#sister told me to look at his most recent post and my jaw dropped

[yixiangs]

why has daniel pantsed himself publicly

#sister told me to look at his most recent post and my jaw dropped #what is going on #i had to unfollow him a while ago bc the ick was too strong can you imagine telling 2020 me this would happen #dabae speaks

[fa-headhoncho]

Untitled TFATWS Fic: Part 1

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Prompt/Background: After turning yourself in to the government following the events of CA:TWS, they lock you up for the crimes you committed during your time at Hydra. Spending years there until Captain America got you on parole during the blip to help fight Thanos. Now, after doing community service acts and helping the broken society, when they give the new Captain America the shield, you’re thrown back into a life you didn’t want.

Word Count: 1871 (ahaha, yea)

Reader: Female

Warning: parole officers might be triggering??? idk

Author’s Note: I’ve decided to end my 141 part Wattpad Sebastian Stan imagine book and post on Tumblr instead :’), a happy day. Also, I’M SORRY THAT I LIKE SLOW BURN SERIES OK? Schedule for this series is every Thursday. ALSO IF YOU HAVE TITLE IDEAS FOR THIS SERIES, LMK! PLEASE

Masterlist

Part 2  Part 3  Part 4

=====

The sound of your heels echoed throughout the dimly lit room as you make your way through the exhibit. The walls take you back in time, reading how Captain America came to be and all his past accomplishments. They even updated from the last time you were here, documenting the events on the Blip.

You didn’t even know where you were going, absently letting your emotions and feet lead to where it felt you needed to be.

“For a former spy, you’re not really good at sneaking up on someone.” Rhodes’ voice greets you once you open up the curtain to a different area. A small smile sneaks its way across your face seeing the two men in front of you.

“Bit out of practice.” You spit back, walking towards them. “It’s nice to see you again, Rhodie.” You open your arms out to him and he gladly takes the hug. “Hopefully life’s been treatin’ you well.”

“For the most part,” He chuckles out while pulling away from the embrace. You move on to the other man, him happily wrapping his arms around your waist as you wrap yours around his shoulders.

Sam lets out a breath into the crook of your neck before pulling back. “You doing okay?” You ask, looking at his face for any sign of emotion. He nods but there was something in his eye that told otherwise.

You open your mouth to push him for the real answer but Rhodes cuts you off, “Well, I have to get going. It was good seeing you, (Y/L/N), hopefully, we work together soon. Remember what I said, Sam.” With that, he leaves the room to leave you and Sam alone.

The room fills with silence as the two of you turn to the iconic suit and shield in front of you. You try to watch Sam from the corner of your eye but he just stands with his back straight and his eyes forward.

“You know, I’m sure Steve would understand.” You decide to say, clasping your hands in front of you. “I didn’t become as close as you did, but from my time with him during the Blip, he tried his best to help everyone. He had a lot of responsibilities and issues of his own along with having a whole country looking up to him... 

“It was a lot… he opened to me about it one night before… you know.” You admit which makes him finally look at you. “He told me what he was going to do and all I could do is support him… I asked him what he was going to do with the mantle and he said give it to you.” Turning your head, you make eye contact with him. “I asked him if he was sure.”

He lets out a snort at that, shaking his head at you. “Really gotta do me like that?” He wipes his hand across his face then stuffs his hand in his pockets as he turns to face you. “I thought we were having a nice bonding moment and then you had to drop me like that?”

You can’t help the giggle that escapes your lips at his whining. “I’m being serious, Sam, stop.” You hit him on the shoulder. “He said there was no doubt in his mind that you do what needed to be done with the shield. He trusted you and your judgment, Falcon.” You emphasize his hero name which he just rolls his eyes at you.

“Yea, I’m sure he did.” He smiles and then changes the subject, “How’s parole treatin’ ya, still got the collar on?” He gestures to your ankle causing you to lift your dress pant leg, flashing the electric bracelet around your ankle. He lets out a hearty chuckle at it. “Still can’t believe that they have you on a leash.”

“Price you gotta pay for freedom.” You shrug and drop the cloth. There’s a beat of silence between the two of you, both of you taking a glance back at the exhibit and the shield.

“Have you talked with Bucky recently?”

“No, I was going to ask you.” Your heart sinks at the realization. “We’ve been texting a bit but I haven’t seen him since I spent the weekend with him a couple of weeks ago.” You shyly admit and look down at your feet.

“Weekend, huh?”

“Shut it, Sam.” You knock your foot against his. “We didn’t do anything, he doesn’t like me like that. Plus, he wouldn’t even let me spend the night. I had to go to a hotel, he sleeps on the floor, Sam! I’m worried about him.” It took weeks for you to convince him to let you come over and you finally knew why when you step into his apartment. It made your heart sink, it looked like if a Hydra cell got a remodel. “He has two chairs and a tv.”

“Living modestly I see.” He snorts out, covering up whatever he was actually thinking. It’s now your turn to roll your eyes at him, frustrated that he isn’t willing to talk about this. “Hey, he’s still figuring stuff out, okay? He just got all his memories back and he’s still working on living with his past. You should know better than I do to give him time.” His tone is soft as he lightly scolds you. You hang your head at his words, knowing he’s right.

It took some time for you to come to terms with your past when you turned yourself in after Hydra and SHIELD fell. You took accountability for your actions during your years at Hydra and spent a few years in jail before Steve took action to help you get on parole. That didn’t mean you weren’t fully recovered.

“When are you joining me on the field, anyway?” Sam changes the topic noticing how you went silent and your eyes looked past him. “I could use you on some of my recon missions.” 

A large smile forms on your face at the mention of your parole. “A couple more check-ins and I’m good, I think.” You excitedly inform, “They actually want to talk to me about something, and then it’s the last three months. Saving the world made my good behavior skyrocket.”

“I’m sure it did.” He smiles, “Well, let me know what happens. I’m heading down to Louisiana soon and my sisters want to meet you. She heard about your work with the soup kitchens in New York and she wanted some insight.”

“Really? Give her my number, you know I’d be happy to talk with her. I’ve been thinking about trying to get my officer to convince the big guys to expand my tracking radar so I reach out more.” You start to ramble about the ideas you’ve been having for more community service actions. During the blip, Steve got you into volunteer work and it sparked something inside of you. He said it might give you a new purpose and he couldn’t have been more right.

The two of you spend the rest of the day together, catching up on everything that’s been going on. You didn’t realize how much you missed his snarky comments and banter until he smothered you in it, “making up for lost time”, he said. He continues the bullying by texting back and forth for the next few days.

It was nice to have a friend after everything that happened over the last few years. Steve and Nat were gone so the friendships you built up during the blip were just a memory now. Yea, Bucky and you were friends but it was a bit more complicated than that.

It’s a few weeks after that and they’ve already named some prick the new Captain America. You were frustrated at Sam but you realized that he couldn’t have known that this was going to happen. Especially since when you reached out to him and he was more furious than you were. Bucky was a whole other story. When the press conference aired, he immediately called you and went off about Sam. You couldn’t offer answers so you just told him to talk to him about it. This didn’t involve you.

Now, you were sat at some random government office in DC. You were beyond nervous, leg bouncing and fingers tapping. Kevin, your sweet parole officer, had called you in for an emergency meeting. He didn’t mention anything about the content of it but he assured you not to worry. It didn’t help, though, your mind was scrambling trying to think of anything you could’ve done to break your parole or anywhere you could’ve gone that went outside your tracking radar.

“(Y/L/N)?” The familiar voice echoes through the lobby makes your head snap up. Kevin, your knight in a cashmere sweater, stands there with his hands in his pants pockets. He nods his head, gesturing for you to follow him.

He leads you down a long hallway, stopping at the end of it and holding the door open for you. You send him a grateful smile before entering the office. It was very different from his usual office. The tall windows lined the wall from floor to ceiling, making the already large room feel even more spacious. It was a bit unsettling compared to his close-knit office space located in an old house on the outskirts of DC.

Kevin moves you two to the large conference table on the other side of the room, having you sit before he does. He takes the chair at the head of the table, sighing as he opens the folder and takes a few papers out.

“Sign these.” He slides them over to you but you furrow your eyebrows in response.

“What’s going on?”

“You’re being released.” He announces, leaning back in his chair with a tight-lipped smile on his face. Your jaw drops and your heart picks up but you can’t help but question it. You quickly compose yourself and look down at the papers.

“Isn’t it a bit too early?” You ask while briefly scanning the papers. “I still have two months left, not that I’m not grateful but where is this coming from?” This was happening too suddenly, Kevin was good with warning you about the activities that go on behind the scenes of your parole and he didn’t even mention the thought of an early release.

The brunette man lets out a sigh, running his hair through his long hair. He then leans his elbows on the table with his head propped up on his palms, he opens his mouth to answer but is cut off by the office door opening.

The new Captain America and his sidekick come waltzing in, a few of his goons following as well. He didn’t need the uniform or shield for you to recognize him since his face has been plastered on every channel since they came forward with him. He’s all everyone could talk about.

“He released you.” You barely hear Kevin as your mind goes into spirals. What the hell did this guy want? Why is he even here? What the hell did he want with you?

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader #avengers imagines #james buchanan barnes #james barnes #tfatws #avengers fanfic #mcu #james buchanan barnes x reader

[petersasteria]

Raising You - Holland!Reader

Holland!Reader || Main || Taglist

Requested? Nah. 1,941 words TW: character deaths, swear words, nothing super bad

I was supposed to post this on Mother's Day, but it wasn't ready by then and I didn't know the direction of this story. But yeah. Here it is now. Enjoy.

* * * *

“I hate you!” You screamed. “Why do you always ruin things for me?! You’re no fun at all!” Tears were streaming down your face as you ran up the stairs to go to your room.

Tom followed you and said, “Tough luck, Y/N! I love you and whether you like it or not, I’ll always meddle in your life!”

“Go away!” You shouted, went into your room, and slammed the door. Tom furiously knocked on the door and let out a frustrated sigh when he heard you lock it.

He rubbed his face and went downstairs to cool off. He walked in the living room and saw a framed picture of both of you. He smiled at the sight and immediately went to grab the picture. “When did you grow up?” He asked himself quietly.

Things were different. His life was difficult. He no longer had parents and his brothers perished in a terrible accident. All he had left was you. He could’ve followed his dreams and took his talent to Hollywood, but life was cruel. He never got a chance to do that because his family mattered more to him than any film career.

Tom couldn’t remember a time when he had a decent break. To him, he was always working and on the go just to get by. But he knew that his parents would be proud of him for stepping up at being the best brother for you.

Tonight was just different.

He got a call from your school saying that you left prom with one of the douche-y dudes. It was just fitting that Harrison was with him, so he had some help in dealing with you.

“Haz, I’m really worried. She could be anywhere!” Tom said as he paced back and forth, clutching his phone.

“Mate, calm down. We’ll find her, alright?” Harrison said calmly. “Have you called her?”

“Yes, and she didn’t answer. I left 20 fucking voicemails, Haz! Fucking 20! Still no answer. I called her friends and they said they didn’t know where she went and obviously that’s bullshit! What if she was kidnapped? O-Or killed somewhere and she’s dead in a ditch in the middle of fucking nowhere??” Tom rambled, running a hand through his hair frustratedly.

Harrison looked at his worried best friend and only said three words, “Check your wallet.”

“What?” Tom stopped pacing to look at him. Harrison shrugged, “Check your wallet.”

“We have no time to shop online right now, Harrison.” Tom said through gritted teeth, but grabbed his wallet anyway. He opened his wallet and he still didn’t know what he was supposed to look for. As if reading his mind, Harrison added, “Check your credit card or debit card or whatever fucking card you have. Check your cash.”

Tom did what he was told and groaned in frustration, “Y/N took my credit card and she took the fake ID that I confiscated from her.”

Harrison nodded and pointed to the phone, “Call the bank and ask for your recent activity.”

Tom called the bank and asked what his recent activity was. They told him that he checked into a motel about three minutes ago and gave him the address. Tom has certainly never been there and it baffled him on how you wound up in a place like that. Tom thanked the bank and hung up.

“She’s at a motel.”

Just like that, the two best friends got in Tom’s car and drove to the motel. Tom was too nervous to drive, so Harrison drove instead. Tom was looking out his window to see where the motel was and they eventually found it. Harrison parked the car and they both got out.

They went to the person in charge and asked if they'd seen you. “She was wearing a prom dress and she’s with some guy who was probably wearing a tux.” Tom explained.

“Yeah, I know those two.”

“Where are they?” Harrison asked.

“Room 2A.” The man said.

“Okay. Can we please have your spare key for that room?” Tom asked. “It’s an emergency.”

“No, sorry.” The man replied and sipped his coffee. Harrison glanced behind the man and immediately saw the key for room 2A. He walked around the desk and grabbed the man from behind. “Tom, go!” Harrison shouted as the man tried to get out of his grip.

“What are you doing?!” Tom shrieked.

“GET THE FUCKING KEY.” Harrison nodded his head toward the key and Tom’s jaw dropped in realization. Tom quickly jumped on the desk and grabbed the key for the room. When he grabbed it, he ran outside; followed by Harrison.

“Return that key!” The man shouted.

Tom and Harrison went up the stairs and walked around until they found your room. They stood in front of the door and Tom whispered, “What now?”

“You go in there and just take her. I’ll be out here for back up.” Harrison whispered back and Tom nodded.

Tom knocked on the door and said ‘housekeeping’ in a high pitched voice. Harrison slapped his arm and mouthed “what the fuck”.

“It’s improv! I can’t just barge in like a freak. I’m an actor, Haz.” Tom defended quietly, earning an eye roll from his best mate.

“We’re busy!” A male voice said which enraged Tom.

“Alright. Now, I can barge in.” Tom said as he used the key to open the door. The chain was in the way, but he managed to break it by pushing the door open.

“Y/N!” Tom shouted.

“Tom! What are you doing here? How did you find me?!” You shrieked. Your hair was messy and your dress wasn’t as neat compared to when you left the house. The guy with you was just watching the whole scene go down.

“That doesn’t matter now. Get in the car!” He yelled.

You shook your head, “No! I’m staying here with Brad!”

“Over my dead fucking body, Y/N.” Tom said before he grabbed your wrist and dragged you outside. Brad intervened and grabbed your other hand, “Let go, man!”

Tom was stronger and he was able to pull you out of Brad’s grip and told Harrison to take you to the car and give the key back to the man downstairs. You and Harrison went to the car and Tom stayed to lecture Brad.

“Chill out, man. Nothing happened!” Brad exclaimed.

“Okay and what if something did happen, hmm? What if you got her pregnant? Can you pay for child support? Do you plan on marrying my sister in the future? Are you ready to take care of a fucking baby?! I DON’T THINK SO.” Tom said angrily.

“She’s 15 and she has a great life ahead of her! I’m not going to let some boy ruin that. If you look at her or even blink at her, I will end you, Brad.” Tom threatened before leaving.

Tom sighed and put the picture back. Harrison left when you got home and that’s when your screaming match with Tom started. He walked up to your room and knocked on the door.

“Go away!” You said.

“You know, saying that will only make me knock on the door again. Just let me in. Let’s talk this out.” Tom said softly. He waited for a few seconds and he heard you unlock the door. He smiled at himself and let himself in.

He stared at you as you lay in bed with red eyes and puffy cheeks. He went further in the room and closed the door behind him before sitting down on the foot of your bed.

"I'm sorry for what happened back there, but I was doing it for your own good. You'll thank me in the future." Tom said and you rolled your eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, young lady." He gave you a pointed look. "I'm serious. I guarantee that if it happened, you'll regret giving it to someone who isn't special after all. So you're welcome, I saved your ass."

"You're not the boss of me. Don't you remember what it's like to be young?!"

"Yes, I am the boss of you and of course I remember what it was like to be young. It was five years ago when I was 19!" Tom raised his voice and stood up. He paced around your room to calm down. He didn't want to fight, but you were being stubborn.

He looked at you and put his hands on his hips. “I never got to truly explore or- or experiment with different things, alright? I was robbed of my youth because I have to step up. I’m the eldest so it’s my job to take care of you; all of you.”

“Do you know how shocking it was for me?!” Tom shrieked. “I never got to grieve properly because I had to be strong for you and Paddy and Sam and Harry. It was too much for me to handle, but I forced myself to push through because I had no choice but to move forward.”

“Sam and Harry had their youth taken away too because they had to help me. When they were your age, they worked and picked up a few side jobs just to help me pay the bills. We’re lucky that we get to keep this house because it was already paid for by mum and dad before they died.”

“I had to give up everything for all four of you and you have no idea what that’s like, Y/N!” Tom yelled. He was clearly frustrated and it dawned on you that he never released those pent up feelings and you just let him shout.

“Sam and Harry were there sometimes, but they were also too busy trying to make something of themselves. Most of the time, it was me! They were working and going to school for their future and I was at home with you and Paddy because both of you were still too young. All my friends were out partying, dating, going to university. Meanwhile, I’m at home too busy being your mum and dad and brother.” He cried out of frustration, causing you to cry too.

He sat down at the edge of your bed and wiped his tears as you stared at him., not bothering to wipe your tears. “Now three of our brothers are also gone and it’s fucked. They never got to reach the finish line of their dreams and goals.” He said quietly. Tom looked at you and gave you a tight-lipped smile, “I don’t want to fight anymore, okay? It’s just you and me now and we have to be a team. We should help each other, so before you do anything stupid ask yourself if it’ll put stress on me. If the answer is yes, then don’t do it. I don’t need more stress.”

You only nodded. He got up from your bed and said, “Good night.” Before he left your room, you walked up to him and gave him a hug, “Thank you for your sacrifices and I’m sorry for being a pain in the ass.”

He chuckled lightly and hugged back, “I’m sorry for being strict, but it’s all part of the parenting thing.”

“You’ll be a great dad.” You said softly before yawning. Tom’s heart melted when you said that. “You think so?” He asked.

“I know so.” You told him. He smiled and kissed the top of your head. It may be sad that five of your family members left both of you, but it was okay. You had each other and that’s all that matters.

* * * *

𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃!𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @blueleatherbag @thatforgottenangel @turtoix @runawayolives @chewymoustachio @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @alexx-stancati @rumplebutterbaby @dummiesshort @thevelvetseries @quxxnxfhxll @angelsgrxzer @dreamy-clousds @bora-world @caitsymichelle13 @wannabemobwife

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @holland-styles @trustfundparker @alinastarkrovs @felicityparkers @hufflepuffprincess24 @tommysparker @justasmisunderstoodasloki @quaksonhehe @call-me-baby-gir1 @itstaskeen @theonly1outof-a-billion @lost-in-the-stars03 @justafangirlduh @piscesparker @speedymaximoff @miraclesoflove @lexirv @blairscott @getbywithasmile @pqrkerr @lavender-writer @blackbat2020 @hoodpankow @bi-lmg @emmastarz

#tom holland #harry holland #holland!reader #tom holland x holland!reader #petersasteria

[gasolineghuleh]

Because I Feel No One Knows About It...

This is chapter two of my long fic, Of Devilish Creatures. I’ve currently posted up to chapter TWELVE so if you’re looking for something to read, here ya go!

“I see you are already comfortable with the attire of a Sibling, then. Our congregation is made up of men and women, and everyone in between.” The Sister Imperator, as she had called herself, walked me through the entrance and into a hidden door, well secluded in the stone work of the old castle. The door had led to a hidden back room, opening up into a floor plan that seemed open and spacious. How had I never noticed the size of the building? Or that it wasn’t a ruin after all?

“Hm? Oh, yes Sister. It comes quite naturally to me.” I craned my neck as she spoke, looking along the vaulted ceiling where gargoyles perched, embedded in the stone with canine grins. The ceiling itself was spacious and the stone was gilded in gold filigree where it allowed for embellishment. Every so often we passed a tapestry, and I had to wrench my eyes from it to continue following the Sister.

“The castle belongs to the family Emeritus, the leaders of our church. We’ve turned it into a makeshift Abbey of sorts, so I’m sure that you’ll feel quite comfortable here. I’ve been told that some of the dorm rooms are drafty, so be sure to let one of the other Siblings know if you have need for extra blankets. Or we could find you a Fire Ghoul to borrow to stoke your fire place.” I stumbled a little at her words.

“A what?”

“A Ghoul.” She stopped in front of another tapestry and gestured to it. Sewn into the fabric was a depiction of Hell-- or at least, how humans imagined it to be. Figures lept from the flames with horns and tails, claws extended towards the sky. On a rock at the top of the tapestry was a man depicted in a bright white robe and a papal mitre, his hands outstretched towards the sky as well. “The first Ghouls were summoned by our Papa Nihil’s grandfather.” She paused for a moment, tilting her head in contemplation. “We’ve since lost his name to time. If Papa knows, he isn’t sharing.”

“Are they all named Papa, then?” I asked, studying the tapestry further.

“Not quite. We call them all Papa as a title of respect, but they are known numerically as well.” Sister Imperator motioned for me to continue walking as she led me to a large door at the end of the hall.

“And their real names?”

“Are not spoken of. That is one of the first rules you must learn, new one. If you, perchance, learn of a Papa’s name, do not speak it. Names have power-- you know this?” She paused with her hand on the door, the ornate and gilded handle looking large in her hand.

“Yes, Sister. I do. In our teachings at my convent we learn that names give someone power over you, as God commanded the angels by their Enochian names.” She nodded and smiled and I felt the surge of satisfaction that came along with acing a test in one of my courses. I wanted to make this woman happy, I realized. “In addition, it was said that demons can be cast back to Hell using their given names.”

“Correct, Lunaria.” I started a little at my name-- I didn’t think I had given it. “Come along, I’m sure that the Papa Nihil would like to meet you. You’ve been a topic of conversation among the higher clergy recently. I believe he’s in chambers currently, along with his eldest son.”

“And what do I call him? His son?” I felt stupid for asking the question, but my mind was dizzy with the intake of information. If what she was telling me was correct, then everything I was taught in my convent had been true. Demons were here on Earth, and not only were they here, but I was sharing a building with them. My face felt flush with excitement-- never before in my previous faith had I felt this alive.

“You may call him Papa, or his numerical designation-- Primo.” The Sister smiled at me and pulled open the door, grunting a little as it stuck. When it swung wide my jaw dropped, stepping forward into the large room in wonder.

Like the previous hallway, the ceilings were vaulted and covered in ornate paintings and gold filigree. The room itself was longer than it was wide, with a large throne at the forefront of the chamber. A few pews were situated towards the front of the room, but I gathered that this room was not meant for worship-- but rather, leading. To the side of the throne was a dias, draped in a small piece of cloth that resembled the preacher’s pulpit from my former place of worship.

“What room is this?” I asked, continuing to step forward and survey my surroundings. The room was lit by a few chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, as well as sconces along the walls.

“This is the papal throne room. It’s only used during ascension or if the upper Clergy has an announcement. Occasionally it will be used for trials.” The Sister Imperator walked slightly behind me, her hand trailing along the backs of the pews. “The current Papa in charge will hand down judgements from his seat in the throne.”

“And who is the current Papa in charge?” I asked, wincing as I realized the answer would probably just be “Papa”. The similarities between my religion and this church were striking, but the differences were just as obvious.

“That would be Papa Emeritus the Second. Referred to as Secondo, colloquially. He is the second eldest son of the Papal Nihil.”

“Italian and not Latin?” I started, feeling my face screw up in confusion. “Then,” I struggled to remember what she had told me previously. “Primo is no longer in charge? Nor is his Father?” I turned to face the Sister as I spoke, but my eyes quickly left her to continue taking in the beautiful room.

“He is not, correct. They are still referred to as their papal titles, but they no longer head the church. You would do well to obey them, though.” She began to walk towards the back of the room, gesturing to a small door in an alcove. “Come along, there’s much left to see, and I promised you would make an appearance before turning in for the night.”

“Yes, Sister.” I bowed my head dutifully as I was used to doing, turning on my heel to follow her through the small door. It opened with a creak when the Sister pushed on it, utilizing her shoulder to make the old hinges work.

She led me through it with a stately wave of her hand, and I was more than happy to oblige. It opened into a more typical looking Abbey entrance hall, large and circular with a statue in the center. Except where a statue of the Virgin Mary may usually sit was a large stone carving of what I knew to be Baphomet. Ruby crystals were inlaid where the eyes would be, and they glimmered and gleamed in the light of the candles resting at its feet. I tore my eyes away and noticed a trapdoor in the floor to the right of it, as well as two corridors that shot off to either side.

“The trapdoor there leads to the Ghoul dens. Most Siblings are restricted access to that area, unless specifically ordered by a Papa, or on Ghoul duty. You will more than likely never have to worry about that.” The Sister Imperator came to stand behind me, and dropped a comfortable hand onto my shoulder. “The corridor to the left is the Papal hallway. You will enter that hallway when asked or invited by a Papa, or when on cleaning duty.” She steered me towards the other hallway briefly. “This hallway is for Siblings. It leads to your dormitory, as well as the kitchens and the library.”

“You have a library?” My ears perked up. Reading in solitude was one of the few graces I had at my former convent, even if the literature was boring. I had a feeling that the books here would be much more interesting.

“Sathanas yes, child! I’ll have the Archbishop Copia show you around it. That’s more his domain than anyone elses. For now, let’s go visit Papa Nihil and get you all settled in for the evening.” As we began to walk towards the opposite corridor, I pointed towards two large oaken doors, nearly two stories tall and carved into a depiction of the fall of the Lucifer.

“What’s behind those doors?”

“That’s the Chapel, small one. I’ll have a Ghoul take you on a tour tomorrow for the rest of the Abbey.” I followed the Sister Imperator down the papal corridor, marveling at the stained glass windows that took up one whole side of the wall. We passed one of purple and gold, and another of green and silver. Each one depicted a man in skull paint in different poses of divinity-- snakes wound around the man in silver and green, while large black cats rested at the feet of the purple one. After passing one more glass panel of red and black with large potted plants in front of it, we stopped in front of one of white and gold.

“These are beautiful,” I commented, moving forward to study the golden one further. The man was standing tall, his arms raised into the air as a goat head shone in black above him. Around the goat was an inverted pentacle, the tip of the bottom point of the star glowing a bright red. The evening sun filtered through the window, casting the colours on to the floor of the corridor and over my feet.

“They are decades old, now. The newest one is for his youngest son, Papa Emeritus the Third.” The Sister gestured towards the purple stained glass window at the beginning of the corridor. “All of the Papas live across from the window that depicts them, and their chambers are off limits unless invited.”

She used this as a segue to direct me towards the door directly across from the gold and white stained glass, knocking on it swiftly and firmly. From inside I heard an elderly voice answer, calling to us to enter. She twisted the knob and pushed the door open, holding it for me to enter before her. As I did, the first thing I noticed was a comfortably crackling fire in the sitting room, and the heady aroma of incense.

