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aetherarf · 3 years

Note

If you’re comfortable writing this, can you write a part 2 of the cheating scenario on Diluc’s side where the reader thinks about what he said more after leaving and realizes he didn’t consent to what happened and they go back to him?

Of course!! I guess I ended up making him the more redeemable... i should mention the last part of that story was very much him trying to... well. the warning will tell you.

[[ WARNING: ANGST, MENTION OF SELF HARM, MENTION OF R@PE ]]

[[ Summary: After a mistake, one where he could barely think and essentially poisoned by alcohol... you realize, after some thought, that it wasn't so much he cheated, but he was... sick. Literally.

Part One Here

Word Count: 1'962 ]]

You had left him, in a fit of anger and pain and betrayal. He told you that he cheated, and while, a little later, you could commend him for telling you so bluntly, without any flowery extra dialogue or excuses, only the pure truth...

That doesn't change what happened. If it happened once, it'll happen again.

You sat alone, glad you hadn't taken him up on his offer to move in just yet... You had a few things over there, that you were probably never going to get back... but that was fine. Things could be replaced. Sadly, time couldn't be.

For awhile you just minded your own business, guiltily thinking over everything. Were you good enough? Is that why he cheated? Or were the two of you nothing?

You found yourself walking to the Angel's Share, wanting to see some old friends to talk to... just to feel a little better, but you froze as the door was open--What were you doing, walking right into his establishment that he often bartended...

No, but he wasn't here. Charles was sitting there, and he glanced at you, a look of... pain, perhaps? in his eye, but he said nothing, pouring a mug for some random man, who took it and walked off immediately.

You decided to just leave, without a single word. No one stopped you, but why would they?

That night, you instead went to the Cat's Tail, not touching a drop of alcohol, simply some non-alcoholic, but sugary sweet drinks as you pet the kitties, leaving for a few moments to get them some treats. It was a nice distraction, even if that fluffy red cat in the corner kept reminding you of Diluc...

Moving was sounding like a tempting option, but you'd give yourself a few more days at least before making a serious decision. Your heart was aching and tender, you needed at least a little time.

The next day, you went out, stocked up on food, and did nothing but hide inside from the rest of the world. The next, you didn't even leave, you just hid.

Finally, you decided to try Angel's Share. You weren't as familiar with the people in the Cat's Tail... and maybe Kaeya was there? He knew Diluc better than even you, and he could, maybe, give some outside insight... even if he hated your guts, he could at least shed some light onto the reality.

You dressed oddly, trying to hide from the world in a hood, head lowered. As you walked in, however, you realized this was unnecessary, as Charles was still working the counter.

You took your hood off, and sat at the bar, "Hey, Charles."

"Greetings," he said, having been putting something under the counter as you sat down, "What do you want?"

"Is Kaeya here?" You asked... he looked at you oddly.

"No, left in a rush. Some Knightly business." He probably knew more, he was a smart man who knew when to speak and when to seal his lips.

"... has, uhm," you felt like an idiot, but you wanted to ask, "Has Diluc been around? I haven't heard of anything about him lately." Not a total lie, there was always gossip about him. But--he sighed, and shook his head.

"No one in Mondstadt has seen him in a few days."

Your heart sunk--you aren't even entirely sure why.

"Some wonder if he died, and they're trying to figure what to do with the Winery," He looked at you oddly, "Some say he's sick," He began cleaning a glass, "Some say he's just left on some private business. But that's all I heard."

You knew that, just before... that night, there had been high-strung gossip about some drama, about how Diluc had caused issue with the Knights again ( something thrown drastically out of proportion ), and if there was sudden silence...

"Sorry for taking up your time, thank you, I remembered I have something to do," He just nodded as you pushed yourself up, rushing out of the building.

Charles just shook his head, knowing better to even mutter... someone always liked to listen.

...

"Master Diluc," Adelinde said, her voice soft, "Do you need anything."

"I'm fine." He said, weakly. His skin was pale, and he looked beyond just sick. Too much alcohol, even a glass caused him to spew blood, from his dramatic moment where he wanted to spew out his insides to stop breathing, it had taken a massive toll on his body.

However, he had done little to nothing, too weak to fight it. A broken heart plus physical damage was a battle seldom won. But, he would, somehow, even if another part of him died.

He knew better. After... after what had happened, the only other time he truly tried at intimacy ended to agonizingly, he shouldn't have tried a second time, but he did.

He would not try a third.

The door to his room opened, and Adelinde walked over, the sound of hushed whispers, before it clicked shut and she turned back to Diluc.

"You... have a visitor."

Diluc was silent.

"It's... them." Adelinde said, with no small degree of fear and worry, and for the first time, he pushed himself up--his head was reeling, flopping back onto the bed, his hand over his eye, groaning.

Blood loss did that.

"Did they," he inhaled, "Did they say what they wanted?"

"They said 'just to talk.'

He, much slower this time, shifted to sit up. "Have them sit in the main room and wait, I need a moment."

"Are you alright alone?" She asked, as though it was not the only thing he had asked for. His silence was enough to tell her, and she left the room, the door clicking behind her.

He got dressed--Tempted to wear his normal coat, but he opted for a simple outfit that looked decent enough. He was too tired for anything else. Finally, he got up, and walked slowly, wondering if he should have had you come straight in... but, no, he knew better to ask of that.

You were sitting, waiting and twiddling your thumbs, looking up as he walked by. You stood, but he sat down in a chair near to you, but giving you enough space that you'd have to stand up to reach him...

A tactical move.

You sat back down, trying to just get a little closer.

"I'm very tired," he said, "So please tell me what you need from me."

His words were harsh, he was not trying to send you away, to scare you off. He enjoyed, to a degree, seeing you close once again, but it was agony as well, ripping his heart in two. He would not prolong the conversation, but he would not force it to a halt.

Emotions were hard to endure.

"I-I just... I didn't hear anything about you recently." You were worried.

Were you afraid of having to live with the guilt of an unstable man?

"I'm sick, and weak, but fine. I've just been recovering."

You swallowed thickly, "May I ask what from?"

He hesitated, tugging at his sleeves, wishing he had put on a pair of gloves to fiddle with, "Alcohol reaction. It tore up my insides quite badly." He explained, "I'll be fine in a week or so."

... You knew it hurt him, but... this bad?

"That's... okay." You didn't know what to say... and finally sighed. "I want to... I didn't, I left too soon. I didn't... think about you at all, and I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I cheated, that's all there was."

If he was honest, he felt disgusted. He didn't... he didn't remember the face of the woman--was it even a woman? But he felt... awful, sick, torn up. Just like...

The first time.

He shuddered.

"Is that all?" He asked.

"I want to know what happened," you stated, half wanting to hope maybe it was a misunderstanding. If he had, while in his drunken, and admittedly air deprived state, kissed some woman and thought it was you... You could forgive that.

However, he just looked down.

"I..." he swallowed thickly, "I don't remember much. I was pressured into drinking alcohol, and I couldn't spit it all out."

"Who pressured you?"

"I don't remember. It was... some sort of tense situation. I think there was a man, and a woman, and she wouldn't drink it. It was... tense... I think I drank it. She was upset, and eventually ran off, I don't remember."

"... Was it drugged?"

Diluc's eyes widened for a moment.

"I," he struggled to think, "That may have been why I drank it, to... stop her from drinking it."

You were scared to hear the rest of the story.

"I drank it, Charles was there, and I went to the back. I don't-everything was fuzzy. Someone's mouth... on me, then they..."

There were tears in his eyes, and he wobbled a little in his seat.

"I'm sorry, I... I don't think I can keep speaking, it... hurts."

"It hurts?"

He nodded, tears on his face, with all the vulnerability of a young child who was scared and alone.

You weren't stupid.

"Did you... want it?" You asked, and he shook his head,

"No," he was choked up, openly crying as he tried to hide it, "No, no... I didn't."

You didn't care about this distance, standing up, gently resting your hand on his leg, and then holding him. He hugged you, but he felt so weak.

"I'm so sorry," You felt yourself tearing up--you had to be strong. Not only did something horrific happen to him, which he could scarcely speak of, but you had made it all worse by punishing him for it.

"I want to be there for you, I want to take care of you... I'm sorry, I fucked up. I understand if you're upset, or mad, and if you don't forgive me..."

Suddenly, and for only a moment, his hug had crushing force, pulling you closer.

"I just don't want to be alone."

"You won't be alone," you cooed, sweetly, "Do... you want to go to bed?"

He nodded, weakly whimpering, and you helped him to his feet, the two of you walking ahead to the bedroom--Not missing how badly he struggled. You knew his allergy to alcohol was bad, but this bad?

You made your way in, ignoring the harsh and confused looks of the staff, shutting the door behind you.

Everything looked the same as you left, and you helped him sit down, how he... slumped, weakly.

"Do you want to get undressed?"

Slowly, he nodded, and you started with his shirt, pulling it off, tossing it to the side, resolving to let the maids deal with it later... But, you froze, seeing bandages on his arms, you grabbing his hand and pulling it a little closer to you, looking at it.

"What happened?" You asked, and he was... quiet.

"I felt..." He was trying to think, and refused to look at you, "Unclean. I... In a moment, I... thought I could claw it off."

"... Is this why you're so weak."

Slowly, he nodded, and then looked up at you with the look of a puppy that was about to be punished, "Are you mad at me?" He asked, voice aquiver as he was about to cry.

Are you mad, you thought, yes, but only at whoever hurt you.

"No," you said, sitting down beside him, hugging him, feeling him lean his weight into you, "But I want you to look for help, someone who can help you."

He nodded, still weakly holding onto you.

"I didn't think it'd happen again."

Again. How horrifying a single word could be.

"You don't have to deal with it by yourself, this time."

#genshin impact #diluc #genshin diluc #diluc x reader #genshin diluc x reader #angst #angsty bark #hurt and comfort #// thats a tag now #bark writes #???#fluffy bark #// for the end #// tossing in some other messed up hcs i also have but havent talked about

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moon-goddess-posts · 3 years

Note

Hi I saw your requests were open and I’d like to request maybe Kaeya comforting his s/o once they’re rejected from the knights of favonious. They’ve tried really hard to get accepted but got rejected for some reason.

Hi! I'm so sorry it took long to answer your request 😭😭 school has been pretty rough and my motivation has been dying but here it is!

Kaeya comforting s/o

Hurt/comfort, fluff, slight angst, slightly suggestive 🤨

You trained so hard for this day, practiced everything from knightly poses to helping the city as much as you could for hardly any pay. Some told you it was over working but you desperately wanted to be accepted. You wanted to continue helping others and you longed for the next step of that. But life wasn't always fair. You were on your way to try outs, people cheered for you with their hearts believing you were more than capable to become a knight. Excitement filled your bones and nervousness kicked in as you were greeted with the Knights of Favionus doors.

With giving everything you've got in the try outs, you were sure you'd be able to get accepted. You worked so hard right? Had the gods witnessed your hard work as well? Walking back home, so many thoughts raced through your head. Days went by waiting for a note, you never gave up on waiting for a response and you dreamed of wearing the uniforms and going on so many missions. Even possibly working with your boyfriend the calvary captain, Kaeya. You had met during your practice on becoming a knight and he was impressed to say the least.

Finally after a week of waiting, a letter came in. Reality kicked in as you read the note.

"We would like to inform you that unfortunately the Knights of Favionus believed you didn't meet the requirements to become a knight. We were impressed by your mastery of your swordsmanship but it was not what we were looking for. Please don't be discouraged, there are always other try outs being hosted.

Thank you for your hard work

-Knights of Favionus"

"What...?" Confusion and sorrow began creeping in. Had this been a mistake? But your name had been at the beginning so it couldn't have been.

"Was I really not good enough?" You had worked so hard for this opportunity, had they turned a blind eye to what you've been doing? Tears started seeping out of your eyes and you didn't hold them back. So many thoughts raced through your head to the point of insanity. You were laughing hysterically as tears slipped down your face. You wanted to rip your hair out, all that training, all that practice, all those times Kaeya trained with you, the times he believed in you. It was for nothing. All of it was for nothing. Laughs turned into loud sobs, into cracked whimpers and weeps. How would you face everyone now?

You didn't leave your house for several days, completely ignoring the fact that there was people out there who need your help, who wanted to see you. Knocks were at your door but you didn't bother to answer until your heard a particularly familiar voice.

"Kaeya, he can't see me like this! Not when I'm such a wreck!"

"Hey its me Kaeya, please open your door. I know what happened and im really worried about you," his voice wasn't like usual, it had a mix of sadness and worry.

"G-give me a second please!" You rushed to the bathroom to try and freshen up, making sure he didn't notice how puffy your eyes were. You opened the door and saw kaeya, you wanted to cry again, cry into his arms, but you held in your tears.

"I'm here now..." was the only thing he said before pulling you into a tight embrace. You couldn't help but cry again, but this time it was comforting. You felt safe as you let someone finally help you, maybe that was what you were missing. The ability to ask for help in difficult situations. All this time you had thought being a knight was only helping and protecting others, but you also lacked the trust for them to have your back as well. More tears flowed out like a faucet at that realization.

Kaeya didn't dare speak a word as you both embraced each other for some time. You didn't notice being carried until you felt the familiar sensation of your bed.

"Kaeya...I dont know what to do...I worked so hard for it, I wanted to work with you as well, I wanted to help people more," choked sobs came out and Kaeya rubbed your back.

"Becoming a knight is just a title. I recognized your hard work, and so many others have. Jean was the one who made the decision, i'll talk to her about it tomorrow."

"N-no its fine i just...I dont know, was I not good enough?" You gripped his shirt.

"You were and will always be good enough my love, you've done so many good things for this city and you're so humble about it too. Even without being a knight, so many others see you as one." You were glad for Kaeya's reassurance, the tears started to slow down and you started to get sleepy.

"Stay here i'll get you water ok?"

"Mmhm..." you let him go and started getting under the covers. Few minutes later he came back with the water and some of your favorite snacks.

"Would you mind sitting up for me?" You followed his instructions and grabbed the cup of water gulping it down.

"Would you like to eat these snacks or get out of the house and order something from Good Hunter?" You've been stuck in your house for almost a week and you longed for fresh air.

"I wanna go outside." He gave you a warm smile and nodded his head.

"I'm gonna go take a shower and get ready"

"Alright ill be here if you need anything, I love you darling" Kaeya said genuinely, which made you blush.

"I-love you too," you rushed to the bathroom and he chuckled

Freshly out of the shower, you grabbed a new pair of clothes and it felt weird being in something other than pajamas. As you were about to put your shirt on you heard a knock.

"Ah, dont come in im not done changing yet!" Kaeya didn't listen though and barged in anyway.

"Kaeya! I told you not to come in!" You were blushing profusely.

