#twelve twenty seven in the morning and here i am | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mint-yooxgi · 1 year

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{22} - Hotel California - Yandere!Demonic Entities!Ateez X Reader

Yandere AU & Demon AU - Based off of This ask and Hotel California by Eagles

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst, Fluff, Slight Humor

Pairing: Ateez X Reader (Slight focus on Yunho, Mingi, San, and a tad of Yeosang and Hongjoong)

Words: 10,887

Warnings: Blood mentioned, minor violence. A real bad headache. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: Finally, the moment I have been waiting for!! Ehehehe, I am so excited for the next chapter to come out since it’s what I've been planning since the beginning. The bombshell is finally here!!! I really hope you all enjoy this part and will look forward to the upcoming chapters. I have a lot planned! As always, feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy~

Main Story - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - Part Fourteen - Part Fifteen - Part Sixteen - Part Seventeen - Part Eighteen - Part Nineteen - Part Twenty - Part Twenty-One - Mini Masterlist

Waking up with a headache is certainly not on your list of things to do today. Alas, as soon as you feel the edges of consciousness returning to you, you can feel a small pounding in your head. There seems to be one spot in particular that the pain radiates from, but it’s faint enough that you can ignore it for now. Besides, you have more important things to be focusing on.

The pillow you are resting on steadily rises and falls along with your every breath, a content hum sounding against your ear. You smile in response, subconsciously shifting closer.

Faintly, you register low laughter rumbling out from beneath you.

“You’ve been holding her all night,” you briefly hear Yunho’s low voice coming from beside you, feeling a hand resting on your lower back, who’s thumb strokes gently over your skin beneath your shirt.

“It’s not my fault she draped herself over me in her sleep,” you hear Mingi reply, somewhat giddily.

True to his words, you realize that you are quite literally laying half on top of him right now. Your head rests comfortably on his chest, arms wrapped securely around his torso as your one leg is tossed over his thighs.

A smile pulls at your lips as you hear his heart begin racing at the way you tighten your grip around him the slightest bit. You hum contently.

“Good morning, Starlight,” Mingi lightly trails the tips of his fingers over the side of your face, caressing you softly.

“Good morning, Min,” you reply, voice low as sleep still clings to the edges.

“Did we wake you?” Yunho leans the slightest bit closer to you, and you can feel his one leg pressing up against yours beneath the sheets.

You shake your head, a soft ‘no’ leaving your lips as your eyes remain closed for the moment. You are more than content to continue laying in their embrace like this for the time being, seeing as you are much too comfortable to move.

“Did you sleep well?” Mingi asks, hand moving to cup your cheek tenderly as his thumb strokes gently over your skin.

A content hum leaves your lips as you nod. “Very.”

You shift the slightest bit, turning more to lay on your side and feeling just how close Yunho really is to your back as his chest presses against you. Slowly, your eyelids flutter open, looking up to see Mingi already staring at you with such a fond gaze.

Exactly three days have passed since your little escapade in the cinema room, and you’ve noticed how all of them have been that much more affectionate with you lately. If one of them doesn’t have their arm wrapped around your shoulders, or your waist, another is holding your hand, or resting theirs on the small of your back. You’ve taken the liberty to have one or more of them spend the night with you since the second day had passed, feeling the need to have the comfort of their presence with you as much as they have yours.

Which is exactly how you find yourself curled between both Mingi and Yunho right now.

“I always sleep better when I’m holding onto something,” you remind them, and you watch as a brilliant smile stretches across Mingi’s face.

“You can hold onto me for as long as you’d like, Starlight,” he leans in to place a tender kiss onto the skin of your forehead, loving the way you stare back at him with wide eyes as he pulls away.

Little do you realize the pout that Yunho wears behind you.

“I really appreciate that, Min,” you smile, hand coming up to rest on top of his chest for the moment. “You both seriously don’t know just how severely touch starved I am.”

“We’re all more than happy to hold you whenever, wherever you’d like, Petal,” Yunho keeps his voice low, placing a tender kiss onto the nape of your neck. “For however long you want us to.”

Now, a pout begins to pull at Mingi’s features as he watches you turn around in his arms to face his brother, much to Yunho’s content.

“Thank you, Universe,” a pleased hum escapes your lips as you curl yourself against his chest, tossing your leg over his waist in the next moment. “You too, Moonlight.” You turn your body just enough to look back at him from over your shoulder, noticing how Mingi's pout immediate softens into a small smile as he sees you gazing so fondly at him. “I appreciate you staying.”

“We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Mingi’s response is immediate, and you can feel both of their chests hum in content against you.

A soft smile pulls at your features as you reach behind you to grab Mingi’s arm, wrapping it around yourself, and tucking it into your chest as you turn back around to face Yunho once more. Immediately, Mingi follows your movements, chest pressing against your back as you curl yourself into Yunho’s embrace. You absolutely adore the way you can feel Yunho’s one hand settle onto the skin of your thigh, thumb stroking tenderly against you.

With your eyes fluttering shut, you allow yourself to absolutely revel in this moment with the two of them.

“I love you,” you hum out, lips tugging upwards slightly. “Both of you.”

Soft rumbles of contentment reach your ears from the both of them, feeling them hold you the slightest bit tighter within their embrace.

“I love you, Starlight,” Mingi breathes, hand squeezing yours tenderly as you continue to hold his against your chest. “More than words can describe.”

“And I love you, too, Petal,” Yunho voices lowly, a small smile gracing his features as he stares into your eyes. “More than anything.”

A gentle kiss is placed against the back of your head, curtesy of Mingi, just as you feel Yunho lean in to rest his forehead against your own. Not even five minutes later, and your breathing evens out, allowing yourself to succumb to sleep once more.

Some time later, you are awoken to the sounds of the two males bickering lowly yet again. It seems as if this time, you have released your hold on Mingi’s arm in favour of tossing your own over Yunho’s side. You can still feel Yunho’s hand pressing securely against your thigh, but you also feel another one just above his own, resting dangerously close to the curve of your ass.

Only, the elder of the two doesn’t seem to like that fact very much.

“Move your hand.” His voice rumbles out, shooting a pointed look at the younger from over the top of your head.

“No.” Mingi counters. “You move yours.”

“I was holding her first,” Yunho replies, quite pointedly.

“Yeah, and she’s now wrapped herself around you,” Mingi sounds just the tiniest bit bitter when he says this.

“Oh, boo-hoo. You spent the whole night having her rest practically on top of you.” Yunho retorts. “It’s my turn, now.”

“It’s not my fault I’m comfortable.” Mingi huffs, shifting his hand down your thigh and purposely pushing Yunho’s hand off of you.

“Well, now, so am I!” Yunho practically hisses back, shoving Mingi’s hand off of you only to replace it with his own in the next instant.

“Back. Off.” Mingi harshly whispers through clenched teeth, once more swiping Yunho’s hand away to place his own back onto your thigh.

“No, you back off.” Yunho replies, pointedly, smacking Mingi’s hand away in the next moment.

This goes back and forth for about another twenty seconds, vaguely hearing them keep smacking each other’s hands away only to replace the other’s with their own. You have half the mind to start giggling at their antics in your semi-awake state. That is, until you feel a small smack land on the side of your thigh.

You twitch in shock.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake- will you both knock it off?” You huff, eyes flashing open to see Yunho already staring at you with wide eyes.

“Way to go, genius, you ended up hitting her instead,” Mingi scoffs, and you can just tell he’s rolling his eyes at his brother.

“No thanks to you,” Yunho glares at the younger from over your head before turning his gaze to you. Immediately, his expression is softening, worry taking over his features. “I’m so sorry, Petal. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, you didn’t,” your answer has him nearly breathing a sigh of relief, “but seriously. Stop bickering, or else I’ll kick you both out and ask Yeosang to come stay with me instead.”

They both stiffen at this, sharing a narrowed eye look between each other.

This is all your fault. Mingi frowns, shooting a pointed look at Yunho.

Me? This is all because of you! Yunho replies, exasperatedly.

“You called?” The sound of Yeosang’s low voice draws your attention to the end of your bed.

“Great!” Mingi huffs, lips tugging downwards as he meets Yunho’s gaze. “Now look at what you did.”

“Me?” Yunho voices, incredulously. “How is this my fault?”

You briefly meet Yeosang’s gaze, and your exasperated stare says it all.

“I’m about to physically kick you both out of bed if you don’t stop arguing with each other,” you warn, shifting onto your back for the moment.

“He started it,” Mingi grumbles, that all too familiar pout back on his lips.

Your hands come up to rub at your eyes, still feeling that familiar throbbing within your skull.

“It’s too early for this,” you sigh, shaking your head teasingly. “Besides, I’m starting to get a headache.”

Immediately, worry takes over all three of their features.

“Are you okay, Petal? Do you want one of us to heal you?” Yunho gently places a hand onto your forehead, checking your temperature.

“I’ll be fine. I probably just need more sleep,” you assure him, placing your hand overtop of his own and pulling it off of your forehead. Then, playfully, you shoot two pointed looks at the men beside you, “which I would be doing if some people weren’t being big babies over who gets to hold me.”

Out of the corner of your eyes, you see Yeosang standing at the foot of your bed with an amused look on his face. His one brow is quirked as he crosses his arms over his chest, grin tugging at his lips.

“Starlight,” Mingi whines, “you cannot blame us. We just love holding you in our arms.”

“And I love spending time with you guys, no matter the context,” you reply, feeling how the two males on either side of you shift the slightest bit closer into your sides as smiles tug at all of their features. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to continue to be surrounded by the people I love.”

“We can do that,” Yunho immediately replies, leaning his head into you so that his face is practically buried in your neck.

The corner of your lips tugs upwards as you settle deeper into your sheets. Only, the way you notice Yeosang seemingly starting to turn away from you to leave the room has a small pout pulling at your features.

“Where are you going, Yeosangie?” Your voice immediately draws his attention back to you to see you already staring at him with your lips tugging downwards dramatically.

He quirks a brow in response.

Lifting your arms, you motion for him to join you with your hands outstretched in front of you. “Come here.”

Yeosang does not need to be told twice. Instantly, he’s crawling onto the bed and over your body, resting himself between your legs as his head settles onto your chest. The feeling of your arms wrapping around his torso is simply icing on the cake.

“I said I wanted to be surrounded by the people I love,” you hum, knowingly. Your one hand shifts to begin threading your fingers through Yeosang’s hair, and the hum of content you let out is synonymous with their own. “If any of you have a problem with this, you can leave.”

“Not at all, Starlight,” Mingi shifts that much closer into your side, hand coming up to rest on your one shoulder as he leans his head into yours.

“We are more than content to spend time with you like this,” Yunho adds, practically mirroring Mingi’s position on your opposite side.

“We love you, Dearest,” Yeosang’s voice rumbles out, turning his head to place a kiss directly over your heart and loving the way he can feel it flutter beneath his touch yet again.

“And I love you,” you hum, contently, allowing your eyes to fall shut. “All of you.”

A small silence settles over the four of you as you rest in each other’s embrace. The steady hum of your heartbeat begins to sync with all of their own, smiles pulling onto each one of their faces as they are more than content to rest like this with you for the moment.

You nearly let out a sigh in bliss. That is, until your eyes are flinging open in the next second.

“I have a problem.” Immediately, three worried sets of eyes are on you. You blink, somewhat sheepishly. “I need to pee.”

Five minutes later, and you’re back in bed with the three of them after freshening up in the bathroom. Again, a content sigh escapes you lips as you manage to fall back into the realm of dreams once more.

About an hour and a half later, you feel consciousness returning to your form. Luckily, all three of them are perfectly content to lay with you for a little while longer as you fully wake up, resting in each other’s arms for the time being. That is, until finally, you decide that you should actually get up and out of bed for the day.

“We have another council meeting soon, anyways,” Yeosang informs you, all three of them sitting on the edge of your bed as you change into some fresh clothes.

Sure enough, a few hours later, you walk into the foyer to see all eight of them wearing what appears to be white military style jackets with black pants.

As soon as you see them, you freeze in your spot, breath catching in your throat. Again, each style that they wear is unique to them, and you cannot help the way your gaze trails over every single one of their figures slowly.

“Okay, you all need to warn me if you’re going to look this good all the time,” you blink, attempting to control your thoughts for the moment.

At least a few of them, like Yeosang, Mingi, and Wooyoung, have the decency to look bashful. The others, however, have the gall to look smug, smirks pulling at their features.

“We’re just happy to know that we can affect you like this, Darling.” Jongho grins, smoothing out the front of his jacket.

“Is this how you all felt seeing me in a corset? Cause if so, I understand.” You nod subtly, eyes continuing to trail over their figures slowly.

This time, all of them cannot stop themselves from smiling.

“Seriously, you all look very handsome,” you continue.

“Thank you, Gorgeous,” Wooyoung can barely stop himself from shaking in happiness, a brilliant smile stretching across his features as he continues to stare at you from across the room.

“I kid you not-“ your breath catches as if you’ve realized something. “Wait,” a devious grin pulls at your lips as you drop to your knees in an instant, hands outstretched in front of you for emphasis, “I am on my knees.”

“Petal,” Yunho chuckles, a pride unlike any other swirling within his chest as you continue to joke around with them. “You’re being dramatic.”

“Am I?” Your wide eyed gaze locks with his own. “Have you seen yourselves?”

Collectively, they all share a look between one another, brows quirked as a smugness washes over all of them.

“My fucking word, how do you expect me to survive when you all look like this?” You go on to say, swooning once more dramatically as you stand back to your feet.

Instantly, San has you in his arms, holding onto you as if you fainted right into his embrace. The cheeky grin you can see pulling at his lips has one of your own tugging at your features.

“Uh-oh, if you’re not going to survive, perhaps someone should stay back and watch over you,” he chuckles. “And by someone I mean me.”

“Like hell you’ll be the one to take care of her. Alone,” Jongho crosses his arms in front of his chest.

The two glare at each other for a moment, and you cannot help but chuckle, righting yourself back onto your own feet, much to San’s disappointment.

“Nah, Yunho’s right,” you smile. “I’m just being dramatic. I’ll be fine.”

At the pout San gives you, you’re quick to pat the side of his arm reassuringly. Then, in the blink of an eye, you’re gripping the side of his jaw so you can lean in to place a kiss onto his cheek.

The giddy smile you receive from him in response is immediate, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he giggles.

“Go get ‘em, Tiger,” you pat his arm once more, stepping out of his embrace and sending a final wave to all of them.

Just as you watch them disappearing from view, you hear Wooyoung whining about how he wants a good luck kiss from you as well. Though, from the looks on all of their faces, he’s not the only one thinking the same thing.

You chuckle to yourself as soon as you’re alone, shaking your head lovingly at their antics. However, just as you go to turn around, you hear someone reappear behind you. Glancing up, you notice Mingi making his way towards you quite steadily from a few feet away.

“I forgot something,” he mumbles, coming to stand right in front of you.

You simply quirk a brow at him in response. “What did you forget?”

Briefly, his eyes search your face for any sign of discomfort or hesitance. At the way he can see a grin tugging at your features, he knows that there is none.

“This.”

Instantly, he has his arm wrapped around your waist as he pulls you flush into his chest. His lips gently find purchase on your own, a content rumble vibrating in his chest as he feels your hands wrap around his back, pressing him even closer into you.

Slowly, he pulls away, resting his forehead against your own. His eyes remain closed, absolutely revelling in this moment with you as he holds you to him, his hand splayed on the small of your back. At the way you lean in to peck his lips once more, smiling all the while, he can feel his heart absolutely fluttering in his chest.

“Better?” You giggle, your one hand coming up to cup the side of his cheek as your thumb begins to stroke gently over his skin.

“Better.” He confirms, a slight nod to his head as that giddy smile takes over his features. “Though, I should probably get back, now.”

“Be safe, Moonlight,” you lean in to peck his lips once more.

“I promise to return to you without a scratch,” he says, moving the slightest bit away from you as he allows his touch to linger on your skin for as long as possible.

“You better,” you teasingly poke his chest. “The only one allowed to leave scratches on you is me.”

A low growl graces your ears as he immediately pulls you flush against him for the second time in the past five minutes. “You’re giving me too many ideas, Starlight. Are you trying to make it that much more impossible for me to leave you?”

“I’m just informing you of what is still yet to come, Moonlight,” a sultry grin pulls at your lips, and you watch him swallow.

“One word.” He breathes. “One word, Starlight, and you won’t have to worry about being alone this evening at all.”

His voice is nothing but a low drawl as he stares deeply into your eyes with a hooded gaze. You can feel the growl building in his chest, low and primal, as his look continues to darken with every passing second. He licks his lips.

Just as he goes to lean in for another kiss, the clearing of someone’s throat behind you has you freezing in your tracks.

“Mingi, let’s go.” Seonghwa’s voice is low, pointed, as the eldest glares at the younger’s back.

Heaving a great sigh, Mingi is quick to be the one to peck your lips this time. “Until next time, Starlight.”

Slowly, reluctantly, Mingi pulls himself away from you as Seonghwa watches on with a scrutinizing gaze. A pout pulls at the younger’s lips as he trudges over to where the eldest stands with his arms crossed. A frown rests on Seonghwa’s features, eyes pointedly locked on Mingi’s figure as he stops just beside the elder male.

Seonghwa immediately turns to look at you, gaze softening as his shoulders relax. “We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

“Alright, Mars,” you smile softly, blinking once. “Be safe, My Kings.”

The pleased growls that echo throughout the room as they disappear have your smile widening, noticing how they both had nodded once firmly before leaving you to your own once more.

A moment later, your head throbs, and you cannot help the way you hunch over. Your one hand comes up to cradle the side of your temple, feeling that one spot pinch quite harshly in pain. Squeezing your eyes shut, you attempt to catch your breath.

Seems as if this headache won’t leave you alone. Oddly enough, you’ve noticed them becoming worse over the past few days, always lingering in the back of your mind. Perhaps you should get one of them to heal you once they get back. This is really starting to get annoying.

Meanwhile, Mingi gets an earful from all of them as soon as both he and Seonghwa reappear in the throne room. Though, from the way that lovestruck smile tugs at his features, they know he doesn’t really care all that much about what they’re saying to him. Going back to see you without the others was absolutely worth it, even if they’re reaming his ass out right now.

Then, Mingi blinks, a knowing quirk to his brow. “Don’t we have a council to attend?”

Yeosang sighs, exasperatedly.

“This isn’t over,” Wooyoung grumbles, shooting a pointed glare at his brother.

A minute later, after they’ve all composed themselves properly, and Mingi has straightened out his blazer once more, the eight of them are finally entering the grand hall. All of them are ready to start this council, and get it over with as quickly as possible. Besides, they have more important matters to deal with, like who will get to spend the night with you.

As soon as their figures breach the doorway, all bodies in the room are bowing to them in respect. With a flick of his wrist, Hongjoong motions for them all to rise from their knees, beginning this meeting without another thought.

“Any word from our allies?” Hongjoong’s eyes scan the crowd, simply waiting for someone to step forward with news for all of them.

“The harpies have agreed to support us in any upcoming battles,” Jax informs them all after bowing his head lowly. He takes a small step forward. “The Three Sisters have pledged their allegiance once more to the Eight Kings.”

“That’s good news,” Yunho observes casually, an impressed nod to his head.

Yeah, probably cause they’re hoping to bed Hwa again, Jongho snickers quietly, acting all innocent in the next second as the eldest turns to glare at the youngest.

“We have managed to infiltrate one of the rebel’s hideouts,” another demon, Vera, adds as she steps forwards. She bows her head in respect as she continues. “We have heard plans that Malik plans to attack the throne in the upcoming weeks once he’s gathered enough forces. The sirens have already betrayed us, pledging their allegiance with the crown traitors.”

“What of the gorgons?” Wooyoung raises a brow, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“We are still waiting upon their response, My King,” Jax replies, eyes briefly darting up to meet Wooyoung’s own.

“Any word on Dimitri’s movements, yet?” San asks the room, noticing how some of the demons shift in discomfort at the mention of the warlock’s name.

“One source states they saw him and his hunters around the coast of The Forbidden Lake,” Vera states.

“That would make sense, given the siren’s betrayal,” Yeosang mumbles, furrow to his brow.

“Another has sworn they saw both him and Miyeon gathering their forces outside of The Crystalline Caves two days ago.” Jax adds, and immediately, all eight Kings stiffen.

“And no one thought to inform us of this potential sighting?” Seonghwa states, quite pointedly.

“Our deepest apologies, Your Majesties,” Jax bows deeper, along with Vera. “We only learned of such a sighting today.”

“Tighten up your watches, then,” San retorts, brow furrowing even further. “There is no room for error, or misinformation when the safety of Your Queen is at risk.”

A murmur washes over the crowd, and all eight of them straighten as their eyes flash.

“Silence.” Hongjoong’s voice booms out across the room. “What is the meaning of such whispers?”

Otis takes a step forward. “You’ll have to forgive us, Your Majesties. Some of us cannot help but question the validity of such a human, given that we have never seen sight, nor heard no sound from her before.”

All eight of them seem to grow in their spots, forms towering over the gathered council as the lights begin to flicker around the room.

“Are you questioning our integrity?” Jongho’s voice rattles the entire room, the deadliest of snarls escaping each of their throats.

“No, My King,” Otis is quick to shake his head, “Never.”

“It would serve you all well to remember just who is standing before you at this very moment.” Seonghwa’s voice is low, ominous, as his stare pierces each soul standing around the room.

“We have stood as your Kings upon these thrones for millennia,” Yeosang spits, eyes wild as he tilts his chin the slightest bit upwards, staring down his nose at all of the demons before him. “Never once has our kingdom been in such a disarray, and all because of your daughter.”

“A rebel uprising has breached the horizon,” Wooyoung’s eyes narrow as he begins to list off everything that has occurred in the past few months alone.

“Dimitri has come out of hiding,” Mingi adds, gaze firm as he stares down upon the man before them all.

“The dragon’s nest, one of our oldest and closest of allies, has been attacked,” Jongho spits, quite harshly.

“The siren’s have betrayed us,” Yunho’s voice rumbles out, crossing his arms over his chest.

“And a war is coming.” San finishes, fists clenched at his sides.

“Remind us again of just who we should be questioning, Otis.” Hongjoong’s voice is dangerous, eyes flashing black as his soul begins to call for blood. “Your daughter is set to destroy us all, and you’re not even concerned in the slightest.”

“My King, that’s not true-“

“Then where is she? What are you hiding from us?” Yunho rounds on the male, eyes blazing as he stares Otis down. “Your incessant need to protect her has already caused tremendous losses to this kingdom. She will not hesitate to betray you in the slightest when it comes down to it, so why do you insist on keeping her hidden?”

“I am not-“

“Don’t lie to me!” Yunho commands, voice loud enough to rattle the very walls of the chamber they all reside in as he stands to his full height. “I have seen your mind, Otis, you cannot hide from the truth.”

The male’s eyes go wide, breath hitching in his throat as he feels Mina step back from him in shock.

“Father, tell me it isn’t so!” She gasps, staring on at him in horror. “Tell me you have not been aiding that blood traitor!”

He turns to look at her, eyes pleading for her to understand. There’s no point in him trying to hide it now, the Kings all now know the truth. “I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for you girls.”

“You lie.” Mina recoils from his touch as he goes to reach for her.

“I thought I raised you better than that,” he tuts, shaking his head, his demeanour changing instantly. “Family is more important than anything. You know this!”

“Not when the lives of everyone we know are at risk!” Mina retorts, continuously backing away from her father. “How could you not see how selfish you’re being?”

“Do not speak to me about selfishness, daughter,” Otis spits, turning back to face the eight Kings standing before the entire room. “The Leaders you are so willing to defend over your own flesh and blood know firsthand how selfish one can be.”

Wooyoung nearly lunges for the man right then and there, but his Captain beats him to it. Gripping Otis by his throat, Hongjoong raises the man into the air, perfectly mirroring the exact same position he was in with Miyeon all those weeks ago.

“Watch your fucking tongue before I carve it from your throat.” He hisses, fingers squeezing that much firmer into Otis’ neck.

Immediately, the male begins to claw at the hand around his throat, legs dangling loosely in the air before the entire council as Hongjoong’s eyes flash.

“My daughter was right,” Otis manages to hiss out, eyes glaring intensely at the eight males before him. “Since when to Kings submit to dirt?”

Mina gasps once more, “father!”

“You should have joined us sooner, Mina,” his eyes briefly glance in his daughter’s direction. “It’s time for a New World to reign supreme.”

Blood begins dripping onto Hongjoong’s hand from how tightly he’s squeezing Otis’ throat, fingers digging harshly into his flesh as he bares his teeth in a snarl.

Otis drops his one hand back to his side, something glinting in the light.

“Long live the Queen.”

In a flash, Otis attempts to stab Hongjoong with a blade. Except, he doesn’t get very far, the dagger clattering to the ground as Hongjoong tears the male’s throat out in the next second.

A deadly silence fills the room as every demon watches on with wide eyes. Mina stands with her hands covering her mouth, fresh tears streaming down her face.

“Anyone else like to make a statement?” Wooyoung challenges as eight sets of eyes flash black at the surrounding council members.

The stillness is so consuming within that room that none dare breathe for fear of incurring the wrath of their Kings. A moment passes. Then another, and another. Each King silently daring anyone to attempt such stupidity as Otis just has before their very souls.

When no one moves, Hongjoong is finally speaking once more.

“Leave us.” His voice commands, gaze piercing as he scans the room.

Instantly, every single demon that was in the room disappears. All except for Mina, who is currently trapped within Jongho’s grip as he drags her in front of all of them.

“Please, My Kings, I had no idea that my father would do something like this,” she begs, tears still streaming down her eyes as she watches Hongjoong toss Otis’ lifeless body aside like it’s nothing.

“Has your sister attempted to contact you recently?” San asks, tone firm and leaving no room for argument.

“Yes.” Her reply is instant. “But I swear to you, I never believed in a word she said. I don’t like who she’s become. I’ve never liked how twisted she could be. Search my mind if you have to. I swear that I never followed her. I never once have, and I never will.”

“What did she want?” Yeosang narrows his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as he stares her down.

“She begged me to join her cause, pleaded for me to feed you false information every council meeting,” she explains, fearful gaze darting from one male to the next. “She wanted me to follow her, revelling her as my true Queen once she claimed her King.”

“Claimed her King?” Mingi quirks a brow, and they all notice how her eyes flash briefly over to Yeosang.

“What is she planning?” Seonghwa takes a step forward, watching as she trembles within Jongho’s hold as he does so.

“I don’t know.” She shakes her head.

“Do not lie to us.” Wooyoung’s eyes flash wildly as he takes his own threatening step towards her.

“Please, I don’t know!” She cries. “Search my mind. It will tell you all I know, I swear!”

Seven sets of eyes turn to look at Yunho who has been doing just that this whole time.

“Your sister and you talked the other day.” He begins.

“That is correct.” She confirms, a shaky nod to her head.

“She propositioned you to join her,” he continues.

“She did.” Mina confirms again.

“She told you about being aligned with Malik and Dimitri.” Yunho states, yet again.

“She told me that she has many uses for them.” She replies.

“What uses?” Jongho presses, hissing lowly in her ear.

“Ones that will guarantee her victory, even after death.” Mina says, eyes suddenly glazed over as she blinks, staring blankly before her.

“Which are?” Mingi pushes, frown pulling at his features.

“Ways in which solidify her chances of a New World.” Again, she blinks, somewhat dazedly.

A moment of silence passes over them, and they all notice how Mina has gone slightly limp in Jongho’s hold.

It’s no use, she’s been charmed. Yunho informs them.

Charmed? Slight worry is clear on San’s features as he turns to look at his brother.

As far as Mina believes, she is telling the truth, Yunho sighs. There are portions of her memory purposefully left blank, meaning someone has tampered with them. Normally, I’d be able to unweave the tangled mess that is her thoughts, but each time I get close, I begin to get burned. Someone has enchanted her memories, and my best guess is it was Dimitri.

How do we undo the spell? Wooyoung spares a glance at Yunho out of the corner of his eyes.

We can’t, unless we can find an equally as powerful warlock to undo the enchantment. If I try any harder, I’ll kill her, and then we’ll never know what Miyeon has planned. Yunho explains, a hint of frustration to his words.

For fuck’s sake, Seonghwa curses, along with his brothers who verbalize their discontent for the moment. This day just keeps getting better and better.

I’ve gotten everything I need to know from her for the moment, so there’s no point in holding her hostage any longer. Yunho nods once at Jongho, who immediate releases his hold on Mina. She stumbles slightly before righting herself, her eyes immediately shining with worry as that vacant expression falls from her features. She’s not a threat to us right now.

How can you be so sure? Mingi turns to face his brother, concern shining in his own eyes.

If she was, Miyeon wouldn’t have gotten Dimitri to seal off her memories. I have a feeling that Miyeon knows that Mina would have come running to tell us everything she knew as soon as she could, given how her memories have been locked off. Yunho tells them, seeing his brothers nodding along to his words.

“Alright,” Hongjoong sighs, eyes briefly flashing towards Mina as she stands there with her head bowed for the moment. “If you remember anything else, or if Miyeon attempts to contact you again, you immediately send word to us. Until then, you’re dismissed.”

Mina nods her understanding, slowly moving over to her father’s corpse and hoisting it upon her shoulder.

