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yuquinzel · 11 months

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❛ ‧˚ IDLE TOWN — mikage reo.

notes ⨾ hurt / comfort, [ 1.6k wc ] i basically wrote this for practice but I'll post it bc i need feedback + my first attempt at actual angst so idk here have some reo angst i promise i'll make up for it with fluff later :P

you are leaving, for good. and reo knows he cannot stop it.

pause. rewind. he came back home three hours ago, everything was fine. or so he believed. he took note of your silence much quickly. you were talking, yes— but you were silent. he finds silence in your empty glances, less words and more hums for responses. you speak but your words are nothing more than incoherent blurbs of sound. you're silent when he asks you about your day, because you do not ask him the same.

he knows you well. too well to simply brush this of a result of exhaustion. the room he is in is cold, he winces because he does not find you in his arms and because that means you must be cold too. he knew to give you space, sometime to collect your thoughts as he does his.

but an hour or so has passed, reo wants to see you now. he can never always leave you to your thoughts for long lest you need a second voice to become the comforting reminder of not being alone. but if he's being honest, then this is more of a selfish act than a serving one. maybe more than you, he does not want to be left alone with his thoughts.

“hey,” a caffeinated sort of anxiety washes over him when he enters your shared bedroom. the air isn't awkward, but it is not comfortable either, “what're you up to?”

you are still silent, preferring a low and dismissive hum instead. he sits himself on the edge of the bed, hesitant as the way you'd approach a storm. he waits for eleven heartbeats— he knows because he can hear his heart— you don't say anything.

“talk to me, something's on your mind.” reo says. he feels your gaze scan him over, you are searching for something in him. that's the most of a response he's gotten out of you tonight. he hopes you find whatever answer you're looking for, an answer you've decided you won't find in his words.

“i don't know reo, i just— i'm exhausted.” you're lying. he can tell, you don't sound exhausted. you sound defeated. he also knows you are not lying to him, but to yourself. but he does not know what to say, maybe— maybe you still need time. it's okay, he reminds himself. we're okay, it repeats in his mind.

“then let's just get to bed, ’kay?” he can taste the desperation in his voice, it lingers like a bitter aftertaste. why he feels so unsure, he does not know. all he knows is that he doesn't like this — whatever this is — it's hollowing him out from the inside.

his hand instinctively comes to brush back the strands of hair behind your ear. he freezes when you recoil. “i— i'm gonna sleep in the guest bedroom tonight.” his heart stammers in his chest like your voice. you don't give him the luxury of a momentary pause, instead quickly standing up on your feet.

reo's just as quick. his hand envelopes your wrist, you wince a little from the harshness of his hold. “w-what? — no, you can't do that.” his voice is a little raised, long gone is the tenderness he always brings with himself. he's scared. he knows you are too. he looks at you, in hopes of a waver in your composure. you have been oddly calm this entire time, it settles uncomfortably in his stomach.

“i'm not asking you reo, i just need to be alone. just— just let me be.” there's a finality in your meek voice, reo winces at the biting tone.

but he's firm on his words, “this isn't fair, y/n. something's obviously bothering you and instead of talking to me like an adult, you're just giving me the fucking silent treatment? well, shit. i can't read your mind. talk to me— you always do.”

you have to look away, “i'm not doing this with you right now.” you wrestle your wrist out of his grip, walking out of the room with heavy steps that reo follows all too quickly— but you don't really walk into the guest bedroom as he'd feared. you stop. reo sucks in a deep, cold breath.

“what do you want from me?” your voice unfurls in shades of hurt, exhaustion and defeat altogether. reo furrows his brows, his heart beginning to pick up its rhythm, “no, what do you want from me? what did i even do wrong?”

“where were you today, reo? what was your day like?”

your question takes him aback, confusion weaving through the lines on his forehead. “what — you already know that, i texted you i had plans. you read my message, you replied.”

he pauses when a bitter, short-lived laugh leaves your lips. “right, you still don't remember.” your voice feels as empty as your null expression.

“we had a date today, reo. the date you promised to make time for, the date which was an apology because you haven't been home lately. that date — you forgot in favor of hanging out with your friends.” you are breathless now. reo can so clearly see the tears collecting in your eyes, and he also knows you're trying to keep them from falling. he knows you too well, after all.

reo feels lost. his shoulders slack in defeat, his thoughts blur altogether trying to make sense of your words. a heavy, stinging lump claws at his throat. it scratches him from inside until his voice bleeds in the form of quick and staggered breaths, “why — why didn't you say anything?”

this is where the tears trail down your cheeks, reo feels the ache to wipe the damp trails they leave in their wake. but he wills himself against it, he can not. he's afraid you'll burn if he touches you and he's not really ready for that. “i waited — i thought you'd remember. i was waiting for you.”

you don't wipe your tears yourself. because reo has always done that for you. he regrets his prior hesitance, and reaches out his hand to caress the side of your face. you're kind with that. you don't step back, you let him pad his thumb across your skin. he's grateful.

“i'm sorry,” he says. its heavy, but he doubts it carries much wait. “i'm sorry, i — i'm sorry. i'm such a fucking idiot. it just— ” he stammers, voice stuck in his throat. reo feels like he's choking on his words. he knows there's no way to undo the hurt, he knows you won't just forgive him with a few worded apologies. he knows he does not deserve it either. it took until your silence for him to finally hear you. it took until you decided to leave, for him to realize he would give up anything to make you stay.

“i don't want your sorry's reo, i'm tired, i — i want to leave.” a shaky exhale leaves you. next you're walking towards the main door instead of the guest bedroom. reo's feet are stuck to the ground. he swallows back the rising bile in his throat.

“no, wait, it — it's midnight, y/n, love, we still need to talk —”

“what's there to talk about now? what can you say besides you're sorry?”

you are leaving, for good. reo knows he cannot stop it.

but still he finds his feet following your steps. he finds his hand grasping your in attempts to get you to just wait, just— just listen. he finds his knees strike the earth, and although he's scared, he looks up at you once more. he finds himself at a loss for words yet with enough urgency to say something — anything — that it scorches his lips.

“please don't— please, i know i fucked up, i know.” he begins, and you're not so cruel as to walk away this time. “i know i can't say anything besides that i'm sorry, i'm so sorry i made you feel like you weren't important. i'm sorry i promised to do something about it and broke it. i'm so sorry i love you so much that i'm still too selfish to let you go—” you shiver with the slightest tremor in his voice, the crack in rushed breaths that's so very uncharacteristic of him. “— but stay. please stay, y/n. let me show you that you deserve better. please. i don't want to lose you, not like this.”

“reo, get up.” you breathe, voice still as shaky. reo's scared. he's scared to have said something wrong, scared that he pushed you even further way. scared that he has already lost you. but he gets on his feet back up.

it takes a few uncounted heartbeats before you speak again, “you promised reo, after you'd barely been home the entire month. and i waited like an idiot— i love you, so much that i don't know what to do with this anymore.”

reo consumes you in his embrace. it is nothing firm or strong, but just something to keep you close. it's grounding. reo feels all your breaths as they come and go, “we can figure it out. we'll talk, about everything. like we always do. you said we make a good team right? we can — we can talk about it in the morning.”

reo is afraid you'll disappear if he lets you go now, and you're finally holding on to him as well.

“i'm exhausted reo,” you whisper this time. but you are holding on to him, with something akin to the sincerity and the hope of being held the same way. so he does.

“i know, i love you. it's okay,” reo hums, he feels breathless. “we'll figure it out in the morning, yeah?”

it takes a weak nod from you to make his shoulders relax, all the worry lines of his forehead unwinding and as he rakes his fingers through your hair — he hopes it does the same for you. it has always calmed you down. he hopes that hasn't changed.

this is where he hooks an arm under your thighs, the other so gently wrapped over your shoulder as he lifts you up in one swift motion. you cling to him. reo is grateful.

he knows you have much to talk about. but when you let your head fall to rest on his chest, when you tell him you like the sound of his heart, when you still say you love him as he lays you down on the bed, the warmth pooling the sheets as much as your eyes — he knows the two of you will be alright.

you stay — and that's all reo cares about.

i don't really like this :D but okay anyway i hope you did + I'm tagging @venusbby @inariezaki @hyomagiri @rinnahhhh @kyoghurts @luvether and i still believe taglists are scary ^_^

#❛ ‧˚🪐 — the dusk renditions.#mikage reo x reader #reo mikage x reader #mikage reo x you #reo mikage x you #blue lock angst #blue lock fluff #reo x reader fluff #reo angst #blue lock x reader #blue lock x you #bllk x reader #ive decided i hate writing angst for my precious munchkin

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daffi-990 · 27 days

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Tease Tidbit Tuesday 🏙️

Tagged by @diazsdimples & @tizniz. Make sure to check out what they shared today! (and maybe send James a virtual hug or a stupid punny joke? He’s been sick for 3 weeks and I’m sure he could use some cheering up 😘)

I have been wanting so desperately to write the past few days but a cold has my sinuses putting so much pressure on my head I feel like it’s going to explode, plus it’s school holidays and it’s been raining so I’ve got two very energetic kids with cabin fever running around causing mayhem 😅.

BUT! I did manage to write a little something for LA Lonely so yay (even though it may not be great, at least it’s words)

Pre snippet here

Buck is woken up by the shrill sound of a phone ringing. The bed jostles, Buck letting out an annoyed grumble as the warm body that is wrapped around him disappears. There is a kiss pressed to his naked shoulder, a whispered apology and then the rustling of the blankets as the person leaves the bed, answering the phone with a quiet hello.

Rolling over to check the time, Buck’s surprised to see that it’s almost 9. Usually his body clock wakes him up at 7am everyday, whether he stayed up late or not, so sleep-ins are a rare thing. He rolls onto his back, groaning as he stretches his arms up above his head. There’s a slight ache in his ass but it’s a reminder of the fantastic sex he had last night and honestly, Buck doesn’t mind the discomfort.