“Ah! Sister! You’ve brought the newest eh… Sister!” An old man in skull paint stood up and walked towards me, reaching his hands out for mine. I gave him my right hand and he took it warmly, smiling and pressing a kiss to the top of my hand. I loved him immediately. When he looked into my eyes I saw that they were cloudy with cataracts, but the left one was clearly white.

“Papa,” I said, inclining my head respectfully towards him. His smile grew broader and his grip on my hand tightened shortly before letting go.

“This one has respect! Good job, Sister Imperator. Leave us to talk, eh? Why don’t you go wrangle up a better habit and a grucifix for her?” The Sister Imperator nodded to him and tossed me a covert wink before leaving, pulling the door shut behind her. “Now, Sister… Come and sit. Let’s talk.” He moved his hand towards the sitting area and I complied, moving forward and taking a seat. It was only now that I noticed the other man sharing the space.

He greeted me with a warm smile like his father, but remained seated. He had a steaming cup of tea in one hand, and the other arm rested across his leg, which was crossed over the other comfortably. His robes, similar to his father’s, were black with red filigree and the same symbol strewn down the front. When he moved I could tell that the inside of the fabric was either silk or linen.

“Good evening Sister,” he said, inclining his head towards me and raising his cup. His left eye was white, and his skull paint seemed faded compared to his father.

“Papa,” I repeated, dipping my head to him as well before crossing my leg over the other, getting comfortable in the plush chair.

“Now then,” Papa Nihil groaned, taking his seat slowly once more. “Tell us how you have come to enter our Abbey, Sister. Do you believe you are here to stay?” The answer came to me quickly and I was surprised by the sincerity of it.

“I do, Papa. I’m already more comfortable here than in the convent I was raised in.” I took a deep breath and recounted my tale to the two men, who listened intently. I explained how I was orphaned as a baby and grew up in the Catholic faith, destined to be a Sister. When I began to explain the draw of the book, the older man nodded sagely and held up a finger.

“I enchanted that book many eons ago. I am glad to see that it found its way into your hands. Many years I’ve waited for someone to bring it back to me. May I see it?” I nodded and reached into my pack, pulling the book out and handing it to him. “Ahh… It still smells the same.”

“Father, if I may?” His son waited respectfully until Papa Nihil gave him the go ahead to begin speaking. “Sister Lunaria, are you quite certain that you’d prefer to dedicate your life to the adversary you studied for these past eighteen years?” I turned my head towards him and surveyed him intently before speaking.

“I am. All my life I’ve felt that I have a greater purpose. I never had a chance to know my parents, or a family. Only the rigid order and structure of religion. I’m already more comfortable here than I ever have been before.” I remembered briefly his position and finished speaking with a quick “Papa.”

“Hm. And you are willing to sing your praises to Him? Pray to Him at night? Bend the knee and subjugate yourself to Him? A higher power than even your God?” Papa Nihil interjected with a flap of his hand.

“Leave the child alone, eh? She has come to us for refuge, and who are we to turn her away?” Papa Nihil leaned forward and met my two-toned eyes with his cloudy ones. “She has the Eye of Providence, my son. She is meant to be with us.” I blinked, slightly taken aback-- the only comments I had ever received about my eye had been either nonchalant or negative. Some of the Sisters had claimed that I was marked by the devil. They whispered about me in hushed tones. I brought my hand to my eye self consciously before letting it drop.

“I was told that when I was a baby, my left eye was injured and the colour never developed. The nuns at my convent said I must have been hit in the same accident that took my parents.” Already the two were shaking their heads and frowning.

“You have been lied to, little Sister.” Primo leaned forward and made eye contact with me, his gaze firey and intense. “Have you not always felt the pull of greatness in your heart? Do you not see shadows in the corners and feel a kinship?” I fell silent, looking at my hands folded in my lap. He was right, of course, but I had never put words to the feelings until now.

“You’re right. I suppose I never thought of it in that way.” He sat back with a satisfied smile, looking to his father for confirmation.

“Tell me, Sister, what did you do at your former convent?” Papa Nihil reached for a cup of tea and took a long sip, his eyes peering at me from over the rim of the cup.

“I was in charge of the youth and the library. I taught the little ones.” A ghost of a smile lingered at my lips as I remembered the joyful shouts of the children in my convent, all orphans like myself. I did love them, and my heart gave a pang when I realized that they would be looking for me today. “I was good at it.”

“I see. Father, would it be a terrible idea if, perchance, we sent her to live with--”

“Not now. Let her be settled first. She still has to meet your brother, and take a tour of the Abbey. She doesn’t even have a rosary yet. It’s insane to attempt to place her at a work detail off campus. She can work in the library.” Papa Nihil leaned forward and picked up a rotary phone, dialing an extension quickly.

“I think you’ll be quite comfortable here, sorella.” Primo winked and nodded at me before busying himself with his tea once more. In the lull in conversation, I attempted to draw him in once more.

“The plants outside your stained glass window are beautiful. Are they yours?” I had clearly asked the right question as his eyes lit up brightly and he gave me a wide smile.

“Yes! Aren’t they so wonderful? I tend the gardens outside, and the orchards. Once you’re comfortable and settled you’ll have to come and see my greenhouse!” I smiled at his enthusiasm and nodded, genuinely happy for the invitation.

“I would love to, Papa. Do you do all of it yourself?” I asked, keeping an ear out for Papa Nihil’s muttered Italian conversation on the phone.

“Sathanas no, child. I have Earth Ghouls and Water Ghouls that help me to tend to it. It’s too much for an old man alone!” Another reference to Ghouls… As soon as I opened my mouth to inquire further, a knock sounded at the door. It was timid and hesitant, as if the person wasn’t quite sure that they should be knocking.

“Come in!” Papa Nihil called, reaching behind him and dragging a blanket from the back of his chair into his lap. The door opened slowly with a creak, and a man stuck his head into the room. He had mousy features, with short cropped brown hair and a rosy complexion. His top lip was lined with a dark black lipstick, and a large necklace hung at his chest-- the same sigil that appeared everywhere.

“You called for me, Papa.” The man stepped into the room and gave a short bow, wringing his hands in front of his chest nervously.

“Archbishop Copia! We have a new Sister of Sin in the Clergy,” Papa Nihil gestured towards me and I sat up a little bit straighter. “And she has made it known to me that she specialized in child care and library work. Perhaps you need an assistant in that library of yours?”

“I do, Papa. That would be wonderful.” He ducked his head into a swift nod and turned his eyes towards me. I was taken back briefly by the sight of his eyes-- mismatched, like mine and the Papa’s. Did everyone in this Abbey have the white eye? “Pleased to make your acquaintance Sister…” He let the title hang, waiting for me to supply my name. When I did, he rolled it off of his tongue like fine wine. “Lunaria… Come with me, Sister Lunaria. I’d be happy to show you my small home here in our Abbey.”

I stood and bowed my head towards the Papa’s, who remained seated by the fire. Papa Nihil waved a hand towards me and smiled broadly, waving me towards the door. Primo inclined his head towards me again, and reminded me to come by and see his gardens when I was given the chance. When I took my place in front of Archbishop Copia he smiled warmly again, and waved me through the door. As we walked down the corridor in the direction I had come from initially, he quizzed me on what I might know from my time in the Catholic convent.

“And what of the fall of Lucifer, Sister?” I opened my mouth to answer, but he held a hand up. “Before you answer me, know this. I was raised Catholic, like you. I rose to the rank of Bishop in my time there… I remember much of their teachings, as you were most likely taught them. Listen to me when I tell you this, Sister. Things are better here. You are understood. There is no fire and brimstone for you to fall into.”

“I--” I cut myself off, chewing at my lower lip for a moment before looking him in the eye once more. “I was always so afraid of the repercussions of my actions that I… I believe that I forgot how to live, Archbishop.” I smiled at him. “Although your title being the same as the church does soothe me.”

“I think it made it easier for me as well, Sister. The transition was… less than kind, for me. I left the church in disgrace.” He shook his head slightly as if to dispel the thoughts, and motioned to me to continue down the hall. We walked in silence for a moment more before he spoke again. “Papa Nihil has been so gracious to me as to allow me to run the library. The Ghouls are helpful as well. I fear I’m better at words on pages than conversations.”

“I know what you mean. I’ve always gotten along with books more than the people who write or read them. Archbishop, I’ve heard about these Ghouls but I’m unsure what… or who they are.” Copia huffed a laugh and glanced tot he side at me. He halted outside of a large door with “LIBRARY” emblazoned above it in gold.

“Now is as good a time as any to meet some, don’t you think?” He studied my apprehensive expression before explaining. “Ghouls are Hell-spawn servants. They serve us in our daily work, and do whatever they can to make things more comfortable for us here on Earth. They aren’t malevolent. No need to worry. Come, I’ll introduce you to mine.”

“Yours? You own them?” I asked as Copia brought his hand to the handle of the door.

“Yes and no. They own themselves, but each high ranking clergy member summons his or her own Ghouls when they’re promoted. Mine have been with me for a few years now, since I attained Archbishop. They’re loyal, and surprisingly loving… and very cat like.” He finished speaking and, before I could question him further, pulled open the door and stepped inside.

The library was as I had imagined it and more. Large, towering book cases laden with thick tomes tottered along the walls, some of them veering dangerously to the side with the weight. Small picnic benches were in between the shelves, with a large seating area against one wall, flush with a ceiling-to-floor window. The smell of parchment, leather and ink was heavy in the air along with that same scent of incense. A smile grew on my face as I saw the comforting fire in the seating area, as well as two steaming cups of liquid-- presumably tea.

“Shall we sit, Sister?” Copia stretched his arm out, motioning for me to join him by the fire. I sat down in the overly stuffed armchair, swinging my feet as they dangled uselessly off of the floor. Copia handed me a small saucer with the cup of tea and I took it gratefully. “Would you like sugar? Milk?”

“Please, both.” Copia looked behind me and motioned someone over. I turned around and only barely suppressed a gasp.

The person approaching was inhuman-- claws, a tail and horns. His face was a shining and chrome mask that seemed melded to his skin. The eyes underneath were glowing a pale blue as his tail swished back and forth excitedly. A large smile tugged his cheeks up into dimples, revealing pointed teeth behind his lips. He crept forward slowly, a plate in one hand and the other hand extended. As he got closer I noticed that he was dressed smartly, in a black vest and suit pants.

“Sister Lunaria, meet Rain. My Water Ghoul.” I nodded, dumbstruck, as the Ghoul came closer and held the plate out to me. Arranged neatly on the porcelain top was a small decanter of milk, and some sugar cubes.

“It’s been so long since we had someone new in the Abbey!” he said. His voice was nothing like I had expected-- instead, it was pitched like a man in his mid-twenties, and exuded friendliness. I couldn’t help it, and I smiled at him.

“Your name is Rain? Like the--”

“Precipitation, yes.” He wiggled the fingers of his free hand to simulate rain falling and his grin grew even wider. “Boss, can I sit? I wanna talk to the new one for a bit. It’s been ages!” Copia was already shaking his head.

“You’ll have plenty of time later, Rain. Papa Nihil has assigned her to work in the library. You’ll see her often. Go on back to the dens and let the others know to steer clear of the library for a few days. Not that most of them will have an issue with that.” Copia smiled dryly at Rain, who snickered as he nodded.

“Right on, you’re the boss.” He set the plate down on the table between us and looked to me once more. “Nice to meet you, Sister Lunaria. I hope you’ll be with us for a while.” I couldn’t stop the smile that I beamed back at him and watched as he left, whistling and tail swishing happily.

“They really are like big cats. Incredible! If only my Abbess could see this.” I suddenly remembered my own Abbey, far down below in the valley. I wondered if my absence had been noticed yet.

“Mm, thoughts of home? That will happen often, especially as the similarities become more and more jarring.” I was already shaking my head.

“That place was never home. I only felt accepted by the children there, and they’re… Not the best company.” Copia started to laugh, a cute chuckling sound.

“I understand. I’m good with children myself, but the conversation… Lacking.” He tipped his head towards me and winked, and I laughed. A smile curved his lips upwards and he took a sip of tea to hide it, but I could still see his mustache curling. “The children you’ll find here are nothing like that. Most of the children here are Ghoul kits.”

“Kits?” I raised an eyebrow. “They breed?”

“No, no. They have kits. Breeding implies that they rut like animals. I assure you, Ghouls are entirely human in the matter of anatomy, sex and--”

“Okay! I eh… I meant only that they have children as other species do?” My face was growing flushed and hot, only deepening in my embarrassment. Things of that nature were never spoken of at my convent, and if they were, they were shut down quickly the Mother Superior. I was educated in that area of course, but discussing it out loud was a different matter entirely. When I looked at Copia, I noticed his face flushing as well.

“My apologies, Sister. I forgot briefly who I was speaking to. Sex is viewed very openly here, and you may see or hear things that are eh… Sinful to you.” He flashed a quick smile before clearing his throat and continuing. “You know your letters?”

“Yes. Latin, French, and English.”

“Fluent?”

“Yes, Archbishop.” I took another sip of tea, draining the small cup before leaning forward to set it on the table between us. “Forgive me for asking but, where am I expected to sleep? It’s getting late and I had such a long walk.”

“You walked here? From your Abbey?” His eyes widened in shock as I nodded. “You walked nearly ten miles, Sister! Come, let’s get you to a shower and a bed. As my assistant, you’ll be living in the small chamber behind the library. It’s quite small, I apologize, but I believe you’ll be comfortable here. I am always just next door if you need anything.”

Copia stood and guided me towards the back of the library, one hand on the small of my back. I was so tired, and I had only noticed it when I sat and drank the warm tea. My lids felt heavy, and my limbs sluggish. My feet ached with every step and my back hurt from carrying my pack. He led me to a small, out of the way door, and pushed it open to reveal a modest but comfortable bedroom.

“Thank you, Archbishop. What time is morning mass? I’ll have to set an alarm.” I moved into the room and set my pack down on the floor, putting a hand to the bed and testing the mattress.

“Tomorrow is Sunday, Sister. We have Saturday mass. Tomorrow is a rest day. I’ll come and collect you around noon, and I’ll walk you through your new duties here. Rest.” Copia gave me another smile and pulled the door shut, leaving me alone in the small room that was to be my home.

#lorraine writes #fics #ghost #ghost bc #the band ghost #papa emeritus #cardinal copia #copia #popia #papa iv #papa emeritus iv #papa emeritus iii #papa iii #terzo #of devilish creatures #odc

[bestillmyslashyheart]

“So wait,” Maria laughed, “you broke up with your fiance by packing up your car and driving away?”

Liz nodded, half cringing as she did so. “I couldn’t face him!” She shook her head and took the shot Maria offered. “There was nothing wrong with him or with us, it just wasn’t right? And I didn’t know how to explain that to him?”

“So you just left,” Alex concluded.

Liz nodded. “Relationships suck,” she pronounced before tossing back the shot. Maria laughed and handed out another round. Technically she was working but she’d overstaffed the schedule that night so she wasn’t needed. 

“That they do,” Alex murmured in agreement before downing his own. Maria and Liz both turned to stare at him in unison, twin looks of intrigue and glee on their faces.

“Oh?” Maria teased.

“Do tell,” Liz added.

Alex laughed and shook his head. “I’m not drunk enough yet.”

“I can fix that,” Maria told him earnestly. She quickly filled his glass and pushed it back over to him. “Talk to us, Manes,” she ordered.

“You’ve been a man of mystery ever since you got back,” Liz chided gently. 

Alex winced. It was true that he hadn’t exactly shared much since returning to Roswell and reuniting with Liz and Maria but he hadn’t had a lot of practice in recent years talking about himself. Everyone who needed to know something usually found out on their own. It worked for him.

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Maria muttered suddenly. Alex looked up at her in surprise, Maria wasn’t one to cuss often, only to find her staring over his shoulder. He started to turn but didn’t make it very far before a tall blonde form was pressing up against him.

“Where is he?” Isobel Evans-Bracken demanded sharply. 

“Hey!” Liz cried. She reached out to shove Isobel away from Alex but Isobel brushed her off without looking away.

“Back off, Evans,” Maria ordered. But Alex waved her off.

“Hello to you, too,” he greeted idly. Ignoring her eye roll, he tossed back his newly filled glass. 

“Where is he?” She asked again.

Alex turned his head slightly to look at her. “Do they not have courtesy where your from?” Isobel stifled her flinch but Alex caught it. “Most people say hello first.”

Isobel clenched her jaw. “Hello, Captain.” Alex thought the stress on his rank was entirely unnecessary. “You’ve been home for about a month now so again I ask, where is he?”

“You have a phone, yes?” Alex asked instead of answering.

Isobel scoffed. “As if it does me any good. Now stop avoiding the question.”

Alex rolled his eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Bullshit.”

“I really don’t.” He really didn’t. 

Isobel stared at him like she was trying to get inside his head but Alex ignored her again. “Fine,” she said finally, holding out her hand. “Give me your phone.”

Alex saw Maria and Liz tense at the order, both of them already on edge from Isobel’s sudden appearance and her behavior thus far but he ignored them and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He even unlocked it before handing it over.

Isobel snatched it from him and stomped over to a corner, the phone already pressed against her ear. Alex watched curiously, honestly unsure if she would get a response. It’s not like Alex always did. 

He didn’t have to wait long. “So your phone does work!” Isobel said loudly before continuing in a quieter tone. If Alex strained, he could maybe make out what she was saying but he wasn’t sure he cared enough right now to try.

“Max?!” Liz sat up straight next to him. It was the only warning Alex got before the other Evans twin pressed up next to him.

“Hi, Liz,” Max greeted her warmly before turning to Alex. “Where is he?”

That gave Alex pause. He’d expected Isobel to badger him for information, had been expecting it ever since he crossed the city limit a month ago truthfully, but Max had always kept his distance from Alex. He glanced up at him. “I don’t know.” He gestured over to where Isobel still stood. “She took my phone and seems to have gotten through so go ask her.”

Max went to his sister’s side without another word.

“Okaaaay,” Maria dragged out. “What the fuck?”

---

Alex was more than a little tipsy when he finally got home. He was drunk enough that he probably shouldn’t have been driving but he really hadn’t wanted to spend the night on Maria’s couch so he let her sober him up a little bit before he left. Max and Isobel hadn’t stayed long after her phone call ended and neither one of them had bothered to tell him what the emergency was but Alex did get his phone back so he pushed the encounter out of his mind. Getting Liz and Maria to drop the inquiry had been a bit harder but eventually they realized he wasn’t going to answer their questions and dropped it. For now, at least.

When Alex pulled up to his house, the headlights reflected briefly off the shiny metal of an Airstream. It was parked behind the house, almost hidden from the road. The beat up old Chevy was in the extra parking spot next to Alex’s.

Alex turned off his car and carefully got out. He ignored the truck and the Airstream and the implications of them being there when Alex hadn’t seen either for close to six months.

It was late, he was tired, he was drunk, and he just wanted to go to sleep.

So of course, he opens the door to the sound of a saw.

“Michael!” He yelled helplessly, the noise making his head hurt already. Alex dropped his keys on the table next to the door, made sure the lock was turned, and ventured closer to the noise.

It was coming from his bedroom. No, he realized as he got closer, it was coming from his bathroom. Alex peeked in the doorway and groaned loudly, the sound covered up by the machinery. This morning he’d had a shower tub, now he had a hole in his bathroom. Michael was crouched on the ground, cutting pieces of something Alex couldn’t identify. He had his protective gear on and Alex knew he was oblivious to everything but what was right in front of his eyes.

With a loud sigh, Alex flicked the light switch. Almost instantly, the saw cut off and Michael turned to face the doorway. His hair was a mess, his clothes dirty from his work, and he looked exhausted.

He was still the best thing Alex had seen in months.

“Hey,” he greeted quietly, turning away almost immediately. He started cleaning up his work.

“I need a shower,” Alex complained. His leg was killing him and he felt gross after spending all night at the Pony. Coming home to yet another one of Michael’s projects was not what he’d had in mind for the night. Especially since he hadn’t heard from him in weeks.

“You’ve got another bathroom,” Michael replied. 

Alex thudded his head against the door frame and instantly regretted it. “It doesn’t have handrails.”

“I put the ones from here in there,” Michael told him. 

“Why?” Michael didn’t offer a response other than to cut a glance at Alex’s leg. Alex rolled his eyes. Sure, Michael had promised after his injury to make sure his house was accessible but that was three houses ago. He let it go. “How long are you staying?” He asked instead.

Michael’s shoulders slumped just a little. “Don’t know yet.” He never knew. “You?”

“Don’t know yet,” Alex replied. Michael nodded like he’d been expecting it, though Alex had always had an answer before.

If anyone asked, Michael would deny he’d done it until his dying breath, but a week after Alex left for basic training, Michael packed up his stuff and followed him. He played it off like he wanted a road trip, like he’d ended up in the same town as Alex by pure happenstance, but they both knew he’d followed him. It set a pattern after that: Michael never stayed forever, taking off every now and then with his Airstream and going who knows where, but he always came back to Alex. Even when Alex received new postings, Michael would show up within a month. 

It was unconventional. But it worked for them. Sort of. Mostly.

They weren’t monogamous but they were committed. Mostly. Alex might define it as an open relationship if they’d ever actually had a conversation on the subject. 

When Max and Isobel needed to get a hold of Michael and couldn’t, they called Alex. Or besieged him at the bar. Alex sometimes knew where Michael was. But not always. 

Michael went to school except when he didn’t. He picked up odd jobs and trade skills when he needed to. He never tried for more and it drove Alex crazy. He had so much potential and Alex couldn’t help but think he was squandering it chasing after Alex like he did.

Alex was in the Air Force. That hadn’t changed. Not yet. Neither had Michael’s aversion to it. Michael correlated the Air Force with Alex’s father and most of the time he could look past it for Alex’s sake but sometimes he couldn’t. Those times were times when he would pack and up and leave and Alex wouldn’t see him for months at a time.

Alex’s injury and his refusal to accept an honorable discharge had sent Michael running as soon as he’d made sure Alex was okay. 

It was the first time Alex hadn’t been sure Michael would come back.

“I’ll have a new shower in by tomorrow,” Michael told him, yanking Alex from his thoughts. “It’s got a bench and some other stuff to make it accessible.” Alex held in his sigh of relief. He’d been making his shower tub work for the last month but it was exhausting. 

“Thank you,” he told Michael sincerely.

Michael nodded in response and stood up, his work tidied enough not to trip Alex up in case he needed to get by for any reason. “Come on,” he shooed. “Shower.” It was a wordless offer to help and Alex appreciated it.

Alex didn’t move. He waited right where he was until Michael was right in front of him. “Hi,” he said softly.

“Hi,” Michael huffed in fond amusement. “You gave my sister your phone.”

“You didn’t have to answer.”

He shrugged. “I thought it was you.”

Alex twisted his fingers in the front of Michael’s shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. “I missed you.”

Michael kissed him again, longer this time. “Missed you too. Now shower. You smell like the floor of the Pony.”

#malex fic #my fic #rnm #i cant write my big bang so im writing something else?

[senorarelojes]

Pizzaverse artwork and ficlet: 'A Little Piece'

@maiyashu made this really cute and beautiful Instagram post of Pizzaverse Dave being silly and drawing little monsters/creatures on the notes he leaves for Alan and their kids around the house. Of course, Alan shows off his husband's work on Instagram. Under the artwork is an accompanying ficlet set in the future for the Pizzaverse timeline. Thank you dear Shu for your gorgeous (and funny) artwork! Happy Father's Day to the boys!

Title: A Little Piece Pairing: Dave/Alan Rating: General Tags: Pizzaverse, Kid Fic, Fluff

Dave was always amused whenever Alan teased him about being the one in their relationship who was more addicted to social media. It seemed they were both on an even keel; Alan posted more often, while Dave had a variety of accounts across various platforms that he’d lost interest in after the initial posting frenzy. They had their different addictions too: Dave liked the spontaneity of Twitter and TikTok, while Alan for some reason preferred Facebook and Reddit. But Instagram was their common vice, and most of their friend circle were on it as well.

Before fatherhood, Dave had imagined that his use of social media would dwindle because he simply wouldn’t have the time. But instead he’d found the opposite to be true: now he wanted to post about Alan, Paris and Stella all the time, and he didn’t even care if no one outside their family and a few chosen friends would find it cute.

Of course, both Dave and Alan took care to obscure the faces of their daughters. But the adorable things they did were up for grabs: Paris’ first steps, then followed by Stella’s in a few years. Their first stuffed toys. Their first drawings. Dave shamelessly spammed his IG feed with various pictures and videos, and refused to feel bad about it because Martin was doing the same with his kids, and so was Fletch, who seemed convinced that his daughter was a maths prodigy.

Of course, Dave posted pictures of Alan on his feed as well. Naturally his husband was usually included if it was a picture or video with one of the girls, such as Alan helping Paris with her homework or feeding Stella at dinnertime. But sometimes Dave saved a few precious shots he’d snuck on his phone, like Alan frowning at the computer in his tiny makeshift home studio, or stealing a rare moment after the girls had gone to bed to listen to one of the many records he owned. Those didn’t get as many likes and comments as anything Dave posted of the girls, but he didn’t care much.

In truth, Dave would have probably gone on like this if Alan hadn’t taken him aside one night and asked him why he’d stopped posting pictures of his art. “My art?” Dave echoed, genuinely surprised that Alan had been keeping track because Dave certainly hadn’t.

“Yeah, your paintings.” Alan gestured towards Dave’s most recent effort, which was a white cat posing regally by a candle. Even that had been painted more than a year ago, before Stella had come into their lives. “You don’t really post them anymore. Or paint much more, for that matter.”

Dave just kept staring at Alan in astonishment. When they had gotten married and subsequently made the decision to become parents via surrogacy, it had been pretty much an unspoken agreement between them that family and work would have higher priority. This meant their hobbies were naturally the first thing to be sacrificed for time, and Dave had been fine with that. They hadn’t touched the band in years, not since the last time everyone had performed at Martin’s wedding.

But now Dave realised that he missed painting with an ache like a phantom limb, like something that had always been a part of him was now oddly missing. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d picked up a paintbrush for the hell of it. Everything he’d designed or illustrated over the past year had solely been for work, and that thought pained him like a spike through his solar plexus.

In contrast, Alan - who had always been very driven and disciplined - seemed to have no problem reviving his interests in mixing and composing after Stella had started sleeping at more regular hours. So Dave didn't even have the excuse of fatherhood.

“You should pick it up again,” Alan told him with a gentle squeeze of his hand, before moving on to the topic of Father’s Day, which was coming up. Dave just nodded distractedly when Alan suggested ordering in brunch from a nice restaurant, still preoccupied with thoughts of Alan’s mind-blowing revelation.