“My Kings, I may not know much, but I do know my sister,” she turns to face them one final time. “Whatever she has planned, she will act soon, and she will strike hard. Please, be careful, and protect Your True Queen.”

A nod is all she receives from Hongjoong in response. Faintly, their lips all twitch upwards as they transport themselves back to their domain for the time being.

As soon as they appear in the foyer, they see you trudging across the room slowly with a glass of water in your hand. Your slipper clad feet drag across the floor as you turn your head to lazily glance towards them out of the corner of your tired eyes.

Immediately, you straighten, eyes zeroing in on the blood splattered on Hongjoong’s white jacket. Your throbbing headache seemingly slips your mind for the moment as concern begins to consume you..

You raise a worried finger as you scurry closer. “Why is there blood only on you?”

You practically shove the other seven out of the way to begin inspecting Hongjoong’s torso, noticing a slight tear in the fabric where something sharp must have cut him. Luckily, it doesn’t seem as if any of it is his blood.

“I’m fine, My Love,” he chuckles, absolutely revelling in the way you glance up at him with nothing but worry in your eyes as you continue inspecting his torso.

“Good.” You sigh in relief as you straighten, sparing a glance around at all of them. ”Are you all okay?”

The feeling of someone wrapping themselves around you from behind causes you to nearly stumble forward. A chin rests on your shoulder.

“We’re all fine, Baby,” San grins, nuzzling his head against yours affectionately as he squeezes his arms around your waist. “You don’t have to worry anymore.”

San can feel the way you physically relax in his arms, loving the way one of your own comes to rest overtop of his in the next second.

“Thank fuck,” you breathe out another sigh in relief. Then, your eyes are drooping once more as your head begins to throb, reminding you of the pounding headache you haven’t been able to break lately. A headache which only seems to be getting worse by the second. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted.”

Slowly, you manage to pull yourself out San’s grip, beginning to trudge back down the hallway and to your room. You can feel all eight of their gazes on you, not even registering in your mind how they look on in concern.

“Dearest, are you alright?” Yeosang takes a step towards you, prepared to follow after you in a heartbeat as worry consumes them all. Never have any of them seen you like this before.

You can only manage a faint hum in response, muttering something about just being ‘tired’.

They all spare a glance between one another.

“Has your headache gotten worse?” Yunho’s brow tugs downwards in a frown as he begins to follow after you.

You falter slightly in your step, turning your head to nod at him from over your shoulder. Your eyes barely remain open, grip deadly around the glass of water in your hand. Your whole body begins to tremble.

Instantly, Yunho and Hongjoong are both at your side as the others rush over to you. Yunho once more brings his hand up to rest it over your forehead, doing whatever he can to ease the pain for the moment. It helps, if only briefly, for as soon as he removes his hand, your head throbs even worse than before.

A hiss escapes you as you squeeze your eyes shut.

Again, Yunho places his hand onto your forehead, and the relief you feel is instantaneous. Yet, every time he pulls his hand away, that ache returns, even stronger than before.

“Something’s wrong,” he mutters lowly, nothing but concern etched onto his features as they all continue to surround you.

“It’s not-“ your voice comes out much weaker than before as your eyes remain shut, as if the light is too much for you to handle right now. You swallow, “not the first time… migraine.”

Your entire body begins to sway, and it takes no time at all for San to be grabbing the glass of water from your hand as Yunho scoops you into his arms. All of them begin to walk the short distance to your room, hearts racing as fear floods their veins. It should have taken Yunho no time at all to heal your headache, but the fact that it keeps returning as soon as his hand is removed from your forehead means that there’s something very wrong.

Laying you gently beneath the covers, Yunho sits on the edge of your bed. Again, his hand is once more placed on top of your head, easing the pain as much as he can for the moment as he attempts to figure out what exactly is going on. Your mind appears to be fine, nothing out of the ordinary as your void ripples with every small incursion they give it. Only, that mist they provided for you seems to be the thinnest its ever been.

Your whole body jolts as you feel something cool being pressed to your forehead in the next second. Cracking your eyes open the slightest bit, you see Hongjoong leaning over you on the opposite side. Worry tugs at his features as he holds a damp cloth to your head, feeling for himself how your mind seems to physically struggle against the pain for the moment, even as he aids Yunho in his attempts to heal you.

A whimper escapes your lips as your feel that little point of pain you’ve always felt whenever you get headaches recently begin to pulsate. The spot seems to radiate inwards, as if someone is hammering an ice pick into the back of your skull. With each pulse, the pain goes deeper, and you find yourself squeezing your eyes shut as you cling onto your blankets for dear life.

“Yunho-“

“I’m trying.” His blunt reply ends up cutting off Yeosang’s worried tone, each male surrounding you instantly.

You vaguely register the feeling of more hands gently placing themselves in multiple places on your body. Your head begins to feel as if someone is severely compressing the sides of your skull in hopes to pop your brain out of the top. Of all the migraines you’ve ever had, you’ve never had one this intense before.

A single tear begins to trail down your cheek from the pain as your eyes remain closed. Even the darkness of your room isn’t helping the ache behind your eyes for the moment, nor is the damp cloth Hongjoong keeps pressed to your forehead. You have no idea what they’re doing, but whether or not they’re trying to take your pain away now is unbeknownst to you. Even if they are, you don’t think it’s making the slightest difference, anyways.

Yunho begins to pant, eyelids long having fallen shut as he focusses all his energy into finding whatever is wrong with this migraine of yours. Normally, it should have been healed at the first touch of his hand to your head. Given the fact that all of his brothers are aiding him with the healing, you shouldn’t be feeling any pain. The fact that your symptoms only seem to be getting worse means that this is no ordinary headache.

The only problem is, he can’t seem to find anything that’s wrong. Nothing that he can see within your mind should be causing you such intense pain. Even when he feels his brothers probing your mind, he can tell that they don’t find anything, either. The only thing he can think of that might make it better at this point is if he gave you some of his blood.

Then, as if the entire world goes quiet, the pain stops.

Instantly, your entire body is relaxing, a subconscious sigh of relief being exhaled through your nose. The way your void ripples within your mind seems to ease the pressure even more, the flow of the water ebbing away the lingering pain.

Funny. It feels as if someone has dropped a stone into your void, causing the ripples to form as you feel it begin to sink into the vast expanses of your mind.

Finally, you’re able to catch your breath as you fall into unconsciousness almost immediately afterwards.

A moment of silence passes over all of them as some of the tension eases from their shoulders.

“What the fuck just happened?” Wooyoung looks between all of his brothers, panic clear on his features.

“I don’t-“ Yunho blinks, his heart pounding in his chest as he cups the side of your face in his one hand, “I don’t know.”

They all share a look between one another. Never before has something like this occurred. Always, they’ve been able to heal or cure any ailment instantly, especially of the inner mind or body. So, to not be able to help you in the slightest, and seeing you suffering and in pain, consumed them with a fear unlike anything they’ve ever felt before. The fact that none of them could pinpoint what was wrong scared them like you would not believe.

Yeosang’s whole body begins to shake, his breathing uneven and heavy.

“This has Miyeon written all over it.” His voice trembles as he can barely get out the words as anger consumes him.

“It should be impossible,” Yunho shifts his attention from his brothers back to you, fingers pressing a little firmer into the side of your face as he stares down at you with nothing but worry shining in his eyes.

“It should,” Hongjoong agrees, shifting slightly so that he’s sitting beside you on the bed instead of kneeling on top of the mattress for the time being. “Doesn’t mean that it is.”

“How could she get passed our defences?” Jongho’s brow furrows, beginning to pace at the end of your bed to dissipate some of the adrenaline still pumping through his veins.

“Hang on, we don’t even know if it is her,” San attempts to reason, but at this point, he doesn’t know if he’s saying this more to reassure himself or his brothers.

“It could have just been something else,” Mingi suggests.

“Poison?” Seonghwa glances at Wooyoung.

“I don’t think so,” the younger male shakes his head. “I didn’t smell anything, and I doubt she could have gotten her hands on something strong enough to do that to her. Especially not in this house. The only way to be one thousand percent sure is for me to taste her blood.”

“She’s not awake to consent to that,” Yeosang states, doing whatever he can to keep his arms from trembling again for the time being.

“I doubt it’s poison,” Hongjoong shakes his head. “Either way, Yunho and I will stay with her, and make sure nothing happens like this again. We’ll call for you if anything happens.”

“Hongjoong-“ Seonghwa begins, only to be cut off by his Captain.

“Look,” Hongjoong sighs, “we’ve all had a long night, and a lot has happened. Crowding her is probably the last thing that’ll be good for her right now. We’ll watch over her, and make sure she’s alright.”

“If anything happens-“

“You’ll all be the first to know,” Hongjoong cuts San off, a tight smile pulling at his lips.

A long sigh escapes the eldest’s mouth before he’s nodding his head in understanding. “Come on, let’s let her rest.”

Each male finds it extremely difficult to tear themselves away from you for the time being. Wooyoung, San, Mingi, and Jongho all end up having to be ushered out by both Seonghwa and Yeosang, even if the two of them are reluctant to leave you alone. At least they all know that you’re in good hands.

Morning comes with the faintest of light trickling in through your windows. The curtains sway as the gentlest of breezes drifts through the room. The only sounds that can be heard are the steady breaths of all three of you as each male curls into either side of you.

Slowly, consciousness returns to your form. You can feel someone’s arm resting across your stomach, while another is draped over the top of your chest, just below your neck. Your head seems to be cradled in someone’s embrace, their fingers gently rubbing at the side of your temple and helping you to relax. In the next moment, your eyes blink open.

The sight that greets you as you turn your head doesn’t surprise you in the slightest. The last thing you remember before passing out last night was all eight of them surrounding you in bed, Yunho holding onto you while sitting on your right, while Hongjoong was on your left, pressing a damp cloth onto your head. So, when you see Yunho being the one cradling your head in his arm, and Hongjoong being the one draped over your left side, you realize that they must have stayed with you after everything that happened last night. At least it looks like they changed their clothes.

“Petal,” it’s Yunho who notices that you’re awake first, and you can hear the concern clear in his tone as he looks at you. “How are you feeling?”

You shift only the slightest, bringing your hands up to rub at your eyes for the time being. As soon as your vision clears, you notice the both of them staring at you in worry.

Blinking once more, your brow furrows slightly. “Honestly, I feel fine. Whatever you did last night worked. I don’t have a headache anymore.”

The instant way they both breathe a sigh of relief has your lips quirking up the slightest bit in the corners.

“You really scared us last night,” Hongjoong says, bringing a hand up to trace the side of your face gently.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a migraine like that before,” you reply, sitting up in bed and noticing how they both mirror the movement.

“We’re just glad you’re okay.” Hongjoong breathes.

“Does your head feel any different?” Yunho asks gently. “Your mind?”

You take a moment to think, visualizing that all too familiar void and noting nothing out of place or out of the ordinary.

“No,” you shake your head. “Like I said, I feel fine now.”

Little do you notice the way tiny bubbles seem to float to the surface beneath your void, right where that stone you felt sinking into the depth of your mind fell.

“Good,” Hongjoong nods, his hand finding purchase on the small of your back.

“The moment you feel another headache coming on, you let one of us know,” Yunho tells you, his own hand settling onto your upper back, right between your shoulder blades.

“I will,” you nod. “I promise.”

Both males seemingly nod in agreement.

Just then, you see your door slowly open, Wooyoung, Jongho, and San all peeking their heads in. Almost immediately when they see you sitting up in bed, they’re all rushing into your room.

“You’re up!” Wooyoung practically jumps onto the bed, nearly tackling you in his embrace as you fall back onto your pillows with a small ‘oof’ escaping your lips. “We were so worried.”

You manage to raise your one arm to pat him on his back slightly before both Yunho and Hongjoong are tearing the younger male off of your form.

“Fucking hell, Wooyoung, don’t just bulldoze her the first thing in the morning.” Yunho scolds him as the others appear in your room.

You chuckle as you notice him pout while now kneeling at the end of your bed, “I’m okay, now.”

“Are you feeling better, Dearest?” Yeosang steps closer, eyes flitting all over your face as you sit back up in bed.

“Much,” you nod, a soft smile gracing your features. “Thank you for taking care of me last night.”

“Of course, My Love,” Hongjoong’s hand is once more on the small of your back, gently caressing you all the while.

“How did the council go?” You ask, and you notice them all stiffen the slightest bit around your room.

“We learned quite a bit of information,” Mingi informs you, quick to explain every new detail that came to light last night.

“I see.” You blink, swallowing thickly as you turn to look at Hongjoong beside you. “So, that’s why you came back covered in blood? Because someone tried to kill you?”

“Fear not, My Love,” he smiles softly at you, hand coming up to caress the side of your face as he sees the worry shining within your eyes. “You will find that I am not that easy to kill. None of us are.”

Subconsciously, you find yourself breathing a sigh of relief.

“It’s not the first time someone has tried to murder us at a council, and I’m sure it won’t be the last,” Jongho chuckles, clearly amused at the situation.

“So, it’s a common occurrence?” Your brow furrows.

“More often than not, but less often than you would think.” San hums.

Again, you blink, nodding slightly along to his words.

A moment later and a little black blur darts into the room, jumping onto your bed in the next second and crawling right into your lap.

“Oh, well, hello Sir,” you chuckle, immediately raising a hand to pet Kuroo. “Glad to see I’m the number one concern on your list of priorities this morning.”

Both Seonghwa and Wooyoung burst out laughing as they watch Kuroo turn to look at you with wide eyes from over his shoulder. He mewls in the next second, only causing their laughter to deepen.

“I’m dying of a headache, and you would rather nap,” you shake your head, only for him to mewl once more. “No, no, I see where I stand, you monkey.”

A wail of a mewl greets your ears as he turns to look at Seonghwa for help.

“You’re on your own, kid,” he chuckles, only for Kuroo to turn and look at Wooyoung in the next second.

“I don’t care if you were dreaming about chasing Stella around,” Wooyoung replies, amused disbelief painting his features.

Kuroo whines once more.

“Oh, come here, you little stinker,” you chuckle, pulling Kuroo into your arms. “Look at that little face. How can I stay mad at you?”

You pull him up for a kiss, burying your face in his belly as you stretch his upper body above your head. You get two kisses in when you feel him latch onto your head, attempting to bite the top.

“Ah, abort mission! Abort mission!” You’re quick to pull him away, noticing how he stares at you with wide eyes. “You little monkey!”

Chuckles resonate around the room as you place Kuroo fully back onto the bed. Only, in the next moment, he decides to jump on top of your foot buried beneath the blankets, biting at your toes.

“He’s trying to eat my toes,” you pout, mouth parting in mock surprise as you watch him pounce on your foot from over the blankets once more.

“To be fair, he thinks it’s a snake,” Wooyoung laughs, seeing Kuroo shaking his head back and forth with your comforter caught between his teeth.

“Oh, to be a kitten who thinks a foot beneath a blanket is a snake,” you sigh, almost wistfully. Then, the corner of your lips quirks upwards teasingly. “I don’t know, guys. I think he may just be more ferocious than all of you combined.”

“How can we ever live up to the standard of your ferocious little guardian now?” Mingi joins in on the teasing, leaning against one of the pillars in your room.

“Oh, geez,” you shake your head, keeping your voice playful as you respond, “I don’t know.”

At the way Kuroo sits directly over your shin now, practically loafing on your leg, you laugh.

“You’ve done it, you’ve killed the snake,” the way his tail swishes happily at your praise has you all laughing once more. “Or have you?”

In an instant, you start wiggling your foot beneath the covers, shifting your leg slightly as a large grin takes over your features. In no time, Kuroo has sprung back into action, pouncing on top of your foot and trying his absolute best to sink his fangs into your toes. You’re just glad the blankets are so thick.

A few more minutes pass by like this, all eight of them watching on with fond smiles on their faces as you play with Kuroo. That is, until you’re collapsing back into your pillows, a huff escaping you.

“Okay, Doritos, I really need my foot back, now,” you spare a glance back at Kuroo who looks up at you with wide eyes. “Well, unless you want to find out what being submerged in water feels like, I’m going to need my foot.”

You can just tell he’s pouting from the way he’s looking at you, his little mouth parting the slightest bit. You share a chuckle with the eight of them once again as Wooyoung moves to grab Kuroo from your bed.

Ten minutes later, and after kicking the eight other males out of your room, you find yourself sinking into the warmth of you tub. A small sigh escapes your lips, allowing the soothing scents of lilac and honey to flood your every sense.

The more time you spend soaking in the tub, the more you can feel your body beginning to relax fully. Despite everything they told you that happened at their council meeting last night, it just means that you’re one day closer to finally being rid of Miyeon. The sooner she acts, the sooner you can all put this stupid incident behind you. Besides, you really want to go visit your family soon. Maybe even formally introduce the eight of them to your parents and your sister. Perhaps, even as you significant others.

A snort of laughter leaves your lips. You wonder how well that conversation will go down.

Yeah, you can just picture it now. ‘Hi, mom and dad. These are my eight significant others I’ve been living with for a few months now, even since I quit my job and went on that spontaneous road trip. Crystal was right, but instead of only one mystery lover, I have eight!’

Definitely won’t raise any questions at all.

Another chuckle escapes your lips as you shift slightly in the tub. Your parents may be supportive of you and your life choices, but you honestly have no idea how they may react to that. Oh well, all in due time, you suppose.

A little while later, you pull yourself out of the tub. Taking your time, you get ready for the day, pulling on one of your hoodies overtop of you shirt as you slide your slippers back onto your feet. Smiling to yourself in the reflection of the mirror, you decide that you’re going to make the most out of your day. By that, you mean picking out a fresh book to read and spending some time in the library.

As soon as you open the door to your room and step out into the hallway, you notice Kuroo trot right up alongside you. A fact which makes you smile as you tease him about keeping you company now after the events of last night. At the way he mewls back at you, you know you’re right.

Stopping by the kitchen on your way to the library, you’re quick to grab a bite to eat, curtesy of San who insists on cooking you something to start your day. Of course, he wouldn’t let you do it, sitting you down on one of the stools as he grabbed the ingredients from the fridge right afterwards.

Half an hour later, and after San refused your help with cleaning up, you finally find yourself in the library for the day. Pulling a book off your one shelf, you happily settle yourself into your spot and begin to read.

Jongho joins you at some point, and you find yourself shifting in your seat so you can rest against his side as the both of you read. It takes no time for his one arm to be wrapped around your shoulders, holding you to him as you both bask in each other’s company like this for hours. A fact which you have always appreciated about him.

Sometime later, you decide to take a small break from reading. You can tell that your eyes are getting a little tired from staring at the font of this book for so long, given that it’s quite smaller than usual. You should probably take a break and stretch your legs out, anyways.

Standing from the couch, you notice Jongho’s eyes following your every move. He blinks up at you as you turn back to face him, the tips of his ears turning bright red as you lean in to place a tender kiss onto his cheek.

“I’ll be back soon,” you smile, stepping away from him as you tug your sweater off of your body. You were beginning to get a bit hot, anyways.

Straightening out your back, you begin to slowly make your way out of the library. You walk passed Seonghwa’s tailor shop, noticing him seemingly working on something through the glass window on the door. A fact which makes you smile fondly as you continue on your merry way.

Reaching the foyer, you notice San coming from the opposite hallway. His hands seem to be cradling his elbows before shifting to rub at his upper arms.

Your brow furrows as you meet his gaze. “Are you cold?”

He pauses right in front of you, nodding his head slowly as he seemingly avoids your gaze somewhat shyly. In the back of your mind, you vaguely recall Jongho’s words to you while you were visiting the dragon’s nest. You blink.

Wordlessly, you offer him your sweater.

The way he gazes at you, with wide eyes full of awe, sets your heart racing in your chest. You smile.

“Baby,” his eyes shine, gently reaching out to take your sweater into his hands.

“Don’t tear the arms off of this one,” you tease, the corner of your lips tugging upwards.

“I won’t,” his response is immediate as he pulls your hoodie over his head, basking in the way your scent absolutely surrounds him for the moment. “I promise.”

You smile at him once more: a soft pull of your lips upwards as you look at him with such tender affection in your gaze. A look San has only ever dreamed of being on the receiving end from you. However, before either of you can say anything else, the loud caw of a raven draws your attention.

Immediately, the other seven of them are appearing in the foyer as Stella lands on the desk at the front. Again, she caws loudly, and you watch as all of their eyes darken.

At the way you look between all of them as Kuroo comes trotting into the room, you just know that something’s going on. Something big.

“Miyeon’s finally decided to make a move,” Yunho is the one to inform you, meeting your gaze instantly.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can, My Love,” Hongjoong, being one of the closest to you for the moment, leans in to place a kiss onto your cheek.

“For the love of everything holy and unholy,” your eyes dart over all of them, “be safe.”

“We will, Baby. Don’t you worry.” San smiles at you, reaching out to cup your opposite cheek in his one hand briefly.

“By the time we’re done with Miyeon, there will be nothing left,” Yeosang’s gaze is the darkest you’ve ever seen it, mirrored only by the way their eyes all flash black in the next moment, snarls of agreement filling the air.

As soon as Stella hops onto Hongjoong’s shoulder, all of them disappear from your sight.

In the next moment, a sigh escapes your lips as your heart begins to pound inside your chest. Worry consumes your every step as you continue on down the hallway and towards your room for the moment. Out of the corner of your eyes, you notice Kuroo following you every step of the way.

A shiver caresses your spine and goosebumps begin to raise on your arms as you hear a small thud come from behind you.

Immediately, you freeze in your track, blinking a few times as a nervous grin pulls at your lips. Your head begins to throb.

“What’d you forget?” You tease, hoping beyond anything that it’s Mingi once more appearing back home like he did last night.

Only, the sight that greets you when you turn around nearly has a scream tearing from your throat. There, standing in the archway to the foyer, rests Miyeon, a sinister grin pulling at her features as she meets your gaze.

“Miss me?”

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dwobbitfromtheshire · 3 months

Text

Stuck Between a Jock and a Metalhead

Summary: Nancy, on a whim, decides to visit Steve at Scoops Ahoy, which leads to her overhearing confessions from Steve that leads her to think about the decisions she's made. A few days later, she decides to come back. She finds him being hit on by the town freak. What's a girl to do? Oh, get stuck in a freezer with the both of them.

Chapter One - Chapter Two - Chapter Three - Chapter Four - Chapter Five - Chapter Six - Chapter Seven - Chapter Eight - Chapter Nine - Chapter Ten - Chapter Eleven - Chapter Twelve - Chapter Thirteen - Chapter Fourteen - Chapter Fifteen - Chapter Sixteen - Chapter Seventeen - Chapter Eighteen - Chapter Nineteen - Chapter Twenty - Chapter Twenty-One - Chapter Twenty-Two - Chapter Twenty-Three - Chapter Twenty-Four - Chapter Twenty-Five - Chapter Twenty-Six - Chapter Twenty-Seven

@nightmareglitter

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Nancy walked through the door and was immediately pulled into her mother's arms. Wayne and Claudia were in the living room, saying their goodbyes and talking to the Sinclairs. She had hoped that they would be gone by the time they got back to her parents' house. She knew that Wayne was going to freak out about what Eddie had done for her. It seems odd that it was only this morning that they had gotten pulled into the Upside Down. It seemed much longer than that and now it looked like Tommy Hagan as well as his boyfriend had been pulled into all of this.

"Oh my God, your face," Karen sobbed.

"Mom, I'm fine. Steve has it worse," Nancy said, and Karen gasped before going over to Steve. "Mom, gently."

She smiled as Karen pulled Steve into a hug before hugging Eddie as well. Ted came over to Nancy and pulled her into a hug. He cradled the back of her head and kissed her hair.

"I'm fine, daddy," Nancy said.

"You may be fine, but I am not," Ted replied.

Suddenly, Holly bounded down the stairs with a bag and her doll in her arms.

"I'm ready to go, mommy," Holly said.

"What's happening?" Nancy asked.

"I'm going on a special trip with Aunt Claudia and Uncle Wayne," Holly said. "I love Uncle Wayne! He's funny!"

"He sure is," Eddie grinned.

"And I'll be taking Erica to Sue's parents," Charles said.

"That's bullshit, why does Lucas get to stay?" Erica asked.

"I can't drag him away from Max nor do I want to," Sue sighed. "I just need to know that one of my children is absolutely safe. It's bad enough that I have to worry about Steve and Lucas."

Nancy watched Erica study her mother for a moment before accepting the fact that her mother needed to depend on her to stay safe. Erica sighed.

"Alright, fine, but I'm going to complain the entire time," Erica said.

"I except nothing less," Sue said pinching her cheek and hugging her. "Thanks, baby, I know how hard you're trying to hide the fact that you're worried too. We're going to fight like hell to make sure we come back to you."

Erica hugged her mother tightly, sniffingly. She hugged everyone else before she went off with her father. Nancy had noticed that she had lingered a bit longer with Lucas and Max.

"You're both staying?" Nancy asked her parents.

"We argued about it and debated with ourselves, but we just can't leave you guys, especially with Mike somewhere out there," Karen said. "We trust Wayne and Claudia to look after Holly."

"May I ask why Tommy Hagan is here?" Ted asked.

"Jason and his crew got out of jail. They came after us at the hospital," Nancy replied. "They would have killed us if Tommy and Lily hadn't showed up in time. They had guns and they were ready to kill Eddie."

"Now, where did they get the guns from?" Ted asked.

"Probably from the War Zone," Eddie said. "Just outside of Hawkins. I've been there before."

"Let me guess, with Al?" Wayne asked, and Eddie looked guilty for a moment.

"Anyway, they saved our lives and Eddie's. Lily caught them up on the way over here," Nancy said. "I think they're still in the disbelief stage."

Walter was a man of few words, a shy man who saved his words for the people who were important to him. Tommy had said so many times in his phone calls and letters sent to the apartment. He was even more silent than Tommy had described, not even leaning to whisper in Tommy's ear. Tommy was just as silent as they both thought about what Lily had told them. To be honest, as much as it would have pissed her off before about people not believing them, Nancy realized now that it was a normal reaction when people heard shit like this. You really couldn't believe it until you saw it, and even then, your brain tries its very best to make shit up in order to protect you from the trauma.

"You okay, son?" Wayne asked Eddie.

"I'm fine, Uncle Wayne," Eddie said.

"Do you need me to - "

"No, you need to get Aunt Claudia and Holly out of here," Eddie said. "They need you more."

Wayne pulled Eddie into a tight hug before doing the same with Dustin and Steve. Claudia burst into tears before pulling Eddie into her own arms and giving him kisses before moving on to the others. Claudia hugged Nancy tightly.

"Keep them safe," Claudia said as she kissed her cheek. "And yourself too, dear."

"I promise," Nancy said.

"Bye, Nancy," Holly said.

Tearfully, Nancy scooped her little sister into her arms, wondering when or if she was ever going to see her again. Eddie and Steve thought the same thing, too, because they suddenly joined in on the hug. She eventually had to let her go, though, and set her back down.

"Stay safe," Nancy said tearfully.

"Don't worry, Nancy, I'll protect Uncle Wayne and Aunt Claudia," Holly said.

"We don't doubt that you will, darling," Wayne chuckled as he took her hand.

Claudia's eyes twinkled at the sight of them, and Nancy smiled. She was definitely picturing them having a little girl. Eddie smiled and rested his head on top of Nancy's as they watched them leave.

"I definitely feel better now that I know that they're in good hands," Eddie said.

Once they all left, Nancy took a mental headcount of everyone in the living room. Lily and Agent Stinson were leaning near the door. Tommy and his boyfriend were sitting on the fireplace. Robin was once again wedged between her parents, but she wasn't complaining this time. Ted had one arm wrapped around his wife as she stood behind the recliner that Dustin was sitting in. Sue was sitting on the other couch with her son, Max, and Susan. Fourteen. Add Nancy, Steve, and Eddie that made seventeen. Nancy moved to the middle of the room and cleared her throat. Everyone's attention was now on her.

"We have to go back to the Upside Down," Nancy said.

Like she thought they would, everyone exploded into anger and confusion. It was mostly the parents. Nancy rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and waited for them to calm down. She shared a pleading look with Steve. He walked over to her and stood by her side. He whistled loudly and clapped to get their attention. Everyone quieted down.

"Everyone should listen to what Nancy has to say before yelling," Steve said.

"Thank you, baby," Nancy said. "Look, I know we don't like it, but Vecna needs to be defeated before he gets to Max. This isn't just about her anymore. This is about the entire town, the world. There isn't a choice here if we all want to continue to live. He has to be stopped. I know right now we don't have the power, but we have to at least try, right? If we don't do everything that we can to stop him then there's a greater chance that he wins."

"Okay, but how would we even get one chance to stop him? He's going to see us coming," Robin said.

"Unless he doesn't see us coming," Dustin said.

"How would that happen?" Steve asked.

"Well, if he's like El then there's a chance that he has the same weakness, right? When El remote travels, she's in the same weakened state as Vecna," Dustin said. "We go after him then."

"How would we know when he does that?" Robert asked.

Max stood up, drawing everyone's attention. Susan looked at her daughter curiously.

"We draw him out," Max asked.

"And how would we do that?" Susan asked, guessing what Max was going to say next.

"We use me as bait," Max said.

"NO!" Susan yelled out and stood up.

"You don't get a say in my decision, mom. I'm sorry but you don't. No one does. This is my choice, and this is our only chance without El to save the world," Max said.

"It shouldn't be you," Susan said, tears welling in her eyes. "It should be me."

