o_O

Krenenbaker's Yuusona

This is the short version of my Yuusona profile, using the English translation of the Official Twisted Wonderland Prefect Profile template from u/RocketsBlastingOff on Reddit. I'll be also posting a full profile sometime in the near future!

The Picrews I used are 수릐 픽크루 and SD メーカー , with small (only colour) changes to the hair and eyes, as allowed by both creators. If I misinterpreted the guidelines, let me know and I will change the image(s).

A write up of the information in the image is below the cut

Prefect Profile

Date: 5 Aug. 2023

Name: Henry Jung-Baxter (Nickname: "Ju")

Message: My name is Henry, and I came to Twisted Wonderland on 15 Feb. 2023. My favourite subject at Night Raven College is Animal Linguistics, and I think The Sorcerer of the Sands is the most admirable of the Great Seven. If I were to leave Ramshackle Dorm, I'd like to join Octavinelle. What I want most right now is a moment of calmness, maybe?, and my favourite part of Twisted Wonderland is learning about new places, things, and people.

My favourites:

Food: Perogies

Season: Autumn

Movie: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Colour: Either pink or green

Place: The kitchens!

Music: Swing (or jazz in general) and Rock

My best friends:

no. 1. Trey

no. 2. Jade

no. 3. Rook

Question

My fondest memory is... Going to Harveston for the sled race ^u^

I want to travel to... The Coral Sea

If I could use magic... I wouldn't need to worry about cleaning my dorm (in the same way) - note: this is mostly because I likely wouldn't be in Ramshackle, but also because I could use magic to do some repairs

If I won 1 million madol... I'd pay my immediate expenses, invest some, and save the rest (minus a small amount for something nice and high-quality, like shoes, cologne, or a small kitchen appliance)

° × Warlock Background info post ° ×

CW: Small warning for the post as there will be gore art near the end of this post 🫶

I wanted to make a small(ish) post about warlocks backstory/info because I've been practically only relying on what i find in my notes app and what i remember in my head about him

I'll update this as i go / more info is added into this oc

Info under cut <3

// General information //

Name: Adrian Jan Gruszczyński

Aliases: Warlock

Rank: lieutenant

Affiliations: Shadow Company, GROM [formally]

D. O. B: [09/09/1988] September 9th 1988

Age: 37 Years

Gender: Male - Cisgender

Nationality: Polish

Ethnicity: (West) Slavic

Laterality: Right side dominant

Blood type: O+

Languages: Polish, English, Russian

Personality Type: ISTJ

Specialises in: Long-range-marksmanship, CQC, covert infiltration

Weapon of choice: Barrett MRAD Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle + SIG MCX-SPEAR LT Assault Rifle

// Appearence //

Eye colour: Light Blue

Hair colour: Dark Auburn

Height: 187CM

Weight: 75KG

Body type: athletic

Any markings and/or scars: smaller scars on his arms and legs from small accidents while on the field ie - barbed wire, knife/sharp abrasions.

Deep knife lacerations on his back that required stitches [now healed leaving deep visable scarring]

Chemical burn across the right side of his face, going down to his collar bone - his hair, ear, and neck being affected by the said burn - his right eye sustained little to no damage yet that is subject to change but currently the burn had only eaten away at a large amount of his face, exposing/ripping apart part of his lips - leaving half his mouth always shown.

That severity of a burn had led to him requiring a skin graph from his thigh, more surgeries would be needed in the future to better fix this injury.

The same chemical burn scarring also being on his right forearm, the scarring there hadn't caused major damage as it was partially burned from splashback from the chemicals being thrown onto him but still required the same attention and overlook incase it were to damage his ability to use said arm

// Mannerisms //

Best traits: Tactical Acumen , Loyalty , adaptability to situations

Worst traits: Neuroticism, abrasive nature, known to have workaholic tendencies

Mannerisms: He has a tendency to respond in a brutally honest manner - a trait he had picked up from how he was brought up. He's highly observant, frequently assessing his surroundings and the people around him, which contributes to his tactical acumen. Despite his stoic exterior, he shows support for his team through subtle gestures, like a reassuring nod or a brief, reassuring touch on ones shoulder. Adrian may engage in tactile behaviors like adjusting his gear, checking his weapons over when in deep thought or contemplation before deployment.

// Family //

Relatives: [N/A]

Relationship status: Divorced - 'Katarzyna Gruszczyńska' [estranged]

Children: 'Anya Gruszczyńska' [deceased]

Extra: carries romantic feelings towards his Commander 'Phillip Graves'

// Background //

- Adrian had began his career in the Polish Army when he had enlisted at aged 19, specializing in covert operations and unconventional warfare. He excelled in reconnaissance and stealth missions.

- Special Forces Training: Adrian's exceptional skills caught the attention of the top brass, leading to his selection for specialized training within Poland's elite GROM unit. He honed his skills in marksmanship, infiltration, and hand-to-hand combat.

- While Adrian was still serving in the GROM unit, a mission involving counter-terrorism took an unexpected and horrific turn as Adrian was part of an operation to neutralize a dangerous extremist group responsible for multiple attacks across the time-span of three years. During a high-risk raid on a remote compound that was found inside of a large town, a hostage situation had occurred. This tragically claimed the life of their young daughter, Anya - who had been staying with Katarzyna's parents at the time. Adrian had to witness first-hand the death of his only daughter in front of him. The only view he had was from the scope of his Sniper Rifle

- The loss of their child was an unbearable burden on Adrian and Katarzyna as grief and guilt overwhelmed them both - knowing that this turn of events could've been stopped much earlier than before, yet the two of them had tried to overcome this grief in two vastly different and unhealthy ways. Adrian's relentless commitment to his military career as a coping mechanism drove a wedge between them both - he threw himself into his work seeking solace in the missions to distract himself from the loss of Anya. While Katarzyna could not bear the pain and distanced herself emotionally from him, thus straining and ruining their relationship with one another.

- Overtime, It eventually led to their estrangement, with both of them unable to find a way to heal and reconnect amid the painful memories of their once beloved child. The two agreed to their own separate ways and eventually divorced.

- Shadow Company Recruitment: Adrian's skills and experience eventually caught the attention of the private military organization, Impressed by his service history, they offered him a position that aligned with his talents.

- Injury: During one of his mission within Shadow Company, a mission that Adrian was tasked on had gone south all of a sudden - leading to a gunfight with the enemy rather quickly. Said gunfight leading to Adrian getting hit with a nasty chemical burn across his face and upper left arm. This injury left him unable to serve fully for multiple months, leading him to need multiple different facial reconstruction / skin graphs surgeries to help aid in the healing and lessening the look of this injury he had sustained.

// Images below that show his injury: // + coloured in varient

Copycat: Agent Zero —(Marvel Fem!Oc)

A/N: My version of Billy is kinda comic accurate (cause i haven’t watched the netflix show) but like still not the same thing, I just wrote him as I saw fit so expect him to be pretty ooc ig -Danny

Words: 1,639

Phase Four Masterlist

Previous chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘Cardigan’ -by Taylor Swift

iv: Billy Russo

"Happy, I didn't come here for you to look at me like that."

"I'm sorry," he sighed, "I can't shake the thought that you're too young to be working as an agent."

"I'm too old to be running around the city dressed up as a cat," she replied, "being an Avenger doesn't pay the bills."

She was comfortable with the place she'd been granted, but she couldn't say she was content. During her youth, Cat's friends had made her feel a giddiness that she'd assumed was it, but after the blip, the memory had turned into a complicated matter.

"As long as you're happy," the man sighed, and she made sure to look delighted.

"Let's order food! I have a long day ahead of me but tonight I'm all yours. We can talk about anything."

"How's Harley doing?"

"We fought and now I don't talk to him," she tried to change the subject. "Pizza or Cheeseburgers?"

"Wait, hang on," Happy frowned, "he's your best friend!"

"My best friend's Wagner," she corrected. "Harley was... not even that much of a friend, it seems... he stopped talking to me at the very first chance he got."

"He stopped talking to you?"

"We fought." One minute they were hanging out and learning how to hack stuff, then the next they were yelling at each other from opposite sides of a street. "It's alright, Happy, not like I'll be able to keep any kind of relationship in the future."

"Pizza," he concluded, trying to make her feel better. "I expect you to call at least once a week, I'm a lonely man."

"You need a hobby."

People had stolen items from the ruins of the Avengers compound. Why it mattered was beyond her, but Fury wanted them back.

"Make sure the right people see you."

"Yeah, yeah— just to be sure, though, my name is Kate, right?"

"Katrina," Fury growled, "don't mess it up."

"I'm just messing with you," she smirked, sliding out of the car. "I'll get what you want, now leave me alone."

Cat was escorted to the lobby, she left her coat and moved to the main room, surveying it quickly. That night she was Katrina Maxwell, the adopted daughter of some British couple that had recently passed away, and who was interested in building her own empire in New York. She'd changed her hair to red, and her eyes were hazel. There were several people from the night she'd talked to Yelena in Los Angeles.

Thirty minutes into the night she was walking out of the bathroom, reaching the stairs two young teens ran into her.

"Sorry," the oldest blushed, "we— er, we're looking for our parents."

The little one moaned. "Ali, my feet are sore!"

The oldest sibling hushed the kid and looked at Cat guiltily.

"You're too young to be at the lamest party of the year," the way the teens' eyes lit up amused her. "I would sneak out if I were you..." She looked around to make sure no one else was in the hall. "Tell you what, I'll stand here ten seconds and admire this lovely mural—"

"That's wallpaper."

"You just lowered it to five. You wanna keep going or should I just call security?"

The children ran away, Cat stood there for a moment, reminiscing on the days Peter would help her sneak out dressed as their superhero counterparts. She remembered the night Pietro gave up on his only chance to assist a homecoming dance to help them... it was disorienting how different her present was compared to her youth, everything was somehow quieter, and the colors were duller but to be fair, her eyes had evolved too.

Cat would give all away in a heartbeat if it meant one week surrounded by her high school friends. Not that it meant anything, she would take those wishes and longings to the grave, agents must abandon all hopes for domestic life.

Cat found a spot near the bar, she sat and waited, no one had approached her but they knew who she was. Days before S.H.I.E.L.D had planted fake articles in some magazines about her, this crowd had spent a whole week reading about her life, and they were seizing her up. Scanning her clothes to decide whether she belonged in their circle or if she was just a clown in silk attire.

The thought of being examined from top to bottom reminded her of the day she overheard her classmates berating her. It made her wonder if she would have to endure that sort of stuff even now that she was an adult. She couldn't lose her temper this time around, Fury told her he could tolerate mistakes just once, and she'd already reached the full capacity of his forbearance.

Solitude in the face of an unexplored territory made her melancholic. She tried to ignore it, but it fought back. If only she had someone like MJ to calm her, if only she could give Peter a call, or even Harley...

Cat had promised she wouldn't get her friends involved in her agent stuff. She loved them, and the feeling was mutual, so she refused to put them at risk. The young woman remembered what she'd decided the moment Tony sacrificed himself to save the Universe.

If Tony could do it alone, so can I.

"Miss?" Cat gave a start. "Sorry, I just wanted to introduce myself," the older man smiled, "I've heard so much about you... sadly nothing from the mouth of a friend."

"I don't have any," she replied politely, "not in this city, at least. I'm Katrina Maxwell. You are..?"

"Jack Duquesne," the man shook her hand with a gentle grip.

He continued to make conversation about his girlfriend and the places Cat had to visit in the city—the country, in fact, if she had time for it. She wished he would stop talking for a moment, she was there to listen to conversations, and not to participate in one.

He got distracted ordering a new drink, she turned on M.O.U.S.E and the assistant quickly did background research on the people attending the evening. Most had questionable jobs, but nothing of interest for S.H.I.E.L.D.

Mr. Duquesne was useful in the end, once the event gave way to the cocktails and light dinner. He took her under his wing and introduced her to several people, at least now her presence felt natural.

Once or twice she spotted children gathering into little groups. Fancy evenings were no place for teenagers, she thought fondly of her nights at Peter's place eating pizza and playing videogames, the rides in aunt May's old car, and the way Ned would wheeze in the backseat every time Peter nearly missed a red light because he was too distracted by their conversations.

Someone tapped her shoulder, and when she turned a man smiled at her. "We meet again."

"William," the agent blinked, "I didn't see you before..."

"I just got here," he said, "I'm glad I ran into a familiar face, I don't know most people in attendance... even you! I ended up learning your name from an article, Miss Maxwell."

"Billy, you're here!" Mr. Duquesne had returned. "Let me introduce you to our newest: Miss Katrina Maxwell. I hope you can help her out. Katrina, this is Billy Russo, one of our youngest businessmen, always around and yet never takes part in the events."

"I'm happier as an observer," he grinned, "but I'll be glad to participate in the future if Katrina wishes to have a companion?"

"I'd love that!" Cat recalled Nat's observation about how she could use her charisma to get what she wanted, now more than ever it was proving to be an amazing skill.

Peter's frown flashed in her mind, as it would often do whenever she did something unethical. She pushed her shoulders back and drank a determined sip of her whisky, Peter didn't know her adult self enough to determine how she ought to behave. Pietro wouldn't have minded this tactic, he'd taught her how to flirt.

"I'm sure Billy and I will become friends remarkably quickly."

He had to be around the same age as Matthew, but Matt tended to be sweet whenever he was in a good mood. William's voice wasn't as charming as Matt's, but his eyes were darker and far more captivating.

What the hell was she thinking? Cat needed to pull her head out of her ass and start working, otherwise, Fury would degrade her to a shitty desk job.

She started a new conversation once they were left alone. "Mr. Duquesne already introduced me to a large list of places I could visit, but none of them is anything more than tourist fun. I'd like something that isn't a waste of time."

"That's a little unclear," the man responded, though he was smiling.

"Something I could turn into a hobby," she clarified, "I don't know, classical concerts that I can attend, art galleries with only the rarest, most beautiful works that I can buy and turn into my own collection..."

"A hobby, you say," he chuckled, "a girl your age should be attending the best clubs in town, or maybe shopping..."