He hears footsteps on the stairs, the wood creaking slightly and then the most attractive man Buck has ever laid eyes on is standing at the foot of his bed wearing nothing but underwear and a soft apologetic smile that has Buck’s tummy swooping.

Eddie.

The man’s name is Eddie, Buck remembers. And remember he should because he was moaning it loud enough last night.

Eddie has a phone pressed between his ear and shoulder as he picks up his jeans and begins to awkwardly shimmy them up his legs. “I told you, I overslept. But I’m getting ready now and can be there in —” he looks down at his wrist and frowns, his eyes sweeping over the discarded clothes on the floor before zeroing in on Buck’s second nightstand where a clunky watch sits. Eddie grabs the watch, quickly checking the time before he begins strapping it on. “I can be there in 20 minutes, 15 if the traffic is good.”

Buck feels a pang in his chest and then instantly chastises himself. This was just another hookup, a one night stand —nothing more than that. He was foolish to think that what he felt last night with Eddie was anything real. It was just the hormones.

Eddie may have stayed, but that was probably because he was hoping to get lucky again this morning. Or like Buck, he slept in and didn’t get a chance to sneak out before Buck woke up.

No pressure tagging: @hippolotamus @puppyboybuckley @spotsandsocks @lover-of-mine @loserdiaz @wikiangela @athenagranted @thewolvesof1998 @exhuastedpigeon @monsterrae1 @wildlife4life @watchyourbuck @elvensorceress @eddiebabygirldiaz @evanbegins @goforkinard @rainbow-nerdss @theotherbuckley @try-set-me-on-fire @dangerpronebuddie @disasterbuckdiaz @devirnis @donationwayne @shitouttabuck @sunshinediaz @princessfbi @alliaskisthepossibilityoflove @fortheloveofbuddie @giddyupbuck @homerforsure @hoodie-buck @honestlydarkprincess @jesuisici33 @king-buckley @captain-hen @bekkachaos @bigfootsmom @ladydorian05 @nmcggg @mellaithwen @missmagooglie and as always, anyone else who wants to share something -> consider this your official tag

#spoiler alert: Eddie would stay if he could but fatherhood calls and well that’s a call Eddie will always answer #daffi writes #wip: la lonely #Buck is being all self deprecating #but what else is new?#buddie wip #buddie #I really really want to finish Rival Firefighters so I can dive into my other wips #(and also post the first chapter for you guys!)#and I’m soooo close #but between the pounding head and the energetic munchkins .. I haven’t been able to keep the smutty writing beans going #though I have been on a bit of a little fic reading roll atm which is nice 😊#having to slow down and rest (more like being forced to by my husband haha) gives me time to go through my MARKED FOR LATER library #okay I’ve probably rambled way too much #hugs to everyone ❤️

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greenerteacups · 10 days

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What do you think as Hermione's career would be post battle of Hogwarts? To me her being minister for magic really doesn't make sense. She does not have patience or tact to wade through murky waters of politics 😭😭

So hard to say! The Trio are so, so young when we leave them, I find it almost impossible to project their futures farther than a few years out. The job that suited me at 17 would be radically unsuited to me now. That's why of all the Trio, Ron's ending strikes me as the most realistic — he jumps straight into the save-the-world business again, burns out, realizes he's actually Done The Fuck Enough, Thanks, and pivots into a low-stress career where he gets to see his family a lot. Feels accurate! The others are weirder to me because they do seem to just... pick a lane and stay there.

With Hermione, you could spin her a couple ways. You could say that she leans into her bookish side and does research or teaching, which is not my preference for a couple reasons (namely, I don't think Hermione would like academia as a profession; she finds her classwork interesting and enjoys intellectual validation, but she'd be stifled and wasted in a DPhil program, and she'd be infuriated by the administrative politicking of your average higher-ed faculty). You could say that she gets disaffected with politics and ends up as a barrister or a lobbyist of some kind, but if anything that requires more political finesse, because you don't actually have institutional power, you're just handling the people who make decisions and trying to persuade them of your goals. This is not Hermione's preferred method of influence. She's not even particularly good at persuasion, she just happens to be smart enough (and right often enough) that people take her ideas seriously.

Or you could say her brashness fades with the years into a softened flavor of tell-you-like-it-is honesty, which some politicians actually do successfully trade on; as we see in British politics today, you don't have to be all that charming or clever to get ahead, you just need to be really driven and well-connected (which Hermione completely is; she fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the first postwar Minister and her bestie, the Literal Messiah, runs the Auror Office.) But I don't know if Hermione especially wants to be Minister, after the war. She's just watched years of horrendous bureaucratic incompetence plunge the country into a violent civil conflict. She's had not one, but two Ministers of Magic try to bully or shame her friends into complicity with fascism. Her view of government is... likely extremely dark.

But Hermione also isn't the kind of person who sees her life as a quest for happiness. Babygirl has a savior complex that makes Harry look selfish. (She basically kills her parents — yeah, obliviating is a form of murder, #changemymind — "for their own good," and justifies every batshit, vindictive, mean-spirited move she ever pulls on the grounds that it "helps" one of her friends.) She is a mean, lean, dragon-slaying machine, and she needs a dragon. After Voldemort, the Ministry is the no. 1 threat to muggle-borns and non-wizarding Beings. As a war heroine with basically infinite political capital, I'd be surprised if she didn't try to do something there. That said, Hermione is so vivacious and dynamic that she could potentially grow in a hundred different directions; it's possible that all of this, while true of her at 18, becomes completely inaccurate by 22. That's why I'm not too fussed about any particular fanon interpretation.

#greenteacup asks #sidebar: I know Minister “of” Magic is an Americanism but mea culpa #Someday I might actually bite it and pay someone to britpick Lionheart but I can't do it now #because I have a ban on editing published fic unless it's finished. Otherwise I'll never get around to writing the actual ending #I have a Process #is it the best process? likely not! but it makes the words go. so here we are.#I also think the fact that JKR is Gen X makes a difference here. careers worked differently in the 80s and 90s than they do now #i.e. we have the gig economy and a lot more mobility and EXPECTATION of mobility in your early life #that means career changes & professional pivots through your 20s and 30s are increasingly normal #and in fact have always been normal — but the image of the 'true' or 'ideal' career has changed #so we look at those careers and go hm. really? none of them changed?#none of them even went to uni? do wizards... just not?#but again. I believe the epilogue was written almost completely without consideration as to what happened between the BOH and then #I really believe that JKR did not know what happened to Harry except a wedding and 3 kids. because that was the whole point #I don't think she even knew what his career was when she wrote that scene #It existed to marry everyone off and do a quick munchkin headcount #because of the understandable temptation as an author to keep your hand on the wheel. but it didn't even matter!#the epilogue changed NOTHING! it was the most useless chapter in the series! I just — GOD #you can absolutely accuse me of being sour grapes about my ships getting nixed. I AM sour grapes. I AM a hater.#AND I have plot/theme/craft reasons for disliking it.#I'm not objective. I just want credit for being a sophisticated hater. my grapes may be sour but they're still artisinal.

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i-am-beckyu · 3 months

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I'm bored and wanna give you a random fact!

Brobdingnagian means enormous in size, immense, gigantic. And derived from "land of the giants"

—Maybe you know me, Maybe you don't.

Imagine if we classed giants as Brobdingnagians. Like its the same meaning but immediately I feel less threatened by the name lol.

Stuck up Sophisticated giants be like:" *GASP* YOU DARE CLASS ME AS A LOW LIFE GIANT? Good sir I am no feral beast! Have some class! I am a Brobdingnagian. Honestly, educate yourself better. HMPF!"

Yeah that sounds like something that would happen lol

#And please for the billionth time can we establish that I am terrible at guessing who people are? I very rarely get it right.#You're either 3D because I know you like to do this occasionally #Mysterious Gizem purely because of the font #or maybe munchkin becoming undead for a split second to send this lol.#Please stop torturing me with guessing games qwp #beckyu speaks #gt #g/t #gt community #g/t community #gt prompts #g/t prompts #g/t writing

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samithemunchkin · 9 months

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WIP WEDNESDAY THURSDAY MONDAY BABIES

I was tagged by @faccal pls I haven't written in months but I found this? I meant to continue Lay your gun down, and this is what I had written for it.

I don't know who to tag

To everyone’s relief, they didn’t need to stay long in Santa Monica. Elias had already evacuated the command centre by the time the team picked him up and his sons weren’t far off. Keegan had barely batted an eye at the older Walker brother’s hostility, nor at the way Merrick on the other hand felt hyper-protective of his team, fully intending on beating the boy into order before Elias intervened. Keegan observed with distant eyes as their CO started explaining everything to his sons. He could still sense Merrick quietly fuming next to him but he couldn’t find himself to care. Not until a good few hours into the ride back home. The carefully patched cracks started to come apart, too soon, too fast, as Keegan’s mind started to wander, realising what was happening, the implications. They had just lost a teammate, a brother. It hadn’t even been a full day, Ajax’ body had barely gone cold. And Elias was already replacing him. There was a sudden nudge at his shoulder and he tilted his head just enough to glance at the man sitting beside him. “You need to keep it in.” Merrick said in a low hush, giving him a pointed look that Keegan couldn’t quite decipher. What he did realise was that he was breathing hard, every breath coming out in shaky exhales and he was a tremor going through his body just from how tense his muscles were. He glanced around, noting how Elias had tactfully situated himself between his sons and his team, though his attention was mostly on his boys, observing how his eldest did his best to patch up the stab wound on the younger brother’s shoulder. Anger flared up inside him. “Keegan.” Merrick called more sternly then. “Not here. And preferably not anywhere. You know damn well it’s just been a matter of time before those kids joined us.” “...doesn’t make it any less fucked up or right.” He all but growled back. “Doesn’t matter what we think. Do not make this any fucking harder than it already is.” Keegan just scoffed at that but otherwise fell silent, resolutely staring at the opposing wall to try to keep himself in check. The anger he felt was only getting more intense, burning inside him. Anger towards Elias, the brothers, now even Merrick. And pure unadulterated rage at the Federation. At Rorke. He needed to get out of there, away from them all. He could practically feel the walls he’d forced up start to crumble, cracks getting bigger and there was little he could do to stop it. He was too tired, too unstable to begin with. “Just…a little longer, we’re almost home. I’ll cover the briefing’s and shit, make sure you have time-” “I don’t need you to fucking coddle me Merrick.” Keegan snapped, loud enough that he could see Elias snap his head towards them.