"None of this should be happening. This is going to work and when we do make it out of this, we're going to have plenty of time for you to make it up to me," Max said.

"I love you so much," Susan said and hugged her.

"I love you too," Max said.

"We're going to need a lot of weapons," Nancy said.

"Well, Eddie mentioned the War Zone," Ted sighed. "And we have plenty of vehicles."

"I let Wayne take my car, and he gave us the keys to his truck," Karen said.

"The War Zone it is," Nancy said, and her eyes widened as everyone stood up. "I guess everyone's going with."

The War Zone was exactly what Nancy expected it to look like, a perfect place for rednecks and survivalists. It was exactly what they need, and she hoped that since the jocks had already stopped there, that they wouldn't run into them again. They were piling things into the cart when Steve's eyes spotted something, and his eyes lit up. He grinned as he held up a bullet belt.

"I don't think I'm going to pull that off," Nancy said.

"No, for Eddie," Steve said. "They would look great on his hips."

"What's for me?" Eddie said as he walked away from Dustin and Lucas.

"This. I'd be so metal," Steve said.

"God, I love it when you talk metal to me," Eddie said. "Do it again."

"The first time you started playing Master of Puppets, I couldn't look away from your hands. The way you played. . .it was so hot. . .so metal," Steve said, biting his lip as they moved closer. "James Hetfield's got nothing on you."

"Woah, I was totally into it until you said that," Eddie said. "I've got nothing on James Hetfield."

"Well, it's a good thing that he said that. You guys do realize that this is the most conservative place in Indiana?" Nancy asked. "As hot as that was. Steve's right, that bullet belt is going to look totally hot on you."

"Like I'm your very own Eddie doll," he cooed at them. "I have to get this now."

"You don't have to if you don't want to," Steve blushed.

"It's a must," Eddie grinned. "It's going to go great with my pink fuzzy pajama pants. Ooh, Steve!"

He grabbed a brown leather jacket and shared a look with Nancy.

"For you?" Steve asked.

"For you," Nancy and Eddie grinned.

"Alright," Steve said and pulled it on. "What do you think?"

"Oooh."

"Very hot," Nancy said.

Suddenly, Robin came up to them wearing a red beret. She plopped a matching one on Nancy's head.

"I got one to match with my sister," Robin said and bumped her hip with Nancy's.

"Are we playing dress up here? I thought we were getting weapons," Ted said as he passed them by.

"Dad!" Nancy exclaimed, but she was grinning.

"Busted," Eddie said, cackling.

"No, but he's right. We should focus," Nancy said.

She looked over to find Robin and Steve striking a pose with each other like they were models. They finished by standing back to back with their arms crossed. Eddie wolf whistled while Nancy giggled. Idiots. They continued with their original goal, Eddie leaning on the cart with Nancy's arm through his while Steve and Robin discussed their potential future in modeling.

"And here I thought he was going to reopen Otis's salon," Eddie said.

"He still is, and he could do both if he wanted to," Nancy said.

"That's true. You know, Jerry's talked about selling the music store one day. I mean not now, but one day, and I think if I started to really save up, then it could be mine one day," Eddie said.

"That's nice. Maybe I'll take over the Hawkins Post, make it more balanced," Nancy said.

"Me owning the music store, you owning the Hawkins Post, and Steve owning the salon. . .hell, I think we can work together to make this town a little less conservative. . .through the power of love!" Eddie grinned.

Suddenly, Steve popped his head in between them.

"Then, one day, we get an RV, pile up the kiddos, and take them anywhere. Maybe up the coast to California, and we can teach them how to surf," Steve said. "Kind of had that dream when I was little, I was hoping to share that with someone I loved someday."

"It sounds very nice," Nancy said.

"And very doable," Eddie said.

"God, I want that," Nancy said.

"Me too," Eddie said.

Once they bought the weapons, ammo, and gear, they packed it all up before heading back to her parents' house. They quickly got to work to plan and make the preparations that they would all need to head into the Upside Down. They gathered ammo, loaded guns, and made spears and shields. The spears and shield would be for Eddie, Dustin, and Agent Stinson. Steve would be wielding his bat as well as an axe. Robin and her parents would also carry a spear as well as handle the bag with the Molotov's. Ted had his own rifle and a machete. Tommy would be continuing to wield the bat and carrying some Molotov's. Walter also had a shield and a machete, but they also had several bottles of hairspray along with several lighters. Everyone was dressed in thick vests with hoods and hats to protect their faces as Nancy started going over the plan again.

"Okay. Phase one: we meet Lucas as the playground. He'll signal Max, Sue, and Susan when we're ready. Phase two: Max baits Vecna. He'll go after her which'll put him in his trance," Nancy said.

"Phase Three? Me, Eddie, Agent Stinson, Tommy, and Walter draw the bats away," Dustin said.

"Four," Robin said. "Ted, Karen, Steve, Lily, Nancy, my parents and I head into Vecna's newly bat-free lair, and . . . flambe."

"Nobody moves onto the next phase until we've all copied," Nancy said. "Nobody deviates from the plan, no matter what. Got it?"

"I don't know why you're looking at me, sweetheart," Eddie said. "You know me, I'm no hero."

"Your dream, remember?" Nancy said. "I think we're getting closer to it. I think it's here."

"I won't be a hero, I promise, I'll do everything that I can to get back to you as long as you do the same. The both of you," Eddie said taking her hand and Steve's. "If anyone's more likely to make the sacrificial play, it's you two. Isn't that right, General Nancy?"

"I can't believe my dad told you that nickname," Nancy groaned and glared at Ted.

"It's cute. You were his little general," Eddie grinned.

"Let's move out," Nancy said.

"Yes, sir!" Steve and Eddie saluted.

"Idiots," she said affectionately.

Nancy, Eddie, Robin, Steve, Dustin, and Robin's parents took Nancy's car. Steve let Susan, Sue, Lucas, and Max to take his car. Everyone else would be following Nancy to the Hendersons'. By the time that they had moved out, night had fallen which felt ominous to Nancy. Steve was in the seat next to her while Eddie sat in the back with Dustin while Robin was once again wedged between her parents. As much as Robin had complained about it, Nancy knew that Robin was really grateful for their presence. As they drove to Dustin's, Nancy couldn't help but think of Mike and Holly. She hoped they were safe. They were doing this for them. . .for all of them.

Here we stand

Worlds apart, hearts broken in two, two, two

Sleepless nights

Losing ground, I'm reaching for you, you, you

Chapter Twenty-Nine

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jazzthatonewriterchick · 1 year

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Here, Kitty, Kitty (18+ Fic)

Pairing: Aizawa x Black!Catgirl!Reader

Synopsis: In which you find yourself in the weirdest predicament after you’re scooped up and taken to a cat cafe after you decide to take the streets to fight some crime, and you’re adopted by your very anti-social and hot coworker Aizawa aka Eraserhead.

Story Warnings: Smutty smut, 18+ (MINORS GET AWAY), Swearing, Adult!Reader, Ear and Tail Stroking, Light Degradation, Spanking, Exhibitionism, Multiple Positions, Creampie, Unprotected PIV Sex, Facial, Scent Play, Collaring, Deepthroat, Cunnlingus, Begging, Edgeplay, Power Play, Rope Play/Shibari, Master Kink, Some Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Some Action

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters mentioned in this fic. However, as this is my writing, I do not give permission for my work to be reposted on any other sites that are not from my own accounts. Thank you!

Writer’s Note: I wanna have Aizawa's kids. That is all. -Jazz

Read on AO3 here!

Other Chapters: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty. Twenty-One. Twenty-Two. Twenty-Three. Twenty-Four. Twenty-Five.

*************

FOUR.

When the holy Sunday makes its grand arrival, Aizawa is up early and going hard in the faculty dorms’ gym.

He usually is up past 6 AM to get started with his gym regime, starting with weights and bench presses, doing several rounds of cardio, and then ending with a cool-down session to stretch out his tired muscles. He likes coming here in the early mornings on weekends especially since no one is up yet and he has free range of the machines offered in the little gym.

It also gives him time to focus hard on his exercise and training–something other than you. He ends his gym round earlier than usual though due to some plans later today that involves a very special girl.

When he finally finishes stretching out his tired limbs from hours of squats, weight-lifting, and running on the cardio, he takes a cool towel that is offered near the door, sitting in a mini fridge along with orange slices and water bottles. Then, as he uncaps his Hydro Flask of water, he walks out of the private gym to head back to his dorms.

As he makes it upstairs, he doesn’t count on seeing Nemuri standing at his door, looking distressed and not at all her bright and bushy-tailed self. Aizawa’s stomach drops immediately, all the positivity he was feeling prior to leaving the gym gone.

“Nemuri?” he asks, immediately hurrying over to her.

She turns to him and he sees that she’s been crying–her eyes are wet and red. “Oh, Shouta!” she shouts, immediately meeting him across the hall. “Thank Goodness, you’re here! I tried calling you, but you never answered so I just came up to see you.”

“I keep my phone off when I’m in the gym,” Aizawa explains, worried about her. She looks awful–she is still in her lacey camisole and shorts along with specialty-made Mirko the Rabbit Hero slippers; her hair is limp and unkempt, the usual bounce of lively curls not in them.

“What’s goin’ on?” he asks, concerned. Was there a villain attack? Is it one of the students or their friends? Maybe something is wrong with Mic? His anxiety begins to take over his body, causing his heartbeat to accelerate.

“Have you seen Y/N anywhere since last night?” Nemuri questions, desperation in her eyes. His eyebrows furrow in confusion. “No, not since Friday,” he answers after backtracking his week. “Why? Is she okay?”

“I can’t find her!” Nemuri sobs. Now Aizawa’s anxiety is through the fucking roof. You’re missing? “What do you mean you can’t find her?” he asks. “Doesn’t she live on the same floor as you?”

“Yes, but she never came home last night,” Nemuri continues, getting increasingly more upset the more she talks. “She never told me where she was going, but she always texts me any time she gets back into her dorm at night. When I called this morning, she never answered, so I went to visit her and…”

She pauses, her lip trembling. “She wasn’t here!” she wails. “Oh, what if she’s in trouble? What if she’s hurt? What if–”

“Okay, okay, relax,” Aizawa soothes her, putting a hand on her shoulder. But even he can’t soothe himself–the anxious roiling in his stomach is a testament to how worried he is of you now. He didn’t know you went out at night like that. “Is this a regular thing for her to do?” he asks.

Nemuri nods, lashes wet and bottom lip quivering. “Then if that’s the case, she probably got caught up with something or maybe her phone died.”

“I’m just so worried for her, Shouta,” Nemuri sighs, looking like she may faint. “I know the campus is relatively safe for us staff, but outside of here is a different story!”

Aizawa goes to say more to try and comfort his friend, but the beep on his phone stops him. He looks down, finding the reminder he set for his plans today: pick up Eri for lunch.

He sighs, pocketing his phone. “Look, I gotta go,” he says, squeezing Nemuri’s hand. “I’ll keep an eye out for Y/N and let you know if I see her, but if she does this normally, she’s a big girl and can take care of herself.”

Nemuri nods and thanks him with a tight hug before she walks down the hallway to the elevator, quiet sobs leaving her mouth as she does. Aizawa’s heart sinks for his friend, and at the fact that you’re possibly missing.

Though he knows you’re a big girl and doesn’t know you from a can of paint except for you being a counselor, a college graduate, and an animal hybrid, he can’t help but feel highly concerned for your safety. Especially for a pretty thing like you. The streets can be hostile, especially at night.

He does his best to push the anxiety-fueled thoughts aside as he goes about his day. Once he’s inside his dorm, he strips himself of his tracksuit pants, loose tank, and sweat-soaked boxers, revealing his sweaty muscles touched with bruises and scars that have healed over the years.

After tossing them in the laundry basket in his closet, he steps into the bathroom to take a much-needed hot shower. He groans in pleasure as the hot water hits his tired, aching muscles; a nice reward for a great workout.

Afterward, he changes into a black tee and jeans to pair with his leather jacket and kicks. As he walks out of his bedroom to head out, he passes the closed bedroom door of the very special guest he’s had the honor of calling his own for the past year. A fond, adoring smile crosses his lips, the urge to see her pushing him to move his ass.

It only takes a walk across campus to the student dorms to make it to Hitoshi’s dorm. When he knocks, the tall, lanky yet muscled junior opens the door, looking extremely tired. Aizawa puts a finger to his lips, silencing Hitoshi, before slinking into his dorm and standing in the middle of the floor.

On Hitoshi’s couch sits his little Eri, vigorously coloring in her favorite pink sweater with a purple cat face on it and striped stockings, her off-white locks pinned back with barrettes that were probably Mirio’s doing to show off her cute little horn. When she looks up with those big crimson eyes Aizawa loves so much, she gasps. “Daddy!” she shouts as if she hasn’t seen him in years when in reality, it’s only been two days.

Ever since Aizawa agreed to do night patrols again, he’s been letting Eri stay in Hitoshi’s dorm to make sure she’s supervised. Eri proclaimed Hitoshi as her “stepbrother” since she first came to UA after being rescued from Overhaul. The entire school took a liking to her, leading to most of the students proclaiming themselves as her bodyguards.

Aizawa isn’t much better. Ever since he volunteered to care for Eri as she got acclimated to her new environment and to help her with her powers, he’s grown attached to the little girl. Now, he looks at the girl as his.

His little girl. His daughter. And nobody ever harms or touches what’s his.

“Hey, you,” he coos, filled with warmth when Eri runs to him and throws her little body into his arms. He squeezes her tight, nuzzling his nose into her white hair. “How’s my favorite girl, hm?” He looks around Hitoshi’s dorm, noticing the crayons littering his couch and the open box of Fruit Loops in his kitchen.

“Drivin’ me crazy,” the lavender-haired boy sighs. “She wouldn’t stop talking about this cat cafe you’re supposedly taking her to later.”

Aizawa glances down at a very-excited Eri and pulls away to give her a stern look. “Eri,” he criticizes. “What did we talk about? No annoying Hitoshi when he’s watching you.”

Eri continues to wiggle excitedly, her smile infectious. “Sorry, Daddy,” she whines. “I’m just so excited! Koa's Purrr Palace and Cafe is my favoritest place in the world!” Aizawa practically dies from her utter cutest. “Alright, you get a pass today, but only ‘cause it’s your birthday and you’re so darn cute.” He pokes her nose, earning a giggle.

He helps Eri clean up her things and packs them away in her leapfrog backpack before they head to the door, hand in hand. “Thanks, Shinso. I’ll take it from here.” Hitoshi nods, leaning against the door frame as Aizawa passes him $50 for his services. “See you, Eri,” he calls to the girl as he shuts the door.

“Bye, ‘Toshi!” Eri yells back in her cute little voice. She then looks up at Aizawa, her hand in his. “Can we go now, Daddy? Can we go now pleeeeease?”

Aizawa could gobble her up with how cute she is. How anyone could harm such an innocent soul is beyond him. “Alright, alright,” he sighs, defeated, “but be on your best behavior.” Eri squeals in excitement as they walk together out of the dorms and into the spring sun.

Koa’s Purrr Palace is by far one of Eri’s favorite places to exist in Musutafu. Aizawa will admit that the place is cute as hell: it serves as a rescue center for stray cats in the city and a cafe that serves the best coffee and sandwiches Aizawa has ever had. He found it by accident one day and didn’t know it was a cat cafe until he walked inside and the smallest tabby he’s ever seen tried to bite his boots.

“Koshi, cut it out!” Koa, the little old lady who owns the place, had sternly told the kitten. “No biting the guests!” She had offered Aizawa a free coffee and a $15 gift card as an apology, which led him to come back with Eri on the weekends. They’ve been regulars to the point where Koa and the staff know them by name.

As soon as they step into the cafe, Aizawa is hit with the scent of roasted coffee beans and the sweet aroma of baked bread that makes his stomach growl. One employee is busy serving two middle school girls their crepes while two other employees are cleaning the area, wiping off tables and booths. Aizawa swears he’s never seen so many cats in his life–everywhere he looks, there’s one lounging on a chair or playing in their cat tower, tiny meows filling the air.

If he could adopt all of them, he would.

Eri is in her world. Her big eyes flick from side to side of the room, drinking in the sight of cats galore. “Kitties!” she shouts a little too loudly, alerting one of the employees.

“Oh, Eri and Mr. Aizawa!” she greets them happily. “You’re just in time! Koa is in the back, but she told me to let you know we got a shipment for ice cream if you want our signature purrr parfaits.”

Eri gapes happily at her at the sound of her favorite parfaits. “Yes, please!” she enthusiastically replies, making the employee laugh. “We’ll take two, thanks,” Aizawa patiently replies, taking Eri’s hand. “And tell Koa thank you. C’mon, Eri; let’s sit down so the employees can do their jobs.”

They do so, taking a seat at a table near a cat tower where they watch two kittens play with each other, Eri giggling at them. A few minutes later, a short, old woman with silver-white hair cropped to her shoulders steps out from the back. She smiles at the sight of Aizawa and Eri. “Ah, there are my favorite customers!” she happily greets them.

“Hi, Ms. K!” Eri giggles, now petting one of the kittens. She’s gentle and careful as the kitten rubs its head into her hand. Aizawa could die from the cuteness.

“Good afternoon, Shouta,” Koa says, smiling down at him. “Still no girl on your arm?”

Aizawa blushes beneath his scarves, doing his best to hide his face. “Koa, you know I’m too busy to date with this one in my hair.” He nods at Eri who is now playing with three other kittens, flinging a feathered toy around.

“That’s no excuse!” Koa playfully argues. “I happen to know many fine-looking young women who love single dads.”

Once again, Aizawa turns a bright red and adverts his eyes, making the old lady laugh. He swears that every single person he knows asks him why he isn’t in a relationship yet. It isn’t like he’s against the dating scene, but between caring for Eri, teaching his classes, working as a pro, and fiending over you, Aizawa knows he’s too busy to date.

“Well, being tied up with your little girl is all the more reason to find a nice lady to help you out,” Koa chuckles. “Or you could always just visit here. Animals make great company; especially as pets. Our adoption rates have just been shooting through the roof lately.”

Eri whips around, her white hair flying. “Pets?” she asks, wide-eyed. “You mean we can adopt the kitties here too?!”

Koa gives a bellied laugh while Aizawa shakes his head. “Eri, we’ve gone over this: no animals are allowed in the dorms. You know that Nezu is paranoid.” Eri gives him a cute little scowl, her bottom lip poking. “No pouting either,” Aizawa sternly says.

As stubborn as the girl is, Eri knows the rules. Principal Nezu is serious about dorm rules, especially having pets. Aizawa can understand since Nezu is a mouse–every animal is scary to him, but cats? That’s probably a nightmare.

“Aww, it’s okay, Eri, dear,” Koa laughs. “Nothing a good parfait and some playtime can’t cure.”

Koa winks at the little girl as one of the employees comes to their table holding two delicious-looking parfaits: vanilla ice cream and spongey cake at the bottom of the glasses topped in whipped cream, strawberries, waffle cones, and chocolate syrup that drizzles over the glass rims. Eri thanks the employee as she grabs hers, already digging in.

“Go on and have fun!” Koa urges, motioning around the cafe like it’s Eri’s playpen…which it is.

For the next fifteen minutes, Aizawa watches Eri as she runs around the cafe while Koa and the employees work, serving others drinks and tending to the cats. During, Aizawa spends time eating his parfait, scrolling through his phone, and letting one of the cats toy with his scarf. ‘So damn cute,’ he thinks, cursing Nezu for that stupid pet rule. He wouldn’t mind having a cat around his dorm to keep him company since dating is out of the question right now.

“Oh, they’re so cute!” Eri suddenly squeals. “Daddy, look at this one!”

Aizawa looks up, finding his daughter standing at the cat cages off to the side. A sign posted on the wall states that they are all available for playtime and adoptions. Eri is busy staring into the cage of a teeny black cat curled up on a plush blanket, sleeping soundly.

“Eri,” he sighs, striding over to the overexcited child, “leave the cat alone. It’s sleeping right now, so…”

But as he gets closer and closer to the cat, his words die in his throat. He doesn’t understand why or what kind of feeling he’s feeling as he stares down at it, but it renders him speechless.

“Oh, her!” Koa says from the back counter, wiping down some spilled coffee. “She came in last night. Poor baby had an injured paw when I found her, so I brought her in.” She tuts at the kitty. “She must’ve been exhausted; she’s been sleeping the whole day.”

Aizawa continues to stare wordlessly at the cat, a warm feeling tingling inside of him. It’s just a regular-looking, short-haired black cat with one of its paws wrapped in a bandage, but Aizawa can’t help but feel like there is something more to the kitty; something special. He stares at it and feels as if he’s met this specific cat before.

Realizing how he probably looks right now–like an idiot–, he quickly steers Eri away from the cage. “Let’s not bother her, baby,” he gently says. “Let’s play with the two down here. They look lively.” He points down at the cage where two long-haired kittens are wrestling with each other, tiny mews filling the air.

“Can we, Ms. Koa?!” Eri excitedly asks, bouncing on her feet. Koa is already walking over with a key to unlock the cage. “Of course, dear,” she giggles. “Just don’t wear yourself out too much before you eat the rest of your parfait.”

Aizawa swears he's never seen a kid so excited for some damn cats.

#shouta aizawa #shoutaaa #smutty smut #my fic shit #my works #here kitty kitty #bnha smut #black coded reader #black fanfic writer #black writers #aizawa x black!reader #shouta aizawa x black!reader

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the-blind-assassin-12 · 9 months

Text

Somewhere Between Sorrow & Bliss

1200 words for 1200 followers #6

A/N: Hi friends! Welcome to the 12-A-Palooza! This event is my way of saying thank you for sticking with me. Your support and kindness toward me and my writing is out of this world and I’m grateful for every last one of you! This is the second of two requests that I got for Jack, and they go together because the two songs demanded it. The first can be found here, and should be read before this one to get the full picture. I absolutely have plans to continue this AU, as well as to fill out the time between these two parts, but for now please enjoy a little more Time Traveling Jack Daniels. 💚

Warnings: mild angst, Jack’s big brown puppy eyes and pouty lips

Requested by: @writeforfandoms Song: Too Much Is Never Enough Character Choice: Jack Daniels - Jen!! Thank you SO MUCH for sending this in. I have A LOT of feelings about this song, just like I have a lot of feelings about this Cowboy. I hope you enjoy the direction I took it in, and where it’s eventually headed!

Jack stood at your bedroom window as he gazed out over 9th Street, still quiet at this hour on a Sunday morning.

You were asleep in the bed behind him. If he had his druthers he would be, too, with his arms wrapped around your body and your cheek against his chest. Then it would be your warm breath fanning out over his skin, not the summer breeze coming through the sheer curtains. Then he could trace lazy figure eights over your bicep, your hip, the nape of your neck. Then he could have one more morning’s worth of moments with you to take back to the present with him.

Because by this time tomorrow I’ll be gone.

A dull ache punched through his heart at the thought of going back.

He winced, remembering the look on your face and the hurt in your voice when he’d come back to the Junction this time - on July 31st, not the 19th. For you it had been twelve days since he’d spun into your world like a tornado, charming you with his smile only to disappear just as suddenly as he showed up, without a word, without a goodbye, without a way to contact him. Without a reason to think he was any different than the other casanovas who wandered in looking for a one night stand.

“Well, look who it is.” Your eyes had flashed as you tossed a cardboard coaster onto the bar like a frisbee. “So you do remember how to get here, then, Cowboy?”

“Darlin’, I-”

“Oh, absolutely not.” You slammed an empty glass on the rail and shook your head. Reaching for the neck of a whiskey bottle with your left hand, you tipped it to pour while grabbing the soda gun with your right. “You do not -” You pressed the button on the gun to add a splash of water to his drink. “- get to Darlin’ me after -”

Your brow furrowed then, as though you weren’t sure how to articulate the disappointment, frustration and heartbreak you felt waking on the 20th only to find an empty bed beside you. Because it didn’t make sense for you to feel this strongly over someone you’d spent one night with.

One night. Twenty-seven times. Spread out over a year.

A year of figuring out how to make you smile, laugh, moan his name. A year of learning how to bring you to bliss with his touch and his tongue. Of falling in love with you while you learned him from scratch each time.

But something in the way your fingers shook as you set his drink down on the coaster made him wonder if some part of you remembered more than just your last July 19th together. If maybe on some level your consciousness carried the memories that going through the Rewind had written over.

Jack tried again, using your name that time, his fingers grazing yours as they left his glass. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am for havin’ to leave that morning.” He frowned, swirling the contents of his drink. Whiskey’n water. She remembered. “I was on call for work and-”

“And you couldn’t say goodbye?” You scoffed, crossing your arms over your chest. “You snuck out, Jack. Your work was that urgent that you-”

“Yes.”

It wasn’t a lie. He had been called back urgently - by Ginger, when the twelve hour window had shut and the Rewind yanked him out of your bed and back into the present.

“Yes,” he said again, a deep crease cutting into his forehead. “It was. But you have no idea how much I wish it wasn’t.” He sighed, tapping his glass. “Would you believe me if I told you I haven’t stopped thinkin’ about you since the last time I saw those pretty eyes’a yours?”

For you it had been twelve days, and that had been longer than he would have liked. But for Jack it had been two months without you.

You sucked in a breath, clearly struck by his claim. The tip of your tongue swept out to wet your lips as you recovered. “No.”

“No?” He swallowed despite not yet taking a sip from his glass. “Well I’d do anything for a chance to change your mind, Darlin’.”

“Don’t call me that, Jack.” Your voice was barely above a whisper but he heard you even over the din of the bar noise. “Not unless you’re here to stay.”

His heart slammed at his rib cage as he contemplated how to answer. The trial for the Rewind had moved to the next stage, which involved sending the subject back for a longer period of time to see if prolonged skips along the continuum had any side effects. After a year of testing it for half a day, Ginger had reset the window to three days for this trip.

Finally bringing the glass to his lips, he took a drink, eyes on you the whole time. “Well, I’m in town all weekend. That be a good start?”

A patron at the other end of the bar flagged you down and you shouted over to let him know you’d be right with him before turning back to Jack. He could see in your eyes that you wanted to say yes, and he latched onto that little bit of hope even after you responded. “Ask me again at the end of my shift.”

He had. And now here he was in your bedroom two days later, awake and already feeling too far away from you even though he still had just under a day left in your life. Like waking up an hour shy of the alarm clock for fear of missing it, Jack found himself on edge about leaving you before it was time to.

Part of it was due to the fact that he didn’t know how long it would be until he got to repeat these three days with you. Part of it was because the previous night, as you curled your body into his, both of you sweat slicked and spent, you’d confessed that you thought you’d gone crazy for how strongly you felt for him after just that one night - that you felt like you’d known him and that he’d known you for much longer than those few hours.

But part of it was also because he was confused - and concerned - by the fact that in the present, when he’d tried to look you up just to see what your life was like along his current timeline, his search had drawn a blank.

I need to find out why that is. Find out if-

“Jack?”

The sound of your voice, still hazy with sleep, pulled his focus away from the window, away from the ticking clock in the back of his mind and brought it back to you. He turned to see you lying on your side, the sheet pulled partially up your body, and in two long strides he was back at the bedside and climbing onto the mattress beside you.

But right now I just need to be here.

“G’mornin’, Darlin’.” He reached to pull you against his chest. “How’d you sleep?”

Thank you for reading! If you’d like to be added to or removed from the tag list, please feel free to let me know. You can also fill out the form on my Masterlist! :)

tags: @something-tofightfor @paracosmenthusiast @cannedsoupsucks @dihra-vesa @disgruntledspacedad @littlemisspascal @hellovanessax @mishasminion360 @nyctophiliiiiaaa @practicalghost @tanzthompson @harriedandharassed @woodlandmouth @swtaura @trickstersp8 @princessxkenobi @imtryingmybeskar @wildmoonflower @mswarriorbabe80 @theredwritingwitch @silverstarsandsuns @competentpotato @pedro-pedrito-pascalito @jedi-in-crocs @hannahkatharine @novemberrain221 @chiyo13 @myloveistoolittle @spishsstuff @writeforfandoms

#12 A Palooza!#1200 followers 1200 words #jack daniels #jack whiskey daniels #jack daniels x female reader #jack daniels x reader #jack daniels x you #agent whiskey x female reader #agent whiskey x reader #agent whiskey x you #jack daniels fic #jack daniels kingsman golden circle #jack daniels time travel au #pedro pascal character #pedrostories #somewhere between sorrow and bliss #Spotify

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beautouslysandy · 1 year

Text

Double Shift

Darry Curtis x GN!Reader

By- Sandy

Word Count: 799

Warnings: None

You guys seem to really like the my first one so here you go another Darry one-shot. Hope y’all like it!

______________________________________________

-You work at the local diner as a waiter/waitress, you love your job. It may not be the best one out there but you enjoy it. Better than working in a box all day. You have the usuals, the out of towners and the occasional passing through drivers. -You don’t mind picking up extra shifts if needed because it just adds to your paycheck at the end of the week. The diner is a twenty-one hour diner, someone has to be there.

-You and Darry have been going strong for a couple of years now, you both work at two time-consuming jobs. And you both will have to pull a double shift at times.

-You guys always call to tell the other you have to work the double shift.