"If the girl in question had nothing to worry about but to be a daughter," she pressed, "I'm no longer allowed to be irresponsible with my money. Getting a hobby sounds like a waste, but I know that's what I'll be needing when the business life gets to me."

"A wise view," Billy agreed, "I'll see if I can find the right thing for you."

"What are your hobbies, Mr. Russo?" She asked with a little smile. "Jack said you're like me, so now I'm curious."

"I don't wish to bore you, Katrina." He retorted playfully. "You might not want to take me to your place afterward."

"How about you get me that drink you promised, then?"

"I'd be delighted." Billy placed a hand on her back as he guided her, he also complimented her dress.

There was one thing that tipped off the balance to his favor when compared to Matt Murdock: he did not hesitate to make a move.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

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category: dumbair

katsuki bakugo x fem!reader

synopsis: katsuki getting serious, trip to korea and his concerns.

word count: 1.4k

warnings: +18.

note: second of category. third chapter of the series (should i make a masterlist?)

You two spent the rest of the morning together, at least what was left of it. Watching news, ordering food delivery and taking advantage of the free day that you both share. 

"I should turn on my phone" You said, heading to your belongins under Katsuki's gaze. Numerous buzzes and notifications. "Ah, shit..." You whisper.

"What's wrong?" Katsuki asks, clearly annoyed, being almost sure it was your shitty ex.

"Kijun, he's been calling like crazy" You sigh "I'll have to go to Korea."

Katsuki briefly felt like all that was built yesterday night was falling into pieces. What if you two made up? What if he finds a way to make you stay? What if he's again left there with a broken heart?

"I'm serius with you."

"Wanna go with me?"

You both speak at the same time. Katsuki's confussion and worriness disguised with his frown. Your gentle smile and eyes looking at him from above.

"I mean, if you want to go, we should sleep at my apartment. That motherfucker thinks he has some right over it".

"I'll talk to Deku,'' Katsuki said, standing and holding his phone. "I'm really serius with you. I don't want you to leave me here again for a shitty clown. Don't know how ya’ feel about marriage now, but in the future if you feel it's fine please let me know."

Katsuki finished and excused himself in order to call Deku and inform him about his trip with you and that he would be taking an extra day off, since he always took just one.

From the office Midoriya smiled happily for Katsuki and you. Finally taking place where you both belonged. With each other. Of course, he was alredy aware of the broken compromise between you and your Korean fianceé.

And you, you were left there thinking about marriage. Marriage with Katsuki. The sensation of hot cheeks as you thought about getting married to him. However, you know you have things to talk to a terapist and heal some others. So, yeah, you wouldn't probably think a lot about getting married in the near future.

For now you will only focus on being a good hero, reconnect with old friends and...

"It's done," Katsuki announced, getting out of his bedroom.

Him.

You and Katsuki had arrived at the café where you and Kijun had decided to speak. Quick kiss on his lips before separating, he going to a kinda far table, still in your vision range, and you sitting in front of the man that once was your fianceé.

"So in the end I was always right, huh?" He asks with a sarcastic tone in his voice.

"We remainded friends until the night I flew back after taking you out of my apartment" He clenched his jaw, "Katsuki fucked me really well that night and he'll do the same tonight."

"I think we should sell and split the money," he changes the subject "after all, it is under our names."

"You only paid the first two three months of maintenance fee, I gave the entrace and the rest of the apartment because you 'weren't a pro hero and didn't make as much money as me', am I wrong?"

"Ahg, then give me the car and the months I paid."

"You serious? I paid for the car, the only thing you paid was the insurance and this last month you asked me to pay it," Kijun throwed his head back and complained. On the other tables people started to whisper looking at your table. "Be an adult and keep it quiet."

"Then what do you want me to do? Wanna leave me here with nothing?"

"Even after what you did I do not wish you anything bad," you sighed "I suppose you're living with the journalist and I think I can sell you the car at market price minus the amount of insurance you have paid."

"I guess that's fine..."

You reunited with Katsuki after finishing the chat with your ex. He had finished his coffee and even took your recommendation on the strawberry cheesecake. He gave you the last bite as he saw that fucker heading out the café.

"Hey look at me," Bright green eyes looking at him, lashes bating and blushed cheeks "I love you, Tsukipie."

"Uhm? I love you too," he responds, caresing the palm of your hand "What deal did the shitman and you make?"

You playfully roll your eyes and look at him, "I'll sell him the car, I'm not gonna need it since I'll only come back in order to do community work in rural areas."

Katsuki hummed and nodded.

"You could come with me and take vacations at the farms."

"I would like that."

You took Katsuki to eat street food and convenience store noodles, things you usually eated while studying and working. Maybe that was the reason why you were able to save up a good amount of money. Been now aware of your bad habits during your living in Korea Katsuki wasn't really happy about it.

"Did you really eat this shit for years?"

"Yeah, and well, not like years, for field work we were sent to towns with farms and a metheorological agency," you explained "in my free time I went to these farms and help elders with rain and harvesting the crops."

"Sure they gave you marital proposses" Katsuki whispered as you two walked down the street to wait for the bus.

"Yeah," you giggle, holding his hand "I already had Kijun and before I had you..."

"You always had me, dumbair."

"You used to call me that before you fell with me!" You took a seat at the parade, Katsuki beside you.

"Yeah, ya fell with me too." 

"Yes, I did" You kiss one of his cheeks and giggle at the sight of rosy color in them.

You took out your phone, briefly going through news on the local main app and telling Katsuki about them, like the idol you like and showcases held. Until one catched Katsuki's attention.

"That one has your hero name."

"Uh?"

You click on it and it displays a whole article about your café visit. They called him your boyfriend and others actually revealed that he is Dynamight, the number 2 in Japan.

"What does it say about me?"

"That you're my boyfriend and hero number 2 in Japan, they put nice pics of you," you show him "my boyfriend is really handsome."

Bakugo proudly smiled at your commentary, of course he is. Katsuki saw the bus approaching and indicated to you to stand up.

Once at your apartment and before Katsuki entered the bathroom you took his wrist.

"Can we try something?"

Now you were both naked. Katsuki seated with oppened legs and hands on your ass as you devour his mouth and roll your hips over his tip. Tits at his neck level. Quiet moans on his lips as you work through your orgam.

"Wanna be inside...," He whispers, breaking the conection with your lips and taking care of your tits "so bad."

You hummed, feeling all over the place. Your hands running over his muscular shoulders and blonde hair, barely taking time to think before holding his dick and putting it inside you.

"Ah, fuck," you moan, hips rolling even harder until Bakugo cruelly holds your body still and pulls it againts him, "shit, Kats, let me..."

"Kats? Dunno him" he teases, sucking on your tits, "say my name, dumbair."

"Tsukipie, wanna come, please, Tsuki" You beg and he smiles at your desesperation.

He puts you down, legs on his shoulders as he violently penetrates your pussy, one hand messing with your clit and the other holding you still. You squirm under his touch, strong hold on the bed sheets, tears running down your cheeks and pleads comming out your lips.

"Oh my God, Katsuki!" You scream loudly and he pulls out finishing on your clit.

He touches you, your skin twitches at every little friction. Chest going up and down as you tried to recover. He comes to you after a while, starts cleaning his art on your pussy. Then he pulls you closer and you smell him.

"Tired," you whisper.

"Sleep baby, you were awesome," Katsuki whispers too and he leaves a kiss on your forehead.

Katsuki's eyes traveled to the window, he could see the moon shining. And you are lying by his side. He wondered how much that bliss was going to last, how much time you were going to be with him. Utterly concerned for the future, after all...

"Tsukipie..."

"Hum?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

𝐒𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 .

PAIRINGS : tooru oikawa x fem! reader , slight hajime iwaizumi x fem! reader

GENRE : angst , romance

WARNINGS : cursing , car accident , recovery from amnesia

SYNOPSIS : tooru doesn’t understand how special you are to him until he comes close to losing you forever . as he struggles to comes to grips with his feelings and balance it with his future , you still have to recover from your own injuries , but without your memories to assist you .

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐗 < [ 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐈𝐗 ] > 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈

if he really wanted to, tooru could tell you everything right here and now.

word count : 2k

saudade masterlist .

SAUDADE

( 𝐧 . ) a nostalgic longing to be near again to something or someone that is distant , or that has been loved and then lost ; “ the love that remains ”

⠀his knee wasn't the reason why he started crying on the gym floor. screw his knee for all he cared, tooru had dealt with his injury time and time again, a shot of pain through his bad knee hardly fazed him nowadays. nothing he couldn't just walk off.

⠀any resolve he had, his emotions couldn't be contained the moment you entered the gym. the pain he felt was unlike anything he had experienced before, clenching his jaw in futile attempts to suppress his gushing tears, his vision obscured and his ears focused solely on your soothing voice. he was too ashamed to talk amidst his breakdown, letting you do all the work and talking as he sat there, helpless. he didn't have it in him to dare explain himself.

⠀nothing hurt more to oikawa than watching you take care of him. even after your car accident, your amnesia, everything you've been through since then; you were still stubborn enough to take care of him first. the third year wiped his face, trying to collect himself as he watched you panic over his knee. his breath caught in his throat as he watched you gently place your hand where the brace was, as if afraid to injure him even more.

⠀"i'm fine," he whispered hoarsely, his voice drowned out by the remains of his early breakdown. "you can go, i'll be okay. you don't need to be here."

⠀even now, he was pushing you away - but your stubbornness remained. "but your knee," you urged, shaking your head as his words only seemed to pull you closer to him. tooru had never felt so claustrophobic in an open gym in his life. "please, you hurt yourself and it's my fault. the least i can do is get you something."

⠀you hardly even knew him. you had no recollection of him, withheld absolutely no memories - and yet you were as adamant as ever in wanting to care for his well being. he clenched his jaw at your words; he was beyond undeserving of your kindness from the start, yet you always kept finding your way back to him. he was nothing but a bad luck charm to you, but every single damn time you came back. tooru didn't know if you were stupid, or the universe just wanted to mock him for how he treated you before.

⠀he had only started getting back to practice for two days, only for his motivation to run down the drain the moment you waltzed into the seijoh gym by chance. even now, everything was coming back to him - he felt sick to the stomach. you were still fussing over his knee, almost cradling him as you looked around for anything that would get him off the ground. he was so distracted in his own thoughts that he never realized the pain in his knee never subsided.

⠀"there's a chair over there." giving into your relentless persuasion, he pointed to a folded chair not too far from the doors. "if you really want to help, getting me off this floor would be a good place to start."

⠀"got it!" no sooner had he finished his sentence, you were already off your feet, sprinting to retrieve the chair without a second thought. he watched you take the foldable chair and drag it back to him under your arm, focused completely on returning back to him as quickly as possible.

⠀something didn't feel right. his knee hurt much more than usual. while he became accustomed and numb to it, pain is pain. he tried to reach out and help you unfold the chair but you swatted his hand away, shaking your head as you flattened the seat for him to sit on. his breathing was ragged, fresh from his tears.

⠀your hand extended for him as support. after a moment's hesitation, he reached out and placed his hand in yours, the contact foreign as you managed to stand your ground for him. he pulled himself off the ground, clenching his jaw as he plopped all of his weight onto the chair the moment he hovered over the seat. he kept his right leg stretched out, to not bend or put any stress on his knee.

⠀before anything else could be said, you left him again, only to return with another chair for his leg. tooru watched silently as you took a deep breath, gently taking hold of his leg and lifting it onto the chair to elevate his injured knee. the male felt his heart race; how did you know to do this? the way you took control of the situation so effortlessly, it put him at a loss of words. anytime this happens, he usually has to tell people step-by-step to get his knee properly taken of.

⠀but you. you were always the exception, even now. what could the captain possibly say to you now? he watched warily as you simply sat down on the ground right next to him, looking comfortable where you were. the silent that soon passed between the two of you was deafening; you were right here. literally sitting here, you came to him. he didn't have to search for you. everything he wanted to say, everything he wanted to explain was overwhelming his tongue. but nothing came out; oikawa was a coward.

⠀"do you need me to do anything for you?" he was alarmed that you spoke up first, your face confused as your eyes met his. "should i call someone? do you want me to grab your bag? do you need help outside?"

⠀"no." out of force of habit he quickly snapped back, only for him to clear his throat with a cough and shook his head quickly. "no, but thank you. usually the pain subsides in a little bit. i'll be able to call for a ride home once the pain becomes manageable."

⠀"are you sure? i can call hajime, i'm sure he wouldn't mind - "

⠀"please, do not contact iwaizumi." hearing his name out of your mouth nauseated him to the stomach. "why isn't he with you anyway? aren't you two always together?"

⠀you seemed embarrassed at the fact that he knew as well. tooru hid a scoff; only an idiot wouldn't be able to see how he followed you like a lovesick puppy. "yeah, i get that a lot." he was taken aback by your tone - you sounded annoyed. "actually i... i asked him to leave me alone today. he's left me alone since lunch. i thought it'd be harder to get him off of me, but he never argued."

⠀did something happen between the two of you? the brunet third year couldn't decide whether he should be concerned or relieved; his face remained neutral, but this was certainly news to him. "why did you ask him to stay away from you? don't you... enjoy his company?" he spat words out like venom in his system, pausing for a second before sighing quietly. "i'm sorry, i don't mean to pry. you don't have to answer."

⠀"no, it's alright." you laughed - a sound tooru hadn't experienced in much too long. goosebumps travelled through every inch of his body as you shook your head. "truth be told, i just wanted to be alone for the day. i also..." your voice drifted off, looking down at your lap as you spoke up again as a whisper. "i've been wanting answers to my empty memories."

⠀and just like that, an invisible force punched tooru deep in the gut, his hands visibly going to his abdomen and wrapping his arms around himself hastily. "your memories, huh?' was all he bring himself to respond with.

⠀"i'm sure you've heard about what happened to me, with the car accident and the amnesia that followed."

⠀oikawa's back stiffened. "believe me, i know all too well."

⠀"i hope you don't mind me just ranting to you," you pursed your lips and hugged your own knees together on the ground, resting your chin atop your kneecaps. "but hajime hasn't told me a thing about my car accident, and it's been getting to my head. he'll tell me vague things before the accident, but never about the accident itself. i just want to know, i want to remember everything myself." looking up at your fellow third you, your head tilted. "wouldn't you want to know?"