#keegan p russ #thomas merrick #elias walker #hesh walker #logan walker #cod ghosts #sami teh munchkin attempts to write

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exhaustedpirate · 8 months

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parent for hire

Ready for the third chapter? hope so 'cause here it is! Again, if you'd like to be included in the tag list, let me know! And again, let us do the wave for @kmomof4 for being an angel sent from the skies!

Chapter Three - Oz

word count: 7,867 words

rating: Teen and Up

tag list: @cocohook38 ; @bluewildcatfanatic ; @piraterefrigerator

read on AO3 | prologue | one | two

"Killian, Killian, look!"

Henry's enthusiastic whisper, and subsequent shaking, woke Killian up in the gray light of dawn. He had fallen asleep! However, when his eyes fell on Emma, he felt a smirk grow on his face. She seemed to be waking up as well.

Her eyes went through the same surprise-to-chagrined expression he had. When her gaze caught on his, he flashed her a victorious grin. She rolled her eyes and he couldn't help the widening of his smile.

"Killian!" Henry's repeated whisper brought Killian's attention back to him.

The boy hadn't witnessed the interaction between them as he seemed to be focused on something else. Something worthy of waking everyone up.

A deer.

Since all of them had been asleep, the animal obviously hadn't considered them a threat and felt comfortable enough to pasture a scant few feet across from them. Even Henry's light steps didn't seem to startle the animal.

"I see, lad. It seems we'll have a feast today." He grinned. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Emma quietly nocking an arrow in the small bow on her wrist.

Henry's eyes moved between the two of them before they widened in alarm.

"No!"

His shout alerted the deer who took off running as Emma's arrow embedded itself in the tree trunk near where his head would have been. They both turned to the boy.

"Henry!" Emma sounded indignant.

"We couldn't eat her!" Henry's tone matched hers.

"Well, we certainly can't now!" Emma replied.

He sent a glare to the new addition to their crew before turning back to the boy.

"At some point, we might have to, Henry." Killian chastised lightly. His tone was calmer, confident in the fact that they still had rations in the satchel, even with the extra mouth to feed, but that wouldn’t last forever.

Henry's eyes seemed to shine and he could see the innocence and wonder behind them. That had been ripped from his eyes decades ago. It would be a tragedy to see that happen to the boy as well. From the corner of his eye, he watched as Emma's indignation deflated - perhaps thinking the same thing he was.

"We should keep going." Emma's voice was softer than it had been before and Henry seemed to take a deep breath.

"We need water. Do you want to go fill the canteens, lad?"

Henry nodded, filling his arms with the three canteens and making his way to the river.

"Don't start with your self-righteous bullshit, you were thinking the same." Emma had barely waited for the boy to make it past the treeline before she turned to him with crossed arms.

"I'm not starting anything," Killian started, matching her posture. "We know how the world works, Henry doesn't." He watched as her arms softened their hold. "We need to be gentle with him."

"You're not the boy's father, you know? You are just the navigator, he's going to leave." She paused for a moment. "They always do." Her voice was soft at the end, and Killian didn’t know how he knew, but he knew that while her words were harsh, there was something else she was holding back.

He took a deep breath, hoping his eyes reflected his feelings. He didn't know why it mattered to him that she knew but it felt like the same reason he wanted to protect Henry.

"I am aware. I simply don't want him to go through the same things I have." Killian watched as Emma's eyes widened a fraction proving him right. "If there's anything I can do to protect him, I will. I won't let some prophecy get in the way of that."

Her arms lowered to her sides as he spoke. Her eyes were shuttered, even if he had already seen the recognition, the sameness he expected to see.

"I've got them!" Henry's voice calling through the treeline broke through the tension between them. Killian helped the boy store the waterskins in their satchels.

"Let's keep going," Emma finally said, preparing her own things for the journey.

---

It was interesting. It should have been an awkward journey - two people who, just the day before, had been about to kill each other and a child who was very much not theirs. It should have been a silent journey full of tension.

Yet, Henry had all this charm, all this kindness and so much of his childish, innocent energy. And, despite their previous tension, he seemed to have already put it behind them.

"I thought I would fly, you know? All of the fairies flew, it made sense that I could, too." It was lucky that they were keeping such a calm pace or else Henry's animated gestures would have caused him to fall from atop Roger.

"I'm assuming you were unable to fly?" Emma's amused tone was a sight to see. For someone who appeared to be so single-minded - mostly toward killing him - it was clear that Henry brought out this new side to her.

"Oh, not at all! I tried jumping from a tree and if it wasn't for Silvermist, I would have gotten really hurt." Henry frowned. "She kept me under close eye for a whole moon. She was really angry."

"She was only trying to keep you safe, lad," Killian explained from the other side of the horse, where he held the reins.

"I know, I know." The boy sighed. "That whole time, there was fog and rain and-"

Killian paused, pausing Henry's story as well, Roger stopping along with him as he still held the reins. It took a moment before Emma noticed that they were stopped.

"Why did we stop?" Henry asked, leaning down to the horse's head to pet it.

He could feel Emma's questioning glance as well, but he wanted to be sure. Removing his map and compass from the satchel, he checked them. And checked them again. Confusedly satisfied, he looked at his companions.

"It seems we've reached Oz," Killian announced with a frown that the others matched.

Killian put away his tools before he urged them forward. He explained - he had heard stories of Oz's gleaming fields, grass like gemstones and a constant shining rainbow in the sky. What they were seeing, however, was not anywhere near that description. The skies were dark, clouds overshadowing the land. The fields were dulled, no life able to survive in it.

The only source of color in the overwhelming gray landscape came from the large castle far in the distance. It looked as he had heard from the stories he had been told, the ones he recounted to his companions, a castle made of the purest green stones. A beacon of light and hope. Now, it looked ominous in the oppressive foreground.

But Oz wasn't deserted, as they soon found out. Instead of the animated, singing Munchkins however, the people were quiet, functioning mechanically.

"Hi!" Henry called to the closest worker, Killian and Emma standing protectively on both sides of the horse.

Together, they watched as the Munchkin raised his head to look at them, alarm clear in his expression. He looked up to the sky as the other workers alternated between doing the same and looking at each other, whispering at the same time, making the trio uneasy.

The Munchkins contemplated them. Before Killian could make the decision to leave this uneasy situation, a screech a few miles away caught all their attention. Some of the Munchkins yelped in fear, all of them but the closest one resuming their work automatically as if they had never stopped.

"Follow the yellow brick road!" The words fell from his lips in a rushed whisper as he pointed with his head towards the beginning of a once golden brick road, but was now only a sickly, pale yellow with many bricks broken or missing completely. "Hurry!"

They watched as the worker focused back on the land. The screeches grew louder and, in the distance, they saw a large winged beast flying fast towards them.

"Come on, let's go." Killian pulled the reins towards the beginning of the road, Emma following.

As they made their way toward the road, they heard the workers begin singing. Their voices were far from the happy working song Killian expected from the tales he’d heard. It sounded more like a plea to anyone who would listen than anything else. Henry kept his eyes on the workers for a while until they were no longer visible. The creature didn't follow them but that didn't erase the eerie feeling Oz gave them. They made sure to keep a steady but rushed pace.

"Is it safe to assume that this road leads directly to that castle?" Emma asked from the other side of the horse, voicing Killian's thoughts. "I don't expect the royalty of a place like that to be particularly benevolent…" she added, pointing towards the castle in the distance.

"Cygnus directed us this way," Killian answered as if that was enough and not just a way to justify that they were headed towards danger.

"And these people need help," Henry voiced from atop the horse. "You saw how scared that Munchkin was."

Killian and Emma's eyes caught each other. A moment of understanding passed between them regardless of their animosity. It was unavoidable and they knew it. All they could do was make sure that they would leave victorious.

The landscape didn't improve the longer they followed the road. Houses began appearing - some abandoned, others trying to create some semblance of home in the depressing countryside. Most were a reflection of the fall of Oz.

As they continued walking, more Munchkins appeared in the fields and homes. All told them the same thing, to follow the yellow brick road. There was fear, worry, and yet, an overwhelming hope in their eyes. That seemed to make Henry more determined to save them all. Killian felt the weight of the responsibility for so many people's fates and he could feel Emma's discomfort as well.

The closer they got to the castle, the clearer he was able to see that what he thought had been birds flying around the castle's high towers were in fact the same winged beasts that had gone after the Munchkins in the field.

Halfway up the road's path, they heard a much closer screech. Instinctively, Killian grabbed Henry off Roger, holding him close to his chest. He heard a swish and a closer screech. Looking up, he saw the beast retreat.

"Are you alright, lad?" Killian asked after setting Henry down.

The child nodded, seemingly even more determined now.

"The welcoming party wasn't too welcoming," Emma huffed, closing the crossbow for a more comfortable fit on her wrist.

"What were they?" Henry asked, Killian's hand on his shoulder keeping him close.