••••••••

You were leaning on the counter, sighing. You were grateful that there was a double shift so you could add more to your pay check at the end of the week but you had a really long day. “You know you don’t have to work the double? Right?” Your work friend asked looking you in the eyes with concern

They asked you this every time you took the double shift. And they looked at you with the same concerned look in their eyes.

“I know.” You said with a yawn

“Y/N. Its seven pm, the double shift runs till one in the morning. Are you sure your not going to faint due to exhaustion by then?” They said as the checked out a customer.

“I am-“ You began. “Thank you so much for coming! Have a great day.” Your work friend said with a cheery fake smile.

“What we’re you saying?” They asked, after putting the cash into the register.

“I am sure.” You said stretching and patting your friend on the back.

You headed to go take someone’s order at a booth.

———

“Bye, Y/N! See you tomorrow?” Your friend asked putting their coat on as they left the diner.

“Bye! For sure!” You said with a smile

They smiled back and waved as they left the diner with the jangle on the doors. Most people didn’t show up durning the night but if they did it was mostly truckers passing through. Usually one to two people work this shift, not including the “chef” in the back. Tonight it was just you. You looked at the clock, exactly eight pm, you sighed. Five more hours to go. You decided to clean up the counter a bit cause there was nothing else to do, you heard the clanging of the ”chef” in the back. You opened the closet door and grabbed cleaning spray and a old rag. And you cleaned the counter. The diner phone rang which was odd because it never does. You picked it up and said: “Hi there this is Ben’s Diner, how may I help you this evening?” You asked politely with curiosity of why this person used the phone.

It was just a customer saying that they had a huge group of teenage boys coming through and wanted to make sure we would be able to serve them. You said that y’all would try your best. ———

After working your ass off, you and chef were able to feed all six boys, which is usually easy work when it isn’t just two people working the diner. The typical amount is six to eight, depending on the day. It was around twelve in the morning, you had done some cleaning and you read a book. You don’t typical read books but there was truly nothing else to do so in preparation you had packed a book from Ponyboy’s collection in your handbag. You couldn’t wait to get home and then it hit you. You haven’t called Darry to tell him your working the double shift. And just like that, the diner doors opened, and in walked a very panicked Darry. “Y/N?!” He yelled, you swear he is going blind.

“Yes?” You asked

He saw you at the counter and speed walked over. He was breathing so heavily you’d think he just did triathlon. “Why didn’t you come home? “ He asked looking you in the eyes, his eyes looked covered in fear and panic.

You put your hand on his and said: “I took the double shift an-“ You started

“Why?” He asked madly

“I took it bec-“

“Why didn’t you call me to-“

“Let me finish. Dar.” He entangled his hand with yours using his thumb to rub the back of your hand.

“I took the double shift and I forgot to call you to tell you. I am sorry.” “That’s not what I am asking…” He said softly

“Huh? What do you mean then, Dar?” “Why do you feel the need to take the double shift?” He asked looking in your eyes with worry

“Because it adds more to my paycheck? We have been over this.” You replied

“I know. I just..” He began

“Wanted to see me.” “Yeah.” He said kissing you on the cheek. You kissed him on the lips over the cherry red and freshly cleaned diner counter. He kissed back, of course. Everytime no matter how many times, every time you kiss him, it feels like the first time. You looked at the clock on the wall It was twelve’fifty-five in the morning, and you put your forehead against his and said:

“Let get my stuff and we can go, okay? You said walking around the counter. “Okay, don’t be to long.” He said giving your hand a kiss.

Eeeee-

Hope you guys liked this, let me know if you want more of this kind of stuff with Darry Curtis

Sandy

#darry curtis #the outsiders darry #the outsiders imagine #the outsiders x reader #the outsiders #darry curtis imagine #darry curtis x reader

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myfavouritelunatic · 1 year

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The Blacksmith

Pelargir celebrates it's victory... though not everyone is rejoicing. Enjoy! ❤️

Pairing: Halbrand/Sauron x Female Reader

Word Count: 2.9k

Warnings: The lightest of smut. I'm still teasing y'all, I know. 😈

Links to Chapter One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty, Twenty-One, Twenty-Two, Twenty-Three, Twenty-Four, Twenty-Five, Twenty-Six, Twenty-Seven, Twenty-Eight, Twenty-Nine, Thirty, Thirty-One, and Thirty-Two!

Chapter Thirty-Three

You slipped back into your favourite crimson dress once more, wanting to compliment your king. You both packed your bags since you would not be returning to the inn now. Despite your suggestion that you would be close to your mother here, the king and queen were in need of a palace, a place to call your own. You had made peace, for the most part, with your brothers, and with the ties this inn had to your mother's dying day. Azrahin was right, this place was not her grave. Heading out of your chamber you stopped by to see how he was recovering. Thankfully his wound was already making much progress in healing, though you wanted to help it along however you could, grabbing some of your athelas from your sack and applying it to his leg. "I remember mother using this herb when we were children. I'm pleased to see you've continued her work."

"I don't remember all that much actually, but thankfully I remember this, as it has become of vital use as of late." you smiled at him. "Have you eaten? Would you be able to join us downstairs?" "Târikun brought me up some food this morning. But I hear talk of a feast later today, is that so?" "We've only just heard about it ourselves." spoke Halbrand. "Will you have strength enough to join us?" "I wouldn't miss it." Azrahin nodded at your husband, as the two of you took your leave to let him rest. You were starving and could not wait for the afternoon to come, so you quickly downed some eggs, bacon, and potatoes, whilst Halbrand snacked on his own absentmindedly, his mind brimming with thought. "You know I cannot penetrate your mind, my love. Talk to me."

"I'm just reflecting on all that has happened, on where we are now, and how it is we got here. And to think… I never wanted to return to this land. Now I am it's king." He finished his words with a chuckle of disbelief, before swallowing the last of his meal. "Shall we go, my love?" "Yes." you grinned at your husband, gulping down the water from your cup. As you both rose to your feet, the people in the inn around you did the same, and bowed as you walked past. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that." you whispered under your breath. "Give it time." Halbrand responded, opening the inn's door for you.

Wandering through the streets gave you no choice but to try and become accustomed to your new life as monarch, for the people of Pelargir were not shy about showing their respect. Part of you still did not feel worthy of such honour, your humble background again shining through. Instead, you chose to look at Halbrand and take in how he reacted to his people fawning over him. His head was held high, his expression was one of pride, a small smile etched within it. He made eye contact with all you passed, even acknowledging some of them with greetings. This was a being who understood the position of power he was in. Who knew how to carry themselves. Halbrand had after all been a dark lord with beings at his beck and call for more than an age. He wasn't only accustomed to this way of living, it was a part of who he was.

After about twenty minutes of walking, the further out of the city proper you got, the number of people on the road began to dwindle. It seems this 'home' of yours Bronwyn had secured you was in a more secluded part of Pelargir, granting you some privacy. But such privacy would not last long once it became known where the king and queen were housed. You decided to enjoy the last moments of relative obscurity your lodgings would afford, accepting that your life would never be the same again.

The house you had come upon was modest, but not something you would consider to be unfit for you both. Made of grey stone, you appreciated the subtle elements of Númenórean design laden within the structure. There were two storeys, which you both explored thoroughly once across the threshold. The ground floor held within it a large open space for cooking and dining, with an impressive circular wooden table surrounded by chairs made with iron. Each held within it crimson coloured cushions that were smooth to the touch. Velvet, like your gown. Ascending the stone stairs, you came upon the washroom which held within it a single tub, large enough for two or three people to bathe in. Then there was your bed chamber next to it, containing a stunning golden vanity with two seats to match. The desk of it was covered in a rich red cloth, and you couldn't help but picture your crowns gleaming on top of it.

Against the rear wall was a large four poster bed, its drapes of the same fabric that covered the desk. The sheets were cream, though the sunlight coming through the window caused the intricate gold embroidery hidden within to glisten. You looked over at Halbrand then, who had one hand grasping one of the mahogany posts, leaning against it, having placed your bags on the mattress. His eyes were on the bed, surveying it. Sidling up to him, wrapping your arms around his waist, he turned to face you, eyes filled with desire. "Tonight will be the first of many nights in this bed… the things I am going to do to you… the ways I plan to use your body… it will be worth the wait." Your pulse quickened as each of his words affected your body the way he intended, and you couldn't help but crash your lips into his in response, seeking to return to the state you were both in this morning before your brother interrupted. Coming up for air, you questioned your king. "Must we go to this celebration?"

"Yes, you must." an unexpected voice entered the room, sending a chill through you. "I am here to ensure it." You felt your cheeks redden with the realisation that Galadriel had caught you both in an intimate moment. She was looking more like the she-elf you remembered now, wearing a deep turquoise dress that contained lovely silver accents scattered throughout, fitting her form so flatteringly, sleeves of shining lace falling down from her wrists to near the floor. Her face had softened since last you looked at her, but hints of her vendetta still remained in her gaze. Perhaps she had not yet been swayed.

Halbrand chuckled dryly. "Someone sent you to fetch us? Alone?" "I came of my own accord. And if you weren't at the inn, then Bronwyn stated this is likely where you'd be." Galadriel stepped back out of the doorway, indicating for you both to leave. You took one step before Halbrand stopped you. "One thing first, before we are ready." Reaching into his sack, he pulled out the two symbols of your royalty. He placed the diadem gently on your head, then his crown upon his own. Turning back to Galadriel he spoke, walking towards her. "I must thank you again for this. For seeing in me what no one else could. Without you I would be a humble blacksmith, nothing more."

"Do not test me, Sauron. I am attempting to believe in the words and actions both of you displayed last night. Though I would happily see my sword still strike you." Galadriel snarled, not giving in to the fun Halbrand was trying to have with her. "Please. Call me, Halbrand." he reminded her, his tone becoming serious. Your love passed her with you in tow, your eyes connecting with the she-elf's, who was fighting to hold back her frustration. The three of you made your way down the stairs and out into the street, yourself in the middle with Halbrand and Galadriel on either side. "I am surprised anyone let you out of their sight. Given what happened at the wedding." you wondered aloud. "Not as surprised as the people will be when they see us together." Halbrand commented, causing Galadriel to scoff. Ignoring your husband, you continued to talk with the she-elf. "I am grateful you seem to be giving us a chance, Galadriel."

"Despite what I said to you in the cell yester eve… our time together did not mean nothing. If there is a chance you can be redeemed, my friend, then it is a chance I am glad to take. And if you speak the truth about… Halbrand," She hesitated to call him by that name, a name that was filled with such pain and disgust as she uttered it. "Then I am hopeful that, somehow, I might come to see the same goodness in him that you claim to." You smiled softly at her words, and looked to Halbrand. He was grinning arrogantly from ear to ear. When he saw your eyes upon him, he picked up your hand and pressed it to his lips in a quick kiss.

No other words were spoken during the journey to the hall. You felt as if you were treading on egg shells, that perhaps if anything further was said between the three of you, then whatever fortune Galadriel was bestowing upon you both would run out. And you desperately wanted to hold on to the feeling of having her by your side once again. Halbrand had been right though, the closer to the hall you got, the amount of gasping and shocked individuals you passed only increased. Some folks even looked confused. But one thing remained the same amongst them all, they bowed and curtsied at the three of you as you went by.

You entered the hall with thunderous applause from your people, and the masses from the streets all filed in behind you, hundreds of people taking their seats. You walked up the aisle towards the dais where you were married, and the table you never got to sit at. On one side Arondir, Bronwyn, and Theo were stood waiting for you, and the young man's spark had begun to return to his eye, the colour to his cheek. Seeing Theo alive and well was of great relief for you, even if you noticed him staring at Galadriel and not you or Halbrand. On the other side of the table sat Azrahin with Târikun standing beside him. Your brothers were beaming at you proudly.

The three of you took your seats, again with Halbrand and Galadriel on either side of you, as you gazed out across the packed hall. The cheering subsided, and Halbrand stood up to speak. "My friends. It seems the beginning of our reign has been commemorated with a grave night. Though it was a night that saw us rise up in victory against our enemy." Clapping broke out again, though the king was far from done. "I must confess to you all. The claim the Lady Galadriel made is a truthful one. I was Sauron." Stunned sounds permeated the air, though thankfully they were few. "But my claim to lead you now, to ensure your safety and comfort… that is also true. I wish only to heal these lands, to put a stop to the ruin of the Southlands. There will be more battles to come, my friends, I can assure you of that. And if you keep me as your king… they will be battles we shall win."

The roar from the room was deafening. Everyone on their feet, showing their affections for their king. It was incredible to witness. People cheering for the dark lord Sauron. You glanced at Galadriel to gauge her reaction. Steadfast, her expression gave away nothing. Halbrand continued, holding aloft his goblet filled with ale. "Today we celebrate our people who live, and pay tribute to those we lost. Their sacrifice will mean more than their spirits will know. To Pelargir!"

"To Pelargir!" the crowd chanted in unison, before falling silent to drink from their cups. Tipping back your own silver goblet, the taste of red wine upon your tongue, its flavour was filled with notes of blackberry and pepper. As the people took their seats, the feast presented itself as dozens of cooks and kitchenhands brought forth probably the remainder of all the meat and vegetables Pelargir had to offer, considering this was the second big feast in as many days.

The afternoon began to slip into the evening as the light through the hall's windows dimmed and changed colour. Hours had passed since you had taken your seats, with you consuming the three courses the kitchen had prepared you, and having downed almost four full goblets of wine. Galadriel had wandered off to speak with your people, no doubt in an attempt to smooth over her introduction to them. Or perhaps, even possibly, to find more reasons to either side or fight with you. Halbrand had also done the same, after talking first with Theo for what felt like forever, and then again with your brothers whom he was bonding with very quickly. From your vantage point on the dais, you could spy his crowned head easily, watching as a group of men raised their cups to him once more.

Bronwyn and Arondir had remained mostly quiet, especially Bronwyn. It seemed she was still going through the motions after Theo's near demise last night. Though there was something about her demeanour you couldn't place. Seizing the opportunity presented by her excusing herself, you leaned over to Arondir, speaking low into his pointed ear. "Is Bronwyn alright? She doesn't seem herself." The elf watched his love walk quietly away, and did not answer immediately, needing time to gather his words before you could hear them. "There are certain matters my lady does not wish me to discuss." he spoke diplomatically. "She is well enough, considering."

"I would be more than happy to speak with her directly. When she is able." you offered, wanting Arondir to know you cared. The elf only bowed his head in response, and rose to take his leave, moving gracefully in the direction of Bronwyn. As your eyes followed him leaving, they encountered a sight that knocked the wind right out of you. Your friends from the road, all seated, the kids flinging cold food at each other, and the adults looking worse for wear. Though nothing prepared you for Olwenna's face. She sat silently, an arm around Padrig who was sat beside her, staring into nothing. Her expression was empty.

Immediately you rose from your chair, deciding to do something about the nagging guilt that refused to leave you. Walking swiftly over to where they were seated, all of them stood to greet their queen, whether out of fear or respect you were not sure, all of them… except Olwenna. She only looked up at you now, the sight of you bringing tears to her eyes. "Garion…" His name was all she could muster to pass her lips. Moving towards her, Padrig stepped out of your way as you took Olwenna into your arms, letting her sob in her grief. Time stood still as you held her. Eventually, she released herself from you, pulling back to show her tear stained face, red circles around her eyes, and her usually refined auburn locks completely askew.

"I am profoundly sorry." you offered your condolences, praying your lies would remain secret. Sniffling, she spoke slowly, her voice void of emotion. "He died… saving… you… they told me…" It seems the story Halbrand had concocted spread amongst your people. Perhaps told after you left with your brothers after the battle. Olwenna managed a small smile, but it did not reach her eyes. "At least… he gave his life… for a purpose."

Feeling your own tears forming, and your lip trembling, there was nothing you could say. For you feared the next words out of your mouth would be the truth. Halbrand killed Garion. I made it look like orcs. Garion tried to kill me… It was the last of those three statements you somehow knew would hurt Olwenna the most. You gulped, as if forcing back down those awful truths into the pit with your darkness where they belonged. Instead you chose to speak the truths she knew, the ones that were able to pass your lips. "Garion was a noble man… I'd never met anyone as altruistic as him. And I doubt I will ever again…"

"You are monsters. You are not my friends." His words began to echo in your mind like a loud and lingering church bell. "…how could you lie to us? …filthy… Númenórean…" You could feel your darkness nipping at your light, stirring your insides as you heard every word of the dead man strike you once again. The rage within you building. Closing your eyes, you took in the deepest of breaths, hoping it would be enough to find your calm again. Though upon opening your lids once more, the sight of Garion's widow was now unbearable. Rising swiftly to your feet, you uttered two words before leaving Olwenna be. "Forgive me."

Tagging: @denzit @heronamedhawks @pursuitseternal @restless-tides @coraleethroughthelookingglass @hikarielizabethbloom @vaguelyvibin @imjustsuperweird @gil-galadhwen

#halbrand x reader #sauron x reader #halbrand/sauron x reader #halbrand #sauron #charlie vickers #the rings of power #trop #trop fanfic #lord of the rings #lotr

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berriusagi · 1 year

Text

Stomach Bug Masterlist

Rating: Teen and Up

Word count: 64,779

Summary: Marinette and Damian try to keep their relationship secret from their two families but that all goes up in smoke when Marinette comes down with a stomach bug. Marinette is panicking, Harley and Ivy are supportive, Damian is happy, the batfam is insane.

NOTICE!!!

This series has been discontinued in it’s current form! I loved writing this but I am not happy with the quality of the work and as such I have chosen to not continue this version of it. I am working on a rewrite and will post the chapters once I am finished! If you want to be added to the tag list just let me know I will be posting both on here and on Ao3 but it will be a long while before I post anything as I want to have a decent chunk of the story done before I begin posting.

Chapters under the cut

One: Morning Sickness

Two: Dinner Announcement

Three: Future Plans

Four: Afternoon Date

Five: Late Night Sewing

Six: Faming Bonding: Dick

Seven: Family Bonding: Jason

Eight: Family Bonding: Bruce

Nine: Family Bonding: Alfred

Ten: Doctor’s Visit

Eleven: Family Shenanigan’s

Twelve: Home for the Holidays

Thirteen: Memory Lane

Fourteen: Girl’s Day

Fifteen: Christmas Day

Sixteen: New Year

Seventeen: First Sound

Eighteen: First Movement

Nineteen: Boy’s Day

Twenty: The Winning Class

Twenty-One: Ground Rules

Twenty-Two: Jet Lag

Twenty-Three: Old Friend

Twenty-Four: Baby Shower

Tag List

@myazael @beautiful-disasters-sunshine @moonlightstar64 @moonlitceleste @stainedglassm @casual-darkness @mochegato @ultimatetornshipper @heemsanddamemes @nathleigh @qualitypeacepainter @raven-frost-21 @maskedpainter @demonicbusiness @dood-space @trippingovermyfeet @emimar7 @indecisive-mess-named-me @changelinggarden @zerotosiki @alysrose-starchild @s-and-n @wolf2118 @athena452 @jjmjjktth @eliza-bich @solangelo252 @icerosecrystal @heinrode @Junarvion @babylovebug18 @animegirlweeb @corporeal-terrestrial @grouchycritic7794 @lady-bee-fechin @pepelachanel @kashlyn @marimause-15 @missanalysis @varianscarlet @toodaloo-kangaroo

#daminette #damianette #damidad #mominette #maribat #maridami #ml x dc #teen pregnancy #stomach bug

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aroundtheworldwithphillyfogg · 2 years

Text

October 9th: Passepartout and Fix have a chat

(This is the third post today. First post, second post.)

Fix soon rejoined Passepartout, who was lounging and looking about on the quay, as if he did not feel that he, at least, was obliged not to see anything.

“Well, my friend,” said the detective, coming up with him, “is your passport visaed?”

“Ah, it’s you, is it, monsieur?” responded Passepartout. “Thanks, yes, the passport is all right.”

“And you are looking about you?”

“Yes; but we travel so fast that I seem to be journeying in a dream. So this is Suez?”

“Yes.”

“In Egypt?”

“Certainly, in Egypt.”

“And in Africa?”

“In Africa.”

“In Africa!” repeated Passepartout. “Just think, monsieur, I had no idea that we should go farther than Paris; and all that I saw of Paris was between twenty minutes past seven and twenty minutes before nine in the morning, between the Northern and the Lyons stations, through the windows of a car, and in a driving rain! How I regret not having seen once more Père la Chaise and the circus in the Champs Elysées!”

“You are in a great hurry, then?”

“I am not, but my master is. By the way, I must buy some shoes and shirts. We came away without trunks, only with a carpet-bag.”

“I will show you an excellent shop for getting what you want.”

“Really, monsieur, you are very kind.”

And they walked off together, Passepartout chatting volubly as they went along.

“Above all,” said he; “don’t let me lose the steamer.”

“You have plenty of time; it’s only twelve o’clock.”

Passepartout pulled out his big watch. “Twelve!” he exclaimed; “why, it’s only eight minutes before ten.”

“Your watch is slow.”

“My watch? A family watch, monsieur, which has come down from my great-grandfather! It doesn’t vary five minutes in the year. It’s a perfect chronometer, look you.”

“I see how it is,” said Fix. “You have kept London time, which is two hours behind that of Suez. You ought to regulate your watch at noon in each country.”

“I regulate my watch? Never!”

“Well, then, it will not agree with the sun.”

“So much the worse for the sun, monsieur. The sun will be wrong, then!”

And the worthy fellow returned the watch to its fob with a defiant gesture. After a few minutes silence, Fix resumed: “You left London hastily, then?”

“I rather think so! Last Friday at eight o’clock in the evening, Monsieur Fogg came home from his club, and three-quarters of an hour afterwards we were off.”

“But where is your master going?”

“Always straight ahead. He is going round the world.”

“Round the world?” cried Fix.

“Yes, and in eighty days! He says it is on a wager; but, between us, I don’t believe a word of it. That wouldn’t be common sense. There’s something else in the wind.”

“Ah! Mr. Fogg is a character, is he?”

“I should say he was.”

“Is he rich?”

“No doubt, for he is carrying an enormous sum in brand new banknotes with him. And he doesn’t spare the money on the way, either: he has offered a large reward to the engineer of the ‘Mongolia’ if he gets us to Bombay well in advance of time.”

“And you have known your master a long time?”

“Why, no; I entered his service the very day we left London.”

The effect of these replies upon the already suspicious and excited detective may be imagined. The hasty departure from London soon after the robbery; the large sum carried by Mr. Fogg; his eagerness to reach distant countries; the pretext of an eccentric and foolhardy bet—all confirmed Fix in his theory. He continued to pump poor Passepartout, and learned that he really knew little or nothing of his master, who lived a solitary existence in London, was said to be rich, though no one knew whence came his riches, and was mysterious and impenetrable in his affairs and habits. Fix felt sure that Phileas Fogg would not land at Suez, but was really going on to Bombay.

“Is Bombay far from here?” asked Passepartout.

“Pretty far. It is a ten days’ voyage by sea.”

“And in what country is Bombay?”

“India.”

“In Asia?”

“Certainly.”

“The deuce! I was going to tell you there’s one thing that worries me—my burner!”

“What burner?”

“My gas-burner, which I forgot to turn off, and which is at this moment burning at my expense. I have calculated, monsieur, that I lose two shillings every four and twenty hours, exactly sixpence more than I earn; and you will understand that the longer our journey—”

Did Fix pay any attention to Passepartout’s trouble about the gas? It is not probable. He was not listening, but was cogitating a project. Passepartout and he had now reached the shop, where Fix left his companion to make his purchases, after recommending him not to miss the steamer, and hurried back to the consulate. Now that he was fully convinced, Fix had quite recovered his equanimity.

“Consul,” said he, “I have no longer any doubt. I have spotted my man. He passes himself off as an odd stick who is going round the world in eighty days.”

“Then he’s a sharp fellow,” returned the consul, “and counts on returning to London after putting the police of the two countries off his track.”

“We’ll see about that,” replied Fix.

“But are you not mistaken?”

“I am not mistaken.”

“Why was this robber so anxious to prove, by the visa, that he had passed through Suez?”

“Why? I have no idea; but listen to me.”

He reported in a few words the most important parts of his conversation with Passepartout.

“In short,” said the consul, “appearances are wholly against this man. And what are you going to do?”

“Send a dispatch to London for a warrant of arrest to be dispatched instantly to Bombay, take passage on board the ‘Mongolia,’ follow my rogue to India, and there, on English ground, arrest him politely, with my warrant in my hand, and my hand on his shoulder.”

Having uttered these words with a cool, careless air, the detective took leave of the consul, and repaired to the telegraph office, whence he sent the dispatch which we have seen to the London police office. A quarter of an hour later found Fix, with a small bag in his hand, proceeding on board the “Mongolia;” and, ere many moments longer, the noble steamer rode out at full steam upon the waters of the Red Sea.

#Around the World in 80 Days #Jules Verne #around the world in 80 dailies

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darklydeliciousdesires · 1 year

Text

Beyond the Blood Tie - Chapter Thirty Five.

I’m glad this is coming to an end in the coming chapters, as it’s taught me that the word count is just too high for many of you to enjoy, and I quite agree. Fanfiction should be a lot more bite sized, and since I originally wrote this all those years ago, I’ve learned not to droan on and on and thus ward off potential readers by the size of each chapter, but not by much, so I need to improve again with being more concise. Thanks to the few of you who did take a chance on it, though. I know this wasn’t popular, but eh, win some, lose some.

Previous Chapters - One Two, Part One Part Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen Nineteen Twenty Twenty One Twenty Two Twenty Three Twenty Four Twenty Five Twenty Six Twenty Seven Twenty Eight Twenty Nine Thirty Thirty One Thirty Two Thirty Three Thirty Four

Words - 6,013

Tag list - In the comments. Please DM to be added/removed

Warnings - 18+ content throughout. Minors DNI!

Angel's POV

Looking down at Edie as she sleeps peacefully by my side, I never thought I'd be back here. I thought the sun would burn me up in my last effort to get back to her, and before that I thought I was dead for sure, as she and everyone else had no doubt assumed was my fate. It'll take some explaining, what happened to me and how I managed to escape, but I'm not about to go into that now.

Right now, I'm too busy feeling overjoyed at the fact I can feel my baby next to me, feel her warmth against me and her breath fluttering across my chest. I've missed her so much, and I've only been gone for four days. I can't even begin to imagine what she must have gone through. Just then her closest door opens, and out walks EZ, who does the best double take I think I've ever seen. He must have been here looking after Edie in the wake of my 'death', and I'll thank him eternally for that.

"Wh..." he goes to shout before I put an urgent finger to my lips, not wanting him to wake Edie. She's exhausted; I can feel it through our blood tie. Miley left not long after they pulled me in off the lawn this morning, so there's only Edie here to worry about waking. Moving myself from underneath her quickly, I rest her head back down on the pillow, and move with EZ outside into the dark yard.

"Okay, go.” I expect his reaction to be loud. He doesn't disappoint.

"What the fuck? You're alive! Angel, you're fucking alive!" He roars at the top of his lungs before jumping on me, both arms and legs around me as he laughs hysterically. That's the biggest reaction I've ever seen him make to anything as a vampire, and I cannot help but feel really touched by his obvious delight.

"I'm as alive as a vampire can be," I chuckle as he composes himself, the huge grin not leaving his face as he clutches my shoulder.

"How though, I mean they felt you die, Ursula and Edie both felt you die," he exclaims in bewilderment, still looking stunned.

"I'll explain all as soon as I get home. I want to tell you all at once. Speaking of Ursula, I'm surprised she hasn't felt me and found her way to me," I comment, curious at that fact, the fact my creator hasn't appeared yet.

"Well, she was so distressed when we thought you'd died that she went to ground, but if she's unearthed herself now, she probably thinks what she can feel is a trick of the blood, just like what Edie has been feeling, too," EZ replies, giving me an idea.

"Actually, on second thoughts I think I will go and wake Edie, so we can all go home and surprise the shit out of Ursula, and then I can explain what happened to you all at one time." He agrees to it, before we head back in and I go and wake up a very beautiful and sleepy lady, after of course being dived all over by my wolves, who are as happy to see me as I am them. I then take a very quick shower, since I'm absolutely filthy. I still smell of burned flesh, even though I've healed, it's lingering in my hair mostly. After I'm done, I get out of the bathroom fast, leaving it free for my girlfriend to use.

While Edie gets herself ready, EZ and I hatch a little scheme to give Ursula the shock of her life, knowing she'll probably slap the crap out of both of us, but not caring. This'll be too good not to do, and we share our plan with Edie as soon as she's all washed, dressed and made up. She looks so beautiful, even just in her plain black leather leggings and a big beige sweater.

"Hold on, I have the perfect thing," she tells us after we've filled her in on our plan, running into her lounge and coming back with a big piece of red ribbon she then ties around my waist, looping it into a pretty big bow. I'm glad I had a fresh set of clothes here to change into after showering briefly just now, since the jeans I had on are fit to be condemned and are currently residing in Edie's trash can. We then set out in the direction of the place I've longed for almost as much as I have Edie. Home.

"She's outside, I can feel her there," I tell EZ very quietly as we begin to walk up the path at the front of the house.

"Okay, I'll go round the back. Just stay at the gate until the time is right," he whispers, while we head around, Edie and I hiding right back against the wall at the side of the gate.

"Yo! Stop smiling," I mouth to him, watching him make his face go back to blank before he continues over to where I can see Ursula is sat at the table, her back to us.