After that conversation with Alan, Dave decided to try and carve out time for painting. Although that wasn’t always possible, he did want to show Alan he was trying, so he started with small gestures. If he left reminders and post-its for Alan around the house, he’d be sure to draw a funny cartoon to accompany his loopy handwriting, like a sentient postbox (to remind Alan to go to the post office) or a funny caricature of Martin and Fletch (to ask Alan if he wanted to have dinner and catch up with them).

Alan never really mentioned the little drawings beyond an amused eye-roll, but Dave knew Alan was never particularly verbose about his true sentiments anyway. Dave had learned to look towards Alan’s actions instead. Sure enough, Alan started taking pictures of Dave’s little drawings and posting them on Instagram with an accompanying dry and witty caption, along with the hashtag ‘#artisthusband’. To Dave’s surprise, it really took off among their friends and other family members, and Dave always had to fend off demands from his mum and Sue about more cute artwork everytime he called home.

Since Paris and Stella loved the drawings too, he started drawing little monsters for them on their paper lunch bags, which he would prepare for them before Alan would drop them off at daycare. It wasn’t long before Alan started posting these on Instagram too, and his comment section would get animated at times because Martin, Fletch, Paul, Daryl and the rest would start discussing which creature Dave had meant to draw. He didn’t have the heart to tell them he’d made them all up on the spot.

Having Alan’s support like this, even for his silly little drawings, was more fulfilling and touching than Dave had expected. So he’d really meant it when he said he was going to get art supplies, but more often than not Dave would get distracted and buy Elsa colouring books for the girls instead. Alan hadn’t said anything at all, but Dave knew how to read him pretty well by now. His husband was definitely planning something.

On the morning of Father’s Day, Dave was the first out of bed so he put in the order at the restaurant before going for a run in Hyde Park. His metabolism wasn’t what it used to be, and he’d gotten into the habit of eating off the girls’ plates whenever they couldn’t finish their food. Alan was a really good cook too, so Dave knew he had to fit in a run today if he was going to be feasting on french toast and eggs benedict for Father’s Day.

When he got home, he thought he spotted Alan in the study with a giggling Paris and Stella. “Hello, my loves,” he yelled out at the door, even more mystified when Alan quickly stepped out of the study with the girls, closing the door hurriedly behind them.

“The food’s just got delivered, I’ll set the table,” Alan told him with a too-bright smile. ‘You go shower first, yeah?”

Dave decided to let his suspicious behaviour go for now. “Alright, sure.” He loped over to where they were, giving Alan a brief kiss and a I’m-on-to-you squint before bending down to stretch his arms out to the girls. “Can I get a hug first?”

“Daddy’s stinky!” Paris protested laughingly, while an uncomprehending Stella just giggled along with her older sister.

Dave’s jaw dropped in mock outrage. “Stinky, am I? How about I make you stinky too, huh?” He pretended to chase a squealing Paris and Stella for a hug, laughing when they ran to hide behind an amused Alan’s legs.

“Just go shower, the food’s getting cold, you lunatic.” Alan shook his head at Dave with a grin before shepherding the girls to the dining area. Dave left him to it, washing up quickly so he could join his family for breakfast.

However, he wasn’t expecting to find Alan and the girls waiting for him outside the bedroom, all of them grinning innocently at him. “What’s going on?” a suspicious Dave asked.

Paris took his hand and tugged him to the study, Alan picking up Stella and following with her in his arms. When Paris pushed open the door, Dave stared in shock at the brand new easel waiting for him, along with the art supplies neatly piled on top of a blank canvas. He stepped forward, picking up the paints and brushes with trembling hands. Alan had gotten everything right, remembered every detail from when Dave used to paint before they’d gotten married and become fathers.

“I had to take a bit out of the holiday budget for this,” came Alan’s soft voice behind him. “But it’s worth it for me to delay our trip. I’d rather see you painting again.”

“We want more of Daddy’s paper monsters!” Paris declared gleefully, while Stella stared at all of them in bafflement.

“I--” Dave just couldn’t speak. His heart was so full, like it was going to overflow with joy and sentiment and his overwhelming love for his family. There were simply no words that could possibly encapsulate the emotions warring within him now, so instead he grabbed Alan and the girls to him in a tight hug, his breaths ragged and his eyes wet.

“Happy Father’s Day,” Alan said quietly, the smile evident in his voice even though Dave couldn’t quite see his face.

“You too, Al.” Dave pulled away to kiss him, then smothered his squealing girls with equal affection.

#dalan #pizzaverse #maiyashu #fanart

[thelastspeecher]

Best Revenge AU - Finally, Some Ford Content

Ford has been suspiciously absent from all of the ficlets I’ve posted thus far in this AU, and while I’ve talked a bit about his role, I haven’t gone too in depth.  So, here, for everyone craving some Best Revenge AU Ford, I’m here to satisfy that craving.  Finally, some Ford content.  Enjoy.

—————————————————————————————— 

              Ford slowly woke up.

              Shit.  I stayed the night, didn’t I?  He sat up. The man he’d slept with the night before was already up and getting dressed.

              “Mornin’.”

              “Good morning,” Ford said hesitantly, realizing to his horror that he couldn’t remember the man’s name.  “Um…”

              “I can make ya some breakfast ‘fore I send ya on yer way,” his one-night-stand said.  “I’ve got to check in on my sister first; she’s startin’ a new job today. You can find yer way to the kitchen and make yourself some coffee while I’m talkin’ to her.”

              “…Okay,” Ford mumbled.  The man finished dressing and left the room.  Ford hesitated for a moment before dressing as well.  He exited the bedroom.

              Which way is the kitchen?  Ford chewed on the inside of his cheek and turned left. He followed the hallway down to a living room.  One corner of the room had a colored rug, baby toys, and a playpen.  He said that he lived with his sister, right? Maybe she has a child.  Ford wandered into the adjacent kitchen.  His jaw dropped.  There was someone sitting at the kitchen table.  Someone he recognized.

              “Holy shit, Stan?!” Ford said.  Stan looked up with a frown.

              “Hey, keep it down around Junior.”  His eyes widened.  “Ford?!”

              “I- you-”  Ford’s gaze landed on the infant in Stan’s arms, greedily drinking from a bottle of milk.  “Is- is that your child?”

              “Yeah.”  Stan rubbed the back of his neck.  “…Sorta.”

              “What do you mean by-” Ford started.  He was interrupted by the arrival of his one-night-stand.

              “Oh, I see ya met my sister’s boyfriend,” he said. Stan groaned loudly.

              “Lute.  How dark was the nightclub where you found last night’s lay?”

              “Didn’t pick him up at a nightclub.  Found him at the library when I dropped off books fer Angie,” Lute said cheerfully.

              “Look at his face.”

              “Hmm?”  Lute looked at Ford.  He paled. “…Oh.”

              “You managed to hook up with my no-good twin,” Stan said.  The infant in his arms began to fuss.  “Aw, it’s okay Junior,” Stan cooed.  “I know, Uncle Ford is scary, especially his face.”  Ford crossed his arms.

              “We have the same face, Stanley.”

              “Since Lute didn’t realize we were related when he picked you up, I don’t agree,” Stan said tartly.  Ford sighed.  “You better get going before you make Junior even more upset.”

              “I’m not going anywhere until I find out what you’ve been up to and why you’re holding an infant that you said is ‘sort of’ yours,” Ford said firmly.  Stan scowled.

              “Lute, kick him out, will ya?”

              “No.”

              “Lute-”

              “I think it might be good fer the two of ya to reconnect,” Lute said.  “Don’t you think the lil bean would like an uncle from yer side?”

              “He won’t know what he’s missing.”

              “Okay, fine.”  Lute smirked.  “How do ya think Angie would want ya to act under this circumstance?”  Stan glared at him.  “You know full well that Angie would want ya to use this opportunity to reunite with yer twin.”

              “…Fine.”  Stan adjusted his hold on the infant.  “Why didn’t you come to the kitchen with Ford, Lute?”

              “I wanted to check in on Angie, but she’s still sleepin’.”

              “Yeah.  Since she’s starting her new job, I figured I’d feed Junior.”  Stan grinned down at the infant.  “He can’t be happy he’s getting his breakfast from a bottle instead of a boob.”  Lute rolled his eyes.

              “Crass, Stanley.”

              “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

              “You catch up with yer twin while I whip up some eggs,” Lute instructed, already opening the fridge.  Ford walked over to the table and sat in the chair next to Stan. He peered closely at the infant.

              “So…”

              “So…” Stan parroted.

              “What’s his name?”

              “Stanley Junior,” Stan said.  He frowned.  “Well, he’s not really a Junior, since he’s got his mom’s last name instead of mine. But he’s named after me, so we call him Junior.”

              “Ah.  And, um, how old is he?”

              “Four months.”

              “Four months?  Are babies supposed to be that small at four months?”

              “Doc says he’s definitely smaller than average, but that he can probably catch up pretty quick,” Stan answered.  He removed the now empty bottle from Junior’s mouth, then burped him.  “He’s a good kid.”

              “Is he yours?” Ford asked.  Stan set the empty bottle on the table.  “You said he ‘sort of’ was.”

              “If you were anyone else, I woulda left that part out,” Stan muttered.  “I hate your guts, but I’m not used to lying to you.”

              “Pardon?”

              “Biologically, he’s not mine.  He’s my girlfriend’s ex-husband’s.  But with how bad things got between Angie and Max, she decided not to tell him about Junior.”

              That’s a strange coincidence.  Didn’t Max Hillcrest at work recently go through a divorce?  What was his wife’s name again?

              “I was dating Angie, so I stepped up,” Stan continued with a shrug.  “And Angie named her kid after me.  I’m the only dad this little bean’s ever known.  If things go well, I’ll be the only dad he ever knows.”

              “Little bean?”

              “That’s what Angie called him while she was pregnant with him.  It stuck.” Stan smiled fondly at Junior. “Isn’t that right, bud?”  Junior giggled.

              “You’re raising another man’s child as your own?” Ford asked, his brain desperately trying to catch up with all he’d been told.

              “Yep.”

              “Why?”

              “I love Angie.  I love Junior.  Why wouldn’t I?” Stan asked, a hint of a bite to his tone.  Junior settled in his arms, smacking his lips happily.

              “Fair enough,” Ford said, deciding to back off. Some tension left Stan’s shoulders. “Other than dating pregnant women and taking in their children, what have you been doing since we last spoke?”

              “You mean, since Pops kicked me outta the house and you didn’t say anything or use your power to summon me in secret at any point for years,” Stan said flatly.  Ford opened and closed his mouth a few times.

              “…Yes.”  Ford cleared his throat.  “When we were younger, I remember you wanting to follow in Mom’s footsteps.  I haven’t seen any pyro heroes around here, though.”

              “Hold up, what?” Lute asked.  The brothers looked over.  Lute stared at Stan in shock.  “Stanley, you wanted to be a hero when you were a kid?”

              “Most supers do.  And like Ford said, our mom was a hero.  I looked up to her.”  Lute was still staring at Stan.  Stan sighed. “Obviously I didn’t do that, Gucket.”

              “Yer mom is a hero?”

              “Retired.  What’s with the third degree?”

              “You understand why that information is important in our line of work, right?” Lute prompted.  “Does Angie know?”

              “Duh.”

              “Why don’t I?”

              “‘Cause I’m not sleeping with you,” Stan snapped. “Even though I’m apparently your type.” Lute turned red.

              “Wait.”  Ford held up his hands.  “Wait. Stanley, am I reading between the lines properly?  Are you- are you a villain?”

              “Maybe I am.  Maybe I’m not,” Stan said.  He met Ford’s eyes.  “But whether I am or not, you know better than to snitch.”  Footsteps sounded.  Stan looked over.  An exuberant smile broke across his face.  “Look who it is!  The hot new professor!”  Ford looked as well.  A young woman stood in the doorway, wearing athletic shorts and a T-shirt she was practically swimming in.

              Presumably, it’s one of Stan’s.  The woman smiled at Stan.

              “I don’t mind it much when ya say it, but I sure hope no one at work calls me that.”

              “If any creepy coworkers do, let me know,” Stan said.  “I’ll handle it.”  The woman grinned viciously.

              “Oh, darlin’, ya know I’m fully capable of handlin’ it myself.”  Stan grinned back.

              “Good point.”  He held up Junior.  “Junior, say hi to your mama.”

              “Aw, he’s too young to talk yet,” the woman cooed. She walked over to Stan, took Junior from him, and sat at the table.  “And I don’t know if his first word ‘ll be ‘hi’.”  She began to lift her T-shirt.

              “Whoa, hey, uh, Ang, you don’t need to whip your boobs out,” Stan said quickly, glancing at Ford in distress.  “I fed him while you were sleeping.”

              “Oh.”

              “Also, we have a guest.”

              “Hmm?”  The woman lowered her shirt and looked up.  “Oh, my apologies.”  She smiled at Ford.  “My name is Angie McGucket.”  Ford felt himself pale.

              McGucket?

              “Dr. Angie McGucket,” Stan corrected.  Angie chuckled.

              “Yes, I have a doctorate,” she said.  She cocked her head, her eyes boring into Ford. “I’m guessin’ yer Stan’s no-good twin I’ve heard so much about.”

              “I- uh-” Ford stammered, still reeling from hearing his ex’s last name dropped so casually.

              “Geez, you make it sound like all I do is talk about Ford,” Stan said, rolling his eyes.  “That’s wrong.  All I do is talk about you and Junior.”  Angie laughed.

              Angie and Lute do appear to have the same nose as Fiddleford.  How could I have been so blind?

              “So, Stanford, what brings ya here?” Angie asked.

              “I brought him home last night,” Lute said.

              “Hmm, that seems out of character fer ya,” Angie said to Ford.  She shrugged. “Just goin’ off the stick-in-the-mud that Stan described to me.”

              “Why do you keep insulting me?” Ford asked. “This is the first time we’ve met.”

              “Maybe, but I also feel like I know ya pretty well,” Angie replied.  She bounced Junior in her arms.  “Stan took a while to start tellin’ me ‘bout ya, but once he did, he had a lot to say.” She smiled.  “Most of it was negative, sure, but some of it was positive.”

              “Angie, shouldn’t ya be gettin’ ready fer work?” Lute asked.  Angie groaned.  “I’ll make ya some nice breakfast while ya dress ‘n whatnot.”

              “Ugh.  Fine.” Angie handed Junior back to Stan, kissed his cheek, and left the room.  Ford coughed politely.

              “I, um, I should probably leave,” he said. Lute looked over.

              “Ya don’t want to stay fer breakfast?”

              “Your sister isn’t the only one who has a shift starting soon.”

              “Shift, huh?” Stan said, raising an eyebrow.  “Where’s the big shot genius working?”

              “Well, uh…”  Ford rubbed the back of his neck.  “I have been working on my own personal research, but to pay the bills, I’m currently employed as an executive assistant.”  Stan snickered.

              “Isn’t ‘executive assistant’ just a fancy word for ‘secretary’?” he asked.  Ford flushed. “You better get going, then.  Whatever doctor’s office you work for definitely needs you manning the front desk.”

              “Stanley,” Lute scolded.  Ford swallowed his retort.

              He’s been remarkably civil, let him be childish for one moment.

              “…See you later?” he suggested.  Stan froze.  “I mean, the fact that we were able to talk without fighting is, I think, a good sign that we can bury the hatchet.”

              “Ford.”  Stan met Ford’s eyes.  “Junior was here the whole time.  That’s why I didn’t shout or knock your block off.”

              “…Oh,” Ford said softly.

              “But…”  Stan sighed. “I’m not against making up.  Just know that the next time you and I are in the same room, it’s open season if Junior’s not there.”

              “Fair enough.”  Ford managed a smirk.  “I think you’d be surprised by how well I can hold my own now.”  Stan rolled his eyes.  “Goodbye, Stanley.”  Ford leaned over to smile at Junior.  Junior stared at him with wide eyes.  “Goodbye, Junior.”  Junior giggled.

              “Bye,” Stan grunted.  Ford waved goodbye to Lute and walked out of the house.  Beeping sounded from his pager.  He pulled it out of his pocket with a sigh.  The message made him sigh again.

              I swear, I’m the only person who can fix the wifi at work.  Everyone else either doesn’t know how or isn’t willing to do one of the secretary’s responsibilities.  Ford shook his head.  He put his pager away and began the long walk to work.  A building full of superheroes and not one of them can unplug a router.

#I've also got another ficlet in the works that involves none other than the legendary Ma Pines herself #but here's some Ford stuff for now. hope it scratches that itch. #Best Revenge AU #Stanford Pines #Lute McGucket #Stanley Pines #Angie McGucket #Stangie Family #Stangie #ficlet #my writing #my stuff #speecher speaks #Junior Pines

[slippinmickeys]

I got a prompt not long ago from @monikafilefan here on Tumblr. It was: "how about Mulder and Scully accidentally end up as roommates when their old ones back out? An instant friendship blooms into something so much more. I can just feel the palpable sexual tension already" From there, it... got legs.

I’ll be posting one chapter a day for six days. Don your blue sunglasses and enjoy some trope.

Dana Scully was running late. Flustered and out of breath from running the few blocks from the Metro stop, she pushed through the doors of the coffee shop, startling a young mom who was pushing a stroller out the door.

“Sorry,” she said, apologizing, and then held the door open while the woman slowly navigated the stroller through the narrow doorway. When she was out, Dana finally stepped in and scanned the store, looking for familiar auburn curls.

Her sister Melissa held up a hand and stood as Dana approached.

“Missy!” Dana said, relieved to see her.

Melissa gave her a long, tight hug before reclaiming her seat. Melissa’s hugs were the kind you always wanted to get. Like she’d cultivated them in a field, each one grown in a tidy row, just for you.

“Everything all right?” Melissa said, as Dana, huffing and out of breath, shrugged off her jacket and swung her purse over the back of a chair.  

“No,” she said, laughing at herself and Melissa’s eyebrows came together in  sympathy, “but tell me about you first. How was your flight? God, it’s been so long!” She reached across and squeezed her older sister’s hand.

Melissa had flown back to the States only the day before, having spent the last two years living in England.

“I’m great!” Missy said, “living abroad has been incredible. I almost hated to come back.”

“Oh, I’m so glad,” Dana said.

In truth, she was glad. She’d missed her sister terribly, but Missy had needed a big change. She’d dropped out of college several years before, much to their parent’s horror, and Melissa had been too spirited to live long under their father’s roof. Her sister looked wonderful. Clearly the time abroad had been good to her.

“But, what’s happening with you? What’s going on?” Melissa said.

Dana blew a raspberry.

“I’m in a tight spot,” she finally said, “We just found out this morning that Ellen got the internship in Seattle for the summer. It’s the one she wanted, and I’m really excited for her, but it’s not paid, so she won’t be able to cover her half of the rent -- she leaves in two days and rent for next month is due in five. We’ve got three more months on the lease. I’ve got to find someone to sublease her room, like yesterday.” She felt panic bubbling up in her gut. “I don’t suppose you have any interest in staying in DC for the summer?” she asked Melissa hopefully.

“Oh, I wish I could,” Missy said, “but I’m registered for massage therapy classes at the National Holistic Institute in Baltimore for the summer. Mom and Dad have calmed down and I’m going to stay with them while I get certified.”

“Missy, that’s wonderful!” She tried to smile at her, but she knew it didn’t reach her eyes.  Dana was excited for her sister, but had been holding out a hope that maybe Missy coming back Stateside would be an answer to her prayers.

“What about Ethan?” Melissa asked, lowering her voice unconsciously, “Couldn’t he move in with you for the summer? It’s only three months, Mom and Dad don’t need to know.”

Dana bit her lip.

“We broke up,” she said. Melissa’s eyes widened.

“June and Ward Cleaver broke up?” Melissa said, in shock. “When? I thought….”

She didn’t need to finish the sentence. Dana knew what Melissa thought. What everyone had thought. She and Ethan, together since their sophomore year of high school and enrolled in the same post-grad program at Georgetown, were the all-American couple. They, and everyone else, had assumed they would be engaged after they got their PhDs, and married not long after.

“Last month,” Dana said, looking down at her hands.

Melissa reached across the table and put her hand on Dana’s arm.

“What happened?”

“We grew up,” Dana said simply, “we’re different people, now. At least, I am. I’ve been thinking about making some changes at school and Ethan… was not supportive.”

Melissa squeezed her arm.

“What kind of changes?” she asked.

Dana looked up at her sister, “I’ve been seriously considering med school for some time.”

“But you’re so close to your degree!” Missy said.

“That’s what Ethan said,” said Dana, “but he was just so… dismissive. Like he had this plan for me. Like what I wanted didn’t matter. It was bad, Missy.”

“God,” Missy said.

“Yeah,” Dana went on, “he found out I took the MCAT and lost it. I broke up with him then and there. I haven’t seen him since. Not even on campus.”

Melissa gave her a shrewd look.

“Can I say something that you may not want to hear?”

Dana nodded morosely.

“I’m so glad,” Dana shot her sister a look, surprised. Melissa went on, “I never liked him, Dana. I know Mom and Dad loved him, but he’s had a stick up his ass since high school and he always thought he was better than everyone else. I used to sneak out and sprinkle catnip under his bedroom window in the summers.”

Dana’s jaw dropped.

“He used to complain all the time about-”

“-Tom cats in the neighborhood gathering outside his house and howling all night? Yeah, that was me.”

“Missy!”

“He deserved it,” Melissa said, sitting up with an air of moral superiority, “I’m glad you broke it off with him.”

“To be honest, I am too,” Dana said, “but I’m in a real lurch with this roommate situation. I don’t want to take out another student loan and I don’t think I can ask Dad for more money. Especially when he finds out I’m abandoning the program.”

“So you’re quitting for sure?” Melissa asked.

Dana nodded. “I just got the MCAT results and I did really well,” she couldn’t hold in a smile, “I told my advisor last week. I’m finishing out the summer. I’m going to start applying to med schools.”

“Well,” Missy said, “I’m glad you’re following your heart. And I wouldn’t worry much about Dad. He’ll be thrilled to have a doctor in the family. But maybe not so thrilled about bankrolling a degree you don’t intend to finish.”

Dana squirmed in her chair.

Melissa leaned back, thinking.

“What about…” she stopped, assessing Dana for a moment. “I have this friend. Someone I met in England last year. Moving to DC to be closer to family.”

Dana sat up straight.

“Do you know if she needs housing? Oh my God, Missy, you’d be saving my life.”

“The thing is,” Missy said, “it’s not a she.”

Dana made a face.

“He’s a great guy, Dane,” Melissa went on, “PhD in Psychology from Oxford. I met him when he was dating my friend Emma. His parents passed away recently and he’s putting his sister through school. She was a freshman at American this year. I can call him if you want.”

“I don’t know…” Dana said.

“Dana Scully, you are a 25 year old woman and it’s almost 1990 for God’s sake. Surely you’re not so old fashioned that you wouldn’t consider a male roommate. Particularly one that I can personally vouch for.”

“I don’t suppose he’s… gay?”

“You heard me mention my friend Emma, right?” Missy said, “No, he’s most certainly not gay, and no one is going to care that he isn’t. This isn’t Three’s Company, Chrissy. You need a roommate, and he--last I heard--needs a place to live. It’s perfect.”

It was only three months. Surely in this day and age having a male roommate wouldn’t give her some kind of reputation. And she was desperate--she would at least meet the guy. She leaned back in her seat.

“He isn’t cute, is he?” Dana asked.

Melissa narrowed her eyes.

“Cute?”

“Attractive. Hot. Someone with pleasing facial symmetry who other people like to look at.”

“Like you?” Melissa said. Dana gave her an exaggerated eye roll, and her sister asked, “Why?”

“Because it’s the last thing I need right now,” Dana said.

Melissa took a demure sip of coffee.

“No,” she said, not making eye contact, “he’s not cute.”

Dana considered her sister a long minute.

“Okay,” she finally said, “call him.”

XxXxXxXxXxX

At precisely 3:00pm, there was a knock on her door. Shave and a haircut.  

He was punctual -- more than she could say for herself that day -- and that usually boded well.

Instead of sticking around to introduce them, Missy had said she had other friends she was supposed to see while she was in town and had taken off after setting up this meeting, though she promised Dana she would still come over for dinner.

Dana opened the door. He was tall. At least a foot taller than she was, and he stood in the doorway with a smile on his face. He was wearing a black leather biker jacket, jeans and black boots and was carrying a motorcycle helmet under one arm. Dana was momentarily taken aback by his good looks. She would kill Melissa.

“Dana?” he said, expectantly, reaching out for a handshake, “I’m Melissa’s friend. Fox Mulder.”

“I thought you’d be British,” she said,  the words fumbling out of her mouth before she could stop them.

He smiled.

Dana shook herself, embarrassed, and extended a hand.

“Dana Scully,” she said, “sorry. Come in?”

“I met your brother when he came out to visit Melissa,” he said as he shook her hand, “one more Scully and I win a set of steak knives.”

“You’re in luck,” she said, smiling, “we Scullys come in sets of four.”

He laughed and wiped his feet on the welcome mat before stepping past her and into the apartment. He stood a few feet in and looked around.

“Wow,” he said, “this is a really nice place.”

Dana nodded and closed the door. It was a nice place. Much nicer than two broke grad students had any business living in. It had cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors and a large, spacious living room framed on one side with immense sliding glass doors that opened to a long balcony that ran the length of the room. On the other end of the living room sat a modern kitchen with a large island countertop that sat three people on the living room side, and had a 4 burner cooktop on the other. The appliances were pretty new. There was a hallway leading from the other end of the living room that led to one bathroom and a bedroom (Ellen’s), with a small in-unit washer/dryer at the end of the hall. Stairs led up from the left of the doorway to the master bedroom (Dana’s) and en-suite bathroom that had a separate tub and shower. The place was filled with hand-me-down furniture from various parents and siblings, but was decorated well and was quite comfortable.

“Rent controlled,” she said, by way of explanation, “my roommate’s brother had lived here for years. We got really lucky.” He nodded, still taking in the space. “You want a tour?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said, smiling.

She showed him the living room and the trick to opening the sliding glass door, then ran him through the kitchen and on down the hallway to Ellen’s room, which was a disaster area filled with half-packed boxes.

“This would be your room,” she said, “I promise to clean it before you move in.”

“Nah,” he said, peeking his head in the closet, “I’d be happy to do it. When would move-in be?”

“You could be in in two days,” she answered, “Ellen flies to Seattle tomorrow night, though you wouldn’t know it to look at her room.”

He smiled.

“I don’t know if Melissa told you about my situation,” he said, “everything has been happening kind of quickly. You’d really be saving my bacon, here.”

“She told me a little,” Dana said, “I’m really sorry about your parents, Fox.”

“Thank you,” he said softly. He cleared his throat. “Though, I uh, prefer to go by Mulder.”

