicer atmosphere than that morning.

Katara’s pleasant mood persisted through dinner, though it soured a bit when it came time to retire for the night. Once again, she sighed bitterly as she and Zuko entered her room. It was going to be another long, restless night.

“Alright,” she announced, turning around to address her unwilling roommate. “Tonight, we’re just going to suck it up and face each other. That way, if one of us turns over, the other won’t be pulled out of bed.” She gave Zuko a pointed look to make it clear that by ‘one of us’ she really meant him.

Zuko looked like he wanted to fight her—restart their argument from last night—but he held his retort inside and nodded.

Agreement made, the two benders made their night preparations and crawled into their respective beds. Facing Zuko brought back memories of the previous night when they’d glared themselves to sleep. Looking back on their behavior, Katara felt just the slightest bit foolish. She still stood by her argument, though. Last night’s head-bashing fiasco had definitely been his fault.

Five minutes later, it appeared that neither of them had found sleep. They just continued to watch each other impassively. Finally, Zuko broke the long silence. “This is weird.”

“Yeah, this is weird,” Katara agreed without hesitation. “One of us should turn over.”

Zuko nodded. “Then I’ll do it. I’m the one who turned in my sleep last night. This way, if I do it again, it won’t affect you.”

Katara nodded her agreement. Seemed like sound logic to her.

Without another word, Zuko flipped onto his other side, leaving her to stare at his back. Without the pressure of his eyes on her, she was at last able to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.

The last thought she had as dreams took her was that Zuko actually had quite a nice back.

Midnight

Katara was abruptly startled awake by a yelp from the bed next to hers. Groggily, she blinked the sleep from her eyes as her brain tried to figure out what was going on.

“Katara!” she heard Zuko hiss in the dark. “Katara! Wake up!”

Becoming more alert at the sound of her attachment’s voice, she looked behind her to find Zuko with his arm stretched over the side of the bed, his whole shoulder dangling over the edge of the mattress. Only then did she realize that she’d shifted in her sleep to hug the wall. Quickly, she pushed off the wall and rolled back over, much to Zuko’s relief.

“Sorry,” she apologized sheepishly. Well, now she just felt silly. She’d given him such a hard time about moving in his sleep and now she’d gone and done the same thing.

The two of them settled back into their original positions and Katara was glad when Zuko chose not to lord her sleep-rolling over her, though she imagined he felt pretty smug right about now.

It took a little longer for sleep to take her this time. She watched Zuko’s silhouette in the dark and thought about the lengths he’d gone to not to engage her during this whole dumb plan. He was really doing his best to play nice with her and she was beginning to feel a little bad about her behavior up till now. As she waited for sleep to claim her once more, she made a promise to herself not to be so short with him tomorrow.

Day Three

Morning

The next morning, Zuko had another lesson with Aang, leaving Katara free to do some laundry before breakfast. As she washed everyone’s clothes in the fountain, Suki helped her by pinning the wet garments up on a makeshift clothesline. Katara could’ve easily used her bending to dry the clothes in a snap, but Suki was insistent on the clothesline, saying everyone liked putting on fresh, sun-warmed clothes.

“So,” the Kyoshi captain spoke as she hung up a pair of Sokka’s socks. “It’s day three now. How’re things going with Zuko?”

Katara hummed absently. “Fine, I guess. He hasn’t tried to betray anyone yet, though that may just be because he’s attached to me nearly 24/7.”

Suki looked back at her over her shoulder and raised a brow. “You still think he’s going to?”

Katara shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know what goes on inside his head.”

“You spend just about every moment attached to him. I’d think you’d know him better than anyone by now.”

Katara just shrugged again and continued her washing. She didn’t have an answer for Suki. It’s not like being attached by a cord meant she could read Zuko’s mind. All she had to go on was past experience, and her past experience with Zuko was betrayal.

“Well,” Suki said after a time. “I’ll give you my opinion, for what it’s worth.”

Katara actually paused her scrubbing to look back at Suki. “Oh? And what’s that?”

“I think Zuko’s a bit rough around the edges, but after seeing him encourage Sokka at the Boiling Rock, I know he’s a nice guy deep down.”