"Ursula, it's good to have you back. How are you feeling now?" I hear him ask her as he crouches by her side, resting his hand on her arm.

"I am alas no better for spending those four days underground sadly, my lovely. These cursed blood tricks, I keep being fooled into thinking he's still alive. If only he was," she laments, while Edie and I begin to creep up closer.

"I know you do, I know. I can only hope my Christmas present for you might help with that," EZ says to her, doing a damn good job of not letting the corners of his mouth turn up as I move away from Edie quickly to right behind Ursula.

"I'm alive!" I then roar into my creator's ear in a humorous tone, watching her practically jump a foot from her seat and then turn around to look at me in disbelief. She covers her mouth with her hands, her eyes filling with bloody tears. I then receive the same hysterical reaction I had from Edie, mixed in with EZ's as well. My creator leaps up off her feet and into my arms, crying and laughing all at the same time as she hugs me just as tightly as I do her, kissing my face over and over.

"You wicked, wicked children, playing tricks on me!" she shouts at us as EZ, Edie and I all absolutely fall apart with laughter. "Look at you, with a bow too! Oh, my darling boy, words cannot describe how thrilled and relieved I am. How, though? I felt you die, I felt it, my darling!"

“I’ll tell you in a bit. Let me just enjoy this. Fuck, I thought I’d never see you again,” I whisper, kissing her head as I stroke her hair, her scent comforting to me. "I love you, mom."

"I love you too, my beautiful son," she replies with emotion, squeezing me so tightly that if I needed to breathe, I wouldn't able to right now. It's then Charles turn for a massive surprise, when obviously hearing the commotion from out here in the back yard he comes out, but stops dead in his tracks when he sees me. He just stands and points, his mouth dropping open and a look of total shock consuming his face.

"But... but... but..." he stammers, his mouth opening and closing.

"Yeah, Charles. I'm fine, thank you for asking," I laugh sarcastically as he gapes in utter disbelief. He then comes over and throws his arms around me, hugging me so tightly that for a moment it feels like he's trying to strangle me, two tears slipping from his eyes when he lets me go and takes a good look at me.

"Well, my boy, don't we have some explaining to do!" He grips me shoulder tightly before cradling my face in his hands, kissing my forehead.

"Yes! We must hear this at once, Angel. Come, let us go inside,” Ursula states, taking my hand and leading me into the house, where I notice a distinct lack of everything I was expecting.

"Erm… where are all the decorations?” Around this time of year, she earns the nickname Mrs Christmas from us all. We don't really care much for it, but Ursula absolutely adores the festive period. There normally isn't a surface in the house that doesn't sparkle with some ornament or another, and I have to give her credit, she does decorate beautifully with a lot of taste.

"I didn't feel much like putting them up, considering I thought you'd just died," she explains, while I frown and start shaking my head.

"Nah, ain’t having that. My explanation on how I got home can wait. We're dressing the house properly first," I tell her, kissing her forehead before looking at both EZ and Charles. What then happens over the next ten minutes is the swiftest recreation of Ursula's usual glittering celebration of Christmas you've ever seen, with me even going out to the back yard and ripping up a tree to use. She usually likes to go to and purchase one, but this'll have to do. It's an evergreen, at least. Once I've sunk it into a big pot of soil and carried it back in, I leave the decorating of it to my creator while Charles, EZ and I all finish off the rest of the house.

"Ah now where's the fairy for the top?" Ursula hums as we all walk back into the hallway where the huge tree stands to the side of the back door opposite the stairs, finding her rooting through the many boxes all the decorations are stored in.

"Angel, get up there," EZ says, pointing at the top of the tree. I pick him up and throw him right into the front door for his comment, making him and everyone else laugh as he flies through the air.

"I think we should put some wings on Edie and stick her up there!" Charles then announces, picking up my giggling girlfriend who then squeals when he lifts her right up high. The happiness in this house right now feels amazing. It's good to be home, but now to actually explain to my family how I got back, and where I've been.

"So, I'll start at the point where I thought I was being arrested by the AVA," I begin when we're all sitting in the comfort of Ursula's sitting room, candles burning everywhere and the open fire blazing. "Oh by the way, where are Constance and Coco?"

"Up on the coast in Orange County, Constance has a friend who they're staying with. She wanted to give the family time, after, well you know," Ursula informs me, and with that I go ahead with my story.

"I see. Now, back to what happened from the moment I was bundled into the back of the van. No one said a word to me, but they took my shirt off and threw a silver net over me to keep me still, quiet and in agony. It was at that point I knew they weren't AVA, the vampires who took me. They drove me a short distance, at least shorter than I expected and then suddenly stopped and pulled me out of the back of the van and handed me over to a different group of vampires.

“After that I don't know what happened, because that's when they injected silver into my brain via a needle to my temple. I woke up hours later in a box, the silver still affecting me. I was travelling somewhere at this point, and there was a spy hole in the box that someone kept opening to check on me, saying 'he's conscious, just about' when they opened it to see me looking out at them. They stopped the vehicle to fuel up somewhere close to the Californian border; I recognised the smell of the air.

"It was about half an hour after we crossed the state line that the spy hole opened up again, and this time a huge needle came poking through and into my neck. That needle was attached to a tube, which they began draining me from. They left me with such little blood that I was barely alive, and switched myself off to prevent exerting energy I didn't have. At that moment I had no idea what was going to happen to me, but I guessed one possibility was that I was being drained to weaken my blood tie with Ursula, same as why I'd been silvered on the brain. I then supposed I'd be buried alive somewhere where she wouldn't be able to find me," I begin in explanation to the room, reaching for Ursula's hand when she starts sniffing, her eyes brimming with red pools.

"That's when I thought you'd died, in that moment when you were drained. Of course, with the silver to your brain you'd suffered as well, it made our connection so weak it mimicked the death of our tie," she interjects with while I nod, squeezing her fingers, putting my other arm around Edie when she moves to cuddle into me.

"After another day had passed, I brought myself around and was barely conscious, but the smell all around me indicated I wasn't on land any longer. I was at sea on a boat, that much I knew. I also knew I was in some kind of cargo area, in a packing crate and not a coffin. I could hear human voices not far from where I was, and by the sounds of it from the bits and pieces of conversation I heard, they had no idea what they were dumping over the side into the ocean, but they were being paid a fucking big wedge of cash for their trouble.

“Anyway, I knew I had to get out of there, but there was no way I could shout or break my way out, I was just too weak. It was when I felt that I still had my rings on that I thought of an idea. I began knocking them against the side of the crate, just tapping away as much as I could. They'd taken the cuffs off so I could move my hands, just about.

"I was tapping and tapping away for about half an hour until one of the two guys down there finally heard something, and they sat still and listened before beginning to follow the sound over to the packing crate I was lying in. They then talked between themselves for a bit, one saying 'I don't feel right putting it over the side if that tapping is an animal. Might be a cat or something man, that ain't cool', while the other said he'd fetch a crowbar to open it and check.

That's just what they did, and both of them jumped back in surprise when they saw me looking up at them. 'Jesus, holy fuck! No way! No…fuck this, I'm getting Kurt to turn this boat around, I ain't having no murder on my hands man! Don't worry dude, come on let me get you out of there, you must be fucking freezing!' is what the one started babbling, obviously not realising he was talking to a vampire. Just then though the boat jerked, and another packing case a third of the size came down and bashed me on the head, which knocked me out again," I continue.

"That's when I felt you; your energy rose up only to go down again. That's what it was," Edie tells me, smiling, looking relieved that I’m here by her side again. God, so am I.

"So, what happened after that?" EZ then questions from the adjacent couch, where he sits next to Charles, Ursula of course in her armchair and me sitting closest to her on the other couch with Edie. I then begin to explain to them what happened after I came around from taking a packing crate to the head…

Two days ago, aboard a boat sailing west off the coast of Bodega Bay, CA…

"Rico, he's gone, he's fucking cold as ice and he's got no damned pulse. What in the hell are we going do? He died on our watch and we were paid to come out here and dump him, we're going down man! We're going down!" the guy who is holding a rag to my head is saying nervously as I begin to open my eyes. As soon as he sees me blinking up at him, he talks no more. Shooting up from his crouched position next to me, he scuttles backward with a look of terrified shock on his face.

"D-d-dude, y-you got no pulse, and you're stone cold, what the…" he begins before standing up and coming back over to me. I'm just about able to drop fang, making a look of realisation come over his face.

"Oh, oh right. Well, I still ain't dumping you over the side, even though you are dead already, kinda," he speaks slowly, looking wary of me. I just about manage to lift my hand and curl my finger at him, indicating I want him to come close.

"Won't hurt you, need blood," I somehow find the strength to croak to him, with him craning his ear to hear.

"Did he say he wanted blood?" the other guy asks, who's been out of my line of vision up until now, having jumped back like his friend did.

"Yeah, I think that's what he said. I ain't letting him bite me, look at the fucking size of those teeth, bro! No way, uh-uh, can't do it, sorry," he states in refusal.

"Then I'll do it, he ain't right and we can't just leave him like this. He ain't healing himself, and I don't know a whole lot about vampires, but I think he needs blood to heal," the other man muses, seeming a lot quicker on the uptake than his buddy. Well, give yourself a gold star, but just hurry the fuck up and get over here so I can feed. He eventually comes over to me and then hesitates suddenly. "Do you have to bite my neck?"

I shake my head. “Wrist.” He nods, moving it slowly before its right in front of my mouth. I bite on and begin to drink from him, but I know just him won't be enough. At least I have the strength to sit up and talk properly after taking about half a pint from him.

"I need to drink from you too. Your friend here will pass out if I take any more from him, and I won't recover properly if I don't get it. You might need to ask anyone else on board as well," I tell the other man, who just nods dumbly and doesn't look pleased as he comes over and holds out his wrist. I then take a half pint from him, and then a half pint from the one they called Kurt, the first man who I fed from going up to take charge of the boat and also steer it back to land. I’ll take another feed from all three of them again later in the journey, after they've had time to recover from the first, so they don't become lightheaded or risk fainting.

It's while we take the forty-minute trip back to shore again that I explain I'm being targeted by an underground - and very dangerous - human hating group of vampires, and that I've done nothing wrong. I also tell them if they give me as much information as they can and provide me safe transport back home, I'll pay them double what they were paid to give me a sea burial.

"It was a human guy, had a really scarred face and stank of cigarettes, and he was old, like seventy or so. He came over to us at the harbour, we're workers down there, and he asked if we'd mind dumping some crates into the sea. He promised the contents wasn't dangerous at all, said it was some well packed dead animal carcasses a farmer friend of his needed to get rid of in a hurry because of disease or something, and offered us all ten grand each to take a boat out here tonight and dump them a few miles offshore. He said he'd meet us here at midnight and that's just what he did, paid us in cash and had some guys load up our boat. We had no idea you were there, honestly. By the way my name is Rico, and you are?" he explains, offering me his hand. I shake it, even though handshakes aren't a vampire's thing.

"Angel.”

"Look Angel, don't worry about the cash. Just give me the gas money to get you back home and I'll take you as soon as we dock," he offers with a shrug.

"Where are we right now?"

"About eight miles off the coast of Bodega Bay, California.”

"You won't have time tonight; I live in Las Vegas. Are you sure you want to take me that far?" I ask him.

"Ahhhh shit, man I can't take you a twenty hour round trip, I'm really sorry, but it's Christmas the day after next and since we can't set out until tomorrow night, I just can't swing it. I got kids dude, I can't do it," he laments, shaking his head sadly and looking honestly remorseful he can't help me further. It's here that I see that these guys aren't bad at all; they're poor and were offered a hell of a lot of money to do a job with no questions asked.

"I understand, of course I do. You can't be away from your children at Christmas, it's okay," I reassure him.

"I can help you, though. I'll help you sneak into a truck bound for Vegas tomorrow night. If we find one leaving the truck stop at first dark, you can be back in city by around 4am Christmas morning. I do some occasional long-distance driving to bring in extra cash when the harbour is quiet, so I know a few guys down there and there's always someone heading down to Nevada, and nine times out of ten straight to Las Vegas. I'm Reece by the way," the guy who refused to let me feed on him first then says to me, making me breathe a sigh of relief. I have a way back to Edie, my family and my life. I can't get back under my own steam, I'm still too weak. I have to replenish ten pints of blood after all, and I've only had three. I can just about manage as it is, but I'll have to find a few more feeds before I rest tonight.

"Can either of you provide somewhere completely light proof for me to sleep for the day when the sun comes up in a few hours?" I then ask them both.

"Yeah, you can sleep in my basement. No one ever goes down there anyway other than me. My wife wouldn't appreciate me bringing a vampire into the house, even though my kids would think you're totally badass. They love vampires," Rico offers, with a small laugh. "Hey, I'm not feeling bad, here. Take another few mouthfuls, top up. You're looking pale, even for a vampire." At the moment I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and take another half a pint from him, but insist he doesn't drive when we finally dock in the harbour in case he does get lightheaded. Instead, Kurt drives us to Rico's modest home just ten minutes from the harbour, and as soon as we're back, he goes ahead into the house to check the way, beckoning with his hand behind him to indicate I follow when the coast is clear.

"Rico, you have to invite me in, or I can't enter your home," I then hiss at him quietly from the door.

"Please come in," he replies, and with that I step inside. "Down here, the steps are steep." He then says to me, opening a door when we get to the kitchen that leads down a flight of steps. He switches the light on about halfway down the stairs, and I use the tiny bit of energy I have to do so to zoom down the rest and stop when I get to the bottom. I then see a table with a big stack of carpet underneath it to my left and go and lie down under it right on top of the dusty old former floor coverings. This will do.

"Thank you, Rico," I say, feeling weak and needing sleep.

"You're welcome, Angel. I'll come down at first dark tomorrow and get you out into Reece's car so he can take you to the truck stop." He tells me with a nod before he leaves the basement, switching off the light. For the first time I check my pockets to see if I have a cell, and find that of course I don't. That would have been taken from me probably before I got thrown into the van back outside my shop. I doubt I'd have the energy to say much to anyone anyway, I've never felt so weak.

I just hope I wake up again after going to sleep since I'm so, so ill at the moment, and replenishing through sleep will take willpower. The fight within me to be reunited with Edie alone is enough to compel me to do just that. I have to get back to her, I have to. She no doubt thinks I'm dead, just as my family likely do too. I have to get back to them to prove otherwise.

I feel relieved and very, very hungry when I awake the next evening, Christmas Eve to be precise. I should be out celebrating with Edie and her friends right now, Eric too. I have a great life to get back to. Rico enters the basement just a few minutes after I've awoken, and he also brings down five friends with him as well as Reece.

"My wife is throwing her annual Christmas party, and these are my buddies who can be trusted with the secret that you've been down here since last night, and will help by letting you feed on them," he tells me, while I feel extremely thankful of such good fortune at five willing donors, six counting Rico himself. I feed off each of them quickly before they sneak me back upstairs and out of the house to the car, Reece pulling off quickly and heading for the truck stop. Even though I'm up to six pints of blood in my system, it still isn't enough, I'm still weak and will only continue to get weaker on my ten-hour journey back home to Las Vegas.

"You're in luck, my buddy Jeff is leaving for Vegas in twenty minutes, that big green truck over there containing soft drinks, bottled water and champagne for a big fancy corporate Christmas party tomorrow night at one of the hotels, so it'll drop you on the main drag," Reece tells me as he gets back into his car with a cup of nauseating smelling takeout coffee. He puts it in the holder and points over to the truck in the distance, and after thanking him I leave, shooting across to it and letting myself in quickly. Twenty minutes later and my journey home begins. I'm coming, Edie. I'm coming back to you.

Throughout most of the journey I manage to sleep, the weakness of being without the amount of blood I need making that possible entirely. It'll also give me a little more strength too, but not much. I need to be a lot better fed to regain my complete strength, at least eight or nine pints in my system if not the full ten are what I need. I'll be busy when we arrive in Vegas. Smelling the air becoming more familiar all around me about seven hours later, I know I'm not far from home, about two hours away now. Suddenly though, the truck begins to slow down, and then it pulls over at the side of the road, parking up and the engine cutting off. I then hear some shuffling around in the front of the cab, and then nothing more until my ears pick up on the sound of the driver snoring another five minutes later.

"This is all I fucking need." I mutter to myself. I'm two hours away from Vegas, I'm too weak to move by myself at speed, so I have to get out and find another means of travel. I hope as I walk to the back door that we've pulled over at a truck stop, even though all is quiet around. When I open the door though I find the truck is pulled over in the middle of nowhere, nothing but desert for as far as I can see in each direction when I climb up to the top of the truck to take a look. I'm stuck here until sleeping beauty up front decides to wake up. I'd drive the truck myself, but I'll end up crashing it in the state I'm in, I know I will. I'm also probably not strong enough to fight him off, or heal a knife or bullet wound should he be armed. Yep, I'm stuck.

Going back in, I lie down on top of the crates of champagne again, figuring I might as well go back to sleep and rest as much as possible. I find that impossible though, and so just lie here in a switched off state instead, only disturbed when the engine starts up again a time later. I know it's not far from sunrise, and 6am comes roughly an hour later.

When it does, I feel the need to sleep becoming a powerful lure. My head nods, and I have to use every bit of strength I have to fight the urge to go to sleep. I have to stay awake. Just doing it for half an hour feels like torture, forty minutes in and I’m really struggling not to shut my eyes at all. I fling myself down off the crates to begin pacing up and down, physically forcing myself not to fall asleep when I accidentally catch one of the thick ratchet straps on my foot, thus sending six crates crashing to the floor.

Shit.

The driver hears too, applying his foot to the brake as the truck swings over to pull up.

Shit!

I hear him muttering while opening the cab to get out and walk around to the side of the truck, while I jump on top of the crates on the other side, perched out of view of the door. It feels like he's walking in slow motion as he approaches the rear doors, each of his steps crisping the gravelly surface at the side of the highway deafening to my ears. The door then opens, meaning I have to move quickly to dodge the sunlight, a massive wave of tired hitting me before pure vampiric instinct takes over. I dive on the man, dragging him into the truck, covering his mouth with my hand, muffling his startled screams before I sink my teeth into his neck and begin to feed.

I'm greedy, and I take more than I need because I now know I have to travel through the sunlight to get to safety, preferably Edie, too. I drink and drink, until I estimate I've taken four pints from him, leaving him on the cusp of life. Just before I'm about to leave I get a sudden, very human feeling of remorse, and so find myself checking his pockets for a phone. I dial for an ambulance when I find it. I explain I found a truck with a guy who looks like he's been drained by a vampire, and then I hang up and wipe my fingerprints off the cell.

Since I'm shirtless, this is going to be very, very painful, and the shirt this man is wearing won't fit me. He's skinny and I'm not. I rip a piece of his shirt off though to wipe the handles, reaching around to do the outside one before bracing myself and shooting out at speed, heading for home at a pace so fast, I'm surprised at how much ground I cover. Make no mistake, it's not half the speed I could usually do this at, but the sunlight is both weakening and burning me, my skin beginning to go red and then blister as I travel closer and closer to the outskirts of Las Vegas.

When I hit the Nevada desert, my skin is sizzling and starting to go black, and I know I don't have much time. With the very last of my strength, I surge forward in agony and through my blood pick up on Edie. She's at her place, clambering over the fence surrounding her back yard five minutes later, crawling for the house across the lawn, my energy completely gone as I look up to see her flinging the door open and running out to me with Miley behind her…

"That's what happened, that brings me up to Edie and Miley carrying me into the house this morning, before I enjoyed the best feed and sleep I've had in days," I finally finish after my long story, which did indeed take some explaining.

"Incredible, the strength and steely determination you showed to get back to us. You're most definitely your mother's son," Charles tells me in amazement, inclining his head to me with a warm smile.

"I agree. No lesser vampire could have gotten through that. I am so immensely proud, Angel," Ursula praises me with, beaming widely. I feel weak still, the journey through the daytime really took out of me beyond what the sleep I had today could restore in me. I need to feed and sleep more, and when I tell Ursula this, she has just the thing.

"Elias gave me these to try on my vampire friends not within the organisation, since we've all sampled it already. It's called Synthiblood, as you'll see from the label, a new product developed to further help the vampire relations among humans so they're not our sole food source, and it'll give you all the nutrients you need to restore yourself completely, so drink up," she tells me, bringing in a box full of bottles and passing one to me that I study curiously before opening.

"Oh damn no, oh that's bad," I grimace, mildly sickened by the bottle of A negative in my hand. "Give me an O please, that's what Edie is." I then add, Ursula passing me that particular bottle. It's mildly better, but not much. I can tolerate the taste enough to knock it back though, and then the two A positive ones that follow I find are even more palatable that that. I drink a couple more too, the ones I can handle the taste of, that is. They're not anything like the real thing, but a close imitation. I do feel much, much better afterwards though, but still, I'm tired.

Tonight, after staying up for another five hours, Edie and I head to bed, happy to do nothing more that curl up wrapped around each other and talk before we sleep for many, many hours. Having my girlfriend right here next to me and sleeping in my own bed are the only things I wanted to happen at Christmas this year, and they have. I'm happy enough with that.

#angel reyes #angel reyes fanfiction #angel reyes imagine #angel reyes smut #angel reyes x ofc #angel reyes fanfic #angel reyes fic #vampire!angel reyes #mayans mc #mayans mc fanfiction #mayans mc fanfic #mayans mc smut #mayans mc imagine #mayans mc fic

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sincerelyjxyy · 6 months

Text

Gold Rush - Twelve

Invisible String - Gold Rush

Chapter Twelve - With You, I Am Nowhere

Song Of The Chapter - Seven by Taylor Swift

✧ and the gentleness that comes, not from the absence of violence, but despite the abundance of it. — richard siken, crush ✧

Summary: The pogues have to deal with the consequences of submitting to their vengeful feelings.

Warning: Please note that I am NOT a law professional by any means. Any legal jargon/ideas depicted are the act of a twenty minute Google search. take it all with a grain of salt :)

Word Count: 8.8k

Gold Rush Masterlist

THERE ARE DAYS IN A PERSON'S LIFE THAT DETERMINE A GREAT DEAL OF WHO THEY ARE AND WHO THEY BECOME. Days that are picked out specifically from one's timeline of life and placed into a box labeled Me. And in those days are moments; little fractions of time that define the ones that would follow.

Of course, it's not always obvious when those days are. One does not go looking for their defining days and moments in life; they simply come to you when it's meant to be.

At the beginning of one of her days, Josephine Grey sat at the counter of Heyward's with three of her four best friends.

They'd all agreed to help out with business at the shop for the day- a common occurrence amongst the pogues- as they anxiously awaited word from an MIA John B.

The most Josie had gotten from him in twenty-four hours was a text message asking if Josie could decrypt a paper written by Denmark Tanney from the state archives at Chapel Hill. Because John B had somehow weaseled his way there.

She'd stayed up until three in the morning figuring it out.

She'd decided to stay at the Chateau the night of the movie, and she had to tell her mother that Kiara was having an emotional breakdown and needed her best friend.

She and Kie had spent an hour cleaning up both boys after their fights, and then the brunette girl had proceeded to yell at all of them for another thirty minutes.

That night, after Josie dropped Pope and Kiara back off at their respective homes, she'd decided to go back to the Chateau at the last minute. She then spent the entire night decrypting John B's paper and making sure JJ didn't bleed out on John B's couch.

A bit dramatic on her part, she was aware.

It was shortly after the sun rose that the pogues all agreed to lay low and find their chill at Heyward's. The only problem, according to Josie, was that the boys had not stopped reminiscing on the night before since they all reunited that morning.

And Josie could do nothing but uncomfortably listen as the boys comforted themselves about their losses.

"Don't let it get in your head, bro. There's four of them and two of us." JJ sat to Josie's right on the counter, as Kie manned the register and Pope helped out some customers as they left.

The aforementioned blond messed with one of the lemons from the display behind him, and Josie watched in amusement as he bounced it off of his arm.

"That's some typical kook shit right there."

"Hell yeah," Kie added in agreement.

Josie offered out a hum, thoughts wandering back to the incident when her boyfriend had held JJ back for Rafe to take punches as he pleased. She thought about how Kelce and Topper had taken turns getting their licks in on Pope.

It was disgusting.

"What was your thought process, with using your head?"

"I don't know, man. I just kind of acted on instinct, alright? I was a corned animal." Pope sighed as he reasoned his outburst.

The boys had admitted to the girls that the fight had gotten bad when Pope headbutted Topper in the face; explaining the welt that grew on his forehead. And Josie had belly laughed at the image of Pope knocking the shit out of Topper before they'd gotten there.

She found herself a little impressed with the boy.

"Hey, Pope."

The pogues turned their heads at the sound of Papa Heyward calling for his son. He approached them, face much sterner than when he'd left them minutes prior. "Someone here to see you."

Pope's dad threw up his thumb behind him, and the pogues observed as Shoupe walked around the corner of the entrance to Heyward's. JJ immediately hopped off of the counter, standing in Shoupe's direct eyesight of Josie.

"Shit!"

Josie's eyes widened as she involuntarily cursed out loud, and she immediately slid down from the counter in a mixture of shock and panic. She ducked down behind the counter and Kiara, looking for something to hide under or cover herself with.

"Evening, officer." Pope greeted cautiously, the tenseness and shake of his voice prevalent as he eyed the deputy.

Shoupe let out a sigh, and Josie froze every single movement her body could've made. "Josephine, get up. I've already seen you."

She peeked over the front counter, and stared at her unamused uncle as he approached the group. He was very serious, and it quickly dawned on Josie that Heyward had said he was here for Pope, not her.

"I have an arrest warrant for felony destruction of property. Keep your hands on the counter, where I can see 'em."

Josie's eyes widened even larger, her eyebrows shooting up to her forehead as she discreetly slapped at JJ's wrist. She suddenly felt very numb, like there was a buzz ringing in her ears and coursing through her veins.

She watched helplessly as Pope turned to gape at them in pure horror, his expression almost identical to Josie's.

Kiara raised her hands in the air, nudging at Josie to do the same. But the redhead was too busy watching as Shoupe made his way around the counter and towards Pope. Her gaze flitted between both boys as she watched JJ mouth something to Pope through clenched teeth.

Deny, deny, deny.

Josie felt like she was going to faint, like her legs were going to be kicked out from under her and have her tumbling towards the ground.

She vowed that he wouldn't get in trouble for this, she promised him she wouldn't let anything happen to his scholarship. She could've stopped him in the first place.

She had to do something.

"Uncle Vic," Josie called out to try and reason with him. But her voice was lost in the sea of confusion as Heyward questioned what his son did.

Of course he'd be perplexed, felony crime just wasn't something that Pope would do.

"Take a look at the warrant," Shoupe replied to Heyward.

Jose gaped at her uncle as he pulled Pope's hands behind his back, pulling the handcuffs from his side.

"I'm sorry, you're just gonna arrest him?" Josie called in disbelief; sharing a look with Kiara as protests began flying.

"Okay, you're just gonna arrest my boy?" Heyward was stunned and annoyed as he watched Shoupe.

Josie felt like her whole world was crumbling down. How could this have happened? How could they have found out they'd done it?

"What's the proof?" JJ accusingly called out, growing agitated with all of the yelling and arguing happening because of the cop. In any other circumstance, Josie would have reached out to comfort him.

But her focus was solely on the handcuffs that clicked over her best friend's wrists.

"Be careful!" Kie scolded as Shoupe tightened the cuffs.

Josie couldn't help but notice how in shock the boy was, and it almost seemed like he wouldn't even be able to tell if they were too tight.

Kie looked back at the other two desperately as Shoupe started reading Pope his Miranda rights, and Josie grabbed at her creased temples. She tried to rack her brain for legal implications, certain things that may stop Pope from being detained, but it all came up blank.

She was choking under the pressure of stress.

"How much did they pay you, man?" JJ questioned; the obvious implications of kook bribery not lost on anyone who overheard the boy's claim.

But Josie couldn't help but mentally point out the irony in the statement, given that the girl standing a few feet from him was said cop's family.

Josie grabbed JJ's wrist as they followed everyone out behind Pope, voices yelling and disputing anything Pope could've done. She tugged JJ closer to her, tilting her head up to speak directly by his ear.

"It was me."

His head turned to gaze down at her, brows creased in confusion as his eyes narrowed. Josie clenched her jaw, motioning with her head towards Pope as they continued to walk amongst their angry loved ones.

"I'm gonna take the blame, say it was me. I can't let him go down like this." She didn't spare another glance as she let his wrist go, following the group out the door.

She stuck closely behind an angered Kie as the girl followed alongside Shoupe. Heyward tried to hold back a shouting and obviously confrontational JJ as he shouted remarks at Shoupe left and right, ones that contained every name and accusation in the book.

Shoupe led Pope to the back door of the police truck, and Josie let herself give one last look at Kie. Her gaze moved over towards Pope and where he stood motionless in shock. She mentally confirmed that her decision would be the right one in the long run.

So, with a deep breath and a silent affirmation, she stepped forward to state her claim.

"It wasn't him!"

Josie whipped her head to the side, shock and dread filled her veins at her blue-eyed best friend's voice. All of the pogues followed, staring in disbelief at the boy.

"It was me," he declared.

Josie walked towards him and grabbed at his arm in a silent plea to not do this, to let her do this, but he gently shrugged her off of him. He couldn't make eye contact with her as he stared at Shoupe; he knew he'd give in to anything she'd ask if he did.