“Fair enough,” Dana said. “Though there’s no way you ever got Melissa to call you anything other than Fox. I bet she was delighted.”

He laughed, a melodious, warm sound. Upon hearing it, she decided she liked him.

“And then some,” he said. “So what do I need to know?”

“Well, it would be a sublease for three months, until Ellen gets back. I may or may not be moving out in the fall, and our lease goes month-to-month after that.” He nodded. “Otherwise,” she said, “I mainly do a lot of studying. I have office hours and classes three days a week. I’m not big on house parties, and I like things quiet.” She looked at him, and he didn’t seem thrown by anything she’d said so far. “Do you…” she was sure how to put it, “have a girlfriend or anyone who would be coming over a lot?”

He smiled.

“No girlfriend at present,” he said, “though my sister is at AU and she may come over every now and then if she’ll deign to visit her stuffy older brother.”

His eyes crinkled with affection when he talked about his sister, and Dana found herself involuntarily charmed.

“And what do you do for a living?” she asked.

He winced.

“I’m currently looking for work,” he held his hand up when she raised her eyebrows, “I have enough in savings to more than cover three months of rent,” he said, “so you don’t have to worry about that. But I only got into town a few days ago. I’m still trying to figure everything out.”

“Melissa vouches for you,” she said, “that’s good enough for me.”

He fiddled with the helmet, which he was still carrying, and took a long, slow turn, looking around the apartment, as if making a decision. He finally turned back to her.

“Well, Scully Number Three?” he said, holding out his hand once again. “You’ve got a new roommate if you’ll have me.”

“No need to remind me of my place in the pecking order,” she said, “if you’re Mulder, I think just Scully will suffice.” Scully. She let it roll down her spine and liked the way it felt. She reached out and gripped his hand firmly. It was warm, dry, and completely enveloped hers. “Welcome home, Mulder,” she said.

XxXxXxXxXxX

Melissa breezed past her in the doorway without a word, arms laden with plastic bags.

“I brought take-out!” she said over her shoulder, kicking off her shoes and making her way to the kitchen to unburden herself of the bags. “Is Fox still here?” she asked, looking around, a little out of breath.

“He left about an hour ago,” Dana said, coming to stand in the doorway of the kitchen. “Melissa,” she went on, and Missy wouldn’t look at her. “You said he wasn’t cute.”

Melissa opened the fridge and helped herself to a beer.

“He’s not cute,” Missy said, finally turning to her, “he’s gorgeous. You’re welcome.” She twisted off the top and then shoved herself up to sit on the counter, taking a long pull.

“Make yourself at home,” Dana said sarcastically.

“Thanks,” Missy said, brushing her off. “How’d it go?”

“You’re right, he was really nice. He’s going to take it,” Dana said, and then decided she could go for a beer as well. She opened up the fridge as Missy punched the air in a yes! gesture.

“What did I tell you?” Melissa said, “kismet.”

“Yeah,” Dana said, tamping down her own enthusiasm, “I hope it works out.”

“It’s going to be great!” Missy said, “He really is the best guy.”

“Did you guys ever…?” Dana asked, wondering if she really wanted to know.

“Me and Fox? No,” she answered, “not that I wouldn’t have liked to,” she went on, “but I think the whole ‘thou shalt not date your best friend’s ex’ rule is pretty universal. Even across the pond.”

Dana was surprised to find herself relieved.

“I am privy to some information, though,” Missy said, arching an eyebrow.

“Do I even want to know?” Dana asked.

Missy ran her tongue along the corner of her mouth.

“He’s very well endowed,” she finally said with a grin.

Dana felt herself blushing and took a deep swig of beer to cover for it.

“Unless it’ll help him pay the rent,” she said, swallowing, “I don’t see how that’s any of my business.”

Melissa shrugged, looking coy. “I’ve also heard he loves to eat out,” she said.

“What does that have to do with-“ Dana finally looked at her sister, caught her eyebrows in the air, suggestively. “... Jesus, Missy.”

Melissa smiled, took a sip of beer.

“I’m just saying,” Melissa said, “a generous lover is a generous man.” Dana looked to the sky as if for help. Her sister was clearly enjoying Dana’s discomfort. She finally jumped down off the counter and turned her attention to the bags of food. “You could do a lot worse than Fox Mulder.”

“I’m not going to do Fox Mulder, Missy,” she said, and Missy let out a bark of laughter. “I need a roommate, not a boyfriend. And anyway, I’m going to be in med school soon. I won’t have that kind of time.”

“Make time,” Melissa winked, and then dug around in the bags, pulling out carton after carton of Chinese food. “You hungry?”

Dana set down her beer and hugged her from behind.

“I’m famished, you snot,” she said into her sister’s hair.

#the x-files #fanfiction #fanfic #MSR #AU #my fic #a companion unobtrustive #chapter one #prompt

[miss-tc-nova]

