#time to hibernate for another year before the next part | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

girlygguk · 11 months

Text

fame - jjk (four)

pairing ; idol!jk x idol!oc

synopsis ; christmas has come early this year when park dae-jung scores siren a chance to promote their latest single on a music show. the girls are excited to perform, hanna is wholeheartedly convinced this is going to be their breakthrough, and aera runs into two police officers coming out of the bathroom.

warnings ; explicit language

content ; how aera & jk met, dope era bts <3, the start of it all!!

word count ; 4.2k

a/n: so i know (award)shows are not exactlyy like how i describe them in the story but lets ignore that <3 also it's 2015 in this chap but jk & aera are 18 bc u wont catch me writing abt minors !!

a/n 2: so sorry for there being an insane wait on this chapter!!! next one will be coming way sooner as i split it in half bc i wanted to hurry and give an update!! not long until we're in the main timeline and get to the jaera juice!! tysmm for reading 💓

📅 March 2015 — 3 months before their call...

📍 PARK ENTERTAINMENT Building

"Oh my god!" Han-na's scream grabs me by the throat, dragging me out of my deep, dark, peaceful hibernation. My body jolts upwards with a groan, my eyes struggling to adjust to the light as I try to blink myself to life.

On the other side of our cramped dorm room, Ha-Joon is also coming to consciousness, her dirty blonde hair clinging to her pillow when she rises as if it's trying to haul her back down. "What the—" Joonie is cut off before she can finish her sentence, another wail from Hanna ringing in our ears.

I'm quick to shove the blanket off my body, jumping off my bed with a huff and dashing out of the room. I hear a soft whine behind me, our maknae reluctantly following my actions and trailing after me.

I slam open the door of Hanna and Nali's shared room, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion when all I'm met with is an equally groggy Nali. She's pushing herself off her mattress, no doubt on her way to finding the source of the scream as well. I turn on my heels and head for the last unexplored dorm, twisting the handle and stifling a laugh when Asami comes into view. She's sprawled out on her bed, a baby blue sleeping mask covering her eyes, and soft snores passing through her lips. She's fast asleep while our leader is possibly being brutally murdered. Shame.

I leave the room with a shake of my head, the two blondes snailing after me down the hall as I follow the sound of our eldest's voice towards the office. My pace increases when I hear the tone of a male voice too. Please be getting beat to a pulp right now, Hanna, because if I walk in on you getting freaky in our shared office, I swear to god—

The creak of the door pulls me out of my submerged mind, and an enormous breath of relief leaves me when all I'm greeted with is an ecstatic leader and our Producer-Director, Park Dae-Jung. Smiles adorned both faces, our director standing tall in black slacks and a navy blue button-up, looking like he was halfway through his day already, whereas I was currently leaning against the door for support. My sisters and I sported similar outfits, pyjama shorts and simple tees—except for Hanna, of course. The early bird was dressed in a cropped singlet, her belly button poking out just above the waistband of the grey sweatpants that coated her long legs.

Relief washed over our huddle of three when our worry for Hanna's safety disappeared. Joonie wastes no time, spinning promptly on her heels and retracing her steps directly back to bed. Her eyes are basically shut as she walks, muttering something about it finally getting to the good part of her dream.

Hanna's "wait!" causes a giggle to bubble in the base of my throat, watching as our youngest stops in her tracks before letting out a muffled cry. "She's gonna make us start practice early! Look at what she's wearing, aiiiiiishhhhh!" She wails before being as dramatic as ever and stamping her sock-covered right foot against the ground.

The cackle that left me was loud, overpowering Nali's breathy laugh as she grabbed the hand of our maknae, hauling her into the office with us. I pulled Joonie towards me, wrapping my arms around her waist, and she leaned her head on my chest as we returned our attention to the slumber-ruining villains in the centre of the room.

I take a quick glance at the clock on the wall behind Hanna, and I almost start crying along with Ha-Joon. It's 6:15; we shouldn't be starting practice for nearly two hours. If she even begins to head towards that room, I will be leaving the group effective immediately.

"No, practice will start as scheduled," she rolls her eyes, "but Dae Jung-nim just surprised us with amazing news!" We stare patiently at the girl shaking like a chihuahua, our director turning towards us with a similar grin. Joonie untangles herself from me, and our tired trio deliver a quick bow to him in greeting.

"We're promoting on Inkigayo!" My mouth dropped as I stared at our leader that towered over us, turning my head to look at the girls standing next to me to see they were sporting similar shocked expressions.

Our director was leaning against the table in the middle of the office with an easy smile, waiting for our reactions. My eyebrows furrowed, "I thought—"

Dae Jung-nim was quick to cut me off, "Times have changed, and we managed to secure you guys a slot. I know you might not want to promote there after they pulled a few of the debut stages, but..."

My sisters and I shook our heads, easing his worries with wide eyes and wider grins, "are you kidding? We would love to!"

I could physically see the relief wash over him as I spoke, and I think he was downplaying how hard it was to get us on the show. Our director has been in the business for many years and acquired a lot of connections throughout his career. We are 1/2 of Park Dae-Jung's remaining active groups. Well, active-ish.

Our male seniors, Poison, last had a group comeback almost two years ago now, most of them pursuing solo music and acting projects. They've been around since 2009 and were hugely influential for us as growing trainees, often mentoring us on their days off. Dae Jung-nim is like our Dad away from home, and while I still have vivid memories of him causing ex-trainees to break down in tears, I've come to see his sweet side. He's a big softie, really.

"I'm glad to hear it, girls. The more opportunities we have like this, the more the world will get to see your talent." He nods, hands clasped together humbly. Hanna is oozing with excitement as she jiggles on the spot whilst my other two sisters and I thank the lofty man with sleepy but ample smiles.

"All the info is here," he taps the thin file perched on the desktop, "and I've given Han-na a brief run-over."

My sisters and I part like the red sea as he pats Hanna on the shoulder before heading towards the office door. He flashes us one last sparkling grin before leaving the room, and Nali is the first to break the silence. "The things I would do for and to that man..." She sighs dreamily, head slumped against the wall to her left, and I swat at her arm teasingly.

"God, I'm so excited!" Our leader chirps, ignoring her roommate's crude remark, "This will be our breakthrough moment!"

Spoiler alert, it wasn't.

Suddenly, Joon brushes past me and treks further into the office towards the desk our promo file is sitting on, and I assume she's just going to peruse through it for a bit. I watch in interest as our youngest ignores the file entirely, her hand stopping over Hanna's phone that rests next to the folder. She taps the screen with purpose, the device blaring a painful 6:20 AM at her before she bites back a snarl and heads for the door.

"So about that early practice—" Joonie cuts off Hanna's teasing with a screech, already halfway down the hall towards her comfy bed. Nali and I share a knowing look, our eyes slowly, so so slowly, shifting towards our leader.

"Just go already."

That was all we needed for the blonde and me to fast-track out the damn door and back to our dorms to salvage the rest of our sleep.

"I'm waking you up at 8 o'clock sharp!" Our leader's voice booms from the room we just left, Nali and I not even reacting as we part ways to our separate dorms.

The sound of Joonie's heavy breathing hits my ears as soon as I enter my room, and I chuckle in astonishment at how she fell back asleep within seconds. Then, suddenly, it all makes sense as I flop onto my bed. The warm, cozy cover hugs me as my head sinks into my soft, cool pillow. As the darkness engulfs me in seconds, all I can think about is how Joonie is a fucking genius.

Jang Han-na is a, if not the prime example of a perfectionist. She believes in planning, lists, sticking to routines and scheduling every waking moment of her life. She is a born leader, my longest friend, and I love the girl to death. I couldn't name a better fit for our mother bear title, truly. But at times like this, I can't help but imagine my hands wrung around her neck. Not in a sexy way. You know when you're trying to stop the air from entering someone's lungs? That type of way.

It's been four days since our director graced us with the delightful news that we're going to be able to promote our latest lead single on Inkigayo. If you told me that right now, we'd be on our sixth hour of rehearsal for the fourth day in a row; I would've told Dae Jung-nim to shove the offer down his freshly pressed slacks.

I love to practice. I really do. I will never take dancing with my sisters for granted. It's always a guaranteed laugh when somebody messes up, and we watch Hanna lose her shit, though it's even better when she's the one who messes up. But this isn't funny anymore. I'm hot. I'm bothered. And I cannot stand to listen to our song play one more goddamn time in this boiling dance practice room.

My eyes lift from the ground in my heaved-over stance, a pained laugh passing through my lips as I see my four members sprawled out in various exhausted positions. Asami, specifically, catches my eye; her limbs are spread out on the floor like a starfish, her jaw to the ceiling as she heaves out heavy, strained breaths and furrowed brows to tie it all together. I almost lose it when our song dares to fade out and is about to replay automatically when Joonie's voice echoes throughout the hot box. "I will break your phone, unnie. I really will." Her threat is acknowledged by the oldest as she rolls over from her spot on the floor with a grunt and crawls over to her phone. Hanna lifts a hand to tap over the screen blindly, a satisfied sigh leaving her when the opening line cuts off mid-sentence before flopping back onto the ground again.

"I'll go get us some water," I offer, standing straight after unbending my knees and heading for the door.

"Are you kidding?" Joonie's voice causes me to turn back to the girls, my hand resting on the doorknob as I shoot her a confused look. "You are not even tired. You're so annoying!" She cries before rolling over on her side, turning to face the wall dramatically as the older members chuckle.

I shake my head at the melodramatic teen, a smile threatening to break through on my lips, "I am tired. Just not as much as you." My teasing results in our maknae attempting to pull off her shoe and launch it at me before she tiredly moans and gives up, falling back with a huff.

I exit the room with an amused giggle, making sure to leave the door open and let the hallway's cooled air pour into the studio.

SIREN'S SONG: Rumour from Produce48 (no bc siren would eat this up fr) + SIREN'S STAGE OUTFITS (Left to Right) Ha-Joon, Asami, Aera, Han-na, Nali

The warm air of the hand dryer does well to bring some heat to my cold, shaky hands in the bathroom of Inkigayo. Apparently, Joonie has decided that my hands are dry enough and dashes out of the room, the door swinging behind her as she abandons me. Feeling my eyes roll to the back of my head, I take a quick glance at the mirror and tuck in the part of my white blouse that's not sitting right under my belt before following after the hyperactive girl.

"Joonie, hold up," I whine as I push through the bathroom door, seeing her waiting against the wall opposite the toilets.

"I just wanted to get out of there. It smells like thirty different perfumes." She chuckles before pushing off the wall and starts to head in the direction of our members. I only make it a step towards her before a masculine voice joins our conversation.

"Hello. Are you alright?"

I turn my head towards the voice to see two guys in pilot? policeman? uniforms staring at me curiously. "I'm sorry?" I reply, my tone not doing anything to hide my confusion.

The strangled gasp of Joon from behind me reaches my ear before she almost trips over her own feet, jogging to my side. "Oh my annyeonghaseyo!" She splutters once she's next to me. Her head drops into an instant bow, and I catch on quickly, turning back to the two guys before bowing even lower.

They return the gesture with big smiles before the taller one with dirty blonde hair and a dimple I want to poke turns to me, "Did you need something?"

I feel his friend's gaze on me as I tilt slightly to look up at him before responding, "What do you mean?" What a confusing fucking interaction.

"You yelled out my name."

"Oh!" Oh I see. "Sorry, I was calling out to Joonie," I say as I gesture to the blonde on my left.

"His name is Joonie. Namjoon. Namjoon and Jungkook sunbaenim," she informs me in a low, pointed tone.

I blink a few times at my younger sister before turning back to the police officers. "Oh, wow! Bangtan Sonyeondan!" I bow again, "I'm a huge fan!" I add as I rise from the bow, and my eyes meet the brunette's when I lift my head. With an amused smile painted on his lips, he nods in a way that says 'clearly' in the most sarcastic tone you could think of.

"Kim Ha-Joon," she introduces herself politely before gesturing to me, "and this is Hwang Aera. It's great to meet you."

I mean, I am familiar with Bangtan Sonyeondan; I just didn't recognise them instantly. They make great music, and I share a room with Kim Ha-Joon, a boy group fanatic; it's literally impossible to be unfamiliar with most boy groups nowadays because of her. I am, however, more of an Exo fan. I would give up my firstborn for five minutes with Sehun, but that's another conversation.

I remember the two members she obsesses over in this specific group; one being Park Jimin and the other being the tall glass of water in front of her right now. I'm surprised she hasn't fainted or puked yet.

My eyes drag over their outfits quickly and interestedly before they raise to meet Jungkook's. His eyes are naturally wide and curious, and I find myself wanting to keep staring into them. But, seriously, they're so big that it's almost intimidating. I hate that I like that.

I force myself to eventually look away, though he does not do the same as I feel his gaze on me even when I turn to Hajoon while she speaks. "So excited for your performance! We love your music!" She praises, and I nod in agreement even though I couldn't tell you the first letter of the song they're performing if you held a gun to my head.

"Thank you," Namjoon says humbly, "We're excited to see you perform as well." I almost let a snort escape at his words because it's highly unlikely he even knows who we are, let alone our music. Instead, Ha-Joon accepts the polite response with a toothy grin and fiery red cheeks. It's so cute.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes furiously in my hand, and I mutter a soft apology under my breath before looking down at it, trying my hardest to ignore Jungkook's stare that I feel on my every move and trying even harder not to comment on it out loud.

[5:38 pm] HALMEONI: DID YOU GUYS FALL OVER IN THE BATHROOM OR SOMETHING?

[5:38 pm] HALMEONI: IF SO, GET UP RIGHT NOW AND GET BACK HERE.

[5:39 pm] HALMEONI: WE'RE ON SOON.

"Shoot," I mutter before looking up at Joonie, "we have to go before we get killed."

She looks away from Namjoon for what I think is the first time since she laid eyes on him, and I see the faintest hint of a pout on her lips as she nods at me. I turn to the pilots, "I'm really sorry about the confusion. But we have to go before our leader comes to find us, and none of us wants that." I bow again for good measure and watch as Namjoon shakes his head with a chuckle and a dimpled smile.

"Good luck," Jungkook calls as I spin on my heels and head towards a heated Hanna. I grab the arm of my starstruck maknae as I retreat, throwing back a polite 'thank you, you too!' as I drag the girl down the hall with me.

"Thank you SO much!" Joonie yells back, her free arm that isn't in my grasp lifting to give them a big wave. I am too distracted to laugh at her fangirl behaviour, trying to ignore the way the only two goddamn words he spoke during the entire interaction affected me.

Ha-Joon's borderline hyperventilating as we near the backstage area where our members are waiting pulls me out of my head long enough to glance at her and giggle. "You don't even know how shaky I am right now," she gushes, and I look down at my hand on her ghostly, goosebump-covered arm,

"I think I have some sort of idea."

"Jesus, look at their stage," Asami grumbles aloud as the five of us huddle around the monitors that display the performance of the current act. In this case, it's the Bulletproof Boy Scouts—or whatever I just heard the MC announce. Apparently, they have multiple names, and now I'm confused again.

The rest of us nod in unison, astonishment and a little jealousy, as we stare at the beautiful, very expensive-looking stage decoration through the little monitors. I watch as the spotlights flicker green before the camera zooms into the guy in the centre, and it's no other than Mr Oogly from the hallway incident.

"Ayo, ladies and gentlemen," Jungkook's voice is smooth as he moves confidently, eyes never losing the camera once he finds it. Once he finishes the intro, it cuts to another member, Jimin, if I recall correctly. I glance at Joonie in time to see her eyes widen excitedly when he appears on the screen.

When I look back at the monitor, the rest of the group is running into view, quickly getting into formation before they start dancing to the chorus' instrumental. My eyebrows furrow as they move, taking over the stage like seasoned professionals instead of young rookies. Jesus, they're good.

"What's that one's name, Joonie-yah?" Nali asks wide-eyed as a platinum blonde member makes his way to the middle.

"It's Suga, unnie," Ha-Joon replies instantly, her eyes not leaving the monitor for a split second.

Our youngest is rapping along (or at least trying to rap along) to Suga's part under her breath, and I watch as he casually devours his lines with a cheeky smile and breath control to be desired.

"I gotta make it, gotta, gotta make it,"

The next chorus approaches before I know it, and Jungkook slinks his way to the centre before I have time to register how the fuck someone can actually look like the guy who Joonie just informed me was named V.

"Jjeoreo!" They fall back into their choreo during the chorus, and my eyes float from each member before landing right back in the middle. Jungkook's staring into the camera as he sings his lines, and I shake my head in astonishment. He doesn't miss a beat while simultaneously singing his lines live during the intense chorus choreography.

Ha-Joon's singing along to the music is so cute; I pull her over and link my arm with hers. We're bobbing along to the chorus as we watch the group perform through the monitor with vibrant energy and stamina. I hope at least one person in this entire building was as impressed by our performance as Joonie is with theirs; she's basically shaking.

Their song comes to an end, and the loud screams from the crowd drag my sisters and me out of our haze. "Wow," Hanna breathes as we step back from the monitors while the show cuts back to the MCs.

"They're just insane, aren't they?" Joonie sighs dreamily with her head leaning on my shoulder. I nod in agreement and drag the younger girl along as we follow our leader through the backstage area while she says something about photos and a particular staircase.

"I haven't eaten today; I was scared I'd puke it all up. Apparently, all the food here is free. I'll bring back a bunch for all of us," Asami exclaims before breaking off from the herd and heading towards the cafeteria.

Joonie's ears perk up like a puppy at the mention of food, and it doesn't take long for her to detach from my side and jog over to the Japanese girl. They disappear around a corner and throw back an obedient 'yes mum' to Han-na when she tells them to hurry.

I hear a resounding chorus of chatter get louder behind me, coming from the area near where the five of us were just gathered around the monitors. Right where you dismount the stage. I ignored their cheers of glee and tried to speed up a bit to catch up to Hanna and Nali before a voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Hey! Aera, right?"

I watch my two older sisters get further away on their trek to the stupid fucking staircase, and I'm almost offended. I could be getting abducted right now, and they wouldn't even notice. I spin around to face the voice, and his wide starry eyes catch me off guard again.

Nodding in response, I am about to lean down into a bow once again before he puts up a hand to stop me. Jungkook's smile is cheeky with an undertone of cockiness, abruptly halting my action.

"It's rude not to bow to your sunbaenims, you know," I inform through hooded eyes, my palms resting on the skin of my bare thighs. Suddenly, I wish I went for trousers today.

"Sunbaenim?" His tone is so cheeky, "We debuted barely a year before you."

His response catches me off guard, and I blink a few times, waiting for his confident facade to crack. It doesn't. "How'd you know when we debuted?"

"Big fan." He says simply with a shrug, no doubt referencing my comment from earlier this afternoon in the hallway.

"Hm," I nod with a pursed-lip smile, glancing over his shoulder and seeing his bandmates looking in our direction. They notice my gaze on them and suddenly spin around into a huddle, pretending to have never looked at me to begin with.

A laugh catches in my throat at his members' actions before I look back at Jungkook. "Your performance was really good." I praise, watching as his head tilts ever so slightly at the comment, his teeth poking out of his mouth as he smiles. Like a bunny.

"You think so?"