Josie weakly watched as her world seemed to crumble around her even more.

He made his footsteps towards Pope, leaving Josie to dreadfully approach and stand beside Kiara. He pointed at Pope as he spoke, "he tried to talk me out of it. But I was mad because he'd just been beaten up. I was so sick of those assholes from Figure Eight that I lost my shit."

Pope stared bewildered at JJ, not believing that their blond friend was so willingly taking the bullet for him. And all Josie was damned to do was watch.

She knew it'd seem like she was lying if she tried to cover it after that. Now that JJ had put the idea in Shoupe's head, there was no doubt in Josie's mind that Shoupe would just assume she was only trying to cover for JJ.

She couldn't think of a time she'd ever felt more helpless than in that moment.

"I can't let you take the blame for somethin' I did. You've got too much to lose."

The blond glanced at Josie, a silent conversation being held between them. The storm waging behind his beautiful blue eyes almost made Josie sink to her knees right in front of everyone.

He wasn't just doing this to stop Pope's life from being ruined, he was also stopping Josie from ruining hers.

"JJ, what're you doing?" Pope asked desperately, unwilling to let his friend take the blame. But JJ had always been the most stubborn of them all.

"I'm tellin' the truth. For once in my goddamn life, I'm gonna tell the truth." JJ turned to make direct eye contact with Shoupe, who huffed out doubtfully.

Josie watched her blond best friend's thumb and forefinger subtly move against one another, the clear indication of when he was lying. Josie could read it like her favorite book; the way his body responded to different emotions and actions.

And for once, she hated being right.

"I took his old man's boat, too." JJ added and motioned towards Heyward, and Josie huffed out a breath and shook her head.

"What the hell?" Heyward let out accusingly, looking like he wanted to smack the boy upside the head. And he probably would've, if it weren't for his son interrupting him.

"JJ, come on." Pope urged him to stop, to go back on it and tell the actual truth before he was punished for something he didn't do, but the younger boy cut him off before he could say anything more.

"Just shut up, Pope! Just shut up."

JJ visibly gulped, replaying his words in his head as he thought about anything he could say to get the cuffs off of Pope and onto him. Josie couldn't recall a time where she'd ever seen him so considerate of what his next words were going to be.

"He's a good kid. Y'know where I'm from."

Josie was sure everyone could hear the sound of her heart cracking in her chest.

"Yeah." Shoupe confirmed; a simple agreement of the Maybanks' reputation understood without needing to be verbalized.

JJ nodded, clenching his jaw and pressing his tongue to his cheek as he sent another glance over his shoulder at Josie. She could see the hurt and pain in his face as soon as he did so, firmly locked away behind his walled exterior that only few could pick the lock of.

There are days in a person's life that determine a great deal of who they are and who they become. Days that are picked out specifically from one's timeline of life and placed into a box labeled Me. And in those days are moments; little fractions of time that define the ones that would follow.

Josie had to stop herself from crying, tightening her lips and glancing towards the sky. She willed the tears to stay away, squeezing her eyes closed.

She couldn't believe they'd ended up here.

"This was all me."

Pope sighed out in distress, staring wide-eyed at the boy taking the blame.

"That's the whole truth?" Shoupe directed towards Pope, who stared back hesitantly.

He had no clue how to answer that question. He obviously didn't want JJ to take the blame for something he did.

"Whole truth, swear to God," JJ answered for him.

"I know what you think, damn it, I'm asking Pope here." Shoupe snapped at JJ, and Josie couldn't help it as she stepped forward to approach them.

"Uncle Vic-"

"Josephine, you stay out of this. It's enough I already caught you here with them," he glared over at the girl. "Now, Pope?" Shoupe turned his attention back to the boy in the cuffs, who stared over JJ's shoulder at Josie as if she was going to get the blond to back down.

But JJ peered over his shoulder at the same time, nodding at her to stay back and let him do it. She glared challengingly back at him, but he ignored the harshness of her stare.

He turned back to Pope, subtly nodding as they shared a long silent conversation.

Pope nodded, causing Josie to sigh in distress, as he relented through a broken voice. "Yeah, that about covers it."

Josie watched as Shoupe removed the cuffs from Pope and stuck them on JJ, who gave himself one more look back at Josie. She shook her head at him, but he gave her a tightlipped smile before climbing in the back of the truck.

She couldn't help but flash back to where they'd been only a week and some ago. Giggling and joking in the back of a police car as they sat without a care in the world.

She severely wished that this situation could be like that, that Shoupe would let them go with a warning. That she could pull JJ from the confines of handcuffs and keep him from relenting to follow in his dad's footsteps.

She just wanted to get him out of that stupid blue vehicle.

"JJ don't say anything! Don't say anything to anyone, okay? I'll figure something out!"

But he'd already admitted to guilt; he'd said so right then and there. There was nothing more a court would need.

As Shoupe backed the truck away, Pope slammed his hat on the ground and cried out in anger. "Shit!"

Josie stared at the retreating truck, her mind going a million miles a minute as she gazed out into nothingness. It felt like all sounds muffled into one, and her vision tunneled, only giving her the view of where the truck had disappeared to.

She had to figure out something. She had to find some way to get him out.

She didn't know how long they planned to detain him, and God knows his dad probably wasn't going to get him any time soon.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and somewhere in the back of her head, her brain reminded her that her mother expected her home soon to get ready for Midsummer's.

But Josie couldn't focus on a stupid party when her best friend had just been arrested for something he didn't do.

Her attention was drawn back when Kie laid a hand on her shoulder, and everything seemed to come back at once. It was so overwhelming that Josie had to press a hand to her forehead, groaning as she took in the reality of their situation.

Without another thought, she made her way towards her jeep.

She ignored the confused calls of her name from her friends, her hearing once again faded as she prioritized counting her steps toward the jeep.

The keys she pulled from her pocket shook in her hand as she struggled to unlock the vehicle, slamming to the ground despite her intense grip.

As she bent down to pick them back up, JJ's face popped into her mind. His expression when he'd interrupted her and stopped her from claiming the blame as her own, and the moment when he'd reminded Shoupe of who he was. The moment he'd looked at her with sad smugness, as if every preconceived notion he'd ever had was proven right.

That deep down, he could do nothing but prove to Josie everything that he and everyone else thought of him.

She couldn't help the tears and sobs that poured from her soul as she finally unlocked the jeep, climbing in and turning it on without any moments to spare. As she did so, she audibly pleaded for the image of his face to go away, to leave her alone.

It wasn't true, she knew his heart. She knew him.

He was better than any of them.

As she pulled the jeep out of the parking lot, she slapped her hands on the steering wheel. Through her watery gaze, she kept her eyes on the road, but her focus was anywhere but on the cars in front of her.

She needed a plan.

The teen tried to think back to every conversation she'd ever heard her mother and aunt have about work. Every lawful term or explanation, every plea deal. Everything.

She loudly cried out in frustration when her words and thoughts jumbled together, too frazzled to ever consider logical thinking. She slammed her hands down on the wheel once again, tears falling freely as she added anger onto her building mountain of emotions.

"Fucking think, Josephine! It's your fault in the first place! If you'd put your foot down, knocked some sense into Pope in the first place, you wouldn't be in this mess!" She yelled at herself, huffing as she tried to imagine it was her mother's voice scolding her.

Her hands shook as she peeled off the main road and towards her neighborhood.

JJ had taken blame for something for the first time in his god forsaken life. And with the record he had, Josie couldn't even begin to predict how much time he could be facing if he was tried as an adult. And it wasn't like he was going to make bail any time soon.

Who was going to bail him out? His father? Josie doubted he was even sober enough to stand, much less to go down to the station and sign his son out.

It was up to her.

Her mom's office. Surely, she could find something in her mom's office.

She pressed harder on the pedal, desperate to arrive home and march in. She was distracted by the replaying image of JJ's face and his voice when he said "y'know where I'm from?"

Josie had seen it clear as day, the way the light behind his eyes had dimmed with the affirmation of his own thoughts, the ones that told him he would always be a Kildare lowlife. Josie hated the sight of watching him succumb to the notion; not believing any of it for a second.

She couldn't bear to think about what was going through his head at that very moment.

As she finally approached her house, the teen couldn't be bothered to shut the car off or pull into the driveway, opting to pull to the front curb instead. She hopped out of the vehicle and raced through the front gate, sprinting through the yard and up the front steps.

She pushed the door open without a care of shutting it behind her, and she swiftly ran through the right of the foyer and into the hall, where she barged into her mother's office.

It was empty, thank God.

"Okay, okay, okay."

All Josie could do was stand with her hands out as she observed the shelves of books and the paper covered desk. She hadn't thought that far ahead, or even considered what she was looking for exactly.

She was essentially trying to find one particular needle in a stack of almost identical needles.

Josie shook her head, quickly approaching the bookshelf and scanning over the many titles. She felt like her heart was going to fall and shatter on the floor, when footsteps sounded down the hall and towards the office.

"Oh, hello M'ange." Her mother stood in the open entrance of her office, clearly taken aback by her daughter's presence. She observed where Josie had previously been distraughtly scanning the books.

And even if she noticed the snot and tears decorating Josie's face, she didn't mention it.

"What are you doing in here?"

"Wait for you, actually. I-uh, I have a law related question, a hypothetical really." Her mother glanced at her intrigued, moving to gracefully sit down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. "I'm doing some prepping, you know, and I need a fresh perspective."

Josie took in a deep breath, putting on her best façade to act normal. She desperately tried to make it seem like she wasn't having an absolute meltdown only moments prior, which was made evident by her chest as it heaved out for breaths.

"Well, I'm all ears."

"So, hypothetically, say that someone does something illegal or whatever." Josie flicked her hand to seem nonchalant. "But then, when the police go to arrest that person, someone else takes the blame for it. What can you do, as the non-guilty party's lawyer, to get them out of custody if they don't have someone to sign for them?"

"Alright," her mother spoke curiously, obviously entertained by what she assumed was an imaginary situation. She pursed her lips in thought, "how old is this client of mine?"

"Seventeen."

She nodded. "Alright, okay. And do they have a past record?"

"Yes." Josie nodded, going back to the shelves to scan the books for anything that might pop out as useful.

Her mother hummed out in deep thought, seemingly taking the question incredibly seriously for Josie's sake. She focused on a spot up on the ceiling for a bit, before gazing back towards her daughter. "May I ask what the hypothetical crime is?"

"Felony...arson. On a vehicle." Josie drawled out as she avoided giving away too many specific details, opting for something near the same caliber. She could feel her hands shaking, her desperation to help JJ building as the day's clock ticked on.

"Okay, well as their lawyer, I'd first make sure that they are aware of the repercussions of being arrested and convicted. Then I'd make sure that every expendable possibility of their guilty plea is poked at. Things like the arrest; were the police violent? Was my client complicit, or coerced? Were they read their Miranda rights properly?"

Josie's gaze snapped back to her mother as she listed off different scenarios, alarm bells ringing in her ears as she flung herself back in time to only minutes prior.

She could vividly remember Shoupe reading them out to Pope as he cuffed him over Heyward's counter, but there was absolutely no recollection of them being read to JJ.

"And what could happen if they, say, didn't read them their Miranda rights?" Josie tried to continue her blasé attitude as she peered over at her mother, who tilted her head as she considered the answer.

"Well, the plea of guilty at the arrest could be considered inadmissible evidence in court. And if there is no other evidence against them, then a case could be made to the judge that the arrest is unlawful."

Or that he was lying.

Josie stood still as she considered what she could do with a situation where she proved that there was no credible evidence against JJ. And as much as she hated to admit it, she knew that she could present herself as the more reliable source between the two of them.

Who would they believe to be telling the truth, her or JJ?

She had motive, she had insider knowledge of the scene of the crime, she had no reason to lie- in the eyes of the police- and lose everything she'd worked hard for.

Which was why it was perfect.

"Thanks, Mom!" Josie sent her a tightlipped smile and a wave, before she raced out of the office and back towards the foyer.

"Josephine, where are you going? You have to start getting ready!"

Josie ignored the calls of her mother as she ran through the still-opened front door, sprinting back down the yard and to her jeep.

And with solid purpose, she made the drive back towards the Sheriff's Department.

She ran through the script in her head over and over as she drove into town, pumping herself up. She ran three redlights and two stop signs, before she pulled into a parking spot like a bat-out-of-hell.

She jumped out of the jeep, not bothering to check her parking as she burst through the station's doors.

"It was me! He was incorrectly detained and therefore cannot be held accountable for anything he said!" Josie wasted no time as she marched through the threshold and passed the front desk, ignoring the angry looks she received from Amelia behind the glass.

"I'm gonna have lawyers all up your asses, do you know who my mom is? My mother is the best goddamn lawyer on the east coast, and you can bet your ass you're gonna wish you'd done it right the first time!"

Josie scanned the station as she pushed through the door and caught sight of her Uncle Victor approaching her with wide eyes. He repeatedly tried to interrupt her statements, pushing her back towards the door she'd arrived through as she scanned the back area for JJ.

It was then that she noticed him in Peterkin's office.

"JJ! JJ! Peterkin, it wasn't him!"

Josie shouted out her pleas, groaning and fighting her uncle as he practically shoved her out the door. She turned to address him, "It was me, okay? Would you listen? I was the one who did it, JJ took the fall for me! I'm the one who has a vendetta against Topper Thornton-"

"Joseph-" Her uncle tried to interrupt, but she slapped his hand away.

"I can pay his bail or something to get him out. Just until the trial, Uncle Vic-"

"Josephine! He's been signed over already." Her uncle snapped, motioning behind her towards the front counter.

And as Josie turned, it felt like the floor fell out from below her feet.

He wore a dirty, blue button-up that was open over an equally dirt gray tank, and he hunched over the counter as he wiped a hand over his sweaty, nasty face. His voice was gruff, and the stare he shot over at her pierced directly into her like arrows through both of her eyes.

Luke Maybank.

Even thinking his name made her want to jump at him and claw his eyes out. She felt her whole body burn with unfiltered, white-hot hatred. The bags under his eyes gave her good reason to believe that he was high, or probably just coming down.

She didn't think one was worse than the other. He was a piece of shit either way.

The man before her had been the object of many of her nightmares, starting at age nine. Since the day that she'd gone to JJ's house to ask him if he wanted to play treasure hunters, only to find her boy submitting to the beatings of his father.

When they'd first become friends, JJ had always told Josie that she was banned from ever going near his house. She could only go as far as Frog Creek, so named by the duo, and not a step further whilst she waited for him to meet her and play.

But that day, only a few months after his mama had left, she'd sat at their meeting spot on the biggest rock for over an hour, before deciding to go get him herself.

She'd ran away from his house sobbing, and instead of going back to their rock, she went home. That night, she had the first of a long list of dreams that involved Luke Maybank beating his son to death.

She'd woken up sobbing so much that she'd gotten sick all over her Captain Hook bedsheets.

It wasn't until two days later that she'd see her boy again, face swollen and bruised as he recovered from what his dad did. And at first, Josie didn't mention it. They just went back to using sticks as swords and rocks as cannonballs.

Until it happened the second time. Then a third. Then a fourth. And little Josie started to realize that it was JJ's new normal.

So, one night, she'd taken his hand and sneaked him up to her bedroom, where she'd made a tent out of every blanket she could find.

And as they played treasure-hunters in the safety of her room, she'd told him that surely his dad must've been made because he didn't have treasure- the same reason all pirates were ever angry. She'd then told JJ that she knew what his dad was doing, and he had stomped out of her house right then and there.

He'd come back to her days later of course, while she sat on the rock by the creek, and cried to her about how scared of his dad he was.

Josie asked him to come live with her, so that they could move far far away from his dad, and JJ made her promise that they would actually do it when they got older.

For the years following after, Josie saw it more and more. She started to be the one to clean the wounds JJ sported after a bad argument, she was the one who he came to when he needed comfort, she was the one he- albeit rarely- admitted his demons to.

But in all of that confiding, Luke Maybank had grown into her worst fear. The bane of her existence. The source of every brick that weighed down her other half.

So yes, seeing him in the Sheriff's Station at ten in the morning made Josie consider murder to be the easiest possibility known to man.

That was until the door to the back opened behind her, and the sun peeked its head out from behind rage-filled storm clouds.

She turned to watch her favorite blond, her favorite person, walk through the threshold. His slouch was prevalent as he stuffed his hands into his pockets and slowly made his way forward.

And without even looking back at Luke Maybank, Josie threw herself at JJ.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, flattening her palms against his back to remind herself that he was there, with her, and okay. She buried her head into his chest, listening to the sound of his anxiously racing heartbeat.

She melted at the feeling of his arms wrapping around her in reciprocity, and he pulled her from his chest just enough to let his own head fall into her neck.

"You're such a dumbass, so so so fucking stupid."

Josie shook her head as the tears fell again, landing onto the golden tresses that adorned his head. But neither one of them found it in themselves to care.

JJ moved back to rest his head on top of hers, tugging at her to envelope her completely into him. He placed a long kiss to the crown of her head, and Josie squeezed him tighter against her in response.

He cradled the back of her head, soothingly stroking the strands of her hair as she fell forward to breathe and sink into his chest.

"I can't believe they're letting you go," she sniffled and shook her head, voice slightly muffled by the fabric of his shirt. He huffed out something akin to a laugh, chest slightly puffing.

"Technically they're not, I still got court."

"Yeah, I'm working on that." She mumbled, reminding herself of all the responsibility she was going to bear for JJ going to court. She wouldn't stop until he wasn't facing time. But she couldn't even complete her thoughts before he spoke into her hair.

"Stop blaming yourself, I chose to do this." She pulled back enough to glare up at him through her eyelashes, but not nearly enough to let him go.

"I had it."

JJ shook his head as a gentle smile grazed his beautiful face, and he reached up to swipe at some of the tear streaks decorating her cheeks. She smiled up at him but closed her eyes in embarrassment at how much she'd cried over him.

"Carried it for you." He shrugged, reaffirming his sentiment from the night prior.

Josie frowned as she opened her eyes to despairingly stare back at him. She didn't want him doing things in the name of her own emotional toils.

She opened her mouth to dispute him, when a voice from behind her interrupted them.

"Boy."

The word was gruff and slurred, and it took Josie everything in her to not swing around and throw her fist in his face.

When she did move to look at the man, Luke strictly motioned for JJ to come stand near him. When said boy went to walk around Josie, she grasped his hand tightly in hers and followed him without a word.

As soon as they stopped again, she wrapped herself into his right side. He let an arm lay loosely around her back, turning his head to press a grateful peck to her temple.

"You're his guardian?" Officer Amelia asked Luke, who sighed as he glared back at JJ. Josie returned the rough stare, eyes narrowed as she refused to remove him from her eyesight.

She always wanted him to know how much she loathed him.

"Sorry to say, I'm his father."

Josie bristled as JJ uncomfortably shuffled, but he ran a comforting hand up and down her back in spite of all the emotions bouncing around the room. She reciprocated the gesture by squeezing his hip, following his movements of up and down.

"Well, hearing will be in two weeks. If you fail to show up, you will forfeit your bail. The restitution will be based on the average of three outside estimates of the cost of the damaged article."

Josie sighed once the words processed, letting her forehead fall onto JJ's right shoulder. There was no doubt that would be a lot of money. Money that she knew his family had no way of getting.

"Restitution?" Luke spat out.

"Pay for what he broke. It's part of the plea."

Luke turned to shoot a sharp glare at JJ, and Josie tensed as she watched JJ avoid his father's stare. Once the older man looked away, she pulled JJ's face to turn towards her and gently smiled at him, sending silent reassurance that everything would be okay.

"And...sign right here, please." Luke sighed the paper, before spinning to face the duo.

"Let's go. Go, now!" Luke barked as he pointed at the door, and JJ went to step away from Josie. She quickly shook her head, pulling him back towards her as Luke made his way towards the door.

"No, no, no. No wait, come with me. You can leave with me, and we'll go to the beach, or the Chateau or something. We can camp out in the jeep or whatever, do whatever you want. Please, hey," she pulled his face to look down at her with shaky hands, ignoring the glares she received from the man at the door.

His blue eyes were glassy as they gazed down at her, recognition swimming in the pretty colors as the boy behind them solemnly accepted what came next. But where there was that small, blue-eyed boy accepting defeat- there was an equally small, green-eyed girl tugging that boy back across the creek.

"Just come with me, let's go be pirates. Please, just don't go home." Her voice broke as she stared up at her favorite boy, her heart breaking at the sight of water forming in his waterline.

She just wanted to take it away.

They both knew what came after he walked out that door.

"Boy!"

JJ tensed at the call, and Josie moved her quivering hands to cradle his jaw, desperate to keep his focus only on her.

"C'mon, Sunny. Please let me save you this time."

He grasped her wrists with both hands, sighing as he closed his eyes and basked in the feeling of their skin touching.

It was warm, comforting, and soft. The feeling of his skin under her palms. She was sure no one else could tell where his form ended and hers began, for sometimes even she couldn't. She just wished that they could share the same skin, sometimes, so that she could be closer to him.

So that she could protect him.

"You know makin' him wait is only gonna make it worse." He leaned in to press another kiss to her hair, long and watery as a tear fell into the crown of her head. She slid her hands down to grip at his shirt, willing herself not to sob on the spot.

"Boy, don't make me tell you again!"

"Come find me after?" Josie sniffled out, clutching him as she waited for his answer with bated breath.

Even though it was the same every time.

"Always do."

He leaned back to pull apart from her, and she was sure everyone could see her heart fall to the ground and shatter as it tried to follow him. She let her eyes fall to his father, jaw clenched as he observed the pair, and she vowed she'd never let JJ give in to whatever shit Luke filled his head with.

"Hey," Josie called as JJ made his way from her. His gaze wandered over his shoulder, and she smiled through her tears.

"Love you, dumbass."

Despite the fact that Josie's voice was full of water and anguish, JJ gave her a small smile as he winked.

She watched him exit the station with his dad on his heels, and she fell into a bench in the room once he was out of her sight. There, she silently cried for what was to come for her boy.

She hated Luke Maybank.

❁

Josie stared at herself in the bathroom mirror, absentmindedly running her flat iron over her hair as her brain ran wild.

She couldn't help but let her thoughts wander to what was happening to JJ at that very moment, which would then send her into a spiral because she couldn't bear to deal with those thoughts.

It was a constant cycle of making herself feel bad.

Down deep in the bottom of her gut, there was something the yearned for the boy. Like it knew that he was in trouble and that she needed to be there, a tether tugging at her heart and guiding her towards him.

The teen glanced over at the dress hanging from her bathroom door, scrunching her nose up at the idea of attending Midsummer's that night. The newly bearing weight of JJ's restitution sitting on her shoulders made her certain she never wanted to dance again.

All to no one's fault other than her own.

Not to mention the fact that she hadn't seen herself in the dress since the catastrophe that was the dress try-on.

Josie cringed at the thought of what look her mother would sport when she saw Josie in her outfit. The teen could only pray that somehow, she was able to magically shrink her arm skin.

Realistically, probably not.

She let her mind wander to what that conversation was going to be like, when a sudden knocking on her window made her jump in her skin.

She placed the iron down on the counter, and she swiftly turned and peeked into her bedroom, ready to investigate whatever had bumped into the window. But she rolled her eyes when she became aware of the culprit.

There, standing atop her back patio's roof, was John B Routledge. He frantically waved at her, motioning for her to open the window.

She furrowed her eyebrows at him but rushed into the room fully, closing the bathroom door behind her.

Bewildered, she trekked across the room and pulled the window open. She quickly pressed a finger to her mouth, helping him in and making sure he didn't fall as he climbed down from her desk.

"Nice hair," he chuckled, motioning up to the heap of hair that was sectioned and clipped to the top of her head. She rolled her eyes, digging her nails into the arm she gripped to help him.

Once he was stable, she raced over to her bedroom door to lock it. She leaned against it to listen for any voices or noises from any of the other occupants of her house, before turning back to her friend.

"In hushed tones, what the hell are you doing climbing up my roof?" She hissed, punching the boy's shoulder rather harshly. He hissed out in pain, reaching up to rub at his shoulder as he shrugged incredulously.

"JJ said to just climb up the tree and knock on the window if I ever needed to."

Josie rolled her eyes, scoffing lowly as she went back to carefully shut the window. She tried to ignore the way her heart clenched when he talked about JJ, feeling a bit fragile at the notion of what was happening to the boy. "I told him that was for emergencies only."

"Which this is." John B quickly added, motioning out towards her matter-of-factly.

He walked to drop his bag down on her bed, digging out the paper she'd stuffed into her bag that morning. He glanced up to see the string lights and old photos of their group scattering the surfaces and walls in her room.

"Y'know, I don't think I've ever been in your room." John B smirked, gaze flickering around at all of the antiques that littered her space. From models of old pirate ships, to all kinds of books on history and poetry and plays, to weird replications of pottery and trinkets from ancient times.

It was very Josie.

"JJ was right, it is like someone cut your brain open."

"JJ hasn't been in this room since we were thirteen." Josie's throat clenched a bit at the thought of JJ and John B discussing her bedroom when she wasn't there, and an unfamiliar feeling settling in her gut.

But she shook it off before she could think too much about it.

"Anyway, is this about that Denmark Tanney letter you asked me to translate?" She walked over to her own bag on the floor by her bed, digging out the paper she'd stuffed in it that morning.

"That depends on if you did it."

He smirked once again as Josie laid her paper on the desk, and she glanced over her shoulder to motion him towards her. He nestled in next to her, placing down his copy of the letter so that they could look at them side by side.

"Okay, so, I did most of what I could by memory. Obviously, there are still some letters missing, and Google has about seventy-thousand different answers for the Gullah Alphabet. So, this is the best I could do." She sighed as she glanced over at John B, who nodded at her encouragingly to read it.

"It's dated 1844, obviously." Josie motioned towards the date in the top right corner. "To my beloved son, Robert. I am- this word could be waiting or welcoming, or maybe awaiting. I am awaiting the hour of my public- murder or meeting, not sure-with great composure of - mind? I think. And cheerfulness, knowing I am soon- something- for glory."

"He was lynched." John B affirmed, and Josie raised her eyebrows at him, clearly impressed. She didn't know how he got that from her mess of an interpretation, but it was neat nevertheless.

"Well, I mean it unfortunately makes sense. With all of the stuff he was trying to accomplish back then?" Josie pushed a breath out between pursed lips as she shook the image from her head, letting her gaze continue down the page.

"Do not nurse- greed or grief, probably grief- to vengeance, but instead trust in God with all your- I wasn't sure if this was head or heart, but the bible verse says heart so that's what I went with- with all your heart, for he doeth all things well. Until we meet again in heaven, your- loving or loyal- father, Denmark Tanney."

"Wait, that's it?" John B looked at her bewildered, and she smirked back up at him.

"Well, there is a postscript down here." She drawled in pretend disinterest as she motioned towards the small writing at the bottom of the page.

"Well, I don't suppose you translated that as well?" He copied her tone and raised his eyebrows hopefully, and she nudged his shoulder with her own.

"Who do you think I am? Of course I did."

"I knew we kept you around for a reason." John B joked, and Josie scoffed faux offendedly as she slapped him on the shoulder. But John B quickly cut off their fight by motioning hurriedly towards the paper.

"It's a planter's log. Matters- I could not figure this word out- to the property and the estate. Tobacco, cotton, corn, tomato. But finally, to Robert..." Josie looked towards her friend, who feverishly nodded.

"Harvest, I think, the wheat by the water in parcel nine forthwith." She turned to John B, eyebrows furrowed once again as she watched him lean backwards and move away from the desk. "Can you please tell me what's going on?"

"Denmark Tanney was on the Royal Merchant," John B offered.

Josie gaped at him in response, staring at him befuddled. The history clogs were turning in her brain, scratching this new information down to stick in a file somewhere in her head.

"I thought there were no survivors?" She thought back to the information she'd read about Denmark Tanney. Her eyes widened as she straightened up from the desk, putting pieces of the puzzle together in her fast-paced brain.

"Denmark Tanney bought the plantation with gold..."

"Yes, exactly. But why, on the day he dies, would he write a letter to his son telling him to harvest the wheat?"

Josie shrugged, still digging and organizing all of her thoughts back into place. Did this mean the gold was still out there? Did he use it all to buy Tanneyhill?

"There's this weird symbol on the bottom, though, Kind of looks like wheat." Josie lifted the paper towards the light from the window, tilting it to see if she could make something of it. John B approached behind her, looking up at the paper over her shoulder.

"You're a fucking genius, RJ!"

Josie hushed him frantically, ignoring the squeeze he gave her shoulders in celebration. She became momentarily paralyzed when she heard the sound of footsteps climbing up the stairs, before whipping to John B and shoving him up on the desk.

The boy stumbled as Josie rushed him, cursing and arguing through hushed whispers as she pushed him to climb out of the window. And as soon as his second foot was out, she closed the window and locked it.

As her door flew open, she leaned down to pretend to be occupied at the desk.

Her mother walked through the door, brows furrowed and forehead creased as she scanned Josie's room. The teen smiled at her, pretending to mess with the papers on her desk to cover the translation sheet and the letter.

"Hey Mom, what's up?"

"I thought I heard shouting." Her eyes took another sweep around the room, scrutinizing everything that could be a bit out of place. Josie huffed out an awkward laugh, not daring to move her gaze towards the window. She could only hope John B had found his way down without much trouble.