Different This Year - Brain & Chirithy

I know this is like 2 months late, but I finally got the green light to post my “Hearts for the Holidays” zine piece! So tada! 

~~~~~

               Perched atop slippery shingles sits a silver spirit watching over the gaggle of youth enjoying a rare moment of peace—well, almost peace. No blissful silence is had with all their hoots and hollers; there is calm in Daybreak Town, but by no means are the Union leaders taking it easy. 

               Today’s almost as sunny as a summer day but, unlike the warm season, it’s frigid outside. The days before brought clouds and the clouds brought the signature of winter: snow. It’s finally let up enough to allow wielders to awe at the beauty. Heaps and heaps of glittering powder blankets the world, hiding away the impurities of the town under the veil of a winter wonderland. Everyone is out and about enjoying this chilly setting: shopping, meeting up with friends, and getting into all sorts of shenanigans in the snowfall. The eager leaders are participating in that last one.

               Ephemer, Skuld, Ven, Brain, and Lauriam had ventured out of the clock tower, dragging a random assortment of objects behind them. Only after following their key bearer did this hat-wearing Chirithy discover that the troop was going sledding. It’s not that Chirithy didn’t know what sledding was, but this is the first time Brain has had any friends to go with. 

               So now, the dream eater watches on as the youthful humans run up the slope and fly back down, hopefully without crashing into each other—though that one run where Skuld mowed down Ventus was pretty funny. Most importantly, Brain is smiling and genuinely enjoying himself. 

               Apprehension leaps into the feline’s chest when Lauriam points right at them, revealing their presence to their wielder. The Chirithy wasn’t exactly hiding, but they weren’t expecting to be called out either.

               Brain waves a hand over his head. “Hey Chi-chi!” A second gesture beckons the spirit to join him.

               The thing about Brain is that he only recently began to treat his guide as an ally rather than a possession. Being chosen as a Union leader has so far proven a great benefit for the young man in teaching him about friendship. This new desire to buddy-up to Chirithy has flustered his little prickly pal though. 

               Nervous, Chi-chi poofs, appearing beside the key bearer in another cloud.

               “What’s with all the spying, partner?”

               “I wasn’t spying,” the cat protests. 

               That smirk makes the spirit suspicious. “Sure sure. If you wanted to join, all you had to do was ask.”

               “Join?”

               “Yep.” A few steps away, the man plops down into a plastic toboggan and extends an arm to his companion. “Let’s go.”

               Little arms fold with a huff. “No.”

               “Don’t be a stick in the mud, Chi-chi. Come on.” There’s hesitation and this time, Brain is almost chastising when he calls, “Chi-chi.”

               “Alright! Fine!” The grump of a feline totters towards the wielder. Before they can sit down, their hat suddenly goes missing. “Hey!”

               Lauriam smiles down at them. “You don’t want it getting run over and ruined, do you?”

               Reluctantly, Chi-chi lets it go and carefully climbs into the sled.

               With a clear smile in his voice, Brain asks, “Ready?”

               From the rooftops, this hill doesn’t seem all that significant. However, from the top of the hill, sitting in a flimsy piece of plastic, as a very short creature, this is starting to seem like a bad idea.

               “Not really,” comes the timid answer. 

               “Don’t worry, buddy. I’ve got ya.”

               Each lurch forward has little paws clinging tighter and tighter to the legs on either side of them. The tiny heart thumping in their chest might just burst.

               “W-Wait!”

               And then the sled reaches the point of no return. 

               Wind whips at the riders as the snowy terrain flies by. Every bump brings with it the fear of crashing which is only exaggerated by the feeling that this ride will never end. A scream follows them all the way to the bottom, even after the sled creaks to a stop in the snow. 

               “Chi-chi. Chi-chi stop screaming. It’s over.” Jaws snap close and Brain laughs. “See, it wasn’t that bad.”

               Getting over the adrenaline rush, Chi-chi peers up at the young man. Granite eyes gleam like the snow in the sunlight while he wears that smile just for his little guide. They had never celebrated anything before, but if Chi-chi had one wish, this was it: enjoying time with Brain. Folded ears suddenly find it easy to fight off the cold as warm euphoria spreads through the little creature. 

               “Can we go again?”

               “Haha, you sure?” They give an enthusiastic nod. “Alright, but we gotta get back to the top of the hill,” he says, using his glove to ruffle some fur.

               On their trek back up, they hear a cheer.

               “WAAAAAHOOOOOOOO!”

               Speeding down the hill is Ventus, his own spirit flailing their arms in excitement. Brain and Chi-chi wave as they pass and pause to watch their race to the bottom. 

               Brain treats his buddy to another couple rides in the toboggan but by the fourth go, he needs a break from hiking uphill. Chi-chi resorted to popping back up at the top after their second trip, so they can’t really blame the wielder for catching a breather. Still, just standing beside their human and watching the others, especially the other Chirithy, enjoy themselves makes them self-conscious. 

               “Hey.” They glance over to see a Chirithy with a crown of leafy holly berries, Lauriam’s Chirithy. 

               “Uh, hi,” is the uncertain reply. 

               “Do you wanna build a snowman with me?” they ask sweetly. 

               Chi-chi isn’t exactly sure how to respond, but comes off a bit snippier than intended. “No.” In a scramble to backtrack the rude response, they tack on, “I…I don’t know how to build a snowman.”

               This flowery Chirithy gives a giggle. “That’s okay. I’ll show you.”

               Without waiting for an answer, Lauriam’s Chirithy takes Chi-chi by the paw, and pulls them away. The captive glances back at Brain who’s in the middle of a conversation with Lauriam. Surely he’ll come get Chi-chi when he’s ready for another run so there should be no harm in learning to build a snowman. 

               The two wander just a little away and, as the flower cat is showing Chi-chi where to start, another pair of Chirithy—belonging to Skuld and Ephemer—approach to join in on the project. So the four felines get to working on what ends up being snow Chirithy and Chi-chi, even while simply mimicking what the others are doing, is actually enjoying themself. 

               Flower Chirithy waddles closer, placing their sphere on top of Chi-chi’s just as the Chirithy with star earrings pushes their snowball closer. 

               “I like your crown,” they say to Flower Chirithy. 

               “Thank you. I love making them with flowers, but Lauriam and I make these ones every year with his sister.”

               “Really? Skuld and I like to make smores in the fireplace when it gets cold out.”

               The second-tier orb settles on the other base while Scarf Chirithy peeks around. “Me and Ephemer usually build a blanket fort and drink hot chocolate.”

               Flower Chirithy looks to Chi-chi. “Do you and Brain have any traditions?”

               Shrinking internally, the cat in question lets their gaze drop to the blank snowman that suddenly feels like kin. “No. We’ve never celebrated anything together.”

               The trio just stares for a moment. 

               “Never?”

               The scarf Chirithy prods where they probably shouldn’t. “Why not?”

               Bitter cold sinks in just how different Chi-chi’s relationship with Brain is compared to others. The answer comes out barely above a whisper, “Because we aren’t friends.”

               Before Chi-chi can soak in the reality that the only person who should be their friend isn’t, Star Chirithy bluntly declares, “Well that’s just not true.” Chi-chi looks to them with no valid response. “You two looked like you were having so much fun.”

               “That’s right!” adds Flower Chirithy. “Brain was talking about leaving just before you got here.” 

               “Really?” Brain seemed like he was having plenty of fun before he called Chi-chi out for spying. 

               The hopeful, floral Chirithy nods. “Yeah. He was telling Lauriam he was gonna head back to the tower until we told him you were watching.” They rest a paw on Chi-chi’s arm. “He stayed for you.”

               “You really think so?” they say, almost daring to not let themself hope. 

               “Absolutely! Even if you weren’t friends to start with, you’re definitely friends now. And it’s never too late to start traditions with friends.”

               There’s hardly any time to process the information when a voice calls out. “Chi-chi!” Brain is waving the cat closer. “You ready to go again?”

               Elated, spurred by the information the others had given them, the Chirithy runs to him. “Yes!”

               “Looks like we’ll have to wait for the toboggan unless you want to try a different one.”

               They glance around, spotting the large, black object. Climbing into the center of the giant donut full of air, Chi-chi asks, “What’s this one?”

               “That’s an inner tube. Is that the one you wanna try next?”

               “If you’ll go with me.”

               “Of course, I will.”

               “Count us in.” The pair look back to find Ephemer and his companion coming closer. 

               “Even better,” agrees Brain. The two humans lay across the opening in the center, holding onto their respective dream eaters. “Yo, Lauriam, give us a push.”

               Blue eyes roll but he stalks closer. “Everyone ready?” 

               They all confirm and the tube inches closer to the “point of no return” but not quite straight forward, instead going down at an angle. 

               Again, adrenaline rises and cheers fill the air. The inner tube provides a smoother ride but with little control, spinning the riders as they go—it’s a new twist on the fun. That proves true until they get about halfway down the slope. 

               “Uh oh!” Ephemer shouts.

               Brain exclaims, “Oh crap!”

               Oh crap indeed. At the bottom of the hill, Ven and his Chirithy have been piling snow. Well, now the speeding donut is heading straight for that mound.

               “VEEEEEEEN!” everyone yells.

               There’s just enough time for the young blonde to snatch up Chirithy and dive out of the way before the tube hits the jump. All four passengers are sent airborne. For a solid second, there is no up or down and there’s certainly no inner tube. In the next second though, there is definitely a down for Chi-chi lands upside down in the snowdrift. 

               Shock reigns for a moment until a hand pulls Chi-chi out of the bank by the back of their cape.  

               “You alright, partner?” Brain asks in concern. 

               The Chirithy stares at the keyblade wielder who stares back, both ridiculously disheveled and coated in frost. Then, unprompted, the two begin to laugh. Pretty soon, all four toppled riders are laughing, half-buried in powder. Disaster or not, this is the most fun Chi-chi has ever had and it’s made all the better sharing it with Brain. 

               “Are you guys okay?!” Ventus hollers, rushing towards them. He too hits the snow when a snowball explodes in his face. 

               “Oi! You! What do you think you’re doing building a ramp?!” Brain scolds, digging his way free. 

               Ven pops back up. “That was for me to use the snowboard on! That’s why I built it over here!”

               Everyone falls silent. In the distance, as in the top of the hill, a cackling can be heard. 

               “LAURIAM!” the boys shout.

               Back up the hill they climb where they spot the mischief maker. The instant he lays eyes on his victims, he nearly doubles over laughing, relying on a sheepish Skuld to remain standing. 

               “Alright, you jerk!” Brain hurls a handful of snow at his friend where it splatters across the guy’s back. The other boys join in chucking snowballs at the offender.

               Eventually the antics settle down and more trips up and down the hill are taken. Time spent with their friends and Chirithy is well enjoyed by the leaders, but one by one, they stop going down the slope. Finally, the last to call it quits is Ven. 

               “You made it!” his Chirithy cheers at the top.

               “Give me a break,” he pants, dropping the snowboard. “Not all of us can poof to the top.” 

               Skuld calls out, “You finally worn out yet?”

               “Yeah. I think I’m done.”

               Lauriam adds, “It’s about time. It’s getting cold.”

               Ephemer chuckles. “Let’s head back. I’m pretty sure we have hot chocolate back at the tower.”

               His Chirithy bounces beside him. “Can we build a fort?!”

               The boy laughs while Skuld’s Chirithy tugs at her sleeve. “And smores?”

               “We’ll have to see what we have in the kitchen,” she answers happily. 

                The gang collects their belongings and starts the journey back to the clock tower, but Chi-chi pauses with some uncertainties. This feels like another moment not to intrude on. 

               Brain looks back. “What are you doin’, Chi-chi? Let’s go before you catch a cold.”

               This time of the year has always proven important to the key kids because of the holidays and, depending on their relationship with their wielder, many Chirithy get to celebrate too. Chi-chi was not one of that privileged group. Brain barely celebrated anything on his own and his Chirithy was unimportant to him until recently. But this year was looking to be different—for both of them. 

               Absolute joy fills their chest to the point they could just pop—but that would be out of character. Even if the man can see right through the façade, Chi-chi is not about to let on just how giddy they are.

               With a huff, Chi-chi toddles after him. “I don’t think Chirithy can get colds,” they say matter-of-factly.

               “Yeah, yeah,” Brain laughs, dropping a familiar hat over the dream eater’s ears. “Whatever you say, partner.”

#hearts for the holidays #zine feat nova #kh zine #chirithy #brain #kh brain

[layniapetrovnaaa]

In cauda venenum

[Natasha Romanoff x Reader]

Request: @honeyxbucket​ 

 Hi there! I would like to request a Natasha x reader fic! A one shot more specifically kinda angst I hope that’s okay! Plot: Y/n is peter parks biological sister and shared the same powers as him and even has her own suit (it’s basically just a light purple Spider-Man suit) well anyway one day they are on a mission (you can choose who the villain is) and at the end y/n almost died and is sent to the hospital and Natasha freaks out but y/n ends up okay lots of fluff at the end

(I’m sorry this is so short, but I hope it was what you were looking for!)

“I like the new suit.” Peter spoke innocently.

The orange glow of the sunset cocooning him in warm light. The sun felt nice on your skin, given the cool NYC fall temperature.

The two of you sat atop a medium sized apartment building, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity.

Ever since Mac Gorgon, or Scorpion, had escaped from prison you and Peter had been on the look out. 

Apparently you weren't the only ones. 

The two of you had recently gotten a tip from Daredevil (a recent acquaintance and new ally) that he was hiding out in a small garage right near the Hudson river. 

So there you were.

“I thought a change of pace might be nice.” you say, glancing down at the sleek and tight fitting purple suit.

“Very inconspicuous.” he teases.

You laugh, punching his shoulder lightly.

“Look who’s talking!” you retort and he puts his hands up in defense. 

Once your giggling starts to fade, you turn your head to look out at the city. 

You noticed a shady looking man unlocking the door to a building a little ways down the street. 

“Peter, eight o'clock.”

“Is that what time May said to be back for dinner? Cause--”

You scoff.

“No, look.” you nod with your chin. 

He leans over, looking in the correct direction.

“Are you sure it’s him?”

As he speaks, the man turns his head to scan the streets, just long enough for you and Peter to note the prominent scar on his face.

“Oh shit.” your brother lets out.

You both put on your masks.

“Let’s go.” you order, standing up and shooting out a web after you made sure that the criminal wouldn't see you. 

You should have noticed the signs upon entering, he was expecting you. 

Your spider-senses were telling you that he was on the ground floor, but your eyes told you otherwise.

It was odd, he was no where in sight, and the building was a few degrees cooler then it was outside. 

“I don’t think he is here [Y/N], we should go back to our post” Peter says quietly. 

As you turn around and start to head for the exit, you hear his sinister voice. 

“Leaving so soon?”

You turn round to see him coming out of the shadows.

You had known about his enhanced abilities, given to him by experiments, but you were in the dark about the Scorpion-like suit he was currently donning.

“Oh fuck me.” you curse under your breath as you watch the orange colored sunlight reflect off of his knife-like stinger. 

“You like? My friend Doc Ock made it for me.” you could practically hear the malicious grin in his voice.

“Not bad, but its a bit bulky, don’t y’think?” you reply sarcastically.

You see his smile drop and he starts charging towards you and Peter.

“Watch out!” you exclaim as he goes to attack Peter, your web hitting one of the beams in the ceiling and you swing yourself up there.

“That reaction was a bit dramatic, I mean you did ask for her opinion.” Peter grunts out as he wrestles with the villain.

You stick on the ceiling, crawling so that you are behind Scorpion, launching your web to stop his poisonous tail from impaling your sibling.

He whips his head around to face you before jumping onto the wall, sticking his claws into it and crawls his way over to you. 

You detach yourself from the ceiling, only hanging by your fingertips, and aim your webs at his ankle as you pull him down to the ground with you. 

The fight continues, each interaction becoming more killer than the last, you knew it was time to call in.

“This is [Y/N] Parker, I’m calling for backup, we are at an old abandoned garage near the Manhattan cruise terminal on 12th, please hurry.”

You had underestimated the speed and strength of Scorpion, and now you were reaping the consequences.

You break into a sprint towards the monster who had his back to you, but he was faster than you and turns just in time to inject his venomous stinger into your pectoral muscle, right below your left  collarbone. 

You gasp and feel your toes leave the ground by an inch. 

The venom that coursed through your veins felt like lava.

Mac grins and removes the stinger, you collapse to the ground.

“[Y/N]?” Peter lets out in almost a whimper. 

Your eyes squeeze shut and you clench your jaw, trying to bear the pain.

An alarm like sound comes from Scorpions wrist.

“This isn’t over spidey, you’re next.” he growls, jumping onto the wall and crawling through the big open window near the ceiling.

You open your eyes to look at the wound, seeing Peter rush to your side in a blur. 

He rests your head onto his lap, throwing off his and your mask. 

Not a second later the garage doors burst open.

Natasha, Tony, and Rhodey stand on guard until they finish scanning the perimeter. 

She had to do a double take when she noticed you and your brother on the ground. 

As soon as she realized the predicament, she ran over, settling at your side, opposite of Peter.

“Natasha?” you murmur, starting to fall in and out of what they all hoped was consciousness, reaching your hand up to touch her cheek. 

“I’m here.” she says as she grabs your hand. 

Your head rolls back and she takes in a sharp breath.

“What the hell happened?!” she asks sharply.

“I-I-I I don’t know...it-it all happened so fast.” Peter lets out in almost a sob. 

“We need to get her back to base, now.”

When a second passes and no one moves, she demands again.

“I said move, goddammit!” she growls, the four the superheros immediately snapping into action.

“It’s gunna be okay, [Y/N]. You’re going to be fine.” she breaths, talking more to herself than you.

“It’s gunna be fine...”

*** 

The water ran down Natasha's hands as she rung out the warm washcloth. The wood floor was cold on her bare feet as she lugged her way towards the grey monochrome bed where her sleeping girlfriend lay. Natasha let out a low sigh as she sat down on the side of the bed. She gently laid the damp towel on  the girl’s forehead.

Again she sighs. 

Had it not been for your spider like powers and Doctor Banners wicked brain, you wouldn't have made it. 

The redhead would flinch  almost every beep of the heart monitor, and the IV hooked to your arm made her tense. 

The light from the window next to the queen bed seeped through the blinds, and as it seems, right into your eyes as you start to come back to consciousness. 

Your lashes flutter, and you hear Natasha mutter to herself. 

"If only I could have been faster. Ah god" her voice cracks. 

Natasha wipes the tear from her cheek quickly, as if she was embarrassed somebody would see. 

"I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you," she says as she lets out a shaky breath. 

"I can't lose you Y/n.."

Slowly you grab her hand.  

"Natalia..."

Her head whips in your direction. 

"Hey, your supposed to be asleep." She sniffs. 

"You could never lose me Tahsa."

Natasha huffs.

"So you heard all that?"

"Don't blame yourself for my mistakes." You said weakly. She shakes her head. 

"Y/n/n, I— I thought I was going to lose you...and I don’t know what I would have done.”

"Nat.." 

She huffs. 

“My whole life has been calculated and cautiously planned, but you make me throw caution to the wind. You make me unable to think straight, I can hardly form a coherent sentence when you are around [Y/N]. You wreck me in the most glorious ways, you break down every barrier I have, you see me for me. I-I just can’t loose you.”

A tear slips down your cheek at er confession.

“Wow, Nat I-I don’t know what to say...”

“Don’t, don’t worry about it.” she shakes her head lightly

"I love you Natalia, you are the most beautiful, badass, and selfless person I know." 

She chuckles and scoffs. 

"I love you too, Y/n." 

She leans down to kiss your lips, they're soft and warm, and it's just electric between you two. 

“I should go tell Bruce you’re awake.”

You nod and she gets up from the bed.

As she opens the door, her hand still on the door nob, she speaks.

“I meant everything I said...I love you so much it hurts.”

You nod and bite your lip, the corners of your mouth drifting upwards.

She nods, a tight lip smile threatening to grace her face as she walks out, shutting the door softly behind her. 

“I never thought I’d see the day the Black Widow went soft.”

“Shut it Stark.”

#natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x reader #peter parker #Black Widow #natasha romanoff imagine

[calumance]

The Girl Next Door - A.I.

Warnings: it’s a little angsty in the beginning, but it’s mostly fluff

Word Count: 1.7k

Summary: Ashton recently became a dad, but he’s not sure what to do when the mother abandoned him and the baby. Thank god his neighbor knows exactly what to do.

A/N: I’ve bene wanting to write some Dad!SOS for a while, and this is my first attempt. I hope you all like it! Happy reading my little berries!! Feedback and requests are always welcomed!!! (Want to be notified when I post more writing? Let me know, and I’ll tag you!)

Masterlist

           Six months, that’s how long it’s been since Oliver’s mom disappeared, which was only days after he was born. Ashton hadn’t suspected anything was off until one day he woke up to Oliver’s cries only to find that all of her things were gone, and a note saying she would not be returning, and she regretted ever having Oliver. Ashton’s heart shattered, not for himself, but for the little bundle of joy she left behind. The only thing that’s been keeping Ashton from completely failing at raising a little boy by himself was his next door neighbor. Ashton had known her since he had moved in years ago. The first time he ever saw her, he was moving something in from the car, and she was walking her dog. When he introduced himself, she smiled widely and introduced herself, then her boyfriend who came up behind her shortly after. It became routine, she walked her dog every day at the same time, so Ashton would make sure to stop and say hi to her when she passed by, even though Oliver’s mom was not a fan of this routine. Right before Oliver was born, she had told Ashton about her ugly break up, and he could feel his heart break for her, it was then that he realized he had a bit of a crush on her, but it was nothing more than that, a crush.

           The day Ashton found that Oliver’s mom had left, he picked Oliver up out of the crib and immediately ran next door. When she opened the door, she was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, confused about who would be knocking on her door this early in the morning. When she saw the disheveled look on Ashton’s face, her eyes opened wide and immediately ushered him and the baby inside. “She’s gone.” He said, cradling the back of Oliver’s head. “I don’t know how to raise a baby by myself.” Ashton started to cry, which made her reach her hands towards his face in attempt to calm him. As her fingers traced over his stubble to his jaw line, his anxiety completely washed away, and his heart slowed. She didn’t say anything as she held out her hands offering to take Oliver from him. Although Ashton was confused, he carefully handed her the newborn, dropping his hands to his side. She immediately started bouncing him and cooing at him, while stepping into the her living room. Ashton stood in place, running his hand through his messy hair, until she looked back at him.

           Ashton walked over to her, Oliver now soundly asleep in her arms. She ran a finger gently down his soft cheek as Ashton’s mouth fell open in bewilderment. “I helped my mom raise my baby sister.” She said, a soft smile pressing against her lips as her eyes stayed locked on the little boy in her arms. “I was sixteen when she was born, and my dad always seemed to resent my baby sister, so I had to step in whenever I could.” She managed to pull her eyes away from the beautiful boy and look at Ashton. Her eyes met his and she immediately saw the resemblance, causing her to smile widely as she continued to sway with Oliver, “I’ve learned some other helpful things from coworkers and friends, so if you need help, I’m here for you.” Her eyes twinkling in the low light. Ashton had wanted to kiss her then, but he wasn’t sure if it was because he knew he wasn’t going to have to raise Oliver by himself, or because she looked incredibly attractive holding his son. Whatever the reason, he refrained and sighed in relief, thanking her for being so kind.

           Ever since that day, she and Ashton developed a new routine. She would wake up extra early to get ready for work so that she could stop by his house and ask if he needed anything before she headed off. Even though most days Ashton said yes, he mostly said yes so that he could see her. Only a few times has it been because he actually needed help. Every morning she would leave at exactly six, never later, never earlier. Ashton would smile at her as she walked out the door, knowing he would see her in the evening. Each evening, after work, she would stop by with things to make dinner, or carry out. She would cook while Ashton made Oliver’s formula, or caught up on his own work. They would all eat together, Ashton would sit across from her and admire how she interacted with his son. He couldn’t help that he was quickly falling in love with her. After dinner, she would help Ashton get Oliver to sleep, and then offer to help him clean everything up. She always hoped he would say yes so she could spend time alone with him, but he always smiled a soft smile and said no. She then would return the smile, kiss him on the cheek and walk home; every single day.

           Today was different though, it was Saturday, the day she always took to catch up on her own self. She would call her mother, and every time she would talk about Ashton and Oliver, she would look out her window and hope she could see him, her head ducking every time she failed to see him. It was around six in the evening when she hung up with her mother and there was a knock on her door.  With her eyebrows furrowed, she opened the door, finding Ashton on the other side. Her eyebrows raised completely seeing him standing there showered, clean shaven and dressed in a black t-shirt, black jeans and a leather jacket. His hair slicked back into a pompadour style. Ashton cleared his throat and smiled, fidgeting with his phone while he spoke. “I’m sorry, I know you usually take Saturdays to yourself, but I was wondering if you had some time to come over real fast and help me out with something?” He noticed he was fidgeting with his phone, so he shoved it in his pocket and shifted his weight, leaning an arm against her door frame. Although she hesitated, she agreed and turned to change into something a little more appropriate than sweatpants.

           As they walked down the hill towards Ashton’s house, she had her arms crossed over her chest. Ashton’s hands were shoved in his pockets and there was a soft smirk sitting on his lips. She was confused, but she followed him inside anyway. When they got inside, the lights were turned down so they were just barely lit, Ashton smiled at her and walked toward the kitchen without a word. She followed behind him, still confused on what was happening. As she crossed into the kitchen she saw the table was set, a candle in the middle of the table lit. Ashton pulled out one of the chairs and motioned for her to sit down. Without uncrossing her arms, she moved towards the seat. As Ashton pushed her chair in, she looked at him and asked where Oliver was. After Ashton sat down and pulled his chair towards the table, he cleared his throat. “Luke and Sierra have been begging to babysit, so they have him for the night.” Ashton smiled and began pouring wine into the glasses in front of them.

           She blinked a few times and looked down at herself, suddenly feeling completely underdressed. Her tongue ran over her lips as the nervousness crept through her entire body. Her arms finally uncrossing and her hands landed in her lap, she leaned forward, “Are we on a date right now?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Ashton laughed, and raised a single eyebrow. She sat back and ran a hand through her hair, it’s not that she didn’t want to go on a date with him, she just expected it to be a bit different than this. “I wish you would’ve told me, I look awful.” Her eyes dropped to her hands and she absently played with her fingers, her appetite suddenly fading.

           Ashton stopped pouring the wine and pulled his eyebrows together, “I think you look just fine.” He set the bottle down and watched her.

           She rolled her eyes and then scoffed, “’Fine,’ you say.” She leaned forward, her eyes locking with his, “Every time I’ve thought about a date with you, I’ve looked so good that you can’t keep your hands off me.” It was word vomit, and she knew it, and it was definitely not something she wanted Ashton to hear. As her face flushed a bright red, Ashton raised his eyebrows. Her eyes closed and her lips pulled into her mouth. All she could think about was running, but instead she placed a hand on her forehead and tried to hide herself.

           Ashton let out a laugh and sat back, licking his lips, “You’ve thought about that?”

           “Oh god,” she let out a laugh and completely covered her face, not being able to contain her laughter.

           Ashton laughed harder, not able to help himself. He collected himself and reached across the table, silently asking for her hand, “I’m kidding, will you please grab my hand?” She dropped her hands, exposing her bright red cheeks. Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his and the atmosphere suddenly grew thicker. Ashton ran his thumb across the back of her hand as the red slowly started to fade from her cheeks. “I’ve had this little crush on you for about six months,” he explained, locking his eyes with hers, “Seeing the way you take care of Oliver, it just makes my heart so warm. I’ve wanted to take you on a real date for a while, but I can’t ever seem to find the right time, so this is what I came up with, I hope this is alright.” His eyes sparkled in the candle light, and her stomach flipped. Not only was it alright, it was perfect.

#dad!sos #dad!ashton #dad!ash #Ashton irwin #Ashton Irwin blurb #Ashton Irwin imagine #Ashton Irwin oneshot #Ashton Irwin fic #Ashton Irwin fan fic #Ashton Irwin fan fiction #Ashton Irwin third person #third person #ashton #Ashton 5sos #ashton 5 seconds of summer #Ashton blurb #Ashton imagine #Ashton oneshot #Ashton fic #Ashton fan fic #Ashton fan fiction #Ashton third person #5 seconds of summer #5sos #Luke Hemmings #calum hood #Michael clifford #Sierra deaton #fan fiction #oneshots

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

Banished (Part 32)

*Not My Gif*

Summary: When the 100 was sent to the ground, Y/N Y/L/N was one of them. Having been locked up for almost 8 years, how will she react to surviving on Earth? Especially when she gets banished…

Post Date: 1-18-20

Paring: Bellamy Blake x Reader

Word Count: 3.7k

~Master~

~Banished Master~

*Bold Italics are spoken in Trig*

*Based off episode 3x03 of the 100, “Ye who enter here”

Previously...

You watched the woman go before falling onto your bed and staring into the ceiling. Your brain might’ve wanted to break down Prince Roan’s story but you couldn’t focus on it because for the first time in three months you saw him. For the first time in thee months you saw Bellamy Blake.

You heard your door open as you lied on the bed, moving onto your elbows in order to see Lexa standing in the doorway, practically glaring at you. You groaned, falling back onto the bed as she came closer.

“I told you you’d be a target.” She said as you nodded your head, crossing your arms over your face.

“I know. It was my decision to risk it, not yours.” You knew Lexa wouldn’t appreciate your back talk as you heard her take a deep breath.

“How’s your leg?” She asked as you stretched your limb out, trying to hide the pain. “It’s fine.”

“You’re not invincible Y/N.” Lexa reminded you. “At some point you’re going to break.”

You could feel your jaw clench knowing Lexa was right. “How’s Clarke?” You asked, trying to change the subject and thankfully Lexa allowed you.

“She won’t talk.”

You snorted, pushing yourself off the bed as you limped out into the balcony overlooking Polis. “She won’t? That’s a shocker.” Lexa could catch the sarcasm in your voice a mile away as she joined you, lying her eyes on a few of the venders down below. “Give her some time. You betrayed her at Mount Weather. She’ll talk eventually.”

Lexa nodded her head, heading out of the room but pausing in the doorway. “I’m glad you’re safe Y/N. Next time try not get kidnapped.” You chuckled, turning your head to look over your shoulder as she left.

You stayed at the balcony, watching the people in the city below you until the Prince of Azgeda walked outside of a room a few balconies away.

You took a deep breath, exhaling as you headed out of your room and towards his. The door was ajar when you approached, slowly pushing it open to see him in the same place.

“So your name’s Roan?” You called out, getting his attention as you entered his room, letting the door remain open behind you. “You’re a prince?”

He turned around, leaning against the arm rail and crossing his arms in front of his chest. “And you’re Skaikiler.”

You gave him a tight lipped smile, coming to a stop in front of him and stretching out your hand. “Y/N.” He looked you up and down, stopping at your hand. He took it and shook your hand dropping slightly before turning around again. You rolled your eyes, joining him on the edge “Can I ask you a question, Prince Roan.” You stretched out his name, getting a slight grin out of the man.

“Go ahead.” He mumbled, peaking at you from the corner of your eye.

“Why’d you take me? I mean Clarke I get. But Me?”

He seemed to contemplate your question, finding the words. “I knew of you, but I had no plans to come across you. I knew if I left you after getting Wanheda you would’ve followed. Then I thought if I brought you both back, commander would’ve lifted my banishment.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle and watch him, receiving a raised brow from the man. “That’s the thing.” You licked your lip, copying his stance and leaning onto the balcony’s rail. “I’m not worth much these days.”

“Y/N!” You spun around, seeing Indra sending you glares from across the room as she motioned for you to follow her. You sighed, nodding your head and leaving the Prince of Azgeda alone.