"Hm? Whats wrong? No need to be shy, I've seen it all before" he smirked and walked toward you.

"Thats not the point!" He didn't seem to stop coming towards you while you covered yourself with the shirt you were about to put on. You slowly felt his hands creep over you waist and you flinched from the cold sensation.

"You always feel so warm," he whispered in your ear, now his hands going up further and his lips on your neck.

"Kaeya...I thought we were going out..."

"Haha we are, I just missed you too much. I'll be done soon..." you felt his smile on your neck and you closed your eyes. His hands, his lips, his voice, it made you realize how much you missed him too. You hung on to him waiting for Kaeya to be done with his little shenanigan. His hands and lips left your body suddenly which made you whine and he laughed.

"Shall we get going? Oh right, you still have to get dressed" he snickered.

"GET OUTT!" you shoved him out the door and he still kept laughing. You hated but loved his teasing. He hadn't even kiss your lips but you already felt so hot all over. As you put on your shirt, you hoped he'd give you more after dinner. Once you were fully dressed, you walked out the door with Kaeya.

"You look absolutely stunning" kaeya kiss your hand and you rolled your eyes, you loved him anyway.

"You better finish where you left off after you take me out." You looked at him in the eye and a smile tugged at his lips.

"Oh? After you were so embarrassed back there? Will you be able to handle it?" You playfully punched his shoulder and he laughed out.

"Are you done?" You said

"Yes yes, let's get going for real" he smiled and took your hand. You smiled back already forgetting what had happened to you.

#kaeya x gn reader #i love kaeya #kaeya fluff #kaeya x reader #kaeya x y/n #kaeya x you #genshin impact kaeya #gi kaeya #genshin kaeya

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sunsetcurve · 3 years

Text

learn to love without consuming (1/4)

fandom: knight squad relationships: arc / ciara, minor or one-sided arc / oc and ciara / oc word count: 4,603

a/n: eek. it's finally here. if you follow me here you know that i've been working on this for a few weeks (months?), but the idea has been sitting in my drafts for basically forever. almost since i watched the show to begin with. the recent resurgence of the ks fandom prompted me to dig this back up and gave me the motivation to actually try and finish, because fuck it! i love my babes and i want more of them.

so quick note is that this picks up pretty soon after the season 1 finale but disregards basically,,, everything that happens in s2. s1 and the finale proceed the same way except prudy never finds out ciara's secret, so she and warwick don't know at the moment. this chapter was initially gonna have more scenes that drove the plot/romance arc but once i got upwards of 6k with a few major scenes left i decided it would be best if i split the chapter up, so for now it’s just a lot of me trying to work around the convoluted knight squad lore to establish my own. i know that's not exactly what everyone is here for, but i promise things on the romance/action front will pick up soon. i'll place warnings as detailed as i can get without spoiling in the tags and notes as i go, but just anticipate fairly significant violence by chapter 3.

anyway! i have talked enough. the title is from thus always to tyrants by the oh hellos, the rating is t for swearing/violence, there are three more chapters that are in the process of being written, and reviews are like crack as far as i'm concerned. i really hope you like this! thanks for reading <3

dedications: this fic is first and foremost for @ciara-knightly, who is not only my amazing beta but also the whole reason this fic exists. she helped me so so much with the development of the plot and worked through it with me even way before i decided to really start writing it, and i wouldn’t have been able to do this without her. all of the notes she left after beta-reading were so so helpful and really made this whole fic make sense so basically i owe her my entire life. she inspires me to be a better writer all the time and i love her. everyone say thank you shona!!! also tagging my lovely friends and some people who have expressed interest, who are in no way obligated to read this; @juliesdahlias @mistyskiesrambles @dr-rigatoni @willexs @taylorswiftrulestheworld @onplanetmars @neshatriumphs @zackmartin @julies-molinas @soni-dragon @yagorlemmalyn @hopefulbeautifulfool @cactus-con @waterisntreal @onetwothreefarkle @bitchmilsky

summary: “Now that Ryker isn’t a threat anymore, the councils are supposed to resume as planned, and Astoria is set to hold the first one two weeks from now.”

“Okay,” he says slowly. “That sounds exciting.”

Ciara nods. “It is! I finally get to meet some of the other nobility, and actually get to be involved in Astorian politics for once. But my dad won’t let me go without an escort,” she says, and then hesitates. “Which is where you come in.”

read it on ao3

The morning before training that day, Arc is testing his skills against a heavy bronze padlock when Ciara enters the squad room and drops a brown paper bag on the table in front of him.

“These,” she announces as he raises an eyebrow at her, “are for you.”

He pulls open the package and is instantly greeted with a rush of warmth and the smell of vanilla. “Dragon puffs?” he says, half in awe. It’s a clear bribe, but he can’t help but shove a sugar-coated sweet in his mouth anyway. They’re an Astorian original and possibly the best thing he’s ever tasted; he’d tried them once at a bakery near the castle and hasn’t stopped thinking about them since.

“Okay, what do you want?” he says then, words muffled around the cream and pastry.

Ciara pulls a face at his manners, but still manages to blink innocently at him. “Can’t I just do something nice for a friend?” she tries, but it’s half-hearted.

He swallows and grins at her. “Nice try, Princess. Your dessert deliveries always come with an ulterior motive.”

Huffing a sigh, she sits down next to him. There’s this subtle air of anticipation lingering around her, one he can only sense based on how in tune they are after so long of being teammates. The two of them have this easy way of reading each other now; they’ve been spending more and more time together, something having shifted in their dynamic after the battle against Ryker. He can’t quite place what it is, but he knows it’s only brought them closer. “Do you know what the Council of the Five Kingdoms is?” she asks finally.

He shrugs. “Sure. Nobles from each kingdom used to have a big ball every year to talk trading and politics and other boring stuff…”

“Except there hasn’t been a council since Ryker’s invasion, because the kingdoms have been isolated and preoccupied with their own safety,” she finishes for him. Her fingers tug at the lacing of her leather gauntlets; she’s nervous, but he still isn’t sure why. “Now that Ryker isn’t a threat anymore, the councils are supposed to resume as planned, and Astoria is set to hold the first one two weeks from now.”

“Okay,” he says slowly. “That sounds exciting.”

Arc chokes on his second dragon puff. “You want me to be your escort,” he says flatly, once he’s finished coughing, “to the Council of the Five Kingdoms?” Normally he’d jump at the chance to spend a night dressing up and eating castle food. But the council is a decidedly different scene; there’s a set of formalities, politics underlying everything, and too many chances for him to expose his lack of knowledge when it comes to Astorian customs. Not to mention that Catalias’ royals will be there. He doesn’t know if he can stomach looking them in the face, knowing what they did to Seagate.

Ciara grimaces. “Look, I know it’s not exactly your thing, but my dad won’t let me go alone. And this really means a lot to me.” Her eyes are pleading, and Arc feels his resolve chipping away.

“Can’t one of your actual guards go with you?” he tries. “Or, Prudy or Warwick or someone?”

“I’ve already talked to my dad about it,” she explains. “You’re the only Knight School student he’d let protect me, because you already proved you could when Ryker invaded. Besides, if something were to happen…you’re the one person who knows I can handle myself as Ciara.”

There’s this brief stretch of silence where Arc works his bottom lip, and Ciara looks as though she’s debating something. “Also,” she adds finally, with the soft flicker of a hesitant smile, “I thought it might be fun to go with you.”

Arc blinks at her, caught off guard by the admission. There’s this sudden buzz in his chest that he can’t push away; in truth, he doesn’t like the idea of her spending the night with someone else either. Maybe, by some miracle, this will actually be a good thing. “Alright,” he relents. “I’ll be your escort.”

Ciara’s face breaks into a grin. “Yes! Thank you!” She throws her arms around him, and he’s shock-stilled, a rush of warmth flooding through him as he hugs her back. When she pulls away, her eyes are shining with excitement. “Okay, I’ve gotta go tell my dad you said yes, and there’s a million things to do, but I’ll see you at training later. You are the best.”

“I expect dragon puffs for life!” Arc calls after her as she disappears through her passageway. He leans back into the couch, lightheaded, and in that moment, he realizes abruptly that there’s almost nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

And he is so completely screwed.

Two weeks later, Arc is standing outside Ciara’s bedroom, waiting for her to finish getting ready.

It feels odd to be out here in the open. Generally his visits to her chamber are accompanied by an air of secrecy, but tonight, he’s a guest in the castle. He’s dressed like it, too, decked out in the guards’ typical formal wear: pressed brown pants, a white shirt laced up the front, and a navy leather jacket trimmed in gold, with Astoria’s crest on one shoulder. He looks kind of dashing, honestly.

Despite the confidence boost his new look offers him, his hand keeps drifting to the hilt of his sword. It’s sheer force of habit; he only associates this brewing sense of apprehension with battle, and his muscles are responding in kind. He’s glad, at least, that he turned down the other guards’ offer to lend him one of their ceremonial blades and instead has the familiarity of his own. Hopefully he won’t need it, but it’s a steadying presence all the same.

“Almost ready!” Ciara calls from inside, and Arc carefully unclenches his fingers from around the leather grip of his sword. He has to keep it together tonight; she’s made it clear how much this means to her. The last thing he wants to do is embarrass her in front of nobles from all five kingdoms.

Well, four, he reminds himself. Seagate won’t be attending. There isn’t anyone left to represent them.

The thought makes his stomach twist.

He’s saved from having to dwell on it by the sound of Ciara’s door unlatching. “Better prepare yourself, Princess,” he teases, leaning against the wall, “I look pretty good, and the last thing we want is for you to get too smitten—”

He breaks off as she emerges from the doorway, all the air in his lungs leaving in a sudden rush. He’s trying hard not to be the cliche of a guy scraping his jaw off the floor at the sight of a pretty girl in a dress, especially not like this, with Ciara—but he can’t help but think that it’s ridiculously unfair of her to come out looking like that. Her dress is a pale blue, falling gently off her shoulders and cinching at her waist, and her tight curls are weaved with strands of gold and tied into a low knot, some of them falling loose to frame her face. There’s a crown of gold leaves and rosebuds settled in her hair.

“You...um…” Arc searches for his voice, “you look amazing.” His mouth feels dry.

Ciara smirks and reaches up to adjust the collar of his uniform. “You don’t look so bad yourself. I’m definitely smitten,” she jokes, like it’s nothing for them to be flirting openly. It should be nothing. Except his skin burns where her fingers brush against his neck, and he suddenly wonders if she can hear his heart pounding.

He clears his throat. “We should probably get to the ballroom.”

She nods. “Give me your arm,” she says, looking at him expectantly. When he raises an eyebrow, she continues, “You’re my escort, remember?”

“Oh, right.” He lifts his arm obligingly, his cheeks warm.

“I really wish we’d had more time to go over Astorian customs,” she breathes as she takes it, more to herself than anything. “Between training and helping with preparations, I’ve been so busy…” His nerves must show on his face, then, because she squeezes his arm gently and amends, “Sorry. You’ll be fine, don’t worry. Just stay close to me, okay?”

“Not a problem,” he grins without missing a beat, and Ciara scoffs and shoves him, the smile tugging at her mouth taking all the bite away from it.

They can do this, he thinks. The two of them have kept up appearances for each other for months now, have fought and trained and battled Ryker together. They’re Arc and Ciara, unstoppable duo. One little party should be nothing.

As they make their way down the hall towards the ballroom, flanked by guards, Ciara lowers her voice. “When we get there, most of the nobles should be inside already. The herald will announce my father first, then us, and then each of the other three kingdoms. We’ll be beside the thrones as they come in—you’ll stand by me, left side—and once they’ve all been announced, we can leave the thrones and mingle. Bow to each of the rulers as they come by.”

They had, at least, practiced his bow. Arc swallows back the dread in his throat; all he has to do is stand beside her and greet the other royals, it’s easy enough. For a moment, they linger outside the entrance to the ballroom, until an official-sounding voice announces the King. “We’re next,” Ciara whispers to him, eyes glinting with excitement. “You ready?”

He nods back at her, and the voice calls, “Accompanied by Sir Arc...Princess Angelica of Astoria!” They step into the ballroom, greeted with applause. Arc doesn’t think he’s ever been in a place this lavish; the walls are white, accented in deep gold, and the floors are polished to a gleam. The ceiling looks hand-painted, ornately decorated in constellations and swirling designs, and crystal chandeliers dangle over their heads, casting a golden glow over the whole room. He tries not to look too awe-struck.

They make their way to the platform on which the thrones rest, Ciara nodding and smiling and waving at the other nobles as they pass. She stands next to her father, and Arc takes his place on her other side, placing his hands behind his back and trying, for all the world, to look like he belongs there. He wonders suddenly if he’s stood too close to her, and if it would make things worse for him to shift over now, and if his indecision is showing on his face—

And then, almost imperceptibly and hidden from the ballroom’s view by the folds of her dress, Ciara reaches over and links her pinky with his. It’s a tiny gesture, a friendly reassurance, but Arc feels a tide of warmth swell in his chest all the same. He lets his gaze flit to her for just a moment, and her lips are graced with a small smile as she tugs his finger gently.

His breath hitches, and he fights to keep his face a passive neutral as the herald announces the next kingdom and he turns his attention back to the doorway.

“Presenting King Hugo, Queen Luciana, and their son Prince Isaac of Catalias!”

Arc’s stomach turns as the couple enters, trailed by their son, all three of them swathed in lavish red and gold. Their reputation precedes them; he knows little about the prince, but the king and queen are infamous for their hoarding of wealth, their favorance of the rich nobles and landowners of their kingdom over the common people. Arc knows them best for what they had done to Seagate.

His hand twitches for his sword, but he fights against the instinct.

True to form, the two have a haughty look about them, all starched clothes and stiff smiles as they bow to Ciara and the King. The two of them return the greeting with Arc following their lead—grudgingly.

“I am so pleased you could join us tonight,” the King smiles, a little tight-lipped. “It is high time that Astoria and Catalias united again.”

King Hugo nods back. “I couldn’t agree more. The honor is ours.”

Arc detects a veiled sort of tension between the two of them, hidden well underneath the cordial formalities. He glances at Isaac, whose eyes are trained intently on Ciara even as he and his parents move to greet the other guests. Something about it is unsettling.

He’s so focused on Isaac that he almost misses the herald’s announcement of the next kingdom. “Queen Damyanti, and her children Princess Aadhya and Prince Kavan of Khurjan!”

Queen Damyanti is the picture of elegance, draped in silver silk that almost seems to glow against her dark skin. Aadhya looks around fifteen, with the same deep eyes and regal expression, and Kavan must be ten or so. He grins toothily as the three of them approach the thrones and bow.