Katara took a moment to think about this. She too had once suspected Zuko of being good at his core. It was why she’d offered to heal him in Ba Sing Se. For all the times Zuko had tried to capture Aang, he’d never tried to seriously hurt them the way his sister had. Even at the south pole, he’d honored his agreement to spare her village in return for Aang. She’d never got the sense that he wished harm on anyone. Katara had thought, just like Suki, that deep down, he wasn’t so bad. But then he’d betrayed them in Ba Sing Se and sent an assassin after Aang and that image of him, as someone who was maybe not so different than they were, had shattered into a million little pieces. Those acts had proved that somewhere in his mind, he’d been able to justify killing a child.

Anyone who could make that decision once was capable of making it again.

“Yeah,” Katara said, offering Suki a wry smile. “I thought so too, back in Ba Sing Se.” Her expression darkened then and she added, “But even if there is good inside him, there’s darkness, too. The problem is that I can’t tell which is stronger.”

Suki was quiet for a time. Her lips pulled into a frown and she seemed to be thinking long and hard about the matter. Katara was about to go back to her washing when the Kyoshi captain finally spoke again. “I wasn’t there when you guys fought Zuko in Ba Sing Se, so maybe I’m not the best judge, but I was there when Azula attacked him at the Boiling Rock. I watched them fight, and I can tell you that there was no love lost between them that day.” She turned her back on the laundry line then and placed her hands on her hips. “If you’re worried that those two are still secretly allied, then don’t be. At the very least, I can tell you that’s not the case.”

Katara watched the other girl for a moment, taking in her self-assured posture and knowing look. Her resolve faltered somewhat under Suki’s display of absolute certainty. If Zuko really wasn’t allied with Azula like she said, then that did lend credibility to his claim that he’d left the Fire Nation. Azula had been the deciding factor in his decision in Ba Sing Se. She’d been the one to convince him to return to the Fire Nation. If he wasn’t running with her anymore, then maybe he really was on their side.

She wasn’t ready to throw aside her suspicion just yet, but it was something to think about. “I’ll make a note of it,” she said at last before turning back around and resuming her washing.

Noon

To Katara’s dismay, Sokka was the one to designate himself as their team-building instructor for day three. She watched her brother with an air of unease as he paced back and forth in front of them, looking them up and down in an appraising fashion.

“Alright, what strange activity are we going to do today?” she asked dispassionately, hoping just to get on with it. Zuko seemed to agree. He was wearing a look that said he’d rather be anywhere else.

At once, Sokka stopped his pacing and his face lit up in a smile. “I’m glad you asked,” he announced, lifting a finger skyward. “Because I’ve just decided on the perfect bonding activity for today.”

Tonelessly, Zuko asked, “And that would be…?”

Sokka clasped his hands in front of him and rubbed them together excitedly. “Well, your first exercise was about learning to tolerate each other and the second was about getting to know each other, so today’s activity is going to target the main issue that still exists between you two. Trust.”

“Trust?” Katara echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Just what kind of activity do you expect is going to make us trust each other?”

“The ultimate team-building activity,” Sokka answered, spreading his arms grandly. “Trust falls.”

If her brother was hoping his proclamation would be met with enthusiasm, he was very much mistaken. The moment the words were out of his mouth, Katara groaned. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“Trust falls? Really?” Zuko echoed her sentiment.

“Hey,” Sokka defended, dropping his arms. “Don’t knock trust falls. They may sound lame, but they’re highly effective. Today, I want you guys to practice putting your faith in each other the way you would in a real-life battle.” Looking specifically at Katara, he said, “This activity is particularly important for you. You need to learn to rely on Zuko as a comrade. If you can’t do that, our effectiveness as a team will suffer.”

Katara crinkled her nose in offense. Why was everyone always turning this on her? Zuko was the troublemaker. Their team wouldn’t have any problems at all if he hadn’t come along. She wanted to protest—explain to Sokka that Zuko catching her in a bonding exercise didn’t mean anything in the real world—but she reminded herself that if she didn’t cooperate, she’d never get this stupid cuff off her wrist. It didn’t matter if she hated it. She just had to do it.

“Alright, fine. Let’s just get this over with,” she relented, crossing her arms petulantly.

Sokka nodded, pleased by her cooperativeness. “Alright. Katara, you stand here—” he grabbed her shoulders and maneuvered her a few feet away from Zuko “—and Zuko, you stand just behind her. Yes, like that. Okay, whenever you’re ready, Katara, you can go ahead and fall back. Zuko will catch you.”

Katara turned her upper body to shoot Zuko a look. “You’d better catch me,” she warned.