⠀this was what iwaizumi was freaking about? tooru had heard of his skirmish with makki and mattsun, but because he wasn't on speaking terms with any of them, he couldn't go up and ask them for confirmation. he was almost angry - who was iwaizumi to keep your life locked away from you? it was the perfect chance to throw tooru under the bus, but he never took it. why?

⠀"i... would want to know, too." he hated where this conversation was going, but he had no way out of it. he wanted the subject change so badly, but it was coming to a point where it would be suspicious to do so. he wasn't ready. he wasn't ready to face his demons and confront you about the situation. if it was going the way oikawa was imagining it to be, you knew nothing about him. and you were assuming he knew nothing about you, either.

⠀"it's been frustrating. weeks have gone by at this point, and i don't remember a thing. i just want to remember something, anything from what happened."

⠀it was all coming back to oikawa, that dreadful day. the loss against karasuno, the words that hurt you, and the way your unconscious body was in iwaizumi's arms as he told his former captain to never step foot near you again. tooru did good in doing that, as he deserved to never be forgiven for what his immaturity caused - but you made your way back to him time and time again. he didn't know what to make of it, and it drove him crazy.

⠀"i'm sorry, you probably have no idea what i'm talking about." he watched as you stood up, dusting your uniform off as you crossed your arms loosely. "just the ramblings of a little girl, nothing special. thanks for letting me rant, though." you looked down at his knee before locking eyes with tooru once more. "do you need anything before i go? it's getting pretty late."

⠀"i'll be fine. i think i'll get up and get my things in just a few moments. thank you for helping me." to prove his point, he removed his leg from the chair and slowly bent his knee to sit up more. the sting was there, but it was manageable.

⠀"alright." awkward silence ensued, before you bowed quickly. "anyways, sorry for distracting you again, oikawa. see you tomorrow." you turned around and began walking out of the gym, since there was nothing else you could say to keep the conversation going.

⠀"wait!" he stood up, walking fairly slow to catch up to you, which you had already turned around confusedly from the urgency in his voice. you remained silent as he stood right in front of you, hardly any space separating the two of you as he struggled to find the right words to say. "whatever iwaizumi has told you or not," he said quietly, "what i can tell you is that now and before your accident, you're a wonderful person." he swallowed a lump in his throat. "and anyone who ever treats you like shit... doesn't deserve to have you in their life."

⠀mixed feeling arose as he noticed the faint blush color your cheeks subtly, backing up from you after finishing what he wanted to say. "it's not much," he muttered, "but i wanted you to know."

⠀"thank you, oikawa." you nodded your head and smiled. you had an unreadable thought in your eyes as tooru acknowledged your gratitude with a nod of his own, before watching you walk out of the gym rather hastily.

⠀just like that, he had let you slip out of his grasp again.

⠀he waited for you to exit the school before breaking down again in self pity, sliding down against the gym wall and biting his lip quite stubbornly to avoid yelling out in agony.

⠀"anyone who ever treats you like shit," he whispered, "doesn't deserve to have you in their life."

a/n : too dramatic? probably KFKSKFKMD

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Capture - Grayson Dolan [10/-]

summary: memories.

warnings: fluff, angst, & a little bit of swearing

a/n: i really liked writing this part, no matter how long it took me.. haha..

tag(s): @dearestbailey !

note: for purposes of respect, his father’s name is Brutus Dolan.

"Please be careful, your friends are pretty reckless. Especially at night, Grayson." Y/N warned with a worried glint in her eyes, a sore, unwanted feeling settling in the lowest part of her stomach.

Wrapping his muscled arms around her, he reassured her with a soft hum that vibrated against her neck. "I'll make sure they're careful, sweetheart." He tightened the embrace, like he was holding on for the very last time— in which he would..

And she returned it just as taut, as though she could foresee the unforgivable future..

"Y/N?" His mellowed voice shook the air around him as he questioned her name, withholding the tears that would soon fall the moment he left her arms.

"Yes, Grayson?" She held onto his name, letting her tongue slide over it for the millionth time. It'd never get old, the way his name made her heart flutter and her head spin.

"You know that I love you.." He took a large breath in, exhaling slowly through his nose, "And I want you in my future, for the rest of my life, however long forever lasts." His cheeks warmed as his eyes filled to the brim with the pain and acknowledgement of the near future.

"Just stay with me tonight, I'm sure your friends won't mind." Y/N could feel the doubt and sadness that washed over his tanned skin, and it made her heart sink. She wasn't sure what it all was, but this goodbye felt different.

"I'm sorry, Y/N." He withdrew his firm grasp of her, settling his eyes on her own saddened ones. She suspected something, he could tell, but she would have no idea of what is to come in the later hours of this very night.

He slipped his calloused hands around her cheeks, faintly drawing patterns with his thumb as he took in her face for what could be the final glimpse. And before he could control himself, he rested his lips against hers in a rhythmic beat, holding onto the lasting feeling of her lips on his.

So surreal.

"I love you too." Her words boomed in his ears and made his heart pump ten times faster, after breaking away from each other's warmth.

Grayson let her words sink in through his ears and blend into his blood, caging her voice in his head for the rest of eternity.

He took a couple steps back, sparing one more glance before brushing his fingertips against the door handle, leaving with a quick huff and slam of the door.

If he wouldn't of left then, he would've never been able to leave ever.

Tears began to trickle down his face, staining his cheeks red as the wind whipped against his face and his choked-up sobs closed his throat.

Y/N didn't shed a tear, she had an eerie feeling, but she couldn't bare the thought of a life without him— so she didn't think of it at all.

-

"That's impossible.." Your voice gloomed as your brows furrowed into a dark mix of confusion and surprise, bringing that inordinate sense of tears filling your eyes.

You wouldn't cry, not in front of him.

You aimlessly searched the room with your wandering pupils, anything to stray away from meeting his mournful gaze. "He died ten years ago, in a crash.." Those very words made your stomach churn and uproar with anger and hurt. An unexpected sob rushed its way through your mouth and broke the barricade of tears that filled your eyes, short hiccups following in suit.

"There's a lot of explaining to do, I know, but please trust me—"

"You expect me to trust you?" Anger now rushed through your burning veins, your stained cheeks becoming a fiery red. The overflowing amount of tears that seeped from your eyes had rolled all the way down your chin and neck, the fabric of your shirt absorbing the warm liquid.

"No Y/N, I don't." He began with his jaw clenched, frustration beaming from his countenance, "But please let me explain myself, I beg you." His hand slid its way around yours, but you declined his warmth and drew your hand away.

You didn't respond right away, although the desperation had clouded your head and you took a seat. "What's his favorite color?"

"Green."

"Brothers name."

"Ethan."

"Sister's na—"

"Cam."

"Favorite food."

"Pancakes." He smiled.

"Birthday."

"December 16, 1999."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-four."

"Fuck you." You oh-so-softly smiled, your stomach fluttering. You were convinced, surprisingly easy, but you couldn't help the familiarity of his face and body, though there were a lot of differences as well...

The two of you stood in silence for what could possibly be forever. You wiped the drying tears from your cheeks, sniffling the remnants of your emotional state away.

"Would you like to talk in the garden?" He questions, breaking the pause and raising his arm just enough for your own to hook around it, a pleading smile curving his lips.

Oh, how you wanted to giggle and wear a cheesy grin like you would've done all those years ago, but everything has changed. You've grown up, matured from teenager to adult, dealt with the side effects of losing a loved one at such a young age.

It wasn't easy after he left.

"I guess.." You answered, crossing your arms over your chest. You didn't want to give him the satisfaction of your skin on his, something he's taken for granted.

Saddened, he lets his arm fall back to his side. "I forgot how stubborn you were." He chuckled, motioning you to follow as he began a walk in an uncertain direction.

"You've forgotten a lot of things.." You murmured, sighing as you begrudgingly trail after him.

It wasn't too long of a trail to get to what you assumed to be the backyard of such an estate, which of course had an utterly beautiful and blooming garden. The both of you were stood on the cement patio, halfway dry and wet from all the rain, you had noticed.

"Here." He handed you a pair of bright red rain boots, eerily the correct size. He had his own, purple rubber covering almost up to his knees as a plasticy yellow coat hung on his shoulders. It was a humorous sight, such an intimidating man looking like an eight year-old excited to play in the mud.

Child at heart, huh.

He helped you into a smaller coat like his, making it difficult to hold back an awful grin. You didn't share any words as the two of you began the path that led to the garden of sorts. There seemed to be two sides; one for vegetables and one for all the colorful flowers.

"It wasn't my choice, y'know.." He spoke aloud, walking side-by-side with you down an aisle of vibrant purple and blue tulips. You hummed in question, traveling your fingers softly over the delicate petals of a certain petunia, a rosy pink one that faded into white.

"To leave you that night, unknowingly saying goodbye for the last time. I didn't want to do it."

"Then why did you." It was more of a demand from your lips than a question.

"My father needed me." He seethed, an anger arising in his tone at the remembrance.

"I needed you." You stated under your breath, sucking in a large breath. "Who were all those men in that room the other day?" You questioned, changing the subject to ease his frustration.

"My men, and I'm sorry abo—"

"No you're not, you enjoyed that." You knew he would try to apologize for embarrassing you in front of a crowd, but does he really think you're that innocent to believe him? Not anymore, now.

He kept silent, although a small smirk crept on his lips. "Explain who your "Men" are." You had had enough of all the questions in your head, and now seems like the perfect time to discuss them, finally get some answers for once.

"They work for me and my business. It was my father's before mine and Ethan's." His low voice echoed outside, bouncing against all the trees and wildlife.

"How's Ethan?" You pondered, slightly wondering if she's seen him at all.

"He's doing fine, a ladies man from what the boys say." He chuckles, sticking his hands in his pockets. "We haven't been talking much lately, just business inquiries and such. He misses you, a lot."

"I miss him too, and Cam." You reminisce on all those old memories, smiling to yourself. "How's your mother? The last time I talked to her was graduation." You furrow your brows, sorrowful that you hadn't kept in touch with such a kind women.

"She's as good as ever, still compares everyone to you." He smiles too, showing those pearly whites that you were so used to.

"Grayson?" The mention of his name on your tongue gave him shuttering goosebumps, something he didn't think he'd ever hear again.

"Yes, Y/N." The two of you completely stopped to face each other, his brows crossed and your eyes full of question.

"Tell me what happened.. that night, when you left me.."

-

Grayson slammed his fists against the steering wheel, on the brink of screaming and cursing the world for its cruelness as tears fell rapidly. Eternal hatred filled his lungs, and the air around him poisoned all the happiness he had ever had a grasp of.

And it was his fault.

Brutus, his father, whose heart was made of stone and his mind of brick, took away the only thing that kept him sane in such a sickening world.

Y/N.

“You have no say in this, son. You knew this day would arrive, and now it has.” Brutus’s cold stare burned into Grayson’s eyes, unaffected by his own child’s mourning.

Grayson didn’t fight back, he hardly moved from his seat that was set in front of his father’s large, stained desk. His entire body hurt; first beginning from his heart, down his legs, up his neck, and finally pooling within his eyes.

“You have one final goodbye with her. Follow my instructions, Grayson, and you’ll thank yourself later on.” Brutus stood, barely acknowledging the sorrowful man hung low in his chair.

“I’ll never forgive myself.” He hoarsely whispered to himself, straining the sobs away— lost within himself.

His heart shattered as he followed through with his father’s word; a faked death alongside his brother.

to be continued...

House Isekai: A Realm Reborn - Part 2, Through the Maelstrom (2 of 3)

House Isekai ARR Masterlist Here

—

Client: Hilda Valentin Goneril

Refusing to work with the newly reformed House Isekai due to Class VII, Duvalie takes her orders and storms off to Goneril territory, trying to get home faster. Not wanting to leave Duvalie completely alone, Raelyn and Fireteam Alpha-Nine accompany her.

Reports indicate of a giant serpent-like beast terrorizing the ocean trade routes near Goneril territory, and an unknown entity accompanying it…

—

(Raelyn) “I will accompany her to ensure their survival. Until then, House Isekai.”

Raelyn turned to the portal and walked through it.

After getting the minimum knowledge required about the Abyss Mages, Buck and his squad followed her through the portal.

(Kazuma) “…Wait a second, none of them knows anything about Fodlan. Why did we let them go anywhere alone?”

(Sitri) “…That’s a good question.”

When Duvalie stepped through the portal, she was still muttering to herself angrily.

(Duvalie) "Ugh, the nerve of those people! As if we can work hand in hand like nothing's ever happened!"

Her ranting continued, even when Raelyn stepped in behind her, looking around his environment.

(Raelyn) "...Duvalie, was it?"

(Duvalie) "And that jackass, Rean! What on EARTH ever made him think we were friends?! I ought to-"

Raelyn sighed and holstered his bolter. Even his footsteps didn't alert her.

(Raelyn) "Cease your complaints."

Duvalie spun around and opened her mouth about to continue until she realized she was only up to his lower chest. Her head tilted all the way up for her to even see Raelyn's helmet.

(Duvalie) "Listen you giant yellow tin can, you don't know what they're like!"

(Raelyn) "They seem calmer than you."

(Duvalie) "Tch, whatever. Why are you even here anyway? I can handle this on my own!"

(Raelyn) "Ah, then I assume you know the layout of the land? The person we're supposed to meet? What the state of the world even is?"

(Duvalie) "...I-I...I can just figure it out myself!"

(Raelyn) "Indeed."

Raelyn turned to the portal and saw the ODST squad walk in.

(Buck) "Right, we got the information we need. As for lay of the land, think one of the locals is about to tag along."

Aigis and Kazuma were on the other side nodding about to say something before the portal suddenly closed.

(Mickey) "...Or not."

...

Everyone was confused on why the portal closed.

Sitri made sure no one was looking at her as she whispered.

(Sitri) "Sothis?"

(Sothis) "Uh, don't look at me. I wasn't even the one who opened it."

(Sitri) "Wait, then where did...?"

...

(Romeo) "Great. Now we gotta wander around and pray to god it's the right way."