"Don't say things like that if I don't mean it. You were great." I nod, watching his Adam's apple bob in his throat as he swallows.

"Thank you. You were incredible as well," Jungkook replies politely, and I brush it off as an obliged response.

"Seriously. You were." He assures, almost as if he could tell I didn't believe him.

"Thank you."

I find myself looking at his eyes again. You can learn a lot about someone through their eyes, and his are wide and full. He doesn't even try to hide his emotions displayed in their glossiness, and I don't think he wants to. It protrudes confidence and security, and I admire that.

A few moments pass, and my eyes flicker from him to the members behind him before they return. "I have to go take photos in front of a staircase," I say as his eyebrows raise intriguingly, "I'll let you get back."

He nods wordlessly before patting his back pocket, "Could I—" he finally finishes the phone from his trousers, "grab your number?"

My teeth pull at the inside of my bottom lip as I watch him unlock his phone before looking up at me with wide, hopeful eyes.

"I, uh—" I don't give my number out. To anyone. I lost a lot of friendships in my journey to debut. Work occupied ninety-nine percent of my time and attention. Any relationships I did have prior to Siren basically fizzled out due to our long and odd hours of practice and preparation.

"I won't bother you too much," he smirks, "promise."

My lips purse shut as I take the phone from his grasp before putting my number in his contacts.

"I won't bother you too much." What a fucking liar.

this chapter is dedicated to @ibtiheler for your sweet comments & dms, thank u for supporting the story angel!! i hope ur having an amazing day <3 love you xx

tag list — lemme kno if u'd like to be added <3

@0anodite0 @heartjiminie @aloverga @cuntessaiii @adeptiixiao

#jeon jungkook #jungkook #jungkook fic #jungkook fluff #jungkook imagine #jungkook smut #jungkook x oc #jungkook x reader #jungkook x you #bts fanfic #bts army #bts fic #jungkook bts #bts #bangtan #fame

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hwalilac · 1 year

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Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve (2)

⇴ pairing: kim hongjoong x f!reader

⇴ genre: smut, angst

⇴ words: 2.6k

⇴ warnings: just some smut and tears

⇴ a/n: feedback is accepted and welcome, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my work! if you’d like to be on my taglist, lmk. if you’d like to see more of my work, check out my masterlist!

This is a continuation of this fic. This does NOT represent the real Kim Hongjoong of Ateez, and is purely a work of fiction.

⇴ tags: @hyuckilstan @star1117-archives @whatudowhennooneseesyou @jwnghyuns @az-con @noonaishere @rdiamond2727 @ja3hwa @wonwowzers @little-precious-baby

You wake up to a pounding headache, eyes blurry and feet freezing cold. Only Wooyoung would keep his house as cold as an igloo. Thankfully, he was smart enough to leave ibuprofen and a glass of water on the nightstand. You get up once you’ve mustered up the energy, heading downstairs to see where Wooyoung is.

The sound of sizzling fills the kitchen, drawing you closer. There Wooyoung is, dressed in a cute apron you got him two years ago. It’s crazy that he still has it. You thought you were being subtle, watching the way he struggles to flip an egg, but he turns around anyway. “Good morning, sleepy head,” he says, adding a cute giggle. You’ll never understand how he has so much energy in the morning. Without even looking in the mirror, you can tell you look like you just came out of months of hibernation.

Regardless, you made a strangled sounding ‘mhm’, before moving to the bar chairs behind the island. Within minutes he’s serving you breakfast, all looking beautifully presented. No one cooks like he can in Ateez. Especially not Hongjoong, you think. You let out a little giggle, thinking about how many times he’s made a mess in your kitchen.

You’re brought out of your thoughts when Wooyoung asks what you were laughing at. However, you just sit there for a second. You were just laughing at a memory with Hongjoong. The man you just left. The man who was sobbing as you walked away from him. Tears swelled in your eyes, fighting the urge to cry in front of Wooyoung yet again.

“Did I make a mistake?”, you ask, voice shaky, tears dripping down your face. Regret fills you, making your chest tighten. Wooyoung’s face softens at the sight of your emotional state. “Oh Y/n… I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.” You can tell he’s being honest. Maybe you just need time. Maybe you need time to grieve this loss. And so you did. From that day on, you vowed to let yourself feel all the emotions. But you promised you wouldn’t go back to him.

It’s Saturday night and you’re having a breakdown before you’ve even seen him. It’s been three months since you’ve seen Kim Hongjoong, and tonight is the night. Wooyoung is practically forcing you to go to this party for idols, as his plus one. You immediately said no, but after Wooyoung bought an expensive dress for you, you felt as though you had to go. Although you did curse him out for an entire week for spending a ton of money on you.

You’ve got the dress on, sexy black with slits around your sides, a low v cut, it’s quite short. You’ve tried to brush off Wooyoung’s words, but they’re stuck in your mind. “Hongjoong won’t be able to stop looking at you, he might just drag you away as soon as he sees you.” You won’t lie, part of you wants that. A small voice in the back of your head yearns for him. To the point where you’ve dreamt about him. But you’ll have to be strong and keep your distance.

The ride with Wooyoung was quick, traffic slow for the time of day. However, once you got there, your heart was already racing. You were on high alert, checking all around you for your ex. Just have fun, you try telling yourself. As soon as you enter the party, you’re met with an array of fragrances, both feminine and masculine. Who knew idols could smell so good?

You immediately head for the alcoholic punch, ready to get drunk. Once you’re there, you feel a presence next to you. You look up to find Seonghwa, another one of Hongjoong’s band mates. You put on a polite smile, hoping he doesn’t mention his leader. He doesn’t though, making small talk about how you’ve been doing, and complimenting your dress. He’s always been good for small talk, knowing when not to dive into deeper topics. It’s much appreciated.

Once he walks away, you find a spot at a small empty table with only two chairs. It means a less likelihood of anyone sitting with you. You glance around the large room, recognizing many people. Wooyoung is talking DK from Seventeen’s ear off, probably telling him how much he loves his voice. You certainly know, as he’s told you more than once.

Everyone looks so beautiful, and you can’t help but feel insignificant in comparison to everyone else. Hongjoong would always tell you that no one in the industry compared to you. You look down at your almost empty glass of punch, before downing the rest. You head back over to the punch table, making sure to fill up your glass almost all the way in hopes it’ll last you longer.

You’re about to walk away when a man steps in front of you, almost making you spill your drink. Thankfully, you didn’t. You look up to find Juyeon from The Boyz, looking down at you with a beautiful smile. You’ve always found him to be one of the most attractive men in the industry, though you’d never told Hongjoong that. “Hey, sorry about that!”, he quickly apologizes. “Are you okay?” You manage a quick nod, and he responds with another beautiful smile.

Little did you know that Hongjoong was across the room, staring at your little interaction with Juyeon. He couldn’t lie, it made him jealous. He always trusted you, but he was still a jealous lover. He rolled his eyes, but kept watching the scene go down, until you eventually walked back to your corner of the room. Hongjoong was broken out of his thoughts when one of his members spoke, “For someone who says they’ve moved on, you sure are distracted by her.” Seonghwa snorted at Hongjoong’s distaste towards his statement.

He scoffed at the audacity of his hyung to say such a thing. Of course he wasn’t distracted. Why would I be?, he thought. And yet, he was completely enamored by your presence. He was glad you came. Knowing Wooyoung, he probably dragged you here. The sudden urge to go talk to you came over him. He knows it’s a bad idea, and yet he just can’t stop himself. Step by step he walks over to you, hesitant to greet you. But it has to happen now, or it won’t happen for a long time.

You’re staring at your phone when you see someone standing in front of your table. Quickly, you look up, thinking for a split second that you were in trouble. And you were. Because Hongjoong stood there, looking down at you with a kind smile. It broke your heart to see him here, looking more handsome than ever. You always loved seeing him in a tuxedo. But you had to keep up an act. Why? You couldn’t answer that.

“Can I sit?”, he gently asks, and you can tell he’s trying to not make you angry. You reluctantly nod, and he takes the seat across from you. You can almost hear the rapid heartbeat in his chest. You know he’s not good with confrontation. But if he wants to solve anything, he has to take the next step. “So… How have you been?” Small talk. He wants to make small talk.

“Hongjoong, if you’ve got something to say, just say it.” Your words stun him, not expecting you to be too blunt. You’re never that blunt with him. “I want to apologize. I should’ve done it a while ago, but I was too much of a coward. I fucked up, really badly.” You nod along with his last statement, which silently crushes his heart. He can’t take knowing that he hurt you.

“I was too stubborn, I should’ve listened to you. You were only trying to help, and I was being an asshole. You deserved so much more that that.” You look up to see his eyes swelling with tears, something you haven’t seen in a long time. You sigh, before starting, “Yeah, I did deserve better. You really hurt me Hongjoong. It wasn’t healthy for either of us. You had some things you needed to sort out.”

He quickly jumped in, “I got help. I started going to therapy. I started sorting out my issues, and talking things out. It really helped me.” He looks hopeful. Hopeful that you’ll forgive him. You can already tell that that’s his mission. And maybe to get you back. And to be quite honest… you’re not opposed. “I’m really glad you’ve gotten help Joong, I know how bad you were struggling.”

You share a smile, and a look in each other’s eyes that could tell anyone with eyes that you still loved each other. “I’m telling you this because I love you. I never stopped loving you. And I’m so sorry I betrayed your trust, but I want to earn it back. If you’ll let me, that is.” You sit there in silence, looking like you’re contemplating this decision. But you’re not. You’ve thought about him every single day since you left. You miss him so badly, it hurts.

One would think once you forgave him, and let him back into your life, that you’d go home and have a sweet talk. Maybe spend some quality time. Well… you certainly are spending quality time. Within minutes of you forgiving him, you end up in the bathroom together. It started with a forgiveness kiss. Then an “I missed you” kiss. Then an “I love you” kiss. And then… It went south from there.

Both your clothes were everywhere, his lips and hands all over your body. It was a sight to see. But it was only his sight, and he was going to make sure you knew that. “I hope no one has touched you,” he growled. No one did though. “How could I let anyone touch my body when all I could think about was you?” His eyes widened, not expecting such an answer. But it only fueled him to keep going. To give you the utmost amount of pleasure.

His fingers were in you in seconds, pumping fast, trying to get the spongy spot inside you. Luckily, he’s always been able to succeed in that. Moans echoed throughout the bathroom, but you were thankful he dragged you to the bathroom at the very back of the building. Your moans were his, and his only. He made sure to tell you that more than once. Soon he couldn’t take it anymore, and shoved his face in your core. The pleasure was unbearable, a fire quickly building in your stomach.

His fingers reached up to tweak your buds, forcing a moan out of you. You dug your fingers into his hair, pulling at the roots. He loved it though, making him suck on your clit even harder. He knew exactly how to get you there, hands gripping your thighs, and eating you out like his life depending on it. Finally it was too much, and you spilled all your juices onto his mouth. He was happy to clean you up though, not missing a single drop. He always told you how good you tasted.

He rose from his knees, immediately unbuckling his belt. “Oh angel, I’ve been dying to feel you around me. You don’t understand how much I’ve missed making you scream for me.” You could’ve come right then and there. And he knew it too, knowing exactly how he made you feel with his words. He was pouncing on you in seconds, too eager to be inside you. You were turned around, lying over the counter, ass on display for him. He could help but slap your ass, loving the way it shook for him.

As soon as he entered, you were done for. There’s no way you’d go a day without his cock anymore. The way he stretched you felt incredible, hands practically bruising your hips. You immediately pushed back against him, ready to be filled all the way. That was all he needed, “Oh fuck baby, so eager to be filled by me. You missed it, didn’t you? The way you grip around me so well, like a little cockslut.” It turned you on so badly, immediately making you clench around him.

His hips brutally slapped against you at a punishing pace, making up for all the time he didn’t fuck you. One hand came up to your chest, while the other wrapped your hair around his hand and pulled your head back. You could barely see him, and yet you could still tell he had that sickeningly evil smirk on his face. He knew exactly what he was doing to you. He drops your hair, before saying, “Look in the mirror baby, look at how sexy you look, moaning for my cock.”

You couldn’t help but look, body always doing whatever he told you to do. And the sight almost made you come right then and there. He was looking into your eyes, almost daring you to come. “Am I making you feel good? Is this as good as it is in your dreams?” He teased you, already knowing the answer. “Fuck yes, please Joong, please,” you begged. “Please what, baby? Use your words,” he demanded.

“P-please make me come,” you whined. Thankfully, he didn’t tease you any longer. Somehow, he thrusted even faster. His finger was on your clit, rubbing and circling, begging you to come for him. Before you knew it, everything went black. You were shaking and moaning, all for him. You could feel his release inside you. When you came down, he was already pulled out of you. His first action was to clean you up, making sure you were comfortable.

For a good five minutes you just sat in silence. He was the first to speak, “I missed you, so much. I promise you, I will make sure to treat you like you deserve. I love you more than anything, and I’m sorry it got that bad.” You opened your arms for him, letting him embrace you. You couldn’t deny that you were more than happy to let him back into your life. Hongjoong was a good person at heart, anyone could tell that.

You walked back out, into the party, trying not to be too suspicious. However, as soon as you walked out, you were met with Wooyoung and Seonghwa standing by your table. Once they saw you two together, it finally clicked. A sly smirk appeared on Wooyoung’s face, but before he could even say anything snarky, you stopped him. “Yes Wooyoung, we got back together. Let’s not make a big deal about it.”

But that wasn’t good enough for him. He went on the entire night, talking about all the nights you cried to him to the entirety of Ateez. It couldn’t be more embarrassing. But all throughout the night, you had Hongjoong next to you. You knew it wasn’t the end. You knew you deserved to be together. All relationships have bumps in the road. This was a hill. But you got over it together, and he’s become a better person in the end.

“Yes Mingi! I’m telling you, Y/n was a total mess.”

“Wooyoung, I’ll beat the crap out of you.”

I do not give permission for anyone to repost my work

#ateez smut #Hongjoong smut #Hongjoong #Ateez #hongjoong angst #Ateez angst #kim hongjoong #ateez hongjoong #ateez imagines #ateez scenarios #ateez fanfic #ateez x reader #ateez reactions #ateez fic #ateez suggestive

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secret-bug-pain-blog · 5 months

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[THURSDAY]

Buried Alive - Outlived Family - "Not growing old was fun at first, but then everyone around me started dying."

Hi! Hello! We're here, Late To The Event. Technically, we have plans for all these days! We only remembered this event was ongoing halfway through the week, and by then... well, you know how it is. Technically, this isn't fully compliant with the prompt, but it's close enough that we figure it counts, since outliving his entire family was actually slightly less impactful than outliving his husband for our boy.

Fic below the cut, and @species-whump-weekly we sincerely hope this isn't too late to count.

You have been asleep for long enough that you aren't even sure if he'll still be alive.

His swarm finds you before you find them.

Marina gasps when she sees you. She's years older, now - wings worn at the edges, shell thin and flimsy, aged far beyond the young butterfly you saw her as last.

She looks older than you ever have been. She looks older than you suspect you ever will be.

Her father, your friend – your paramour, your years-long companion – isn’t with her. You fear, for a moment, you’ve stumbled upon them too late. You nearly cringe away from the migration them and there, fearful of discovering yet another thing that’s slipped away while you hibernated.

But you don’t have the heart to walk away.

He’s been waiting for you.

He is old, and frail, and dying. You can taste the creeping end in his veins from the moment you step foot into the tent. His shell is pitted with age, now, cracked and chinked in places, brittle enough that you fear taking his hand will hurt him. Time has weathered him, his wings transparent and paper-thin around him, and you… you stay the same, looking just as young as the day you first met him on the stolen life of those who unearthed your grave.

“I knew you’d come back,” he tells you. “You wouldn’t die that easily.”

You hold his frail, trembling claw in both of yours. You aren’t sure how he can say that so confidently. He has always had more faith in you than you have in yourself.

He invites you to drain him.

You hesitate, at first. Every instinct you have picked up over your long, long life is screaming for you to run. To survive, to keep your secret- he knows, and it's against everything you've ever learned to remain, to let him speak, to not preserve your life-

He knows. But maybe he's known for a long, long time.

You take his offer. You take his life.

You know what it is that killed him the moment you bite. The magic of the wastes, the low hum that seeps into your bones, the constant background noise that sometimes threatens to tear you apart - it gathers within him, down to the deepest parts of his shell. There are lumps of flesh in his heart, his lungs, full of the same mind-jarring, skull-shattering buzz.

He has the wasteland sickness.

You think that, perhaps, he has had the wasteland sickness for a long time.

You drain him until he is dry, until every last flicker of the wasteland sickness is gone from his body, until he is stiff and his flesh holds the texture of jerky, and you let your fangs linger on his shrivelled veins until you can't bear to remain anymore.

You are sick, the next day.

And the day after that, and the day after that.

The buzz is in your bones, now - too close, too loud, rattling through your shell like a twisted beast. You have the wasteland sickness, stolen from his dying body, and it is trying to take you the way it took him.

You do not die.

You don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, anymore.

It is energy. It is vitality, the buzzing, throbbing pulse beyond the heart of a beast on a scale you cannot comprehend.

It is life force, and you can stomach it just the same.

A week passes. Two weeks. The symptoms slow, as you digest it. It becomes your life, your energy, it bends to keep you alive, it becomes you, while you lie weak and dizzy and throwing up blood.

It becomes you. You become it, in turn.

It is the last pulse of your husband, and you refuse to waste it.

You stumble out of the tent two weeks later, exhausted and bearing injuries you cannot see with your naked eyes. You are tired, and hurt, and you have burnt through most of the life you had, but you are alive.

His body is still waiting for you.

#species whump weekly #monsieur scarlet #whump #my posts #writing #my writing #nonhuman whumpee #character death #bug fables #walks up a week late to the week long event. hey everyone whats up #we are going to make you feel sad about a vampire and you will have no choice in the matter #our vampire is very nontraditional but he is still a vampire unless youre gonna exclude a LOT of classic vamps from the category #life force draining ant guy who is kinda sorta immortal and heavily nomadic #his husband here is a monarch butterfly and will be unfamiliar to everyone because we havent talked about him yet #if you are in the bug fables tag looking at this: hi. we're doing crimes to guys for event purposes again #nothing new for us but you may enjoy this later

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alfredosauce50 · 11 months

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Passengers

[America x reader] 01

Wordcount: 2, 575

Synopsis: After his hibernation pod malfunctions and wakes him up 90 years ahead of schedule, he grapples with the morbid reality that he has to live out the rest of his days on a space ship. He spends a year in complete isolation before losing his mind.

During an episode, Alfred encounters another passenger and falls in love with them. As an engineer, he has everything at his disposal to wake them up. Then he wouldn’t be lonely anymore. But that would mean taking their life--and he does it on a whim.

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: This is a crossover with the film Passengers (2016). I do not own the plot.

The reader is referred to as she/her.

Passengers - 01

Lost in space

The cold infinity of space. A never-ending void of black nothingness. It sounded terrifying when put like that, but it was also a sea you could sail through with the right ship. From Earth to a Homestead II, it would take you 120 years on the Avalon.