The King’s expression is much warmer now. “Queen Damyanti. It has been too long. I trust Khurjan is doing well?”

“Not quite as well as Astoria, perhaps,” she replies, and it’s teasing, no sharpness to it. “This ball is absolutely lovely. Princess Angelica, you look so beautiful. Just like your mother. I was so sorry to hear of her passing.”

Ciara’s eyes go soft. “Thank you, Queen Damyanti,” she nods back. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

“You as well. It’s a shame your sister couldn’t make it, but hopefully we’ll all gather again soon.” She gives a small, departing nod and joins the rest of the nobles, Aadhya giving them a bright-eyed smile and Kavan waving enthusiastically as they follow her. Ciara laughs.

“And finally...King Jesper of Vysalt!”

Arc is confused for a moment; he wonders if he had remembered the name of Vysalt’s king wrong. Then a young man with a head of dark curls and a smattering of freckles against tawny brown skin enters, his crown just slightly crooked. His eyes are wide and dark, and a jagged, white scar cuts across his cheekbone. He can’t be much older than they are.

“He’s the king?” Arc whispers to Ciara under his breath as Jesper makes his way over to them. “How old is he?”

Her expression twists a little in sympathy. “Seventeen. He wasn’t supposed to inherit the throne so soon. His parents were killed when Ryker’s army took over his kingdom.”

Arc isn’t sure what to say to that. He knows what it’s like to lose everything to Ryker—he can picture the flames every time he shuts his eyes. But he hadn’t known about Vysalt or the fate of its royals. They had been close allies with Seagate at one point, one of the only other kingdoms without much wealth, and their king and queen had been known for their generosity.

Somehow Arc had thought the damage had been done to Seagate alone, but now he wonders how the other kingdoms fared, if they suffered just as much. If any of them came out as unscathed as Astoria did.

“Your Majesties,” Jesper says as he bows, and there’s a note of pity in the King’s expression as he returns the gesture. Arc can only imagine how he feels about someone so close to his daughter’s age having to run a kingdom on his own.

“King Jesper. How are you doing?”

It’s a more personal question than he had asked the other royals, Arc notes. Jesper smiles easily; it’s soft, highlights his deep dimples and makes his dark eyes glimmer. “Well, thank you. Vysalt is recovering with time. As am I,” he adds, voice quieting for a moment.

The King nods back. “That’s good to hear. Let us know if there’s anything Astoria can do to help.”

Something flickers in Jesper’s expression, hard to read and gone so quickly that Arc wonders if he imagined it. The young king bows again before moving to join the others, but not before he catches Arc’s eye and smiles warmly. It surprises him—the other royals had hardly given him a second glance—but he returns it with one of his own. Beside him, Ciara lifts an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of amusement and something else he can’t place.

“What?” he asks quietly, and she shakes her head, glancing away.

“Nothing.”

He wants to pry, but the King is clearing his throat, getting ready to address the room. The chatter dies down as all eyes turn to him.

“My fellow Astorians,” he says in his deep, booming voice, sounding more formal than Arc has ever heard him, “and my guests from our neighboring kingdoms...I am honored to welcome you to our castle, and so pleased that we could all be in attendance tonight.”

Not all of us, Arc thinks, but no word of Seagate comes up.

The King continues, “For decades, our kingdoms have been isolated and divided by Ryker’s armies. We have long suffered under his forces, but his threat is gone for good. Thus, tonight is more than a council; it is a symbol of our victory, a symbol of our unity as we move forward and rebuild. So enjoy yourselves! After all, we have so much to celebrate!”

To Arc, the sentiment feels hollow. He got his revenge, and of course he’s glad that Ryker can’t hurt anyone else, but it doesn’t change the fact that Seagate is in ruins. It feels suddenly difficult to celebrate with the weight of his village’s absence lingering in the air around him. The rest of the partygoers don’t seem to share his hesitance, though; the room breaks into applause and cheers, several of the guests raising their goblets jovially.

Ciara gives him a subtle nudge, jolting him out of his thoughts. “Now we get to mingle,” she grins, leading him off the throne platform and towards the crowd.

He follows dutifully as she heads toward the table where the other kingdoms’ royals have gathered, Astoria’s king staying behind to greet the other royals. Queen Damyanti is in conversation with King Hugo and Queen Luciana, but she doesn’t seem entirely pleased about it, and Jesper and Kavan are laughing at something Aadhya has said. Isaac hovers next to them, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. He has his father’s golden hair and clear blue eyes, but the frown on his face is entirely his mother’s.

It disappears, though, the moment he sees Ciara approaching them. “Princess Angelica,” he greets her, with a little too much enthusiasm for Arc’s liking, “I’m so honored to finally meet you. You’re even more radiant in person.” Before she can say anything, he takes her hand and kisses it swiftly. Arc narrows his eyes.

Ciara gives a forced-sounding chuckle and curtseys, pulling her hand back. “Thank you, Prince Isaac. I’m glad you could make it. Allow me to introduce Sir Arc, my guard and escort for the night.”

Arc bows—and if he never has to bow to another pompous royal again, he thinks, it’ll be too soon—and Isaac offers him a dismissive sort of half-smile. Any further interaction they would’ve had then is thankfully avoided by the other royals noticing Ciara’s arrival.

“Hi, Princess Angelica!” Aadhya says brightly, with a neat little dip of a curtsey, “I’m Aadhya.” When Ciara and Arc begin to return the gesture, she waves her hand with a tiny scoff. “Oh, you don’t have to do that. Formalities. Just come sit.” She returns to her chair and pats the seat next to her, and Arc decides right there that he likes her.

Ciara takes the offered chair, and Arc takes the only other open spot, in between her and King Jesper. As Ciara launches into conversation with Aadhya, Jesper turns to him.

“Hi,” he says, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I’m Jesper.”

Arc bites back a laugh at the unnecessary introduction. “I know who you are, Your Highness,” he replies lightly.

“I know. I was just trying to give you an opening to tell me who you are.”

Oh. That’s unexpected. There’s no prerogative behind his words, no assertion; Jesper’s grin is almost bashful, his voice easy and bright. He doesn’t sound like a king, just a seventeen-year-old boy trying to flirt. Arc can’t help but return his smile.

“I’m Arc,” he says. “Normally I’m a student at Knight School, but I’m the princess’s guard and escort for the night.”

“Wait,” Aadhya pauses her conversation with Ciara to lean over and look at him, “You’re the Arc who defeated Ryker?”

“I helped,” Arc says with a shrug, and the princess’s eyes go wide. She turns to Ciara.

“Were you there too?”

“I was—” Ciara pauses for a moment, “hiding. I was hiding. Arc got me to safety.”

He grins a little at her, tongue between his teeth, knowing it must be killing her to hide what she was actually doing. She narrows her eyes and kicks his leg under the table in response, a silent shut up. He lifts his eyebrows, like, I didn’t say anything, and she rolls her eyes in an entirely non-subtle manner.

Across the table, Queen Damyanti is watching their exchange with a raised eyebrow, Arc notices belatedly. She has a mildly amused look on her face, but doesn’t say anything about it. Instead, she states, “Battling Ryker face-to-face must have been quite the experience.”

“What was it like?” Prince Kavan asks eagerly from beside his sister.

Aadhya elbows him. “Kavan,” she hisses, but Arc just grins.

“No worries. It was…” he trails, trying to think of what to say and suddenly aware that all the royals’ eyes are on him. He shifts in his seat. “It was scary, obviously. He had the Armor of Astoria, and a whole army with him, and most of the Astorian knights under his spell. But, y’know. We Knight School students are pretty formidable. We all took him on together. Wouldn’t have been able to do it otherwise. I wasn’t half as scared as I would’ve been without my squadmates watching my back.”

He glances at Ciara, who smiles softly and nudges his foot, gentler this time. Jesper has that same unreadable look on his face and Aadhya has her chin propped in her hand, her expression amazed, but Queen Luciana gives a snide sort of scoff.

“It’s a wonder it took so long to defeat him, then, if a group of students cut him down so easily,” she says. “Perhaps Ryker was never as great a threat as we all made him out to be.”

There’s a cut of silence across the table in which Jesper visibly stiffens. “With all due respect, Queen Luciana, Ryker’s attacks were devastating. Or have you forgotten what happened to my parents?” he demands, without any respect at all. His eyes are blazing.

“I’m merely pointing out that the only real damage done was to the less...fortified kingdoms,” she sniffs. “Ryker only breached Catalias’s walls once, and he was driven out rather quickly.”

“Well, not every kingdom has Catalias’s resources.” Ciara sounds like she’s choosing her words carefully, frustration masked well behind them.

King Hugo gives a huff of a laugh; his blue eyes are cold. “My dear princess, you have no cause for indignation. Astoria lost the least to Ryker, what with your,” he waves a hand, “magic bubble.”

Ciara opens her mouth but falters, brow furrowed, and across the table, Queen Damyanti speaks up. “Nevertheless, Ryker was still a formidable enemy to all of us. We were only prepared for his attacks because he targeted Seagate and Vysalt first. And Seagate’s destruction is a clear example of his power.”

“Oh, even you can’t argue that Seagate was rotting long before Ryker got to it, Damyanti,” Hugo replies swiftly, and Arc’s breath catches in his throat. Queen Damyanti shrugs in agreement, her expression passive; Arc almost stands up, but Ciara’s hand on his leg underneath the table stops him.

“Don’t,” she hisses, just barely loud enough for him to hear, “Let me handle this.”

Though as it turns out, she doesn’t have to. Before she has a chance to speak, Jesper is already bristling, his voice sharp: “As if Seagate’s corruption justifies the destruction of its people?”

“It’s thieves and criminals, you mean?” Isaac scoffs. “Seagate was a wasteland. The kingdoms are better off.”

The words ring in Arc’s ears, alongside the pounding of his blood. They sound painfully similar to what Ryker had said to him on the mountain—rats and thieves, I did the five kingdoms a favor—and he thinks fleetingly that he’s going to be sick. He’s always known that Seagate was looked down on by the other kingdoms, but hearing them say so casually that what happened, the flames and the destruction and all of the death, was deserved—

“The people were only thieves and criminals because Catalias took advantage of them,” Jesper argues. “I hope I don’t have to remind you that it was your government that poured money into the gangs of Seagate for their own profit and allowed them to stage a coup in the first place.”

The words are deadly and cold, but Arc feels a flash of admiration for Jesper; the king has no obligations towards Seagate, and yet defends it like his own. King Hugo’s gaze hardens. “You’re blaming Catalias for Seagate’s problems?” he says with a derisive laugh. “If anything, Ryker’s attacks only revealed that Seagate was a kingdom full of people that weren’t worth saving.”

“That’s enough,” Ciara says abruptly. Her hand tightens on Arc’s leg, and he can no longer tell if he’s the one trembling or if she is. There’s this burning fire behind her eyes; she looks, Arc thinks briefly, the same way she does in battle. “What happened to Seagate was a devastating tragedy, and I won’t let you treat it as otherwise. Those who disagree aren’t welcome here.”

It’s a weighted statement, one she doesn’t entirely have the formal authority to make, but no one dares to contest it. A heavy silence settles over all of them. Arc doesn’t know how long he can sit there with all the heat under his skin; he doesn’t remember when his hand found the hilt of his sword, only that he’s gripping it tight enough that the leather bites into his palm. He wants to stand up and tell them that none of them would be here if it weren’t for him, a thief from Seagate. In truth, the only thing holding him back is Ciara. In a battle between her steady hand and the storm in his chest, she wins without even trying.

He doesn’t say anything or look at her, but her gaze flits to him for a moment and she just knows, standing up. Before she even opens her mouth, Isaac is on his feet too. “Going so soon?” he asks. “Would you care to dance, Princess?”

She looks at him coolly for a moment. “I would, actually.” And then, she turns to Arc, offering him her hand, “Sir Arc, dance with me?”

Arc blinks up at her and takes it as he stands. “Absolutely, Princess,” he says, letting her lead him away from the table and glancing back only long enough to catch the dumbfounded expression on Isaac’s face.

#oop #knight squad #knight squad fanfic #tiara thief #tiara thief fic #writing #my writing #fanfiction #arc #ciara #ks #//umanawrites #learn to love without consuming

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zargsnake · 3 years

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Knightkiller: Anakin and Obi-Wan’s First Adventure

Chapter 1: Aboard the Liberated Comet

Word Count: 1888

* * *

“Anakin. Don't touch anything.”

“Yes, Master.”

The boy lifts his lightsaber up and illuminates the dark, low ceiling of the old ship. The Jedi wear Temple-issued space suits: bulky and ancient, but spotless and built to last. This ship’s life support hasn't functioned in a very long time, though its artificial-gravity plates still do. Most of them.

The ship, the Liberated Comet, went missing over four hundred years ago, along with the venerable Master Glagret. Though her species’ lifespans extend much longer than that, she was presumed dead until just last week when the Comet drifted into the monitored space over a secret Temple surveillance post on Rodia.

The Council sent another Jedi, Master Juna, and her Padawan to investigate the wreckage first. Juna is over five hundred years old herself, and she remembers Glagret well. The Council thought these memories would make it easier for Juna to find her. But something went wrong out here, now Juna and her little one are missing, too.

So the Council decided to change strategy, and send someone with absolutely no recollection of Glagret at all. The idea was that the Force would guide such a rescuer more objectively, without the bias of attachment, without the dangers of fear and hope. They sent the dashing young Kenobi, who has never failed a mission, and his wide-eyed new Padawan, who has never been on one.

Anakin has been a challenge to assimilate. In certain topics, he must learn with the beginners: a nine-year-old among three-year-olds, ignorant of the most basic truths about logical decision-making and proper knightly priorities. His teachers are suspicious of Anakin's core beliefs, since he has been tarnished by the capitalist brutality of the frontier. They worry that he will never learn to think as they do, with charity and selflessness first; they wonder if he will ever truly understand a Jedi knight’s responsibility to speak up against injustice and unkindness. Even Anakin's quietness is a cause for alarm.

In other topics, like droid-programming and self-defense, he is advanced for his age. His instincts are swift, and his cleverness is remarkable. He is rarely caught by surprise, and usually has some trick prepared. He can even type more words-per-minute than many far more educated scholars. Of course, geniuses are nothing new to the Jedi Order; it is essential that they are not treated like they are special for their talents.

Obi-Wan appreciates the challenge. He wants to make a strong impression on both the boy and the Council. He has elected to grant Anakin an above-average amount of responsibilities to impress upon him the seriousness of his new life and to simply fill up the gaps Anakin creates with his restless efficiency.