"They had the bodies of monkeys but with wings," Emma answered.

"Bloody fantastic," Killian mumbled, handing the reins to Henry, hoping to keep both the boy close and his hand free in case of any more attacks. "Let's carry on before more of them decide to welcome us as well."

Out of some eerie luck, no more flying monkeys crossed their path even if their screeches could be heard close by. It seemed that whoever reigned in Oz now, had them under surveillance. A look towards Emma told him that she agreed with him - they were most likely heading towards a trap.

The shiny emerald castle rose ahead of them, making it clear to them that it was untouched by the destruction around it. As expected, the yellow brick road continued through ominous and suspiciously opened large emerald gates.

It was enough to have Killian and Emma slow their steps but Henry, unaware, pulled Roger forward. Killian placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and noticed Emma do the same, before following the boy.

Killian looked around them. The courtyard seemed deserted but that wasn't any relief. He could still see the beasts flying around the tallest tower clearly waiting for the signal to attack. There was an itch at the back of his neck. He felt watched.

"What is that?" Henry's question brought his attention back to the ground.

Someone had removed the bricks from the ground of the courtyard, a wide circle made of dirt instead of bricks in the center. They had carved a symbol on that circle, what looked like a strange compass.

Following Henry's pointed finger, he saw a large metal bowl sitting on one of the symbol’s points. There was a baby's rattle inside it, looking much too small for the big bowl.

"Another one, there." Emma pointed this time.

They noticed, then, that in three other points, the same type of bowls were placed. In one, there was a book - leather-bound, cracked and clearly aging. In the other, a broken bow and a bloodied arrow. And the last one, completely empty.

“That doesn’t bode well,” Emma murmured.

“Aye,” Killian agreed. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

"I see you're admiring my masterpiece." A voice sounded from the gemstone pillars startling them into action.

Emma unsheathed her sword at the same time as Killian, both turning to the voice and standing closer to Henry. A woman stood against the pillar, her nonchalant posture belied by the wicked grin on her face. She had vibrant red hair and her skin matched the green surrounding her.

"Who are you?" Emma asks.

"I should be asking you that, since you're the ones invading my castle." The woman was casual in her accusation, strutting a few steps forward.

"Your gates were wide open, I assumed it was an invitation." Killian hoped his unconcerned tone disguised the disconcerting feeling her unexpected presence gave him.

"As you can see, I'm not particularly welcoming." Her arm gestured towards the empty courtyard with a wide grin. "You don't become the Great Witch of the West by letting just anyone in."

"More like ‘Wicked Witch of the West’," Henry mumbled from behind the two adults.

But with the empty courtyard and the screeching flying beasts so high in the sky, his words were easily heard by the witch who cackled amusedly. Her eyes sparked as they settled on Henry. There was something about the predatory glint in them that disturbed Emma and Killian and they moved closer together, attempting to shield him.

"Don't hide now, dear." Zelena's grin widened as she took a few steps closer to the three of them. "I have been waiting for you."

It shouldn't have surprised any of them. Killian had been preparing for the possibility that they were heading towards a trap, regardless of the desperation in the Munchkin’s face and bolstered by the confidence that they would be victorious. But to stand face-to-face with it, knowing that he would have to fight against a self-proclaimed witch to protect the young child, unsure whether he could trust Emma in this situation, was an all-together different trouble.

"You'll find that getting to him won't be as easy as you think," Killian threatened, keeping his hooked arm in front of Henry.

"And here I was, worried that it would be." For a moment, Killian thought the witch's face would split in half from the wideness of her grin. "Let's spice things up, shall we?"

The witch raised her arms towards the sky and the circling beasts suddenly descended towards them. Their screeches quickly became deafening as they approached.

Focusing on the flying monkeys for only an instant, Killian saw the witch's hand twist and before they knew it, Henry had disappeared from their side in a cloud of green smoke.

"Henry!" Emma shouted, the worry in her voice matching the fear blooming in his chest. A moment later, her cry was overwhelmed by the noise from the beasts as they reached them.

Killian's focus was split - he was desperately worried for Henry but the onslaught of the flying monsters stopped them from making any sort of offensive move.

With a sword swipe at the beast closest to him, Killian stopped its charge at Emma. As soon as there was a break in the attacks, he focused on Henry, the witch holding his face in her hand, speaking close. Before he could make a move in his defense, a ball of white light struck close enough to the witch that she released Henry.

Killian turned towards Emma, her eyes ablaze with her hands held out. The air sparked around her, and he could see the same desperation to protect Henry in her eyes that he felt within himself. Perhaps he really could trust her.

The moment he was free, Henry ran towards Emma and Killian, dodging the attacks from the flying monkeys the entire way. Killian tried to make his way towards the child only to find his way blocked by more of the beasts.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Emma finally reach Henry. He was too occupied trying to protect himself from the monster’s aggression to help her, but he could just see her holding him close as she used her magic to defend him from the witch's magic.

A loud groan from his two companions distracted him from a flying monkey rushing at him. Before he could defend himself, the beast turned to dust in front of him. Once the dust settled, he saw a dark-haired woman where the creature had been with a sword in her hand. Not in attack, however, and he quickly realized that she had just saved him.

With a nod at his rescuer - that she returned - Killian focused his attention on Henry and Emma. They were both wielding their magic defensively against the witch. As much as he wanted to rush towards them, there was no respite from the flying beasts.

"Zelena!" The newcomer called out to the witch.

A wide wicked grin bloomed on Zelena's face, even as her attacks stopped, when her gaze landed on the young woman. "Miss Dorothy Gale has decided to join the party!" she cackled.

Clearly, they were at a disadvantage. The witch was easily blocking the bursts of magic from Henry and Emma - who had now abandoned her own in favor of her weapons - and there were still about a dozen flying monkeys hovering around the courtyard. Henry's eyes were tired, but Dorothy's unexpected presence brought an air of confidence to Killian and his companions that might just give them the drive they needed to win.

An arrow swished through the air, seemingly out of nowhere, turning a flying monkey to dust. "I'm not the only one wanting to end your reign of terror, Zelena." Dorothy grinned as another arrow found its target.

Before they could even take a breath, Zelena let out a shout of rage. A green blast from the witch threw everyone out of balance, the screeches of the flying monkeys becoming deafening.

"Oz is mine!" Zelena's scream rose over the cacophony.

Killian rushed towards Emma and Henry to protect them from the flying beasts, his sword cutting a path through his adversaries. Dorothy stood beside them, all their efforts in sync to defeat the witch and protect their little party.

He heard it before he saw it, one of the flying creatures dodging the arrows from Dorothy's archers was flying directly towards their new ally. He felt Emma at his back, her sword focused on the flying monkey hovering over Henry, who was using his magic to protect them against Zelena. Killian’s hand quickly reached for her free wrist, where she carried a crossbow. As if he knew exactly how to use it, he activated the mechanism, shooting an arrow right between the eyes of the flying monkey attacking Dorothy.

The screech behind him told him that Emma, despite the distraction, disposed of her own attacker. She shot him a glare at his action and he grinned right back at her.

"It seems we make quite the team."

"Watch out!" Emma's eyes widened as she pushed him away.

It all happened too fast. A green blast of energy flew inches away from his head, and from the corner of his eye, he saw Emma's arm in the talons of one of the beasts.

"Emma!" Henry cried, panic in his voice.

Emma's sword swiped back and forth, hoping to catch the animal. Killian moved toward where the beast was trying to fly away with her still in its clutches only to have to move back and protect Henry when another blast of energy nearly caught the both of them.

Both Killian and Henry let out a sigh of relief when Emma's sword finally caught its target and the creature dropped her to the ground.

"You all will regret this!"

Dorothy ran toward the witch, but his attention moved quickly to Henry when Zelena's attack was aimed directly at him. Without a second thought, Killian grabbed the boy in his arms and pulled him away, the blast catching his leg and making them both fall to the ground. Henry looked up at him, fear hidden behind determination, and nodded, silently telling him that he was okay.

A screeching yell called all their attention to the witch. For a moment, Killian expected to see her dead body on the ground, a feeling of regret in his chest at the thought that he wouldn't be the one to kill her. But instead, Dorothy stood over Zelena's kneeled form with what looked to be a necklace in her hand. Without hesitation, she punched the witch's face, toppling her to the floor.

With a victorious smile, Dorothy turned to the rest of the courtyard, fist raised high over her head. "The witch is gone!"

They might not have been able to see their hidden allies, but they could certainly hear the cheers from the castle's walls. With the witch defeated, what was left of her flying army fell one by one to the ground.

Killian helped Henry to his feet as he called out to Emma, rushing towards her as soon as he could. Killian followed, telling himself that he didn’t want to let the boy out of his sight, but the image of her being dragged away still replayed in his mind.

His leg was tender, making him limp to where Henry helped Emma to her knees. She held the boy's hands for a moment before running her own over his face.

"Are you alright, Henry? Did she get you?" Desperation colored her words and fear filled her eyes.

He couldn’t help but relate.

"I'm alright. I'm not hurt, just tired." Henry seemed to think that wrapping his arms around Emma's neck in a comforting hug would help. And, despite her initial shock and stillness, it did, her arms wrapping around him, too. "You both kept me safe."

Killian placed his hand on the boy's head when the hug ended. "It's as I said, we seem to make quite the team." He smiled at Henry before his eyes settled on Emma's.

They may not have known each other for long, but he thought he was beginning to understand her. Perhaps even understand each other. Relief, joy, and fear filled her eyes. He didn’t know what Emma had gone through in her past, but it seemed that whatever it was made her wary, afraid to trust. He knew it because he felt it, too. He never thought he would trust her, but as he watched her fight against this common enemy with the same determination that filled his chest, he now knew that he could.