The magnificent silver cruiser was a thousand meters long and oscillated through space like a wave. Inside slept 258 crew and 5000 passengers, their bodies resting in hibernation pods. Nothing could disturb them, not even the gentle hail of asteroids.

They smashed against the ship’s front shield in muffled explosions before crumbling away into tiny rocks. And from the inside, not a sound. But the same couldn’t be said for bigger bogeys, with one just so happening to drift in for an imminent collision.

When it hit, the Avalon gave a deep shake.

The lights in the passenger pod room shut off one by one, but all came on after a brief second. If only that had been the extent of damages done to the Avalon. Several error diagnostics popped up in the command room, showing issues from all over the spacecraft.

All were eventually fixed by the self-repairing system.

All but one.

A hibernation pod lit up in a warm yellow as others stayed dark. A mist flurried inside, oxygenating the body that lay within. When it cleared up, the person was revealed to be a young man in his late twenties. He had short, sandy blonde hair parted to one side and an athletic body. Aside from his career demands, he must’ve worked out regularly to maintain it.

Alfred F. Jones, a mechanical engineer from the US.

And to revive him, a particular procedure took place. Three vials of liquid were injected into his shoulder. He was then shocked in the chest, causing his torso to rise and fall in a loud thump. Now that his heart started beating again, he breathed his first breath.

“Good morning, Alfred.” A female voice greeted him. When he fluttered his eyes open, he saw a hologram of a woman peering down at him. And like all normal people, he responded with the following.

“Wait, what?” He grabbed at his pod, eyes widened.

“It’s perfectly normal to feel confused. You just spent 120 years in suspended animation,” She explained.

“What?”

“It’s alright, Alfred. Just breathe,” His pod hovered across the room to a checkpoint, which completed a more thorough examination. As of now, he was only at 2% recovery from his sleep. “Everything is okay.”

“Where am I?” He asked hoarsely.

“You’re a passenger on the starship Avalon, the Homestead Company’s premier interstellar starliner. We’ve nearly completed the voyage from Earth to your new home. The colony world of Homestead II.”

Pictures of a lush planet, a spitting image of Earth at her prime, played before him like a slideshow.

“A new world. A fresh start. Room to grow.”

“Oh, yeah.” He smiled contentedly, eyes closed. Now that she mentioned it, everything came back to him. He left home with a dream, to rebuild society from the ground up. And this time, without messing up.

“The Avalon is on final approach,” The images were now of a bar, pool, and bustling grand concourse. “For the next four months, you’ll enjoy space travel at its most luxurious. Food, fun, and friends.”

“My friends.” He sighed dreamily.

“That’s right, Alfred.” The woman smiled, lifting her arm to reveal a metal ring. He glanced down to find his, an economy class identifier. “The ID band on your wrist is your key to the wonders of the Avalon.”

He scanned it when prompted, hearing a chime.

“You’re in perfect health, Alfred. Let’s get you to your cabin, where you can get some rest.” She finished.

He made a short journey to his room, but it took way longer than it should’ve. The ship was by no means small, and he was by no means feeling well. By the time he got to the hall, he had a searing headache. As he reached up to it, hissing, he heard over the announcements that he may be experiencing what was the most common health ailment of his time.

Post-hibernation sickness.

It would take a few days before he’d feel like himself.

“Welcome to your cabin. Your home until we make landfall,” The same voice piped again. The woman appeared as a full-body hologram by the wall, and as she spoke to him, he faced her with a slight hunch.

The home in question was a small gray room with a single bed, desk, closet, and bathroom. All the basics you’d expect in a studio. It wasn’t much, but he was betting on the rest of the ship to make up for it.

“Over the next four months, you’ll prepare for your new life on Homestead II, meet fellow passengers, and learn about colonial living. You’ve been assigned to learning group 38 for passengers with engineering and technical trade skills.” She explained.

That was right. As good as the Avalon looked, he didn’t come here for a holiday. He was relocating for his job. In a world as new as this, opportunities were as plentiful as the strokes of grass in Spring.

“Please scan your ID to confirm luggage delivery.”

His suitcase rolled out onto a shelf, but all he did was scratch his head, deep in thought. He could build his house out of scratch, too. A two-story cabin meshed between some trees sounded pretty sweet.

“Alfred,” She craned her head at him, brows raised.

Only now did he scan it, finalizing his onboarding.

“To help you recover from hibernation, be sure to drink plenty of fluids,” She instructed.

The jetting of liquid was heard, turning his head to the sound. He saw a cup filling itself up with clear, pinkish fluid at a water station. He came over and gulped down the contents, parched out of his mind.

“Enjoy the rest of your voyage on the Avalon, a Homestead company starship.” The woman beamed.

And enjoy it he did.

The first thing Alfred opted for was a hot shower. And damn, did it feel good. It only seemed like yesterday that he was in his cubicle back at home, but his body relished every warm drop of water.

With one arm propped up against the wall, he hung his head under the constant spray of it.

“It’s a beautiful morning here on the starship Avalon. Whatever you do, don’t get homesick,” A man spoke over the in-built radio. “Get Homestead. Let’s start things off with one of my favorites back on Earth.”

He jogged to the bathroom mirror, fully dressed with a brown bomber jacket. Nodding at his reflection, he left to go seize the day. But not a moment passed before he stepped back in to get a second look.

“No.” He took off his jacket and threw it over his shoulder for a cool pose. “No, that’s stupid.”

He sighed and wore it like normal.

“Just own it, Alfred. You’ve got a cool jacket.”

He walked out of his room without it, rubbing his hands awkwardly. Now to learning group 38. But when he got inside the theater, it was completely empty. Did he misread the timetable, perhaps?

“Hello passengers. Will you all please take a seat?” Passengers, she said. Alfred glanced around again, but didn’t take long to find a spot on one of the benches. Not that any of them were occupied.

While the holographic instructor did her rounds, he began to wonder if he was in the right place at all.

“Welcome, learning group 38. Your introduction to colonial life,” She began. “Earth is a prosperous planet, the cradle of civilization. But for many, it’s also overpopulated, overpriced, and overrated.”

He stuck up a hand.

“I’m sorry, I think I may be in the wrong…”

“Hold all questions till the end, please.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“The colonies offer an alternative,”

“Where are all the other…” Alfred trailed off and bowed his head as she merely spoke over him.

“A better way of life. And there’s no colony more beautiful than Homestead II, the jewel of the occupied world,” She gestured to the landscapes behind her, but he couldn’t be taken by them.

“I’m sorry,” He laughed sheepishly, unable to keep it to himself any longer. “Where is everybody?”

“We are all on the starship, Avalon.”

“But I’m the only one here.” He replied, confused.

“There are 5, 000 passengers and 258 crew members.” She answered in a monotone.

“So why am I alone?” He frowned.

“We’re all in this together.”

Alfred felt his stomach drop. He had a terrible feeling he couldn’t shake off, and to confirm it was just that, a feeling, he needed to see a human representative. He left the theater in a panic and ran down the halls.

“Hello? Is anybody here?” He shouted. “Hello?”

But like every other place he’d gone so far, they were completely empty. Not a soul was onboard with him. Or, at least, it looked that way. Everyone else was tucked away in their pods, fast asleep, but him?

Alfred got inside the elevator and jabbed the button for ‘grand concourse.’ He sat on a bench and started bouncing his leg. In his delirium, he missed a vital instruction until he felt a direct consequence of it.

“Huh?”

Floating. He twisted around mid-air, only now just finding the unbuckled seatbelts under him. This day couldn’t get any worse--until his elevator arrived, slamming him against the ground in a heavy thump. “Agh—!” He got onto his feet and rubbed his nose after it took the brunt of the fall. “Fuck.”

He walked out into a giant gallery, which lit up in a warm glow upon sensing his presence. A fountain even started flowing, another indication he was the first of his kind. Nobody had been here before him.

“Hello!” A help station greeted. “Welcome to the grand concourse aboard the Avalon. Can I help you?”

“I need to talk to a person,” Alfred ran over, eyes wide and chest heaving. “A real live person, please?”

“What sort of person?” It asked, popping up icons one after the other. A person lifting weights, another holding a suitcase, then one with a clipboard. “Personal trainer? Travel planner? Therapist?”

“I don’t--I don’t know. Someone in charge.”

“The ship’s steward handles passenger affairs. It’s on level three of the grand concourse.” It replied.

He didn’t hesitate to go there, and when he got to the office, all he saw was an empty desk. He tensed up as reality began settling in, but for the sake of his sanity, he would deny it for as long as he could.

“Not good.”

Alfred returned to the grand concourse.

“Hello!” The help station greeted again.

“Who’s flying this ship?” He jogged over.

“The flight crew, the captain, the pilot, the chief—”

“—Captain. I want to speak to the captain.”

“The captain rarely handles passenger queries—”

“It’s an emergency!” He blurted. “Please.”

He used the elevator again, this time remembering to buckle up. Once he got to the command ring, he ran to a giant spherical door. This was the bridge, where the highest commanding officers congregated. And in other words, his last resort. If anybody was awake, it had to be the people flying this thing, right?

Alfred attempted to open it with his ID.

“Bridge access requires special authorization.”

He scanned it again, hearing a low ‘ba-bum.’

“Bridge access requires special authorization.”

He stepped forward and peered through a tiny slit, his movements hurried. Maybe if he alerted the crew inside, he’d be able to talk to them. Only he didn’t see anybody inside, just a dark room with glowing panels. So he stepped back, reaching up to his head.

“You gotta be kidding me.” He winced.

Alfred was running out of options. With nobody else to turn to, he went out on a limb and found himself in the observatory. The room darkened and projected a beautiful hologram of a galaxy around him.

“Welcome to the observatory. What can I show you?”

“We’re supposed to land soon?” He tilted his head back to watch the stars and clouds of cosmic dust float about. But instead of wonder, all he could offer was a strained grimace. “I’m the only one awake.”

“I don’t understand. What can I show you?”

He thought for a moment.

“Show me Homestead II.”

“Homestead II is the fourth planet in the Bhakti system.” The galaxy zoomed into one spot, revealing the colony world he’d seen in all the posters. Little did he know, that was the closest he’d ever get to it.

“Right. And where are we?”

“We’re in transit from Earth to Homestead II. We will arrive in approximately ninety years.”

“What?” He uttered.

“We arrive at Homestead II in 90 years, three weeks, and one day.” The narrator elaborated.

“No, wait.” His heart sped up as he came to his worst epiphany yet. “How long ago did we leave Earth?”

“Approximately thirty years ago.”

What he saw, what he heard, they all pointed to one harrowing explanation. Out of the 5258 souls aboard, it happened to him. Hibernation failure, a concept completely unheard of until now.

“I woke up too soon,” He spoke faintly.

Alfred ran to the computer room. If he didn’t figure something out, he could kiss everything goodbye. His dreams would have to take a backseat. At this point, he didn’t know if he’d even see land ever again.

“How do I send a message to Earth?”

“Interstellar messages are sent by laser array. This is an expensive service,” The help station explained.

He ran past it, glaring over his shoulder.

“Bite me.”

“Happy to help!”

Taking a seat in front of a large monitor, he scanned his ID band to turn it on. The screen booted up.

“Planet and connection?”

“Earth. The Homestead Company.”

“There are 30, 826 contacts listed under Homestead company,” Thousands of names scrolled before him.

“I’m emigrating to Homestead II and I have an emergency,” Alfred explained quickly.

“I have a customer helpline.”

The camera turned on, showing his face onscreen.

“Sounds about right.”

“Begin message.”

“Hi.” He began stiffly, swallowing thickly as he spoke. “I’m Alfred Jones. I’m a passenger on the Avalon. I think something went wrong with my hibernation pod. I woke up too soon. And I mean, way too soon. Nobody else is awake, and… I don’t know how to get back to sleep. And the thing is, there’s 90 years to go. At this rate, I’m… I’m sorry, I’m trying to fix this. I… Maybe I missed something? I could use a hand. That’s all. Thank you.” He pressed the send button.

“Message sent.”

He paused, blinking. Was that it?

“Outstanding.” He leaned in, brows raised.

“Message will arrive in nineteen years.”

“Wait, what?”

“Earliest reply, fifty-five years.”

“Fifty-five years,” Alfred repeated, truly and utterly defeated. He hung his head as he slid off the stool, eyes wide and disbelieving. He didn’t even bother tuning in for the hefty sum that he had to pay.

“We apologize for the delay. That will be $6, 012.”

If there was any way to fix this, he would have to do it himself. And he wasn’t the type to give up easily. Everything he’d ever done as an engineer boiled down to this. If he failed, this was his whole life gone.

Next chapter:

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moonshine-nightlight · 2 years

Text

Finally Woken: Part Five

Working for the family business of traveling trade caravans, means you‘ve always accepted having to put up with a lot from your family, especially your dad. He finally goes to far when he tries to sell your prized possessions to make up for his own business failings. You’re proud of yourself for making a stand, but he’s not wrong when he says you don’t have any real connections outside the family–but he’s not completely right either.

Your closest friend happens to live in the city you’re stopped at so you decide to see if you can stay at his place until you can figure out what you’re going to. You’ve never come by the city this early, but he’s probably fully woken up from the naga’s traditional bout of hibernation by now, right?

Fantasy, friends to lovers, naga, male monster x female reader, M/F, Part 5 of 8

Story Status: Complete

AO3: Finally Woken Chapter 5

[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three] [Part Four] Part Five [Part Six] [Part Seven] [Part Eight - NSFW]

You reach Nell’s butcher shop after noon, as she mentioned.

It's a well established shop, looks like it's been around for over a hundred years, with a few different buildings supporting it, likely where Nell and her family or workers live. You head in with only mild trepidation, ignoring the anxiety that’s nudging you with thoughts about how maybe she hadn’t really meant her offer.

A whip-thin reptilian is using a meat slicer when you enter, but he turns when he hears her come in. “Hello,” he greets, a practiced smile on his face. “How can I help you?”

“Hello,” you reply, swallowing down your nerves. “I’m looking for—Nell!” The back curtain had moved aside while you were talking to reveal the woman herself.

Her eyes land on you immediately and she smiles. “Hey, just in time. The younger ones just went up for their nap.” She pats the man on his shoulder, murmuring something you don’t catch, before jerking her thumb towards the curtain she came through. “Follow me around back.”

Nell leads you down a hallway and out the back of the storefront building. The small courtyard has clearly been freshly planted, but is empty of others so you aren’t surprised when she says, “Around this way. We try to keep the middling ones away from the ones who need naps, but since they’re taking sunnaps on that roof,” she points to a wide flat roof in the center of what must be her family’s collection of buildings. You can’t see beyond the railing but it looks like a very nice roof patio. “There’s only so far they can go. This series of cousins only got here a few days ago from our farms. They try their best, but they’re excited to be here and see each other. So they forget how loud they’re being—youngens.” She rolls her eyes as she says it, clearly exaggerating her disapproval because she can’t be more than a few years older than you, and you laugh.

You turn the corner to another small yard backed up against a tall fence to the buildings next door.

“Oi,” Nell says to the six or so people hanging out in this yard. You’re not sure you’d call them kids, but you’d put them around the same age as the students you were tutoring at the university. The majority are reptilians similar enough to Nell to appear obviously related, but not all of them are. They do seem bored, looking up instantly at the sound of her voice, so maybe Nell hadn’t been exaggerating. Or maybe they just know to be ready when Nell calls for their attention. “Which of you are coming?”

A thin, bright blue reptilian who looks more similar to the man at the counter inside than Nell stands up. He looks a year or two older than the others and he peers at you curiously. Another reptilian, but one built broader and colored green-grey like Nell, but without the tattoos, sticks out a hand from where he leans against the wall. Finally a gorgon woman who’d been lounging in a chair sideways stands up too, cracking her back as she does so.

“Sasha cheated,” one of the boys still seated grumbles and is swatted on the back of his head for his trouble. “Hey!”

“Did not. You’re just pissed you lost,” Sasha teases, the snakes of her hair look smug.

“You three?” Nell looks them over appraisingly and you’re pretty sure, regardless of what they’ve decided amongst themselves, she’s still giving the final approval. And they know it given the way they all straighten. “Suppose you’ll do. Come on then.”

She introduces you, explaining you need some help moving, as she leads you back around the way you came. “Also, this will also be a good test run for deliveries since you’ll be dropping off a large order for a long-standing, valuable customer.” Again, that makes them perk up a little more, paying that much more attention to Nell’s words. They seem to be trying to practice teenage indifference, but it's undermined by how interested they are in proving themselves capable.

They end up in a large barn with two very clear separate sides: one for various carts and vehicles and the other side for large beasts of burden. Unlike the horses, donkeys, or even oxen you might have expected, there are large monitor lizards in pens. You’ve seen your fair share of unusual mounts before, but not ones like these before. Although, you don’t know many reptilians or lizardfolk or even that many naga like Heshi. They certainly look strong, just lower to the ground than you’d expect.

Nell leads you past the stalls to where one is already hitched to a cart bearing the name of her shop on it.

“Michi’ll be your driver,” Nell says as the older, blue reptilian steps forward to start checking the straps hitching the large lizard to the cart, “and he knows how to handle the beast.” She gives the lizard a fond pat that she barely reacts to beyond a flick of her tail. “She’s used to the city traffic,” Nell turns to Michi and sternly adds, “but you’re not—so make sure she doesn’t try to take advantage of that and get into things she shouldn’t.”

“I got it, Nell,” he replies, only mildly defensive.

“Right,” she replies dryly. “You two, over here. Sasha, let’s see if you’ve been paying attention to your cold storage lessons and if both of you have listened when I told you how to pack a delivery properly.”

You linger by the cart, feeling out of place as you watch Michi do his checks—at least he seems thorough. You check your bag for the lists you made last night, both of what you’d brought with you and what you had left behind. It surprised you, how many things you didn’t feel like you needed, but were just as sure you can’t leave behind. You’re not going to leave anything else for your Dad to take. You’ll decide what to do with everything after, back at your home for yourself.

When you slip the papers back into your bag, Michi asks you a bit about where exactly you’re going and you explain where your family has set up their camps just outside the city walls and where Heshi’s place is from there. It's clear he only has a broad strokes idea of the city and you end up trying to tell him more about the main thoroughfares and any tips for navigating you remember from your first visit—and from the last few days.

Soon enough Nell comes back. Sasha and Aleks each pulling a dolly loaded down with a surprising number of crates, all covered in spellwork for cold so the meat will keep until it's packed away in Heshi’s ice box. Nell supervises as they load up the cart you’re taking. She lets you know which box has more besides meat—for special service for hibernation packages that they partner with a local grocer—and that the kids know how to unlock everything and will help you store it once at the apartment.

They manage to fit everything in a surprising small amount of space, leaving plenty of room to load up with your possessions from your parents’. Shortly you find yourself up front with Michi, while the other two hang out in the back of the cart, and waving goodbye to Nell.

Michi seems to need a minute or two to get a handle of Taiga, but soon enough they’re moving into the city at a good pace.

“I’ve never seen a Sanush camp before,” Michi says, breaking the silence.

“No reason for most people to come,” you say with a shrug, hoping he wasn’t going to be strange about it. Some people seemed to think there were lots of interesting secrets in a Sanush camp instead of just a lot of tents. “We go to our partners, so there’s nothing really to do there unless you’re, you know, in the family.”