For example, Obi-Wan lost his lightsaber during his duel with the Sith on Naboo; when he built a new one, he had Anakin build one too, at his side. Nine is quite young to have a lightsaber, but it is also young to have a Master. Unlike most Jedi, Anakin knew his Master before he even knew the Temple. Obi-Wan knows that he himself will always be Anakin’s most powerful connection to the Order, its most important representative in the boy’s fast-sharpening mind. Not the swords, nor the buildings, nor the rules -- not Qui-Gon, not even the Force -- but Obi-Wan.

“Use your wrist-light instead. I have my weapon drawn; you should not.”

“Yes, Master.”

Anakin turns off his lightsaber and feels the strange, cold way it stills in his little hand. Normally there is a slight change in odor as well, as the lasers stop frying the air -- but there is no air here, besides the sterile stuff in their helmets. The only way they can even hear each other speak is through a wireless comm-system linking their suits. He hooks the hilt back onto his belt; it’s tricky in these gloves, so he has to stop walking and stand still as he does so. Obi-Wan stops walking too, patiently. Anakin flicks on the laser light on his left glove. It is bright and practical, but it isn't part of him, as his master says his lightsaber is. It also isn't a weapon. Obi-Wan limits how much Anakin ever turns his sword on, for safety. It is odd to be treated like a child in that way. To be protected from dangerous things. Anakin faced death in every podrace. He isn't scared of his own sword. Certainly he isn't scared of hurting himself. But he obeys his master -- not because he is right, but because he is in charge.

“Master Juna didn’t leave a single trace. It still feels like no one has been here in four hundred years,” says Obi-Wan.

“Yeah. She could have left the lights on.”

“I ought to be able to sense at least a shadow of their presence. But I truly feel nothing. It is like open space in a husk…all life whisked away by the infinite, dark vacuum.”

On his next step, Obi-Wan feels his foot bounce lightly off the ground. He holds Anakin's shoulder.

“Be careful, little one. The art-grav plating in this next section is faulty. You might feel a little light.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Mind your steps. There must be a trap in here somewhere.”

They walk further down the hall. Anakin is quite taken aback by the feeling of failing artificial-gravity. He holds onto Obi-Wan's arm in surprise.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes…” And a minute later: “This is kind of fun.”

“It is, isn't it? A long time ago, this is how space travel always felt. Even today, art-grav can sometimes break, even in the very best ships.”

Anakin imagines Padme bouncing off the walls of her top-of-the-line spaceship. He imagines fixing it for her.

“At the next asteroid cluster we pass, remind me to pull over,” Obi Wan continues. “You can find a lot of great natural low-gravity on asteroids. It's a great way to practice jumps... I haven't bounced around asteroids since I was a boy. I reckon you'll have a grand time with it.”

“Thank you.”

Anakin feels more lightheaded with excitement at that idea than with the actual lightness of his surroundings.

A slight movement catches Obi-Wan's attention; he looks away from the happy boy to the dark hall. He sees another flicker around a corner.

“Hello! ... Stay two steps behind me, Anakin, and be silent.”

Obi-Wan proceeds down the hall, weapon drawn. Anakin peeks around from behind the tall man. Then he hears a voice coming from behind them.

“Anakin…”

Anakin thinks, Who said that?! How does it know my name?! -- Oh, Obi-Wan just said it. -- But why does it want ME?

He looks at his master, but Obi-Wan seems to not have heard it. Anakin obediently remains silent. He wonders if it was just in his head. Sometimes things are. He looks behind his shoulder, but sees nothing.

“Anakin... Come to me.”

Anakin wrinkles his nose and sticks close to Obi-Wan. They turn the corner. On one side of the hall, there is a great window looking into open space; on the other side, a mirror. Obi-Wan shines his lightsaber on the mirror.

What a pair we are. My, he is so small, even in this suit. I'm glad we had one small enough for him. I don't think they make them any smaller. Imagine a baby in a space suit! I suppose we'd just put them in some sort of pod.

Not long ago, he would have at least spared a glance at his own face and hair, his old Padawan braid and his crisp beardlessness. After he lost Satine, he cared less. But since he gained Anakin, he hardly cares at all.

He looks out the window at Rodia as he walks. The Jedi surveillance system is not sanctioned or even known by the Rodian government. But the Jedi know what's best for them. And it was essential in finding this ship and beginning to solve this ancient mystery. Usually when something is lost in space, it's lost forever. Obi-Wan wonders if the Liberated Comet drifting back into their detection was due to the will of the Force or a nefarious plot by some unknown outsider, luring the Jedi into a trap and then snatching them away for their own mysterious ends. A few steps further down the hall, he senses another mirror on the wall and looks away from the window. He sees only one space-suited figure in the reflection.

“Anakin?”

He looks over his shoulder.

“Anakin? ... Padawan! Where are you?”

He shines his lightsaber down the hall; the blue light bounces off both mirrors, illuminating the empty hallway. Obi-Wan puts his weapon down, signaling that he does not want to fight. He turns up the sound-projection technology on his suit.

“I must say, well done, whoever-you-are. You took him from right under my nose. But a kid like that is lousy pickings. Show yourself. We can settle this like civilized creatures.”

The hall is silent.

“If you hurt a hair on his head, be prepared to answer for it. He is under the protection of the Republic, the Jedi Order, and me.”

The hall is silent.

“And at least one of those things can get fairly vicious.”

“How vicious?”

Obi-Wan's eyes dart to the end of the hall, where the voice seems to come from. But there is nothing there. The speaker must be using ventriloquism through the Force.

“Vicious enough,” he answers. “Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight. Dare I ask for your name?”

“...You may call me... Knightkiller.”

“I'd rather not.”

“You are different from the last...You are hardly older than a child.”

“Yes. Really not worth your time, I'm afraid.”

“We shall see…”

Obi-Wan senses movement behind him. He turns around on his heel. A giant, armored alien slithers into the light of Obi-Wan's weapon. He sees his Padawan slung over their shoulder; the bubble of Anakin's helmet droops down between the boy's arms, which float a little upward in the meager gravity.

“Anakin!”

Obi-Wan holds his hand forward to sense Anakin's presence -- no, he is not dead, just unconscious.

“Who do you think you are, to treat a Jedi so shamelessly?”

They -- she -- speaks from where she stands. Her voice is the same, but now it is no trick. She tilts her head to the side, her orange eyes narrow.

“You're not much to look at... But you'll do, I suppose. Follow me.”

She slithers down the hall, twenty or more tiny legs scuttling from her long scaly body. Anakin sways with her movements; she holds him still with her claw. Obi-Wan winces at how close her claw extends to Anakin's oxygen tank.

He follows her to a part of the ship where the escape pods used to be; now, the hull has been blasted open. He sees, through the hole, the Temple ship he and Anakin took to arrive here. As he watches, a newly arrived ship fires upon it and demolishes it. This new ship is quite large, as if it was once part of an alien space station. The woman who calls herself Knightkiller jumps from the hole and hangs there in open space. She looks over her shoulder at Obi-Wan. He sets his jaw and follows her out. A blue tractor beam pulls them into the vessel.

Chapter 2: Zlinkgwal Zalt

#my story #my art #knightkiller: anakin and obi-wan's first adventure #anakin skywalker #obi-wan kenobi #star wars #scifi #adventure

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emy-loves-you · 4 years

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Sanders Sides AU-gust Day 28: Fashion and Models

Janus is the heir of the largest fashion business in the world; and said business’ lead model, going by the pseudonym ‘Deceit.’ Virgil is the son of two bakers, dreaming to be a fashion designer and model. Janus decided to be transferred to Virgil’s school, and Virgil crushes on his favorite model. (Basically a Miraculous Ladybug AU without superpowers) Janus/Virgil POV, Anxceit with established Royality and potential Intrulogical

Day 27 | Masterlist | Day 29

Janus sighed as he all but collapsed into his limo. “Please tell me that my schedule is empty for the rest of the day. I want to get this makeup off as soon as possible.”

Remus, Janus’ assistant, immediately chimed in. “Your schedule is empty for the rest of the day!”

Janus gave Remus a look as the older man giggled. He turned to his other assistant, who was reading something on his tablet. Most likely today’s schedule. “Logan, what’s my schedule for the rest of today?”

Logan looked up, his face impassive. “You have geography at 4, calculus at 5, and fencing at 6:30. Your schedule is free after that.”

Janus turned to glare at Remus. “You told me that my schedule was empty.”

Remus smirked. “You told me to tell you that! Therefore I’m not in the wrong!” He struck a dramatic pose from where he was sitting.

Janus rolled his eyes, cringing as he felt the makeup on his skin and the contact in his eye. “Is it possible to cancel my classes and get this makeup off? I don’t want to break out.”

Logan sighed. “You need to have a stable education, Janus. And it was your idea to use your pseudonym around everyone, including your teachers.”

Janus looked out the window as the car passed by a public school. “What if I didn’t have to…”

Logan and Remus shared a look. Remus raised an eyebrow. Logan furrowed his eyebrows. Remus waggled both of his eyebrows. Logan sighed before speaking. “What are you suggesting?”

Janus looked up at Logan, a new light shining in his eyes. “What if I went to a public school, as Janus Williams? No one knows that I exist, and I could model after school!” He looked back towards the school. “I could go and interact with people my age, and no one would be the wiser. Deceit could be a famous model, and Janus could be a normal teenager.”

Logan and Remus shared another look. Logan raised an eyebrow. Remus shrugged before gesturing to Janus. Logan gave Remus another look before sighing. “You do realize that after this, you will be unable to go back. You would have to stay in school, or visit private tutors as Janus. And you would still have to learn, we wouldn’t be putting you into easy classes.”

Janus nodded. “I understand.”

Remus hummed to himself. “Why do you want to go to public school anyways? If the anonymity were an issue, we could always get you tutors as Janus, not Deceit.”

Janus shook his head. “All of them are the same: homophobic assholes that think they know everything just because they’re being paid to teach me.”

Remus snorted. Logan gave Remus a look, and Remus raised his hands in defense. “What? He’s not wrong.”

Logan sighed before turning to Janus. “You still have to go to your classes today, but I will cancel your classes tomorrow. You also have no photoshoots for the rest of the week, so you needn’t worry about acne. If you still wish to be enrolled in a public school by tomorrow night… I will enroll you to start as soon as possible.”

Janus’ face remained calm, but Logan and Remus had known the teen for long enough to see the excitement bubbling under the surface. “Thank you, Logan, Remus.”

Remus chuckled. “All in a day’s work for Logan and Remus, best assistants in the world!” They all chuckled at that, before the car descended to a comfortable silence.

---------------------------------------------------------

Virgil groaned as he stepped into the bakery, nearly wincing as his backpack strap dug into his shoulder. He walked past the random assortment of customers before making his way to the counter. He smiled and waved at his Dad, who was currently handling a customer. Virgil walked past the counter and into the kitchen, where his Papa was stirring some batter while he hummed ‘Oh I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’ under his breath.

Virgil smiled softly as he dropped his bag onto the floor. “Hey, Papa.”

Virgil’s Papa smiled, putting down the mixer and wiping his hands off. “Virgil!” He quickly pulled Virgil into a hug. “How was school?”

Virgil groaned. “Just as awful as always.”

His Papa frowned as he placed his hands on Virgil’s shoulders, putting him at arm’s length. “Did you try and make some friends today?”

Virgil sighed, looking at the floor. “Of course I tried, but no one wants to hang out with the loner emo.”

His Papa lightly grabbed Virgil’s chin. “Virgil, please look at me.” Virgil looked up to see his father smiling softly. “What those kids think doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are a Knightly-Hart, and that your Dad and I are so proud of you. Alright?” Virgil nodded, feeling his eyes start to water slightly. “Alright. And if they don’t want to be your friends, that’s their fault, not yours. You reached out to them, and that’s good enough. You’ll know when the right people come along, Stormcloud, trust me.” He gently squeezed Virgil’s shoulders. “Now, why don’t you go upstairs and work on homework, and later tonight we can have a family night.”

Virgil gave his Papa a small smile. “Game night or movie night?”

His Papa chuckled. “Both, if you get your work done before dinner.” He playfully swatted at Virgil’s arm. “Now go! I want to beat you in Uno while we watch The Little Mermaid!”

Virgil laughed as he grabbed his backpack, heading upstairs. “Fat chance! I’ll be beating you in Monopoly while we watch Tangled!”

“Oh, it’s on!” Virgil laughed as he left the kitchen, going upstairs to their home. He quickly made his way to his room, throwing his backpack onto the bed and moving towards his desk. He’d already finished all of his homework at school (the one advantage to having no friends meant that Virgil had time at school to get work done) so Virgil had the rest of the afternoon to himself. Virgil suddenly spun around, double-checking that he’d locked his door. Virgil didn’t want his parents to know about this. As much as Virgil loved his Papa and Dad, he knew that they would try and make a big deal out of it.

Virgil reached into his desk and pulled out a medium-sized sketchpad. Each page was completely filled with different outfits. There were casual outfits, pajamas, suits, tuxes, dresses, anything Virgil wanted to sketch at the time. Most of the outfits were Virgil’s original ideas, each one inspired by something Virgil experience in his day-to-day life. Most of the models had Virgil’s body type. But some of them were modeled after his classmates and random strangers. He even had a few based off of famous models, but he didn’t do those often.

Virgil sighed as he flipped through the pages. The idea of making these clothes and even modeling some of them was a fool’s dream. Virgil was a loner emo, a social outcast. He had no chance of doing anything special with his life. He would probably take over the bakery after his parents retired. That’s why he didn’t show them the sketches. He didn’t want to get their hopes up (he also didn’t want to admit that he wanted to model the skirts and dresses just as much as the suits and tuxes. Virgil knew that his parents wouldn’t judge him, but he knew that the rest of the world would).

Virgil pulled out his colored pencils as he flipped to a new page. He put on his headphones to help concentrate before letting his hand have full creative control. He decided to sketch something similar to the new line of suits that Deceit styled a few weeks ago. Deceit was one of the few models that Virgil regularly sketched, and Virgil would admit that he had a crush on the teenage heir of Scale & Tail Designs. Virgil sometimes dreamed of working for Scale & Tail and falling in love with Deceit.

Virgil shook his head, focusing back on the sketch. It was a fool’s dream. But Virgil didn’t stop himself from sketching a little heart next to the suit.