"Thank you so much for your help." Dorothy's voice broke through their moment, Emma rising to her feet even as she kept close to Henry.

"We should probably be thanking you," Emma said, sincerely. Killian nodded in agreement.

"We've been waiting for the right moment to get to her and you guys provided it for us,” Dorothy explained. “Zelena's tyrannical reign is finally over."

"What will happen to her?" Henry asked with a concerned look towards the still unconscious witch.

Dorothy seemed to finally take notice of Henry, her eyes widening slightly.

"Oh, well, Glinda, the Good Witch, told us we needed to take Zelena's necklace since it was the source of her power," she explained as she held out the now-dull emerald gem for them to see. "Now that she's powerless, we'll keep her in the dungeons."

"And her magic?" Emma asked, nodding towards the necklace.

"I'm going to take this back to Glinda. She'll keep it safe."

The wariness Killian felt was obviously shared by his companions as they looked at each other. Dorothy noticed.

"This magic, for better or worse, is Zelena's alone. No one else can use it. Glinda and the other witches will keep it safe," their new friend and ally assured them.

It didn't exactly satisfy Killian to know that it wasn't going to be destroyed. Henry reached for the necklace as Dorothy pulled her hand away slightly. He didn’t take it, or even try to, his hand hovering over it. His nose wrinkled in disgust. "She's right, the magic can't get out without Zelena taking it." Killian's hand squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. "Her magic feels funny."

"Who is he?" Dorothy asked, looking at Killian and Emma as if they were insane for bringing a child to a battle, as if they had had the choice.

"I'm Henry," the child answered with a bright grin towards Dorothy, pushing past the unpleasant experience of the necklace's magic.

Dorothy frowned, her eyes drifting to the adults perhaps hoping for a better answer. Killian and Emma shrugged with a grin.

"He's Henry," Killian confirmed, ruffling the boy's hair who grinned up at him. "I'm Killian," he continued, extending his hand to her.

Dorothy took his hand and gave it a firm shake. Killian worried that their insistence on mystery might cause them to lose an ally but they needed to keep Henry safe. Dorothy seemed to understand that. She turned to Emma expectantly.

"Emma," she answered, extending her hand to shake the other woman's but the movement made her wince. Pushing back her torn sleeve, they saw the deep scratches from the beast's talons.

"You guys are hurt, let us help." The young woman looked around, where Munchkins had begun to spread around the courtyard in celebration. She pointed towards two Munchkins who were disinfecting another one's wound by the gates. "Boq and Jinjur can help you guys." She paused for a moment as she turned her attention back to them. "We'll be having a celebration tonight. We want to thank you for your help."

"I think we should carry on our journey as soon as possible," Emma explained, looking around at the surprising amount of Munchkins warily.

"There will be food and drinks, you'll have fun. It's the least we could do."

"Food?" Henry's ears perked up from where he had been looking at all the newcomers. He turned towards the two adults with a wide grin and pleading eyes. "Please, can we stay? Please?"

Killian tried to hide his smirk as he turned to Emma who sighed in defeat. She turned to him as if asking for help, but he could only shrug.

"I would enjoy food that hasn't been in my horse's satchel for days," Killian answered, gesturing towards where Roger was being petted by Munchkin children.

"Alright, we'll stay," Emma acquiesced, turning to Henry.

Henry's cheers were echoed by the rest of the Munchkins and Killian could see that Emma smiled by the shape of her eyes, her care for the boy clear among the green.

---

"There seems to be some sort of disturbance in Oz, Your Majesty."

The voice from the circular mirror was enough to break the silence. The tall dark haired woman's attention stayed on the view from the balcony, the empty and destroyed landscape more interesting than the mirror's news.

"The whole place is disturbed, what's new?"

"It seems Zelena has been defeated."

That finally got the Queen's attention.

"Interesting… By who?"

The face in the mirror disappeared only to be replaced by an enraged Zelena sending a blast towards her adversaries. The green ball of magic was aimed at a dark-haired boy who escaped it with the help of an adult all in black. Regina watched as a brunette used Zelena's distraction to remove the glowing green pendant from her neck. Without her power, the screeches of the flying monkeys ceased and she fell to her knees, defeated.

"The peasant girl finally defeated the witch, I see."

The masculine face in the mirror nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"And who was the boy? And the man?"

There was a swirling motion on the mirror's surface. It finally settled on a better view of the man's face with a wide grin as he drug a handcuffed and ragged man into a building.

"Killian Jones, as I live and breathe."

"You need to give me more interesting bounties, Smee."

With that exchange, the mirror returned to its original state.

"I see. But why would a bounty hunter have such an interest in a boy's life?"

The situation was getting more and more intriguing.

"Zelena seemed to have an interest in the boy as well, Your Majesty."

"Oh?"

The mirror's surface focused on Zelena's deranged face inches from the frightened face of the child. The screeches of the flying monkeys almost impeded Regina from hearing what Zelena said to the boy. Almost.

"Finally, my spell will be complete."

"Let go of me!"

"The Heart of the Truest Believer… so close, within my grasp."

"You'll never win, villains never do."

Regina watched as the boy faked bravery in the face of such malice.

"The boy certainly has spunk," Regina said with an amused chuckle. "So that filthy pirate was speaking the truth, I almost feel bad about throwing him in the dungeons." Her faux-guilty pout was short-lived as she laughed.

The mirror laughed with her until a look from her silenced him.

"Just as well that she is gone, it would be a waste to have her hold that much power."

"The power should be yours, Your Majesty."

"You're damn right! But why worry about a one-handed bounty hunter when I can just be rid of him?" She shrugged as a mischievous grin widened her lips.

"Excellent idea, my Queen," the mirror bolstered.

With a twirl of her wrist, a puff of purple smoke revealed a glowing red heart in her hand. "Huntsman!" she called, her lips close to the organ.

It wasn’t long before a rugged-looking man appeared in the room with a reluctant bow towards the Queen.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" His voice was monotone, defeated, tired.

"I'm going to need you to get rid of someone for me." Regina pointed towards the mirror which showed a static image of the bounty hunter.

"How do you wish for me to do that?"

"A little gift from Wonderland." A jar appeared in her hand at her words. "Aim for the heart. It's a slow and painful poison and we want results, right?"

The Huntsman was silent as he tried to rebel against his captor. He was, however, brought to his knees when Regina tightened her grip around his heart. "Right, Huntsman?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." He spoke through clenched teeth before he grabbed the jar from the Queen's hands.

"Very good." She grinned at him, grabbing his chin to force his gaze upon her. "Make me proud. And bring me the boy."

The Huntsman averted his eyes as he stood up and left the room, Regina's sadistic laughter following him through the door.

---

Killian and Emma settled down on the edge of the courtyard with the Munchkins tasked with seeing to their wounds from the battle.

He noticed while they were being treated that Emma’s shoulders didn’t relax, despite their victory. Boq tapped at the scratches on her hand and arm with a soft cloth, both uncovered before him for the first time since he'd known her. Her sharp intake of breath brought his attention to her face.

She was in pain, unsurprisingly, but behind the pain, he saw apprehension. She was exposed - however limited - defenseless, a position she was clearly not used to. Her eyes found his when he too winced with pain at the treatment the other Munchkin applied on him.

"It seems gratitude is in order, Swan," he said, hoping to distract them both from the situation.

"For what?"

"For helping me protect Henry." The frown disappeared from her face.

"I told you that my job is to protect him. So that's what I was going to do." Her eyebrow rose as amusement filled her eyes.

"My apologies for not promptly trusting the person who had had her blade at my neck," he replied sarcastically, no accusation in it.

"I hope now we can learn to trust each other," she said, her eyes pensive and clearly wanting to follow her own advice. He couldn't help but agree with it.

Once the healers were done with them, they turned their attention back out to the courtyard. For all that Zelena's reign of tyranny had drained the life of many of the Munchkins, they put together their celebration quickly. There was no trace of the witch's hand on the courtyard. Or even the witch herself, for that matter.

There was a large fire where the strange carvings had been, warming up the clear and cool night. A few Munchkins were gathered between two emerald pillars, strange musical instruments spouting a tune of merriment and revelry. A large table was filled to the brim with sweet and savory food and drinks of all kinds - every Munchkin donating their efforts to their celebration.

The Munchkins called Dorothy to the fire and expressed their desire to make her their leader since she had saved them and also considered Oz her home. Her discomfort with all the attention was clear when she accepted to the loud cheers of the Munchkins, even as she looked upon all of them with affection.

Dorothy then extended her gratitude towards the trio who received their own round of cheers. Henry seemed to take it all in stride, smiling and waving at the surrounding Munchkins - his exhaustion after the strenuous magic use far from his mind after the short nap he had been able to take. Killian had simply nodded in recognition while Emma seemed to want to hide.

They got separated afterwards, Killian moving to Henry's side to make sure he was okay, while Emma was pulled into conversation with Dorothy. Conversation that both women seemed to enjoy. He watched as Dorothy spoke animatedly with her hands and Emma’s shoulders finally relaxed enough that she appeared to be enjoying the evening. Dorothy seemed to be a tenacious woman, hardened by her past. He had felt the same kinship with her as he had with Emma and Henry - it seemed orphans stuck together.

Killian couldn't help but feel this warm feeling in his chest at seeing Emma acclimating to their surroundings, at seeing her finding friendship with someone else. He tried to ignore the voice in his head that wanted her attention, that wanted to discover more about her.

His thoughts were interrupted by Henry sitting by his side.

"Nimmie gave me this for you." Henry held a warm beverage out to him, noticing how he had another, half-full, in his hand. "She says she made this one specially for you."

With a confused frown, Killian set down the cup he held and grabbed Henry’s, bringing it to his nose. A chuckle escaped him as he noticed the stinging smell of alcohol - not enough to overwhelm the taste of the chocolate drink but enough to warm his bones.