(Dutch) "Not even sure the good lord would poke his head out in wherever this is."

(Duvalie) "Wha-DID THEY CLOSE THE PORTAL ON US?!"

(Raelyn) "You were the one who wanted to do this alone."

(Duvalie) "IF I WANT YOUR INPUT, I'LL ASK!"

(Buck) "Enough of the shouting already! Complaining isn't going to do us any good. Besides, we got the data we need, we'll be fine...probably."

(Duvalie) "Fine, whatever."

Duvalie had her hand on the sword sheathe as she stormed off.

(Duvalie) "Let's get going then."

(Mickey) "Wrong way. It's behind us."

Duvalie quickly marched towards the direction Mickey pointed to, muttering something.

Raelyn slowly walked up to the squad.

(Raelyn) "I cannot speak for her, but it is a pleasure to fight alongside you."

(Buck) "Feeling's mutual. Come on, we should hurry before she pops a vein."

The five walked casually behind Duvalie who stayed in the front.

Fodlan, Goneril Territory, Evening...

[Stilness of Night - Trails of Cold Steel 3 OST]

The group eventually found a path leading towards a town inside Goneril territory, and continued on it until the sun began setting.

(Buck) "Huh. Place doesn't look half bad with a sunset."

(Dutch) "Yeah, somethin' you'd see from a storybook."

(Raelyn) "I have not had the pleasure of experiencing a world as quiet as this before."

(Duvalie) "Hm. My world was something kind of like this, but not as primitive to not have lamp posts at least."

(Romeo) "Think you're the most primitive out of all of us here, lady."

(Duvalie) "Excuse me?!"

(Mickey) "Changing the subject, just how far is this place?"

(Buck) "Shouldn't be more than a few minutes. The town according to that Sitri lady is about to come into view right about...Ah, there we go."

They eventually reached the top of a hill and saw a small fishing town with the sunset directly shining on top of it.

(Raelyn) "Excellent. We should reach the town by nightfall."

They all continued walking silently until Dutch spoke up.

(Dutch) "So uh, any idea what that creature is like?"

Everyone had read the report given to them by Sitri, but no one actually knew what they were in for.

(Romeo) "It said a serpent, so maybe an underwater snake or something."

(Mickey) "We aren't strangers to alien life, but I doubt it'd be simple to kill. This place seems to have magic after all."

(Raelyn) "It matters not. If our guns can work, then we can kill it."

(Duvalie) "I'm more concerned about those weird floating chubby things the Knights of Favonius mentioned."

(Buck) "What did they call them...Abyss mages?"

(Dutch) "Think that's it. They don't seem that tough to beat."

(Romeo) "Especially when we can put a round between their eyes from a hundred yards away."

(Duvalie) "If that's the case, then why are they so dangerous?"

(Mickey) "Guess we'll find out soon. Until we actually fight one, don't think we can properly assess the situation."

Finally, they reached the town's entrance. The concrete path shook beneath their equipment, gathering strange looks from the townsfolk.

Some mothers hid their children behind them while some of the men passing by whispered to each other.

(Romeo) "Think we might be standing out a little."

(Duvalie) "You all maybe, I look perfectly fine. Might be mustard bottle over here that's getting all the looks."

(Raelyn) "...You are referring to me?"

(Duvalie) "Duh! Who did you think I meant?"

(Raelyn) "What is 'mustard'?"

(Buck) "Good lord man, just how far in the future are you?"

(Raelyn) "It is the 42nd millennium."

(Dutch) "...Damn. That explains why you don't really seem to lighten up."

They made their way to the center of town, where multiple people kept staring at them.

(Romeo) "Any particular reason why we're standing out in the open like this? Not exactly doing us any favors with the people here."

(Duvalie) "Shut it, trying to find a tavern or something. There's gotta be one here."

Mickey and Buck helped Duvalie look around their surroundings to try and find a tavern. Romeo and Dutch shrugged and made sure the townspeople weren't going to try anything.

Raelyn was about to help when he heard small footsteps approaching.

It was two children who were chasing each other, most likely playing. They had failed to notice the offworlders they were running towards until a girl hit her head on Raelyn's leg.

(Girl) "Ow...! What in-"

Her eyes went wide when she stared up at the 8 foot tall Space Marine looking down on her.

Both the kids look terrified until Raelyn knelt down, trying to get on their eye level the best he could while taking off his helmet. He made sure his Bolter was strapped to his back.

(Raelyn) "My apologies. Are you hurt?"

(Girl) "N-...No sir."

Raelyn offered a hand to the girl. His hand was massive compared to the child, he could effortlessly crush her head with one hand.

Yet, he was extremely gentle in making sure not to harm or intimidate the children, the girl grabbing his hand and standing up.

(Raelyn) "If I can bother you for a moment more, do you know where the Tavern is?"

(Boy) "Um...It's to your right, mister. The building next to the docks."

Raelyn nodded and motioned away from them.

(Raelyn) "Thank you. Get home safe, now."

(Girl) "Thank you, mister."

The two kids appeared to be put at ease despite the size difference, and continued playing as if nothing happened. Something that shocked the adults watching.

The ODST's and Duvalie watched the exchange and were surprised that this walking ton of armor managed not to utterly terrify the two kids.

(Raelyn) "You have your tavern. Let us get to it."

(Duvalie) "...Right."

They continued off to the Tavern, still noticing all the adults watching them, albeit slightly more at ease.

(Romeo) "Now that sweet moment's over, time to see how well you work with a bar full of drunkards, big guy."

(Dutch) "Come on, I'm great with people."

(Mickey) "Sure, you are. How about Raelyn? Actually can he even get through the door?"

Duvalie was the first to enter, followed by the ODST's with Raelyn the last one.

He stared awkwardly at the doorframe, and back to his armor.

Even if he tried to crouch, he would break the doorframe.

(Raelyn) "I...will keep watch out here."

(Romeo) "Put those people skills to work."

(Buck) "Think you should be worried about doing that yourself."

[Another Round - Final Fantasy XIV OST]

Everyone inside the bar stopped talking when they saw Duvalie march in with the ODST's.

Duvalie saw the bartender and sat down on a stool.

The bartender was a bald middle aged man who had clearly seen better days. He had a scar over his left eye and a beard that was barely kept clean.

(Bartender) "...Can I help you with something missie?"

(Duvalie) "We're here on request of...what was her name?"

Buck stood next to Duvalie, making his visor visible so the bartender could see his mouth.

(Buck) "Hilda. Ring a bell?"

(Bartender) "Ah, Lord Holst's sister. And who exactly do I owe the pleasure of speaking to?"

(Duvalie) "I'm Duvalie."

(Buck) "Call me Buck, and this is my Squad. Fella outside is with us too."

(Bartender) "I see. And another question, who exactly ya workin' for? Don't see people dressed like yer group at all."

The people in the nearby tables began whispering. Mickey was the furthest from the group but he was only able to hear snippets of conversations.

(Man) "Hey, you think those are those House Isekai freaks? The ones from the calamity?"

(Man 2) "They sure as hell don't belong here, that's for sure!"

(Man 3) "Worse, they could be spies for the seppies'!"

(Mickey) "Think we might got a problem..."

Duvalie was clearly getting impatient, and before she could open her mouth and start a bar brawl, Buck butted in.

(Buck) "Mercenaries. We work for money."

The bartender raised an eyebrow as he eyed them up and down. Finally shrugging, he dropped the question.

(Bartender) "Fair enough. We'll send a letter to let 'em know people have arrived to take care of the problem. Shouldn't be more than a day or so. Now, ya buying something or am I going to have ta' throw your asses out?"

(Duvalie) "Hmph. Thought bartenders were supposed to be friendly."

(Bartender) "And I thought customers were supposed to be paying."

Now Dutch decided to intervene.

(Dutch) "Apologies for the lady. She's got a temper on her. Surprise us."

(Bartender) "Can do. You got gold?"

Everyone looked at each other awkwardly.

(Romeo) "Oh you have got to be kidding..."

(Buck) "Think we can get this one on the house?"

(Bartender) "This isn't a charity. And you're mercenaries, right? Surely you got some gold on you to get all the equipment on yourselves."

This got more people talking, and it was clear some of them were getting riled up.

Raelyn could hear the conversation from outside, and saw some of the adults from earlier getting a closer look at him.

(Raelyn) "..."

Raelyn's visor picked up more signatures. Some of them were armed. He used one hand to knock on the doorframe, alerting Romeo and Mickey.

(Romeo) "Hey, Gunny. Think things are about to get real ugly."

One of the customers stood up from his table and shouted with an ale cup in hand.

(Man) "Come on, pay the damn drink and quit causing a scene! Mercs always got coin on them! You one of those damn offworlders?!"

(Man 2) "Nah, worse than one, he's a seppie!"

(Man 3) "WE DON'T WANT ANYMORE TO DO WITH YOU, KEEP YOUR SEPARATIST MOVEMENT OUT OF HERE!"

More and more people riled up, making the ODST's keep a finger on their triggers.

Duvalie kept her cool on the outside, ready to lash out if someone dared make a move.

Raelyn grabbed his Bolter and calmly held it in his hands, watching everyone suddenly stiffen up.

(Bartender) "...Well?"

(Woman's voice) "Sorry, sorry. We'll pay, they're with us."

Everyone suddenly turned to a girl who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, putting gold onto the table.

Duvalie made a noise that no one could decipher if it was a swear or a gasp.

Buck turned to the girl who had just saved them from a potential firefight.

[End Song]

(White-haired girl) "They just forgot to bring their gold with them...Again."

(Bartender) "Hmph. Aren't you a little young to be the boss of a mercenary team, kid?"

(White-haired girl) "Could say the same for the second Blade Breaker."

(Bartender) "Hah, got me there."

(Duvalie) "I...You...!?"

(White-haired girl) "If you wanna complain, do it later and not in front of customers. Gives us a bad rep."

(Buck) "...Thanks boss."

Everyone quickly played along.

As Raelyn was about to point the Bolter at everyone, two more people got in front of him, motioning to the left.

(Blue haired girl) "Hey, got our room. Quit standing around all scary-like."

(Orange haired boy) "Come on, it's this way!"

The orange haired boy winked at Raelyn, and having no better idea, he played along.

The blue haired girl looked at Fie and nodded.

The white haired girl slid the gold to the Bartender and sighed.

(White-haired girl) "We'll take it to go. Keep the change."

The white haired girl turned to the group and pointed at the blue haired girl.

(White-haired girl) "Follow her and don't cause a scene again."

Duvalie looked like she was about to scream when she saw the blue haired girl. Not wanting to deal with this mob, Buck shoved her along.

(Duvalie) "H-Hey, what the?!"

(Buck) "Shut the hell up and move it, the last thing we want to do is start a fight!"

The ODST's, Raelyn, and Duvalie followed the orange haired boy to what appeared to be a rented out building. Amazingly, Raelyn could actually fit through the door.

When everyone was situated, the blue haired girl put a device on the door and window, and with a little static noise, she nodded in satisfaction.

(Elliot) "Whew, man! Things looked SUPER bad there..."

(Laura) "Oh...It's you. That would explain how the townspeople became aggravated so quickly."

(Duvalie) "Believe me, you lot are doing the same to me...!"

(Elliot) "Wait...Duvalie?!"

(Romeo) "Jesus lady, just who DON'T you know?"

(Raelyn) "More friends like Rean, I presume?"

(Duvalie) "WE ARE NOT FRIENDS!"

(Buck) "Clearly. Anyways, thanks for pulling our asses out the fire. Where's that white haired one?"

The door opened, and she was carrying some mugs of ale in her hand.

(Fie) "...Hey."

She casually gave most of the group their mugs, leaving Duvalie without one.

(Duvalie) "...Really?"

(Fie) "Figured you didn't want one...Actually, we didn't figure you'd be here at all."

(Romeo) "That's great and all, but mind explaining just who you people are?"

(Elliot) "I'm Elliot! That's Fie and Laura, and we were part of the original House Isekai. Class VII, to be specific."

(Dutch) "And clearly you know Duvalie."

(Laura) "For better or worse..."

(Raelyn) "Seeing the situation we are in, I would rather not alienate the only help at talking to the locals here."

Despite the fact he had a helmet, she could feel a piercing gaze shoot straight through her.

(Buck) "Agreed. So, what brings people such as yourselves here?"

(Fie) "Hm. Long story short-..."

===

Doomguy's Base, 1 Day Earlier...

[Briefing Time - Trails of Cold Steel 3 OST]

(VEGA) "All attempts of establishing a secure line has failed. It appears something is blocking our ability to respond."

Doomguy frowned as he checked the screens. Nothing was damaged on anyone's end, yet he was only able to receive Sitri's distress call.

He said nothing as he turned to the teleporter. It appears someone was finally arriving.

(VEGA) "Signatures detected. Class VII members: Elliot, Laura, and Fie. Authorize access?"

Doomguy nodded as he put his helmet on, letting the three former House Isekai members materialize onto the pad.

The first one was Laura, quickly followed by Elliot and Fie. Elliot appeared to be staggered while the other two were barely fazed.

(Elliot) "Oh man, still not used to that!"

(Fie) "Doubt we ever will."

(Laura) "Instructor. It's been quite some time."

They turned their attention to Doomguy who gave them a nod.

(VEGA) "It is a pleasure to see you all well."

(Laura) "Likewise. I only wish the circumstances were better."

(Fie) "Tried contacting everyone else we could, but they were either busy or didn't respond at all, so for now we're all you're getting.

(Elliot) "We received a distress call from Sitri. Is everything alright in Fodlan?"

Doomguy shrugged and motioned for them to follow him out the room.

(VEGA) "A distress signal was sent out, and normally we would have been able to respond, but an unknown variable has been preventing us from doing so. However, we are still able to keep track of any movement via teleportation of former House Isekai members."

(Fie) "If it has the ability to block dimensional calling, that's pretty strong, whatever it is."

(Laura) "Has anyone else been able to respond this entire time?

(VEGA) "Yes. Rean Schwarzer, Towa Herschel, Satou Kazuma, and Aigis have been the only four to do so."

(Elliot) "That explains why we couldn't call Rean and Towa."