After Bellamy, Kane, Monty, and Pike headed back to Arkadia, Bellamy went looking for his sister, trying to get information out of her of why she didn’t tell him you were being hunted. He didn’t make it past the hanger before Gina stopped him, telling him Octavia was in Mount Weather. He groaned, feeling Gina put her hand on his chest to calm him but all it did was cloud his head.

Bellamy looked up, seeing Kane finish his conversation with Pike and patting his back, turning around and leaving. “I’ll be right back.” Bellamy told Gina, leaning down to kiss her before limping after Kane.

“Sir?” He called, seeing Kane look around but furrowing his brows when he caught sight of a jogging Bellamy.

“Blake.”

“Sir, what’s the plan to find them?” Bellamy asked Kane as they begun to walk together. Kane just sighed.

“For now there’s nothing we can do. Not until we figure ourselves out first.” He looked over to where Farm Station all stood, a few people hugging as Kane had to tear his eyes away as they stopped. “Look Bellamy, I want to find her as much as you do. There’s a summit in a week at Polis. I’ll go, see what the commander knows.”

“I’ll go with you.”

Kane shook his head, glancing around Arkadia one more time. “No I want you to stay here. Take care of your leg, take care of things here. Let me take care of Y/N.”

Bellamy glared at Kane, feeling his fists clench as his jaw set. “With all do respect sir, she isn’t your daughter.” Bellamy didn’t let Kane say anything before he walked away, leaving the man processing his words.

It had been a week since everything happened, the summit taking place tonight as Kane and Abby made their way to Polis and you were actually worried. You knew that Skaikru were aware of Clarke’s and your arrival back at Polis as Lexa informed you she set it up so Clarke would be returned to her people. You weren’t sure if she wanted to back but you couldn’t stop worrying about what it meant for you. It was the first time you were gonna see Kane in 3 months. You didn’t even see goodbye to him.

“Calm down Y/N.” You told yourself as you walked around Polis, looking through the rooms of the tower. Your leg wasn’t hurting as much as earlier and you’ve tried to work it as much as you could since you’ve been back.

You made your way to Clarke’s room, hoping to talk to her about tonight, but instead her door was opened and much like you did to Lexa when she worried about finding Clarke, you decided to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“You're angry, Clarke, but I know you. What you've done haunts you, and it's easier to hate me than to hate yourself. What would you have done if their leader had offered you the deal: Save your people at the price of mine? Would you really have chosen differently?” Lexa asked Clarke as you pressed yourself into the wall, trying to hear the most out of their conversation.

“I wouldn’t betray my friends.” You knew Clarke was angry by the growl of her words.

“Didn’t you?” Your brows drew together. “Y/N?” You thought you were caught and you almost stepped into the room as Lexa continued, making you relax. “She was betrayed by you. You banished her twice and yet she left here, her safety, to find you.” You weren’t sure if you wanted to hear more. It always came back to you in their eyes. The more Lexa spoke of you the more you felt out of place no matter where you are. You left their conversation feeling more anxious than before.

You were called into the throne room a short while later, staying behind the throne as Lexa walked in. “Rise for your commander.” Titus ordered as the ambassadors from each clan rose and bowed towards Lexa, except for Azgeda. You knew that wouldn’t rest well with the ambassadors as you went on high alert, eying the rest of them. “Ice Nation will bow to the commander.” Titus spoke again but the Ice Nation representative didn’t listen.

“The Commander should bow before Ice Nation. We know not to make treaties with our enemies.” As he spoke he looked at you, sending far too many glares for your comfort but you didn’t back down, returning all his looks.

“The commander bows before no one.” Titus spoke with authority, making sure no one denied the laws of the commander but you were to focus on the daggers being shot at you from Azgeda.

“Stand down Titus.” Lexa commanded before seeing you challenging him. “Y/N. Stand down.” You pulled your eyes away, nodding your head as you retreated back.

“She even prefers the enemies language.” Lexa shut the ambassador up, telling him he’ll use it as well in honor of the arrival of Skaikru . You felt the way your head pounded at the mention of the others.

“I have a message for the queen.” Lexa told everyone, mainly Azgeda, after conversing about the recent march into Trikru land. Lexa took the man out to the balcony and everyone watched as she threw him over. You couldn’t help the small smirk you gave at her authority as she returned it before addressing the room. “Anyone else care to question my decisions? No? Then let’s begin.”

Mount Weather came in the sights of Raven, Bellamy. Octavia, and Gina as the rover stopped, letting them all out. Bellamy hopped out, staring towards Polis out in the distance instead concrete building behind him as Gina got his attention behind him.

“The summit delegation will be fine.” She assured him but Bellamy just shook his head, looking back out into the woods.

“I should be there.” He mumbled as Gina grabbed his hand, getting him to fully look at her.

“Then you wouldn’t be here with me.” Bellamy looked into her eyes and tried to weigh his options before chuckling softy and squeezing her hand.

“You make a compelling argument.” Gina smiled at him, telling him as soon as his leg is fine he’d back out there, but Bellamy just shook his head, dropping her hand. “My legs fine. Kane’s just trying to teach me a lesson.” GINA smiled as Bellamy looked at her, walking past to grab his things before she let her smile fall.

The four of them headed inside the mountain as Raven told them the story about how she saved Sinclair’s ass then got the job she wanted from him. “Sinclair thinks I could do no wrong.” She finished as they rounded the corner for the dining room, stopping in their tracks at the amount of people sitting in the hall as if hundreds of people weren’t just murdered here.

Pike made his way over to them, welcoming them to the new Mount weather. “Someone’s made themselves at home.” Raven comments as she looked around, disgusted at the sight.

“There must be 30 of them in here.” Octavia said as Pike corrected her, telling them they had 36. “36? The grounders are gonna think that we moved in.”

“Well there was no room in the inn.” Pike joked as Octavia narrowed her eyes.

“And this was your option?” She growled at the man as Bellamy tried to reign her in but it didn’t work as she stormed off, leaving the men to talk as she perched herself atop the entrance.

She wished you were here. There was no way you’d think what they were doing was alright, she knew you be on her side.

“You ok?” Bellamy asked her as he joined her, sitting on the entrance and dangling his legs over the edge.

Octavia just stared ahead, looking at the trees blow in the wind. “This was such a mistake. They’ll never accept this.” She told him as Bellamy sighed.

“We’re not the mountain men O.” He told her how Lincoln and Nyko were going to help change things. Octavia disagreed though, reminding Bellamy of Lincoln’s kill order as he told her the summit would be the changing factor.

“I'm sorry, Bell. I don't fit in here.” Bellamy knew that she needed to leave, she didn’t believe in their ways and he knew that she never would.

He gave her a sad smile. “I get that, but you'll always fit in with me.”

She laid her head on his shoulder both of them looking out in the forest as Bellamy took this time to ask the one question that was eating at him. “Why didn’t you tell me Y/N was being hunted by the grounders?”

He felt Octavia tense underneath him as she sat up, looking down at the ground. “I didn’t know how you’d take it if you’d found out she’s was in danger.”

Bellamy knee what she was getting at, his feelings, but he didn’t believe that was the reason. “Octavia, tell me the truth.”

“It’s Y/N. The same Y/N you told me you had feelings for.”

“I’m with Gina-“

“You still care for her.” He stopped, looking directly into her eyes. He could feel his heart beat faster when he thought about you but it didn’t matter because he’s supposed to have moved on.

He promised himself he moved on.

The trees in front of them were parted, revealing 2 guards carrying in a grounder as Octavia and Bellamy got to their feet, coming down to see the commotion.

Bellamy got a good look at the grounder as he and Octavia made their way to them. “Echo?”

“You know her?”

He nodded his head, matching his sisters steps. “She’s ice nation. She was in the cage next to mine in Mount Weather.”

Echo said his name when she saw him, trying to get out of the guards hands as Bellamy tells them to let her go.

“She threatened the summit.” The guard told him, knocking Echo to her knees as Echo tried to explain she was only trying to help. Octavia released her handcuffs, Bellamy helping her to her feet.

“What are you talking about?”

Echo spoke quietly to Bellamy. “The summit’s a trap. An assassin is already there. At sundown your people will die.” Bellamy’s eyes went wide as he took a step back, trying to figure out if he could trust her but only one thought ran through his head.

You were in danger.

They took Echo inside, trying to figure out what to do. Pike, of course, was determined to use the missiles as force to overpower the grounders if anything happens. The plan was simple when they talked about it, Bellamy, Pike, Octavia and Echo would go to Polis and prevent the assassination and Raven, Sinclair, and Gina would stay and figure out the missile codes.

Bellamy and Gina kissed one last time as she pulled him close. “Don’t do anything stupidly heroic.” She told him as Bellamy laughed, giving her a smile.

“Garden-variety heroic, got it.” They headed out as Bellamy and Octavia shared a look, determined to save everyone.

You weren’t a prisoner, Lexa made that very clear as she told you Skaikru arrived and with it was Kane and Abby. You thanked her, looking out your window and catching sight of the man himself. You didn’t have it in you to go alone as you watched them talk with Indra, walking about the stations set up. You let yourself fall onto the floor, leaning your back against the wall as you hugged your knees to your chest, staying like that until Clarke came into your room hours later.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were contained to your own room.” You gave her a smile as she helped you to your feet, the two of you looking out into the sunset.

“Lexa and I have a deal. Skaikru becomes the 13th clan.” You turn to look at her, her stoic expression giving you the impression that there was something she wasn’t telling you.

“There’s more. Isn’t there?” You were almost scared of the answer as Clarke nodded.

“I have to stay and make sure she keeps her deal.”

“No Clarke, people want to kill you here.”

“And it’s different out there?” You shut your mouth, meeting Clarke’s hardened eyes. “They want to kill you too, you know.” You sighed, shaking your head.

“It’s different Clarke. Look, I’m not going to tell you to leave, god knows I didn’t, but I’m telling you not to get yourself in some trouble you couldn’t get out off.” You gave the girl a nudge with your shoulder before two guards came in, leading you and Clarke to the throne room to reunite with Kane and Abby. Clarke could sense your nerves as she told you it’d be alright before the door swung open and Clarke and you approached them.

“Y/N?” Kane asked, not believing you were there. You nodded your head, giving him a smile and in a matter of seconds Kane’s arms were wrapped around you. You didn’t realize how much you needed this, to see him.

Clarke hugged her mom but as soon as she pulled away, it was business and she told them all about becoming the 13th clan. You listened, not having anything to add as Kane kept taking looks at you every now and then until it was time for the summit.

Clarke and you were taken from Kane and Abby to get ready. By the time you were done you didn’t even look like yourself. Your hair was braided down your back in several strands, the top pieces pulled into two buns atop your head as the rest of the braids settled down your back. You wore black paint almost identical to Clarke’s, like a mask covering your face. The dress you wore was not something you’d ever see yourself in, given you never thought you see yourself in any dress ever, it was brown and dark red, clinging to your torso before falling to the floor slightly.

“You ready?” You saw Clarke through the mirror as she stood behind you, bu you just nodded your head and followed her towards the throne room.

You walked in the throne room with groups of people, hearing the singing of a woman as you stopped in your place. You caught Kane’s eyes across the room after you stood up and stepped to the side, he no doubt took in your appearance. It wasn’t something he was used to seeing you in at all.

It was Clarke’s turn to walk to Lexa’s throne alone and bowed in front of her. You looked around the room, slightly on edge in case something happened. Roan watched Clarke and Lexa but momentarily met your eyes. Your eyes settled on him as he bowed to Lexa, the rest of the summit following him, including you.

“Hail warriors of the 12 Clans.” Lexa told you all before commanding you to rise. You met Roan’s eyes again before you looked away, focusing on Lexa but feeling him watch you. “Welcome Skaikru in the spirit of friendship and harmony, and we welcome Clarke kom Skaikru, Legendary Wanheda. The reason for this summit has changed. We are not here to negotiate a treaty with the Skaikru, but to initiate them into the coalition.”

A few people disagreed with Lexa’s decision as they spoke quietly to each other, and you shifted in your spot, hearing a few of the conversations about the commanders weakness. “To symbolize this union, the leader of Skaikru must bear our mark.”

Kane stepped forward to no surprise as Lexa told him to present his arm and they burned the mark of the 13 clans into his arm. He hissed as it burned, but in no time the doors to the room busted open.

You gasped as Bellamy, Octavia and Pike as well as hostages made it to the middle of the room. “Bellamy?” You said as Bellamy looked directly at you, slightly relieved as he held a gun to someone’s head.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

Bellamy’s eyes flickered between you and Clarke but ultimately stayed on her. “The summits a trap. We need to get you out of here.” Your jaw dropped as Clarke spoke with Lexa, asking her what was happening. “It’s ice nation.” Bellamy filled in some of the blanks before someone spoke up from the crowd saying the allegations are false and the only people threatening the summit with weapons were Skaikru.

“How did you come by this information?” Lexa asked Bellamy as they all looked around.

“Where the hell is Echo?” Octavia asked as Bellamy shook his head that he didn’t know. “Maybe we were wrong about this.”

You said Bellamy’s name, getting his attention as his eyes widened. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s okay. Just stand down.” You stretched your hand out as he watched you, willingly handing you the gun as you passed it to Kane.

“Bellamy.” Raven’s voice crackled over the radio on Bellamy as everyone listened. “Bellamy, the grounders attacked mount weather.” She said as Bellamy pulled the radio to his lips.

“What are you talking about?” He asked, his voice slightly wavering. Clarke came to your side, the three of you listening to the radio.

“It’s gone. They’re all gone. Sinclair and I are the only ones left. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She cried out as another grounder spoke up, talking about ice nation doing what Lexa was too weak to do. You didn’t look away from Bellamy, wanting to comfort him but having no idea how. You grabbed his hand, meeting his watery eyes as you squeezed both of you turning towards Lexa for guidance.

“Go. Marshal your forces. We'll avenge the attack together.” She said as Indra nodded, telling her she’d go with as an escort.

“Y/N, Clarke, we need to go now.” Bellamy said, not once dropping your hand.

“We need an ambassador from the 13th Clan to stay here in Polis. Clarke will stay.” Bellamy argued for Clarke to come until Clarke told him to go. He didn’t want to but he listened, turning towards the door only to lose your hand. He shot his head towards you in confusion.

You didn’t know what to do, stay or go with Skaikru. Go with him.

“Y/N, Go with them.” Clarke said as you tried to reason with yourself and her.

“I can’t leave you here alone.” You told her but she just gave you a smile.

“I’ll be fine. Just go.” She said before you pulled her in for a hug. You let go, following Bellamy out of the room before running to your own, changing into your jeans and jacket before meeting Skaikru at the entrance to the tower and heading right back to Arkadia. Somewhere you hadn’t been since you spent 3 months living with their so called enemy.

A/N: Part 32! Let me know if you all liked this chapter or not and what more you want to see!

Feedback!

***Reblogging with Banished***

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#bellamy blake x reader #bellamy blake imagine #bellamy blake fanfiction #bellamy blake series #banished new chapter #banished #part 32 #bellamy blake #bellamy blake the 100 #bellamy blake fic #octavia blake #marcus kane #clarke griffin #commander lexa #king roan #echo #indra

[everlock101]

Invisible

I recently received some compliments on this story so I decided to post here as well as fanfiction.net. This is just a fun little story I had in my head one day. Hope you like it.

I do not own any Flash characters.  

.........

Summary: Allie Allen has always felt invisible as Barry Allen’s sister. But two thieves may just alter her life in a big way. 

Being able to become invisible is perfectly fitting, I thought to myself as I watched Cisco, Caitlyn, and Wells fuss over Barry. He’d just fought against a metahuman that could control mechanical bees and Caitlin was worrying over him. 

Not me. Because I could create force fields and I hadn’t been stung so obviously I hadn’t been hurt. 

Except for my dislocated shoulder from where I’d been dropped from about fifteen feet up.   

It shouldn’t have surprised me that nothing had changed. Barry was the one who had seen our mother die. Barry was the one who was so smart. Barry was the one who had gotten the scholarships, who had always excelled, who had always been a go-getter. 

I just wasn’t like that. I’d been a straight C student, had gone to local community college and worked as a custodian for the university. I hadn’t been the one to have nightmares about our mother’s dead body.   

I trudged through the streets, cradling my injured arm, thinking that invisibility seemed moot since no one really noticed me anyway.  

Sure, I knew most people felt that way at some point in their lives and sure, I knew I would be missed if I ever did act on the dark thoughts that crept into my mind sometimes at night. 

But sometimes, the simple idea of nonexistence was really appealing to me.

Laughter broke me from my rather morbid thoughts. I glanced up to see Saints and Sinners and, seized with a reckless impulse, I walked inside. 

This definitely wasn't my scene. Everything was gritty and dark and a cloud of smoke seemed to hang over everything. I coughed and wound my way to the bar.

I wasn't dressed for bar-hopping either. I still wore the loose pants and wrinkled shirt I wore under my super suit. I ordered a drink and downed it, welcoming the numbing sensation in my arm. 

And then I heard their voices.

“Well well well, if it isn't Miss Allen,” I groaned quietly before I turned to see Snart and Rory plopping down on either side of me. Despite their criminal nature and the multiple attempts on my life and my brother’s, I actually felt surprisingly safe with Rory's bulk on one side and Snart's icy gaze on the other. 

“What do you want?” I asked tiredly as I downed my second shot. I waved for more. 

“To know what a pretty thing like you is doing in a place like this,” Snart continued, sipping his beer and gazing at me curiously.

“This ain't your scene, doll,” Rory added in a grumble. 

“How do you know?” I shot back. I finished three more shots in rapid succession and felt pleasantly buzzed. The alcohol made me feel warm and fuzzy and the pain in my arm was a distant memory. Fortunately, my powers hadn’t stripped away my ability to be drunk.

“Because you're a goody-two-shoes like your brother,” Rory grunted. I let out a derisive laugh. 

“Let's not bring up my brother,” I said darkly, polishing off another shot. 

“Touchy subject?” I didn't respond as I downed another drink. 

“What happened to your shoulder, kid?” Snart asked. I shrugged without thinking and let out a hiss as the pain flared back briefly. Suddenly, Rory’s hand landed on my dislocated shoulder. I winced. 

“Dislocated,” Rory grunted. Snart’s brow furrowed and he leaned in behind me to examine it. 

“I’m fine. I can take care of it,” I replied. 

“Take a deep breath,” Rory ordered. 

“Wha-” A second later, there was a crunch and pain flooded through my arm, shoulder, and chest. Snart’s hand clapped over my mouth and I screamed into it. 

I dropped my head on the bar as Rory let go of my arm. I breathed deeply for a few moments until the pain subsided to a dull throb.

“You’re a dick,” I groaned. 

“You’re welcome,” Rory shot back. Snart waved for some more shots and I eagerly downed another.   

…

An hour later, I hung off of Rory as Snart picked the lock on my door. I giggled.

“I'm so glad you know how to do that,” I slurred. “Finding my key sounds like a headache.” The door opened and Rory hauled me inside. I giggled again as my feet left the floor.

“Wheee!!” I laughed as Rory carried me through my small apartment to my bedroom. He sat me on my bed where I flopped back and blew hair from my face. 

Snart pulled off my shoes and Rory undid my braid, his hands surprisingly gentle for their size. Carefully, they maneuvered me out of my jacket and overshirt so I was left in my jeans and a tank top. 

I tried to think of the last time anyone had treated me so gently but couldn’t. Tears pricked my eyes as I thought of waking up to a cold, empty apartment and a cold empty life. 

My loneliness came swiftly, sweeping over me like a dark, heavy blanket. Tears dripped down my temples. 

“Kid?” Snart had asked me something. I just turned away from him. I didn't want them to see me cry. 

“Kid?” Snart’s voice softened and I felt a hand touch my hair. 

Rory came to my other side and touched my hand lightly. 

I blamed the alcohol.

All of it came out in a rush of choked tears. All the dreadful feelings of being perfectly completely invisible, even without my powers in the mix. I cried and cried until I felt empty but clean. 

“Please don't leave.” The words slipped from my tongue before I drifted off. 

…

I woke with a dull headache but I was warm and comfortable. I cracked open an eye. The room was dim which I was grateful for. Someone shifted in the bed beside me and I blushed, remembering what I had asked Mick Rory and Leonard Snart of all people. 

What was even stranger was that they had listened.

I looked over my shoulder to see the broad, bulky outline of Rory. He was still asleep, his warm breath fanning over my neck and shoulders. Snart was nowhere to be seen. 

I carefully got out of bed and left my room, stopping only to hit the bathroom quickly. 

Something smelled wonderful, coaxing me through the apartment. I stepped into the kitchen to see fresh croissants and double chocolate chunk muffins steaming on the counter.

Snart stood at the coffee maker, one of my Flash mugs held to his lips. He quirked an eyebrow at me over the cup and held out another steaming mug to me. I eagerly accepted the coffee and the aspirin he pushed my way. I took two pills, grabbed a chocolate muffin and leaned against the counter beside him.

It seemed terribly domestic; the two of us standing here in soft silence, drinking coffee and waiting for the morning to fully rise. It felt nice. Snart’s presence filled the little kitchen making the usual lonely room feel a bit brighter. I suddenly snorted. 

Snart, who seemed perfectly content to communicate nonverbally, quirked his eyebrow at me again. 

“I'm just imagining Barry or Joe's reaction if they walked in right now.” I laughed again but it was a bit bitter this time (they hadn't visited my apartment since I'd moved in) and Leonard snorted as well. 

Rory stumbled in, eyes still closed. He banged his hip against the counter but still managed to fumble his way to the third mug of coffee. He gave us a grunt of greeting before bumping his lips against Snart's in a short good morning kiss. I stared in amazement as Rory, a convicted arsonist/murderer/thief curled up on Snart's shoulder and Snart, convicted master thief and murderer let him, and drank his coffee.

“This is so weird.” 

…

When I returned home from work, I wasn’t expecting to step into the smell of chicken and rice. I sniffed curiously as I hung up my jacket and purse. 

I paused and just took in the scene that greeted me from my kitchen. Rory was crouched in front of my oven in flannel pajama bottoms and no shirt. Snart sat on my counter next to a rice cooker that definitely hadn’t come from my kitchen and sipped a Coke. 

“Aw, welcome home,” he greeted. Mick glanced over his burned shoulder at me. 

“Um, hi?” I dropped my keys into the little mason jar on the counter. 

“Mick’s making baked chicken with rice and we’ve got some mixed veggies in the microwave,” he explained. “Hope you like it.” 

“Sounds...great…” I blinked a few times as if expecting the scene to suddenly vanish. Snart just raised an eyebrow. 

“What? You asked us to stay.” I stared at him and felt my lips turn upward. 

The food was delicious. My powers, like Barry’s, required a lot of upkeep. I burned a lot more calories than before the accident even when I didn’t use my powers. 

I polished off my plate and eyed the last bit of rice and veggies. 

“You can have the rest,” Rory told me. I eagerly scooped them onto my plate and devoured them. I was still hungry and tried to think about what else might be in my fridge. 

“Are you still hungry?” Snart asked. I flushed. 

“I have to eat a lot to keep up my powers. Barry has to eat more though.” My jaw clicked shut. I was letting myself get too comfortable with criminals who had it out for my brother.

“How much a day?” Rory asked, sounding curious. I shrugged. 

“Well, I usually don’t eat enough so I can’t be sure.” Rory sat back tapping his fingers on the table, looking thoughtful. 

“Looks like you just gave Mick a challenge,” Snart chuckled. 

“What do you mean?” 

“Mick loves cooking. He’ll enjoy figuring out how much you need to eat.” I glanced between them hesitantly. 

“So...you two are...I mean...you’re gonna stick around.” I pushed the carrot around my plate. 

“What better way to learn about our enemy?’ My head jerked up but Rory and Snart both had amused glints in their eyes. I threw my napkin at them. 

....

We quickly settled into an routine. Rory and Snart slept over most nights, letting me know whenever they couldn’t make it over. It was easy to feel comfortable with them and I often worried that I was going to hell. 

But Rory’s cooking was probably worth it. He prepared huge meals, figuring out how much I needed to eat on a regular basis and what I liked to eat. They made me laugh and I felt more comfortable with them then I’d felt with Barry in years. 

...

The fight had been bad. A new meta-human had nearly killed Barry and me. 

“Barry?! Barry?! Are you alright!” Caitlin’s voice was the loudest but everyone was asking about Barry. I shut my comms off and walked away, not even having to turn invisible to avoid being noticed. 

I slumped into my apartment and sagged against the door. Everything just hurt: my three broken fingers, my fractured cheekbone, my dislocated knee, and every scrape, bump, and bruise.

“Doll?” I jerked upright then hissed in pain as my broken ribs twinged. Mick stood in the doorway to the kitchen holding a mixing bowl. He stared at me for a moment. 

“Len,” he called. Instantly, Len appeared from the living room. Worry filled his face as his eyes landed on me. He started forward and gently wrapped an arm around my waist. 

“Come on, sweetheart.” I almost wanted to cry as we started toward the living room. When Len saw how bad my limp was he simply scooped me up into a bridal hold. 

Len carried me into my bathroom and settled me on the closed toilet. Mick appeared a moment later with a first aid kit. 

“Ok, we’re going to get you out of this suit, sweetheart.” I nodded and let them maneuver me out of my ripped and blood stained clothes. My fractured wrist gave a particularly nasty twinge. 

“Who did this to you?” Mick demanded roughly. I looked up at him and realized that my left eye was beginning to swell shut. 

“Meta,” I mumbled. “Jeremy Briggs. He had super strength.” Mick nodded and exchanged an unreadable look with Len. 

I sat there in my undergarments as they worked in tandem to get my cleaned and patched up. Thankfully, they gave me some pain pills that worked quickly. 

“Alright, come here sweetheart.” Len scooped me back up after he had finished. Mick led us back into my bedroom and pulled some sleep clothes from my dresser. Carefully, gently, they got me into them and settled me into bed. They smoothed the blankets up over my chin. 

“Get some rest, doll,” Mick rumbled. I fumbled for their hands. 

“Please…” I swallowed the rest of my plea down nervously. They both just smiled. 

“I gotta clean up the kitchen,” Mick told me. 

“And then we’ll be back, alright sweetheart?” I nodded and Mick gave my uninjured hand a gentle squeeze. 

I dozed for a while, listening to them working in the kitchen. Finally, they returned wearing their own pajamas. I stirred as I felt them slipping into bed on either side of me. Their arms crossed over my waist. Len nuzzled his nose into my neck and I felt Mick press a warm kiss to my forehead. I sighed in contentment and easily slipped into sleep.

…

The next morning, I woke abruptly. I sat up, instantly looking for danger. My injuries all protested and I gasped, bending over. 

My bedroom door opened and Mick rushed to my side, helping me ease back into the pillows. My bed was empty. That’s what had woken me up. 

“Easy, doll. Easy.” 

“Where’d-where’d you go?” I gasped through my aching ribs. Mick brushed his fingers through my hair until I finally relaxed. 

“Len went out. I was just working on some food for ya.” My stomach clenched painfully. I hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. Mick chuckled lightly. 

“I’ll be right back.” He kissed my forehead and slipped from my room. 

I adjusted myself up against the pillows. He returned a few moments later with a tray full of food and several cups of water and orange juice. 

He set the food on my nightstand before sitting beside me. 

“Open up,” he said with a teasing glint in his eyes. I smiled weakly as he bgean feeding me. Mick had planned well; preparing only soft foods like eggs and oatmeal and fresh toast. 

Eating helped me feel a lot better and I started getting out of bed. 

“Hey, what’re ya doin’?” Mick tried to push me back down but I batted his hands away and got to my feet. 

“I’m ok. I need to go to the bathroom.” Mick huffed as I started toward the toilet. 

When I returned from the bathroom, Len was talking with Mick. My brow furrowed as they quickly stopped when I walked into the room. 

“What evil plan are you two concocting?” I asked, with a small laugh. 

“What are you doing out of bed?” Len drawled. 

“I had to pee,” I huffed. Len pointed and I sighed, sliding back under the covers. Len sat beside me while Mick cleaned up my empty plates and took them to the kitchen. 

“How are you feeling?” Len asked quietly. I shrugged. My powers helped me heal faster than normal, but not quite as fast as Barry. 

“Not terrible. Really sore but I’m healing up, especially after eating.” Len nodded.

“Good.” Len reached out to touch my chin, his icy eyes carefully examining the healing bruises on my face. “Gave us a good scare there.” I chewed on my lip as his hand fell back to the bed. 

“Why?” I asked quietly. 

“In case you missed the past few months, we’ve invested a lot into keeping you alive.” He gave me a smirk and a wink. “We’d hate to see that go to waste.” I snorted.

…

Two days later, I heard Jeremy’s name on the news. Curious, I turned up the volume on my TV. 

“Jeremy Briggs, a recently captured meta-human, was found dead in his cell last night.” I turned it off and looked toward the kitchen where Mick and Len peeked out. I arched an eyebrow at them. They just looked back innocently and I rolled my eyes. 

...        

I wasn’t sure when I fell in love with them. But I knew when I realized it. 

It was just another day, seven months into this new routine. I woke and shuffled my way into the kitchen. It was Saturday and I’d slept in past even Mick and yet there was coffee and breakfast still waiting for me. I eagerly gulped the hot drink and started munching a doughnut before following the noise of the TV to the living room. 

Mick was lounging on my couch, his bare feet propped up on my coffee table, snoring lightly. Len lay across him, focused on the news playing on the TV. 

Suddenly, the doughnut stuck in my throat. They looked perfect here in my apartment. The idea of crawling under Len’s legs and curling up against Mick’s side with my coffee sounded so normal and amazing. 

My heart dropped to the floor and so did my coffee mug. The shattering sound startled Mick and Len and they both shot up, eyes roving wildly over the scene, always ready for danger. I inhaled sharply as my eyes began to burn. I pressed my now empty hands to my mouth (my doughnut had fallen as well) and clamped my jaw shut to seal in any sob that might escape me. 

Because it would be just my luck to fall for two people already in a committed relationship. With each other. 

“Kid?” Len asked. 

I bolted before he could say anything else. I yanked my purse and keys off their hook and ran outside, my bare feet skidding on the damp metal stairs. 

“Allie!” Len and Mick had apparently given chase. I nearly tripped as I hit the pavement and I felt something cut my foot. 

“Allie, stop!” They’d gotten closer. They were faster. I’d never make it to my car. 

I threw myself off anything that would make my footprints stand out and felt energy rush over me as I became invisible. I quickly stepped out of reach as Len and Mick came to a halt, their heads whipping from side to side. 

“Allie!?” They both began to call. I stuffed my wrist to my mouth to muffle my cries and hurried away. 

…

I ended up at the police station. I avoided Joe or Barry and managed to get into Singh’s office without being noticed. He was on the phone but his eyebrows furrowed when he saw me. I was sure I looked a mess with my red cheeks, bleeding feet, swollen eyes, and pajamas which included one of Mick’s shirts and some sleep shorts. 

“What happened to you kid?” Singh asked after hanging up. I trembled as I sank into a chair. He grabbed the first aid kit from his desk then came to patch up my feet. 

“It’s-it’s complicated,” I rasped. I shuddered with another sob and buried my face in my hands. Singh, thankfully, didn't ask any more questions, just finished patching me up, then patted my shoulder, and let me cry. 

…

Avoiding my own apartment was a nightmare. I’d never given them a key but Mick and Len didn’t need one, even if I changed the locks. So I pretended that my apartment’s laundry was broken and stayed at Joe’s. 

No one seemed to notice my misery. Something was up with the Reverse-Flash and no one had time for my pathetic little problems. I’d never spent much time doing the hero stuff so no one really noticed my absence. 

Apparently Len and Mick did though. There was evidence of them looking for me all over. They blew up my phone with calls and texts and when I’d asked Joe to take me to my apartment, I’d glimpsed them watching from down the block. 

But I couldn’t face them. I couldn’t bear it. It would be better this way. Eventually, they’d forget about me and I’d go back to being invisible to everyone. 

…

Two weeks passed in utter misery. Joe and Iris were gone all the time now to help Bear. I missed my brother. It hadn't been so bad when we were kids. He had helped me with my homework, gone on imaginary adventures with me. We'd had fun.

I missed him sometimes. 

….

The night was quiet except for the creaking of the house. I stared up at my ceiling too lethargic to do anything else. 

And then I heard something. A click that was out of place. I sat up and strained my ears. Nothing. I was about to go back to staring into the void when I heard a stair creak under the weight of a foot.

Instantly, I turned invisible and crept from my room. I knew the places to avoid so I was completely silent as I went to the top of the stairs.

A man in a ski mask was creeping up. I could see his gun glinting in the moonlight.

I tiptoed back to my room and dialed Joe's number.

"Joe, there's someone-" 

"I'm sorry, Allie. I'll call you back." The phone went dead and my heart seized. 

Ok. Ok. It's fine. You're invisible and you can create force fields. You're fine. 