"Thank you, Henry." Killian smiled at the boy before catching Nimmie's eyes and raising the drink towards her. The Munchkin blushed with a smile towards him. "Cheers, lad." Turning back to Henry, they clinked their drinks together.

Taking a sip, the warmth filled him completely, fortifying him for the cooling weather. A sigh of satisfaction escaped him and then a chuckle as he saw Henry copying his action. When their eyes met, they both laughed.

A flash around Henry's neck from the firelight caught his eye at their shared mirth.

"What's that, lad?" he asked, pointing toward it with the hand still holding the cup.

Henry grasped the chain and blushed. "Oh," he said, a note of trepidation in his voice. "I, umm, I found it in your satchel…" Putting his drink down, Henry removed the chain from around his neck.

Killian put down his own drink and looked at the chain, now curled around Henry's small hand, the ring at the end almost glowing in the light from the fire. His breath hitched in his throat as he held out his hand for Henry to pass the ring to him.

"I'm sorry…" Henry said as Killian silently inspected the ring. "I just thought… it was so beautiful and it felt so warm and-"

"This was my mother's," Killian interrupted him quietly. He didn’t need the boy's apologies. He wasn’t angry. "I thought I'd lost it."

It had been missing since they started their journey to Oz. He thought he had lost it on the way.

"I'm sorry…" he repeated.

Killian couldn't handle Henry's guilt, not when he didn’t need to feel guilty in the first place. So he flashed the boy a weak reassuring smile, his emotions raging under the surface, hopefully not showing on his face. The boy quieted, hands fidgeting as he tried to still them between his knees.

"My brother gave it to me before he died,” he murmured. “It was the only thing we had of our mother… of our family." Killian could feel the emotions rolling off of the boy, if only because the air felt like it sparked. "He used to say that it would protect us… Our good luck charm."

The image of Henry in Zelena's grasp flooded his brain. He remembered how he had felt such crippling fear and the urge overtaking him to just hold the boy, making sure he was safe, once the witch was defeated.

He couldn't help but remember the storm. The one that took his only family away from him, and freed him from his owners. The one that ended up giving him his last shot at a family.

"Kil-" Henry interrupted himself as Killian held the chain in his hand and hook and threaded it over Henry's head.

"Keep it. It's yours."

Killian placed his hand on top of the ring where it lay on Henry's chest, looking at it with a longing smile. Henry's hand joined his.

"I'll protect it with my life."

A watery chuckle rose up in Killian's throat as he looked at the boy. He shook his head, the smile still on his lips.

"No, my boy. It's the other way around."

Killian moved away, intending to break the heavy moment, when Henry stopped him by wrapping his arms around his waist, his head buried in his chest. Killian's heart clenched as he wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulders.

"Thank you, Killian."

"You're quite welcome, Henry," he whispered.

Killian turned his head away from the boy, trying to get a hold of his overwhelming emotions. As he did, he noticed Emma turn her head back towards Dorothy. Had she been looking at them? Dorothy looked at him then and he certainly hoped that they wouldn't be able to see the wreck of emotions he tried to control. She seemed to say something to Emma causing her to look away. What were they saying?

Henry straightened up, effectively bringing his attention back to the boy, sitting back on his side.

He mimicked the boy by grabbing his drink again. Henry held out his drink this time and they clinked their cups together with an amused smile. It was a time for celebration, not heavy emotions. Regardless, his heart stuttered in his chest every time he noticed Henry's reverent hand on the ring.

The celebration continued long into the night, the moon rising higher and higher in the sky. After the years of Zelena’s dominance over the land, he could hardly begrudge the citizens their revelry, and he determined to enjoy himself as well.

---

"Where is the Swan taking us now?"

The map was familiar in his hands, the parchment folded and unfolded dozens of times already. Killian had checked and double-checked their route last night. He barely needed a proper look to know their newest trajectory.

"It's taking us Northeast."

Once more, he folded the map to store it in his satchel at Roger's side.

"Why is it always changing?" Henry asked as he patted the horse's muzzle, receiving a nicker in response.

"Nemo said that Cygnus would take anyone to where they need to be. I have to believe that it's all for a reason."

Henry seemed thoughtful as Killian stashed all their belongings back in the satchel. Rustling from the forest leaves caught Killian's attention. Assuming it was Emma, he turned towards it, unable to stop himself from searching for her presence.

There was nothing there. Not a shadow. No dark green hood emerging from the trees. Killian frowned.

"I believe, too." Henry's statement called his attention back and he smiled.

He would say afterwards that it all happened too fast, but in truth, it felt as if time slowed down, almost dragging its feet. Rushed footsteps echoed through the clearing at the same time the release of a bow string twanged.

A panicked call for his name had him turn his head in time to see a small arrow whizzing through the air towards him. A green figure flashed across his line of sight. There was a thud on the ground and a gasp.

"Emma!" Henry's cry drew his attention and allowed time to resume.

Emma lay on the ground, Henry’s hand on her shoulder.

"Swan!" Killian's tone matched Henry's as he knelt beside them.

The arrow stuck out from her back, a small thing. His eyes flew to the dense forest surrounding them. He could just see a figure, their armor reflecting the morning sun, before they ran away. He wanted to follow them, make them pay, but Emma's groan of pain pierced the fog of vengeance clouding his mind.

"It's gonna be okay, Swan, we’ve got you."

Looking towards Henry, the boy nodded and held onto her arms, keeping her still. The arrow came out easily. It was more stick than arrow - a hastily fashioned weapon. But it wasn't the craftsmanship behind the weapon that worried him, it was the yellow liquid that had stained the tip.

Emma seemed to take stabilizing breaths on the ground now that the arrow had been removed.

"Are you okay?" Henry's small voice caused Emma to smile reassuringly, a poor attempt regardless.

"It's going to take more than a little arrow to bring me down."

Her eyes found his and he could easily read her questioning look. He raised the arrow to her eyesight and her eyes closed in resignation. Yes, yellow viscous liquids weren't ever good news.

"We need to keep going," she said, trying to stand up with difficulty.

He dropped the arrow and held on to her arm, receiving a grateful look in response.

"Swan, we need to get you some help."

"Yeah! The quest can wait!" Henry's voice was worried, matching Killian's, his hands quickly latching onto Emma's free hand and arm.

"No, it can't." Her voice was breathless, determination sparking in her eyes.

Stubbornness, of course. Perhaps some resignation to her fate and lack of hope. They might not have known Emma for long but they certainly already knew that about her. Luckily for her, Henry and Killian were brimming with determination. And as for hope, Henry had more than enough to go around. Safe to say, Killian was receptive to it.

Killian and Henry’s eyes met, a stealthy nod shared between them.

"Alright," Killian said. That seemed to surprise Emma. She probably expected more of a fight. "We'll carry on, but you're taking Roger."

Killian could tell she wanted to argue but he could see the tiredness in her eyes, this poison, whatever it was, already taking effect. With a nod, she moved towards the horse.

"Henry, help me put our things away."

If the boy noticed that Killian clearly didn't need help with the one blanket that was still on the ground, he didn’t mention it. They huddled around it, keeping their voices low.

"I've heard tales of magical beings, healers that reside in a valley," Killian whispered.

"Where is it?"

"North. Cygnus is taking us close by." Henry seemed to frown at that, looking up at the blue sky. "What do you think, lad?"

"We need to keep it a secret, Emma's not going to like it."

"Aye." With another discreet nod and a determined look, they rose and made their way back to Roger and to an oblivious Emma.

---

"Swan!"

"What?!" Regina's grip on the Huntsman's heart was deadly, almost enough to crush it. "Get back here, now!"

She watched as the forest began to move quickly in the mirror - thanks to the reflective surface on the Huntsman's armor - before it returned to its natural state.

"Who was that?!"

The man in the mirror was baffled as he stuttered. "I-I…"

"Figure it out, now!"

"Th-They were wearing the Lost Ones armor, Your Majesty."

The mirror's surface rippled to reflect a dark sky with a verdant jungle below. Just on the bottom half of it, Regina could see a blonde figure standing on alert and a hooded figure desperately packing their belongings.

"Hurry, we need to leave." A feminine frantic whisper broke the natural silence.

"Yes, yes, I know," the hooded figure whispered back, a feminine voice as well.

The standing figure handed over a knitted blanket. "Don't forget this."

"Stop!" Regina's command was swiftly obeyed as the mirror's surface froze on the blanket's embroidered section. The name "Emma" was knitted in purple yarn.

"Emma…Where have I seen that before?"

"Your Majesty," The man in the mirror's face suddenly returned. "I believe I know."

"Then what are you waiting for?!"

Wanting to escape the Queen's wrath, the mirror once again swirled to reveal the backs of two familiar figures. Much to the Queen's distaste.

"Thank you for joining us in welcoming our daughter, Princess Emma!"

The crowd gathered below the castle window erupted into a loud cheer. Regina watched as the two rulers waved at their subjects. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before they turned and approached the middle of the room, the bundle in Snow White's arms more visible as her Prince Charming adjusted the blanket surrounding her. Regina could finally see that the blanket surrounding the newborn princess and the blanket the hooded figure packed away were the same.

The daughter of Snow White and her Prince Charming was, as her parents were before her, a thorn in Regina’s side.

"Will those pests never be gone for good?" Regina took a deep breath, a manic smile taking over her features. "Very well, let the poison take her on a painful trip to her mommy's arms."

#cssns23 #parent for hire #carolina writes #killian jones #captain hook #henry mills #emma swan #captaincobra #captainswan #captaincobraswan #zelena mills #dorothy gale #oz #munchkins #those damn flying monkeys

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sochawrites · 1 year

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Can I request a fic / one-shot of Corey Cunningham where he teaches you to ride his motorcycle, but you end up getting hurt and he gets super worried about you (almost excessively) but tries to take care of you?