(Laura) "Aigis I can understand, but for Kazuma to show up? That surprises me."

(Fie) "Guessing you haven't been able to ask them what's going on either?"

(VEGA) "Your assumption is correct."

(Fie) "Guess that means we gotta get our hands dirty."

Fie checked her gunblades and stretched her arms.

(Laura) "Hopefully combat won't be necessary."

(Elliot) "Buuut that doesn't really seem possible, if I'm being honest. Trouble tends to follow us no matter where we go."

Doomguy checked his shotgun's ammo as he opened up the door to another teleportation chamber.

(VEGA) "We thank you for responding regardless, but we will ask if you may investigate this phenomenon on our behalf."

(Fie) "Sure. Things are pretty stable back home."

(Elliot) "So, if we're going into Fodlan, how are we going to keep in contact?"

(VEGA) "We are assuming there will be a total communications blackout. If you do not respond within a week in Fodlan's time, we will directly intervene."

(Laura) "All right then. Looks like our goals are to find former House Isekai members and find out what's going on."

(VEGA) "Affirmative."

(Fie) "Mission parameters established then. Let's begin."

(VEGA) "...Strange. There appears to be a teleportation to the Goneril territory."

(Elliot) "What's so weird about it?"

(VEGA) "It was not activated by Sothis, but rather the tower itself."

(Everyone) ?

(Laura) "But there is no one there. Right? Instructor Byleth made sure of that."

(Fie) "Guess that's another thing we gotta investigate. First let's head to where that teleportation took place.."

(Elliot) "That's Hilda's last name, isn't it?"

(VEGA) "Hilda Valentine Goneril. Unofficial retainer to Claude Von Riegan."

Doomguy stood behind a console and pressed several buttons and looked at the members of Class VII.

(Elliot) "So three things to do, got it! We'll see you soon!"

(VEGA) "Good luck, Class VII."

Doomguy gave them a thumbs up before he pulled the lever.

They were absorbed into a beam of light and were taken to the location VEGA reported...

...

===

(Buck) "So...that portal wasn't theirs?"

(Fie) "No. Something else pulled you here, and we came to find out why, among other things."

(Elliot) "On top of that, we have to find out specifically why you all were brought here. Our group didn't have much reason other than it being chance but yours it seems almost deliberate."

(Raelyn) "I fail to think of anything unique happening to where I'd be brought into a world like this."

(Dutch) "Same with us."

(Duvalie) "Agreed..."

(Laura) "Well, despite the unusual circumstances that has brought us here, the former members of House Isekai ask to join forces with your group."

(Raelyn) "No objections here."

(Romeo) "It's either work together or be stuck in this place forever, so we might as well."

(Mickey) "You got our support."

The ODST's and Raelyn turned to Duvalie.

She crossed her arms, barely able to keep her anger down.

(Buck) "How old are you, exactly?"

(Duvalie) "SHUT UP! FINE! FINE! WHATEVER, YAAY WE'RE BEST FRIENDS! NOW ENOUGH!"

(Elliot) "Hah...g-glad to see she hasn't...changed?"

(Raelyn) "There is nothing about her personality that I have seen thus far that you should be glad about, Elliot."

(Duvalie) "EXCUSE ME?!-"

[TO BE CONTINUED]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 3k

Warnings: swearing, mild smuttiness

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 9 Part 11

Part 10

We eventually got up. We showered and dressed. I fed Perrin, and we ate breakfast. I asked Liam what his plans were for the day.

"Not much. I thought I would stay with you until you kick me out." He winked. "What are your plans?"

"Well, I have to kick this guy out..." I said with mock agitation. Liam feigned a look of hurt. "Not much until tonight. I'm going to Dave's house for dinner. I'll see my nephews and niece, which will be good. My Mum too, I suppose."

"Dave's your brother, right?" I nodded. "You haven't told me much about your mother. I think this is the first time you've mentioned her."

"We don't always get along. Mum's mellowed as she's gotten older, but she was a bit of a tyrant when I was growing up. She didn't like Andy. Well, she didn't like any of my boyfriends. She always judged them based on their jobs like she wanted me to end up with a doctor or lawyer or something like that. It's like she thought she'd wasted her money sending me to a private school because I found myself attracted to tradies."

"What's a tradie?

"A tradesman."

"Gotcha."

I laughed at a memory. "I used to tell my friends that if a guys hands weren't calloused enough to cause a run in my stockings, then he has no business touching my legs."

Liam burst out laughing. "Are you serious?"

"What can I say? I like a man who is good with his hands." I shrugged before continuing, "anyway, that's one reason why my mum and I didn't get along."

"What about your Dad?"

"He passed away three years ago."

"I'm sorry."

I didn't say anything for a while. I played with the crusts of my toast, breaking it into little crumbs. I think Liam sensed my mood and changed the subject. "You went to a private school?"

"Yeah," I said. "An all-girls, Catholic one at that."

"Well, that explains a lot." Liam quipped, his tone very serious, but his twitchy lip gave him away.

I narrowed my eyes and frowned. "I hate you."

Liam ignored me and cupped my face with his hands. "Kiss me." He ordered. And I did.

We spent most of the morning sitting together and talking. We spoke about the books we were reading. We found that we had similar taste in books when we talked before we met. Liam had recommended a book to me, and I had finished it a few days ago. I showed him my bookshelves, and we compared which ones we had read. He asked to borrow a couple.

Later we just sat on the lounge. We talked, held hands, cuddled, kissed, had coffee, and then some tea. We took turns patting Perrin, who had taken to Liam really well.

It got close to lunchtime, and it seemed like we were both trying to work out a way to avoid the inevitable parting. Neither of us had brought it up since breakfast. Eventually, Liam asked, "when can I see you again?"

Liam was sitting up, and I was laying on my back with my head in his lap. Liam was stroking my hair, sometimes taking a curl and twisting it around his finger. I smiled when I saw him do that since I had done the same to him earlier.

"As soon as possible," I replied. "I'm going to miss your pretty face." I reached up and patted his cheek patronisingly.

He gave me a small smile but didn't say anything. Then his god damned lip twitched.

"What are you thinking?" I asked. "I can tell when your lip twitches that you're thinking something naughty or you know something I don't know."

"My mother tells me the same thing." His lips stretched into a full grin, revealing his Hollywood white teeth.

"Well, I'm not your bloody mother, so tell me."

"I was just thinking about all the parts of you that I'm going to miss."

"You're very cheeky."

"Unfortunately for you, my mother tells me that too."

"You're a fuck knuckle," I said, smirking. "I'll bet your mother doesn't tell you that."

Liam's eyes went wide. "Bloody hell, Sweetheart. Anyone would think you didn't like me." He was smiling though.

"It's because I like you that I insult you. I'm very polite to people I don't like." I said, putting a sickly sweet smile on my face and batted my eyelashes at him.

"You're lucky you're cute." Liam leaned down and kissed me. "You haven't answered my question. When can I see you again?"

"Well, we both work all week. I guess that means we will have to wait until Friday night."

"Do you want to come to my place on Friday after work? Spend the weekend with me?"

"Ok. I'll ask Dave when I see him tonight if he will have Perrin for me. But it shouldn't be an issue."

Liam's face was unreadable for a moment. Then he smiled and kissed my forehead. "I'm already looking forward to it." He sat back and said, "well, I suppose I had better call an Uber."

I sat up and waited for Liam to book his ride. When he had finished, I said, "Call me tomorrow night. After work?"

Liam nodded. He scooped me up and sat me on his lap. "Don't worry, Sweetheart. You won't get rid of me easily." He smiled and caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers. "Now, kiss me."

I threw my hands around his neck and kissed him hard.

Liam kissed me back, his arms wrapped around my waist, and he crushed my body into his. Our kisses became ardent, and I squirmed on his lap. I didn't want to let him go. Not ever.

I wanted him again now, and I cursed myself for letting him call for an Uber. I felt like he was part of my life like I had already given let him into my heart when I let him in this house. This sacred place. Mine and Andy's place. It seemed as though he had just blended into my life and any thoughts of the future now included him.

But I also knew enough to hold back, to remember I didn't really know him. The weekend wasn't real life. It was an illusion. It wasn't the daily grind of work, come home, sleep, do it all again. To make it worse, Liam's life wasn't normal. Would I adjust? Could I adjust? Did I even want to try?

I knew I did want to try, at least. Liam seemed worth it. Worth the risk of another broken heart, another love snatched from my grasp. If I didn't try with Liam, then who would I try with? And if I never tried, then love would be gone from my life forever.

Liam pulled away. "I had better go now, or I think I'll never leave." We got up just as his phone alerted him the driver was less than a minute away. He grabbed his bag, and I walked him to the door, and he followed behind me up the hallway.

We got to the door, and before I could open it, he turned me around and pinned me to it with his whole body. His forehead pushed against mine. He kissed me, forcing his tongue into my mouth. He ground his body against me. "Lana," he breathed. "Lana, I..." He stopped talking, kissed me again softly then pulled away.

I didn't know what to say. I didn't want Liam to stop. "I'll call you tonight," I said despite our plans to call tomorrow night. I knew I wouldn't be able to wait until then. I opened the door for him.

As he walked out the door, Liam put his hand on the back of my head. He brought me to his face, and he kissed the top of my head. "As you wish." He winked and pulled the door closed behind him.

The rest of my day felt lonely. I moped around for a bit. I threw Perrin the ball for a while. He was too old these days for more than a few runs, but he still loved it. I did some washing, cleaned my bathroom and put my Ben and Jerry's tub in the bin. I painted my nails.

When the afternoon wound down, I called Riza.

"Hey, Slut!" She said when she picked up.

"Piss off," I said back.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense. What the fuck happened?"

"I don't even know where to begin."

"Well, did you fuck him?" I shook my head. If Liam thought I was direct, he should talk to Riza. I didn't say anything. She knew me well enough to know what the answer was by my silence. "'Bout fucking time." She said, and I laughed. "So tell me about him. What's his name? What does he do for work? Where does he live? Boxers or briefs?"

"Uh, his name is Liam. Liam Cross."

"Like the actor? Man, that's weird. I knew a girl once whose name was Indiana Jones. I couldn't do it cause I kept thinking about Harrison Ford."

"No, Riz. Not like the actor, he is the actor."

Stunned silence. Then, "you're shitting me."

"Serious as a heart attack."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I didn't know who he was," I told Riza about the Will/Liam thing.

"You're really not joking. Send me a pic."

"I didn't take any."

I swear I could hear Riza roll her eyes. "Of course, you didn't. You never do!" Then she shouted, "Hey Jen! Lana..."

"Riza! No, no, no!" I shouted.

"Fucked Liam Cross," she finished.

I hung my head. Fuck. I could trust Riza, but Jen, I wasn't sure of. She spent all day on Instagram and Snapchat. I didn't know if she could keep quiet.

"You there, Lansey?" I heard Jen talking in the background. "Hang on a sec, what's that, babe?" More Jen talking. "Oh shit, you looked good on Friday night Lans, no wonder you got fucked."

"How do you know what I wore Friday night?"

"Jen found pics."

"That quickly?"

"Yeah, they're everywhere. Some of you guys at a shop too. Hey, that's the shop near Mike the Butcher, right?"

This was news to me. I knew they took pictures, but I didn't think they were posted. I should have though. Why wouldn't they be? "Fuck."

"Did you just meet him? On Friday?"

"Yeah, why?"

"There's this one picture of you two, and he's touching your cheek. You two look like you're in love," she teased, making love sound like llllooooouuuuv. "Ha! There's Perrin!"

"Is my name mentioned? Do they know who I am?"

"Doesn't look like it. You two look perfect together."

"Tell Jen not to say anything. Please?"

"Yeah, yeah, no worries."

She kept talking, but I'd had enough. "I've gotta get going," I said.

"Lans, you ok?" She knows me too bloody well.

"Yeah," I bit my lip and took some deep breaths. "It's a lot to take in, you know. He's bloody famous, it's like, I don't want that shit in my life."

"Is he worth it?"

"I think so. I mean, he's a sweet, kinda daggy guy who happens to be built like Hercules and sexy as fuck. What's not to like?"

"I always thought he was gay."

Before I could stop myself, I said, "He's definitely not gay. I'd never believe a gay guy could growl a girl out like he does." I've got to learn to keep my mouth shut.

Riza yelled, "yas girl! You got a keeper!"

I laughed. "Fucking hell. Alright, Riz, I've really got to go. Say hi to Jen. Don't say anything!" Riz agreed, and we hung up.

Dinner at Dave and Lucy's was mostly uneventful. I jumped with the kids on the trampoline and played some wrestling on the PlayStation. My mum wasn't too much of a bitch. I forgot about the pictures and didn't think about Liam for a while. I needed that. I felt like the weekend was such a whirlwind and so much happened I needed some time to get back to normality, something familiar.

After dinner, Mum went home, and the kids wanted to watch a movie. I got on the lounge with the two older ones, Charlie and Harry and went through Netflix. Lucy had taken Lilly to bed. I saw Liam's face in one of the movies thumbnails, and I groaned. It was the one where he was a superhero. It was nearly ten years old. Though it didn't seem possible, he was even more handsome now. I quickly flicked past it.

"No, Aunty Lanny, I want to watch that one," Harry said.

"Isn't it too scary?"

Dave called out from the kitchen, "it's their new favourite. They've been watching it all week."

"Then we can watch something else," I said.

Both boys protested. I half relented. "Have you seen the sequel?" It had much less screen time for Liam since he had teamed up with a couple of other superheroes in that one.

"There's a sequel?" Charlie was excited.

So we watched the sequel. I'd seen it before, but it was weird watching it now. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Although it was obvious that Liam was the actor, it was surprisingly easy to forget him and believe he was really the character.

He looked different to the Liam I knew. His hair was lighter, he was clean-shaven, and even the way he held his face was different. The way he moved and mannerisms weren't Liam's either. His voice was different too. The most apparent change there was the accent. Those harsh American tones seemed so strange after hearing his soft Queens English ones. Although, scenes with his shirt off still made me think of Liam.

After the movie I said goodbye to the kids, and they went to bed. I asked Dave if he would watch Perrin next weekend. I tried to sound casual about it, but Dave knew me better than that.