I went back to my door and peeked out. The man was stuffing a silver figurine into his shoulder bag. I slipped out behind him, focusing on keeping myself invisible. 

Too focused.

My foot hit a loose board. The man whirled and I startled out of my invisibility. Before I could throw up any kind of defense, he raised the gun and fired. 

Being shot wasn't like the movies. The gun was much louder, making my ears ring. I didn't fly backward. Instead, it felt like the bullet just tore through me. There was a brief moment where everything seemed to slow and I just stared at the robber in shock. 

I toppled backward and everything sped up again. Footsteps pounded back down the stairs. I heard a commotion, what sounded like a fight, but the shock was settling in, cold and hard. 

A voice swam over me. I looked up into familiar eyes. 

"M-Mick?" 

"Stay still." Pain suddenly exploded through me as he pressed down on my wound. I screamed. Bright spots flashed over my vision. 

“Leonard!” Mick sounded...afraid. But that couldn’t be. Mick wasn’t afraid of anything. I heard footsteps, heavy breathing, voices, and then I just…

Faded.

…

I woke to a rather annoying beeping sound. I fumbled for my alarm, desperate for a few more minutes of sleep. 

Blazing pain shot down my arm. I sucked in a sharp breath. My eyes flew open as a warm hand caught mine. 

"Easy, easy doll," Mick rumbled. I blinked at him, slowly relaxing into the pillows, the pain fading away to a dull ache. Len appeared by his side, worry gleaming in his eyes. 

"Hey kid, you're gonna be ok," he told me. 

Tears filled my eyes. I was so tired of hurting, of being in danger, of fear. 

“Hey, hey,” Mick rumbled. His thumb swept over my cheeks. I continued to cry. I was wrung out, miserable from my revelation about loving the two men, and in pain again. My heart was too heavy. 

“We’ve got ya,” Mick grunted. “We’ve got ya.”

…

I was able to return home after a few days. None of my family members or friends, had returned my calls. None of them knew I was in the hospital. When Mick and Len finally drove me home, I felt numb and miserable. 

“Kid-” Len started but I just walked past them and into my bedroom. I shut the door and locked it. I knew they could pick the lock but I hoped they would give me my space. I buried myself under my blankets and cried some more. 

…

I finally shuffled out a few hours later, expecting Mick and Len to have cleared out. I wasn't expecting to see them asleep on my couch. I stared at them and couldn’t help but smile as Mick snored loudly. My smile dropped and I shuffled into the kitchen. There were Tupperware containers sitting on the counter with food. I plucked one open and began eating dully. 

“Kid?” I sighed and put my fork down. I turned around to see Leonard. “You should be resting.”

“I’m fine,” I groused. Len’s brow furrowed and Mick walked up to me. I tensed as he reached for me. He let his hand drop. 

“What’s wrong, dollface? Other than the injured wing?” I sighed and pressed my palms to the cool countertop. 

“I love you.” The words slipped from my mouth quietly. “Both of you and I’m tired. I’m tired of hurting and I’m tired of being afraid and I’m tired of hiding how I feel from you both. I’m in love with you both and I know that you two are together and that we can’t be-” 

Mick kissed me. I sucked in a sharp breath as his large, warm hand came to cup my neck. My eyes fluttered shut. Leonard’s cool fingers brushed hair from my neck and then his lips brushed over my pulse. I trembled as they pulled away. I blinked rapidly and looked at them. Both of them smirked at me. 

“What were you saying?” Len asked. I could only stare at them. Mick leaned in and began kissing my throat, giving Len a chance to kiss me properly. 

“Wait,” I mumbled, pushing away from them only barely. “Does this mean…” Len rolled his eyes and Mick grunted. 

“Yeah, dollface.” Sparkles of warmth flooded my blood. I let out a watery yet happy giggle before kissing them again. 

#Snart x Rory x OC #TheFlashfanfiction #OC

[harmonyindark245]

Secrets [5]

Summary: King's Archeron's kingdom is made up of secrets, which include both betrayal and treason. When the Prince of Velaris and his Inner Circle visit the kingdom, these secrets start revealing themselves. How will these affect the 3 Archeron Princesses, who themselves have a very deadly secret?

AN: All characters belong to Sarah J. Maas.

Warnings: Slight Mature Language

Word Count - 1.2k

Another short chapter. From now on, I’ll hopefully be posting a chapter on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Hope you all enjoy!

Masterlist

A loud banging sound on the door woke Nesta up. She groaned and sat up to see Elain sprawled beside her on the bed and apparently, some time in the middle of the night, Feyre had fallen onto the floor. 

Nesta’s head was pounding and the sunlight hurt her eyes.  And the banging on the door was certainly not helping.

“Ugh! Someone stop that wretched sound! I feel as if my head is going to explode!” Feyre groaned from the floor. 

Elain huffed and elegantly got up. She turned to look at both Nesta and Feyre and shook her head in disappointment. “You shouldn’t have drunk an entire bottle when you knew it would kill you the next morning.” 

Feyre gasped dramatically and Nesta glared at Elain. “You drank the same as we did.” She said blandly.

Elain nodded her head. “Yes, yes I did. However, I know how to handle my liquor. I’ve had tons of practice.” Suddenly, the entire atmosphere in the room went down. Elain instantly averted her eyes, as if she realised what she was saying. 

“Oh, Elain, it has nothing to do with practice.” Feyre said, trying to brighten the mood. “ You’re just fancier than us.” She was still sprawled on the floor. 

“And how does being fancy have anything to do with this?” Nesta asked her with eyebrows raised. 

Feyre got up and shot an angry look towards the door, “Fancy people know how to properly behave in front of people. Whereas people like us, dear Nesta, don’t give a rat’s ass about what people think.”

Elain giggled as Feyre stumbled onto the bed. She moved towards the door and opened it a bit, speaking to the person outside softly. Nesta held her head and cursed herself for drinking so much the previous night. 

The sisters had bonded over whiskey and the talk of idiotic men who thought they could own them. Nesta had already told Lord Thomas that she was not interested. Elain did not want to be with Prince Lucien at all and had contemplated delaying the answer as Prince Rhysand was also there, but they all knew she wasn’t really interested in Prince Rhysand.

Feyre had remained silent though. She had just said that she would think about it. Nesta hated that she couldn’t do anything for her sister. They had never gotten along well only because they were too similar. It was one of the things Nesta regretted the most. Recently, they had been on better terms, unfortunately, Feyre had distanced herself once again, all due to Tamlin. If it were Nesta’s choice, she would have gotten rid of him the first day he had demeaned them.

Elain closed the door and stood in front of the bed with mocking eyes. She grinned as she said. “It seems that dear father has called for us in his meeting room, instantly.” 

Nesta scowled at Elain as Feyre fell back onto the floor, groaning. “Oh, fuck.”

----------------------------

Elain was smiling. Brightly. A bit too much than normal, but no one would’ve noticed any difference. Princess Elain was only known for smiles and kindness. No one knew about the girl who had once been so depressed, she had taken to liquor and frequent visits to opium dens. But she was over that now. At least she thought so. 

Behind her, Nesta was walking slowly holding onto the wall and Feyre was stumbling, muttering curses every now and then. Elain giggled a bit. 

Suddenly, the royal chamber's door was opened by the royal soldiers. Elain walked at the head of the group and moved into the meeting room. It had been made in such a way that no one could hear a word from outside. 

In the room Elain saw the three men standing in front of her father. 

Rhys looked bored and was in some form of gear. Azriel and Cassian both looked alert and were completely in gear with leathers and daggers. They all had an aura of darkness around them. Elain considered them as dark knights in shining armour.

As soon as they heard the princesses enter, they all looked towards them. Elain’s father looked towards them as well. He regarded Elain with a nod and then looked back at Feyre and Nesta, who were stumbling and slouching, respectively.

She saw the three men shoot amused looks in their directions while her father just narrowed his eyes at them. He then capped his hands together, the sound echoing through the room. Feyre and Nesta instantly stood up straight in attention and eyes widened. The three of them moved forward and knelt in front of their father in greeting. 

When they got up and moved back, the king stood up. “First things first,” He announced and pointed towards Elain, “Princess Elain, you shall not marry Prince Lucien and Princess Feyre,” He then pointed towards Feyre, “You shall not consider the Captain’s proposal.” 

----------------------------

Feyre’s jaw dropped down. What did her father mean when he said that she should not consider Tamlin’s proposal? And how did he even know in the first place? Feyre thought. 

The King smiled at her. “I have a few spies here and there.” From her side, Cassian started coughing. 

“Is this because Prince Rhysand has to choose one of us?” Feyre sputtered. 

The King shook his head slowly, “Not at all. Infact, his main motive to be here isn’t even related to marriage.”

“Then why is he here? Why are they here?” Nesta said from the back, silently observing the three men, her gaze lingering on Cassian. 

The King looked at her with narrowed eyes. “They’re here to protect you.”

All three sisters widened her eyes. Nesta was the one who spoke up. “Protect us? As in one man for each?” 

Cassian spoke up from the side. “Yes, Princess Nesta. You get to play damsel in distress.” 

Nesta scowled at him. Feyre looked at her father as she said, “We can protect ourselves, very well, father. There is no need for someone else to be handed the task.” 

The King looked at her. “Feyre, I know you can protect yourself, but you need them to help you.” Feyre understood what message had been hidden in that statement. She nodded and backed away.

When she looked at her sisters, she saw from their faces that they had understood as well. 

“Father, who will be appointed to whom?” Elain asked softly, looking down at her sandals. Feyre felt a surge of nausea wave over her.

The King sat back down on his throne and waved his hand in the sky as he declared the pairs. 

“Princess Nesta will be with the Spymaster, Azriel.

Princess Elain will be with Prince Rhysand.

And Feyre will be with General Cassian.”

Feyre turned towards a potted plant and heaved into it, expelling all the alcohol from the previous night.

----------------------------

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[justlookatthosesausages]

“In the eye of the storm” ◊◊◊◊ a post-Frozen 2 fanfic ◊◊◊◊ CHAPTER 3: Pressure

"What did I dream of?" Asked Elsa.

Eydis and Anna looked at each other, a bit unsure. The Queen cleared her throat.

"Uhm... I mostly remember woods, and a river... I think it was the Enchanted Forest. I didn't really get time to see much of it. I was most of all amazed by its details than the actual thing in general. Eydis has seen it all. What was it about, sweetheart?"

The little princess pouted as she thought.

"Hummm... You were doing the dishes."

A blank passed. Kristoff eyed his sister-in-law.

"...The dishes? Why would you dream about doing the dishes?"

He then frowned. "And why would the very first of your materialized dreams be about doing the dishes?"

Anna squinted at him. "There is nothing demeaning in doing the dishes."

Kristoff reassured her with a smile. "That's not what I meant. Dishes is an everyday task. Why did Elsa dream of this one? What was so particular about this one?"

The blonde blushed at his question.

"Nothing... Much. Nothing much about it."

Anna lifted an eyebrow. She kept eye contact with her sister as she asked her daughter again about what was Elsa's reaction during the manifestation.

"She smiled and laughed all along." Grinned Eydis, happy to help.

A smirk extended Anna's lips as Elsa sipped her tea nervously.

Worst. Breakfast. Ever. 

=======

The wind was blowing strong when Anna and Elsa stepped out, but thankfully, the rain was in the form of scattered showers now, so it would be a good setting to see how the storm evolved with the help of the Earth Spirit.

While Elsa literally didn't wear anything different than the clothes she had inside, which was her white outfit with a recent addition of light unbreakable armor pieces made of her ice, Anna was sporting four different layers of clothing.

"You should put your gloves on."

"Don't exaggerate. I know that you're not bothered by the cold, but this weather is fine. I've seen worse."

"They will be useful for later." Smirked Elsa. "We will be climbing a Giant, remember?"

"I hope it won't be dangerous."

Years of leader maturity and maternal instinct had brought prudence to her vocabulary.

"Don't worry, Stan is very careful."

Anna scoffed. The Fifth Spirit thought she was laughing because of the personality trait, but she laughed because of the name.

"Stan?"

"Yes. He's one of the Giants. The one who has a flat forehead, you know?"

The younger looked at her sister with fascination as they made their way through the village and to the limits of it. She was able to recognize each and every Giant?

"Did you seriously name all of them?"

"Well, yes. They don't have names, so when I need their help independently, it's useful. Also, they may have a hive mind and act as one Spirit, they're all different, you're aware of that?"

"Of course I am", genuinely answered Anna. "I'm the other half of the Bridge, may I remind you. And I do my homework."

Elsa smiled and nudged her sister with her shoulder. She nudged her back.

"By the way, I named him Stan because—"

"It's a word game with 'stone'. Yeah, I got it. I have an Elsa-has-terrible-humor sixth sense."

Elsa started lifting her arm to tap her head, but Anna grinned and ran away, so they ran after each other until the end of the village.

Once they reached the bottom of the mountains where no house was, panting and laughing, Elsa stopped walking and turned her face to the heights, closing her eyes. She focused in a way that was familiar to Anna and never ceased to amaze her. She was calling to another Spirit. The redhead particularly loved the way Elsa smiled when she did so, because she sensed the other's energy before actually asking for their help. If she was calling to a Giant playing around, she had a chuckle, or if she was calling to Bruni and he was currently making a mess somewhere, she had a groan. Here, she just smirked, so Anna guessed that so-called Stan was sleeping.

"He was sleeping." Announced Elsa once she opened her eyes. "But he's on his way. I told him that you were with me and he's coming as fast as he can without making an earthquake."

Anna grinned. The Earth Spirit always has had a soft spot for her for the past 11 years. After all, she was the one who succeeded in their challenge. And as Nokk, Gale and Bruni each were one entity, and that the Earth one was composed of tens of individuals, she always felt proud of being the side of the Bridge who technically won against the most Spirits. The ground trembled slightly, but only slightly, when Stan made his approach.

He shadowed over them, but it was the opposite of a threat; he smiled when he saw Elsa, then grinned widely when he saw Anna, his mouth the size of a house.

"Waow, now I recognize him. He's one of the tallest, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is. He's one of those who escorted me to Arendelle, and his size is perfect for what we need to do."

He bent his head to them, and the two sisters touched his chin with their hands. They exchanged a glance, beaming in happiness, and Elsa approached closer to put her forehead against him. They magically exchanged like they did before, and this time, Elsa told him their plan.

He grunted in approval. The Snow Queen turned to her sister.

"Okay. He knows what to do."

Stan reached out his hand, which was the size of three houses, noted Anna, and the redhead nervously looked at her elder.

"After you!" Invited Elsa with a smirk.

Anna had never done this. She felt very nervous, but Stan seemed to sense it and lifted one of his fingers to help her grab something as she climbed.

"Wow, wow, wow!" She exclaimed when the hand started to move, and Elsa was casually laid against the Giant's thumb, her arms crossed nonchalantly as Anna was holding to another finger with all arms and legs around it.

She peeked down and saw the ground go away at high speed as Stan brought them up to his shoulder, depositing Elsa there, then aiming at his second shoulder, putting Anna down.

The Queen didn't want to let go of the finger. Elsa smiled.

"Anna, it will be okay. Give him his hand back."

"Uhgh?" Blabbered her younger, staring at the ground more than twenty meters below.

Elsa had to bite her lip to not laugh and mock her.

"Trust me, Stan has excellent reflexes. He'll catch you if you fall."

She believed her sister enough to accept. She however grabbed a fault in the rock forming the Giant's cheek and used it as a handle to keep her balance. Elsa was staring at her as she stood on the other shoulder, standing straight with only her hand against Stan's face, but it was for good measure and respect. Anna's jaw dropped.

"How can you do that with ice sandals?"

Elsa smiled. "The experience. I was like you at first, don't worry."

Stan started to climb up the mountain, and Anna saw how much height they were about to take so she preferred to look at her sister's face, the most reassuring thing she could do in such a stressful time.

"So, are we going to continue that discussion?"

"Which one?"

"The one about your magic dream."

"Don't call it that way!" Blushed Elsa. "Besides, is it really the moment?"

"It's definitely the moment. Nobody can hear us here, and I've seen how bashful you were at breakfast. Come on, tell me!" Grinned Anna.

Elsa looked down, which the redhead misinterpreted.

"Is it because we're with Stan? I'm sure he won't repeat it. Right, buddy?"

The Earth Giant chuckled with its cavernous voice as he climbed up, and it had a haunting sound, but Anna laughed along.

"See? Now come ooooon, please Elsa!"

The blonde now was amused.

"Why do you sound like you're about to have gossip?"

"Because it is gossip! That dream, it was Honeymaren and you, right? In a cheerful moment, right? Why was this dream the very first dream ever that you get to materialize? And I hope it won't be the last."

Elsa now blushed.

"Maybe..."

"Maybe...?" Smiled Anna.

"Will you let me finish?" Grunted Elsa.

"You seem very reluctant."

"Because I don't know how to say it, it's more of a feeling!"

Anna smiled so much, her cheeks puffed. "Ohhh, is that so?"

Elsa grumbled a 'stop it.' She wished they had arrived to the spot already. Honeymaren and her had been together for almost 10 years, and she still felt modest talking about it.

"It's because it was a very happy memory, right?" Guessed Anna, her voice calm.

It actually took Elsa out of her thoughts.

"Yes, it was."

"Did you actually dream of it, or was it a memory submission from Ahtohallan?"

While Elsa thought, Stan had reached the top of the mountain.

"No, it truly was a dream of mine."

"I see." Smiled Anna.

"What do you see?" Groaned Elsa.

She turned to her with sarcasm, and Anna's eyes had widened to the size of two big teal blue balls.

"I see a disaster."

"A disaster?" Repeated Elsa. "Wow, that's really harsh. I won't ask you for advice agai—"

"No, Elsa, look!"

She had held tight to the Giant's face with one hand so she could use the other to turn her sister's jaw the other way, and show her the horizon.

Elsa's face went even paler than the usual.

"Oh no..."

It was even worse than she had imagined in her worst-case scenario. She had thought that the storm had started with Nokk and Gale's fight in the Forest, and that it reverberated to Arendelle's kingdom because it was close, but what Anna and Elsa witnessed now was the ultimate proof that the storm had gone very, very much more than a simple local magical event.

The storm was extending to the horizon. Literally the horizon. Even Elsa, whose sight got sharpened since she lived in the woods and became used to hunt, couldn't see the limits of it. It seemed infinite, in the saddest of ways.

"It..." Croaked Elsa, her voice twisted by the ball in her throat.

"It has extended to the whole country." Murmured Anna.

Elsa started to lose her balance. Breathing heavily, her vision became blur, and she felt like she was a second away from fainting. Stan felt her distress, sharing her deep sadness, and anticipated her fall by raising his hand against the shoulder she was on. The Snow Queen grabbed to the smallest finger, and breathed in and out calmly, holding tight to it.

"Thank you." She murmured to the Giant, her temple against the rock, her heart pounding so fast that she was pretty certain the other Spirit could sense it there.

Anna hadn't notice Elsa's prevented fall because she had been staring at the horizon with a hand covering her mouth in shock.

The Queen recognized every land that was affected by the storm, covering them with a gloomy atmosphere with dark clouds filled of heavy rain and pressured air announcing tempests. Each of them being neighbors of Arendelle. Allies. All those regions may have different rulers, but they belonged to the same country.

A silence passed, only rhythmed by the sinister sound of wind.

"I have to do something."

The two sisters looked at each other. In another context, they would have laughed and played on the fact they said it at the same time. But this was not the time for games. It was one with adult decisions.

"This is all my fault." Started Elsa. "It's my duty as the Fifth Spirit to keep an eye on Nokk and Gale and ensure that everything is alright. I have to try reaching for their energies and—"

"As a leader, I should go help the other kingdoms and ask if they need us to share our resources." Stated Anna above Elsa's voice. "I need to organize an international council so we could decide of the urgency—"

They suddenly realized that their objectives weren't crossing at all. In fact, they were filling the other completely. For once in a very long while, they had nothing to contradict, nothing to prevent the other from doing, and they had established correctly their tasks.

Anna had an amused smirk. "So this is what we do, uh?"

"Looks like it." Breathed out Elsa.

The wind blew hard, and now that they were high in the sky, they had nothing to get sheltered. The Giants had managed to protect Elsa from the magical storm with their hands on her way to Arendelle, but Stan couldn't do much on his own with one person on each shoulder.

He sent a mental warning to Elsa, who nodded.

"Anna, hold on to my hand. We're going down."

The redhead made her way to the ground with her elder and the Giant's help. Stan returned to the mountain he was sleeping against, acting to make sure that it wouldn't crumble into the fjord because of the uprooted trees.

The Snow Queen looked at him go, and she started to tremble, but this had nothing to do with the weather, and Anna perceived it. She walked around her sister and put her hands on her shoulders once she faced her to incite her to not panic.

"Elsa. Look at me. We'll find a solution together, and this can also mean that we'll do the best of ourselves separately. You got it?"

All worry left Elsa's heart the second Anna's powerfully warm voice got to her heart.

"Yes, I do."

She approached her forehead, and Anna smiled as she willingly touched hers.

"Together. Always."

"Always."

They stayed like that, in the embrace of the other, enjoying this moment and each other's positivity. They knew that this force would forever be theirs, just like their bond was unique and their complementarity the best asset.

After a moment, Anna shivered.

"But maybe we should go back to the castle for now." She chuckled.

"Yeah, good call." Laughed Elsa. "Come."

They quickly walked back to the castle, laughing nervously.

"So did you give all the Giants different names?"

"Why yes."

"Let me guess, one of them is called Brock."

"How do you— Just kidding, none of them is called Brock. But that's a nice one, I'll think of it if one of them want to change."

"Oh, so you let them choose." 

"Obviously. I'm not a monster. Stan loves his name, for example."

Anna smiled. "It's a cute thing to do."

"It's also because the Northuldra very rarely name things. So it's a little game I allow myself. Bruni is named like that because it literally is the Sami word for 'fire'. Nokk's name is based on the legendary nokken. But the Wind Spirit has no name, just like the Earth one. The Northuldra rarely use the name 'Gale', actually."

"Yeah, Ryder corrected me about it the other day."

They had reached the gates. Once they passed the doors, the servants closed them behind the sisters with relieved gasps to see they were safe and sound. They helped Anna change, and the redhead rubbed her hands together.

"Maybe a minute or two by the fire would be great."

Elsa nodded and they walked to the living room.

As they did, they bumped into a very distressed Kristoff in the corridor.

"Thanks gods you're here."

Anna frowned. "What happened?"

The King looked overwhelmed.

"Kristoff, what's going on? Why do you look so panicked?" Worried Elsa.

He couldn't add a word, so they followed him in the living room, where someone was standing.

Here, removing her fur coat and covered with rain from head to toes, a familiar Northuldra swirled to them when she heard them enter. Anna recognized her with surprise.

"Honeymaren?"

The brunette took off her hat, and when she met Elsa's eyes, hers filled with rage and she frowned, angrily pointing her finger at her.

"YOU. We need to TALK."

Her girlfriend gulped. 

=======

Elsa was frozen still.

"Honey? When did you— Where did you— Why?"

Honeymaren put her had down. "Nice to see you too."

Kristoff interfered. "She just arrived. I put her reindeer in the stables. Sven is delighted to have a buddy. He's getting old and a little company is exactly what he needs."

Elsa's eyes switched from the man to Honeymaren.

"You came here on a REINDEER? In such a STORM?" Shouted Elsa.

The brunette's jaw dropped. "Don't you even dare to be the one to raise your voice. You went through this storm on your own as well WITHOUT TELLING ME!"

Kristoff winced and took this as a call to leave the room discreetly.

Elsa blabbered before formulating her response.

"I was planning to send you an ice statue to tell you I'm alright!"

Honeymaren put her hands on her hips.

"Uh-uh? And when?"

"Well... When I..."

"When you would finally assemble the courage to tell me, isn't it. And I suppose that Anna didn't know that I didn't know?"

The redhead bit her lip in awkwardness as the two turned to her. She shook her head to say no, and the couple resumed their dispute.

Anna missed a heartbeat. So that was the thing she tried to remember the day before! When Elsa had said 'season', it reminded her of the suspicious way her sister had explained Honeymaren's absence. Sure, the season of harvest and crops had been keeping them busy, but she had thought it had ended by now. It was clear in this moment: Elsa had lied. Honeymaren absolutely was available. The blonde only had kept it secret that she came to Arendelle. Anna felt angry and sad, watching the two lovers raise their tone against each other.

"I was about to send you the ice statue any day now, I swear!" Trembled Elsa.

Her girlfriend squinted. They didn't have much ways of communication when Gale couldn't be there to deliver messages. The only idea they had come up with was for Elsa to send happy ice memories through the distance if she was okay, and sad ones if she wasn't. However, there was no way for Honeymaren to answer.

"Any day now?"

Elsa winced at her terrible slip of the tongue.

"And that would have been a convenient situation for you, uh?" Accused the brunette, crossing her arms. "Because I couldn't have prevented you from doing it, due to the fact I can't give a message back."

Elsa clenched her jaw. She was running out of claims and clearly losing the argument, so she changed the topic.

"Well, you shouldn't have come! It's too dangerous in this weather!"

The Northuldra stared at her with overflowing sarcasm.

"What, like it's hard?"

"No, because I care about you!" Frowned Elsa, her cheeks red. "You should have stayed in the Forest!"

"And you should have warned me that you came here to see Anna!" Exclaimed Honeymaren with a frown.

Elsa was about to reply, but she knew she was the one in the wrong. She looked down with shame, her voice quieter. "I didn't want you to know that the Spirits went mad."

The Northuldra puffed with offense. "You think I don't know how to tell that the Spirits are angry by looking at a storm?"

Elsa's hands passed along her other arm nervously. "Sorry, I... I just didn't want you to panic..."

"I AM panicking right now! Elsa, WHY didn't you tell me anything?!"

The blonde slowly lifted her eyes at her girlfriend's scolding tone. Her azure blue eyes were glistening when she finally crossed her chestnut ones.

"I didn't want you to think I had gone mad too."

A silence passed in the room, Honeymaren clearly taken aback, and Anna was shocked too. Elsa's eyes immediately looked down again, and her fingers clenched.

She curled against herself. Shame and guilt fell on her shoulders just like raindrops were falling from Honeymaren's hair. Her lips trembled.

"I'm so sorry, Honey, I'm the worst, I keep having this mannerism after all those years and I shouldn't push you away like I did, I really am a idio—"

Elsa interrupted herself when something came close to her in a swift move and held her cheeks. She barely had the time to make a jerking head move upwards that Honeymaren pressed her lips against hers and kissed her deeply.

Although surprised by the sudden contact, the blonde realized how much she had missed it, how therapeutic and relieving and delightful and divine kissing Honeymaren was. Closing her eyes as well, she pressed her lips back intensely.

The Northuldra had the reflex to kiss Elsa before any dark or sad thought invaded her heart, filling it instead with intense love. It was efficient as always, The Snow Queen's mind now feeling dizzy by her affection.

Elsa had never missed kissing her so bad, all her stress from the passing days vanishing like snow in the sun. She had a relaxed eyebrows expression, and Honeymaren smiled in their long kiss.

Anna smirked at the scene before politely looking elsewhere as they continued to embrace. How long was that smooch? Did they even breathe?

They finally split up, gasping, and looked at each other at arm's length. Elsa's hands rested on Honeymaren's hips, and the latter went on the blonde's shoulders.

The Snow Queen was blushing, her gaze deeply lost in her lover's.

"Okay, I got it."

"Yep. No self-depreciation in my presence. In fact, no more self-depreciation."

Elsa smiled warmly.

Honeymaren passed the back of her fingers on her girlfriend's cheek with a sad smile, recognizing in her features how many times the blonde had doubted of herself and undervalued her competences since the last time they talked.

"It's alright, snømus. I know why you acted like that."

She passed a hand in Elsa's short hair, noticing its length when she inspected her face. Honeymaren could tell that the Snow Queen had put more ice than usual in them to prevent some to obstruct her vision. She smiled lovingly.

"I should cut your hair again. It will be getting in your eyes soon. When this is all over, I'm giving you a new cut session."

Elsa grinned, beaming.

"I love those sessions."

Honeymaren always relaxed her when she cut her hair, and she had been doing it every time since Elsa decided to have this style. The Northuldra always took the time to prepare a peaceful setting in the silence of their hut, with only the sound of the blade, Honeymaren breathing close to her and bathing her in her unique scent.

Anna cleared her throat to remind them of her presence, which made Elsa blush even harder, and Honeymaren chuckled.

"We should prepare lunch so Honeymaren can join us." Said Anna. "Elsa, would you mind tell the cooks that we'll be one more person?"

The Snow Queen blinked. "No, not at all. On my way."

She walked to the closest door.

Anna looked at her go for a moment, then grinned with amusement.

"The kitchens are the other way, Elsa."

"Yes. Yes absolutely."

The blonde walked in the other direction, and looked elsewhere as she passed in front of her sister and her girlfriend, visibly blushing.

The Queen shook her head once she turned at the angle of the corridor. "Gosh, she really loses all her brain cells when you're around."

Honeymaren giggled. "Well, we missed each other. We haven't seen each other for five days."

Anna twirled to her. "Five days? But she arrived two days ago."

The Northuldra smiled. "I know. She spent a lot of time trying to fix this storm by herself, and walked around the Forest searching for solutions with the help of the other Spirits. Even if it's Bruni's behavior which made me guess she had left our territory, I knew that she was heading to Arendelle, because some Giants were missing. It was obvious she would get worried for you and wanted to make sure you all were alright, and come in person to protect you in case it gets worse."

Anna's jaw dropped. She blinked back tears as Honeymaren nodded with a sad wince, and both slowly turned to where their loved one had left the room.

The Queen's eyes got lost, staring at nothing. She understood why Elsa had hidden the truth, and knew that her elder couldn't help this mannerism and that 13 years of trauma weren't going to be healed from in a snap of the fingers. She still had work to do about it more than 10 years after the Great Thaw.

In the corridor, something caught both their attentions: a child passed along an adult who seemed to bend to give her instructions, and the girl gasped when she recognized Honeymaren.

"AUNTIEMAREEEEEEN!"

She ran at full speed to the inside of the room, her tutor watching her go with a sigh. He took the mental note to repeat his last sentence the next time they had class, because the princess obviously will have forgotten.

The brunette cackled as the little ball of energy hugged her tight.

"Autiemaren?" She repeated.

"Sorry about that." Smiled Anna. "She came up with that term and doesn't want to drop it since."

"That's alright. I find it cute."

"Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!" Begged the girl, lifting her arms.

Honeymaren chuckled. Eydis being 8 years old, her parents now refused to lift her in their arms, using it as an opportunity to tell her she was a grown up now. Yet, what interested the princess wasn't to be held, but to see until which age her aunt would be able to pick her.

The Northuldra lifted a teasing eyebrow. Her biceps clenched under her beige tunic as she playfully grabbed her laughing niece from the floor, flicking her like she weighed nothing.

"You're barely the weight of a log!" Giggled Honeymaren. "But you're heavier than the last time I saw you! You grow up so fast, even in a month!"

Anna smiled tenderly at the scene.

=======

"And I learned about trigonometry!" Exclaimed Eydis, finishing her summary as they were all eating around the table.

"That's amazing!" Smiled Honeymaren. "You're going to be so smart!"

The princess giggled, and then exclaimed:

"And so strong! I've become a super good carftsperson!"

"Craftsperson." Corrected Elsa with a smile, but her niece wasn't paying attention.

She had suddenly got off the table, and ran to her toolbox which was on a chair in a corner since the last time she played with it.

"And look! I have so many awesome stuffs."

Anna was touched by her enthusiasm, but her fish was served. She gently tugged on her daughter's arm.

"Eydis, not now. We're eating. Maybe later."

The princess pouted at her mother's sentence and put the box on the floor. She returned to her seat, and the Queen gave a sign to a maid that meant 'Discard this toolbox the minute she looks away.'

"I'll play with you later." Winked Honeymaren.

The girl beamed, and hungrily grabbed her fork.

Anna and Honeymaren, sitting on each side of Elsa, went into a discussion about the latest political decisions following the storm, and Kristoff, who was next to Eydis in front of Elsa, got into the 'Ain't ice wonderful?' topic like they did many times. They both always were very passionate about the subject, and now were entering in a debate on which month was best to harvest ice.

Kristoff, who had been serving Eydis, suddenly stared at the blonde.

"Elsa, are you okay?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Did I say something that hurt you?" Worried the King.

"What? No, what are you talking about?"

He pointed at her.

"Your glass is freezing."

Elsa looked down swiftly at his warning, and dropped her glass with a scared move. It shattered on the table along with the water it contained, now frozen, and the ice and glass fragments dispersed between the platters. Everyone stared at it then stared at her.

"Wha— I didn't..."

"Elsa, what's wrong?!" Panicked Anna.

"Do you feel alright?" Worried Honeymaren.

Both had put a hand on each of her shoulders, and she blinked in confusion.