#sanders sides #AU_gust_2020 #fashion and models #anxceit #intrulogical #royality #Janus Sanders #logan sanders #remus sanders #virgil sanders #roman sanders #patton sanders

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warmau · 4 years

Text

Stablehand!AU Mingi

*partner to prince!yunho au “*this post was commissioned | commission info | other ateez aus

a plain and simple stable boy with a heart of gold and absolutely NO filter about anything

his parents taught him to be hardworking, loyal, but above all - always speak the truth

and that’s why

he can’t lie to save his life. can’t even keep a secret even after he promised he would, and not because he doesn’t want to

but the guilt paints his ears red and he’s stammering and making up excuses that make no sense

until finally he just blurts out the secret and everyone is like mINGI and he gets embarrassed but really everyone should know by now that he just

he’s transparent to a fault

maybe that’s why animals love him so much - ever since he was a kid, running through town with stray dogs at his heels

trying to smuggle in kittens into the barn - thanks to his effort, there are about five of them now

and the other stablehands know the king and queen HATE having strays around so they hide them

mingi can’t lie - so he usually just shoves two cats into his overalls and runs off before he has to face any of the royals

because oH he’s gotta go uhhhhhhh clean the pasture again

isn’t lazy, but when he’s got down time he enjoys a nice sleep up in the hay storage area

looks undeniably handsome with his rolled up sleeves and strong arms carrying saddles - but he is o b l i v i o u s

many of the maids think he’s cute and offer him treats from the kitchen which he always accepts with a big, shining smile that sends him swooning

but he’s like munch munch thank you!!! with his mouth full and the older stable hands are like ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, this kid ,,,,,,,,,,,, when will he learn

he’s younger than a lot of the other workers in the stable, so he doesn’t work with any of the personal royal family’s horses

instead, he takes care of the knight and carriage horses, hauling hay back and forth, grooming them when they’re not on duty

and when he was a kid - his father did the job before him - so he’s been around these horses since they themselves were just little colts

so he refers to them and everyone who works there as his “family” ,,,,, because well ,,,,,,,,, to him they really are

the prince, yunho, used to be a very close friend of his

sneaking off to play with mingi in the gardens when his tutors couldn’t catch him, but as they both grew older

mingi had sensed that yunho had drifted away - become too important to spend his time with a stablehand, instead attending to the business of a budding prince

but as much as mingi misses him, he didn’t let it bother him much

he’d always had a knack for friendleness - because he’s managed to be on good terms with just about,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, everyone else

from sous-chef seonghwa

to eccentric gardener wooyoung

to the maids, giggling and making his head spin as they moved past him and into the palace in circles - skirts twirling and tickling as they passed by

and of course ,,,,,,,,, the royal knights

mingi’s been enchanted by them ever since he can remember, watching them ride into the town

silver armor, large swords, the crest of the royal family proudly displayed on their shields and on the flags that flew in behind them

he’d always wondered what it was like - to serve the country, to battle, to wield such a beautiful but powerful weapon

his father used to have to tug him away by the ear because he’d stop in the middle of his chores to run down and see them parade in

now that he was older, and worked primarily in the barn that housed their steads, he even got close to some of them

always greeting them with stars in his eyes - getting feverishly pink when one of them offered up their sword to him

“try and swing it around - see if you like it!”

they’d joked and mingi had never felt more embarrassed and excited in the same moment - picking it up by the handle

and gasping aloud

“it’s so heavy!”

“nothing like those wooden toys you had as a boy, huh mingi?”

even though he spent so much time around them

the majority of the knights were aged and treated him almost like a boy rather than a man

he wasn’t sure if he was friends with them - or if maybe they’d all cherished the work his father had done so they resorted to treating him like a son of their own

that is of course until you joined

you - like mingi - were the youngest in your profession

and on top of that you had been assigned one of the most important tasks a knight could hope for

you were the prince’s knight

standing by his side, gifted by the queen and king with both the knight’s standard long sword but also a crossbow engraved with the rubies that matched those in the prince’s crown

your horse, wonderland, was kept in the biggest stall and fed with better grain than the rest

and your armor was lined with white silver - you were on another level than other knights

you were not one to dally around in the stables, go to the bars for a drink, no you were almost like royalty yourself

you had also been obviously selcuded from the rest of the knights - who rarely interacted with you

and who possibly even envied what they deemed as “favoritism” from the tyrannical royals that ruled over all of them

and when you’d come into the barn early, before even the sun had fully shown herself, you had taken off the helmet you seemed to never shed

and mingi had seen your face

a face not shown even once before, for even when you attended by the prince's side you never took your armor off

and if you had to - there was always some sort of thick, velvet mask hung up around your mouth

so mingi couldn’t believe it - seeing you like this -

you were - you were -

“oh no!”

mingi’s voice resounds through the wooden walls, his long and clumsy legs tripping over the hay barrel he’d been standing before

as he lands like a fish on the barbeque right before your feet

on instinct - you draw your sword - the sharp edge out and hovering mere inches away from poor mingi’s nose

“stable boy?”

he jumps to his feet so fast you think for a second he’s got to have the dna of a spring hare

and he goes sickly red

“i - i - i -”

the lie won’t roll off his tongue, no matter how hard he tries

“i was simply ro-rolling out the hay and i had seen you and you were so beautiful - i mean you were so ,,, so ,,,”

his brown eyes can’t meet yours - he feels like you’ll shock him straight with lightening

so he tries to think of a word that can save him from this mess

“you were just so KNIGHTLY! i was surprised!”

you take to blinks, sheath your sword and step around him and ignore the floundering apology as you make your way to wonderland’s stall

mingi senses what he assumes is anger, and that you’re probably upset with him for being so silly, that he dashes over a moment later and asks

“w-would you like me to bring wonderland’s saddle?”

again, you blink twice -

“no-”

“ill go get it!”

you aren’t sure how on earth he sprints to the rack room and back so fast, carrying everything you need from wonderland’s bridle to the saddle blanket

grinning at you with the goofiness of a field scarecrow

you reach to take them off his hands and suspiciously hum as he doesn’t show any signs of moving away

“stable boy”

“yes? do you need my help?”

you see the happiness - you think? - make his whole body shake-up to his shoulders

“don’t you have morning duties to attend to instead of watching me take care of mine?”

he jumps again and you really don’t know where this energy of his is coming from

but he bows, nearly hitting his head on the stall’s door as he mumbles that you’re right - he must be going now!

you’re in slight disbelief about the whole situation, reflecting on it again as you ride out into the pastures and pull your helmet out of your saddle bag

you slip it on over your head - and suddenly that stable boys voice rings in your ears

“you were so beautiful”

wonderland tugs at your reigns and as soon as the memory comes, it fades as you focus on starting your practice

when you return, hours passed breakfast and even lunch

there is an uproar in the barn

before anyone spots you, you spot them

a group of knights all circled around that red-headed stable boy

“you really SAW them?”

“i reckon it’s that sneaky merchant’s child - who else could lie their way up to such a position as the prince’s guard?”

“nah nah - it must be a wizard of some sort, well mingi what did they look like - spit out!”

one of the knights pulls mingi down into a playful hold - the cap he’s wearing tumbles off and rolls all the way to your feet

and all eyes suddenly turn to you

the knight lets mingi go and you lean down to grab his cap - only for mingi to stumble his way over and fail to snatch it before you do

“im sorry i-”

“stable boy. follow me.”

the entire barn falls silent as you walk through it - no one really looks your way again

all pretending to busy themselves with other things as you tilt your head and mingi rushes to open the back gate

“you’re not taking wonderland into her-”

“no, just keep walking.”

mingi looks over his shoulder once more - but follows you down the grassy path and into the back open pasture

there’s a post where you tie up wonderland’s reigns and then turn to him

you pull the helmet off your head and mingi’s entire face physically flushes

“were you telling them about what i looked like?”

“n-no! they were asking, but i - i didn’t -”

he looks just as lost as the first encounter you two had

long eyes somehow managing to get wide and worried, like a puppy scared of scolding

you put your helmet under your arm and stare at him as he fumbles, but swears he didn’t say anything

you almost feel a little bad - seeing just how disheveled he’s getting

without another word

you march back toward the barn and mingi only snaps out of it long enough to catch up with you as you step into the barn

with a loud noise, you let the heavy knight’s helmet fall to the floor

everyone turns and you bluntly say

“here it is, my face.”

you pull your sword from your side and point it out toward the group of shocked faces

mingi watches in fear

“and if any of you bother that stable boy about it again - be a man and come and bother me about it instead.”

there are grumbles that are hard to make out, but you brush past without looking at mingi once more to return to wonderland

he falls back against the barn wall and slides down as the power in his knees seems to give out

woah - they looked so,,,,,,,,,,,,,cool.

you don’t make much of the event, though you are a little pensive about the fact that everyone now knows how much younger you really are than the other knights

the rumor had been that you were young compared to the knights - who were mostly all reaching the end of their 40s

you sigh, lifting your crossbow as the dawn settles on the shoulders of the palace

you aim it steadily to the front, where a dummy made of straw is waving it’s fake arm up at you

you line up the shot and just as you’re about to pull the arrow back

you hear someone call your name

your first instinct is someone is calling you to the aide of prince yunho’s side

but to your surprise, although you refuse to show it, it’s the stable boy

what’s his name? ,,,,,,,,, mingi?

“are you practicing?”

he asks cheerfully, jogging toward you with a large smile

the stars are apparent in his eyes as he looks your crossbow up and down

“i’ve never seen them up close! are they heavy?”

you narrow your eyes

“do you have business with me?”

he shrugs, the signature red flannel you’ve never seen him take off is slightly baggy even though it’s obvious that his build is broad

“no, i just spotted you after doing the pasture cleanup and thought i would say hello!”

“why?”

your tone comes out way more bitter than it has to be - but you can’t help it, your defense walls are always up

“oh because,,,,,,you know,,,,,,,,,,,,well,,,,,,,just checking up on a friend?”

the word makes your head snap up toward the boy

“when did i say we were friends?”

he chuckles, waving his hand and deflecting the cold words you’ve conjured up

“you stood up to all the other knights for me! if you hadn’t - they’d pester me for weeks about -”

“i wasn’t standing up ,,,,,,,,,,”

something makes you stop - and you don’t know why, you can’t exactly pinpoint it

but the innocent happiness spread across mingi’s features makes your usual bluntness flatter

“hmm?”

“nothing, stable boy - im don’t really like people spectating my practices.”

mingi blossoms pink again

“ah- my apologizes! ill remember that!”

he bows, hand over his chest as he bounds back to the barn

you want to focus back on your work - but then something tugs at you to watch hid disappearing figure

and your crossbow nearly falls from your hands as you see him turn too - waving a casual goodbye as he turns the bend and into the stables

what a weird boy........

you shrug - once more pushing the thought and the moment into the back of your mind

but ,,,,,,,, mingi doesn’t seem to allow this

instead, he continues being as bright as ever when you’re around

even though the other knights avoid you, and some of the royal staff even seems a bit intimidated by your prowess and position

mingi is seemingly oblivious to it - and any other cues that you would prefer to be alone

instead, he makes a habit of being there just as early as you are

and you’re there well before 5 in the morning - and before, when it had just been you and the horses

it’s now you, the horses, and mingi

who greets you with a smile and asks if you’re going to practice out in the fields again

one week - he even preps all your gear for you before you arrive

at one point as you’re walking wonderland out, mingi accompanies you - chattering about something that happened over the weekend

when you inquire

“why are you always here in the morning? you don’t have to be here just to see me -”

he stops, but then gives you a small laugh

“oh, no you’ve got it all wrong - the stablehand who usually works through the night is out sick so they need someone to come in before the sun rises. i got picked because im the youngest!”

an emotion you haven’t felt in ages washes over you, embarrassment

of course! he might be too kind for his own good but that doesn’t mean he’s doing anything special for you!

excusing yourself, you quickly pull wonderland along and are thankful for the helmet that covers what you can only suspect is a small blush over your own cheeks

to be fair - you know you shouldn’t deflect the help and kindness mingi is showing you

it’s just, being a knight - the prince’s knight - and training to be a warrior since you could remember hadn’t helped you become the best “people person”

you were praised by a lot of the trainers you had that your steadfast will and lack of emotions was perfect for a knight

but you also knew, deep down, that it had made you miss out on a lot

and maybe that’s why seeing someone like mingi, who could befriend the likeness of a stone, just reminds you of that fact

you find yourself deep in thought about it as you walk beside the prince’s horse - the royal family riding through the town

most civilians are not happy about having to bow on their knees for the evil king and queen

and you haven’t been a knight for the prince for too long - but you can tell the hardened expression on his face is hiding a secret guilt

as much as you weren’t a social butterfly, you could read people

maybe the prince and i are more alike than we think........i wonder..........was that mingi boy ever his friend?

you look forward, hand on the helm of your sword and can’t help but wish that the frightened children

who hide behind their parents

could know, you weren’t some monster- some unkind, dangerous knight - but someone who really wanted to be good

children probably like mingi, he has the kind of aura that would make them feel safe

you feel a tightness in your charge

could i be the same way one day?

it could have been that day, or the others where he’d shown you this side of himself, but you start to enjoy mingi’s company

so much so that you choose to visit the stable even more, sometimes even bringing your lunch from the barracks out to the pasture

when mingi first spots you, he asks to join you

showing off the sad-looking sandwich he’s so proud he made himself

you giggle at how funny he looks flashing it around like a gourmet leg of meat

and the sound startles mingi

“d-did you just la-laugh?”

you turn quickly, eyes borrowing into your own food

“you. you were being silly, can i not laugh?”

“no! of course you can! laughter is my favorite sound!”

you look down - trying to fix your stare back onto the grass or the checkered cloth which mingi’s half-eaten sandwich rests upon now

but you can’t help it

you look back up at him - the sun shines off the dark brown of his eyes

and he’s looking back at you

sometimes you find yourself in wonderland’s stall after a particularly hard day of training or even worse- a day spent entertaining the rich elite of the country in useless events like sparrings or whatnot

you brush the twigs and mud from wonderland’s mane and shrink a little when your “fellow” knights cheerfully walk by

blabbering and calling out shots for what bar they’re going to go tear apart together

you never get invited to these outings, thankfully - you’re not a big alcohol person and plus you don’t think knights should spend time acting like fools in front of the townspeople they’re supposed to protect

but a part of it still hurts - being ostracized never gets easier

but now, you look over your shoulder when you hear someone lean against the stall door

mingi waves, says he’ll be unloading the new feed outback if you need him

you give him a small nod of approval and pretend to get back to brushing

the moment his footsteps round out the corner, you bury your face in wonderland’s warm neck

she makes a small sound and you mutter a “no. it’s not like that.”

although you’re trained not to trust anyone that isn’t a fellow knight or the prince himself - you start to trust mingi

so far so that when he comes down to see you in the practice fields outside the knights barracks

you don’t immediately ask him why in the world he’s come here - but you let him stay and watch

as you lift your sword up, bringing it down powerfully on the dummy made of straw and hardwood

mingi claps and it’s slightly embarrassing and you suddenly wave it around by the helm

“want to try?”

you think you see christmas lights burst in his eyes as he hops the fence with the agility you didn’t know he had in him

he takes the sword, albeit you can tell his hands are shaking, but his grip is like that of a childs

you shake your head

“here let me show you-”

you put your hand on his and the warmth of his skin sends a surge through you that you hadn’t felt in a while

you pull back - like you’ve been burned - and mingi’s face of excitement turns to worry

the sword clamors to his side and he reaches out to take your hands in yours

“are you alright?”