"Oh yeah, sorry. I was having a bit of a meltdown with the straightening iron."

Josie motioned to her half straightened hair, and her mother rolled her eyes and huffed in annoyance. Yet, she nodded in acceptance, and she sighed as she looked down at her watch and back up at her daughter.

"Speaking of, you need to finish soon. We're leaving in a couple of hours and Max is going to be here before that-"

"Max?" Josie questioned, spine suddenly straight as she fully faced her mother. It dawned on the teen that she hadn't told anyone about her breakup, nor did she talk to Max about the plans for attending Midsummer's separately.

"Yes, sweetheart, Max- your boyfriend." Petunia spoke to Josie as if she was a four-year-old still learning to structure her sentences. "I spoke to him this morning about-"

"This morning?" Josie asked again, confusion very clear as she stressed the question.

Why the hell would Max assume they'd still be going together after she'd broken up with him? Had she not been clear about her intentions?

"Josephine, will you stop interrupting me? God, it's like a dog that just will not stop yapping." The woman placed her middle finger and thumb to her temples, shutting her eyes as if Josie's voice gave her a headache.

The teen subconsciously picked at her nails in response, watching her mother with hesitant eyes.

"Anyways, you need to speed it up. So, move it." Petunia motioned towards the bathroom, and left Josie's room without another word.

The teen opened the door to the bathroom, startled when she was met with Naomi staring at herself in the mirror over her sink.

She was applying a generous amount of eyeliner, leaning in so close that she was practically kissing the mirror. Her auburn-colored hair was done up, pulled into a curly ponytail with specifically placed tendrils pulled out around her face.

Josie had never seen her sister so dolled up, even if she was still in her regular clothes.

"You look pretty." Josie complimented as she walked over to her own mirror, letting down the last section of her hair from its claw clip. She began to run the still-hot flat iron through it, shooting a smile over at her sister.

Naomi stared back blankly.

"You know, if you're gonna sneak boys into your room, you could at least try not to get caught."

Josie turned to her sister in shock, stuttering out as she tried to find an explanation. She stumbled for a defense, but her sister beat her to it, leaning away from the mirror.

"Just don't get pregnant." Naomi shrugged, before she walked through her adjoined bathroom door and shut it behind her. Josie stared at the door for a moment, briefly startled at her sister, before turning back to finish her hair.

She pulled a bit of the top section of her hair up and pinned it to fall at the back of her head.

She pulled out a few strands in the front to frame her face, tilting her head to take note of how her hair looked at different angles. As she finished scrutinizing her hair, another knock sounded from her window, and she groaned in frustration.

What could John B still possibly need from her?

She moved through the threshold of her bathroom, ready to scold her brunette friend as she glanced towards the window. But sitting on the other side of the glass was not her treasure-hunting, recluse best friend.

It was her recklessly loyal best friend.

⋄ ⋟⋆ june 24, 2020

I wish there was a way to physically transfer pain from the undeserving heart hurt clutches in its palm. today, I watched as a boy walked away to his doom, the green glass walls of my soul showing my inner being the reality of life. the little girl that cradled my soul deep to her chest like a stuffed animal cried in pain, banging on the glass and begging for the lost boy to come back- to hold her hand as she guided him through this darkness. she sobbed as the words he'd carved into the sides of her brain shone brightly with gold lettering, like a bitter reminder of the differences he so often held against himself. but the girl didn't care- I didn't care. I don't care. I never have. because, my dearest loyalty, without you, I am nowhere.

- josephine grey ⋄ ⋟⋆

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anchanted-one · 1 year

Text

Legend of Lightning Chapter 43. Lord Praven

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43208574/chapters/111710548

Two days later

“Aaaaaaaaand… touchdown!” Kira cried happily as she set her speeder down next to a cliff face. “How’s that, eh? Ten for ten?” She looked at the rough straw doll she was using as a stand-in for… anyone. “What? A seven?! That’s outrageous! It’s unfair!” She tilted her head. “Oh. So it counts against me if I don’t land parallel, or perpendicular? Only you would say that, jackass! You try landing the speeder when we’re going at eighty klicks per hour! See how you’ll do!”

She landed lightly on the sand and pressed in the supersonic sensor. She then pressed the switch, sending the plunger digging about a meter and a half deep inside. She then returned to the speeder to spend the next ten minutes.

“No, evening isn’t that much better than the day, little doll. The morning is, though.”

“What’s that? Practice my Forms? Aren’t I supposed to be conserving water? Such a silly suggestion! You should have your Mastery taken away for that. Oh? What’s that? Oh, right! You ain’t Master yet.” She took a swig from her flask. “Wait, how can you say that? You’re the kid Master Satele drools over! She’ll be so heartbroken to know that you’re not interested in serving next to—wait. Silly me, I shouldn’t make such jokes until you’re at least twenty, right? No? Eighteen is technically enough? Okay then. I start teasing you at eighteen." She nodded firmly. “Don’t give me that! There’s plenty of relationships with wide gaps that last! … not from eighteen though? You got a point. Okay, twenty. Final offer. Ah. Sensor’s done.” She coughed, groaned, then took another long sip. “How many left, you ask?” she lifted up the doll. “Hard to say. Maybe a few? Maybe? Damn. Need to call… what was her name? Welp. I need to call her again, whatever her name is.”

“Ah, Padawan Carsen. I trust the mission is unfolding smoothly?”

“No small talk, I’m in the sun. Now tell me what comes next.”

“I… I think I might have enough to triangulate the location within the next ten minutes. I’m sending you the deactivation code now, so you can head on over directly. Thanks again for leaving your Astromech here with us. With the central computer down, his processing power is all we’ve got.”

“Right.” Giving him up had been hard. “Let me know when you’ve got something. I’ll just be… thinking of something cool. Blasted binary star system…”

She got another call as soon as she hung up on Hare’en. “Hey, boss. You got any sundaes?”

“What kind of question is that? Do you think I can enjoy a sundae when my sweet little Padawan is suffering in the sun?” He made a slurping sound and Kira straightened up indignantly.

“Hey!”

He laughed. “Sorry. And also sorry for putting this all on you. You’re more than ready for solo missions, but I wish I could at least be close enough to cheer you on. Anyway, you finished planting all those sensors?”

“Yeah. Any news about the Czerka Type Twelve, or whatever?”

“They’re still digging at the site. I hear Kamus and Less Sand Day’s testimonies have already started putting Czerka in a lot of trouble. They’re unlikely to bug us again for a little while.”

“Hang on, I’m getting another call. It might be Hare’en. I’ll just patch you in… huh?”

Her caller wasn’t anyone she knew. He was a pureblood Sith, though it was hard to tell if he was part of the Order or not thanks to his desert gear.

“Hello, Jedi.”

“Who are you?” Kira wondered, before recognition flashed. “Wait, you were one of the Sith alongside Darth Angral, weren’t you?”

“Indeed, I was. I am Lord Praven. But you are not the Jedi I’m looking for. My Master’s enemy. My student’s vanquisher.”

“If you mean me, Kira has me patched in. Say whatever it is you need to.”

“My Master seeks retribution for his son’s death. I must give it to him. When my Master heard you were on this planet, he demanded I power up the Shock Drum. He’ll destroy the entire world to kill you.”

“First of all, why is his retribution more important than anyone else’s? Your Master has killed billions of civilians. And he aims to kill billions more! Heck, your dearly departed apprentice nearly starved a trillion people to death!”

“I will not argue with you. It is not mine to question, merely to serve.”

“And second of all, the chances of me dying from the Shock Drum are minute! This is why you don’t use a tactical warhead to hunt a single fugitive. Your Master is insane.”

The pureblood sighed. “Perhaps your death will make him whole again. I have changed the activation code to the Shock Drum. If you want the new code, come and claim it from my dead body! I will be waiting for you in a valley near the Dune Sea.”

“Kira, I’m coming too. Heatstroke, or no heatstroke, I can’t let you face a Sith alone.”

“I’m glad for the company, but please come in the ship! Minimize your exposure to the suns!”

“Alright. Stay where you are. We’ll come pick you up in thirty minutes.”

Kira sighed and looked at the straw doll. “Don’t worry, Master. You’ll always be my second-best friend.”

Meanwhile, on Tython

“The situation on Fondor has been resolved,” Seraphim concluded his report. The man stood tall and proud, his chest thrust out and fists on hips. “The fleeing escapees were saved, and the Dreadnought Bloodfeather has been destroyed. It looks like Jedi Arnor is a free woman again. She’s a little beat up though, so it might take a while before she can present herself for debrief.”

“Thank you for your report, Seraphim,” Satele inclined her head. “You have done the Republic a great service today. May the Force be with you.”

“Next on the agenda… an update from Vajra,” Gnost read out. “And a proposal.”

“I hope he’s not requesting that we Knight his security risk of a Padawan,” Jaric grumbled.

“I doubt it. He and Kira both want Bela to be present on that happy occasion. Patch him in, please.”

“It’s not a transmission, but a recording,” Gnost said, pressing a switch beside him.

“Good day, Masters. I’m sorry I have to do this via recording, but Tatooine didn’t agree with me. I am resting right now, but I needed to inform you of a situation here on the planet.”

Vajra gave a brief summary of the project which Czerka designated as a ‘Type-Seven device.’ There wasn’t a lot to go on yet, but the fact that a Czerka hitman had opened fire on a Jedi was alone enough to trigger a dozen alarm bells.

“The real problem here,” Vajra went on, “is just how many people landed here and brushed off Agent Fauler’s urgent request for aid. Master Devel, Jedi Pridence, Havoc Squad, and at least seven other capable parties. Even I almost ignored it, given the urgency of my mission. But there were others who could easily have helped—Havoc Squad for instance, whose mission to punish traitors might be important to them, but it pales when compared to the big picture. Just imagine if Czerka had gotten their hands on whatever superweapon it is that lies beneath the sands of Tatooine. I think a contingency clause like a ‘code black’ is needed which obliges Jedi and armed forces alike to drop what they’re doing unless it’s just as critical. Thankfully, the crisis is unlikely to truly emerge from its shell now that Les… Lock Sand Dee? I think that’s his name? Now that he’s out of the picture, the urgency should be gone, though I still believe that the weapon needs to be seen to, and soon. I don’t know if I can do this personally, however. As I said, I am not at my best on a hot planet. Still, it might be possible, if I’m only out in the sun for a few hours… anyway, that concludes this part of the report. Rest assured, Kira is making great progress in finding the Shock Drum. I hope to have found Master Kiwiiks by this time tomorrow. I hope we do. Kira says her Master’s life force is growing ever weaker. May the Force be with us.”

“Type Sevens have always been troublesome,” Jaric complained. “When coupled with the Rakata, you know it’s a cut above the rest. I volunteer to deal with this myself.”

“And I should go too, to chronicle whatever I can find,” Gnost added. “As everyone here knows, Rakata tech is as illuminating as it is dangerous. Attuned to the Force in ways we can’t imagine. Such knowledge needs to be found, so that we can better understand attempts to recreate it.”

“A good idea,” Tol nodded. “I approve.”

“As do I,” Syo said. “We should reach out to Agent Fauler and ask him to let us know directly when the door has been excavated, so that you don’t arrive there only to cool your heels for the next five years.”

Everyone chuckled and nodded.

“Then it’s approved,” Satele said, in something of a hurry to finish today. “What’s next on our agenda?”

“A message from Master Nomen Karr,” Gnost said. “As well as a follow-up from his Padawan.”

“I wonder if he’s about to report a great triumph in his personal crusade?” Jaric said sarcastically. “If his Padawan has sniffed out another puff of smoke that’s not really there?”

“Let’s hear it.”

A holo of a bearded man appeared in front of them. Nomen Karr was still a handsome man despite being a decade older than Satele.

“Good day, my esteemed colleagues,” he began as he always did. “It pains me to be calling in to register a complaint against a fellow Jedi, but it needs to be done.”

“Oh?” Satele’s eyebrows rose. She looked around to find confusion and apprehension on all faces around her. Jedi rarely ever brought up small charges against fellow Jedi to the Council. Normally, it was dealt with directly. If the offending Jedi was a Padawan, the complaint was taken to their Master first.

“The Jedi in question is Vajra Devarath,” Master Nomen almost spat out the name, his face contorting for a moment. “He approached my Padawan behind my back and tried to lead her astray. He showered her with words of doubt and confusion. My Padawan was much dismayed by what he had to tell her. But that’s not the end of it. By now, I am sure you are all aware of my Padawan’s power? Her miraculous gift of Sight, which can pierce all lies and deceptions? The perfect tool to seek out truth? It has spoken. She looked upon Vajra and found a monster lurking within his heart. It was so fearsome, it frightened her senseless. She was wailing incoherently when I found her, abandoned and alone. I understand that Vajra is a rising star of our Order. He is the apple of more than a few Council eyes. But make no mistake, he is a grave danger to us! A viper poised to strike at our very heart! I request the Council restrict his movements until he can be redeemed back into the Light. Good day to you.”

Everyone in the room was too shocked to pause the recording in order to speak. Satele more so than others. A fury burned in her gut that she longed to give voice to, but before she could gather the wits to speak, the next recording in the series began to play.

It was a small woman, around Jasme’s age. Her straight black hair sat neatly against her neck. She bowed humbly before the Council and proceeded to speak.

“Greetings, respected Masters of the Council. My name is Jaesa Willsaam. I apologize for putting in my little postscript, but I couldn’t not do it. I… I feel conflicted for giving testimony counter to what my Master just did, but I need to give the whole truth, since it’s being brought before you. Please forgive my Master; he is merely overprotective of my talent. He meant no harm.” She took a deep breath. “Regarding the matter of Master Vajra’s words to me… I assure you, they were innocent enough. He wanted me to be sure of the path I was on. To really introspect. And I did. I still am. I suppose Master Karr interpreted my questions as a sign that I wanted to walk a different path. Coming to the vision… it was really intense. He and Kira Carsen came to say their goodbyes to us, but I was the only one in the house. I let them in, and gave them tea. But there was something about Master Vajra… like he was hiding something. I needed to know what it was, so I Looked. I saw a monstrosity, just as Master Karr said. It was this great beast with many heads whose breath spewed a cloud of poison into the air. Its body was wrapped around his heart. It looked at me, and the eye contact was enough to give me nightmares. Whatever it is, Master Vajra houses great darkness within himself… although he showed no outward signs of it. In fact, one might believe his façade to be the real Vajra. Master Nomen didn’t exaggerate about that. My apologies again for the impertinence. Goodbye.” She bowed deeply, and her holo disappeared.

“What… was that?!” Satele whispered, seething with outrage.

Gnost turned to Kana. “Padawan, would you mind summoning Archivist Jasme? I think she might have some insights into these charges.”

The Falleen bowed and left silently.

“Even I have difficulty believing such a thing,” Jaric snorted. “He’s starting to grow horns, and he’s way too attached to his Padawan—”

“Debatable,” Syo said softly.

“—but if he was a servant of the Darkside, we’d all Sense it. Especially if he hid this… monster!”

“I think Nomen has been allowed far too much freedom,” Syo said. “Not to mention indulgence.”

“And this Jaesa Willsaam. Whatever gift she possesses is clearly not so mighty after all if it feeds her such a big lie.”

The doors opened, and in walked Kana and Jasme, holding several weighty tomes in her hand. “You summoned me, Masters?”

“She was passing by the door,” Kana snorted. “Just my luck.”

“Jasme, you may want to keep the books down. And… maybe stay away from anything breakable. Master Gnost, please show her the accusation.”

The word ‘accusation’ stumped Jasme for a moment, but she watched it without questioning. As soon as Nomen mentioned Vajra’s name and started rolling out his charges, her expression grew stormy. Like Satele, Jasme was too incensed to speak when Nomen was finished, and the squawk denoting her first attempt at speech was cut off by Jaesa’s testimony. Jasme closed her mouth and listened to the rest, her expression shifting over the course of the message, from outrage to alarm.

Once the recording had ended, Jasme stood stunned for a second. Eventually, she shook it off and asked, “You—you don’t seriously believe this tripe, do you?”

“No,” Jaric said firmly. “Whatever his immaturities, Vajra has been a miracle worker like none other. This Jaesa Willsaam, on the other hand, is an untried, sheltered child so far as I’m concerned; one whose Master has been feeding her delusions of grandeur. And Nomen’s obsession with Darth Wide has been making us nervous for months now.”

“There is a reason why this Council does not act on Visions alone—” Tol began.

“Because of the Masters of Taris, I know,” Jasme said impatiently. “But in all honesty, I kinda believe Jaesa’s vision. However, I believe she’s grossly misinterpreted what she saw, proving how inaccurate it is.”

“Good. I was hoping you’d have something to share.”

“Given the timing… right after he was done with his mission on Nar Shaddaa, correct? I might have something,” Jasme said. “It… it’s an incident related to the SIS agent, Galen. The one who got captured and turned into a Power Guard. Vajra… knew he was going to ask for mercy, and wanted to be able to persuade him otherwise. So he did something utterly bull-headed. He watched the recording of Sadic turning Galen into a cyborg. Kira told me that he had this strange notion that it was arrogant to try to persuade Galen to withdraw his request without knowing what he went through. That, coupled with all the horrors he’s seen recently, horrors he wasn’t ready for—” Jasme through a disgruntled look around. “—the ‘monster’ in question is probably his trauma given form. Sort of. He does have a history of mental health problems after all.”

“I see,” Satele said softly, sitting back and pondering Jasme’s words.

“If this is so, Vajra must have been highly troubled. Why didn’t we Sense it when he stood before us?” Gnost asked

“Because of the Emperor, I’d say,” Tol answered. “He was high on adrenaline when we met him.”

“That explains it,” Satele nodded. “Jasme, did you see signs of distress afterwards?”

“Yes,” Jasme confirmed. “Given the increased dangers in my career change, he wanted to teach me the 101 of his approach to Lightsaber combat, so we trained together for a good two hours. All was okay at first, but he started to lose focus midway. He’d just trail off in the middle of a sentence. Rapid flashes of light made him jump. I imagine he has other issues I didn’t get to see in that brief time. I insisted he get some rest while he was here, but he got deployed again before he could get it. Kira promised to look after him for me.”

“I see. You’ve been most helpful, Jasme. Thank you. You may leave.”

“Don’t forget the books,” Gnost added as she turned to leave. She jogged back, red-faced, and left with her burdens in her hands.

“Nomen needs to be assessed for corruption,” Nikil said. “And his Padawan needs to be extricated from him before whatever potential she has is… focused in the wrong place.”

“Ironic that he was the one pushing for someone else to be reeled in for the same thing,” Oteg noted.

“We’ve asked Nomen to return to us before politely, but he ignored the invitation. I think we need to send in an escort this time.”

We don’t have Jedi to spare for multiple superweapons, but we can scrounge up a couple for a matter of disciplining a possibly rogue Master, Satele thought. I wonder what that says about us. “Master Syo, I think you should be the one to go fetch him. We don’t have the Knights to spare, but perhaps we can spare you for a few hours.”

“I can leave immediately. Does anyone know where he is?”

“He was supposed to arrive on Balmorra today,” Tol replied. “Investigating the disappearance of a Jedi. But he never takes his Apprentice on such dangerous missions. It’s possible she’s still on Nar Shaddaa.”

“Ask the Republic Embassy to confirm. Discreetly. If they’re there, go and bring her in. If we can get her out from under his thumb until we’ve confirmed his state, it will be enough.”

“Perhaps we need to consider the more overt route,” Satele suggested. “Order him back. If he ignores us, we strip him of his rank of Master and inform the Republic of the same. He will be forced to return to us with all his avenues drying up.”

“Such a course will cast a bad light on us, Grand Master,” Jaric protested. “In addition, a truly fallen Jedi wouldn’t act rationally. He might just get more desperate. Covert movements first, I say.”

“So be it.”

Tatooine

The mesa Lord Praven had guided them to was impossible to get to in their ship, so Master Vajra was forced to proceed on foot. Kira tried not to fume. The heat from outside was bad enough.

Still, couldn’t Lord Praven have just invited them to one of the many abandoned homesteads on Tatooine? Why did it have to be in such a difficult-to-reach place? Her Master was still unwell—he was already starting to pant like a dog, and his movement was an ungainly shuffle, completely different from his usual elegance fit for a throne room.

“Boss… this is desperate. You’re barely able to stand right now. I think you should be backup this time.”

He jumped when she spoke up, as though he had forgotten she was there, then nodded.

His steps slowed, as though he was losing… well, she hated to use the word steam. She moved to catch him if he stumbled, but he did not. Kira sighed. Watching over him was proving to be a strenuous exercise. Him being out here was a gamble they could not avoid. They had looked through Praven’s record en route, and he was not the sort of opponent that Kira could take on as her first solo fight.

Master Vajra had tried reaching Master Devel, but he was already needed offworld.

In peak form, her Master should be able to beat Praven hands down. But like this…

“I think I see an opening,” Kira said after a lot of walking. “I hope it’s cooler in there!”

Master Vajra spoke at last. “I’m not counting on it. This world is alive, and it wants to be hot.”

The exited to find themselves in a large cavern which opened into a plateau. Jagged cliffs above prevented the Garuda from landing directly, but there was a smaller Imperial ship which had managed to enter the gap.

Praven was waiting for them at the very edge. Unlike them, he seemed to bask in the rays from the suns.

“Welcome, Jedi. I applaud you for marching to your execution.”

“A courtesy I wish Angral would do us,” Master Vajra replied. “I ask you again, why is it that he deserves retribution, but the people he has killed don’t?”

“And I say again that it is not mine to question.”

“Remind me to thank Jasme,” the boss told Kira. “For teaching me the importance of questioning.” Turning to Praven, he asked, “So is that your philosophy? As long as your personal honor is untarnished, you don’t mind if your liege does as he pleases?”

“Don’t try to understand. A Jedi cannot understand.”

“It’s useless, Master. And we’re on a timer.” Kira stepped forward and drew her Saberstaff. “We’ll lecture him after we’ve stopped the countdown.”

“Right. Priorities.”

Praven was enraged. “You would send your apprentice to fight me? Am I not worthy of your attention?”

“Tatooine doesn’t agree with me,” the boss said, leaning against a stone shelf. “It’s a small miracle I’m even standing.”

Praven blinked. “What?”

“It’s true,” Kira snarled. “Now do you want to do this, or what?”

Praven cocked his head for a moment, then drew his Lightsaber. “So be it.”

Kira waited for him to salute before making her move. She danced closer, making her approach in a zigzag line. She closed the last few meters in a run and leapt into the air, striking with a downward jab. Praven blocked the attack before unleashing one of his own.

Kira blocked the chop aimed at her face and another pair at her ribs before counterattacking. He leaned out of the way, and the tip of her blade seared past him. Using his momentum, he smashed her blade upwards so that her reverse sweep missed his mouth.

His blade descended on her head, forcing Kira to cartwheel to the side. The Sith didn’t let up on his momentum, and rushed her with a flurry of attacks which Kira had no difficulty blocking at first, but each impact jarred her joints.

“Not bad,” he said approvingly as their blades locked. “You were Master Kiwiiks’ Padawan first, correct?” He attacked her shoulder, and she blocked, then kicked at his stomach. He dodged, then landed an elbow on her shin.

Kira fell with a curse, but backflipped to avoid the coup-de-grace. Thankfully, the blow hadn’t broken anything.

“She favored the use of the Force rather than the blade. In this, at least, you surpass her. Let’s see how you fare in the other aspect, shall we?”

Praven began hurling rocks at her, then fired a stream of Force Lightning. Kira managed to evade the rocks, and tossed a few right back at him, but the Lightning stymied her. She was reduced to blocking it with her Lightsaber. She tried to leap out of the way of another hail of rocks, but her struck leg buckled when she landed. She fell with a cry, and Praven leapt at his chance…

Only for her to be Pulled away.

“Oh. I’d almost forgotten you were here.” Praven sounded surprised by that.

“Kira really did well, didn’t she? I guess it’s my turn now.”

“As it should be.” Praven frowned. “Hmmm… you really do look ill. A mere breeze should be enough to knock you over.”

Kira rose painfully, noting the clouds in her Master’s eyes.

“I suppose that makes this… a fair fight.”

“What did you say?”

“I think it’s best I just show you.” Master Vajra raised his blade. “En Garde.”

Praven flourished his blade and held it in a side stance. He shifted to the boss’ right. The Raudra’s eyes followed him, but he remained still. Pity filled Praven’s orange eyes.

“I will make this quick.”

He charged in again, aiming a blinding flurry of strikes at the youth’s chest and neck. Master Vajra’s blade intercepted each strike with only the slightest movement of his body.

Praven’s eyes widened, and he threw more of himself behind his attacks.

The speed and power of his blades increased, and eventually, Master Vajra had to begin moving his body. But it was only a small win for Praven, who was now attacking with an all-out ferocity that put his prior attack on Kira to shame.

Kira exhaled in surprise. Praven really was good. He might be a match for a few top-fifty swordsmen in the Jedi order. But the question was, could he beat her Master in this state?

Kira was afraid that was a yes. Each salvo claimed a heavy tax on his reserves, and the Sith noticed. Denied of the quick victory, he instead tried to overwhelm her Master’s weakened body. He used leaps, dashes and rolls to force Vajra to move more than just his blade. And although the Sith was using more energy in this clash, it was the Jedi who had less to expend. But a moment came when her Master suddenly began moving for real.

Was forced to.

Praven hurled a particularly large boulder at him, and he leapt out of the way to avoid it. He then retaliated by going on the offensive. He spun into the Sith’s intended path and stabbed at his heart. Caught off-guard, it was Praven’s turn to fall back.

But the attack didn’t last, and soon enough, Master Vajra faltered enough for Praven to retake the initiative. Still, that didn’t mean his opponent was easy meat. He still had enough strength to counter the Pureblood’s offensive.

What a show it was turning out to be! The air around both men was saturated with the clash of red and blue plasma; the sound of Lightsabers clashing echoed through the caverns beyond the two men.

Her Master slowly gave ground under the blows which fell like leaves in an autumn storm; but he was not out. Not yet.

“Fall, damn you!” Praven roared and Pushed with the Force. Her Master sidestepped the attack, then backed away under another mixed series of attacks—blade, rocks, direct Force attacks, and even a blast of Lightning.

He batted aside the Lightsaber, and evaded the Force attacks. Praven used a Lightning flash to flank her Master, but the Jedi saw it coming. He ducked under the blow and swung at the Sith’s blade. His blade spun in an arc, scoring a slight gash on Praven’s face.

Praven backhanded, and this time the blow landed. Master Vajra was struck in the face, the blow only softened by his veil and the Force.

But his guard was momentarily down, and Praven seized the opportunity. A stabbing strike scored a gash on Vajra’s left flank—the first time Kira had ever seen him take a wound in a fight. The follow-up chop almost cut him in half, but her Master managed to dodge. The front of his robes were singed, however.

Vajra flipped out of the danger zone and rushed right back in, cutting off a piece of Praven’s armor.

“Not bad,” Master Vajra said softly. Kira couldn’t tell if he was calm, or drained. “But do you see what I mean? If we had fought in almost any other environment—”

“I’d have been defeated long ago,” Praven finished bitterly. “You have a strength I could not have foreseen. It’s no wonder you defeated Lord Tarnis.”

“Face it. Your Lord Tarnis wasn’t training to be a warrior. I wonder if he even listened during your lessons.”

“He did. But four years of neglect left him rusted.” Praven looked at his opponent with respect. “But it’s clear who the victor here is. You are seconds from falling. Accept your fate. I will give you a warrior’s death, and a warrior’s funeral.”

Holstering his Lightsaber, he fired a stream of Lightning with both hands… but it didn’t work. The Lightning fizzled out when it got close to its target.

“I’ve seen this trick enough to know how to unravel it,” Vajra whispered. “At least, at this power setting.”

“Incredible…” Praven whispered. He hurled rubble and rocks once again, but his opponent had dug out his final reserves of strength.

Without warning, he burst forth like a thunderbolt, his blade cutting through Praven’s arms like butter. The Sith Lord growled. Then he screamed—a shout whose volume was amplified by the Force.

Unprepared, her Master was struck back. He clapped a pair of arms to his ears, cursing silently.

Oh, right! His hearing was better than Kira’s!

Shit… this decided the match, didn’t it? Just one more Scream, a stronger one, and her Master was done for—but he surprised her.

A bubble shimmered into existence around Praven’s when he tried that a second time, and the scream was reflected right back at him. The only sound escaping the bubble was channelled upwards, and the ceiling was blown off. A large pile of rocks fell on the Sith, who fell to his knees in agony, screaming in pain.

The Sith fell face-first into the dirt, utterly defeated. His forearms were stumps, blood oozed out of his ears. “Brilliant,” he mumbled. “Brilliant! You are… an astounding warrior.”

Kira’s Master failed to rise, but he turned his eyes to Kira, who nodded.

“The code. Now.”

“It’s on my belt. Second pouch on the right of the buckle.” He closed his eyes and waited. “Well? Aren’t you going to kill me?”

“Not the Jedi way to kill a defeated opponent,” Kira replied. “But we promised you a long chat afterwards. So, we’ll be taking you with us.”

The Sith seemed confused. Kira sighed. He probably couldn’t hear right now. She took the stunner out of its sheath and pressed it against his neck. He made a rather comical gurgle and passed out.

Kira keyed her comm. “C2? We’ll leave the canyon in the Sith’s ship. Pick us up on the surface. We have to make up for lost time.”