"I'm fine, I swear. I don't know how that happened."

She waved her hand and the ice melted, vanishing in a thousand snowflakes that hovered up in the air.

"I'm sorry if I startled you." Said Elsa, staring at the shattered glass remaining on the table.

The Snow Queen then noticed that Honeymaren and Anna still had their hands on her shoulders.

"Maybe you shouldn't touch me. We never know..."

Anna shook her head, forcing her smile despite her worry. "Nonsense. We're never gonna get scared of you."

Honeymaren nodded.

She wanted to pass a hand along her back to assure her they would support her no matter what, but her fingers were stuck to her ice shoulder piece.

"Uh..."

It was the same for Anna, who wanted to resume eating, and they looked at each other.

"What?" Frowned Elsa, seeing that their attitude was weird.

She then looked at Anna's fingers. The redhead muttered.

"I think it's because your ice is... Very cold, for some reason."

"Elsa, calm down." Advised her girlfriend.

"I am calm!" Jolted Elsa.

"That doesn't sound very calm." Murmured Kristoff.

"I heard that." Hissed Elsa. "I swear on Ahtohallan that I am not upset or anything. I..."

She then realized what feeling it was. And blushed a bit.

"I'm feeling really great, actually. I'm pumped up, and I haven't felt this fit in a while. I'm in very good shape."

The blonde even sounded excited, and Anna lifted an eyebrow. Elsa smiled, fascinated.

"It feels exactly like when I leave Ahtohallan. I always regain magical energy once I visit the glacier. But that can't be it... It's too far."

"That would however explain why you're so cold..." Said the redhead, still struggling to take her hand off her.

"I'm cold?" Gasped Elsa.

Then she realized that Anna and Honeymaren's breaths were becoming visible, creating clouds like they had just entered winter. Elsa immediately felt fear rising in her, but grabbed the emotion on the go and clenched her eyes shut. She barely had made one breathing in that she forced herself to calm down, breathing out slowly and steadily.

Her experience paid off. The ice of her shoulder pieces retrieved their normal cold and the air its regular temperature, and both women gasped lightly as they took their hands off. Elsa winced.

"I'm so so—"

"Elsa." Said the two at the same time.

Her blue eyes widened. Anna chuckled at their synchronization.

"It's nothing. Everything's back to normal." She assured.

Elsa pouted.

"Because I focused to calm down, but that still doesn't explain..."

"It's fine, snømus. Relax. We're not resentful at all." Guaranteed Honeymaren.

Elsa almost cried at the caring eyes of all her family staring at her. Even Eydis had a smile as she was eating her fish again. A servant bent over the table to pick the glass fragments, and the Snow Queen got impressed by how close to her he was standing. Nobody, in the entire room, was even scared about what has just happened. There was palpable confusion for sure, but now most of them were resuming to their occupations.

The maids served the next course, taking advantage of the glass clean-up and the move back to the kitchen to also grab Eydis' toolbox and bring it back to her bedroom.

"Well, that was weird..." Chuckled Honeymaren, genuinely finding it funny that they got stuck to her like bugs to resin.

"And new." Commented Anna, also smiling. "Since when can you do that?"

"I didn't do it on purpose, I told you." Replied Elsa nervously. "I guess that I crafted my armor colder than usual this morning. I didn't feel the difference. It's weird."

The Queen puffed.

"That's not weirder than having your dreams materialized in ice dust."

Honeymaren coughed on her wine. "Excuse me, what?"

"Ohhhh, yeah. We have to tell you that."

Anna then proceeded to explain all of what had happened in the night, helped with Eydis' descriptions which were adorable, and made sure to omit no detail.

Honeymaren was speechless by the end of her story, and Eydis was tempted to tap her chin up to make her close her dropped jaw.

"Holy Spirits, I'm so disappointed I didn't get to assist to that." Muttered the brunette.

Elsa watched her girlfriend above clenched fingers against her face.

"You don't... Find it crazy?"

The Northuldra laughed loudly. "Elsa, I've once seen you sneeze snowmen after I tickled your nose with a feather. I'm immunized from all craziness for my entire life."

The Snow Queen chuckled, and they exchanged a tender gaze. Anna couldn't help but note how perfect their match was. Her sister was lucky to have such a devoted and open-minded lover.

"You mean that it never happened before?" Inquired Kristoff.

Honeymaren snorted. "No. Not that I think of. And we've been sleeping together for a decade now. I think I'd have noticed it if it started to snow inside the hut at night. I mean, during her dreams."

In the silence that followed, Elsa blushed furiously. Nobody else seemed to note the innuendo, thankfully.

"Say, in the game in her dream, did I win?" Honeymaren asked to Eydis.

"Yeah, you did!" Grinned the girl. "And you two laughed a lot about it."

"That was definitely last week. Aw, you dreamt about it. You're really not good at that game." Smirked the brunette.

Elsa gasped. "That's because you cheated! You hid behind a tree!"

"Since when hiding is against the rules?"

"Since..." Elsa grumbled. "Never mind."

"The good thing is that now, I know you didn't pretend to lose to make me win." Smiled her girlfriend, nudging her.

Elsa shook her head with a smile.

"Do you think that it's why she has this 'powers boost'?" Teased Kristoff. "To take revenge on you?"

"Ooooh, maybe." Joked the Northuldra.

Her face then suddenly got very serious.

"Or maybe it's the storm." She suggested, her tone thoughtful.

All stopped eating, even Elsa. She noticed.

"What? The Water and Wind Spirits are fighting, if your theory is correct. It would make sense if your powers suddenly increased. It's either due to the magic of the storm in the air, or to compensate their absence."

The blonde nodded.

"You're right... That could be it."

She put her cutlery down and looked at her hands, folding and unfolding her fingers like she always did when she was thinking about her magic.

"I do feel a change... But it's not something different in my powers, it's really more like they are like... Refreshed."

"That's definitely the word." Joked Kristoff.

They all laughed, and Elsa was more than glad to have them all surrounding her in this instant and in life, forgetting the oddness of the situation and now only paying in mind its good side: she was in perfect shape to face whatever danger her family would get in.

=======

Sounds of steel against steel resonated through the ball room, also used as the throne room, but in the current moment turned into the training one. Benches had been disposed against the walls, and boxes of armory had been brought in. Some guards were free to enter to train, the Queen insisting that the storm made no exception for her weekly class.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Puffed Anna, blowing a strand of her hair that had fallen to her face.

Elsa chuckled from the bench she was sit on. "I forgot how distracting it was to watch you sparring."

Anna grinned, taking her breath back, and a new soldier entered the zone, giving her a sign that they could start their combat training.

The redhead struck the first blows, and the Arendelle guard training against her with the same shield and sword had to duck and twirl faster than he expected. As his first practice fight against her, he was quite surprised.

"Wanna join?" Asked Anna, turning to her elder and sparring at the same time.

The soldier was a bit annoyed by her distraction. "Your Majesty, focus, please."

Anna lifted a sarcastic eyebrow, barely laid eyes on his posture, and strategically hit him right where he didn't expect it.

With a gasp, he bent over at the shock, and dropped his sword.

"Bold of you to think I can't do two things at a time." Stated the Queen, twirling her sword to celebrate her victory.

The other soldiers chuckled, standing on the side of the room. None of them was foolish enough to provoke her during their duels, but the man has just learned his lesson.

"No, thanks." Declined Elsa, smiling at the scene. "I'm not really the fighting type, you know that."

"Yes. But it's worth the try." Shrugged Anna as she drank water from the gourd disposed on another bench, and cleaned her face with a towel. "Since we were kids, you always have been more of a pacifist, and you're even more since you handle your powers perfectly."

She recited that second part like she had heard it a thousand times, and sounded the same way than her daughter reluctantly citing a lesson.

"Because being one with magic and nature now allow you to have alternatives in conflict." Said Kristoff on the same tone than his wife as he entered the room.

Elsa noticed their mockery and the smirks they had just exchanged. Did she say that this often?

"Are you two making fun of me?"

"No."

"Not at all."

The two lovers giggled, and Elsa eyerolled. In the move, she saw that Honeymaren had entered the room.

"I volunteer to train against you." She smiled, enthusiastic.

"Honeymaren!" Exclaimed Anna, taking one more gulp of the gourd. "Sure! Step in! It's been a while since the last time we fought each other."

The Northuldra smirked. "Let's see if you improved your footwork, fire head."

Anna grinned and grabbed her sword and shield back, taking position at the center of the room. The soldiers and servants stared at her, their attention driven to the upcoming fight.

Honeymaren took her tunic and sweater off, fully exposing her biceps and her large shoulders with the simple shirt she had underneath. She tightened the belt of her pants and walked to the armory stock, passing by Elsa. As she did, a rare ray of sun passed between the stormy clouds and lit up her body, which suddenly made Elsa craving for the water in Anna's gourd.

"Let me see..." Muttered Honeymaren, inspecting every weapon available.

She eyed a heavy mace with a disgusted 'That's barbaric' expression. She slowly stared at every item, her hands hovering a ranseur and a dagger. Anna had picked a long sword, which was rather random, but the redhead could fight with pretty much anything. If she believed Kristoff's story, she once kicked a wolf with a lute. However, the long sword didn't inspire Honeymaren.

Elsa noted the hesitation of her girlfriend.

"There's nothing here that looks like Northuldra's wood staffs, Honey." She murmured.

The brunette nodded and turned to Anna.

"Sorry, but I'm not gonna use a lethal weapon. It's against what I stand for."

The redhead was disappointed for many reasons.

"Don't worry", assured Honeymaren with a raised hand. "It's not gonna be a disadvantage."

She bent to the big box and picked one of the shields in it. She recognized the same crocus motif on it than on the ones Mattias and his soldiers had for years in her home place, but this one was more sophisticated and obviously designed more recently, so it was perfect to hold back a long sword.

"I'm gonna choose this shiny baby."

"That's a shield." Pointed out Anna, sarcastic. "What are you going to do with your other hand?"

"Well, hold the shield." Smiled Honeymaren, joining her in the middle of the room. "You think I can't hit you with it?"

Anna smiled, and asked no further question.

"Jorge, you'll be arbitrating the fight." She ordered to one of the soldiers standing on the side, and he straitened at the given task.

He grabbed the whistle. "How long do you wish it to be?"

"The classic three minutes. That will be long enough for me to have more points than you." Smirked Anna, turning to her opponent.

Honeymaren mirrored her expression. "Oh, we're doing it by counting points? Spirits, you're the most competitive person I've ever met."

"Everything is a competition." Declared Anna with an evil smile. She did a swirl with her sword, taking her position.

Honeymaren weighed the Arendellian shield, also keeping in mind its dimensions and what she could do with it. She then nodded at the soldier, and he whistled. Everyone in the room went suddenly quiet.

They first turned around each other, like two predators analyzing the other's behavior, and Kristoff sat next to Elsa on the bench, both their gazes locked on them. Several seconds passed until one of them dared to make the first move, and it obviously was the most impatient of the two; Anna.

With a shout, she slammed her sword down, and Honeymaren protected herself with her shield easily, despite being surprised by her force and speed. She peeked down at Anna's foot to inspect it. Nevertheless, she didn't expect them to be perfectly placed.

"You got better at hiding your next attack." Complimented the Northuldra.

"Thank you. Now can you predict that?"

Honeymaren's eyes widened, seeing Anna jump aside and duck to aim at her thigh from her blind spot due to the shield. The brunette had good reflexes, and stepped away to prevent it. The fight looked like it was rigged, for only Anna had a lethal weapon. However, Honeymaren had learned from the youngest age to never judge things by their appearance.

Indeed, Anna's hands both were occupied to hold those two different objects. On the opposite, Honeymaren had her left and right hands under the shield, which allowed a more powerful grip. What looked like a minus to an unwise eye actually was a strength if thought correctly. The Northuldra grinned and pushed Anna backwards with it and all her weight, and Anna couldn't hold the force back enough, so she started to lose her balance. Honeymaren then mimed to slam her face with the shield, and the Queen had the reflex to use her sword to counter her, so the brunette slid her shield in-between Anna's and the blade of her weapon. The younger froze in her move; if she finished it and lowered the sword, she would knock her face off with the lever effect and surely faint.

Anna puffed, breathing out, impressed by the clever move, her teal blue eyes staring at the close hazelnut ones.

"One point." Smirked Honeymaren.

"Not bad." Smiled Anna.

They both panted, rubbing their sweat a bit, and resumed the fight.

The two women kept fighting each other like that, Anna's moves slightly more violent than Honeymaren's, but she remained calm. All admired that she was able to not let her anger alter her strategy, because it now had been more than a minute that Honeymaren was leading the fight. Panting and grinning, they actually were enjoying inspecting the other's moves and combat style, noting how their opponent had improved while they were away.

Anna wasn't going to lose that easily, and had a quick thought as Honeymaren turned on herself to avoid being touched by another slash of her sword; the brunette had taken advantage of Anna having only one hand to hold her shield to use hers more cleverly. So maybe that she could use an advantage herself... And knowing the castle like the back of her hand was a really good one. Also, the Northuldra had brilliantly led her walk back to a bush of nettles the last time they fought in the Enchanted Forest, so Anna still had a revenge to take on her.

They may be fighting in the throne room for the first time ever, Anna had spent enough time in this room when she was bored as a girl and when she was partying in balls as a Queen to know that one of the paintings on the walls had a frame made of iron, which reflected the sun and often created a light that got in her eyes if she was sitting on the throne. The redhead quickly calculated the angle by two darting looks behind Honeymaren's shoulder, and before the latter could find it suspicious, she led her to the spot with a clever move of her shield, in fact pushing her. She then jumped around her, and Honeymaren winced as the light reflected into her left eye, grunting as she got blinded.

With a powerful yell, Anna blocked her elbow and held both her arms, then swiped her feet, and Honeymaren yelped as she fell backwards.

They stumbled to the floor together, Anna's sword at Honeymaren's throat, indicating she won a point. They started to stand up, but the soldier with the whistle announced the end of the session.

"Woo! Right on." Exhaled Honeymaren. "Okay, it ends in a draw. Well done, fire head. Until next time."

Anna smiled openly, filled with joy like always when she trained.

They held to each other, laughing together. The room filled with claps, and they smiled as they drank water.

Elsa looked at the scene with affection, and wondered if Honeymaren called her sister 'fire head' because Anna's untied hair was like a mane of lava around her, or because her whole face was as red as a beet. 

=======

Honeymaren and Elsa entered the guess room in which they always slept when they came to visit the Arendelle family during celebrations or when it was too late for them to come back to the Forest after a long party in game nights.

As Honeymaren untied her braid, Elsa dropped heavily on the bed on her back.

"Gosh, what a day."

Her girlfriend chuckled, passing a hand in her short white spiky hair once she sat next to her.

"Are you tired?"

Elsa had a thinking pout. "No, actually, I'm not exhausted at all."

"Hum. The power boost, uh?"

"I still need to investigate on this thing." Sighed Elsa. "I'm in great shape physically, but mentally, it's been one of those days."

Honeymaren placed herself over her, smirking.

"Is it because you saw the storm being nationwide from the Giants' shoulder, or because I came here to scold you?"

Elsa smirked too as her lover's hair caressed her face.

"Maybe both?"

They chuckled then kissed, several times, like they preciously numbered each of their touches.

Honeymaren detached her face from her delicately after a while, still laying over her girlfriend, her elbows on the sheets on each side of her chest.

She hovered her finger along her light shoulder pieces and plackart. Her eyes were filled with care.

"Hey... Maybe take that off?" She asked, her voice soft.

Elsa stared at her, blushing a bit. She smirked. "Are you serious? Right now?"

The brunette got her drift, and laughed. "I didn't mean that, you idiot. I'll give you a massage."

The Snow Queen found the suggestion coming from nowhere, but realized in that instant how much she was craving for it.

"Yeah, you really need one. It's written all over your face." Smiled tenderly the Northuldra.

They now had been in couple enough years to have the best non-verbal communication, which was valuable for two quiet souls like them.

She sat on the bed, helping Elsa sit up as well with affectionate moves. The blonde sighed in content.

"I forgot how much I missed your touch." She murmured, her voice lulled.

"It's been five days, you drama queen. And I haven't even started massaging you yet."

"Hmmm." Answered Elsa, her head going in the nest of her neck.

"Don't fall asleep yet, snømus. Take those armor pieces off for me. You know only you can do it."

Elsa smiled and sat straight, waving her hands, and in a twirl of snow, only her white Fifth Spirit outfit remained on her skin.

The brunette poked at her belly, and Elsa jerked with a laugh.

"H-Honey!"

"Skin-like fabric check. Now go sit at the edge of the bed."

"Alright."

With smiles, they positioned like they always did when Elsa had a long day working around with the Spirits to protect the Forest, and came home in their hut with a sore back or an injured leg because she had, once again and on her own, saved merchants from something as insanely dangerous as bear attack.

The blonde sighed in profound relaxation when her girlfriend started massaging her back. The Northuldra however could feel how tense some of her muscles were, and insisted on them. She bent to whisper.

"Relax. It's all over. You've done an amazing job, okay? Release yourself from all that duty feeling."

Elsa hummed something that sounded negative, and Honeymaren kissed her through her short hair. She kept massaging her back as she inhaled her natural scent, and smiled in her platinum blonde hair as she recognized the familiar and soothing smell of licorice mint, which somehow never left the Snow Queen.

"I still feel bad for not finding a way to stop the storm..." Mumbled Elsa.

Honeymaren kissed her temple.

"Hey, Elsa... You're the most amazing person in the world, you know that?"

The blonde smiled. "By the numerous times you told me, I'm gonna end up believing it."

They laughed warmly, and Honeymaren moved her hands to her shoulders, touching strategic points in muscles that she knew were most used by someone being left-handed. Elsa moaned at the unique sensation only her girlfriend could provide. Honeymaren's gestures were precise and measured, both soft and strong, and it's exactly what she loved about their massage sessions.

Bathing in silence, they continued, only lit by the candles they had put on each nightstand, of which the wax was going down as time passed. Even the storm raging outside seemed inexistent because of how particular the bubble they had created was.

"A bit lower, please?" Asked Elsa when Honeymaren reached the lumber area.

The brunette chuckled, and bent to her face. "Keep it together. We're guests in a castle."

Elsa blushed intensely. 

=======

"Will you ever forgive me? For not telling you that I was risking my life investigating on this storm?"

Honeymaren blinked as she woke up at the familiar voice. It was Elsa's, but it seemed distant, like a far-away echo, that resonated in the insides of a cave layered with winter dew.

When the Northuldra's eyes focused and she realized that she was assisting to the magical materialization of Elsa's dream, she sat up in a jolting move and forgot to breath for a long time, gasping and admiring all the details. It was even more astonishing than what she had possibly pictured at the descriptions.

She hadn't been awakened by the falling snow, for she was used to sleep outside in the winter and her cheeks didn't feel pricked by the cold. Besides, Elsa's snowflakes never felt truly icy; just like her, they were perfectly soft, like she defied the laws of Nature herself and came up with warm snow. Honeymaren saw that the dream featured Elsa and herself talking to each other, and she smiled at how the blonde perceived her, seeing the way she was represented from her point of view. Now she knew why she had heard Elsa's voice; it was a discussion between them, which had ended by the time Honeymaren woke up, and they now were both smiling as they walked through a valley.

Lifting her hand, the Northuldra admired the way ice dust floated around to create landscapes coming right from her lover's imagination. It made Honeymaren's heart soar with love and admiration, and when she turned to her girlfriend, it melted at her sight.

Elsa was sleeping deeply, a small smile curling her lips. She was turned to her direction, both her hands on the pillow next to her, the fingers of one slightly twitching and folding like she was actually holding Honeymaren's hand in the projected dream. She looked absolutely beautiful, her unique hair and pale skin enhanced by the moon light. Honeymaren slithered closer, looking at her and listening to her breathing.

"Snømus... I already forgave you." She whispered tenderly, kissing Elsa's forehead.

The blonde moaned at the sensation, all the magic manifestation vanishing slowly around them. The particles of ice dust went away the same mysterious way they appeared, and Elsa slowly blinked as she returned to reality.

She had the same vision there, though; Honeymaren warmly smiling at her.

"Honey? What..."

Her voice was croaked from sleep, but the brunette didn't care at all. She kissed Elsa deeply, and after some confusion, the blonde gave it back.

She smirked once they finished kissing, staring at the two brown gems in the dark.

"Let me guess, I did that odd thing again?"

Her lover smiled. "Don't say it like that. It was the most amazing thing in the world. I love you, Elsa."

The Snow Queen's eyes glittered with happy tears.

"I love you too. So much."

#hohohoh my gods what a long chapter #i'm giving this fic some novel-length chapter sizes lol #last time i did a 8'800 words chap it was in Untangling the Frozen Knots haha #you guys have courage (or dedication?) to read all that #i hope you like this chapter! #with all its flangst which i always have pleasure to bring to break your heart in all the ways #*singing* you're welcooome #yes snømus is an adorable nickname #it took me literally 3 days to come up with a loving name from HM #gosh what an adventure that this chapter is #and the dispute between HM and E broke my soul but HEY I LOVE TO SUFFER #what was your favorite part? #oh and emoji attesting you read those dumb tags: chocolate bar #frozen #frozen fanfics #post frozen 2 #frozen 2 #kristanna #frohana #snow sisters #elsamaren #eydis #anna's daughter #king kristoff #queen anna #snow queen elsa #disney #fanfic #iteots #in the eye of the storm

[thememoriesofaqueen]

In Another Life - Part 2

Masterlist (x)       

       English is not my first language      → I do not own anything of the TVD - Universe and I’m not affiliated or                   associated with the writers etc. this is only a headcanon.

Pairing: Kalijah ( Katherine / Elijah )

Setting: The Originals 1x06, TVD Post 5x08, cured Katherine.

TW: -

Word Count: 2.169

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The soft classical music in the background mediated a peaceful environment -- yet peaceful isn't the word Elijah would use when describing the atmosphere. The air is still heavy with his brother's betrayal. Leaning back in his armchair, Elijah flipped a page of his mother's grimoire and tried to ignore the piercing smell of fresh blood dropping on the two-hundred-year-old carpet.

"So, this is what you do the first time we're back together as a family? Vampire book club?", the voice of his sister cut through the seemingly peaceful silence. Elijah didn't bother to look up, instead, his eyes focused on the letters written in old Norse, hoping to finally find the thing he's been looking for the past thirty minutes.

"Reading edifies the mind, sister. Isn't that right, Elijah?" Niklaus answered and Elijah really had to bit his tongue in order to not make a snarky comment. At first, he had been alone in the sunny living room, hoping for some quiet time while searching for a certain spell. Preferably without his brother's knowledge. But for some reason, Niklaus suddenly had the desire to join him, picking a collection of poems he sought to read. How odd, considering he had maliciously daggered him and put him in a box for almost three months in order to use his lifeless body as a pledge.

"Yes, that's quite right, Niklaus," he replied out of politeness towards his sister. If his brother thought that's how he would start talking to him again, he's terribly mistaken.

"And what's this business?" Elijah didn't even have to look up in order to know what Rebekah meant. The unlucky young woman who was unfortunate enough to run into Niklaus' arms.

"This is .... " it is hard to find a word to describe what it is. Niklaus’ way of trying to smooth things over? Because he thinks forgiveness for his unacceptable behavior could be bought?

"I presumed, after so much time desiccating in a coffin, that my big brother might be a bit peckish." Elijah let out a small breath, his jaw clenching a bit. His poor brother really has no idea what it meant to earn forgiveness. Or perhaps he simply didn't regret what he had done after all.

"And I explained to my little brother that forgiveness cannot be bought. I'd simply prefer to see a change in behavior that indicates contrition and personal growth -- not this nonsense." Elijah finally closed the grimoire and looked at the girl and the small red puddle on the expensive carpet. Offering him food like he'd be a starved animal is a ridiculous attempt of an excuse.

Shaking his head, he rose to his feet and put the grimoire back into the shelf. Clearly there's too much distraction to focus properly.

"If you’ll excuse me," and with those words, he left his two siblings.

xxx

Returning to his study, Elijah walked straight to his phone laying on his desk which had just finished charging. Truth be told, he hadn't paid his mobile device much attention the past months. Shortly after he had moved to New Orleans, life had been particular ... diversified. With enemies around every corner in the city that they had once called home and a brother who stubbornly had tried to sabotage the only chance of this family's happiness, there wasn't much time left to pay attention to anything else. Spending almost three months in a coffin had not helped either.

Elijah started his phone, surprised it's still working and not deeply discharged after all the time while looking out the window and taking in the beautiful sight of the fruit trees around their house. They are going to switch locations soon, away from the plantation and towards the city. He just hoped moving closer won't bring too much trouble.

A short vibration led his attention back the phone in his hands as it had finished starting. After tipping in his code, his phone plopped up several notifications. Missed calls, messages, updates... Elijah chose to ignore the updates and took a quick look over his messages. Most informed him just about missed calls, the other ones were sent by his sister over a period of a few weeks, ranging from simple questions to slightly offensive messages to honest concern when he hadn't answered them.

And how could he? During that time, his little brother had long stabbed a dagger through his heart and practically sold his body to his family's enemies.

Elijah shook his head, a fit of growing anger in his chest which made his jaw clench.

And still, instead of an honest apology, Niklaus choose to appease his foul mood by offering him a dead girl.

No idea how long Niklaus thought of keeping him in that box, how long he was supposed to play pledge. Another few months? Years? Centuries? Put away and forgotten? Just because Niklaus feared his child is going to grow up and calls Elijah father instead of him? Taking over his brother's position was by far not in Elijah's interest. Shouldn't Niklaus know how important family is to him? How far he'd go to protect his family and ensure Niklaus' redemption?

Stealing his brother's child is by far the last thing Elijah ever thought of doing but knowing how paranoid Niklaus tends to be, it doesn't surprise him that Niklaus feared his influence. Although that's still no excuse for what he has done to him.

If he were more attentive to the mother of his child, if he were to treat her with more respect, Elijah wouldn't have to interfere.

Choosing to delete the messages because they were no longer needed and solved, Elijah leaned against his desk while appreciating his sister's efforts. It had been Rebekah who had looked after him, who had ensured to find him. And for that, he's thankful because Elijah is almost sure Niklaus would have left him to rot for at least a few more months.

The missed calls were almost consistent with the messages. Most calls were from Rebekah or from people which worked for him. He still preferred to be independent. After years of being alone and loathing Niklaus, even seeking revenge against him because he claimed he had dumped their siblings into the ocean and therefore making it impossible to find them again, Elijah came to the conclusion it's better to not share everything with his brother. The next fit of rage will sooner or later come again and sometimes it's better to not trust his little brother who undoubtedly will turn everything against him if he has found another of his tiring reasons to punish his siblings.

Elijah had spent years finding his own witches, his own minions which were loyal only to him. And finding loyalty is a difficult thing in this world. Often he had to get rid of the people who had sworn loyalty towards him but chose other things behind his back.

He doesn't take betrayal easily. It's punished with death. And death will find them, even if it takes centuries. Trevor is the best example. On the run for almost half a Millenium and thinking he's deserving to be granted forgiveness just because Elijah had granted his companion Rose merci. Rose had aided him because she was loyal to Trevor. But Trevor's loyalty? Where had it been? He had willingly chosen to betray Elijah in a more than important matter and for that, he had paid with his life.

This fate shall be descended to anyone who thinks betrayal shall go unpunished.

Elijah's raising rage settled a bit the more missed calls he deleted but noted to make sure to check upon his people soon in the next time.

He almost reached the end of the list of his missed calls when he notices something odd. Several calls from a suppressed and later from an unknown number during a short amount of time. He didn't recognize that numbers, but the area code suggests the same place.

Elijah frowned as he didn't recall waiting for anything important during that time. He is sure he hadn't been expecting someone either. The date of the time of those calls was shortly after the time he had been daggered. Is it connected to that negative event?

He highly doubted it because if it were connected to being daggered, the caller would have known he's currently ... unavailable.

Elijah shifted his weigh, his back still leaning against his wooden mahogany desk, thinking about if he had missed a detail. Only a few people had his numbers. Of course, there are always some people who called his number by accident but that rarely happens.

Putting a hand in his pocket, he thoughtfully raised his phone and tapped it onto his chin, while trying to make sense of those mysterious calls. At the same time, he focused his attention downstairs in order to check if everything's okay. Rebekah wasn't too pleased with the recent events and they all tend to have a rather heated temper. Fortunately, his sister still seemed to be busy with the stained rug although it surprised him Rebekah put that much of an effort into it. He guessed she's almost finished with it as he could hear water being turned on and a bin emptied.

That distracted him for a little while before his attention returned back to the phone in his hand whose screen had already turned black. Turning it back on, Elijah chose to scroll past the suppressed and unknown numbers because he couldn't for the sake of his life remember what it was that person had wanted. Or who that person even is.

He had almost reached the end of his missed calls, now dated to a time shortly before he had been daggered. He remembers being pretty occupied back then with protecting the mother of his unborn niece while trying to talk some sense into Niklaus. That effort had ultimately ended in him being coldly daggered and stuffed in a box.

The corner of his lips dropped in a sudden twist of mood, the anger buried deep underneath the surface threatening to break out again.

Focus, he told himself.

His fingers brushed over the screen again, scrolling past unknown numbers until it suddenly started to show a name at the end of the list. A few days before he had been daggered.

Katerina.

A sudden coldness took hold over his heart as he looked over all the times Katerina had tried to call him. Twenty times within a few days. Judging by the date and time, the close proximity to the unknown and even suppressed calls, Elijah had to assume that had been Katerina as well.

His breath hitched in his throat and he couldn't help the cold shiver running down his spine.

Elijah knew Katerina too well. He knew she wouldn't try to reach out to him after he had basically left her standing in his old family's mansion in Mystic Falls. Elijah knew that Katerina has way too much pride to contact him again, at least not in the next few decades. He knew that no matter the circumstances, Katerina wouldn't contact or call him. He is aware that he had hurt her too much although it's not like Katerina thinks.

He hasn't had another choice.

There's panic flooding him as he looked at all the missed calls within a few days. She had tried to reach him over a period of one and a half weeks -- first by calling him with her phone, then choosing other phones before she chose to suppress the number completely, making him assume that Katerina must believe he didn't wish to speak with her.

Worry merged with the panic in his heart as he quickly dialed her number.

He knew Katerina too well to know she wouldn't try to reach out to him if it weren't something urgent. Something more than urgent.

Seconds felt like minutes as time passed and she didn't pick up her phone. Elijah tried two times, three times, then even tried different numbers he knew they belonged to her with the same result: She didn't pick up the phone.

A low growl escaped his lips, hand ruffling through his hair in frustration. While Katerina had every right to not pick up the phone when seeing his number, he had a feeling that's not the reason for it. He knew, almost painfully knew, that something must have happened to her.

Katerina had called him at least twenty times with different numbers. She must have been desperate to reach him, to talk to him. Whatever it was, it was more than urgent and now he cannot reach her. It drove him mad.

A silent curse left his lips and he almost slammed his phone down his desk when he couldn't reach Katerina for the sixth time.

Fortunately, the clicking of heels and the swift move of blond hair passing his open door attracted his attention.

"Rebekah? A moment please!"

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A/N: The first part of the dialog is from the show, I know. Elijah knows something must have happened to Katherine but will Rebekah tell the truth?

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