You’re not sure if Michi picks up on your mild discomfort or not, but he just nods. “How long are you sticking around for? Or I guess how long is your family here for since you’re staying, right?”

“Yeah,” you reply, the weight of your decision hitting you again. It's more novel than anything to go so many days without seeing your family—the idea of going months, of them being leagues away is almost impossible to really wrap your mind around. “For at least another month. The passes cleared early this year, but I think my Uncle–he makes most of the final decisions for our family–is just going to spend the additional time here, rather than moving on to Menca early and so on.”

He ends up telling you more about his trip here, where the farm he grew up on is, and you find yourself approaching your family campsite sooner than you expect. You’d told your Great Aunt Carina when you were going to come to get your things and, despite her clear disapproval at you leaving the family business—seeing it as leaving the family—she waves you through easily, not even pausing in her mending.

You’re not sure what you expect when you get to where your tents are, but it's not your mom waiting for you outside. She calls your name with a practiced smile, sending away your aunt she’d been chatting to with a wave.

“Hi, mom,” you say, inexplicably nervous as you clamber down.

While Michi fusses with Taiga, you and your mom exchange pleasantries. It only takes you actually starting to head in for her to say, “Are you sure this is really necessary?”

You try hard not to freeze as you turn back to her, deciding to play dumb. “What do you mean? I can’t carry everything myself.”

She frowns and says with mild reproach, “You know that’s not what I meant.”

Crossing your arms in front of your chest, you frown back. “I’ve moved out, so yeah, I think I need the rest of my things.”

Your mom’s eyes are sharp on your face, searching for something. You don’t know what she finds, but she backs off. “Right, right. Very well.” Her eyes land on Michi and she points at him. “You—” He blinks in surprise. “Can this beast stay tied by itself or do you need to stay with her?”

“She’ll behave,” he says, clearly offended at the implication she might be badly behaved.

“Good, you can help with the books,” she says, motioning him over and turning to you. “I had them boxed up, in case, well, in case. You should focus on your clothes.” Leave it to your mom to suddenly put herself in charge of your packing up, even though you can tell she still doesn’t really agree with your decision. Honestly, you're grateful she’s not pushing like you expected. You were expecting another guilt trip about leaving the family or being too sensitive to your dad’s comments and actions. You’ll take micromanagement with mild disapproval over another fight.

“Okay, mom,” you say, as if that isn’t what you’ve been planning to do in the first place.

You have Sasha and Aleks follow you to your tent, which your uncle had secured as a gesture of good faith and which had pissed your dad off. Even thinking about it now makes you wanna shake him—if he didn’t want to be treated like a thief, he shouldn’t have stolen from you.

“Orders, boss?” Aleks asks with a grin, standing at a bad approximation of attention.

You roll your eyes, but begin directing the two to pack up your bedding and other similar items while you begin packing the clothing you’d left here.

Five minutes later, when you hear the tent flap, you say, “I think next you should grab the lighting so you can use—” Your words cut off when you turn around to see your dad standing there. “Oh.”

“Still haven’t come to your senses?” he asks with a little too much anger in his eyes to hit the pure paternal disappointment he seems to be aiming for.

“I haven’t changed my mind about anything, if that’s what you mean,” you reply, already feeling defensive. “I’ve already moved out—this is just, just a formality.”

He scoffs. “That’s what this is? That’s what this family means to you?”

“That’s what you made this family into,” you snap back, unable to keep it in.

He takes a step forward, bristling. “I did? I’m not the one who’s overreacting and blowing things out of proportion. I thought you were more mature than this, throwing a tantrum because your feelings got hurt.”

You find yourself shaking with rage. How are you having this conversation? Again? “Who bought my flute?”

“That’s not—”

“Who?” you talk over him for the first time, possibly ever, because for once you know beyond a doubt you are right. “I did! I paid for it with my money. And you stole it. What would the ‘appropriate’ reaction be? What would you have done if I did this to you?”

He doesn’t say anything and so you continue, “Because I bet we would have been here—except because you kicked me out after making me repay you every penny and then some.” You can’t even keep looking at him and you want to just be done with this. You stop folding neatly and start packing as briskly as you can.

“Sacrifices are sometimes necessary,” he says and you have never wanted to hit someone more than you do at this exact moment just to make them stop talking. “I thought you understood—.”

You whirl around. “No, I don’t understand theft. I don’t understand going behind my back and taking from me and then trying to justify it.” You talk over him when he starts trying to argue again. “You didn’t even have the guts to tell me what you did yourself—you let me find it missing. Even if you thought I wasn’t pulling my weight or working hard enough, then you tell me. I’m not a misbehaving little kid you can punish by taking away their presents.

“But that’s how you still see me, right?” You don’t think you’ve ever aired your problems with everything your dad does for so long uninterrupted and you feel reckless, sweep up in the momentum as you continue talking, “Anything I have is stuff I bought because you gave me the money, not because I earned it. And I worked damn hard for us so that’s crap.

“Don’t even pretend that the problem you’re having right now isn’t because your deal with the Havoratis went up in smoke, literally. And the answer to that was that we all have a few leaner months since goodness forbid we ask for help from the rest of the family. And we’d been doing that, but you don’t actually want to give anything you care about up, so you decided to figure out a way around it.”

“You always say we need to be able to predict and live with the consequences, so here we are,” you finish, almost panting as you gesture to the box you’re packing your clothes into.

Your dad looks truly surprised and at a loss for words in a way you’ve never seen before. You stare at each other in tense silence and just when he seems to have pulled himself back together, the tent flap opens again.

Sasha freezes when she walks in, her hair snakes hissing in discomfort at the tension in the air, making your dad instinctively take a step away from her. “Uh, should I come back?”

“No,” you say, pulling yourself back together. Part of you is disappointed that you know your dad won’t say anything else with someone here, but you’re also relieved that you don’t need to hear whatever he would have come up with. “Can you help with the lamps?”

“Sure thing,” she says, eying your dad before heading over to the two lanterns by where you used to sleep.

You realize you’re holding a dress in your hands still and try to refold it, a rush of adrenaline leaving you, although you remain aware of exactly where your dad is and that he’s staring at you. “Where did you even find these—”

“Need any help in here, ma’am?” You look over to find the broadest of your temporary helpers in the tent’s entry way.

“Sure, Aleks.” Maybe you’re petty but you enjoy the way your dad’s face pinks, whether it's from anger or embarrassment at Aleks’ interruption and clear disregard of him, showing he answers to you alone. “I was having trouble with that box.”

“On it,” he says with a wink, easily picking up the box with your winter coats. Before he can start to head out with it, your dad just leaves. You stare at the tent flap and know he isn’t coming back. You breathe for a moment before turning resolutely back to the few clothes remaining. Silence only broken by the sound that accompanies packing fills the tent and slowly, you start to relax.

“Hey.”

You look up to see your brother pushing aside the tent flap to come in because apparently everyone in your family wants to stop by. He looks as he always does. Were you expecting him not to? You’ve only been gone for a week or so—but it's longer than you’ve ever gone without seeing him before. “Hey, how’ve you been?”

“Good.” He leans against one of the center tent poles. “I keep missing you whenever you come by to teach Gie though.”

You shrug. “Avoiding Dad, sorry.”

He snorts. “Can’t blame you there. He’s been in a bad mood since you left—when he isn’t pretending everything’s fine, I mean.” He rolls his eyes—at least his spot as the favorite had never led to him idolizing your dad, even if he’s never been as aware of the favoritism as you’d like. He's never held back from calling out Dad when he wants to, it's just—he can get away with it.

Dad listens to him.

Still, you feel a pang of guilt that you’ve inadvertently made everything hard for everyone else.

“Not that it’s your fault.” You look up to see your brother with a skeptical eyebrow raised, clearly having guessed at your thoughts. It surprises you, that he noticed. “He just so used to making everything go his way.” He smirks. “It's been kinda funny, watching him realize that’s not gonna happen this time. And Uncle is paying him more attention than he has been, which he doesn’t like.”

“That wasn’t why I did it, why I left,” you feel the need to say. The petty part of you is glad Dad’s getting some consequences you think he deserves, but… “I didn’t do it to mess with him.”

“No, I know,” Lio says. “You did it because he crossed a line. Thinking back, I’m surprised you didn’t leave sooner.”

“And go where?” you can’t help but reply, not liking the implication that you’d had opportunities you’d just passed up or that you could have left at any time. “I was just lucky we were here when he did it. Otherwise, I might have had to come back.”

“Yeah? I think you would have been fine wherever,” he says with a shrug.

You huff a disbelieving laugh. In a way you feel flattered he thinks that, but you think it's more a matter of underestimating how difficult the world is, than having a great deal of faith in you. Even here, he’s never had the difficulties you have. “I don’t think you realize how hard it is, to make it on your own.”

He frowns at that, surprised you’re pressing the point. “I’m not a little kid, I know how stuff works. But come on, it’s not as vicious as they like to pretend it is. They always play it up to encourage us to stick to the family. And you’re not on your own.”

“Exactly,” you reply. “That’s why I’m lucky to be here. Where I can stay with my friend and not worry about having a roof over my head, not burn money on lodgings, where I know my way around.” Your eyes dart to Sasha, who’s frowning concentration as she disassembles your favorite chair. “Where he can have his friends make their cousins help me move.”

“I guess,” he says, still frowning. He opens his mouth before he shuts it again. “You know, I’d have helped you if you needed it, right?” When you just blink in surprise, he crosses his arms, looking almost defensive. “I have money saved up too. Dad’s being stupid, but if you wanted out, I’d have helped.”

You’re not who it says more about, but you are surprised. While you didn’t really think he’d take Dad’s side exactly, you mostly thought he’d be ambivalent about you leaving if you ever thought about what his opinion would be on that hypothetical—because you had thought about leaving before. Honestly, he’d never really factored into it much, except that if you failed, he’d have been another person who’d witness it. Even now, you just… didn’t think he really cared one way or another. He’s never really taken your complaints about your life very seriously, always suggesting what he’d do and not getting that it wouldn’t work out for you that way.

Stupid as it was, Dad always gives everything Lio says or does more weight because he’s a boy. Lio’s also just more laid back, confident, and less anxious than you are. No amount of knowing that makes you able behave like him. And since he is on the customer and client facing side of the business, his value is a lot more obvious and straight-forward than yours. Dad sees what he brings to the table as more important, sees him as more important. And he feels the opposite about you.

You didn’t think Lio would throw you under the wheels or anything, but he’s definitely said things that echo what your dad says enough that you wouldn’t have asked for his help. Some of that is pride, older siblings nonsense about having to ‘stoop’ for your little brother's help and wanting to prove you could do it on your own.

You’re still surprised he’d have even thought to offer his help

You push all of that aside, hoping it doesn’t show on your face. “Thanks,” you say instead, hoping he can tell you mean it. “I appreciate it. I’m good for now though, staying with my friend is keeping costs low and I’ve got enough savings. Working on some tutoring stuff, getting licensed for here—that type of thing.”

“Of course you are,” Lio rolls his eyes with a smile. “I bet you been at the library half the time.” You freeze and hope he can’t read the expression on your face, but it's obvious he does as he smirks. He leans forward to tease. “Ha! I knew it. Why do you think I’d offer? I know you’d be good for the money. So responsible and boring. I hope you’ve been doing something fun too.”

You grumble good-naturedly. “Why does everyone keep saying that? I have fun.”

Lio snaps his fingers. “I almost forgot. Where’s your new address?” he asks. “You’re staying with you glassmaker friend, right? I convinced Aunt Dee that I’d still manage to negotiate with him, if not as well as you did, even with what’s gone on.”

“You got the berries?” you ask hopefully, although his compliment didn’t go unnoticed. You just don’t know what to say. So you ignore it. You focus on how pleased you are you haven’t ruined Heshi’s chances to get his precious berries.

“Yup and some, you know, gold too,” he jokes.

You wave that off. “Gold he can get from other people. We already ate all the berries I had.”

“Such exciting times you have,” he nudges you.

You roll your eyes. “Well, he’s still waking up from hibernation. I’m sure we’ll do more once he’s awake longer. Although we did finish that liquor…”

“Truly living on the wild side,” he jokes. “Really leaning into the sleepover part of having a roommate, huh? Did you braid each other’s hair too?”

You flush, both at the sleeping comment and the hair comment. His face lights up immediately, “Holy shit, you did. That’s hilarious.”

“Shut up,” you grumble, pulling out your list of your possessions and trying to busy yourself making sure you’ve gotten everything. You can’t linger on how much you enjoyed braiding and you worried he’ll be able to tell with his little brother senses.

Of course, he doesn’t let it go regardless. “I’m so glad you're living your cliche dreams with your new roommate. I can’t wait to meet him.”

Right, if Lio takes over the negotiation, he’ll meet Heshi. You suddenly regret complaining about how annoying your brother is as much as you have to Heshi in your letters. You want them to get along but...

“Something you wanna share?” he asks after seeing your mildly guilty expression.

“Let me know before you do so I can talk to him first,” you say as nonchalantly as you can.

“Whhhyyyy?” he asks, drawing out the word in a way he knows bothers you.

“Um, just, you know, sometimes when I get annoyed, I write Heshi and like, he hasn’t said anything about you, but let’s just say it's probably for the best that he’s too sleepy to help me grab my stuff.”

“Are you saying you’ve besmirched my good name?” he says with a grin. “How could you?”

“Oh whatever, like you haven’t complained to your friends about me,” you roll your eyes.

He laughs and you join in.

“Ma’am?” you look up to see Aleks pushing aside the tent flap. “Anything else you want me to grab?”

You scan the room and shake your head. “No, I think we’ve got everything. I’m gonna do one more sweep,” you brandish your checklist, “but anything left will be small. You guys can all head back to the cart and then we can head home.” You pause for a second, realizing how true that statement is because it truly is already your home, not this tent with your family, but the apartment with Heshi.

He gives you a cheeky salute and heads out.

You continue to chat with Lio as he catches you up on some family gossip and some of the deals that are going differently since you’re here earlier than usual. Soon enough, you’re pretty sure you have everything. He promises to send along anything he spots of yours that gets left behind and you promise to write him a good time for him to come by and trade with Heshi.

“Oh, I almost forgot—here you go.” He tears off the top of the paper he’d written down your new address on. “Got Dad to tell me where he sold your flute yesterday. Maybe you can still get it back.”

You stare at him because Lio is a smooth talker, but usually for his own benefit only. It’s strange how you leaving is revealing so much about your brother. “Really?” A grin breaks out over your face as you accept the piece of paper. You pull him into a hug that he reciprocates with a little more strength than usual. “Thanks, Lio.”

[Part Six]

#my writing #story: finally woken #finally woken #short story #naga #male naga #male monster #monster bf #terato #exophilia #osha compliant #my weekend keep staying so busy but the update is here #relatively heshi light i know #but the next few parts will be all heshi lol #new posting plan is to have this whole story posted by the end of june #so there will be a few non-sunday updates #depending on when i can get stuff written #so keep an eye out #story part

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jerzwriter · 1 year

Text

Comfort & Joy

Artwork done by the amazing @rosefuckinggenius - it will be posted alone, but I had to use it as part of my holiday fic for Eli & Zoe! :)

Book: Wake the Dead

Pairing: Eli Sipes x F!MC (Zoe Rivera)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Discussion of loved ones who have died

Category: Fluffy Angst

Summary: Zoe and her friends make good on the plans they made that day at the amusement park, and their winter holiday celebration is underway. The night is almost perfect until memories take a toll on Zoe, and she slips away. Eli finds her, and together, they create a precious new memory together.

Words: 2428

A/N: It’s not exactly Christmas, but their own version of it. A little reprieve in the craziness of their world, something I hope each of you will find this year. ❤️

Participating @choicesdecember2022 – Day 28 - I hope I never lose you @choicesflashfics - I never want to stop making memories with you

WTD Masterlist

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS.

It had been one of the best nights of her life. At least of the nights she could remember. It was possible that another had topped it, but if so, it would have been before the world changed, taking every semblance of safety and normalcy along with it. She didn’t have much recollection of that time, back when she shared a home with Ana and their two loving fathers. But the memories she had were warm and full of love… just like tonight. She moved to the stairs some time ago, quietly observing to take in the scene.

Her once timid friend Shannon may have had too much of that homemade wine. Nevertheless, she was beaming. Flitting around the dancefloor and making sure everyone joined in. The children of Olympus had determined that Angel was their favorite person that night. While she pretended that it was an annoyance, Zoe knew better. That laughter that echoed down the hall and the smile on her face could only come from someone truly happy, finding companionship after a lifetime alone. Troy… well, Troy was Troy. Happy, laughing, the life of the party itself, but even he had changed. His sarcastic charm and wit were ever present, but he was different, in a better way. And then there was Eli. While most of the children had commandeered Angel, Maya had decided Eli was hers for the night. Zoe had been confident that his patience would have worn thin hours ago, yet there he sat next to Maya’s stuffed animal as the young girl fed them cookies and read them a “bedtime story.”

Zoe’s hand covered her chest, wondering if her heart could burst from so much joy, but then again, not everything had changed for the better. She quietly snuck outside while no one was watching. Alone on the deck, she listened to the silence as she gazed at the bucolic setting surrounding them. She made a mental note to thank Troy for what seemed like a ludicrous idea less than a year ago. Who knew that the dreaded Red Meadows would be their home, and who knew that the young woman who needed a sweater when it was seventy degrees would find that winter was her favorite season of all.

It wasn’t the billowing snow that covered every surface, blanketing a horrid world in a sort of peace she never knew. It wasn’t how it glowed like an enchanted forest in the moonlight. It would be easy to assume it was because most zombies were in hibernation this time of year. Having that burden lifted did usher in a relief she couldn’t express. But none of these things were the reason why. It was something… more.

A warm glow emitted from inside, beckoning her to take another peek. The residents of the new colony were having a desperately needed night of levity. Each had endured losses and horrors that the minds of previous generations could not have conceived. But tonight, they ate, drank, conversed, played games, and, most importantly, they laughed and knew how it felt to be surrounded by love. In this ragtag group, Zoe had found something she had been longing for her entire life without even knowing what it was. She found a home.

Tears welled in her eyes, and she was unsure if they were born of sadness or joy. This was the best her life had ever been in almost every way. Yet, her heart ached for what was lost. As grateful as she was, the joy she held in her heart was tempered because the one person who enabled her to lead this life was no longer there.

Lowering her head, she took in a deep breath of the crisp winter air. She didn’t mind how it assaulted her lungs; she deserved to have some pain. That’s what she believed, for she was reaping the rewards her sister didn’t live to see. She was about to surrender to the darkness that never seemed too far away. The torrent of tears building inside her was about to overflow when a strong arm gently encircled her waist and pulled her near.

Neither words nor sight was needed; she knew who it was. She knew his scent, the sound of his breath, and the gentle bliss his touch brought to her heart. Each day was a gift in their world, and tomorrow was unpromised. She knew their happiness was on borrowed time, so she memorized everything. Every sound, feeling, and caress was cataloged in her memory. For if the day were to come when they could no longer be together, that’s what she’d have to rely on because letting him go would never be an option.