Zuko spread his arms demonstratively, showing that he didn’t plan to go anywhere. “I will.”

Katara nodded and turned back to the front. She counted down from three in her head—three, two, one…

She turned around again. “I’m serious. You better not let me fall.”

Sokka made an impatient noise. “Would you just do it, Katara?”

Katara shot her brother a withering look as she faced her body forward again. She took a deep breath, exhaled, and then counted down from three again in her head. When she reached zero, she swore to whatever spirit might be listening that if Zuko let her fall he would see retribution on a divine level, then she closed her eyes and allowed her body to tip backward.

For a moment, all she felt was the sensation of falling. Her brain panicked and sent signals to her body to switch into emergency recovery mode. She was all ready to curse Zuko and his whole line for generations to come, but then Zuko’s hands appeared on her arms and her weight was settling safely against his front. Relief washed over her. He hadn’t let her fall.

The second feeling to strike her, after relief, was the all-around oddness of being touched by Zuko. She’d expected his grasp to be rough and awkward, but in actuality she found herself being held quite considerately. His grip on her arms were gentle and he’d caught her in such a way as to absorb the impact rather than jolting her. All in all, it was a surprisingly not-unpleasant experience.

“There,” Sokka said approvingly. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Zuko helped steady her back on her feet and Katara shot her brother a look. “Are we done now?”

To her annoyance, he shook his head. “Not yet. I’m going to have you do three more just like that, then you two’ll switch. After that—”

Both Katara and Zuko groaned. So much for getting this over with.

Evening

Katara sighed wearily as she sank onto her bed. That afternoon, Aang and Toph had talked her and Zuko into engaging in a four-way bending battle as a way to spice up Aang’s training and while it had been an enriching experience, their audience had voted for her and Zuko to fight cuffed. This was ostensibly to give them another opportunity to bond, but Katara knew it had really just been for the others’ entertainment.

The fight had been hard, but she and Zuko had done surprisingly well. After two and a half days bound at the wrist, the two of them had adapted to the tether and it hindered them far less than they’d feared it would. They hadn’t won, but they’d put up a damn good fight and that was an achievement in and of itself.

Now, though, Katara was well and truly exhausted and her wrist ached from being accidentally yanked a few too many times throughout the battle. By the looks of him, Zuko was feeling similarly. It was a testament to how tired and sore the two of them were that neither made a fuss about their sleeping arrangements that night. Zuko simply followed her lead, flopping onto his own bed, and the two of them lay in silence for several moments as they unwound from their busy day.

Tentatively, Katara flexed her wrist to assess the damage and she winced when it twinged painfully. It wasn’t anything she wouldn’t recover from, but it was definitely uncomfortable. She fought not to sigh at the prospect of another night of potentially being tugged around in her sleep.

“Does it hurt?” Zuko’s voice interrupted her thoughts, startling her.

Katara grimaced and nodded. “Definitely been better.”

Zuko inhaled deeply and sighed. “Me too.”

They lapsed into something of a charged silence following this short exchange and Katara bit her lip, wondering if she should swallow her pride and make the suggestion her body was beseeching her to make. She’d nearly given in and was two seconds away from opening her mouth when Zuko spoke again.

“Hey, Katara?”

“Yeah?”

“Can we just push the beds together?”

Katara thought her whole soul would erupt in relief. Zuko had gone and said it, saving her from having to do it herself. “Yes. Immediately,”

As if they were a single entity, the two teenagers climbed out of their beds and Katara joined Zuko at the side of his. Together, they set their hands against the heavy frame and pushed, stone legs grinding against the stone floor, until the two beds were joined. Their task accomplished, Katara crawled across Zuko’s mattress back to her own bed and Zuko followed behind her, settling back into his previous position. The two sighed in relief as the tether lay slack between them. Katara didn’t even care that she was effectively sharing a bed with Zuko. She’d spent enough time in close proximity to him earlier today doing trust falls that his nearness didn’t bother her. Rather, the only thought on her mind was that maybe now she’d finally get a decent night’s sleep.

Before she even knew it, her eyelids drooped and that wish became a reality.

Day Four

Morning

Katara awoke early the next morning feeling refreshed and invigorated. The combination of an early night and absolute exhaustion had caused her to sleep like a log. Apparently Zuko was the same because she found him still slumbering soundly beside her. Usually, he would wake long before her and be forced to wait around until she roused sometime later, but today she was the first one up. He must have been even more tired than he’d let on.