“why - why would you care?”

the retort comes from a place you’ve thought was long since forgotten and mingi’s eyebrows furrow in innocent confusion

“because you’re my friend, that’s why i care. are you hurt?”

the guilt of such a venomous questions floods over you and you relax suddenly

“im fine, just a sudden cramp.”

he’s still holding your hands as he turns them over in his own

the size of his palm nearly doubles yours

“it must be from holding that heavy as hell sword all day huh? seriously, how do you do it?”

he leans down to pick it up and you giggle again, the noise making mingi all giddy again

“well - you can’t be weak and a knight -”

“oh i would never call you weak - you are the protector of,,,,,,,,the prince.”

mingi’s cheerful voice falters for a second and you can’t help but let the questions from before fill your mind again

out of curiosity, you ask, “mingi, since i let you play with the sword and all can i ask you something?”

he swats away one of the many flies that have come with the setting sun

“sure”

“were you and prince yunho,,,,,, friends as well?”

that shadow of old pain crosses over mingi’s features and he opens his mouth - but doesn’t really say anything

you take a moment - reprimanding yourself for prying into something that’s not your business and probably causing unwanted feelings to resurface

but mingi chuckles suddenly and you look to see him shrugging - arms thrown up in the air

“who knows - who knows! we would play a lot when i was young - you know, chasing each other around the barn and annoying my father to no end. but, im a stable hand and he’s a prince. friendship and all of that,,,,”

he waves it off into the air

“it doesn’t mean much to people like him.”

you think you sense the small notes of abandonment mingi must have felt - the roles that he and his friend have to play that have split them apart

and it shocks you because - even with such an energy that pulls you in, it was possible for mingi to be abandoned by someone close to him

by someone he treasured

you’d always that it was just people like you - conditioned into choosing isolation over anything at all - that got left behind

suddenly you don’t want to talk about these things anymore, and you never want to hear those droplets of pain in mingi’s voice again

so you take the sword from him and smile

big and as bright as you can

“want to try shooting my crossbow instead?”

again, the lights come up in his eyes like stars, and the memories for both of you that hurt so much are once again pushed down - down - down

that being said, you think about what mingi said over and over again as you spend your time by the prince’s side

you were never ,,,,,, overtly warm to anyone - but your cold shoulder is even colder now

eyes bleakly staring ahead, the only response you have for him anymore is “yes, your highness.” and his parents seem quite content that way

but when you’re delivering him home from a royal ball three towns over

he hops off his horse and drops the bag of chocolates and other delicacies he was sent off with

“whatever ive done to make you hate me, take this and see it as a reason to get over it.”

you stare at the bag then up at yunho

even though his eyes look like his parents, i know he’s not like them. but that doesn’t matter - he chose to hurt mingi, right?

you shove them back in his hands

earning a wide-eyed look of shock at the utter defiance a knight can never show to the one they serve

you don’t seem to care at all though

“you should give these to someone who’d really enjoy them. i hear the stable boy really likes sweets.”

“m-mingi?”

suddenly you hear footsteps rise from behind you, turning around - you ready yourself to protect the prince - even if you don’t quite like him right now

when all you see is the queen’s new tailor, a young and sweet thing, that yunho has been having over a lot recently

you stand up, sheathing your sword and bowing once to the prince

“ill bring the horse in.”

you say, taking a hold of the prince’s steads reigns and leaving him with the tailor, bag of candy still in hand

why,,,,,,why did i just act so curt to the prince? because of mingi? am i going insane?

you shake it off, approaching the main barn slowly and looking around - the stable hand for the royal’s horses is nowhere in sight

so you take to the task yourself, shrugging off your outer armor and placing your equipment neatly on the hay barrels outside the saddle room

“what are you do-”

a voice comes from behind you and before you can stop your instincts - you pull in your elbow and then thrash it back, hands up in fists as you turn in a jump

clenching your teeth in defense

“o-o-ouch! woah you pack a punch!”

“mi-mingi?!?!”

the tension you’d built up to pummel whoever had snuck up on you melts away

you fall to your knees and pick up his head - watching with horror as a small amount of blood pours out of mingi’s nose

“i didn’t mean to i thought you we-”

“hey, i - i shoulda known not- not to sneak up on the best knight - oh my god this hurts im - im - oh im passing out now-”

he faints and you panic, lifting up his large body to the best of your ability and slinking him back off to your barracks

you tuck him in, pressing a makeshift bag of cold ice to his nose and hurry to the main barn to finish putting the horse away

when you return, mingi is still out cold - you apologize in a little voice and sit down beside him

you change the ice on his forehead and push back his bright red bangs

he really is handsome, he’s got bone structure that could even rival prince yunho,,,,,,,

you think - but stop yourself short - half because you’re getting all red thinking about mingi like that

and the other half because the candle has gone out on the desk beside the bed

you get up to light another one, when a warm hand reaches for your own

“don’t leave again,,,,”

mingi’s voice, lower than usual beckons and it sends an unfamiliar feeling through your skin

his fingers are barely on your wrist, really you could just shrug them off and be on your way

but something makes them feel almost like curling chains pulling, pulling you back onto the bed

“don’t go,,,,,,,”

his voice grumbles and you can’t believe you’re letting your body take over your mind

pushing yourself down beside mingi, laying back as that hand on your wrist drapes over your waist

“are you asleep?”

you ask cautiously - scared but hoping bizarrely that he’s just having some kind of dream

that’s why he’s acting like this

but mingi’s head turns slightly, eyes opening in the dark and you’re a knight so the small sound is amplified to you

just like your gasp is when he mumbles

“no, but if you lay down beside me i think i might just feel safe enough to drift off,,,,,”

you swallow, your heart feels tighter than before you go into battle

you glance through the dark and remember you shut the door

you let mingi’s arm coil even more around you and press you up and into his chest

“happy you punched me”

he mumbles against your hair

“im so sorry mingi i didn-”

“means you feel bad enough to let me hold you like this - huh?”

you don’t know what that means - you don’t even know if he really says it because this all feels like it’s happening in some lucid afterthought

you close your eyes - and listen to the beating of mingi’s heart

do friends usually sleep together like this?

you want to ask, but you the soft cocoon of his warmth and the tiredness of your bones does not let you speak another word

you awaken at the crack of dawn - on instinct you’re always up early - and yelp when you feel a hand on your stomach

only to turn and see it’s still mingi

he sleeps through your small exclaim and you’re both thankful and a little impressed

but also,,,,,,,,

“mingi, mingi get up - if you’re not there for the morning shift the other stable hands and the knights will get -”

he blinks himself from the cloudiness of slumber and smiles at you like a puppy

“you’re even more beautiful when you’ve just woken up.”

the words make you stumble back and they’re on your mind for literal days

like literal days - you find yourself at the barn, cleaning up after wonderland and it’s just mingi

you’re escorting the prince somewhere but your head is full of mingi

and even when you walk by and see the prince, tall and awkward

fumbling as he hands mingi a box of what you assume are some kind of chocolates - you have to scutter by before they notice you

because mingi cannot know that all you’re thinking about is mingi

you’re on cloud nine - maybe even cloud ten or eleven

and ,,,,,,, it makes the blatant dislike from the other knights and the insolent yelling of the queen all nothing

because when you turn around, wiping sweat from your forehead after training

you see mingi waving from the end of the field

and as you run up toward him, he catches you and suddenly he’s leaning in toward your lips

your first real kiss keeps you up without sleep for two days straight, you nearly fall asleep at your post on the outer wall and are saved only by wonderland’s nuzzling nose in your face as one of the other knights approaches

you haven’t seen mingi since it happened - but you can’t wait to get off this duty and run to the barn

“you’re being sent to king hongjoong’s country - they’re short a knight for the king and you were recommended.”

your sleepy disposition fades and you straighten up

“wh-what? then who is going to be the prince-”

“that’s not your business. here is the official query signed by the queen. you are to pack your things immediately and go.”

you don’t bother to read the parchment, instead you turn wonderland around and are about to hop up and ride to the stables

tell mingi what’s going on

when the knight stops you

“you are taking one of the other steads. wonderland is staying here, she’ll be the prince’s new mare.”

“what?”

everything feels like a nightmare, packing your small amount of things into a napsack, having your crossbow being taken back by one of the queen’s servants

the horse waiting for you outside is unfamiliar and you beg for a chance to go back to the stables once

but two knights push you out and toward the awaiting ride

just as you take a hold of the reigns, the two knights flash big - meaty grins at you

“shouldn’t have let your guard down for a stable boy huh?”

“maybe if you were half the knight everyone made you out to be - you wouldn’t be so east to set up?”

they snicker as you ride off - confused, hurt, but worst of all the lingering on your lips stays

you’d lived your whole life hating the fact that you were alone, wishing it on no one

to be abandoned by everyone around you because you were told it was better that way

and now

i hope you know mingi, i would never leave you of my own choice - you’re my friend, you’re my friend that i - that i - that i love, that i love so much more than the word friend could ever encompass -

you arrive at the border, a man from hongjoongs court welcomes you

“do you know why i was sent here?”

he gives you a sideways glance of pity

“you’ve been banished from your country, they said you stole from the prince.”

mingi stares up at yunho, who himself is holding back tears of apology

“just when we were becoming friends again, mingi im sorry i couldn’t keep them-”

mingi puts up a hand - a smile spreads across the worn-out features of his face

he’d thought you died, he thought either the queen or another knight had done it

but you’d just been framed - at least you were alive

“don’t worry yunho. thanks for the sweets by the way.”

he gets up, patting the prince on the shoulder and after three steps around the bend of the barn

mingi throws down the stupid box of chocolates that goes flying everywhere

he isn’t mad at the prince - he isn’t mad at you - he just never thought those important to him would be taken away again,,,,,,,,,,,

the weeks go by and you aren’t even allowed to write to anyone from your homeland

king hongjoong is of course, kinder than the tyrants that you served - but all he knows about you is that you were apparently a thief

banished from your country

you were told you were going to be his knight, but understandably that would be impossible seeing as though everyone saw you as untrustworthy

instead, you were stationed at a field far far far from the center or the border

just out in the brush of the forests, your horse - an old and cranky draft horse as your only companion

all of that training, all of those years spent throwing away what makes me human ,,,,,,,, to end up here - alone on the outskirts of humanity. i should have just become a shop owner or a mundane merchant.

you look at the weapon you’d been issued, a rusted hand blade - not anywhere near the prestige of a sword

you take it, throwing it with perfect aim at one of the trees - and even as the blade lodges in it - no birds fly out of the branches

it doesn’t even make a sound

you go over to lodge it out of the bark, but it won’t even budge

another thing i’ve lost forever........

you’ve lost count of the weeks - you didn’t want to keep track because you’d lost hope

but you’re almost a little sickened by the proposal king hongjoong delivers to you one night

“there’s a wedding in your homeland, apparently the prince has overthrown the king and queen.”

“a- a wedding? he had a ,,,,,,, a suitor?”

hongjoong’s eyes go wide

“i thought you’d know, you were his knight after all?”

you look down

“guess i wasn’t so good at that though was i?”

suddenly you feel hongjoong’s hand on your shoulder

“either way, he’s lifted your ban and i want you to go as my knight. ok?”

you honestly think you should refuse, but you miss your homeland

you might have nothing there - no real family or friends - but you miss it either way

the familiar smells, the hills you spent so much of your time wandering through and training in, wonderland and of course -

“lives were lost, but ultimately the king and queen have been imprisoned.”

he’s ok, right?

you agree, if only because you want to make sure mingi is alright after the rebellion

and even if he refuses to meet your gaze - just seeing him will be enough to last you an eternity

so you ride off with the king, presents for the new king and his love thrown into the carriage

you try to focus and calm your heartbeat through the long travel, but you can’t - you can’t because seeing mingi again -

the entire town is vibrant, you haven’t seen it this colorful and happy ever - not even when you were young

there are flowers, live music, the laughter of children everywhere

one of them even runs up to you - hands full of candy as an offering

it takes you back to the days where you’d walked beside the king, queen, and prince

and everyone had silently bowed their eyes away - scared and disgusted by you all

but now they were just so vibrant - they all reminded you of him.

“i believe the king told me to meet him at a shop somewhere in town where is beloved’s family works, but the horses need a break - would you take them back to the barn, the stable hands should know you’re coming.”

king hongjoong requests and you comply, swallowing the lump in your throat

the stables,,,,,,,,are they still the same?

you take both your horse and the king’s along with the carriage back up the familiar route to the palace

it’s been a while, but your body remembers it by instinct and as you make your way up - the sun starts to set

you turn and look up at it as it waves goodbye, slowly sinking into the horizon

when i see mingi, i don’t deserve to even look him in the eyes, but i want to one last time - one last time to look at the boy i love -

“well ill be damned, is that an angel or am i the luckiest stable boy alive?”

the voice makes you freeze - every inch of your skin feels alive and you turn

tears pricking at the edges of your eyes

mingi throws down his cap, the same red flannel shrugged over his shoulders as when you first met him

and he rushes toward you

when he wraps his arms around you - picking you up like you’re lighter than your armor - you don’t believe it

“are you really here?”

you both ask at the same time, before mingi bursts into laughter and you can’t help but watch him in shock

“i - i thought you’d hate me for leaving -”

he pats down your hair

“you didn’t leave though, you were forced out. i mean - i hope my kiss wasn’t THAT bad that you would runaway forever you know?”

he’s joking, but you push past that - you shake your head and lean up, lips against his

you’re crying and the tears stain mingi’s cheeks

he pulls back to try and clean them off, but you don’t let him as you kiss him again and again

and again

until the horses insistent neighing is the only thing that breaks you two apart

you can’t believe it - that you’re with him again, and that he knew it - he knew you wouldn’t leave him

“ok, let’s get these guys in the barn. also wonderland will kill me if i take up all your time.”