“I knew I find you here,” he whispered. “Why are you out in the cold?”

“I’m so happy,” she said with a broken voice, “… and I’m so sad.”

He rested his chin on her shoulder, and she welcomed the warmth of lips on her icy cheek. He had come to know her so well, and now his presence was needed most of all.

“You can talk to me if you want,” he muttered in her ear.

“I know… I…” she started, but the words wouldn’t come.

“But you don’t have to,” he smiled, pulling her under his arm.

“Tonight was amazing, Eli, because of you.”

The snort that escaped him confirmed that he didn’t agree. “Hardly!” He scoffed. “This was a group effort, and you were a big part of that group.”

“It was your idea,” she said with a shake of her head. “You and the others came up with it that day at the amusement park.”

“Yeah, but some of us are more talk than action. You make sure that we see things through.”

“Hmmm, you give me too much credit.”

“Yeah, well, turnaround is fair play,” he smiled, and with that, most of her sadness disappeared. “You’re guilty of doing that with me.”

“But when it comes to you, it’s accurate.”

“That’s your opinion,” he stated, spinning her around to face him. “Why don’t we go inside? You’re freezing, and most have gone to bed, so we’ll be alone. We can talk if you want.”

“I do,” she said, slipping her freezing hand into his. “Let’s go.”

~~~~~

He placed a blanket over her when she sunk into the couch, then stepped away to get her a warm drink, but she pulled him near.

“No. Just stay with me.”

“Sure,” he replied, taking the spot next to her.

“I feel guilty,” she whispered so low he almost didn’t hear.

“For what?”

“For being alive… for being here… having this beautiful night,” she lifted her head to look into his eyes, as hers brimmed with tears, “for having you.”

Eli’s expression softened, and words were unnecessary to express how much he understood. He raised a calloused thumb to her cheek, stroking soft circles against her skin.

“I get it, but a wise woman once told me that our loved ones who had passed would want us to find happiness in whatever time we have left. I didn’t always believe that, but she made me see she was right.”

“Throwing my words back at me, Eli?” she smirked.

“What? Do you think you’re the only wise woman I’ve ever known?” He grinned as she nuzzled against his chest.

“Oh, I keep forgetting you were Mr. Social Butterfuly before I came along,” she teased.

“I know you miss Ana. I miss my family, too, every day. But I’m grateful for the people I have in my life, you most of all. I know that’s what they’d want for me. I know they’re happy I’ve found this. I only got to meet Ana once, but in that little time, I know she’d feel the same way for you.”

“She would,” Zoe smiled. “Sometimes I feel like it’s my obligation to be happy… or all her sacrifices weren’t worthwhile.”

“You should take happiness where you can find it. But you need to be true to what you’re feeling, and you’re allowed to be sad, too.”

Zoe sat up and faced him; much of the pain present on her face had melted away.

“I know. But I want to be happy. Tonight was magical. It almost felt like a scene in one of those Christmas movies from the Old World that Troy plays.”

“That’s what we were aiming for.”

“We succeed,” she beamed, her face aglow from the firelight. He wasn’t sure if she had ever looked more beautiful.

“We did,” he smiled, caressing her hand. “We did good. But… the night is not over.”

“It’s not?”

“No. I have a present for you.”

“Eli! We mentioned exchanging gifts at first, but then we agreed we’d save gifts for the next time. It would be too difficult to….”

“Fortunately, I ignored that,” he smirked as he retrieved a small bag from the back of a shelf. “Because I noticed you had a package with my name in your closet after I got this.”

“Snooping?” She mocked.

“No! Getting you a blanket for the five-hundredth time.”

Zoe narrowed her eyes as she got the package hid in a rarely used desk in the corner. Looking almost bashful, she returned to the seat next to him.

“So how do we do this? I’ve never exchanged gifts before. I know in the movies it’s usually a big chaotic scene where no one knows what they’re opening….”

“That never seemed appealing.”

“I’m glad you agree,” she smiled. “So, you open mine, and then I’ll open yours?”

“We can do that,” he said, accepting the gift wrapped in an old t-shirt from her hands.

A shocked expression registered on his face as he stared at the drawing Zoe had created for him. His body trembled gently as he looked at her, then back to the drawing again.

“Is this,” he swallowed, taking a moment before speaking again. “Is this… my family?”

“That’s what I wanted it to be. I never got to see them, but I really listen when you talk, and this is how I imagine them… I hope I got it….”

The wind escaped her when Eli grabbed her in his arms, pulling her tightly against his chest. Her sweater and hair absorbed his tears as his face nuzzled in her shoulder. He looked at the picture again, and a soft sob escaped him. “It’s remarkable how much it looks like them…. it’s like you knew them. I don’t even know what to….”

“Shhh,” she cradled him close against her chest, kissing softly atop his head. “You don’t have to say anything, Eli. I’m just happy you like it.”

“I love it,” he whispered, wiping away a tear. “Thank you.”

They sat in comfortable silence for several moments. Eli never took his eyes off his gift, and by the time he looked back at Zoe, he appeared more at peace than she had seen him in some time.

“I almost forgot. I have something for you, too.”

He placed the small burlap bag on her lap, gently leaving his hand on her knee as she opened it. She took out a small stack of worn books tied together with a red ribbon.

“Before you open it,” he interrupted. “I know you love to read, and there are two things you always seem to want to know more about…the old world and me… so I think you’ll like this.”

He watched her intently, her eyes wide with wonder as she turned the tattered pages, each covered with writing in beautiful penmanship.

“Eli… are these journals?”

“They are,” he whispered. “They were my mother’s.”

Zoe reflexively dropped the books to her lap, her hands reaching up to cover her mouth. “No!” she gasped, tears already rolling down her cheeks. “That’s impossible…. How?”

“Troy and I were scavenging one day, and I realized we weren’t all that far from my old cabin….”

“Eli!” She wailed. “You went back there! It’s too dangerous and too close to The Tower! And you two went alone!”

“This is why I didn’t tell you,” he chuckled nervously, “but Troy and I….”

“Troy!” she interrupted, “I’m going to kill him! I’m going to kill you! If anything would have happened, I would….”

“Zoe,” he said, steadying her in his arms. “Nothing happened. I’m here.”

“It must have been so hard on you… to be there. If you insisted on going, why didn’t you tell me? I would have come….”

“It wasn’t planned. It’s just one of those things. And, no, it wasn’t easy… but it was better than I would have thought. The place was pretty picked over, and most of our stuff was gone. But Mom kept these hidden under a footboard in her room… I can’t tell you how happy I was to find them. I was going to show you the second we got back, but… then I realized these would make the perfect gift for you.”

“For me,” she breathed, as her hand covered her heart. “Eli, I’ve never been more honored, but I… I can’t accept these. These belong to you, and no one but you, I couldn’t imagine….”

Eli placed his hand atop hers, trembling on her lap.

“If they’re with you, they’ll be with me. Because if I have one or twenty-thousand days left, I’m spending them at your side.”

Zoe fell into his arms, not worried that her crying might wake the others; after all, they were the only two people in the world.

“I love you, Eli Sipes,” she cried into his shoulder. “I love you so much, and… I don’t care what world it’s in, I don’t care what wealth anyone could have… no one could ever give me anything this precious.”

Pulling back, he gazed into her eyes. The pain, sorrow, and tragedy she had endured were all present, but they were obscured, hiding behind the love and wonder they held whenever she looked at him.

“You gave me a reason to be alive again, not survive, but live… who knew that troublemaking pain in the ass that came onto my property….”

Zoe laughed nervously through her tears, “The one you nearly killed?”

“I’ve apologized,” he grinned. “I hope you get to know my Mom a little when you read these. And maybe you’ll get to know me better, too. She wrote about conversations we used to have. In one, she told me how she still held out hope that I’d find happiness one day, even in this world. I didn’t believe it at all… but as usual, she was right… you’ve brought that to me. You’re the most precious gift, Zoe. I’m just glad we found each other.”

“Eli, I’m going to read every word, I promise, and the memory of this night will always be among the happiest in my life.”

“Good. But I never want to stop making memories with you.”

“Neither do I. Is this where we’re supposed to say Merry Christmas?”

“We could,” he smiled. “Or we can make up something of our own.”

“How about I just say I love you.”

“I like that. I love you, too.”

Eli's Family - fan art by @rosefuckinggenius

A/N 2: Someone recently asked me if Eli ever found his mother’s journals, so it got me thinking… I thought this was a great way for it to go. If you wish to learn more about them, you can find i for here:

@choicesficwriterscreations

Tagging separately.

#choices fanfic #wake the dead #eli sipes #eli sipes x f!mc #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #playchoices fanfic #cfwc holidays 2022

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sunlightandsuffering · 1 year

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You know who needs some more hate sex? The Divorce AU! I get it that Mikasa was fooled by Porco and is very straightforward and honest and wholesome in her interactions with Eren, but mans has been slighted. His beloved left him for a lie, then straight up married the asshole who set them apart and shared a bed with him for years afterwards. There’s no way Eren isn’t angry of bitter about it all. Imagine losing half of everything you own, including your own home, and having your ex-wife share it with that guy. There’s no amount of therapy or meditation that can make him forget all that… meaning, the first time they have sex after is basically one-sided hate sex. Maybe it’s all pent up inside him and released once they’re in bed?

Thank you anon, I completely agree, this ask is part of the reason I came out of my hibernation lol, just so I could answer you!! I think you're right, he's holding it in at first to be nice, he still cares for her on some level, he doesn't want to erupt. Besides, its in the past for him, its fine, he'll walk it off. But he's SOOO resentful about it, and it's why he wont really open up to her too much and when she tells him she's single rn and interested he has a hard time accepting it. I think she'd have to break him down, force down his walls, have a massive blowout argument where finally he erupts, gets really angry at her, tells her all the shit he never got to say!! THEN cue hate sex lol!!!

They get back from grocery shopping and suddenly it's like a wall has come down. The previously happy, smiling Eren is gone and in his place is a man who is angry, agitated, barely keeping it together, his face dark as he begins unpacking their groceries. "You should head out soon," he tells her casually, like he isn't fucking kicking her out after the weekend they've had. It had been magical, nostalgic even, how they'd cuddled up together and bickered over which movies to watch, cooked dinner together, in the same kitchen they'd first cooked in all those years ago. The apartment has barely changed, and she'd been comforted by the fact that all the utensils were still in their place, right where she'd left them, like she'd never left at all.

There had been no sex, only longing looks, barely restrained sexual tension as she went to the guest bedroom for the night, only for her to move to Eren's room halfway through because her room was too cold. Sleeping next to him, inhaling his scent, mint and citrus, how he still slept curled up with one of his pillows, how she longed to take that spot. And yet here he is, kicking her out, as cold as ice as if none of it ever happened. She can't help but be angry, and she knows she has no right, she left him, divorced, believed another man's lies over the word of her husband, the love of her life, but they'd had a perfect weekend, it had all felt so right. Can't he see that too? That this is how it's supposed to be.

She can't let the past dictate the future anymore, can't let her mistakes keep fucking up her life.

So, rather than leave like she knows she should, she challenges him, rocking the boat. "I thought we'd have dinner together again." He looks up at her, his expression tight as he attempts to goad her into leaving, "I'm sure you need to get home, make sure your place is all in order before work tomorrow." "I don't," She shrugs and Eren's jaw clenches tighter as he attempts to keep his cool, slowly moving apples from the bag into his fruit bowl. "Mikasa," he warns, "You should go." "Why?"

"Can you just listen to me for once?" "Give me a good reason and I'll leave right now." He's quiet in response and Mikasa takes that as her cue to get everything out of the way, all of her cards on the table. She knows this look in his eye, she's seen it before, every time they go on a date, every time he restrains himself from kissing her, from going any further. Its the same way he used to look when he'd stop himself from starting a bar fight in her honour, that brief dark glint in his eye, the sparks of rage.

He's holding himself back, holding in his fury, for her sake or his own, she doesn't know. But what she does know is that there's no moving on, no going back, and no future ahead of them if they don't get past this, if he doesn't let it out. "I can't see any good reason why I'd leave, not after we've had a perfect weekend, not when it's so good Eren." He's grinding his teeth together in irritation, "Mikasa just go, I don't want to talk about it." "Too bad, we're gonna fucking talk about it." "There's nothing to say," he grinds out finally, "I'm angry and you fucking know it, and I'm going to lash out because while you had a perfect fucking weekend Mikasa all I can think about is how we could have been like this all along. How you fucked it up, so unless you want that you'll leave right now." It hurts, and it's only the tip of the iceberg, but she knows that this time, for better or for worse, she's going to stay. "Then do it," she says calmly, steeling herself for what's to come, that flicker burning into a fire in his eyes, raging green. "What?" "Do it, get angry, tell me all shit you've wanted to say Eren. Get it out." "I can't, just go Mikasa." Now, Mikasa gets angry as she watches him deflate, turning towards the pantry, he needs to get this out, and it needs to happen now or she's never going to have him back, not like she wants. "Eren just fucking do it, tell me. Tell me how I fucked up, tell me how I'm an idiot, that I ruined us by believing some asshole I barely knew over the love of my life. Tell me how angry you were when you found out that not only did I leave you I fucking married the asshole that boke us apart! Tell me how much you hate me for it." She breaks down on her last breath, just as Eren turns around eyes wide, "Tell me how much you hate me so you can love me again, 'Ren please?"

#divorce au #lys's drabbles

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pawsometoons · 2 months

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This had a long time coming actually, I'm surprised I never did this earlier.

VOLIDENS

An open species

These guys were something I made a while back in which some of my friends have even made characters out of! But now I wanna try and spread it around to see if people I don't know would like to give it a try!

This also counts as an info dump post loll

These are the original reference and info sheets for Volidens that I made a few years back. Thankfully, they still hold up!

But of course, I came up with a lot more ideas after this, so next is a list I made of a bunch of other Voliden facts I made after these info sheets were created

Voliden Anatomy

A Voliden's irises and pupils are the same color so it's hard to tell they actually have pupils. This is unless some signs of blindness start showing. First signs of blindness is loss of color in the irises. If color is lost in the pupils, that's full blindness. (Of course, this can also just happen in one eye or one fully blind and one half, ect.) When a Voliden's eye(s) starts losing sight, It's glow also dims with it's color. If a Voliden is completely blind, its eyes will no longer be seen in darkness.

The reason why a Voliden's hair is black and so thick, is to help with heat regulation! Due to Volidens having such scrawny structures (meaning less places for blood flow) and metal limbs/bones, it can be very easy for them to get cold. And so not only does the volume of the hair help regulate the temperature around the head, but the color helps too, since black is known to absorb heat! Volidens are pretty heat resistant. So even on really hot days, they'd be fine! (Think of it as like a middle ground of cold and warm blooded.)

Inside a Voliden's hands and legs is a certain thin bone mechanism that vibrates within the flesh inside their metal appendages. This is to simulate blood flow in said appendages due to not being connected to the heart. This also helps with heat regulation within the more cold sensitive parts of a Voliden's body.

A Voliden's neck is very strange to say the least. Despite looking very fragile due to it's thin shape, it is surprisingly flexible. A Voliden is even able to turn its head around 180°! Most of the time you'll see a Voliden with their neck stretched outwards when they're body is upright. But in a position such as laying down, their head can retract pretty far to where their neck becomes around the same length as an outstretched human neck. This is possible due to smaller bones that are found in the middle of a Voliden's neck vertebra that allows them to stretch their neck out and retract it back whenever.

It has been mentioned before that Volidens lack of a digestive system. But that now begs the question, what gives them energy, if not food? And my answer to that is warmth and sunlight! Volidens are very outgoing and will spend the majority of their time outside. This is to absorb as much sunlight as possible to keep their energy up.

Despite belief from those not of the Voliden race, When a Voliden's hands dissapear, they arent really just gone. They're just using the same cloaking ability that Volidens have. The hands seem to have a much higher skill at blending in with their surroundings than the rest of a Voliden's body.

Voliden Behavior

Due to Voliden's bodies being mostly made of metal an all that (their hands legs and bones), they're very weak to the cold. So when winter is close to coming around anywhere a Voliden may live, they will begin to conserve their energy and make themselves a good source of warmth to hibernate. Once they have, they'll sleep until the weather is warm again!

Volidens are very affectionate in nature. They of course are very docile, normally. But they can also be very affectionate towards others whether it be another Voliden or another race, it doesnt matter.

As a matter of fact, before the Elemental Era, the Volidens' main form of greeting was hugs! (Or at least what could be considered hugs because of the lack of arms)

Volidens can be very emotionally vulnerable though. Especially younger ones. They can carry or share emotions from another nearby, sometimes just by looking at them. This goes for any emotion too, including anger. It's not all that easy to get a Voliden angry. But if you have the misfortune of doing so, you should probably run. This also goes for physical altercations, for these CAN happen if you anger a Voliden just enough to where they can't stand you anymore.

A special ability that all Volidens have, is this certain type of cloaking magic. When a Voliden is surrounded by a consistent environment of some kind for a while, they'll gain the ability to blend in with that environment, basically becoming invisible to anyone else who may be around! It is also possible for a Voliden to gain more than one type of environment that they can blend in to.

Volidens have a physical way of conveying their happiness or contentment that is similar to how some creatures purr. They can make a specific sound with their voice box that sends a vibration through their chest, making a sound similar (but not identical) to a cat's purr. This can not only be calming to a Voliden that is doing this, but also others who are making physical contact with them. This also helps with warmth aswell.

Voliden Culture/Traditions

In Voldaria Valley, theres a certain tradition that's held for hibernation. The Relic Tower has a large bell at it's top that is set to ring when winter begins and when winter ends. Volidens have to be careful during this time though, and making sure that their source of heat keeps going until the end of Winter, or else then may meet with a grim fate... This only stands for Volidens of Voldaria Valley however. (Volidens elsewhere put trust in their senses for hibernation.)

The Voliden tradition for weddings are somewhat different from elsewhere. That being, the physical symbol of marriage. Instead of a ring they get handed a bell the put around their neck or just anywhere they can, and the bell makes a certain noise (A specific key/tone when it rings) so if the couple ever lost each other they can find each back by listening to the bell.

And that's pretty much it! But if you have any further questions, dont be afraid to send asks my way! It took a lot for me to actually consider making a full post about these guys, but I figured theres no loss from doing so. So if you decide to make a Voliden for yourself, don't be afraid to @ me! I'd love to see what tumblr can make from these silly fellas!

Lastly is examples of Voliden characters! I'll put these under the cut so this post doesnt get too long on the surface.

#art #ocs #open species #original creation #original species #oc

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cogentsummoner · 3 months

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actually maybe i should explain the "hello, clairvoyant?" au for people who have no idea what im talking about

basically, the au starts 10 years before the 2012 show starts, in winter, with splinter getting a call from a ~mysterious~ clairvoyant (its cassandra), and her helping him out when one of the turtles is sick. one thing leads to another, and the two start calling each other regularly and developing a close friendship. cassandra is splinter's only friend, and splinter is the only earthling who knows about her clairvoyance. the turtles also grow attached to cassandra- in particular, raph and donnie.

the electricity in the lair is on the fritz, and splinter is not a handy guy. cassandra offers to come and help, because she is a handy guy, or let the turtles & him stay with her- initially he declines, but when the power goes out and it gets so cold that the turtles start brumating (ie, hibernating), something that hasn't happened before and freaks splinter the hell out, he agrees and the two friends finally meet in the flesh.

again, one thing leads to another, and the six of them end up driving to the cabin up north where paola stands guard over cassandra's stashed away spaceship for the rest of the winter.

that's, in broad strokes, how cassandra becomes a part of the turtles' lives, and she becomes something of a mother figure to them. she and splinter also grow closer, but don't get together until the first season of the show.