It was a little strange seeing Zuko sleep. His face was relaxed and he breathed softly through his nose. He looked innocent and kidlike with his hair splayed on the pillow and his chest slowly rising and falling. He was completely vulnerable right now—she could do anything she wanted and he wouldn’t be able to stop her. It made her feel powerful. Superior, even.

These thoughts caused her eyes to widen. Normally, the situation was the other way around. That meant that every other morning, she had been at Zuko’s mercy. He could have done anything—tied her up, hurt her, even killed her if he’d wanted to—but he hadn’t. On some level, she’d known this all along. It’s not like she had no survival instincts. But it was a different thing to see just how defenseless her potential enemy was with her own eyes. It really hit home that if Zuko truly intended to harm her, he could have done it at any time. It would’ve been the easiest thing in the world to take her out in her sleep, burn the tether, and go after Aang.

The fact that he hadn’t really only supported one conclusion:

Maybe... just maybe he really was being sincere about switching sides.

Katara bit her lip in deliberation. Did she dare allow herself to believe that? Could she afford to take that risk?

Spirits, Katara, you’re sleeping with the guy. You’re already well past this point and you know it.

Katara exhaled a defeated sigh. She supposed there was no point in asking herself these questions now. Whether she liked it or not, the fact that Zuko was here right now, sleeping beside her just like Sokka or Aang might, meant that on some level she had already begun to trust him.

Tui and La, she was such a pushover. Zuko’s good behavior could all be part of some nefarious plot and she was walking right into it. He might be playing with her just like Jet had. But, another part of her reasoned, she didn’t think Zuko had it in him to behave like Jet. He lacked Jet’s overflowing charisma and honeyed tongue that could make anyone rally to his cause.

If Zuko was being genuine, then maybe she should allow him to have a second chance. She’d given Jet another chance and he’d shown her he could change. If Jet could change, then it stood to reason that Zuko could, too.

Katara’s thoughts were interrupted when beside her Zuko inhaled a deep breath and his eyes blinked open. He looked disoriented for a short moment but then his eyes found her and she saw him shake off the dregs of sleep.

“Morning,” she greeted far more amicably than usual.

Slowly, Zuko pushed himself upward into a sitting position. “You’re awake,” he said with some surprise.

She nodded and a sly grin stretched across her face. “Sure am. Funny, because I thought firebenders rise with the sun. Weren’t you the one who said that?”

Zuko yawned and then levelled her with a flat look. “Well, aren’t waterbenders supposed to run on moon power? You conked out awfully early last night.”

Touché.

“Please don’t use phrases like ‘conk out’. It doesn’t fit your image.”

Zuko’s brow furrowed in confusion. “My image?” He crossed his arms and his gaze moved somewhere across the room. To himself more than her, he muttered, “I have an image?”

Katara ignored him in favor of getting out of bed. She shoved him none-too-gently forward so that she crawl past him to the edge of the bed and then slipped off to his protest of, “Hey!”

“Come on, Zuko,” she called back to him as she picked up her blue sarashi and began winding them around her forearms. “Let’s get moving. Who knows what’s in store for us today.”

Breakfast

The denizens of the air temple were roughly halfway through breakfast when Sokka nodded to Aang and the two of them stood up. All eyes turned on the duo curiously. Apparently, they had an announcement.

Sokka took the initiative, clearing his throat to draw the room’s attention to him. “So, Aang and I were talking earlier,” he started, gesturing to Aang with his hand, “and we’ve been pretty impressed by Katara and Zuko’s cooperation these past few days. We think maybe it’s time to try removing the tether.”

A murmur rose up among the people gathered and Katara looked at her brother and Aang in shock. He was going to uncuff them? Really? She turned to look at Zuko and the two of them wore identical looks of surprise.

“What do you guys think?” Aang directed this question at the benders in question. “Do you both feel like an understanding has been reached?”

Katara blinked, unsure how to answer. Of course she wanted the tether off, but was she ready to openly absolve Zuko of all suspicion?

Zuko appeared to be at an impasse as well. She could see him deliberating in his head.

“Well?” Aang prompted when neither of them said anything.

Finally, Katara came to a decision. Aang and Sokka were giving them the choice to be free. To go back to their separate lives. She couldn’t pass that up. “I guess…I could give Zuko another chance.”

Zuko’s good eyebrow rose in surprise. “Really?” he asked hopefully.