"Girls weekend?" He asked. I tried to say yeah, but I blushed, and he knew it wasn't a girls weekend.

Dave was eight years older than me, the same as Liam. I adored Dave. I remember following him around as a kid, wanting to do everything he did. As we got older, I watched the same movies he did, read the same books he did and listened to the same music, which is probably why I prefer 90s music to 2000s music.

He was sweet about it for the most part. He even got me alcohol a few times when I was 17 and took me to the pub with his mates when I was 18. He was protective though. Not one of his mates was allowed to touch me. It had made me mad at the time, especially when I had the hots for his best mate Chris since I was 12. So when he worked out that I was probably going to be spending the weekend with a guy, I expected him to freak out. He didn't.

"Is he a good bloke?" Dave asked. "Treating you well?"

"Yeah, he is." I couldn't help but smile.

Dave grunted, "I can tell by the look on your face, you are smitten. Alright then, Perrin can stay."

"Thanks, Dave. Don't tell mum."

"Yeah, Nah. I'm not stupid."

I went home and got ready for bed straight away. I was mentally exhausted, but I still called Liam. Not only because I said I would. I did miss him in my bed already. I felt lonely again. Of all the things about being married I missed, sleeping with somebody else in the bed was high on the list.

When I went to call, I was confused for a minute because I couldn't find his number. Then I remembered he was in my contacts as Will. I changed the name and called him. I hoped I wasn't calling too late.

"Hello, Sweetheart." Liam's voice sent a ripple of excitement through me.

"Hey," I said. "How was the rest of your day?"

"Good. Do you want to FaceTime?"

"I'm in bed."

"Me too." He said, and I heard the ring of FaceTime come through the phone.

I answered. Liam's face appeared. So did his naked shoulders. Sweet Jesus, he couldn't fit in the frame.

"Much better," he said, smiling. "How was your day?"

"Ok, I just hung around at home then saw the fam. Dave said he would have Perrin next weekend," I got flustered thinking about it. I cleared my throat. "So yeah, that's sorted."

"Excellent. I'm really looking forward to it. How was the family? Was your mum ok?"

"Yeah, she was good. The kids are fans of yours, by the way."

He gave a short laugh at this. "Really? Did you tell your family about me?"

I said I didn't and told him about the kids and the movie. "They loved it. I liked it too." I told him about how it was strange to watch him act after actually knowing him, and for a lot of the time, I had forgotten it was him. I just believed the character and enjoyed the story.

"Thank you." Liam seemed genuinely pleased. "That is the aim of what I do."

"I did tell Riza about you. Her wife, Jen, found pictures of us almost immediately."

"Did you see the ones from yesterday?"

"She told me about them, but I've not seen them."

"You ok?"

I shrugged, "it is what it is. I asked them not to say anything about us."

Liam changed the subject and showed me he had started one of the books he had borrowed. Once again, I was grateful that he seemed to know my mood and not push me.

We talked for about ten minutes before I started yawning.

"I better let you go. You're tired, Sweetheart."

"Yeah," I said as a yawn overtook me. "I think you're right." I blinked several times, my eyes watering from the yawns. "Call me tomorrow night?"

"I definitely will. Goodnight, Sweetheart."

"Night, Liam." I fell straight asleep.

Part 11

Chloé & James

Chloé: You were SO unreceptive at dinner Chloé: more than usual Chloé: your sister is now talking to ME, asking what's wrong James: tell her to forward it to me Chloé: It isn't a business email Chloé: I'm your WIFE Chloé: I should know what's going on in your life but you never tell me anything James: & yet it'll end up in my father's hands regardless Chloé: Oh how dreadful that your loved ones are concerned about you James: they aren't concerned, Chloé James: simply in need of dinner entertainment James: it's as good an icebreaker as anything else, that's all Chloé: How dare you Chloé: I'm very concerned that you won't tell me Chloé: That always been great things, yeah? James: Matilda's crying can you go and be concerned about her, please? Chloé: Trying to change the subject and call me a bad Mum Chloé: Thanks so much, James James: I'm just asking you to check the baby is okay Chloé: She's a baby, they cry Chloé: and you don't know what I'm doing as well as trying to communicate with you James: I know you're not brushing Jay's hair because I am Chloé: Good Chloé: that doesn't change the fact we need to talk Chloé: or you need to talk to your sister and CONVINCE her you're fine Chloé: you make me look bad too when you do this James: I'll call her as soon as I get the chance Chloé: Yes, thank you Chloé: Can you plait her hair, please Chloé: I want it in ringlets for school James: you know she prefers to wear it loose, your punishments are getting more creative Chloé: IT IS NOT A PUNISHMENT Chloé: Don't be morbid Chloé: it looks scruffy loose James: well, if you'd agree to letting her have it cut, that wouldn't be a problem Chloé: So she can look like a little boy Chloé: I'm saving her the future embarrassment of looking back on awful photos James: okay James: I'm sure she'll thank you then if not me right now for these plaits James: would you like them french? Chloé: I'm looking after the baby, I can't be in two places at once Chloé: and no, lots of little ones James: but if I do them as two neat ones they can stay in Chloé: I don't WANT them to stay in Chloé: when you take it out in the morning she'll have lots of curls Chloé: [sends reference pics like he's an idiot] James: fine Chloé: Thank you James: do you know where all her school socks have gone? Chloé: Ugh, no idea Chloé: My Mother needs to bring some laundry back I think Chloé: she'll have to wear tights James: she'll be upset enough about the curls Chloé: I can't magic socks out of thin air! James: no, but you could call your mother while I call my sister Chloé: Please get a grip, James Chloé: I'm not chasing up socks at this o'clock the night before School Chloé: she'll have to deal, you spoil her James: she'll make herself sick, Chloé, you know the state she gets herself worked up into James: & it's me who'll have to deal with that Chloé: She's not a baby Chloé: she needs to learn Chloé: She's jealous of Tilly James: I'm well aware of her age, she's only 6 Chloé: Old enough to put tights on and suck it up James: I'm not having this fight with you again Chloé: Then you do something about it James: I will Chloé: 👏 James: I'm going to your mother's, do you need anything else? Chloé: She'll tell you James: please put Matty in her car seat for me Chloé: Why? James: because the drive will put her to sleep James: I can't be up with her all night Chloé: Okay Chloé: hang on Chloé: [is ages] James: Chloé James: I don't have time for this Chloé: Excuse me Chloé: You think you're the only person doing things? James: my thoughts are currently taken up with asking myself why it is you're incapable of doing one simple thing that I ask you to James: are you that mad at me for my supposed behaviour at dinner? Chloé: Well now I'm mad at you for the way you're speaking to me Chloé: [throws child at him] James: however you feel, don't take it out on our children Chloé: You upset me and then I'm the bad guy Chloé: Sounds about right James: I'm sorry if you're upset but I fail to see what I've actually done wrong James: at any point this evening Chloé: You could barely hold a conversation Chloé: with YOUR family Chloé: it was mortifying James: because I've been working for them non-stop James: & because I can't have so much as a single glass of anything alcoholic without my sister believing that I need to go back to rehab Chloé: Exactly Chloé: You've already proven yourself as weak in that capacity Chloé: Of course they're going to think that whenever you're behaving odd Chloé: I know better but that's not a happier picture to paint James: you'd rather they think I've relapsed than tell them the truth? Chloé: You tell me, James Chloé: Because I don't think I know the truth right now, do I James: what gory details are you hoping I'll divulge exactly? Chloé: Your actual addiction Chloé: Don't play dumb James: I'm a recovering drug addict, that's all James: if that disappoints you, I'm really sorry Chloé: If you were sorry you'd be a faithful, loving husband to me Chloé: I'm sorry you aren't having a spa retreat because you can't keep it in your pants James: like you were so apologetic when you had sex with that guy last time you were at the spa? Chloé: You make me feel terrible about myself Chloé: you don't pay me any attention Chloé: of course I have to go somewhere else Chloé: I'm a woman, I need to feel loved James: sometimes you deserve to feel terrible about yourself Chloé: How could you say that? Chloé: I gave you your kids James: & they'll always be the best thing that ever happened to me James: this isn't Chloé: Then act like it Chloé: it's a package deal, a family Chloé: treat me with the respect I deserve James: I do act like it James: there's no more I can physically or emotionally do Chloé: Well it's not good enough Chloé: I need you Chloé: When's the last time you came near me James: you know when Chloé: Yeah, when you want another kid, I'll get a look-in, okay Chloé: I'm a person too, you know James: it wasn't me who wanted another child Chloé: So now it's my fault Chloé: and Tilly's a mistake Chloé: Wow James: if it makes you feel better to twist every single word that comes out of my mouth James: I love her, you know I do Chloé: You know I won't have you around them if you are going to say things like that Chloé: I have to protect them James: you can't protect them with lies Chloé: You just said you didn't want her! Chloé: and we know Jay's situation is far from ideal James: I didn't want to bring another child into this, no sane person would Chloé: They have everything Chloé: Including a good dad, when you're not going around fucking every whore in sight James: I don't do that any more Chloé: I know you do, you're different Chloé: I know Chloé: I'd rather you were on the blow James: how can you say that Chloé: Everyone still does it Chloé: You just have to take it too far Chloé: Handle your shit like a man, why can't you James: you don't understand, you never fucking have Chloé: You don't wanna admit I have a point, more like James: there are things I'd rather not admit, that's not one of them Chloé: Don't taunt me Chloé: You know when I find out who she is Chloé: I will let everyone know what she is James: there's nobody to find out about James: all of that is over Chloé: you have to be getting it somewhere Chloé: it's not from me James: I told you, I'm not a sex addict Chloé: How can I believe anything you say, James? Chloé: That's the problem James: the problem is, you'd prefer to label me as a sex addict who fucks whores than admit what the actual problem is Chloé: The problem is you Chloé: you don't treat me how you should Chloé: Leave the baby with my Mother James: yes, but not just me, you've never treated me right either James: & no, I'm not going to do that Chloé: I'm not going to be in any state to look after her tomorrow Chloé: Not now Chloé: I'm going to bed, the sofa has your name all over it Chloé: or your whore's, I don't care anymore James: that's barely a threat James: I'll look after her, as I would on a typical day Chloé: University is over, James Chloé: You'll be working full-time now Chloé: You can't turn my own daughters against me James: I'll take her to work with me or I won't go in, nothing is as difficult as you'd like to make it Chloé: Sure, you can explain to your Father why you've got her Chloé: and how you treat me whilst you're at it James: he's well aware of everything I do for you & our family Chloé: Ha! James: we can't go on like this, Chloé Chloé: Goodnight James: you wanted to talk Chloé: And you've made me cry Chloé: Goodnight James: please Chloé: Unless you're apologizing I have no interest in whatever you think you need to say James: I'm sorry I made you cry Chloé: Yes, you should be James: I don't want things to get as bad as they were before Matty, okay? Chloé: You know how to make it better James: no I don't Chloé: Show me you're sorry James: what does that even mean? Chloé: For God's sake, James! Chloé: You weren't an actual virgin when we got together, why are you like this Chloé: it means presents and meals and trips and showing me off James: why do you think that'll make anything better? James: the only person that benefits is you Chloé: You are so selfish James: I honestly wish I could be Chloé: You should have thought about that James: of course I should've James: but I wasn't thinking then Chloé: You have responsibilities Chloé: as a Father AND as a Husband Chloé: and you neglect me and I'm sick of it James: you're sick of it Chloé: And what is that supposed to mean? James: it means what the fuck am I if not sick of it too! Chloé: Well, it's tough, like I said! Chloé: You're my Husband and the Father of my kids and that's the end of it James: I'm taking Matty & Jay & we're going to my parents Chloé: No you are not Chloé: You don't get to take them anywhere Chloé: not away from me James: I'm their dad James: & you said yourself that you're not going to be able to look after them tomorrow Chloé: You aren't taking Jay anywhere Chloé: leave Tilly with my parents Chloé: if you take them, I swear I'll call the police James: I'm not leaving her with you James: not when you're like this Chloé: I'm trying to go to bed! Chloé: You come home Chloé: now James: you're trying to proposition me James: I'm not coming home to that Chloé: I said you're sleeping on the sofa, how could you possibly get that from that? Chloé: I've long since given up on you in that department, as we both know James: explain Matilda then Chloé: She's a bloody year old Chloé: You think I've not had sex in a year? Chloé: and I know you have so don't try to make me feel bad Chloé: maybe if you didn't get it other places, we could have a normal sex life but that's never gonna happen, is it James: we've never had a normal sex life, Chloé Chloé: Cecily and Marc do it every night Chloé: and they've been together ages now James: I'm so happy for them James: but that's never going to be us Chloé: Why are you so shit Chloé: at everything Chloé: I don't get anything James: what more do you want from me? Chloé: That's such a ridiculous question Chloé: I want us to be a happy family, like I have to put on the brave face and pretend to the world we are Chloé: You know this James: yes, it is, because you've got everything that I am capable of giving you James: we're not a happy family, let me go Chloé: No Chloé: You're the Father of my Children Chloé: you're all I've got Chloé: we have to make the best of it James: you don't love me James: don't you want to be in love? Chloé: I want you to love me James: no, you don't James: you want me to do as I'm told James: I'm not a child or a dog Chloé: Why don't you love me? James: because James: I don't even like you Chloé: You're killing me James: we're killing each other James: let me go Chloé: I can't James: I can't do this any more Chloé: We have to Chloé: there's no out James: of course there is, marriages end Chloé: No Chloé: I can't do it alone and I won't Chloé: you know I won't James: you wouldn't be James: I'm not leaving the kids Chloé: Stop Chloé: You aren't leaving anyone James: Chloé Chloé: You aren't Chloé: I will not be divorced James: you can't force my hand forever Chloé: but I can Chloé: I'm the Mum and you know the courts would favour me Chloé: there's nothing you can do about that James: I've still got rights Chloé: Try it Chloé: I can assure you, you'll never see them again James: don't say that Chloé: No, I mean it Chloé: You are not leaving me James: you can't stop me from seeing them, I'm not unfit Chloé: I will Chloé: there's so much I could use against you James: it's been years since I touched drugs James: & everything else I've done, you have too Chloé: If you're willing to risk it Chloé: shows how much they mean James: you know how much they mean to me Chloé: Then stay Chloé: Be a Father James: I am a father Chloé: Not if you leave Chloé: I'll make sure of that James: I told you, I'm not leaving them James: but I can't be with you Chloé: You have to be Chloé: they're mine Chloé: and I'm not being used as a babymaking factory and then discarded James: that's not what happened Chloé: yes it is Chloé: you don't love me and you never have Chloé: you don't even like me James: but I didn't set out to use you Chloé: You made promises Chloé: legally binding ones Chloé: I will ruin you James: I know I did Chloé: Every penny you earn will be mine Chloé: You can't get rid of me, so stay James: I don't care about the money, you can have it Chloé: You don't care about anyone but yourself James: that's not true James: you said I was a good father Chloé: I don't think that now Chloé: you're playing with their lives James: I'm trying to make their lives better Chloé: Why don't you murder me Chloé: you want me out of the way James: stop it Chloé: No James: you're their mum, they need you too Chloé: No one needs me Chloé: and no one wants me Chloé: not even you James: they both do Chloé: you've poisoned them Chloé: Tilly can barely crawl and she already prefers you James: I spend more time with her, that's all James: don't keep giving her to your mother Chloé: Don't tell me what to do Chloé: I try! Chloé: See, you're poison Chloé: they'll never love me James: Chloé Chloé: Leave me alone Chloé: you've ruined my life James: I'm sorry James: I never wanted things to be like this Chloé: Do you think that's good enough? Chloé: You all ruined my life Chloé: I'm everyone's last choice James: you have to take some responsibility Chloé: This is your fault Chloé: you and your fucking friends Chloé: I tried, so much harder than any other girl, to be what you wanted Chloé: and you all just threw it in my fucking face James: this isn't what anybody wants Chloé: Fuck you Chloé: you've said enough Chloé: I know I'm the fattest and the ugliest but I can't help that James: you're not James: it's not about what you look like Chloé: It always is Chloé: McKenna would rather fuck his own flesh and blood just because she's hot James: he's got nothing to do with why we aren't right for each other Chloé: You're all the same Chloé: if it weren't you it'd be one of the others Chloé: you're all horrible James: I am horrible, but so are you Chloé: I'm miserable Chloé: everyone hates me James: you don't have to be James: miserable or hated Chloé: Yes I do Chloé: I've never been anything but Chloé: people pretend to like me Chloé: for a while James: you don't have to have Diana drive you to rehab in order to make changes James: it's not the only way Chloé: I hate my life Chloé: I don't even like the girls James: you don't mean that Chloé: Yes, I do Chloé: at best, I feel nothing Chloé: most of the time there another thing in my life that refuses to go right James: you just need help Chloé: I didn't want them Chloé: I didn't want you Chloé: none of this is right James: so we'll change it Chloé: No Chloé: I don't have the energy Chloé: What I want, I can't have Chloé: so neither can you James: please James: I can help you Chloé: Don't make me laugh Chloé: I want to go away and start again and be another person Chloé: I'll be so so slim and beautiful and everything I say and do will be cool and funny and right and everyone will love me and I'll find someone who worships me James: neither of us get that luxury James: Jay and Matilda exist James: you & me exist as we are, with all our mistakes Chloé: Oh I'm sorry, who got to piss off to rehab like they were some kind of celebrity Chloé: I'm going James: it wasn't like that Chloé: Whatever Chloé: you left James: I had to James: for everyone's sake James: you think I'm useless as I am now, who I was then would be worse Chloé: at least we had fun Chloé: I'm so bored Chloé: this is all so boring James: did we? Chloé: I did Chloé: Who wouldn't rather be at a party doing lines than staring at a fucking baby all day Chloé: changing shitty nappies and feeding it slop James: you didn't have to keep her James: you decided to Chloé: I was 15 Chloé: what the fuck did I know Chloé: who the fuck decided I could make that decision Chloé: it was wrong and I've lived to regret it that's for fucking sure James: you weren't 15 when you decided to do it all again Chloé: You were leaving then too James: how many children do you think will make me stay? Chloé: Only needed the one James: you can't treat people like this James: it's fucked Chloé: If I don't get to be happy Chloé: you don't either Chloé: someone else had to feel it too Chloé: not get happy endings they didn't fucking deserve Chloé: not over me James: our daughters deserve to be happy Chloé: you make them happy James: I try Chloé: you do Chloé: so don't leave them James: I won't Chloé: Good Chloé: come back yeah James: are you going to try too? Chloé: I do James: I mean it, Chloé Chloé: I just told you how hard I try Chloé: listen to me, for fuck's sake James: it's hard to hear, but I am Chloé: Try living it James: okay James: I'll be right next to you living it Chloé: I'm going to bed now Chloé: do not let them wake me James: wait until I get back at least Chloé: why James: because we need to do things differently somehow Chloé: its far too late for that Chloé: I've never loved you either Chloé: you can stay and you can know that Chloé: anyway, i took some sleeping pills Chloé: I'll be out James: how many? Chloé: enough to keep me asleep 'til you're all out of my sight tomorrow James: you understand what I'm asking Chloé: calm down, i wanna feel good not die Chloé: she's watching tv James: I'm coming back now Chloé: yep Chloé: you are