Keep up the great work by the way! It’s much appreciated <3

Asjfhjdjgf! Thank you 😭😭

My heart, that's such a cute idea!

As a what-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong extraordinaire – I love it, and I hereby pledge to do my very best!

Is anyone else getting scratched/burned through clothes when slide-falling with the clothes being completely fine? No? just me? ok...

And sorry it took so long! I had some mid-term tests to take care of.

A scratch

Corey Cunningham x reader

"So, the clutch is here, gas is there, this is the front brake, the back brake is down there, but other than that, it's like riding a bike, I promise! Just keep balance and it will be fine." Corey was sitting behind you, leaning over, excitedly pointing at things all over his new motorbike, giving you a quick lecture over the somewhat roaring engine. You listened to him attentively, although slightly distracted by the body heat that enveloped you.

"And what should I do if I was about to fall?" "Come on sugarplum..." Corey pecked you behind your ear, "...you're not going to." and supportingly squeezed your thigh. You threw a quick glance at the rocky road in the junkyard "If you say so...". He chuckled at your sceptical tone, "Hey, it's gonna be alright, ok?" Corey said ruffling your hair as he stepped off and patted your shoulder.

"Well, here goes nothing..." you muttered under your breath as you showed the stand aside, pushed the vehicle forward and tugged on the gas slightly. You did a few side steps to balance out the slow start and pulled on the gas once again, screeching as the bike thrust forcefully forward, holding the handles for your dear life. You swore you could hear Corey laughing his ass off, but didn't dare to look away from the road.

You rode at your own pace, actually starting to ease up on the bumpy terrain, and then you saw the turn you had to make and tensed up again.

It's like riding a bike... well alright... You turned the handlebars and inclined slightly in your seat, just like how Corey did when he showed you first.

So far so good, you thought halfway through the turn.

Oh, hello there kitty cat...

Oh shit! A kitty cat!

"Shit shit shit shit shit!" you panicked, jerking the handlebars even more to the side, trying to avoid the cat, not realizing the tires lost the little grip they had on the gravel, slipping.

The sky was a beautiful shade of blue, that little amount of clouds was cast in a golden glow from the soon-setting sun, and the ground was pleasantly warm, and also surprisingly comfortable. At least that wasn't the worst fall you have ever experienced, but it could've been easily avoided if the cat didn't materialize out of blue. You tried to look around for that little thing, but you couldn't see it from your position underneath the motorcycle, it probably ran away.

"Y/N! Fuck! Are you alright?" Corey was soon by your side, picking the motorbike off of you, it looked scratched. "Yeah, I’m good. I'm sorry, I probably scra-auch." still lying on the ground, you showed him a thumbs up, only to be met with a stinging ache in your elbow and hissed in pain, which caught Corey's attention. He quickly found himself beside you, checking for injuries. There was a long scratch going from your elbow to your forearm, and some darkening spots on your jeans where you came into contact with the earth. Painful? yes, but nothing life-threatening, a thought Corey decided to ignore.

You had finally calmed down enough to perceive the world around you, and tried to sit up. Instead, you were stopped mid-motion by Corey "Oh no, no, no, sugarplum, what are you doing? You're hurt! Don't move. Let me just-" and with that, he pulled one hand under your legs and put the other behind your back, picking you up in a bridal style. "Corey, what are you doing? I can walk! Put me down-" you wiggled a bit in his grasp, but to no avail, he just tugged you closer to him.

Corey brought you to the office space, probably the only relatively clean place around, and gently lowered you onto the couch, before running away to get the first aid kit "Don't move, you could get hurt even more.".

Even though the adrenaline has already pretty much disappeared out of your veins, it didn't really hurt that much. Still, you could see the concern and worry, fear even, behind Corey's zoned-out eyes. Oh, you poor traumatized boy.

Looking down at the growing spots on your pants, you concluded that it would be a good idea to remove them before the blood starts to dry. Pulling the zipper down, you called out to Corey, "Munchkin? Do you think you could find some clean pants I could take?". "Hmm..? What fo-?" Corey left the room as quickly as he entered, spinning on his heel, a deep blush forming on his cheeks, but out of your view, just as the falling items from how fast and clumsily had he cut the corner. You couldn't help but chuckle.

After a while of searching, Corey came back with a coverall you could change into and set it next to you along with the medical supplies. Corey took the disinfectant and some cloth he could soak in it, as he knelt beside you, all while staring into nothingness. "Corey?... munchkin?..." you tried to catch his attention, but he was once again zoned out. You reached out your injured hand to make him look at you, caressing his cheek while doing so.

He flinched as soon as he noticed you touched his skin, head snapping towards you. You on the other hand kept your hand outstretched, unmoving. "Hey, it's ok. I'm ok. Ok?", you spoke softly and with a gentle smile on your lips, as Corey eased up into your palm again.

He leaned in, closing his eyes, "It's my fault..." Corey mumbled and kissed the inside of your hand, "...I should've ridden with you.". His hand gently reached yours and pulled it down, away from his sweet face, slightly twisting it so he had a better view of the damage. "Now you're hurt...", Corey took the soaked cloth and delicately swiped around the wound, "...and it's just because of me.".

You could see him zoning out again, "Corey, stop it. It's not your fault that the cat was in the way, and I should've hit the brakes, so don't you dare blame yourself, ok?" "But-" "No buts." you cut him off sternly. "It. Was. Not. Your. Fault., and I know what you're thinking about munchkin, don't make me start on that."

He shook his head at you, "Corey-" "I know, I know...", he placed a bandage over your forearm and gave it a quick peck, moving on to clean your leg, "but don't deny that you're hurt.". "It's just a few scratches-", you tried to argue, "Even if it is, even if it was just a bruise, don't. Just... let me take care of you...".

You sighed in defeat and leaned forward to ruffle his hair, "You're such a dork sometimes, you know that?", Corey locked his eyes with yours, a hint of a smile in them, "My cute dorky munchkin...".

#I was going to write in this little cute scene with Corey giving you his helmet. but then I realised he doesn't wear one. not even on bike #and I got a little mad #Sir #where is your helmet?#you almost got hit two! times! and still don't have one?#I mean. in my country they are not mandatory for bicycles. but I'm pretty sure that we have to have something on when on motorbikes #at least on those that are past a certain weight/speed limit. which is the category his motorbike most likely falls to...#you know what? scratch that 'little' mad part. it's big mad. I wanted to write that part few days ago and I'm still salty about it #corey cunningham #corey cunningham x reader #corey cunningham x you #reader insert #request #Munchkin as a nickname for Corey? don't mind if I do #god I hope I did well with the assignment

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dreamwatch · 8 months

Text

Eddie is currently confined to my office and bathroom (and I just realised that if you’re a Steddie fan that sounded like some kinky start to a fic…), but today he meets his big sister properly. She has seen him, she looked terrified, he looked amazed.

Today looks like it’s the last proper day of summer and I really want to get outside because it’s where I find it easiest to write. ‘Eddie in Prison’ has been neglected for a while, Like A Stone just consumed me all through August and has ended up getting longer and more complicated than I imagined… Anyone remember the challenge? Get something published to AO3 before the end of the year. Time is moving fast. I really wanted to try NaNoWriMo this year and use the very first fic I started for it. It got messy fast, but there is still something there, I’m sure. Just needs to be gutted and for me to start over.

If you read my rambles, thank you! For your trouble please accept a photo of Eddie - he had just woken up. 🖤🐾

#dreamy ramble #eddie munchkin #Eddie update #my writing

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dylan-duke · 6 months

Note

gavin sitting by munchkin’s bedside, recapping his day- and then bursting out into tears becsude she doesn’t respond at the jokes he knows are bad, but that he makes jsut for her to laugh

"oh and jack tripped over his own feet again during there game yesterday," gavin says chuckling lowly to himself, "you would've had a field day with it munchkin. it was hilarious," he pauses expecting to hear his girlfriends beautiful laugh.

instead all he gets in response is the now all too familiar rhythmic beeping of the machines hooked up to munchkin.

gavin grabs her hand as tears begin to fall,

"please come back to me baby girl," he begs, "i just want to hear your laugh, plea-se," he can barely get the last word out before he breaks down into sobs.

#sorry?#\lol #im not having a good day today so I'm feeling sad and putting it into my writing #gavin brindley #munchkin #munchkin x gavin #munchkin x gavin brindley

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munchkin1156 · 9 months

Text

I have fallen (but have faith, for I shall rise once more)

. . .

Borrower Techno with rest of sbi as god's? More likely than you think :D

2.2k words for part one, definitely going to make a part two because I'm not about to LEAVE y'all on a cliffhanger like that.

(Cw: Blood, injuries, mention of death (non happens) swearing, angst, accidental fearplay and Techno passes out due to blood loss.)

Hope you enjoy my (technically) first addition to the mcyt g/t community from my user!

. . .

Technoblade wasn’t like other borrowers.

Other borrowers didn’t have voices in their heads, who screamed at him for blood, grew emotionally attached to the most random things, or know things that helped him evade capture multiple times.

Other borrowers didn’t have memories that never existed, searing into his brain at moments when he loses themselves, of friendships with beings of power, of him being a being of power, of falling from the clouds for a crime he did not do.

When his sword is stained red from those who wronged him, then in his head it rings. When the voices, or as he called them, Chat, started chanting. It never made sense, what they chanted.

Blood for the blood god

And it scared him, not knowing what it meant. But he couldn’t dwell on it now, just like he couldn’t dwell on it yesterday. He was a borrower, and that meant he needed to borrow.

Techno stepped outside of the comfort that was the shelter that he had been using for the past week. Being a wandering borrower, he didn’t have a home, exactly. He wandered from place to place, travelling lightly and swiftly, being able to escape at a moment's notice.