Katara turned back to him and nodded once. “One chance. That’s all you’re getting.”

Zuko’s face promptly broke into the most joyous smile Katara had ever seen him wear.

“Great!” Aang announced, clapping his hands together. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”

Katara flushed in embarrassment as her friends—and family—all burst into applause as if she and Zuko had just won an Earth Rumble tournament. They continued to clap as Sokka and Aang untied the elaborate knots holding their cuffs in place and only stopped when the tether fell to the floor with a soft thunk. Katara and Zuko looked at each other as they rubbed their newly free wrists. It was over. They had their freedom at last.

Noon

To celebrate being a free woman again, Katara cooked up a big, elaborate meal for lunch. She pulled out all the stops, making a big pot of veggie soup for Aang and enlisting Zuko and Chit Sang’s help to prepare roasted rabbit-pheasants—courtesy of her dad’s hunting—for the rest of the group. The Duke and Toph picked fruits and berries from one of the temple’s many overgrown gardens and Suki used the spare pot to cook up some Earth Kingdom sweet rice for dessert.

The meal was consumed with gusto and by the time they finished afternoon had rolled around. Nobody really felt like training after such a huge lunch, so the group decided instead to play some games at Aang’s suggestion. The whole afternoon was then spent fooling around and forgetting there was a war going on as members from all four nations raced and competed in Aang’s so-called ‘gauntlet of fun’.

After so many days being chained to another person, freedom was far sweeter than Katara ever could have appreciated beforehand. If she wanted to walk across the room to grab a meat skewer, she could do so without having to discussing it with anyone first. When she wanted to use the bathroom, she could just go and not worry about pulling Zuko away from whatever he was doing. She could spin in a circle and touch her toes and talk to anyone she wanted to talk to without Zuko hovering nearby.

And yet, the majority of the afternoon was spent at Zuko’s side. Perhaps they’d just grown used to always standing within a certain proximity of each other, but even when they tried to go off and do things separately, they always seemed to gravitate back to one another. Whenever this happened the two of them would share a bemused look. It was as if in their minds, the tether still bound them.

Evening

After eating a very light dinner, the inhabitants of the temple finally decided to split up to do their own things. Sokka and Suki went off to have some private couple time while Toph dragged Aang off for some after-dinner earthbending practice. Chit Sang, Haru, Teo, The Duke, and her father also disappeared to engage in their own activities, leaving Katara and Zuko alone in the common area. With no other ideas, they decided to head over to the fountain so that Katara could get a little bending practice in. She’d been slacking in her own training regimen since they’d arrived at the temple and now that she was free there was nothing to stop her but her own laziness.

While they walked, they chatted about their plans for the next day and brainstormed some ways to implement waterbending into Aang’s other training exercises so that his skills didn’t stagnate. This was something Katara worried about since Aang very rarely practiced waterbending these days.

Eventually, the conversation ran dry and the two were left with nothing to talk about but the elephant-whale in the room.

She looked down at her wrist, now bare, and then to Zuko’s swinging lightly at his side as he walked. She should be happy that the tether was gone—and she was, really—but a part of her still hadn’t properly come to terms with the change. It felt…not right somehow.

“It’s weird, isn’t it?” Zuko said what she was thinking.

Katara blushed at having been caught staring and nodded. “Yeah. I guess we were connected by that stupid thing for so long that now our brains don’t know what do to without it, huh?”

Zuko hummed in his throat and she watched his hand clench and unclench slowly. The two of them walked in silence for a minute, both thinking about the odd trial they’d undergone at the insistence of their friends.

Unable to help herself, Katara again found her gaze being drawn to the space between them. It felt so open; so empty. The thing that had connected them was no longer there in its place was a hole that needed filling.

Zuko must have thought so, too, because without preamble, he held his hand out to her, palm up in invitation. Surprised and a little confused, Katara’s eyes traveled from his hand up to his face and she found him watching her expectantly. Would she take the invitation or leave it? It was up to her.

Tentatively, Katara reached out and grasped his hand. At once, the feeling of emptiness fled. Zuko smiled and curled his fingers around hers.

A feeling of warmth filled Katara, and in that moment she realized that even if the tether was gone, the bond it had created between them persisted.

Mirroring Zuko’s smile, the two enemies turned unlikely friends continued their trek to the fountain.

#Zutara #Zutara Month 2018 #zk month 2018 #30 days of Zutara #holy hell this one is long #better late than never?

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