there's one other character that came to earth with paola and cassandra, and remains a permanent fixture in the au, but... i don't want to reveal who it is just yet, because they'll be revealed in the next few chapters of "hello, clairvoyant?". it's not hector, btw- though she does visit earth a few times before the show, then fully stays on earth once the kraang invasion starts at the end of season 2/start of season 3.

there are a few other characters from cassandra's past who come to earth during the events of the show- but that ties into who the 3rd earth crew person is, so i'll leave it at that

#hello clairvoyant au

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theuniversitychallengereview · 9 months

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Amol New World

When I wrote the first ever edition of this blog in 2016, I described Jeremy Paxman as 'stony eyed, hair thick and flowing like a bear post-hibernation.' Having completed his twenty ninth series earlier this year he has now departed for a longer rest, well earned after nearly three decades of sardonic quips and withering put-downs. From all of the press pics, his replacement Amol Rajan is not boasting a bouffant on Paxo's 2016 level, and I can't choose which animal to compare him with, but I'm sure we'll get there.

I, like all viewers of University Challenge, am intrigued to see how Rajan hosts the show. For a large number of people Paxman is the only person we've known as quizmaster, and his style has become synonymous with the show itself. In his later years, he mellowed out a little bit, taking the edge off his caustic nature for the most part, but his furrowed brow, knitted tightly in befuddlement at the silliness of a contestant's throwaway guess remains iconic. Amol Rajan certainly has a big seat to fill.

I think its pretty cool, for what its worth, and I reckon they had to mix things up a bit or it might have felt a bit strange with someone else in the hotseat.

There is an excitement around this series, a nervousness about the newness of it (amplified somewhat by the faked death of the University Challenge YouTube uploader, which you can read about here if you haven't heard of it. Let's just say here that hopefully someone else steps up to upload this new series).

Manchester have won the show four times, and Trinity three, making them two of the most historically significant UC teams, but only one of them can win tonight... Without further ado, your first starter of the Amol Rajan era.

The show opens with a bizarre aspect ratio which I feared they were going to stick with the whole time, but the camera zooms in and we are treated to Rajan's dulcet tones for the first time. He introduces the teams and then we're off to the races.

Immaterialism is a concept associated with which philosopher...

Manchester hit back thanks to captain Senehedheera, but he rushes on the first bonus, losing out on the five points. No one knows its Honolulu on the next starter, but a second from Senehedheera gives Manchester the lead. Jaksina gets the first picture starter on Dr Zhivago by Pasternak, before a full bonus set on samizdat novels ties the game, and another from Banerjee takes back the advantage.

De los Reyes-White takes a starter on Wandavision and Senehedheera is disgusted by his own failure to recall the names of philosophers on the bonuses.

Henderson gets the music starter in about two seconds, prompting a big 'wow!' from Rajan. Maybe this can be his thing - pure shock at the speed of knowledge on display. Good bonuswork puts Trinity on double the score of Manchester at the halfway stage.

Banerjee wins a bonus set on herbs for Trinity. Bucking the stereotype of the cooking-ignorant student, they manage two of the three. Jaksina then takes his second picture starter with Vermeer, and Trinity are in command with five minutes to go.

Needing a starter, Grady buzzes in and starts giving Wide Sargasso Sea, but Rajan accepts his answer before he even finishes saying wide. Fair enough, but certainly something Paxman would never have done. They reduce the gap, but Kang shuts down the comeback. Whenever Manchester look like they're going to get back in it, one of the Trinity quartet block them. Fifty points separate the sides, so all Manchester can play for is the high-scoring loser play-off.

Or is it?

A starter from Kullmann is followed by a quickfire hat-trick on the bonuses. Another starter. Dawdling on the bonuses. Too much conferring. They only manage one, but its a crucial one. They're ten points back. A supremely clutch starter from De los Reyes-White (yak) ties the game with seconds left. Some of which Rajan wastes by telling us there are seconds left.

What kind of electricity...?

'Static?' guesses Senehedheera, and then the gong. Is he right? No he is not.

Tiebreak. 👔

In the first episode of the new era.

Which activist art group...

BuZz!

Senehedheera - Guerilla Girls?

Correct.

Trinity 175 - 185 Manchester

Phew! What a game to start the series. I know there is a bit of choice for the schedulers over which match gets broadcast first, but they must have been rubbing their hands with glee when this one fell into their laps.

Astonishing comeback from Manchester, and huge commiserations to Trinity, though they will surely return for the play-offs unless Rajan's increased speed of delivery results in loads of high-scoring games.

As for Rajan himself, new things always take a bit of getting used to, and as I said in the introduction, Paxman had become so synonymous with UC that its odd to see someone else there (it sort of feels like we're watching a alternate universe version of the show), but I think he did a good job and I'm sure we'll get over it soon enough.

Although it might take longer than that for people to get over the lack of question cards...

Join us next week for Episode 2 of the Rajan Era, as Aberdeen take on Birmingham, and subscribe here so that you never miss a review!

#university challenge #bbc2 #amol rajan

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thecandywrites · 11 months

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Monster March 2023- Day 28- Part 2

A Mother's Guiding Hand

@borealwrites thank you so much for providing Monster March prompts for 2023. I really appreciate it and I only have 3 left. I can do it,hopefully soon because *technically * I am now on vacation but I have my laptop and IDEAS. So hopefully when I resurface from the near never ending rounds of putt putt mini golf, I can knock them out.

Part 2

At sunrise, you were relieved to finally get a chance to really get your own strength renewed right as the smallest awoke and nursed again.

“Well good morning little Alami, thirsty this morning aren’t we?” You cooed as you had him nurse once more, as much as he needed to as you were grateful he didn’t have too many teeth and his tongue was already adept at nursing from a breast before the next youngest one awoke and managed to crawl and began to nurse from the other breast.

“Ok, then, you two, still nursing, got it.” You murmured before they finished and before you knew it, one had barely finished before they all seemed to wake up and then wait patiently to nurse, each of them seeming to wait for an open breast since you only had to the two as you wondered if these sub-adults and the other adults just took all the children in the royal nursery they could get.

But, you were sure that thanks to the Great Dragons- gifting you with extraordinary strength and ability that your breasts were able to make enough just barely in time before another soon fed to satisfaction, but that wasn’t until the last youngling was lingering as they savored your mother’s milk before the sub-adults awoke and simply hung their heads in defeat to see you nursing the eldest of the younglings before the leader awoke with a start.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” He snarled as he sat up yet around you to see you nursing the eldest of the little younglings.

“Nursing. These younglings were hungry for a mother’s milk. So I gave them my own. She’s the last to nurse, all the others have already nursed and nursed to satisfaction. She’ll be done soon, she’s just savoring it. The Great Dragons blessed me with milk when they saw how young these younglings were. So this milk is specifically just for dragonborn. Just from a moura’s breast. So calm yourself and relax. Besides, the sun has yet to have it’s halfway mark on the horizon. You still have time. The rations and other traveling supplies should be here just as the sun leaves the horizon this morning.” You calmly answered as you continued to gently rock and hum to her as the other younglings were practically in a sleep pile under the cloak to sleep now that their bellies were full of milk.

“Rations?” The Leader repeated.

“Yes. You know of elves of middle-earth, yes?” You put to him.

“Not familiar.” He shook his head no.

“Oh, a very tall species, very long lifers. They are known for their long journeys. And make a traveling ration called ‘lembas’ or ‘waybread’. I got the recipe and the special grain they use to make it. But mouras have put a twist on it. Do dragonborn have meat or savory pies in your food culture?” You asked.

“Yes.” He nodded.

“Good. Because, as long as my granddaughter Lillishavahnah can follow my recipe, we should get some soon.” You grinned and it seemed just as the little dragonborn was finished and you put your breasts away, your granddaughter came flying in with what you had asked her.

“Grandma Lura, the Big Mama Bear is awake and she has three cubs with her this year. She devoured the offering and then went on to hunt all the deer we were trying to flush your way to feed herself and her cubs, but the male bear is still hibernating, so you’re safe to go through his territory. You just have to skirt Big Mama’s.” She informed you.

“How is she your grandmother? You look barely old enough to be sisters.” The Leader asked as he looked from her to you.

“She’s 6-33. I’m only 3-22.”

“You’re three hundred and twenty two years old?! And she’s six hundred and thirty three?!” The Leader balked.

“Oh I’m…” She began to correct him.

“The Leader doesn’t believe that mouras age as gracefully as we do. But yes. We are that old, it’s not worth explaining, the sun will have set many times for how long it will take to explain it.” You cut her off with a meaningful look.

“And at 633 years, you’re still nursing?!” He nearly coughed at you.

“Yup. Once they start, it’s hard for them to stop huh?” You teased Lilly with a giggle which she soon shared with you.

“No they don’t Grandma.” She shook her head no with a pleasant smile.

“How many lambas roll pies were you able to make?” You asked her.

“Oh, I was able to make enough for everyone to get you to Sharinji and then some.” She answered.

“Good. I prepared enough ingredients for them all?” You asked.

“You did.” She reassured you with a meaningful look of her own.

“Well, I brought supplies to make the adults proper snowshoes and I brought enough sleds that the little ones can be pulled on the sleds instead of having to walk. And the sleds have been waxed so they should glide on the snow pretty well and should not sink through the snow.” She offered before she took the sleds that were specifically made to be stacked on top of each other and began to load each little one into the sleds and bundle them up with their little packs to be worn on their fronts and even put airstone pendants around their necks so that they could breathe easier. Then you both walked the dragonborn through how to eat the lambas roll pies before the Leader surprised you by taking his pack and taking the first bite from the first one and you could see how he was fighting not to make any churrs the way the others were and were delighted when the still hot tea in the special thermos was particularly delicious before you hooked the little ones in their cozy little sleds up, so that each adult and sub adult could pull three younglings behind them, including yourself before the younglings all wanted to be pulled by you.

“It will take at least a week to get to Sharinji. Everyone will have a turn riding behind me. But I will still lead the way ok?” You comforted each one before you put on the special harness as your moura cloak gave you special snowshoes for the hike while Lilly was fitting out the sub-adults with the snowshoes along with the leader.

“Leader Dragonborn, you need healing in your feet. You have frostbite.” Lilly whispered to him worriedly.

“I’ll be fine.” He insisted before she grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him with surprising strength.

“No you won’t! You will scare the younglings if they see you lose your toes! The Great Dragons have told us that Dragonborn have lost their dragon wings and their tails and their abilities to regrow their tails especially. If you lose your fingers and toes you lose them for life. Do you really want to be handicapped because of your pride at not accepting help? Because if that’s the case, hand over everything and I’ll hook these younglings up to myself and I’ll get them to Sharinji and if you make it, you make it, if not, then you get to be a mama bear’s food for her cubs!” She seethed angrily.

“Lillyshavahnah!” You tried to chastise her and unhooked your harness to intervene but could not get to them quick enough.

“My grandmother did not completely clean out her own cupboards and clean out her storehouse to make you elven waybread all the way from the middle world that took her half a century just to learn how to make the damn soil so she could grow the damn grain to make it in the first place once she got the recipe! And then she completely stripped her greenhouse and ice chest- bare to make fillings just for you to turn your nose up at her and her overly generous gifts you ungrateful, distrustful bastard! Now, I will heal you whether you like it or not. And I will do so because I do not want your younglings traumatized. But otherwise, from now on, you’ll stop this nonsense! So shut up, eat the damn food, wear the damn furs- accept the damn healing and follow where my grandmother will lead you and she will lead you to safety as she has for countless others. But out of all of them, you are by far the most hideously self righteous, overly haughty, prideful and overconfident person I’ve ever met! And while all younglings are owed help. Honestly, I was hoping you’d refuse even this much and that your own pride would have led you to freeze to death in the snow so you wouldn’t be dead weight to the very ones you’ve risked your life to save. So prove to me and to everyone else that you are at least worthy of the gifts you’ve been given and the chance to give these younglings a chance at life instead of meeting their untimely demise at the swords of your enemies from their own cribs!” She barked before she grabbed his face and forced healing into him through that touch before you just shook your head and sighed and went back to the younglings and hooked yor harness back up.

“It’s ok. He’s getting the help he needs, whether he wants to admit it or not. He’ll be fine.” You reassured the others before you directed where you wanted each adult to be in the train.

Lilly was especially rough with getting the Leader ready and practically pushed him to be right behind you in the train.

“Now- will you at least follow the rule that ‘if you can’t say something nice- don’t say anything at all? Or do I need to muzzle you to keep you from saying anything else, immature, disrespectful or offensive?” She threatened as she stood on the back of the last sled to stand in such a way she was looking down at him with her wide wings making her look bigger than he was.

“I will not repay kindness, generosity or charity with disrespect and I will not quarrel with you or your grandmother and those with you.” He finally offered.

“Good.” She nodded before she went back to the pot in the fire and poured off the bone broth into special waterskins that had special fur on them to keep the broth as warm as possible for as long as possible and handed each adult a large one and each youngling a little one before she put out the fire.

“Where will you want to make camp tonight Grandma?” She asked.

“Shimi bluff.” You answered.

“We will be there. I will have half the group scout ahead and around you, and the other half, we will gather wood and game for you and do what we can to keep Big Mama and her cubs off of your trail so she stays in her own territory.” Lilly offered before she flew away with the pot as others began to circle around and scout around.

“Ok, this way.” You lead the way to the trail and walked onward. You were grateful to feed from the sun to give you strength to pull these younglings in the sleds. How the other dragonborn managed to carry the youngest and smallest of them on their backs was quite the feat. No wonder they were so hungry, thirsty and exhausted.

You had them stop for lunch to eat the second ball in the roll since each waybread roll pie was a four ball like lobed pie. Each section or “lobe” in the pie was it’s own meal and the tea was different this time, it was meant to give you energy and increase strength and stamina as well as sharpen the senses. Whereas the other tea drops were meant to calm and soothe and help to bring sleep and over lunch, you began to teach the younglings at least, a few words and phrases in marinai. The whole ‘please, thank you, yes, no,’ and numbers at least which you could tell that the other sub-adults and other adults were also trying to learn as well while the leader was otherwise silent and from there, the younglings wanted to know all kinds of words for all kinds of things which you were happy to explain on the way to the campsite and got there just as the sun was setting and the others had set up a large fire and places to sit, eat and rest and even sleep before you introduced the younglings to everyone and the dragonborn were relieved to not feel so alone and find camaraderie with the others before the leader finally sat next to you near the fire while the younglings played a game in the snow after they had eaten their dinner, both from the waybread roll and from the fresh roasted meat on the fire.

But while he sat beside you as the two of you kept your watchful eyes on the younglings, he still would not speak any word other than ‘thank you’ when he was handed things.

When the sun set, you urged all the younglings to the largest sled, the first one you had brought in with you again to drink the calming and sleepy tea and nurse before they all practically fell asleep all over you before the Leader surprised you by laying behind you once more so that your back could rest against him as he laid in the snow and even accepted your cloak that grew to envelope him and the other adults and sub adults who soon took up their spots on both sides of you before the other mouras built up the fire to burn for the night and it’s heat would be directed at you and the others, but left to keep post in the tree tops.

“How come your cloak can do all of this? But the other’s can not?” The Leader asked.

“How come you won’t tell me your name Leader?” You returned before he seemed to sigh in defeat.

“My name is Adorim Vraksith.” He finally said.

“Nice to meet you.” You grinned as a small grin threatened to pull at his thin lips.

“Do you know much about mouras?” You asked him.

“That you are shapeshifting bird people.” He answered.

“Do you know much about phoenixes?” You asked.

“They are reborn in ashes.” He answered.

“When mouras came here in the convergence, and we gained phoenix magic. We gained the ability to be reborn in the ashes. But we are not immortal. We can only do it so many times. So how we count our age is when someone is living their first lifetime, they will have a one in front of it. So if it was my first time being 33, I would be 1-33, or after my first rebirth in the ashes, then it would be my second time being 33, or 2-33 and so on and so forth. So when she said 6-33, it doesn’t mean I’m 6 hundred and 33, it’s just my sixth time being 33. My mate and I met when we were on our first rite equinox flights and then again on the summer solstice flight. We have been a mated pair ever since. We were reborn in the ashes together four times. Each time, passing through the flames, dying one death and being reborn on the other side. Part of a moura pair becoming a mated pair, is they trade moura collars. This gold that you see around my neck. Around the neck of every moura lucky enough to be pure in blood enough to keep theirs. When a pair wishes to stay together for a lifetime- they trade collars. And when we pass through the flames, we are reborn with our original collars again only to choose each other over and over again, the same marital happiness being renewed yet growing and deepening all the same through the lifetimes.” You recalled with a bittersweet smile and tears that burned at the corners of your eyes but would not fall at the flood of memories of your mate that came to mind.

“Except this last time. My fifth rebirth. My mate was not reborn with me. But I was reborn with his collar on my neck. But only my collar was reborn because I still live, but he was not. Yet his collar remains because I live and while I draw breath, never will it leave my neck. Usually to take a moura collar from a moura is the same as taking a selkie’s coat from them, it’s to strip them of life and what makes them- them. So the fact that I have two, it’s called a ‘double collar’. And it proves to everyone who sees it, just how old I am and what has happened, that I’m widowed and alone, with only the memories of my mate remaining with his collar.” You explained as you ran your hand over your mate's collar at the back of your neck affectionately.

“So, having a double collar, means I have a double cloak. Because from the moura collar- a moura cloak grows. It gives me the ability to provide warmth and covering for these younglings now. With only a single moura cloak I would only be able to cover myself and the younglings but no others since a mother moura’s cloak grows with her with each pregnancy through each lifetime, so that she may cover all of her children when their own moura cloaks are still growing and barely big enough to cover a babe’s shoulders and nothing else. Usually a moura’s cloak gives them feathers and plumage as birds, and clothes when in this form. Which is why in a bird form, my wings are not only extra long, but extra wide, so that I can soar and glide for dozens of columns and catch each rising column of air and soar to heights without ever having to make a single wingbeat.” You explained, in a low, soft and calm tone.

“So each rebirth sets the moura back to youth of early adulthood- when their form reaches to an age where the body starts to break down and not work the way it was meant to. So when Lilly said I was 6-33. She meant that this is my sixth, and most likely last- time being 33. And for her, this is only her third time being 22. So yes, I have been a mother and grandmother and great grandmother five times now, both the first time before the rebirth and the four times to follow the sequential rebirths. But when my mate was not reborn with me this fifth time, as much as it broke my heart, it’s clear that my family still needs me. And so I live for them and for my colony. But I will never again lie with another or bear any more children. I am done and finished in that respect. Usually those in my position take their last lifetime to become elders in the colony. But, while I may be old in life, I am not that old in spirit. And I still feel there is much to learn and much to see. So flying cloud high and soaring from sunrise to sunset or following the sun’s journey in the sky so that every moment is either sunrise, midday or sunset. I have done too many times to count now. From pole to pole, and from this outer crust, through the middle world and then even deeper- all the way to the core and then back out the other side again. And I will guide the others on their rite flights and their own journeys in their own lives. I have done this many times before. You and your group are simply the latest ones to get my guidance.” You revealed as you paused in stroking the little Prince’s face to touch the two joined collars around your neck as you stared almost longingly into the flames of the fire.