“wonderland?!”

you jump, excited to see your old friend as you run passed mingi who calls after you with a little bit of a whine

“why didn’t you look that excited to see me?”

you disappear into the barn and he grins to himself as he follows you in with the horses

the wedding is the next day, and it’s as grand and as happy as all the villagers and the prince himself could ask for

mingi of course beelines for the cake and when he takes a bite you ask him how it is

rolling your eyes as you lean in to help pat away the stray piece that’s gotten on his cheek

“it’s ok, but i think our wedding cake has just got to better!”

you get so embarrassed that when you’re back to your seats

prince hongjoong is slightly convinced you’ve caught a fever and prince yunho gives mingi a secret highfive

#me spending like 2 hours trying to find this picture of mingi in a flannel #*hits the woah and passes the hell out*#mingi scenarios #mingi imagines #mingi au #ateez scenarios #ateez imagines #ateez au #sfw #knight!au #uuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm wig

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scarletaire · 4 years

Text

homeland (Chapter 3)

A/N: Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you reading thus far! Your support of this little fic of mine means the world ❤️

Fandom: The Folk of the Air

Genre/s: Contains Fluff, Slight Hurt/Comfort, Slight Angst, Smut

Rating: E

Tags: Post-QON, Canon Compliant, Established Relationship, Protective!Cardan, Bewildered!Jude, Jude and Cardan discuss the Undersea, but they get a little Distracted

Description:

Cardan’s eyes flash open.

“Why?” he repeats, and Jude feels the power shift between them. “Don’t you remember, wife?” he croons. “It was the Undersea who stole you away from me.”

And Jude has only enough time to think, danger, before he lunges at her.

or:

Cardan and Jude work on removing their armor. Taking off this particularly stubborn piece happens in varying states of undress.

Links: Masterlist | AO3

Fand is waiting for them outside the royal suite. The knight bows at the sight of the king and queen.

Jude nods her head in acknowledgement, even though she’s not entirely paying attention. The heavy weight in her stomach has only worsened now that they are outside the dreamy confines of their bedroom.

In truth, she’s not exactly sure what she’s guilty about. Cardan doesn’t know what Balekin made her do in the Undersea. What she let him do. What she had to do. But she would have done it again, if it meant that she would be exactly where she is right now.

Cardan stands tall with a hand at her back now, awaiting her cue.

“Report,” she says to Fand, because routine is something she doesn’t have to think much about.

“Your Majesties.” The knight salutes. “There have been sightings of falcons flying close over Elfhame. Not an unusual number, to be sure, but…”

“Falcons.” Cardan wrinkles his brow beside her. “Not the ones you punished, for participating in Madoc’s coup?”

Jude remembers. For those who do not wish to atone, become falcons in earnest.

“Too far to tell, sire. I reported it in case there was cause for suspicion.”

“You did well, Sir Fand,” says Jude. Then she sighs. “That should be checked, at the very least. I can assemble a team and leave within the hour.”

Cardan pouts immediately. “And throw me to the mercies of the Living Council?”

“There are no mercies as far as you’re concerned.”

“Well,” he says, something secret in his eyes, “I suppose you would know better than most.”

She resists the strong urge to kick him. Fand’s face goes carefully blank.

“Why don’t you just move the meeting, then?” Jude says, a little hurriedly. “This shouldn’t take long.”

Cardan shakes his head dolefully. “With great regret, I already told Randalin’s little messenger to scurry along and tell them we’re convening within the quarter hour.” Petulance creeps into his voice. “Even though the last thing I want to do is listen to them squabble over Insear.”

At that, Fand frowns.

“What is it, Sir Fand?”

“My queen.” She seems to stand even straighter. “That’s where the falcons were sighted. Flying low above Insear.”

Jude pauses. That’s close. She catches Cardan’s eye, sees her concern mirrored in his.

“How many?” she asks.

“Last count was two, Your Majesty.”

“A pair.” Her mind is churning. It’s almost a blessing, to be thinking about this. She knows this: tactics and strategy and risk management. She knows too little of handling guilt and conscience and the feeling that she has left something important undone. “One could be an accident, two could be intentional. Cardan –”

“Yes, I understand. I will handle the Living Council.” His expression has sobered. Cardan makes a graceful king when he wants to. He gives her a gentle tap at the small of her back. “Go.”

But something roots her to the spot a little while longer. Maybe it’s because her back now feels cold without the weight of his palm on it. “I’ll be back in time for the revel,” she assures him.

“You’d better. It shall be a great creative achievement.”

Jude almost scoffs. The idea of a revel as a summit for a land treaty is certainly creative, she’ll give him that. “The greatest of your life?” she teases. She realizes she doesn’t want to leave him. Not just yet.

“Of course not. Becoming me was the greatest creative achievement of my life.”

She does scoff this time. “One of these days, my eyeballs are going to roll right out of their sockets because of you.”

He smiles, then, a gentle and precious thing. The sight of it burrows into her heart. He places a hand on the curve of her cheek. “I’ll be waiting for you. Be careful.”

Her breath trips a little in her throat. Fand stands stiffly before them, her eyes trained on the nearest pillar. Affording them some sort of privacy, in her own knightly way. Jude tells herself to get it together. “Aren’t I always?”

“No, Jude.” The way he shakes his head is almost mournful. “You’re really not.”

She frowns, but before she can say anything, he’s reaching into his pocket.

“Here, take these with you.” He produces a pair of honeycakes stolen from their food tray, wrapped in an elaborately embroidered handkerchief. She hadn’t even noticed him take them. Spots of glaze have already stained the intricate whorls of thread. “I was planning to share this with you during the meeting, but alas. My plans are foiled. Again.”

And there, that look. He has only just dressed her, but his eyes are promising the exact opposite. How is it that he’s able to go from wishing for her safety, to throwing her dirty looks beneath his stupidly long eyelashes?

He’s making it incredibly difficult to leave now.

“I need to go,” Jude says gruffly, if only to convince herself to get moving. If she sounds a little more irate than usual, it’s his damn fault anyway. Besides, the faster she clears up this falcon business, the faster they can wrap up the revel and the Insear headache, and the faster they can –

He’s full on smirking now, as if he knows exactly what she’s thinking.

Jude snatches the honeycakes out of his hands with more force than necessary.

“Goodbye,” he says, amusement clear in his tone. She huffs at him, already turning. “And Jude?”

“What?”

“Thank you.”

Jude pauses. It could have been the sincerity in his voice. It could have been the fact that she hates that there’s something she hasn’t told him. It could be the fact that she just doesn’t want to leave him right now. She turns right back around, just in time to catch the soft smile lighting up his eyes.

It strikes her clean through the chest.

She had once promised that she would be better than all of the fae. Right now, though, she is no better than them. She is no less a cheap manipulator of secrets and deceit and pretense.

He’s got one up over her. He was brave enough to tell her about his nightmares. She’s still scared to tell him about his own brother.

How strange her life has become, that being honest with her husband is how she wins the game.

Except it’s not a game. Not really. There’s nothing she wants to play with when she looks at the open affection plain on his face.

She makes a new vow in her head. Later, she thinks, as she pulls him down by his ridiculous cravat to press a kiss to the middle of his cheek. I will tell you everything later.

“Bye,” she whispers, her nose tracing his jaw as she settles back down to her heels.

The wonder she leaves on his face carries her all the way to Insear.

___________________

The island has grown.

In truth, Jude has only seen Insear once since returning from her exile, and it was as she had first seen it that day Cardan had faced off against Orlagh and raised it from the sea. Small, because it had been used to imprison Nicasia. And grey, because the lava and the ash that it had been named after had blanketed the soil like granite snow.

Now, the Isle of Ash is large enough to hold more than just a disgraced princess. At almost the size of Insmoor, it can fit two sprawling palaces and have room left over. It’s not entirely grey anymore, either. When their little boat makes landfall, Jude notices that the lava and the ash have crystallized on its shores like sparkling sand.

Diamonds, she thinks. They look like tiny diamonds.

The whole island is covered in it. It dusts the tall, white birch trees and low, sprawling underbrush that have rooted themselves as far as the eye can see. It sparkles from the petals of the flowers that dot the moonlit landscape: there is a range of blue irises, turquoise roses, and an elegant bloom of cool, black petals that Jude has never seen before.

Cardan did this. Cardan made all of this.

She is no stranger to his power, not now. But seeing the island he made, with nothing but the wave of a hand, makes the full breadth of his power suddenly unthinkable.

“I think I get it now,” she says, voice hushed a little by awe. “Why the Living Council and the High Courts are in such a frenzy over Insear.”

The Bomb whistles in appreciation beside her. They stand on the sparkling sand while Fand secures the boat behind them. “This is old magic. The land probably hasn’t felt anything like it since the three original islands of Elfhame were created.”

Jude shakes her head. “How is this possible? The island is still growing.”

“All of Elfhame thrives on the king’s lifeblood,” says the Bomb. “The island he raised himself most of all.”

“I knew Cardan had magic, but not like this.”

“He’s never been more powerful, and as a consequence, his blood more potent. He’s young, for one thing. And he’s happy.”

Jude’s head almost snaps off. “What?”

The Bomb throws a pointed look her way. “Not many of the old rulers were. Didn’t you notice?”

All Jude can remember is how distant and untouchable Eldred had been on the throne. What did it matter if the ruler was happy, as long as he was king? “But Eldred was –”

“Resigned. He had long accepted his life as king, but he derived no true joy during his rule. It’s different with Cardan. There is contentment, but there is more than that. Hope. Light.” The Bomb bends down, lets her fingers sink into the glistening sand of Cardan’s own making. “You can feel it in the soil.”

Jude thinks of how Cardan looked earlier tonight. The untouchable bending to her touch.

“And it’s not just Cardan, you know,” continues the Bomb. With the white of her hair, she looks like she belongs here. “It’s also different with you.”

“Because I’m human.”

“No. Because you’re happy, too.” She flashes Jude an impish smile. “Even though you’d be the last to admit it.”

Jude frowns. She doesn’t know what to make of that. “But I had no hand in raising Insear.”

“As queen, the land feeds off of you in turn.” The Bomb tilts her head back, and breathes in deeply. When she exhales, there is peace in her eyes. “The king and queen are happy, and it shows.”

Jude’s mind scrambles for an answer, but in truth, she is thrown. She has never really included happiness in her long-term plans for herself before, and now that it is a possibility – more than a possibility – she finds that it’s the slightest bit mythical. Something that’s as beautiful and as impossible as the fae.

And yet, here she is, the human Queen of Faerie.

She’s saved from replying by Fand coming up behind them. “The boat is secure, Your Majesty. And there’s no sign of the falcons.”

“Good. It’s possible that their presence was just a coincidence,” Jude says, “but let’s check further inland to be sure.”

The island seems to grow richer in foliage the deeper they go. There are flowers everywhere now, seas of deep blue and turquoise blooms, dotted with the occasional black. She leans down to pick one glittering obsidian flower, and brings it to her nose. It smells sweet. Black pollen dusts her fingertips and stands out against the metal of her chestplate. The shimmering ash crunches a little underfoot, and Jude’s golden cape swishes against it as she walks.

Even the air is different here. It feels lighter and cleaner, as if there is nothing that could possibly weigh it down.

A bird shrieks in the distance.

The three of them freeze.

Jude draws Nightfell. Fand and The Bomb close ranks on either side of her.

“Up ahead,” she says.

“It was close,” says The Bomb, “and low to the ground.” She wrinkles her brow. “That’s odd.”

They find the falcons not long after that. Find, because one of them is laying on the ground, chest rising and falling in shallow breath, and the other is in a nearby birch and makes a half-hearted attempt to fly over their heads only to land, visibly weakened, beside his comrade. They rest, defeated, against the glistening landscape borne of the new king’s power.

Both are marked by a blood-red crest on their chests. Redcap red.

“Traitors,” murmurs Fand.

“What’s wrong with them?” Jude asks. But the answer comes as quickly as she speaks.

You will not have your own true form back until such time as you hurt no living thing for the space of a full year and a day.

Jude sheathes her sword.

But how will we eat if we can hurt nothing?

She takes a step forward. One falcon emits a small cry, meant to intimidate, or perhaps to implore.

“My queen,” warns Fand.

“Peace,” says Jude, to her knight, and to her punished.

She kneels when she reaches them, her golden cape pooling against the ground.

“I do not rescind my judgement over you, who sought to overthrow the crown and wreak chaos upon the kingdom,” she tells them. And it is true. She regrets nothing of the way she had handled justice that day. “But,” she continues, “I once promised that kindness would sustain you, and today it is kindness I shall give.”

She reaches into her pocket and draws out the honeycakes that Cardan gave her. She holds it out to the once disgraced soldiers, and they – starved to the brink of death – fall upon it like a benediction.

The High Queen of Elfhame feeds those that had once sought to unseat her, and Fand and The Bomb bear witness in solemnity. When they are finished, she speaks again.

“Fly on,” she says. “When we meet again, meet me as yourselves.”

_____________

The minute Jude sets foot back in the palace, she knows that something is wrong.

Her body feels the slightest bit off-kilter, like she’s taking a step in the wrong direction. She can’t pinpoint what it is exactly. The Bomb makes her leave to return to the Court of Shadows, and Fand falls back into step behind her.

She wants to see Cardan.

The meeting with the Living Council was moved to a dusty antechamber on the opposite side of the brugh where the usual Council Chambers are. Jude suspects it was pure spite on Cardan’s behalf that led to this unnecessary change in meeting venue. She recalls with a vague satisfaction the clear distress on the messenger’s face earlier.

She can just imagine Randalin’s reaction, and it’s almost enough to make her smirk. If she were in the proper mood for smirking right now. A pounding is starting behind her eyes.

Jude catches the tail end of the dreaded Council meeting as she rounds the final corner.

Over the past few weeks, the Courts of Elfhame have been in a much aggrieved clamor over ownership and land rights to Insear. Each individual court seemed to present reason upon reason as to why they have a right to a piece of the island. Jude had understood why, in the vaguest sense, having not yet witnessed the current state of the land in question. It was technically free for the taking, having freshly risen out of nowhere, and was thus primed for the next inevitable round of political ladder climbing.

Now that she’s seen it, though, she can admit that there’s a part of her that would hate to see it go to the greedy hands of a faceless court. That would like, on no small terms, to have Insear all for herself.

It’s the nature of magic, she supposes. To create something so beautiful that no one can have.

As it stands, the island has served as a recurring headache for the king and queen, with two courts coming dangerously close to an armistice more than once. The revel that Cardan is hosting tonight is supposed to serve as neutral ground for interested parties to present their petitions, and for the monarchs to come to an amicable decision.

It seems like Randalin and the Living Council have a better solution.

“And to whom shall the money go, oh Minister of Keys?” It’s Cardan’s voice, and from his tone alone, it sounds as though the meeting is going as well as anticipated. Which is not at all.

“Sire?”

There’s a guard at the door that jolts into attention the second he sees her. His mouth opens to announce her, but she holds a finger to her lips. She wants to listen first. With a nod at Fand, Jude steps into the shadows.

“You suggested that the Isle of Ash be bestowed upon the court that can offer the greatest tithe,” Cardan says to Randalin. He’s seated at the helm of the long table, and the Council is arranged before him, with the Minister of Keys seated the closest to him on his left. “So let me ask you again. To whom shall the money go?”