He had bases in some places, so he could restock and rest for a bit, but he was exploring a new area and that came with the consequence of not knowing where safety lay, so if a bean were to see him, he might not be able to get out of there fast enough.

But it wouldn’t come to that. Techno was an amazing borrower, and his motto was literally ‘Technoblade never dies’. He started walking through the long grass, humming to himself. He wouldn’t get caught, he was certain of it.

So why did he feel so uneasy?

. . .

“Hey- Hey! Stop it!” He whispered, whipping his sword out as an act of defence. The crow squawked defiantly but didn’t stop trying to pick him up with its beak.

Techno groaned. Crows were always nice to him, and they were one of the few things that gave him those memories other than blood.

Memories of black wings surrounding him, feeling safety and warmth, and when he looked into those eyes-

Other things that did this were music, especially guitars or discs, the colour red, and that one statue. It had been in some rich fucker’s garden, and from what he had overheard the people in it were gods, whatever that was.

Their names, according to the beans he had been eavesdropping on, were Philza, Angel of Death, a golden blonde man with large black crow wings, a fatherly expression on his face as he stared at Soot, the god of music and chaos, a brunette who was laughing and ruffling the hair of Innit, god of discs and the wilderness.

And, standing a little bit away from the others, was a statue with its head gone. According to one of the beans, it was because they had been banished from the kingdom above, for a crime so terrible, and therefore been erased from history.

He also heard them say that it turned out to be an accident, that DreamXD, had framed him. But by that time it was discovered, it was too late, and he had been cast down, though it is said those three gods still search for him, in the hopes that they could bring him back.

They said his name was Blade, the god of war and blood. And that’s how he got his name.

Technoblade.

And, another funny thing is, no matter how hard he sees those gods as Philza, Soot, and Innit, like the man described, some hidden part of his mind changes that to Phil, Wilbur, and Tommy. But that was beside the point.

The point was, that no matter how nice the crows were to him, they kept trying to take him somewhere.

Usually, they’d stop if he complained or shouted, or drew his sword (never intending to kill, just to scare them off) and they’d stop. But this one was even more persistent, and Techno realised now that he’d either have to fight it (something he would like to avoid if possible, he liked crows and they sometimes brought him gifts) or run.

He chose the latter, dashing to the side the moment the crow grabbed him. It squawked in outrage and Techno realised that it couldn’t chase after him on foot, with its legs like sticks. Birds were meant to fly, not walk.

‘Looks like I win this time, eh?’

He thinks, grinning to himself. The crow that he escaped from cawed loudly, and he only had a split second to wonder what that could mean before another crow SWOOPS down out of nowhere and yoinks (he’s not even sure what that word means but it seems about right for this situation) him up in its claws.

He had jinxed it. Techno didn’t believe in superstition, but he was certain that was what had happened.

The pinkette struggled in the crow's grasp, desperate to get free before it took him to… Well, wherever it was taking him. But it was no use. He wondered why it was so determined to bring him wherever it was going. Techno supposed he’d find out, soon enough.

Eventually, after a few minutes of flying, the borrower noticed something very, very strange. The crow was taking him up. And by that, he meant really, really high up. The world below was barely visible, as they went higher and higher, through the clouds.

And once they came out of the clouds, Techno couldn’t believe his eyes.

“The kingdom above… Fucking hell it’s real…”

He muttered to himself in awe. It was made out of pristine white shining material that might’ve been made out of the clouds themselves, with magical glowing lanterns floating in the air.

Techno’s first thought was that it belonged to the ruler of this kingdom, or at least some kind of person in power, I mean it was so fine and well-kept that it had to be, right? Wrong.

On closer inspection, he realised that the people walking down below were… Normal. This was a normal town here, and these were normal civilians.

The crow flew past it though, taking Techno with it. Its wingbeats never slowed, and it showed no sign of tiredness. This was no ordinary crow, he was sure of it.

And this was no ordinary place. Chat had stopped talking altogether, and his mind felt as if it was his own, at last. It was as if someone wanted him to be peaceful, but that was silly since he was literally getting kidnapped by a bird.

What a great day Techno was having, right?

Aaaaand now the crow was flying down, towards three people that looked awfully familiar, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it and then-

Oh fuck that’s Philza, Soot and Innit. He’d recognize them anywhere, after the incident with the statue. Oh, he’s fucked. He’s going to die, oh stars he needs to get out of this mess-

‘But aren’t the gods his family?’

He brushed that thought off with a shudder. Why on earth did he keep thinking stuff like that!? It didn’t make any sense, and you better believe that he was gonna get to the bottom of this.

Not today though. He was about to get caught by some of the most powerful beings in the entire universe, and he’d actually rather not. He valued his life, after all. So he did what any self-respecting borrower would do and fucking stab the bird.

Techno hadn’t particularly wanted to stab the crow. As he might’ve mentioned before, he liked crows. There just hadn’t been another choice.

And it had worked.

The crow dropped him with a screech, alerting the three gods immediately. Their gazes fell on the bleeding crow who flew over to them with a lot of effort and landed on Philza’s outstretched arm. It healed almost instantly.

But the pinkette didn’t know any of this, because he happened to be falling when that situation had played out. And when Techno hit the ground, he felt his body scream out in pain and his head ring in agony.

The world around him felt loud and blurry. His head seemed to be sticky with what he could only assume was blood. He forced himself to stand, he needed to get out of here, needed to be safe-

Chat was back now, just as incoherent and jumbled as his thoughts, and from what he managed to make out, delusional. They kept saying something about… Dadza? Who the hell was- Oh. Wait what!?

So Chat was no help.

Techno winced. He couldn’t think, everything was just so loud and it hurt so damn much and he couldn’t understand and oh fuck did one of the Gods? beans just spot him and oh no they’re all walking towards him now.

The borrower’s eyes widen, and he couldn’t help but shrink back as the three gods towered over him, eyeing him over with such a strange expression of hope and longing that made Techno wonder if he actually was delusional.

The silence was broken when one of the gods, Innit, spoke up, voice breaking slightly and eyes glazed, as if holding back tears.

“Holy shit… Is it him? Like, really him?”

Philza responded, managing to sound calm and yet so desperate that it made Techno’s cold heart shatter, though he was not sure why.

“I don’t know Tommy (wait WHAT-), why don’t we ask him instead of talking over his head?” The angel of death suggested, and now they were all staring at him again, possibly even more intensely than before.

“So,” Philza said curiously. “Who are you, why did you stab my crow and why did it try to bring you here?”

There was no malice in his voice, it was just confusion and subtle amusement, but that just made Techno’s nerves worse. The only reason he could think of that would involve the god being amused about his half-dead state was-

Oh fuck, were they going to torture him?

“I’m Technoblade,” He said, after a few moments of hesitation. The pinkette ignored the sharp gasp of air from above, acting like he didn’t hear it, because he did not want to think of why the god might be shocked, and instead continued.

“I stabbed your crow because I was about to get seen (and look how that ended up) and I have no clue why it brought me here.” Techno knew it was not a smart idea to lie to a god, and he was anything but stupid. His injuries throbbed painfully, but the gods either didn’t notice or didn’t care.

Techno wasn’t about to guess which one…

After a very long while (in which Techno was trying his absolute hardest not to die on the spot) Soot spoke up. “So that’s a- a yes, then? It’s him?” He asked, voice cracking slightly. “Yes, Wilbur, (WHAT THE FUCK) It’s really him.”

The borrower didn’t have time to question what in the world he meant by that, because at that moment Philza reached down, and Techno realised what was about to happen a second too late.

He scrambled backwards as the hand came towards him, absolutely terrified out of his wits, but the god paid no mind to that, plucking him off the ground by his waist easily.

Techno struggled in his grasp but fell limp almost immediately. There was no way he was escaping from Philza, even though he wanted to, and besides, it just made his injuries worse. The tight grip the god had him in didn’t help either.

“What do you want from me!?”

He shouted, glaring at the gods, though it quickly fell as he remembered how easily they could crush him. Soot made a small noise (pity?) but he ignored it. “You- you really don’t remember us?” Asked Innit, with a look of despair on his face.

‘Remember you? I’ve never seen you before in my life!’

Not in this one you haven’t.

Responded one of the voices, before it faded back into the clutter of noise. “Chat?” Philza asked, and Techno almost responded with ‘Yeah, it’s making no sense…’ when he remembered that he never told them about Chat.

Something clicked behind Soot’s eyes, and he spoke up. “So you really don’t know who we are… Right?” Techno nodded. Where exactly was (Wilbur) Soot going with this? “So that means…” “Means what? I’m not about to sit around all day waiting while you give me half-formed answers,” the borrower responded, with more challenge in his tone than was wise.

It’s not like you could stop them from doing that…

Said another one of those loud voices unhelpfully. ‘Thanks a lot…’ He thought to himself irritatedly and stared at Soot expectantly, which was harder than it seemed because his eyes kept unfocusing, and the corners of his vision were blurry and stained red. ‘Blood?’

“Listen, Technoblade, I don’t know what species you think you are, but…” He hesitated again, before continuing.

“You're a god, and our brother, at that.” Soot paused, and then started saying something more. “I’m so glad we finally found you, we’ve-”

But Techno didn’t get to hear what they’d done, the blood loss had finally caught up to him, and he passed out, darkness now surrounding him as he finally drifted into a dreamless sleep.

. . .

Aaaaaand that's it, folks! Great ending we got there, right? Hope you liked it :] Big thanks to Beckyu for helping me choose how to end it, and start next chapter.

That reminds me...

@i-am-beckyu and @brick-a-doodle-do, thank you for wanting to be tagged! If you want to be tagged, comment, ask or dm me and I'll add you! :D

Bye for now!!!

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