“How many rebirths are there?” He asked.

“The most anyone has ever done is five. So we knew that this was our last time together. And we had promised each other to spend our last lifetime together, just the two of us, happy to simply be grandparents and guide the others on the rite flights and really cultivate all the seedlings and saplings and plants we have collected over our lifetimes and leave a real legacy of a garden to our families, a rarity in the mountains, but common among mouras who find a way to bring sunshine underground. So now I still do those things, just…without him.” You revealed.

“What was his name?” Adorim asked.

“Luminare, Luminare Fontaga. And he really was, the light of my life. And, since his loss, I’ve felt like I’ve been alone in the dark.” You said, the name falling from you lips with all the love and adoration that buit up over centuries of loving him as a fond smile spread on your face while bittersweet tears glassed over your eyes.

“But then I saw you and I saw them, and I was pulled out of my own darkness to be a beacon of light to guide you and them to safety once more. So as much as you may come to realize that I and those with me have saved you. It’s you and especially these younglings, that have saved me.” You smiled fondly at the youngling at your chest.

“That didn’t take too many sunrises and sunsets to explain.” He noted, but for the first time, his tone was much lighter, almost teasing.

“No. But you are older and already have understanding. To explain such a thing to younglings and especially subadults when they already have so much on their minds and hearts can be overwhelming.” You noted as he nodded slightly at that.

“Then thank you, very much helping us. And I’m sorry to have been immature and disrespectful, especially to someone as… experienced as you are.” He offered.

“You’re welcome. Now sleep. Your body needs the rest. Mouras can pull some of our strength from the sun and moon. So I will still get some rest and restoration in a way tonight. I’ve already spent too many sleepless nights with my own babies and children in my life, it’s practically second nature to me at this point.” You softly urged him.

“Thank you.” He thanked you again before he settled into sleep again, pulling your cloak up around him even tighter to not let any more heat out than necessary as you noticed he had curled himself around your back so that you could sit back and relax against him, which you thought was quite nice and sweet of him, all things considered.

True to your prediction, it did take you six days to finally make to Sharinji, each youngling taking their turns being pulled in the sleds behind you. And when you got to Sharinji, everyone had only two waybread roll pies left. But you were grateful for it because you did not know when and if they would be able to get more food for themselves otherwise.

“Is this it? This is Sharinji?” The younglings asked as they came through the large and thick doors and gates into the colony, looking at the large colony around them in awe.

“This is not a village! It’s a city!” The oldest youngling exclaimed.

“I guess it looks that way huh?” You smiled proudly when it really was just a small mountain village turned into a proper colony. And while it always seemed to grow every year, it was always just…home for you.

“Come, we can drop the sleds off at my house which is on the way to the Great Dragons.” You urged them as you walked to your home, which was one of the main great houses just outside of the main square since you were one of the founding families and had built and rebuilt this house several times over with your own two hands and the hands of your mate and family members. You were just happy it had proper brick roads and not a rocky path anymore.

“You have a shop?” The younglings asked when they saw the storefront to your house before you led them to the back.

“I do. I sell those waybread roll pies to those who travel to the other colonies because all the colonies are all over the world. And some of them are close, others are far away. And all travelers need provisions for such a journey. After we see the Great Dragons we can come back here and I can show you the map I made that shows the whole world, all three layers of it and show where I’ve been and where we are in the world.” You offered as you were quick to light the bits of wood in your hearths to warm up your home, both on the ground level and above.

“Can’t we just stay with you?” The little ones asked.

“Well you guys are always welcome here, but I think the Great Dragons have a better house prepared and set up for you. And hopefully it will be filled with more familiar furnishings. Whereas my house is pretty eclectic because it has a little bit of everything from all over. So, come on, let’s rest a little before we go all the way up to the Great Dragons and their lairs. Which are all the way at the mountain tops. But to get there, it’s a lot of stairs. So all of you are gonna have to walk ok? But we’ve been walking for a long time. We need to rest too. Here, I should have some old toys my kids and grandkids always play with when they come.” You invited them up your own stairs since your shop was the main floor of the building as you lit all the fires in the fireplaces around your home to warm up the house some more as the other adults all but collapsed into the chairs and couches to rest as you went to the kitchen and pulled some water from the water faucet to at least make some tea as Adorim seemed to simply continue to follow you, looking at the home you had literally built with your mate with your own hands as he could sense just how much fun, and love and joy had overflowed this place over the years as each rebirth the two of you had, was literally shown in the bricks with all the handprints and the handprints of your children right into the bricks around your home. Granted he couldn’t read any of the names from the marinai writing. but he knew baby hand and foot prints when he saw them. And suddenly his heart was aching and tears were burning the corners of his eyes as a smile threatened to break out over his eyes as he pressed the back of a knuckle into the prints and then traced them with his fingertips. And then to see all the pictures that had been painted of you with your mate and your families with each birth and rebirth simply proved that when he had prayed, so desperately for a miracle and how exquisitely the gods answered his prayer. And while he had not been expecting you to be the face of the answer, now, it was clear that no other could have done what you did.

But he also couldn’t help but really see just how bare the kitchen both downstairs and the kitchen up here was. There was only a few bunches of herbs hanging in the kitchen and little jars of spices on a shelf but everything else was bare and empty. Especially when all the cupboards and drawers were open to show how empty they were.

“I’m gonna have to get after Lilly for not leaving my kitchen the way she found it.” You scoffed as you hurriedly tried to shut and close all the drawers and cupboards, feeling embarrassed by them and hoping that Adorim wouldn’t either see that the cupboards were bare, or that it was practically disheveled from everything being open. It was like a wind flew up and exposed your underwear to a crowd.

But you had not been quick enough because Adorim had seen the emptiness of everything and suddenly felt guilty about how destitute he and the others had left you as he simply took out his two waybread rolls from his pack and set them on the counter as you were too busy lighting the fire in your hearth to boil the water and get a tin of tea leaves off from the space you stored them at- at home- to notice, the small but profound gesture before he helped you get your tea cups from a shelf and hand the delicate yet handcrafted ones out to all the others.

You got to serve them all tea and delicately only ate a single bite of your waybread roll pie as the others were happy to do the same, while Adorim simply politely excused that he wasn’t that hungry as he at least poured you a cup of tea while you eased down into your rocking chair as you watched as the younglings got into the toy box and got the toys out and were happy to sit and play while them as you put the knitted blanket that was on the back of the chair around your shoulders to stave off the chill of the house.

And while it was good to be home, you were even happier about the fact that you weren’t alone in it and, in fact, did not seem to be upset that Adorim was sitting in your mate’s old chair beside you. If anything, while he looked a bit cramped in it, he still looked relieved to be finally sitting down in a decent chair and finally, fully relax for once. And you almost selfishly wished that no other home had been found so you could keep them here, just to make this house feel like the home it was always meant to be and what you had built it to be. But you were sure Adorim was perhaps eager to finally get some space from you, even as close as he was choosing to be, with or without the prince so close to you.

Once everyone had rested and gotten refreshed just as the house seemed to really warm up and become comfortable. You were getting them ready to leave again and ready to approach the Great Dragon’s lairs.

“Here they are, this is…” You announced to them as you introduced the Great Dragons to all of the dragonborn individuals once you made it into their lairs as the kids just stared in awed wonder how the walls themselves were pure gold, with intricate carvings and beautiful inlays. But the floor was bare rock, which made it easier for them walk around and for food to come and for them to dispose of waste out of the mouth of the cave. But the ceiling? Was practically bejeweled and gorgeously carved. It was like being in a temple from the walls up to the ceiling, only the floor itself reminded them that they were in actuality, a cave. The younglings marveled at the clutch of eggs and the thick blankets over them to keep them warm enough through incubation and were happy to simply sit beside them and push their little hands through the blankets to feel the baby dragons develop inside and giggle and churr at each other and The Great Dragon’s themselves.

“So which house will the guests be staying in Chaimira?” You asked your great grand daughter.

“I’m sorry Grandma Lura, we asked. We asked the entire colony and even held a meeting. Only a few can open up their houses for a dragonborn youngling but they’re scattered all over the colony. But no other house is available for them to stay in all together. And of course they are free to stay here in the lairs themselves, but the lairs are not equipped to handle them. They do not have any of the facilities they would need.” Chaimira explained with a wince and an apologetic tone.

“Then I’ll open mine up. They can stay at my house either with me or I can move out and move in at the Elder’s house, granted a bit sooner than I wanted to. But they can have mine for now. I do not want them scattered through the whole colony, they need to stay together. I wager more will eventually come, maybe my house will simply be the new start of the dragonfolk quarter in Sharinji.” You volunteered with a pleasant smile before Ikahni pressed her head to you and you felt a sense of relief and gratefulness from her.

“Hey, these guys are practically your family as far as I’m concerned. You’ve taken care of me and mine, now it’s my turn to repay the favor.” You giggled as you hugged her back and kissed her all over her head.

"I will teach them to be careful when dealing with the merchants from their old empire that was just conquered and try to find a way to help any other to find refuge away from there, even if we have to buy them as slaves only to turn around to hand them their freedom once they get here, because they would and could become targets.” You offered.

The Great Dragons were still ever grateful for your generosity and sense of hospitality. And offered anything and everything from their hoard to you and to the dragonborn to fully set up your home as their new residence among the other gifts and supplies your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren of all the previous five lifetimes were happy to pack up and would be taking back to your home. Even though your home was considered prime real estate, it was still a great honor to even get this much from The Great Dragons. So that meant that your own children and grandchildren and great grandchildren all brought all the gifts the Great Dragons could offer and that they could collect for the dragons to bring back to your home, which the Great Dragons gave you an orb that would restock your cupboards and restore your greenhouse as well as any and all treasures in their hoards to care for the dragonborn and their needs which was of course, a great relief to you to receive, as well as to get ever burning logs for your hearths. And other great gifts.

“I do not wish to inconvenience you.” Adorim offered as he graciously accepted the treasures, packed into boxes as others then flew the boxes to your home and sheepishly came over to you once the Great Dragons informed him of the facts of the situation.

“It’s not an inconvenience, it’s an honor as long as it’s not a pain and burden for you and your group to continue to put up with me. As sick of me as I’m sure you’ve grown to be.” You tried to tease and jokingly offer.

“We can try it and if we can’t stand to live with each other, I can always move out and into the elder’s home with the other widowed and widowered elder council members. Granted a bit earlier than I planned, but at least you’d have a house to yourself.” You offered.

“No! That’s not it at all. Your home is your home, I never want to kick you out of or chase you out of your home.” Adorim practically blanched in horror.

“Like you were from yours?” You replied.

“It’s ok. Houses here in the colony are either bought, sold, rented or usually passed down. But I’m lucky in that all of my other family members have already built houses of their own. And they help me run the shop. I have more than enough room for all of you to stay with me, and that children especially will have space of their own and not be piled on top of each other. As long as you do not object on account of a clash of personalities, I’m happy to host you. All of you. I don’t want any of you to be split up and scattered over the colony. You got them all here safe and sound by staying together. So keep staying together for as long as you can and as long as you need to.” You encouraged him.

“This past week hasn’t been all bad has it? If I recall correctly, once you figured out that I was there to help and not to harm, then it’s been a rather fun and enjoyable week hasn’t it? Despite the horrible circumstances leading up to it that is. Granted you’ll be in the middle of the colony and you’ll have to get used to the noise and the hustle and bustle the colony always seems to have. But I have the room and the space, even if we will have to share bathrooms and other facilities and spaces with each other. We’ll be ok.” You reassured him.

“Especially since they gave me this.” You said as you held up the precious orb for emphasis.

“Because this is a restore orb. So all the food that I used to make us lambas roll pies, will be restored. And with this, having enough food to feed us all won’t be an issue, not in the least. We’ll be just fine. Besides we’re only a month away from the colony opening up for good for the spring, summer and fall before it closes up for winter again.” You waved off as you cradled the orb to your chest. Happy that at least you could continue to offer them food and shelter when the Great Dragons would be providing everything else and you wouldn’t be as alone as you were last year, even when so many near countless generations of your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren always seemed to come and practically invite themselves over to help you with the shop.

‘You’d be foolish to turn her down. That is Allura Sharinji- Fontaga. It’s her family that was one of the founding families of the colony. She helped build this whole colony up and her family has helped build it out ever since. Allura and her family have a great and grand tradition of hospitality. And no finer food in the whole of the colony can be found outside of her kitchens. Mouras fly in from all around the world and pay her fortunes for her lambas roll pies. There is no better hostess and I fully trust her to care for you and the others and especially the younglings. She is the epitome of the perfect mother figure for them. She will see to it that our gods are worshiped, your language lives, your culture lives and she can blend her home with elements of your old to make her home just as comfortable and homy as the one you had to flee from, if not more so.’ The Great Dragons insisted to Adorim telepathically.

“Then we will stay with you.” Adorim accepted.

“Thank you my friend.” You smiled happily as you squeezed his arm for a moment before you went over to where your grandsons were trying to carry a crate over to you.

“What’s this?” You asked when you saw the crate had your name written on it.

“This is for you Grandma Lura.” Searsy offered you an extra large crate before they set it down and handed you a crowbar to open it.

“You didn’t need to get me anything.” You offered to him but took it and cracked a corner up to peek inside.

“The Great Dragons sent me to Dorrierra specially to get you…”

“Tomb meat?!” You asked with wide excited eyes once you saw what was inside before you practically ripped the lid off with your bare hands to get at the absolutely stuffed crate of tomb meat rolls.

“Tomb meat?” Adorim repeated as the thought made him want to gag.

“Yes! So Dorrierra is the official moura country on the surface. They have a bride program, and they entrust the delivery of said brides to very special, very, very large orcs who eat a special meat product called ‘tomb meat’. This meat was originally designed to go into tombs to help the departed have something to eat in the afterlife. This meat, when sealed inside a tomb, can last at the very least a thousand years, if not three or even five! And still be edible! You just slice off a little sliver and rehydrate it and it’s like you just butchered whatever animal it came from. Oh and you got me loins! Only the brides themselves usually get the loins. Oh this is perfect! Thank you so much!” You began to cry as you hugged your great grandsons tightly and the other members of your family and then the dragons who had funded such a purchase for you.

“And of course, that’s not all, we also got you this.” Another said as they brought in another crate that once you opened it up, you saw it was a whole patch of dirt straight from the middle world, and every tiny millimeter was growing lambas grain corn.

“It’s lambas grain! In middle world soil! Oh, it’s beautiful, and so soft!” You cooed as you ran your hands over the soft blades of grass reverently and continued to cry happy tears to see it all. Oh you’d have to plant it oh so carefully into your greenhouse. Because such a super packed plot could be carefully separated to create practically a whole acre worth. Which you had the glow clouds and the ability to do in your underground greenhouse.

Still others came with small dwarf miniatures of trees just for your greenhouse, all of them budding and blooming, also, from Dorierra and other choice areas around the supershere.

“When true generosity is shown, true generosity should be given back.” The Great Dragons declared mentally.

“And none are more deserving of it than her.” Adorim insisted as you delicately tended to the small trees and bushes, still wiping away your happy tears at such precious gifts. Like you just got given a whole nursery full of children again.

“Thank you.” You smiled through your tears at him as you felt incredibly blessed to receive such things as the others were eager to bring it back to your house as you instantly knew where you were going to put each new member of your family in the house as you were happy to take the little ones with you with that precious orb in your pack slung across your chest.

Once you got to your kitchen though, you noticed the two lambas roll pies on the counter and recalled that only Adorim had followed you into the kitchen and instantly knew that he must have put them there. And you couldn't help but smile softly and fondly at the gesture.

“Ok guys, ready to see a miracle?” You asked them once you got back into your home.

“Yeah!” They insisted as they all came around you.

“So we take this orb, and we break it.” You told them as you took the orb out and with glee, threw it at the ground. And it was a small dazzling firework went off in the kitchen as all the children started and giggling and then squealing in delight when the lights seemed to go everywhere all at once and tickled them when they passed the kids themselves and suddenly food stuffs appeared and then overflowed from the cupboards. And what was once two lambas roll pies became a small mountain of them that spilled from the counter onto the floor which made you laugh in glee before you hurriedly picked them all up and cleaned them up, grateful they had a hard crust to allow dirt not to cling to them so they could stay clean as you had all the kids help you put all the lambas rolls into sacks so you could bring them down and put them on the shelves of your shop so you could open it up early.

“Now, because it was Adorim who put his lambas roll pies on the counter, that means that the sales of all of these roll pies go to him and the rest of your group so that you guys can have an income up here ok?” You urged them as you began to put them away and set them up.

“But you’re the one who made them in the first place.” Adorim tried to argue.

“And you’re the one who tried to give them back. Because you too gave your all, your generosity will be returned to you. No arguing.” You tsked him as you booped his nose playfully before you and the younglings all brought the sacks of the roll pies downstairs and into the display cases, artfully arranging them as you did so. And then it was a matter of getting everyone moved into the rooms, the girls getting the girl’s room which had a series of bunkbeds and the boys sharing the others while the smallest got to sleep in cribs in the nursery that was a part of your room while you put Adorim and the other adults and subadults into the “teenager” rooms down the hall in the third floor of the building. And then once they were settled in, you giddily went down to your greenhouse in the basement as the magic from the orb was waiting by the door to go into it and you opened the door only to watch as the glittering magic moved and roamed all around the greenhouse, making it truly green and vibrant and regrowing everything that was harvested and then some. You wanted to cry to see how beautiful it was to see as the magic then took to the new gifted trees and suddenly all the flowers then bloomed and then faded only to grow new fruits in only mere heartbeats of time.

Adorim just stared in awe at the ceiling that was just one big coru cloud, with light, exactly like sunshine coming from them as the temperature and humidity was much warmer and more moist down here than it was in the upper levels. And thanks to all the plants, it was so much easier to breathe down here too.

You were happy to plant the trees where you wanted them as your greenhouse, for being as large as the house itself, was unusually tall so that you had a very vertical garden. Where even the very walls were growing the herbs and lettuces.