Others of my Kind: Part One (My story for the photo prompt)

{-Hiccup wouldn't let Toothless hear him scream against the pain when the Outcasts and Alvin tortured him. He was used to physical pain from being bullied by Snotlout for as long as he could remember before they stopped the Red Death. Then, he'd had to protect Berk and life became even more painful on Berk as he and Toothless had to protect it. He'd always hidden his pain from Toothless. His now beloved Night Fury meant the world to him. He was the only one who seemed to enjoy being in his company, even after they saved Berk. He couldn't take the thought of Toothless hating him for being weak. He'd accepted his romantic feeling for Toothless months ago. He heard a rumour a couple weeks prior to their capture by the Outcasts that the dragons had humanoid forms that still had a few of their dragon features, but looked mostly like a regular human. Hiccup had considered this interesting and watched Toothless for several days after hearing it, but the dragon made no sign of having any such ability. So, he did not believe it.-}

Toothless...

{-I hear my darling Hiccup's whimpers of pain everyday. I know he's in the cell right next to me, but we haven't seen each other since we were captured a week ago. I love that little Viking in more than just a friendly way. My senses are going crazy, and I sense a faint presence that seemed to be watching us both, but I was bound and in a cell, so I couldn't investigate further. There is a rumor and yes, it is true we dragons have human-like forms, but we haven't revealed them to the people of Berk yet, because we don't know what they'd think of us. If they'd panic, if they'd think we were watching them, pretending to be their friends to find out their weaknesses and deepest, darkest secrets. I was especially worried that is what Hiccup would think since I didn't reveal my humanoid form from the beginning. He'd be hurt that I didn't show him all of me when we first became friends. I wasn't honest with him, and I regret that, deeply, I do. I know at least all his secrets, and yet he doesn't know all mine, especially that I love him romantically. How pathetic is that, I know. I, Prince Nightwind of the Night Furies--known and famous for my bravery, mind you--am to much a coward to tell my scrawny, stupidly highly smart, awkward, understanding, amazing, innocent Viking crush that I can turn into a part human and that I love him. Hiccup would understand, eventually why I kept this secret. That was one of many amazing things that was so great about him about him. That was the part that told me me that everything would be alright between us. I just wanted Hiccup to instantly be okay with me, as selfish as that sounds, being what and who I am. So fragile and special he was to me, I would not let anybody hurt him. It's funny, I never thought I would find myself fallen so hard, especially for a human. And a runt of a Viking at that. I was--sooner than I could stop it--smiling so hard and like an idiot at just the thought of Hiccup. So innocent and purity overload. I heard some of the things the Outcasts said to him when they tortured him. They teased him for being a virgin and not knowing any sexual ideals and references at his age. He's fifteen! In my culture, it's not uncommon, unheard of and it is definitely nothing to be ashamed of if you don't know those things when you're seventeen! Plus, it's not his fault that nobody liked to be around him growing, that's their loss, he's an incredible being. In short, he had no one to teach him these things. Except maybe Gobber, but by the way my dear friend Rock (her bulky Rider called her Meatlug) described the way he taught the teens in dragon training, I definitely don't blame Hiccup for not going to him for help and advice on this subject. It wouldn't have been much help anyway, because his teaching style is turn them loose on it and let them figure it out on their own. Being new to it, it would make sense that just doing it with no clue what to do would scare him, and so would any sort of intimacy. You could not say I was wrong. Even when we were together and he was showing me his form of affection, which I probably enjoy way too much, he won't get anywhere near my stomach because he knows at the bottom is my sheath for my cock. I want him to touch me, and I want to touch him. His cock, I never seen, he never lets me see him undressed or in the process of doing so and I hate it. I understand he's shy, though. So, no he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to show me. At least, I hope it won't come to that...I am almost at my dragon's body's limit to exhaustion where I'll be forced to turn back into a human, though...-}

Hiccup...

{[I am not happy that I haven't gotten to see Toothless for a week and I don't know whether or not Alvin kept his word to abstain from harming him if I didn't fight back. He is called Alvin the Treacherous. I'll be able to see for myself today, apparently, though, because Alvin said that for keeping my word, he'd let me see my dragon for a few hours in the same cell as a 'reward' for handling my 'lessons' so well. He made it perfectly clear, though that the guards would be returning to beat me in front of him, then take me away from him forever. They were laughing about how my new captor had 'special plans' for me once he had me in his clutches. I knew what they were saying. I was to be raped, and Toothless could do nothing to save me from my captor, because he would never find me. I tried to remain optimistic that Toothless and I would find a way to escape in the few hours we would have together. No matter how hard I tried, things seemed to remain bleak, that outcome becoming less and less likely in my mind, the guards were right and that would be my future, and his would be uncertain. I just hope he finds escape simpler without me.-?

Guard 1: Come, you dragon boy?

Guard 2: Yer reptile's waiting for your arrival.

{-I stood, weakly, and they, picking to grab me on the back of my neck, marched me to the cell adjacent to mine and opened the door and shoved my weak body onto the ground. The closed and locked the cell door. They didn't need to bind me, I in too much pain to stand again, I'm amazed I could just moments ago. The guards walked away as I attempted to roll onto my side from my belly to be able to see Toothless and have a semi-easier time breathing than on my front side. Rolling (had I already been on my back) was one thing I could actually accomplish without the pain when I used my arms. I pushed myself up in absolute pain, but I pursed my lip and fought off the urge to produce a sound, even a slight hiss from the pain. I swerved and managed to sit against a wall, where it escaped my lips, a loud wince and I couldn't stop my hand from covering my ribs. I felt the sharp pools of toxic green on me and I looked up without hesitation to meet the gaze of my muscular, sleek dragon staring intently--no boring intrestedly in me. I hadn't laid eyes on his black-scaled chassis for days, a week, much less his entrancing eyes. I managed a weak smile, that grew from ear-to-ear, me no longer caring how much pain it would surely inflict and put upon me. I was just so happy to see him. Adrenaline filled me as I stood--very weakly and painfully--shaking. My great Night Fury looked to me smiling his signature TOOTHLESS smile.-}

Toothless...

{-Here they come, they're bringing Hiccup to me. The two burly Outcasts unlocked the cell door and shoved him to the ground inside my cell after they'd held the back of his neck so hard, it would definitely leave a bruise. They carelessly forced him to the floor and LEFT, locking the cell door behind on the way out. I knew they'd be coming to check on us in a half-hour. Hiccup was in pretty bad shape, he was bleeding, bruised and that was just his dorsal side. I knew he was in immense pain, but he rolled and swerved into a sitting position anyway. He let out a sound before he could stop it of agonizing pain and held his rib/side. I roared, concerned about him, but he met my piercing gaze without hesitate and forced through the pain to smile at me. Seriously, was he happy even though he knew I could tell he was in excruciating pain? Was he happy to see me that much? I gave him my signature Toothless grin which had earned me my name given by Hiccup himself. He smiled ear-to-ear, not caring about his pain. I loved this human, of this I am sure. Standing to on his prosthetic leg and the real one, still smiling-}

Hiccup: Hey, bud, (shyly) I'm so glad you're alright...

{-Did he just say that with the amount of pain he's in? Oh no, I feel dizzy and numb and weak. Hiccup can tell that my eyes are going in and out of focus and has the nerve to ask if I am okay and my eyes go blurry and I can feel my bones changing and the magic dust forming around me. Well, at least this way, Hiccup can see it first-hand. It takes about half of a minute before I hear the dust settle down and stop feeling my bones change. I look back up at Hiccup, my eyes becoming less and less blurry and finally coming back into sharp focus where I can plainly see Hiccup with a curious and concerned--not frightened face. I am in shock, I thought he wouldn't accept this. Suddenly, I see him push his undoubtedly burning with pain arms to get him off the wall and struggles to maintain his balance as he struggles to advance towards me without falling, he is shaking uncontrollably--in apprehension and absolute fear, no doubt. I just now realize that the Outcasts left my mouth uncovered, and my snout and face unbound and what I'm about to do next, I've practiced so I'm not so awkward at it. Trust me, I would've died of embarrassment..-}

Human-like Me: Hiccup...

{-That stopped him dead in his tracks and he looked at me like he'd been for the past three minutes, only his eyes were full of pain, concern, sadness and regret--four emotions I never wanted to see Hiccup's face embody. The next thing I knew, tears were flowing from his eyes in thin, steady streams. No...-}

Hiccup...

{/Did he just...oh my gooooooods, he just talked to me, he just said my name. I looked again into his eyes--I'd been unable to imagine that Toothless would be able to have actual conversation with little, scrawny me. Ever since I heard that rumor and even after I'd deduced it to be just a silly rumor floating, I'd always wondered if it had been true, what would Toothless be like...What would his personality around me be like from then on? I imagined and that made me wonder even more..one of the things I mulled over and over in my brain was if he could talk to me, what would he sound like? What kind of tone would I hear and how would he say things to, well, ME...? Full of dread and disgust since he could finally voice how much he must resent me for shooting him down and taking away his tailfin? I still hadn't gotten over that by the way. For RIDING him! He must definitely hate me for that, I'd always assumed. Being demeaned and dishonored and undignified in such a way by a fishbone of a human, no less! I continued to stare, well aware that my eyes were pouring tears. His voice, so smoothly even and masculine and authoritated...it was laced with compassion, concern and loving for me...for me, how is that possible? This WAS Toothless!--}

Toothless...