#star wars #star wars the old republic #swtor #fanfic #fanfiction #star wars fanfiction #jedi knight #hero of tython

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talia-rumlow · 2 years

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My Works (Will be updated as I go)

First of all. Thank you so much for your likes, your comments and your support. I really appreciate it.

My writing is 18+, smut, and all that follows with it. Some stories are worse than others. Read on own risk. Warnings will be posted.

I usually write Marvel related stuff. But I can take requests for other things as well. Favorites are: The Night Manager, Supernatural, Criminal Minds, Bones, Buffy/Angel, 911, Chigaco Fire/PD/Med, Kingdom (I am currently in the process of watching the entire show), Wheelman.

Although I decided to take a step back from RPF, I could maybe take request for that too. But probably only One Shots. Send me a PM if you want me to write something for you.

I also post my stuff on Wattpad, AO3, My personal blog, TikTok and My Saviour is also ongoing on Instagram as a video story. (If you want to keep the thrill, and read the stories as I post them on here. I would recommend, NOT to visit my Blog, AO3 or Wattpad)

ON HOLD! (Given the recent news about Chris Hemsworth!)

Yes! You are seeing correctly. I´m actually writing a Loki fic. And this is an epic one!

Given your place in Asgard, a secret relationship with the God of Mischief isn't exactly a good Idea. But you can't stop. It's an obsession, a sickness. You can't get enough of him! And Loki can't get enough of you!

This story will go back and forth in time.

Chapter One - Twisted Reality

Chapter Two - Queen Of Asgard

Chapter Three - Loki & Thor

COMPLETED STORIES

Private Workout (Alvey Kulina One-Shot)

Another story based on one of Frank Grillos roles. The 2017 NETFLIX movie Wheelman. I love that movie.

After a real heavy night out with the girls, you decide to sleep it off in your car. But when a bankrobbery goes South, and the Getaway driver "borrows" your car, the night takes a whole new turn. While you´re being chased around the city by his enemies, you start to see the thrill of the criminal side of things. But things aren´t always as black and white as you or he thinks.

Chapter One - Wheelman

Chapter Two - Heating Things Up

Chapter Three - This Is Going To Hurt

Chapter Four - Do You Always Fuck The Girls You Kidnap?

Chapter Five - I Told You To Run, YN!

After tips from @nekoannie-chan I have decided to start to post my other stories on here as well.

My schedule:

MONDAY: My Saviour

TUESDAY: My Brother´s Best Friend

WEDNEDSDAY: Bound & Brockened

THURSDAY: Best Friends Forever

FRIDAY: Escort To The Multiverse

SATURDAY: Forbidden Fruit

SUNDAY: Strangers With Memories (Original Story)

You can read about the stories further down in this post!

My Saviour is a Rumlow X Reader story. This story will contain Graphic Sexual Description, Graphic Description of Violence, Death, Murder, angst, trauma, Domestic Abuse and Past Abuse. Read on own risk. This is a story where I portray Brock Rumlow as a decent human being. He also has a backstory. If you don´t like Brock Rumlow yet. You will, after reading this story.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Marvel characters, only my original ones.

Chapter One - We Don´t Treat Women Like That!

Chapter Two - Can I Tell You A Little Secret?

Chapter Three - What Someone Like Me, Does To Little Brats Like You

Chapter Four - Who Is In Charge?

Chapter Five - Good Girls Gets Rewarded

Chapter Six - The Morning After

Chapter Seven - First Day At Work

Chapter Eight - I Want To Protect You

Chapter Nine - That´s Right, You Disobeyed Me!

Chapter Ten - Pick One!

Chapter Eleven - Mine! Say It!

Chapter Twelve - I´ll Find Him!

Chapter Thirteen - Want To Play A Game?

Chapter Fourteen - Pull Over!

Chapter Fifteen - What Do You Want Me To Do?

Chapter Sixteen - Want Me To Look For It?

Chapter Seventeen - Did You Lock The Door?

Chapter Eighteen - That Girl You Like So Much!

Chapter Nineteen - It´s A Date!

Chapter Twenty - When You Call Me Brock

Chapter Twentyone - See What You Get When You Ask Nicely

Chapter Twentytwo - Come For Me, Brock!

Chapter Twentythree - Please Don´t Leave Me!

Chapter Twentyfour - I Fucking Love You!

Chapter Twentyfive - Are You Alright?

Chapter Twentysix - You Disobeyed Me, Brock!

Chapter Twentyseven - Will It Be Dangerous, This Mission?

Chapter Twentyeight - Have You Ever Used A Gun Before, YN?

Chapter Twentynine - SHIELD Is The Safest Place To Be!

Chapter Thirty - Alexander Pierce

Chapter Thirtyone - Why Is This Happening To You?

Chapter Thirtytwo - How Did You End Up Here?

Chapter Thirtythree - This One Is Not!

Chapter Thirtyfour - Please Don´t Be Mad At Me!

Chapter Thirtyfive - Who Said Anything About Winning?

Chapter Thirtysix - I Love You, YN!

Chapter Thirtyseven - Good Agents Don´t Disobey Orders, YN!

Chapter Thirtyeight - You Are Fired Though!

Chapter Thirtynine - What´s Wrong With You, Brock?

Chapter Fourty - Well Played, YN! You´re Still Dead Though!

Chapter Fourtyone - What Did You Do To deserve This Treatment?

Chapter Fourtytwo - She´s Messing With Your Mind, Brock! Be Careful!

Yet another Rumlow as a decent human being story. Yes! I LOVE doing these. Give Rumlow some love.

After years not speaking to your brother, Jack Rollins. He invites you to spend the summer with him, in New York. When your flight gets cancelled, Jack tells you, that you can hitch a ride, with his best friend, driving home from a mission. Great, you've met Brock Rumlow one time before, and you hate his face. Cocky, self-righteous, arrogant bastard. Not your type at all. You're not looking forward to drive across the country with him. Will you survive this trip with him, or will past experiences make it impossible to get to your destination? Secrets will come out, the past will catch up with both you and Rumlow. This story will be kinda a slow burn, with sexual content, and a lot of humor.

Chapter One - What, Brock? He´s A Good Guy!

Chapter Two - The Stupid Obnoxious One!

Chapter Three - You´re Reading Porn!

Chapter Four - You´ll Never Understand Him!

Chapter Five - What Did You Dream About?

Chapter Six - Like What You See?

Chapter Seven - Arrg.. Piss off, Brock!!

Chapter Eight - What do you want me to say, Brock?

Chapter Nine - Get your fucking hands off!

Chapter Ten - Truth Or Dare

Chapter Eleven - His Best Friend´s Little Sister!

This story is the fastest growing story I´ve EVER posted. I absolutely LOVE to write this story. And I hope you´ll enjoy reading it as well. Just remember the warnings. Read with care!

Brock Rumlow, a ruthless badass, with a fucked up dominant side! After a mission goes terribly wrong, he gets fired from his job. After picking up girls in bars for a while, he gets that he needs more. No more of these fucked up, girls that leaves the next morning. He needs something stable. Someone he can use, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. Someone he can get out his frustration on.

So he decides to buy you, at an auction!

You had no money, no place to live, nothing left. That's the only reason you decided to give yourself away. To use the only thing you had, to maybe get some food and a roof over your head. You had no idea what you were walking into!

DARK STORY!! ⚠️⚠️

Containing graphic descriptions of non-con elements, bdsm, different forms of torture, graphic sexual descriptions.

⚠️READ ON OWN RISK⚠️

🔞🔞🔞

Chapter One - Hades

Chapter Two - Owned!

Chapter Three - Choices!

Chapter Four - Play!

Chapter Five - Rules!

Steve and Bucky have been best friends since the 30's. Steve married you and Bucky married Nat weeks apart, and you've been best friends and double dated for years. What will happen when Nat leaves Bucky, and Bucky moves in with you and Steve? Will the friendship between the four of you last. And more importantly, will your marriage to Steve last when his amazingly handsome best friend moves in.

Chapter One - Divorce?!

Chapter Two - Nightmares!

Chapter Three - Breakfast!

Chapter Four - James.

One of my absolute favorite stories to write. This one made me tap into the darkest places of my mind. This will be a dark story. Containing graphic sexual description, Non-Con, BDSM, rough treatment, strong language, and everything else in that area. Rating X 18+! Read on own risk!

You were new to the city of New York. Your job didn't pay enough money to make rent, so you decided to start to work at a gentlemans club. Then a friend offers you a job at an escort service. To make ends meet, you says yes! One day you are sent on a mission to the SHIELD building, to take care of two agents, returning from a mission. Will it be too much for you to handle? Or will this be just what you need to get the new start you so desperately needs?

Characters includes: Tony Stark, Captain America & The Winter Soldier!

Chapter One - Jack Rollins & Brock Rumlow

Chapter Two - Can You Fuck Her Or Not?!

Chapter Three - I Think She Likes It!

Chapter Four - Shut Her Up!

Chapter Five - She´ll Fucking Listen Now!

Chapter Six - Listen Don´t Fucking Talk

Chapter Seven - She Enjoys The Fucking Pain

Chapter Eight - How Does She Taste?

Chapter Nine - Some Sort Of Super Human!

I´ve always been a fan of the Night Manager, so of course I had to make a fic about Jonathan Pine. This will contain a lot of feelings, past trauma, abuse, murder, Non-Con elements and sexual description.

You met Jonathan Pine 5 years ago in Cairo. One steamy night was all you had time for, before Richard Roper got hold of you. Now you've been his prisoner for 5 years. When some unforeseen events led to you and Jonathan Pine to meet again. Only this time Mr. Roper calls the shot. Your job is to Seduce Jonathan Pine, and make him talk. Make him reveal his secrets before he can put a stop to Ropers plan. Your only way out of Ropers control is to finish the job. Will you reveal his secrets? Or will he reveal yours first?

Chapter One - Cairo 5 Years Ago

Chapter Two - No Way Out!

Chapter Three - A Part Of Life

Chapter Four - Daniel!

This story means the world to me. And it´s heartbreaking, sweet and though. It´s about events from my own life, so I´m really putting myself out there with this one. It was the events in this story that got me into writing in the first place. If it wasn´t for what happened, I wouldn´t have been where I am today. So although I got my heart ripped out of my chest and stamped on. It was worth it.

What if you find love, with the most unexpected person? What if he gave you everything you missed? Only to leave you confused! What if that heartbreak gave you the chance to do everything you ever wanted. Would you risk it all? One more time...

Chapter One - Christopher He´s Good!

Chapter Two - Redecorate The Bathroom

Chapter Three - The First Date

Comment or send me a PM if you want to be on my taglist <3

And if you got as far as to this part.. THANK YOU for reading. And I hope you´ll read my stories, once I post them.

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jazzthatonewriterchick · 1 year

Text

Here, Kitty, Kitty (18+ Fic)

Pairing: Aizawa x Black!Catgirl!Reader

Writer’s Note: Thank you all so, so, soooo much for the love on this story! I'll be writing some brand new shit soon! Stay safe! -Jazz

Read on AO3 here!

Other Chapters: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty.

*************

FIVE.

When you finally awaken, you expect to find yourself in your dorm, cozy and warm under your comforter as the cool spring morning air pools through your room.

But when you find yourself curled up in a cage and not at all in your human form, you just about panic. The grogginess of your long-ass sleep fades, your head now clear. ’What the hell?’ you think. ‘Where am I?’

The cage is rather large and easy to get around in with a cat toy here and your cat and water there. You’re curled up on a plushy, pink blanket that your paws have no choice but to make biscuits into, one of them wrapped in a bandage.

Suddenly, as soon as you see your injured paw, all of the events from the night before come rushing back: your plans of a nice walk going awry; the rainstorm; injuring your paw; being rescued by an old lady being taken to a cat cafe. You can see that is where you are now. You see one of the employees busy cleaning off the tables in time for tomorrow, the sky outside dark.

You truly must’ve been exhausted yesterday judging from the fact that you slept all throughout the day. You don’t remember waking up at all. Your injury and exhaustion also explain why you haven’t transformed back into your human form: your body is recovering. Despite this, you still get up from your makeshift bed and begin to scratch at the bars of your cage. You have to get out of here. You have work tomorrow and Nemuri is probably worried sick.

“Hey!” you shout. “Hey, let me out of here! Get me out!” Your shouts translate to loud, panicked meows that fall onto human ears and catch the attention of the old lady currently carrying out more hard cat food for the kitties. You notice that her name tag reads “Koa” on it when she gets closer. “Oh, look who’s finally up!” she chuckles. “You’ve been out since last night, little one. Must’ve been exhausted.”

You hit the cage bars again, scratching vigorously at them. Koa must know what you want because she sets the bag down and proceeds to open your cage. “Let’s take you out so you can get a good stretch in.” This is a bad idea on her part because as soon as she lifts the latch to loosen the door and opens the cage, you’re jumping out of the cage and running for the door.

When you land, you bite back a pained yowl as your injured paw presses into the floor. You’re still hurt, but you push through it, especially when you see two feet outside the cafe door. “Kitty, don’t!” one of the employees yells, but you’re already running to the door on fast legs, seeing your route to freedom.

You’re only an inch away from the outside when you’re suddenly scooped up by some unfamiliar, secure, and strong hands. “Whoa, there,” the stranger says. “Where you think you’re goin’?”

Your ears flatten and point backward as the deep, baritone, smooth-and-sweet-like-honey voice hits your eardrums. You know that voice.

The stranger’s hands position you so you’re curled up against his chest, your tail in between your legs and your head in the crook of his arm. Your eyes widen and your jaw drops at the sight of the handsome face and tired eyes you have no choice but to stare up into. ‘Aizawa?’ you think in shock. ‘Da hell is he doing here?’

Despite your initial shock at seeing him out of the halls of UA, you can’t help but notice how damn good he looks out of his jumpsuit and scarves. His shoulder-length, stark black hair is pulled back into a low bun that accentuates the sharp and rugged features of his face. The gray sweater he swears outlines the hard lines of his pecs and biceps that you slightly feel curl against your small, furry body. Jeans look oh-so-good on him too. You yearn to see how they cup his supple ass or if they do much to hide the outline of his dick.

And his smell! Your little pink nose twitches in delight at the scent of his cologne mingled with eucalyptus. It is like aromatherapy to you, the mingling scents instantly calming your frazzled state despite the very bad situation you’re in right now. “Oh, Shouta!” Koa happily shouts, crossing the threshold of the cafe to greet him. “What brings you back here? Did you forget something?”

Aizawa looks down at you, leaving you breathless at the sight of his gleaming eyes. They’re dark gray, so dark they could be black. “Yeah,” he replies bluntly. “This one.” He slightly lifts you up to show you to Koa. Your eyes widen at his words. What the fuck is he talking about?

Koa looks up at him understandably. “Oh,” she realizes, smiling happily. “You wanna adopt her? I thought your apartment doesn’t allow for pets.” Aizawa looks like he’s already regretting his decision. “It doesn’t,” he sighs, “but I think we can easily hide a cat. Plus, she’d keep Eri company. ...And me.”

‘Eri?’ you wonder. ‘Who’s Eri?’ Perhaps a woman in his life? Does he have a girlfriend? As your mind begins to overthink, you find yourself becoming more and more hopeless. Of course, he’d already have someone in his life as fine as he is.

Koa scoffs in disbelief, looking overjoyed at Aizawa’s decision. “So you took my advice,” she says knowingly. Aizawa adverts his gaze as his cheeks turn pink. He blushes? You didn’t think he was capable of it.

“Well, let me not keep you waiting. You’re gonna have to sign some paperwork and pay out of pocket though.” Aizawa nods as they begin to walk behind the counter to proceed with the adoption process.

All you can do is sit there and silently panic as you’re put into a cardboard carrier against your will. But you know better than to make a fuss since no one will listen to you. Koa is gentle with you as she places you in the carrier while Aizawa finishes paying for you and signing his signature on the pamphlet that was handed to him. “So what made you want this one?” she asks curiously as she begins to process Aizawa’s payment.

You crouch down low in the carrier, backed up as far as the carrier’s walls will allow you. You can’t help the way you tremble as you look up at Aizawa who peers down into the carrier at you. “I’m not sure,” he answers, sounding genuinely confused. “Guess there was just something about her.”

When his eyes lock with yours, you’re immediately taken back to the night he stared at you with the same astonishment when you were Night Claw. Would he ever give you those same eyes again if he knew your secret? That you were no more than the ordinary cat girl and counselor he barely spared a glance while at work? The thought makes you curl into yourself, refusing to sniff at Aizawa’s fingers when he wiggles them at you through the carrier’s barred door.

When Koa finally finishes with the payment and paperwork, she passes you over to Aizawa who gingerly takes the carrier as if afraid to harm you. She ducks her head down to look at you, a happy smile on her wrinkled face. “Look at you, little one; only one day here and you’ve already got yourself a home!” She turns to Aizawa, smirking. “Guess you really are a softie, huh?”

Aizawa, once again, blushes as Koa laughs, patting him on the chest. After giving him a free “first-time cat” care package filled with cat food, toys, shampoo, brushes, and other supplies, Koa tells you to be a good kitty and sends Aizawa on his way. You stay as still as you can as you feel the carrier slightly move with Aizawa as he walks to the cafe door. This is it. This is really happening. He really adopted you thinking you’re just an ordinary cat.

At the sight of the outside world suddenly coming into view through the carrier door, your fight or flight begins to kick in again. “Shouta!” you shout. “Shouta, it’s me! It’s Y/N!” Loud yowls fall from your lips, desperate to make him listen and understand.

Aizawa brings the carrier up to his face, his charcoal eyes staring into yours through the bars. “Damn, you’re a vocal one, aren’t you?” he murmurs to you. He sticks his index finger through the carrier and you nip at him, crazy with desperation and frustration. “Come on, don’t be like that,” he chuckles softly. You meow at him again, annoyed. “Hush now; I’ve got ya.”

Though you listen to him, you’re not happy about it. You sit in silence, ears flat and tail swishing, as Aizawa places you into the leather seat of his car. The little space is clean and smells like a tropical island with a hint of coconut coming from the air freshener somewhere in the car. Before Aizawa closes the door on you, he looks down at you again with the adoration only conjured by a man who adores himself some cats.

“You’re comin’ home with me.”

************

Aizawa finally makes it back to his dorm with you as his new guest in tow. You haven’t stopped yowling or wiggling around in your carrier since he got you.

You put up a fuss in the car, so much so that Aizawa had to crank up the volume of his music to tune you out. During the ride, you tried to think of any way to escape, but the cardboard only allowed you so much to work with. You couldn’t bite or claw your way out, but maybe there was a way you could escape when you finally got into Aizawa’s home.

You keep your plan in mind when Aizawa brings you into his very clean and very quiet dorm. From what you can see through the slits of the carrier door, you’re in his living room. You’re able to make out hardwood floors, gray furniture, and the island of a kitchen off on the right. He places the carrier down on the floor and bends down to assist in freeing you. “Here you are,” he coos, unzipping the carrier. “Come on out. I won’t hurt you.”

As if you prove that he won’t harm you, he stands and moves away from the carrier, allowing you the time and space to come to your own decision. Slowly and hesitantly, you rise from the carrier and slip out of the carrier, your paws feeling out the unfamiliar hardwood floors beneath you. His dorm is very homely and pretty, surprisingly. Two sofas, a chair, and a glass coffee table sit in front of a flat-screen where you can also see a stereo and an Xbox where a stack of video games sit: Mario Kart; The Last of Us; Call of Duty. You had no idea Aizawa was a gamer guy.

You can see two other doors–one on your left and one on your right near the kitchen–that must be bedrooms. Your nose twitches with the scent of lemon pledge, as if Aizawa just got done cleaning, and lavender drifting through the air. Along the walls sit different framed photos, some of them being of Mic and Nemuri while others are of Aizawa’s high school days. He looks so different without his facial hair or that tired look in his eyes.

In one of the pictures, you notice someone unfamiliar: a little girl with her off-white hair pinned back by red bows and dressed in the cutest dress while a very tired-looking Aizawa stands next to her as she sits on the lap of a mall Santa. She is beaming at the camera, utter joy and excitement on her face. ‘Who is that?’ you wonder.

“Eri, come here!” Aizawa suddenly hollers, making you flinch slightly. “I’ve got a surprise for you!” The door beside the kitchen opens, revealing the same little girl you saw in the photo in footie pajamas and her hair pulled up into a long ponytail. “What is it, Daddy?” As soon as she gets a look at the tiny black cat in front of her, her eyes go wide. “A kitty!” She shouts, jumping out and down.

Your ears flatten at the sheerness of her voice. “Shhh!” Aizawa shushes Eri, looking panicked. “You gotta keep quiet about her, okay? We can’t let anyone know we have a cat in here since it’s against the rules.” Eri frantically nods, so fast that her ponytail bobs. Aizawa nods, happy with her commitment. “Good; now let’s feed her. I’m sure she’s hungry.”

Eri giggles as she crouches down to gently pet you, her fingers caressing your head. You can’t even quite grasp what’s happening as you realize what the girl called Aizawa. ‘Daddy?’ you think in utter confusion. Aizawa has a daughter? Does she have a mother? She has to! It’s the only logical explanation as to why she’s here. This means it’s true: Aizawa does have a woman in his life.

You can’t help the disappointment that roils in your stomach as Eri continues to pet you. Then you just feel stupid. You had no chance with the guy, to begin with. One, he barely talks to you and two, after tonight, there’s no way you’d be able to shoot your shot. Add on the fact that he has a kid and it’d be a recipe for disaster.

‘It’s probably for the best,’ you think despite the utter emptiness you feel in your core.

“Oooh, she’s so cute, Daddy!” Eri giggles as she begins to scratch the underside of your neck. You find yourself purring at the feeling. “What should we name her?” Aizawa stands in the kitchen with the cat package Koa gave him, digging through it to find your food bowls. “Guess that one is to you, puddin’. But let’s think about it after we set up her stuff, okay?”

Eri giggles happily as she skips into the kitchen to assist in helping her dad with your supplies. As they busy themselves with setting up your food and litter box, begin to go through the mental turmoil of planning your escape. ‘I’ve gotta get out of here,’ you think. ‘But how?’

You turn to the locked door. With them distracted, you begin to totter towards the door on quick legs, trying in vain to make an escape. As you expected, Aizawa follows you to the door. “Why you keep runnin’ to the door?” he asks, staring down at you curiously.

You stop to stare up at him and paw at the door, meowing in want at him. “You must like the outside, hm?” he asks, crouching down to meet you at your height. “Don’t worry; you’ll get a chance to get back out once we set you up. Now let’s get you fed.” You let him scoop you back up into his arms, the soft texture of his sweater feeling good against your fur and whiskers.

After they feed you some tuna fish and a bowl of water, you decide to let the night go on without trying to escape, but analyzing every single space in Aizawa’s dorm as you do. As you play with Eri who joyfully throws a ball at you and claps when you bring it back to her, you notice the two windows settled behind the couch facing the door. While they make great escape routes, they’re only cracked an inch and you’re sure Aizawa wouldn’t open them anymore.

You figure after failing to find your escape routes that you’d might as well act as the perfect new addition to the duo’s little home. You meow for treats when expected to; paw at loose threads and locks of Eri’s gorgeous, stark white hair; purr when Eri’s fingers scratch at your ears or chin. The little girl is having a ball, giggling in joy at everything you do. It is joy only accomplished through an innocent child and you already feel yourself growing attached to her.

Aizawa doesn’t pay too much attention to you while Eri is up, only glancing at you from the TV now and again to give his daughter an adoring smile as she plays with her new pet. Though you feel slightly successful and prideful at their happiness and knowing you’re the cause of it, you also know it cannot last forever. You know that if you can’t escape tonight, you’ll definitely have to do it tomorrow as soon as possible. There’s no telling when you’ll transform back into your human form again and you don't even want to imagine what will happen if that occurs.

When the late-night finally falls, you feel that an escape tonight is definitely not possible. At this point, Aizawa is done cleaning up the kitchen and Eri has gone off to sleep with her door cracked so you can fit inside.

However, as you begin to tiptoe to her bedroom door, you are stopped by a sound that seems to be universal with all cats, hybrid or not: “Spss, spss.”

Your ears twitch at the sound and you turn, finding Aizawa sitting on the couch near the window that is now a futon. He’s now dressed in his sweats and a black tank, his muscular arms begging to be touched. A blanket is bunched up beside him, serving as covers for his makeshift bed. You briefly wonder why he’s sleeping out here when he has a bedroom, but you suppose it’s for Eri’s protection. You’re not a pro or a parent, so you don’t really know. But you find yourself wanting to.

Aizawa sits up on the futon, his muscular thighs spread over the edge. His grey eyes clink in the moonlight shining through the cherry blossom trees outside the window behind him, the silver light illuminating his face.

“Spss, spss,” he coos, wiggling his fingers lazily at you. “Here, kitty, kitty.” His voice is hushed to not wake Eri, but it still sounds as sweet as honey that drips over you and coats you in its sugary, sticky sweetness. “Come here,” he coos.

Like a puppet on strings, you find yourself being beckoned forward by his sensual voice and fingers coaxing you closer. Fortunately, your sense of logic kicks in and you stop immediately, staring at him in the darkness of his dorm. “What, you don’t like me?” he chuckles, smirking down at you. “I’m not as big and scary as I look.”

He tries again to beckon you forward, curling his index finger in a “come hither” motion. Your heart accelerates in your chest and your body yearns to be close to his, but you stop yourself every single time the need comes. You feel ashamed of yourself. You barely know the man! Cat or not, none of this is appropriate or something you could ever live down or forget about. Quickly, you turn around to find another place to wait out the night, but you’re stopped when Aizawa suddenly scoops you up.

He chuckles at your squeak of surprise as he takes you over to the futon and sits down with you. He places you gently on his lap and proceeds to gently stroke your back. “There you go,” he chuckles softly in the quiet of the dorm. “Nice, right?”

His fingers move to stroke your tail, the rough pads of his calloused hand feeling all too good stimulating your fur. “Oh, you like that?” he murmurs. “I bet that feels good.”

Your eyes flutter closed and you begin to purr despite your situation: sitting on your crush’s lap in his crib as a damn cat. ‘So good,’ your purrs tell him. ‘So, so good.’ Between his relaxing scent and the gentleness of his touch, you just about melt from it all.

“Guess Koa’s advice did work,” he murmurs to you, continuing to stroke your fur. He transitions to your ears, gently scratching behind them. “You know, she told me to adopt a cat in order to feel less lonely in here. That’s a kicker, ain’t it? I’ve got a wonderful kid like Eri and yet I still feel so alone.”

Though you still purr, you’re devastated at his confession. You feel slightly ashamed that such a profound and intimate thing is falling on your ears. It isn’t meant to. But then again, you’re just a cat… right?

“It ain’t all the time,” Aizawa continues, still scratching atop your ears, “but at night when it’s just me, I start to feel it: that nagging loneliness. That want to be with someone. Mic gave me some advice to just start dating again, but who’d want some damaged good like me?” He chuckles to himself at this, but it’s not funny. None of it is.

‘You’re not damaged goods,’ you think, hurt by his statement. How could he–someone so intelligent, wise, and handsome–think of himself in such a way? You stare up at him, watching the moon reflect against those pools of grey you want to swim through.

“It’s such a tragedy, isn’t it, kitty?” he asks you, not expecting a response. “I’m thirty-two, but I’m not gettin’ any younger. Soon, I’ll be sixty-two and alone while everyone around me is probably happy and married.” He sighs tiredly, moving to lie on his back on the futon. “It’s just so hard to open myself up sometimes. I’m afraid no one would like what they see in me.”

You stare down at the exhausted, lonely, handsome man underneath you, wishing you could help him understand that you feel for him. That you understand his dilemma more than anything. You get the feeling that he doesn’t share these thoughts with just anyone and you vow to yourself to never ever mention them after tonight. You press a paw to his beating heart and chest that falls and rises as you sit upon it, legs tucked underneath you.

“I told you it’s tragic,” Aizawa dryly chuckles at you. “I try to tell Mic it isn’t enough to just meet someone, especially since I already have feelings for someone.” His eyes stare off up at the ceiling as he absentmindedly strokes your head. “She doesn’t even know what she does to me,” he sighs wistfully. “I hope she’s okay.”

Your ears flatten and your eyes widen suddenly, the new information processing in your head. And then comes the onslaught of utter disappointment that falls over you like an avalanche. ‘Stop it,’ you chide yourself. ‘You knew damn well it’d never work. You never had a chance, to begin with.’ You feel tears begin to prick at your eyes, but you hide them behind a false yawn, your sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight.

Aizawa’s grey eyes trail back down to yours and he smiles at you. “Tired, kitty?” he chuckles. He places a hand on your back, his hand so big that it covers your entire body. “C’mon, just rest here with me. You’re safe.” Unable to fend off the effects of your relaxed state, your eyes flutter closed and your purring begins to vanish as sleep slowly overtakes you.

“That’s it,” Aizawa coos. “Good girl.”

The last thing you feel is that little flip of your stomach at being called a good girl and the warmth that curls within your body when Aizawa whispers a soft murmur of, “Goodnight.”

Then sleep comes.

#shouta aizawa #shoutaaa #smutty smut #my fic shit #my works #here kitty kitty #bnha smut #black coded reader #black fanfic writer #black writers #aizawa x black!reader #shouta aizawa x black!reader

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