But you wasted no time in transplanting the lambas grain to the new and freshly prepared raised garden beds, using your trick of carefully separating each sprig of lambas grain grass plant and planting it in such a way, it would soon take over the whole plot while you scattered the extra dirt on the other dirt, knowing that the two soils would combine to make a great soil to keep the lambas in a constant state of producing the seed corn, that was halfway between a wheat grain and actual maize as you noticed that all your grandchildren and great grandchildren and even the dragonborn all pitched in to help you. All the dragonborn sub adults only needed to watch you do it once and were able to copy your method exactly while you were still walking your own grandchildren and great grandchildren through the process of doing it and how to do it and why you did it the way you did.

“So how did get the sunshine and clouds down here?” Adorim asked.

“It’s a moura secret magic gift.” You answered with a wink.

“It’s something that a moura usually learns in their second lifetime, because the first one is spent learning to be patient.” Lillyshavanah answered proudly as she helped her own children and grandchildren with the important task of transplanting the very precious lambas grain to garden beds as one was soon finished before the group moved on to the others. Each of them taking a precious clump of oversewn lambas seed sprouts and their soil and the others to carefully plant them.

“You guys are naturals.” You praised them as the younglings especially beamed at the praise.

But while part of your large extended family was in the greenhouse, the other part was in your kitchens both for the shop and your personal kitchen cooking up a proper Sharinji/Fontaga family meal.

“It’s a miracle you guys could make it all the way here from your city.” One of your great granddaughters, Shalayah, noted to one of the subadults as she sidled up next to him kitty corner from you and you nearly snorted a laugh when they looked up at her and nearly choked on their own spit to see a pretty pair of indigo violet eyes fluttering up at them.

“Uh yeah, thanks to your, your, grandmother?” He managed to say in response as she simply smiled and didn’t bother to correct him. You were officially “Grandma Lura” to all of them.

“Yeah, Grandma Lura has helped a lot of families, she’s the reason this colony has…” She began to list off all the non mouras you had helped bring here over the years as you simply grinned proudly as she seemed to remember and recall others you had seemingly forgotten over the ages.

“Wow, that’s a lot.” Xuacus noted.

“Yeah. Which, because of where Sharinji, that’s just who is around here besides the mouras that settled in the mountains…” She noted before she listed off all the colonies in the area before they broke off as they finished with the garden bed and they led them to the most recent map you had made upstairs.

“How do you manage to keep them all straight?” Adorim asked once you finished and were sweeping up the precious bits of dirt and putting it into the raised garden bed.

“You are covered in many scales, how do you manage to keep all of them straight?” You returned with a teasing grin and glint in your eyes.

“That’s fair.” He tilted his head as he put the dust pan down in front of your pile of dust and dirt so you could sweep it up into it.

“For a moura, there’s a special touch we do when we touch each other.From the old world, it was how you could tell who you were related to or not to protect us from inbreeding. And now, it’s essential when members are reborn and start having families over and over again. But the touch, it’s called a Lira Light Touch, it tells me exactly how each of them is related to me. Which child from which rebirth or even from before my first rebirth. The Lira light tells it all to me. Which is fortunate, because if I had to keep it all straight from memory, I’d be doomed. Just like I’m sure you don’t have all of your scales numbered and named, yet I’m sure you’re acutely aware of if one is out of place or missing and feeling all of them laying right is just part of feeling whole and normal I would suppose.” You murmured.

“True.” Adorim nodded.

“I know it probably doesn’t feel like it. But for now, you’re home. Granted it’s a home away from home. Until either your own can be reclaimed, or if it’s not possible to put that little Prince back onto his throne, at least he will live out his days happy and healthy and well cared for here. And maybe a descendant of his can reclaim that throne one day. Or if the empire is gone for good. At least you got to save a little piece of it with yourself and those younglings. Tonight, we’re going to eat, and we’re gonna get some good sleep tonight. And then tomorrow, we’re going to get draconian written down. We’re going to do our best to make a record of you and your empire, all of it. The good, the bad and the ugly. But at least it will be a record of existance. And languages are only dead when no one speaks them or a culture is only dead when no one practices it. Just because you’re in a moura colony, doesn’t mean you have to assimilate to be accepted and treated with kindness, respect and dignity. I know you may be inclined to feel that it’s just you and the others against the rest of the world. But I promise you’re not. We’re here to help. It’s just a matter for you to decide how much help you’ll accept, both on account of yourself and the others.” You reminded him.

“Well, you were right, we did need help. And we would have died if you had not intervened and brought us here. And what the younglings needed was a mother’s touch. And I’m grateful that you were the one to give that to them.” He offered.

“Aww, thanks.” You cooed delightfully before you reached up to where you had the coru clouds come down and just touching them in such a way, they all began to rain down a gentle mist onto everything in the greenhouse as Adorim simply watched the marvel unfold all around him before you took his hand and led him out of it and up stairs with the others to finally eat and rest and get a chance to fully recover from the ordeal.

#Monster March #Monster March 2023 Day 28 Shapeshifter #Monster March Day 28 Shapeshifter Part 2

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annakie · 2 years

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One last self-indulgent Patchy post, from almost two weeks out.

It’s been some time.

I’ve mostly been off tumblr, letting the queue run things. Occasionally scrolling the dash, not much social media lately, it was a bit Too Much outside of some direct chats with friends and running/coordinating D&D stuff.

The weekend post-death I hibernated a lot. I let myself cry as much as I wanted. I reminded myself, and I may have posted this here, I don’t remember, but that the only good way through grief is to go right through it.

My work sent a nice little snack gift box. Not much I liked in it, but the thought was very much appreciated. And the vet sent the flowers I posted about last week.

It was a little better Sunday. I ran my Sunday Night D&D game and just made sure to have a cry in the hour before to get it all out.

Last week was fine. Still crying every day, but a little less every day. I spent a lot of time on the couch watching Netflix when I wasn’t working. And honestly, I didn’t work that much most days. Watched mostly like, home makeover/cleanup shows. You know, things that make you feel vaguely good without having to actually think.

Better Call Saul finale and other ongoing shows were good distractions.

Thursday I got the call that Patchy’s ashes were ready for pickup. I went in Friday at lunch. Thanked the receptionist for the flowers they sent (which are still in the house but need to be thrown out.)

Took the very nice little bag they gave me back to the car and looked inside. The box with her ashes, tied up in a pretty ribbon, I ran my hands over the very pretty box, and opened the box with the plaster paw print. There was also an envelope I declined to open at the time. I cried for a few moments, got some takeout, went home.

Sat down and opened the envelope and saw the fur clipping in the little bag and for the first time in a couple of days I completely lost it. A long, sobbing cry.

When I’d left the vets office after putting her to sleep I nearly went back in to ask them to save a clipping of her fur, but decided not to. I knew I couldn’t have gotten through it. And I thought about emailing them later but thought it might be too late by the time I thought if it and wasn’t 100% sure I wanted it. I have a little clipping of Cebu’s poodle hair though, and it means a lot to me to still have. But I decided not to.

So seeing that they’d done it anyway, without me asking, meant a lot, but also it hurt a lot. I was so very relieved and yet it was also like a sledgehammer. Having her ashes, and a little bit of her where they’d found a perfect intersection of her three colors was so thoughtful. But it was also like that final “she’s really gone and she’s not coming back” moment. Where mentally you knew it, but it’s what the heart needed for it to be final.

I at first put the three things on the shelves behind me here in the office/living room next to Jim’s ashes and picture but realized about thirty seconds later that that was wrong, the living room wasn’t her room.

I have a little knick-knack shelf in the bedroom filled with ceramics and figurines people had given me throughout the years for various reasons. I curate it and swap things out occasionally but for the most part it’s just little mementos and decoration. There was a tea light lamp on the top of it that was a thank you gift for helping run a big baby shower about 14 years ago, so I moved that lower on the shelf and set Patchy’s things on the top. The master bedroom was her domain for six years, so a little space for her there seems right.

I’ve felt more at peace since doing that. I spent a lot of time second guessing myself the first week. And I still wonder if I should have done more. Especially still kicking myself for not taking her back in two or three weeks earlier. We may have bought her another couple of weeks of life if I had, but realistically I know time was drawing short, and she’d outlasted her best estimates. I’m mostly at peace with it. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop self-doubting, just a teensy bit.

Fry moved himself back into the master bedroom immediately upon my opening it back up, and barely has left it since. It took Pemily a couple of days to understand that yes, it’s OK for you to be in here now. It’s OK to get up on the bed. You can sleep with me again. They are both loving it. Fry especially is rarely not in there when he’s not eating. He used to watch TV with me all the time and now that’s just sometimes.

There’s a small cat tree that Patchy loved to sit under but not into. It’s Fry’s favorite thing. I’d always kicked myself for not buying two when I bought the one on clearance. Patchy literally never got into the bucket seat. The few times I’d let Fry in there when Patchy was around he’d mostly just hang out in it, and now he is in it like 50% of the time.

He and Pemily are both sleeping with me again which is... mostly good. They’re a lot more restless than Patchy. They’re both also way heavier than her -- Fry is like 13lbs and Pemily is like 18 whereas Patchy was 10 or less. So when they wake me up to want to cuddle, it’s a lot more noticeable and there’s, you know, two of them. Sleeping with the bedroom door open again is great insofar as it’s no longer stuffy in there as soon as the AC goes off, but also brighter with the hall nightlight shining into the room, and noisier as I can hear all three of them moving around and using the litterbox when they need it. Leela also likes to just scream randomly, and it’s a lot louder with the door open. Leela has walked around the bedroom but as usual, prefers her bed on the desk.

Peaches -- who I saw this week is actually a boy -- and Buster have been outside a lot. I am in the beginning stages of seeing what I can do to domesticate them. Peaches seems more likely than Buster. Going to change Peaches name, especially if I can get him inside/vetted/snipped/safe if possible. Hoping Fry can handle it well if I can get one of them integrated into the house.

Four is my limit, but Leela is 17.5. Realistically, I know I won’t have a lot of time left with her. Ever since her health scare last year I’ve been doing my best to give her the best, especially now Patchy is gone. Her last few vet visits have gone great though, so who knows. Maybe she’ll live to 20. I’ve been trying not to pre-mourn her since the last 13 months were about pre-mourning Patchy.

ANYWAY. Aside from ALL THE CAT NEWS I went and played D&D4e at Marcus’ on Friday, and this Saturday is 13th Age game night. Running my Wednesday night game tonight and going to run my SUnday night game.. tomorrow? Since we’re in the middle of like, the Most Important Part of this campaign TBH and everyone wants to know what happens and not take a week off when someone can’t make it this weekend. Also just going to run a B-team game for the rest of them Sunday anyway.

Gaming is healing.

Have been dicking around in Enderal, just going exploring/dungeon diving a lot and ignoring the main quest. Just a few hours every few days. I also replayed Boyfriend Dungeon since the DLC came out and I had only played it on release. They’d added some cool stuff. I meant to treat someone else as my main romance this time but honestly, Isaac is perfect. Still romanced everyone possible to romance except Sawyer (too young, too immature. Nice kid) and let Sunder break up with me this time instead of me rejecting him for being... what he is. It was a nice, light, fluffy break.

Also watched Abbot Elementary, and loved it. Need more please.

Today is the first day this work week I’ve had a cry about Patchy. And mostly because I re-read my previous entry to prepare for this one. I am coming out of the grief stage, not there yet. But getting close. I miss her a lot. I think about her often, but I am starting to move on.

#my pets #pet death tw #personal post tag thingy

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asterkiss · 2 years

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What a Catch!: Chapter 10

Pairing: Bill/Mabel Synopsis: Mabel was a mermaid who didn't ask for much. In fact, all she pretty much wanted from her soulmate was a romantic first meeting where he would sweep her off her fins. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Her soulmate didn't so much sweep her off her fins as he trapped her in a fish net. [Read on AO3 here]

CHAPTER 10: BURN

'Grunkle Stan, hi!'

'Hm?' The stone-like gargoyle glanced down from his perch on a tree, peering towards a smiling mermaid in the waters below. 'Oh, hey pumpkin. How's it going?'

'Uh, not too bad.' She had recently been tied up by a Hunter but she figured it was best to leave that part out. The Hunters had mysteriously packed up and left early the next day, though they had also shown up prematurely as well this year. It was all rather weird.

She still hadn't told Stanley about the whole soul mate with a Hunter thing but she knew she'd have to fess up to him and Stanford some time, and that time was probably now. 'I heard Grunkle Ford just came out of his hibernation?' The sphinx would go into a deep slumber for a few years at a time and his absence was always felt - she and Dipper missed the ol' guy.

Stanley's face fell. 'Urgh, I swear. The guy's been back a few days and it's like half the forest want to see him.' That probably wasn't an exaggeration, Stanford was super smart and knew the answers to almost everything. He probably had a large line of critters waiting to enquire with him. 'Even your brother came by yesterday.'

'Dipper did?' She frowned. She hoped he wasn't going to spill the beans on her soul mate thing. The deal had been she'd tell their uncles once Stanford returned. It had been her way of procrastinating the difficult conversation for a while but now Stanford was back and her time had run out. That said, she did have things she wanted to ask her uncle as well.

'I wanted to talk to both of you about some... stuff,' she finished vaguely, earning a raised eyebrow from the older man. 'And I also wondered if Grunkle Ford had ever heard about a particular family name before.'

'What family?'

'Just, you know, some names.'

Stanley's stonely face darkened. 'You can tell me as well, y'know? I know things too, kid.'

Mabel gave a small smile, she'd hit a nerve hadn't she? It hadn't been her intention to make him feel second place. 'Okay fine, the name is Cipher. Do you know anything?'

He blinked. 'Nope, not a clue.'

She puffed out her cheeks, pouting up at him. See, this is why she wanted to ask Stanford! But she couldn't say that or Stanley would grumble again.

The gargoyle shrugged. 'Look, I doubt even my brother will know anything but since it's you asking, I'll pass it onto him when he gets back, alright? The old codger's stretching his wings at the moment.'

'Thank you Grunkle Stan, you're the best!' She gazed up at him with an adoring smile and hands clasped in front of her chest. He muttered something but she saw the flush on his cheeks and could tell he was happy. She felt a little guilty actually, she should visit him more often. As she regarded him from below in the shadows of the tall tree, her eyes caught the edge of lettering peeking out from beneath his pants as he shifted on his perch. His soulmate's words. He always refused to speak about it though when she asked, claiming she was too young. But she was going to be sixteen soon, so he couldn't keep using that excuse. She figured the words were super embarrasing and that's why he always hid them out of sight.

But Mabel was persistent and she'd find out one way or another, you could bet on that.

She absently scratched at the lettering on the inside of her arm, wondering what her "soul mate" was up to as she engaged her uncle in further chit-chat.

Bill tried not to flinch as he was slapped violently, his cheek stinging painfully from the velocity of it. It hadn't been entirely unexpected but he was still left briefly stunned as he stood within the centre of an ornate study room, a figure stalking angrily around a large oakwood desk and a warm fireplace burning brightly.

He slowly raised a hand, rubbing tenderly at his skin with a wince as the dark-haired individual continued to walk and fro in agitiation.

'Twice,' the woman spat, high heels clacking against the wooden floor. Dark hair pulled into a taught bun threatened to come loose in her frazzled state, and her formal business attire seemed crumpled attesting to her upset presence. 'Twice you've come back from that shithole with nothing nothing!’ She snapped her head his way, dark eyes meeting his with a volatile rising anger within. ‘Your father may have been worth less than the ground I walk on, but at least he brought back a prize with every god damn Hunt. So far since his demise you’ve brought our family nothing but shame!' She grabbed a glass sculpture off the desk, turning on her heel to throw it across the room. It shattered on impact with the floor, glass shards scattering.

He swallowed back several words he would prefer to say in lieu of releasing a soft sig. ‘I apologise, mother-‘

‘Shut up,’ she hissed, voice laced with revulsion as she cast him a glare. ‘You don’t speak unless I tell you to, understand?’

‘…’

‘Your fucking cousin had to tell me what you pulled,’ she went on irately. ‘I already get enough hassel from my sister without her idiot son showing us up as well. Seriously, you actually capture something and then you just... let it go?' She arched an eyebrow in his direction, expression twisting into something ugly. 'Are you stupid? You shouldn't be, I don't hit you nearly hard enough to make you that dumb.' She muttered further insults beneath her breath as Bill scowled, fists clenching at his side.

‘Do you have any idea how lucky you even are?’ the woman labelled his "mother" spat, as she approached him. She halted before him so they stood toe to toe, piercing blue eyes glowering up at him. And even though Bill had a clear foot over the petite woman, he remained submissive to her, shoulders hunched and gaze averted. ‘I struggle to think of anyone else in our class who who would willingly take in a mutant monster like yourself and call it their own.’

His back itched.

‘Don't forget the only reason we adopted you was because your pathetic father couldn’t have his own,’ she advised, voice venomous as she jabbed a sharp, manicured finger into his chest. ‘If it wasn’t for that, you’d have died in that monster dimension years ago like you deserved, worm.’

‘I know.’

She snorted derisively, turning around towards the lit fireplace. Stepping towards it, the woman appeared to take in several deep breaths before the flames as she forced herself to calm down.

‘…Take off your shirt.’

Bill blinked at the request before his expression became solemn. Clenching his jaw, he did as she said, pulling the shirt over his head to reveal his bare torso.

With her back still towards him, she spoke again, voice clipped: ‘Turn around.’

With a grimace he did as she ordered, turning his back towards her just in time for the older woman to glance back. He could feel her eyes roaming his injured back and shoulders, her gaze piercing.

‘….Hmph. It’s started to heal again,’ she muttered.

Bill heard her pick up the fire poker from the embers, her heels clacking once again against the floor as she approached him. He closed his eyes and tensed in anticipation.

‘Soul mate marks,’ she muttered in disgust. ‘A ridiculous notion conned by monsters to force breeding.

A Cipher, no matter how off brand, has no need for it.’

The hot metal pressed against his flesh and the blond bit his tongue to keep back a yelp, fingernails digging into the palms of his hands as his fists clenched tightly enough to turn his knuckles white.

Bear with it. Bear with it.

He was a Cipher.

And one day this entire family would belong to him.

When that day came, every single person who had looked down on him would feel his wrath.

His nails dug further into his skin as she tutted and pressed the poker against his back again, burning away the words etched into his body.

…Oh, they’d pay dearly.

'Hey you missed Mabel, she was looking for ya earlier today.'

Stanford blinked upon his return to his makeshift shack, noting his brother standing in the shadows ominously. 'Oh, what did she want?'

'Eh, wanted to ask you if you knew about some family she was babbling about.'

The sphinx unfurled his wings, dropping several bags from his wander which seemed to be secreting odd slime. All part of a normal days work for him. After being out of commission for eighteen months he had to restock. He glanced at his brother. 'Did she say which family?'

'Uh, somebody called Cipher? Weird-ass name if you ask me, right?'

Silence.

Stanley frowned at his brothers lack of response, looking towards him only to blink at his brothers frozen expression. 'Stanford?'

His twin twitched, clearing his throat but unable to displace the look of alarm on his face. 'W-Where did she hear that name?'

'She didn't say. Why?' When his brother said nothing, the gargoyle scowled and shifted forward. 'Oi, if you know something then spill the beans. She's my neice too, dammit!'

Stanford frowned, eyes sliding towards his brother. He seemed to regard his words carefully before speaking. 'This isn't good Stanley, that family is bad news. For all of us.'

Stanley swallowed thickly. 'What d'ya mean?'

'...If we aren't careful we might invoke a war with the Hunters and undo all the hard work I've carried out to keep this dimension peaceful.' He looked grim. 'We need to find Mabel and find out what she knows. Now.'

The gargoyle felt his heart squeeze in alarm.

Mabel, what had you got yourself involved with?

#what a catch #ff update

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