{-He isn't saying anything, just standing there, eyes wide, but he's still looking at me, not scrambling backwards. Whew, that's good. Seriously, though, say SOMETHING, Hiccup! You're torturing me! (Imagine the GIF above as his state of mind thinking this as well as Hiccup's mind with his non-existent self-like and self-esteem, even) I seriously hope he doesn't hate me for this. I don't think my heart could take Hiccup hurting it by hating me or being hurt by me! Let me break the ice here, as humans say. Or try to..!-]

Myself: You know, I always wanted you to stare at me, but not in this way. It is kinda rude.

{-Cutie Hiccup blushed and seemed shocked back to reality, he looks down, still blushing of embarrassment.....gods, I wanted him. I meant that in more than a pure way, obviously. I have to concentrate, I totally feel the growing of my bulge. Shit, now that I have a humanoid form, I no longer have a sheath containing it, which means Hiccup will be able to see it, my boner/erection. Finally, Hiccup mumbles something inaudible to me and I give him a 'seriously' look and he chuckles slightly. Time goes by where we simply looked at each other and the guards came back twice already to check on us and tease Hiccup some more. What the h*l* are they talking about, new master who had 'unconventional' activities for him to perform? Another check where we got lost in each other's eyes.-}

Me: Hiccup, you know you can get closer to me, I won't ever chew something off of you, even if I could. (shrug)

{-That got his attention, and he seemed to zero in on my leather bonds. He also got closer, but his curious eyes were locked onto my bonds, I right now feel kind of jealous of the rough leather restricting my movement. Hiccup got close enough to me where I could reach my arms out and wrap them around him if I could move them. He is at most two inches from me and reaches his hand slowly, carefully to my arm and the leather binding it. He feels it for the buckle, and I suddenly realize what he's doing. He is trying to free me just like last time! He follows the tightened strap to the front and finds what he's looking for--he's looking for a way to free me! Hiccup looks up at me apologetically and whispers the next thing so that only I can hear. Yes, Hicc...do share with me, your best friend.-}

Hiccup: I'm sorry, bud.

{-Sorry? What the f*** exactly is he sorry for? He turns back to the buckle and pulls it tighter, what? I look down at him in confusion, it didn't necessarily hurt me too much, but what was Hiccup talking about?-}

Hiccup: So sorry if that hurts, bud, I'm trying to undo this buckle and it'll be easier if I have the fastened ends together.

Me (having forgotten about my new ability to speak): Why didn't you just say so?

{-Hiccup makes a shocked face that was priceless, just as the buckle snaps undone from his careful handiwork, quietly, so it doesn't draw the guards' attention. Now free to wiggle my arms that were still tied around my back, I shake off the stiffness in them by doing just that. Hiccup's face still hasn't changed. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who'd already forgotten about my improved vocalization. Hiccup blushes even brighter, it is so adorable! I guess, we've just always been able to read each other's body language and signals, because that was the only way we could learn to communicate. Hiccup learned how to read me as a Night Fury, but not as a person, because he's never had to. Now, I could tell he was confused and a little scared, honestly, because I learned how to read him as a human, as Hiccup and he doesn't have a second form. I understand his point of view completely. It was the reaction I expected, after all. I look back up to Hiccup with my toxic green eyes and he's biting his bottom lip, blushing uncontrollably. It is taking a fucking lot of will power to restrain myself right now. He'd stopped the straps tying me from falling to the floor and making a lot of noise. I also just now realize that I can now move and walk about my cell, freely, that is, I could, if my ankles had not been buckled together, putting me in an awkward, humiliating stance just to be able to stand up. Those had the only straps that bound me to stay stationary, now that the one around my arms that held me tight with the ceiling were gone. Hiccup must have realized this. He gulps and lowers himself softly to his knees, careful not to make too much noise. He works quickly and carefully to unbind my ankles. I watch and admire him for getting so close to something that made him so nervous. Also, working through agonizing pain must be straining him. Hiccup stays silent as he works and barely manages to unbuckle that strap binding my ankles, and I stood to my full height, which must have scared or startled Hiccup, because he takes several steps backwards. I look down to him, tilting my head, curiously. It's taking every single fiber of my self-control not to say something dirty to him and pin him, taking him, fuck him against the cell's rock wall. Hey, my hands may still be bound...but I have some--a lot of practice, I could get it done.-}

Hiccup (haven't heard from him in a while)...

{-Why's he looking at me like that? What's going on here? It'll only be a few minutes before the next guard check, so, I better get moving on those tied hands. Toothless continues to watch me, letting his still feral slit eyes taking in every detail of weak, fishbone me, give me several once-overs. How did he see me now? As a human? Most likely, he's masking his desires to slit my throat or strangle me as a hands-on...no, no, not now, Hiccup, focus. Now that I know he can talk, it's like torture that he won't say a word to me, even they're hateful. Why do I wish his hands were on me? No! Bad Hiccup, focus on getting you both out of here alive! I make my way around him and pick up the knot gently in my hands that binds him, so it wouldn't hurt him. I try to undo the knot for a good three minutes and got it almost there, but Toothless still isn't able to freely use his arms, when one of the two Outcast guards shouted at me...-}

Guard 1: Hey!

Toothless...

{-Hiccup was just standing there, clearly nervous by the way I looked at him. I continued eye-fucking him until he managed to move around me and start on the cloth knot tying my hands. So dedicated, I loved the feeling of Hiccup wanting so badly to free me from the bonding factors. So, I really like--love him. All the sudden, the guards came back as he almost got the knot, and one yelled at him, halting him in his actions and before he knew it, they were in the cell and chasing after him, axes raised and I roared at them. I distracted one and gave him a good kick to the nutsack for having the balls to treat such an amazing being with such disrespect. I looked over briefly to see the other guard standing over Hiccup who was balled up on the floor while the guard was kicking him in the stomach, I was so angry, I was seeing red and was about to jump him when the guard I knocked down lunged at me and grabs me around the torso just under my raised arms and held me as the other guard gave me a sinister smirk and grabbed Hiccup by the back of the neck and hoisted him up into the air and carried him over to me. Oh, no don't tell me he's going to--}

Guard 1: Watch this, freak--!

Hiccup: (groans, boredly; rolls eyes)

Guard 2: Oh...that's right. Pain is nothing new or unbearable and utterly miserable to the little bugger. He's felt it most of his life, after all. Ah, well, it'll make me feel good, you?

Guard 1: Definitely, so would you like to do the first honors?

Guard 2: And give you a go afterwards, of course!

{-I struggle against the burly Outcast guard holding me. Had my hands been unbound, they would both be dead. As the one holding on to Hiccup which wasn't difficult, landed/ administer and pulled back each blow, my anger and bloodthirst grew. Suddenly, Hiccup made a move and as the guard dug his nails into the opposite side of his neck, Hiccup sunk his teeth into the guard's arm and apparently a big, muscled man can't take a bite from a little teenager who drew blood, apparently, and he dropped Hiccup from his other hand, pulling back to cradle his 'wounded' arm, please, just look at Hiccup. The small boy didn't waste time complaining, though and bolted, barely letting himself stumble to the floor. The guard holding me offered, but the guard chasing Hiccup screamed at him to keep me still. They're afraid, as they should be, hmph...-}

Hiccup: Come get me!

Guard: Get back here, you piece of--! Oh no!!!!!

{Hiccup had ran and ducked under my arms after I lunged forward, still imprisoned in my captor's arms. Hiccup grabbed mine and kept them in place as the guard's axe came down, then SLICE was the only sound I heard as the blade had freed my hands, cutting clean through what remained of the knot perfectly in half.

Hiccup, you scrawny genius! With the last of my bonds gone, I felt my strength kick in and Hiccup had already gotten ahead of me to free me from the captor guard and kicked him in his dick. He doubled over, releasing me from his hold and whining loudly in pain. The other guard trembled as I advanced and I quickly disarmed him and slid the axe over to Hiccup with my foot. Hiccup got it and blocked the guard's blows with the flat end of the axe. Once I had finished the one I was fighting in mere seconds, I leap over to Hiccup and instantly block the other guard's blows to him and give him a real and short fight for his skin, which he lost in even less seconds than his companion and I turned back to Hiccup who was lying on his back--no, wait, ahem, SITTING on the floor trying to get up, but I 'tch' at him, twice and he watches me closely leaning backwards a little as I lean my face closer to him. Our faces are inches apart and my right arm has stopped him from leaning back any further and Hiccup's knees were still bent in a propped position, which made it easy for me to sweep my left arm under his knees and lift him with me as I stand. There's no way I'll try to have him push himself further, at least I hope so...he's mumbling in protest, but really, even though a part of me thinks it's cute, I really don't give a shit whether he thinks I can't tell that he's too weak to walk.-}

So, I carry him silently out of the cell and past all the others filled with ACTUAL criminals and outside. I sense that presence again, now it's overwhelming! Oh no...it's...it's my kind...THEY found us! I take my stance to take off, but then realize I can't operate my tailfin, shit. Now, I have to make Hiccup utilize it in his condition.-}

Me: Psst, Hiccup.

Hiccup: (gasps slightly when I talk) Y-yes, s-s-sir?

{-Sir, what the f**'!?!! I'll ask later. I HAVE to get us out of here and safely back to Berk, but if we leave now, it'll take longer for them to find us.-}

Me: I need you to get on my back and operate my tailfin. I can't use this one on my own.

Hiccup: (realizes) Oh...

{-Without any questions, Hiccup obeys me and climbs over me, adjusting in my still attached saddle and making sure he is secured to the saddle and his prosthetic in the proper position, quick in only a few seconds, he bent his foot backwards and in turn opens the tailfin. Silently, I crouch again and leap, flapping my wings, taking us away from Outcast Island back to Berk, so at least Hiccup wouldn't have to navigate. As I fly, Hiccup is silently adjusting himself, as he seemed not to be able to get into any comfortable position and I assumed, he needed time to absorb the fact that his Night Fury could actually turn into a human-like form. Hours seem to slowly pass before I finally see the telltale giant torches that signify we've entered the ocean air space of Berk and I climb higher, to rise above the rooftops quite a ways so I won't set one on fire when I do this!-}

Me: (shoot plasma blast and roar)

Hiccup (startled): Oh my--! (faint)

{-The villagers race out of their homes to see me gently glide down and land in my humanoid form. Astrid and Stoick push their way to the front as I finally touch down. Before they can say anything from their open mouths, Gothi comes forward, as I was hoping and I gently slide/take Hiccup back into my arms and reveal his injured body to the old woman to see. She is covering his face from the view of the other villagers. Hiccup stirs at her touch, remembering it as familiar and he slowly blinks his eyes up at her wrinkled facade.-}

Hiccup (weakly): Gothi...?

{-His father must have heard this, so he rushed to us, me still crouched slight over him and gently nudged Gothi slightly to the side so she could still get her hands to him, but Stoick got a good look at his son. Hiccup turns his head to him and gazes at his dad. Stoick cries in relief and I reluctantly let Stoick take him from my arms. Stoick backs up only slightly-}

Stoick: Just who are you--?

{-We stood. No doubt it was the question everyone had towards me until Hiccup, still able to reach me, grabbed my arm. I looked at his face and it showed nothing but pure joy, happiness-relief that I was safe and alive with him.-}

Hiccup (scratchy; loudly): T-Too--Tooth--less...

{-I smile at him and chuckle, tears running down from my eyes in absolute relief. I take his face in my hands and he looks at my face.-}

Me: It's okay, Hiccup. We're okay.

{-I know right now, everybody else must be confused as fucking shit, but I don't care about them right now. I cup his face. Hiccup was the only person who mattered to me in my life.-}

Me (tears streaming): Hiccup...you saved us. Saved us both. We wouldn't have escaped had you not pushed yourself through, disregarding your own pain to save me and still trusted me, even after I transformed into my human-like form that you had no way of knowing about enough to undo my bonds. You've been here for me every single day.

Hiccup (coughing): Just like I've been since the beginning, Bud...you, you couldn't have done anything while you were bound, I don't blame you for that. You cannot blame yourself.

Me: That's kind of hard when you wouldn't let yourself make any sound of pain while you were being tortured in the cell right next to mine--so close, but I couldn't get to you to save you from more injury--except for slight whimpers.

Hiccup: But you were there for me and saved me when it really counted.

Toothless: Just like I've always been since that day you released me and then the next, you completely persisted to bug the absolute fuck out of me. (slight chuckle..)

Hiccup (forlornly): Oh...I'm sorry...

Me: No, no, I'm happy you did, otherwise I wouldn't have seen what a wonderful being you are!

{-Hiccup makes the next move, returning my affectionate action and cupping my face gently. We pressed our foreheads together and I signalled the Riders' dragons to transform. They all looked at each other in worried glances, yet they obeyed.-}

Rock: Ah...have to admit, it does feel nice to be able to tell them.

Flare: Yeah...

Twin 2: Yeah, now that Prince Nightwind has transformed in front of his human, we can all tell our beloved Rider teens the truth.

Twin 1 (pointing to the Riders, who are slack-jawed): Well, we know one thing for sure, we've struck them speechless...

{-Indeed, the teens did hold shocked expressions and their jaws seemed to hang, limply. All I cared about right now was that Hiccup was finally safe at home, we both were...that is until Stoick, well, yanked Hiccup away from me in his arms and turned before either of us could say anything in protest and followed Gothi up to her cottage, followed by Gobber, with a sour expression. Shit...Hiccup was probably right, Stoick had been naturally angry for many years. Hopefully, he was wrong about it being since the day he was born...I watched as my love was carried away from me and I was left, longingly gazing after him...the Riders cleared their throats. I turned to them as they crossed their arms, clearly expecting an explanation. Well...ffffffffuuuuuckkkkkk...-}

End of Part One...