From her vantage point, hidden by the door, Jude see’s Randalin’s horned face blanch. “Well, it will of course go to crown and kingdom, my liege.”

“To crown and kingdom?” Cardan rests his chin in his hand, pulling the words through his mouth as if he is playing with them. “But I didn’t ask for it.”

“What the Councilor means to say, sire,” Nihuar, the Seelie Minister, says quickly, her small green lips curved into a placating smile, “is that the funds will benefit all endeavors in the name of Elfhame –”

“So you mean to say,” Cardan drawls, “that the money will go to you.”

The Living Council erupts into a cacophony of sputters and indignant justification. It’s in the middle of rolling his eyes at the table in front of him that Cardan notices Jude hiding in the shadows by the door.

He sees her. Even though she does her best to hide herself, he always sees her.

He’s leaning sideways on his chair at the head of the table, so much so that half of his body is practically spilling over into her empty seat at his right. It’s such a familiar sight that a pang goes through Jude’s chest. She’s missed him.

Cardan stands. The Council falls silent in confusion. The drumming in Jude’s head begins to pound in time with her heart.

He keeps his eyes on her as he walks. All the way down the long table. All the way across the room. Until he is standing right in front of her and the Council is scrambling to their feet because the Queen of Elfhame is here.

Cardan holds out his hand. Jude is powerless to deny him.

She’s pinned to the floor by his expression. She’s only truly been gone for the better part of an hour, but maybe it’s possible that he’s missed her, too. He must see something in her face, because when he speaks, he addresses it to the Council frozen behind him, his eyes never once leaving her.

“This meeting is adjourned.”

“Your Majesties.” Randalin’s voice is strained. “The solution to the Insear claim has yet to be finalized.”

“I find myself tired of the lot of you,” Cardan says, something of his old impetuousness in his tone, “and my wife has just returned. Leave us.”

It’s Nihuar who tries next, once more in vain. “My king, if you would only review the –”

“Desist.” The ember of a threat sparks in his voice. “Now.”

Jude hears the sound of chairs scraping back and feet shuffling out of the door. The Council members most likely bow as they pass, but she isn’t looking at them. When the room is empty, she hears Fand murmur “Your Majesties,” from behind, and then the door is groaning shut. They’re alone.

Cardan sighs, and she can see the tension leaving his shoulders. He pulls her in closer by their joined hands, and when she’s near enough, his tail winds itself once around her hips. He rests his forehead against hers, stooped just enough to reach.

“So?” he says. His entire demeanor has shifted. Gentled. Jude feels the slightest bit dizzy from the sudden change. Or maybe she’s just dizzy. “What of the falcons at Insear?”

Jude swallows. She tells him everything: how Insear has changed, how they discovered the fallen falcons, how she fed them from a kindness that was more human than faerie. All the while, he listens with his forehead against hers and his hands at her waist.

When it is over, Cardan takes her face in his hands. “Look at you,” he breathes. “You are queen of us all.”

And Jude –

– blooms under his gaze. Under the sincerity of the adoration she finds there. Like the flowers she saw in Insear, black, shimmering petals unfurling under the tender moonlight. Like a drop of inky poison, spreading and spreading without control.

She sways a little.

There’s something she needs to tell him. There’s something he needs to know.

He might hate me, she thinks. He might truly hate me for it.

“Cardan,” she whispers.

“Yes.” His eyes have dropped from her eyes to somewhere lower.

The next time she sways, she sways a little bit into him, unable to stop the tilt of her body. His fingers tighten into the shining gold cape at her back, holding her against his chest.

“Cardan,” she says again. Their lips are so close, she almost brushes his name against his mouth. She is finding it hard to see anything but his face.

She thinks about how the last time she held off on telling him something important, he turned into a giant snake and she had to cut his head off.

He leans in.

The words tear themselves free from her throat.

“I kissed him,” she says.

Cardan stills. “What?” The confusion is clear in his voice.

“I had to,” she babbles, and this is how she’s sure something’s not entirely right with her. “He couldn’t know I was resistant to glamour. It was the only thing I had left. The only thing.”

“Jude.” There’s worry now, and a little bit of alarm. She could be wrong. The edges of her vision are going blurry. “You’re not making any sense.”

“Balekin,” she whispers, because his name is almost forbidden, because she has little of her strength left. She's near enough to see the shock widening his eyes. Shock, and something else. Something sharp. Something that can cut her.

“I kissed him,” she confesses, “and then I killed him.”

Jude’s world goes black.

____________

End Note:

This chapter is the final puzzle piece needed for the, ahem, tension relief to begin. The next chapter is the one I've been looking forward to writing the most, so that's something to look out for!

In the meantime, I have updates, inspo pics/moodboards, and an open inbox on my tumblr!

Thank you again for reading, and I would love to know what you thought of this chapter ❤️

(P.S. There’s also a The Magicians reference in there if you’re familiar with it 👀)

#jude x cardan #jurdan fic #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #the folk of the air #tfota #jurdan #jurdanfanfic #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #tcp fic #tcp #twk #tqon #tqon spoilers #cardan #fic: homeland #zita writes

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remywrites5 · 5 years

Note

“You’re a slacker and I’m a straight A student and we were paired together for a group project and I just want you to get out of the way and let me do everything but you insist on helping for some odd reason ” AU with wolfstar please

Remus froze in horror as he reached into the bowl of names to pick his partner for their history project. He looked out at the sea of his classmates and prayed for someone good. He knew no one in the room would really mind being his partner, because Remus was studious and took his academic seriously, so being his partner for a project basically guaranteed a good grade.

His hand wrapped around a piece of paper and he lifted his up. “Sirius Black,” he said as evenly as he could while his heart sank. Sirius Black was a notorious trouble maker who barely did any school work and only got decent grades because he was smart and was good at taking tests. Most days he didn’t even bother handing in his homework and he spent most of class lounging back with his feet on the desk and his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket.

Remus risked a glance over at Sirius and he found Sirius beaming at him. It was odd to see Sirius look so excited about anything school related. The only time Black got excited about anything was the stupid pranks he liked to pull with his friend James. At least Remus hadn’t ended up with Potter as his partner. James was even worse than Sirius but it seemed that misfortune had landed on Lily Evans.

Taking his seat again, Remus began jotting down ideas for what point in history they should do. He immediately dismissed World War Two as he figured most people would be drawn to that era. He didn’t want to pick anything too obscure, knowing he’d be doing everything himself. There was no point in making things harder when it came time to research.

Remus had been so busy with his list that he must have missed the teacher telling them to meet up with their partners. He was startled when Sirius Black dropped his books onto Remus’ desk and sat backwards in the chair in front of Remus to face him.

“Hi there!” Sirius said, running his fingers through his shoulder length hair. “How’s it going, Lupin?”

Remus jotted down a few more ideas before he forgot them and then glanced up at Sirius. “I’m fine, you?”

“I’m fantastic,” Sirius said, leaning in towards Remus as if they were sharing a secret. “I was hoping I’d be paired with a cute boy for this.”

Remus rolled his eyes. Sirius Black was a shameless flirt, everyone knew that. “I was thinking maybe we could do the Victorian era,” Remus told him, chewing on the end of his pen.

“I was thinking ancient Rome,” Sirius said, wiggling his eyebrows. “You know with all those orgies and stuff.”

Remus resisted the urge to roll his eyes once more. “We’re not presenting on orgies to the class.”

Sirius grinned, putting his arm on the back of the chair and resting his chin in his hand. “You want to do the Victorian era where seeing someone’s ankle was considered scandalous.”

Remus quirked an eyebrow at him in response. “You do know Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for sodomy during this era, right?” he said, making Sirius’ eyes go wide. Probably from the use of the word sodomy. “And Lord Byron was off fucking pretty much anything that would move.”

Sirius hummed softly. “I guess that could be cool.”

Remus sighed. “So glad you approve,” he said with a hint of annoyance. He was going to have to do the whole project himself anyway. He didn’t really need Sirius’ input anyway.

“Wanna meet in the library after school?” Sirius asked, gathering up his stuff as the teacher announced the end of class.

“Why?” Remus asked, frowning as Sirius stood up.

Sirius laughed. “To work on the project?”

“Oh, um, sure.”

“Perfect!” Sirius said, beaming at him. Remus gave him a tentative smile in return. He was surprised to see Sirius so enthusiastic about a school project. “’I’ll see you there!”

“See you.”

***

Remus got a few books about the Victorian Era and spread them out over the table he’d picked at the back of the library. He thought maybe Sirius would bail on their plans to meet up, which honestly suited Remus just fine. He’d get along better without having Sirius interrupting him. He chewed on his pen cap as he jotted down some notes.

“Hey Remus!” Sirius said, sliding in the chair beside him. “Sorry I’m late. Peter got his hand stuck in a peanut butter jar…again. I swear it’s like being friends with Winnie the Pooh.” Sirius laughed and slung his arm over Remus’ shoulders with a familiarity that just did not exist between them. Remus wondered if it would be rude to shake Sirius off him.

Remus cleared his throat and decided to change the subject back to school. He didn’t want to get to know Sirius Black. He didn’t want that kind of trouble in his life. Sure, Sirius was gorgeous, vivacious and intriguing, but he also had a tendency to get bored of people easily. It seemed like every month there were rumors of Sirius with another bloke. Whether they were true or not was another matter and Remus didn’t know Sirius well enough to be sure. At one point Remus had cared a great deal about the goings-on of Sirius Black but he’d more or less gotten over his stupid crush.

“So I was thinking we could talk about the evolution of the English novel starting and it’s reflection of society at the time,” Remus said, writing down the names of a few authors he wanted to mention.

“Sounds very swotty,” Sirius teased, reading the list over Remus’ shoulder. “I’m not going to have to read all those books, am I?”

“No,” Remus said, shaking his head. “I’ve read most of the ones I want to touch on. Dickens, Conan Doyle, Austen, Bronte, Wilde.”

“I have read Hound of the Baskerville,” Sirius offered, glancing at the list again. “I’ve seen the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice. Does that count for anything?”

Remus chuckled despite himself. “It’s more accurate to the book than the Kiera Knightly one.”

“I mostly just watched it because Colin Firth is hot,” Sirius said with a shrug. “And I know about a Christmas Carol, even though I’ve never read it.”

“Let me guess, the Muppet version?” Remus quipped, turning his head to look at Sirius and noticing just how close their bodies were. Their breath was actually mingling together.

Sirius grinned. “It’s still the same story.”

“I knew it!” Remus laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I don’t know…” Sirius said softly, bringing his other hand up and brushing his fingers over Remus’ cheek. “What are you going to do with me?”

Remus felt his cheeks go red and he quickly turned away back to the safety of his books. “I’m thinking maybe we should talk about the poverty of the time and the classism at work in British society. Maybe talk about how a lot of novels had protagonists trying to improve their social standing – Great Expectations, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Oliver Twist.”

Sirius listened to Remus ramble with a bemused smirk on his face. When Remus glanced back over he noticed Sirius was staring at him intently. It made Remus’ stomach clench uneasily.

“Have you ever kissed anyone before?”

Remus’ jaw dropped. “I don’t see how that’s relevant – “

“Is that a no?”

Remus flipped the page of his notebook just for something to do to continue ignoring Sirius’ question. “It’s none of your business,” he finally responded after Sirius didn’t let it go.

“I could make it my business,” Sirius said, licking his lips and smiling. “Why don’t you give me your number?”

“Why?”

“Because I want it.”

Remus scowled at him. “Sirius, I’m not interested –“

“Bollocks.”

Remus’ frown deepened. “Not everyone is interested in you, Black. Y-you’re annoying and selfish and reckless.”

“Flatterer,” Sirius said, his grin showing that he didn’t really believe Remus. “Come on, I’m not that bad, Lupin. I’ve got some good qualities too.”

Remus huffed out a breath. “I don’t know you well enough to say if that’s true or not,” he informed his project partner. “We’ve never exactly spent any significant amount of time together.”

“Let’s change that then, hm?” Sirius said, grabbing Remus’ notebook and scribbling down his number. “Text me tonight and we’ll pick a time this weekend to work on the project. I’ll come over to yours because my place is a nightmare.”

“What?” Remus asked, blinking in utter confusion at Sirius. He wasn’t sure but he thought Sirius Black had just invited himself over to Remus’ house on the weekend.

“I’ve got to get going but don’t do the whole project without me, okay?” Sirius said, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. “I promise I’m not completely useless.”

Remus could do nothing but stare up at Sirius with a puzzled expression on his face. Sirius smiled at him and then went bounding out of the library. Remus looked down at this notebook and the number scrawled over the middle of the page. Remus tore the page out of his notebook since it was ruined anyway. He considered throwing it into the rubbish bin but shoved it into his pocket instead. He thought about ignoring Sirius’ request and just continuing on by himself. Instead he took the books up to the front desk and checked them out so that he could continue his research over the weekend. Even if Sirius didn’t show up to help him, Remus would be prepared to finish the project on his own.

***

Against his better judgment Remus texted Sirius later that night. He had talked it over with his mum during dinner and she had agreed to let Sirius come over on Saturday. She had been a bit surprised that Remus had asked to have a friend over. The only friend he’d ever had over before was Lily and they were such good friends that Remus didn’t really have to ask if Lily could come over anymore, she was always welcome at the Lupin house.

You can come over tomorrow if you want.

You texted me!

Well yeah. You gave me your number.

What time should I come over?

Around lunchtime? My mum said she’d make us something if you want to eat here before we get started.

I can eat anything I want?

I mean as long as we have it.

Can I eat you?

Shut up. I’ll see you at lunchtime.

***

Sirius arrived at Remus’ a little before noon and he seemed energetic, practically bouncing off the walls. He ate his lunch with gusto, munching on the ham and cheese sandwiches Remus’ mum had made. Sirius had kept the conversation going with Remus’ mum and Remus just sat there eating his food, kind of in a daze. He hadn’t expected Sirius to put so much effort in to talking with his mum. Sirius was alarmingly charming and it seemed like he was attempting to make a good impression. Remus had no idea why.

“Uh, Sirius and I are going to my room to work on the project,” Remus said, grabbing Sirius by the arm and hauling him up out of his seat. He practically dragged Sirius down the hallway to his room and shut the door.

“Anxious to get me alone, huh?” Sirius asked, biting his bottom lip.

“What are you doing?” Remus asked, searching Sirius’ face for some kind of hint that he was lying or being a prat. Instead Sirius just smiled at him.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Sirius responded with a shrug. “I was just being polite. Am I not allowed to be polite to your mum who made me lunch?”

Remus huffed, the air puffing out his cheeks for a moment and then causing the curls on his forehead to move when he released it. “You never put it effort for anything.”

“That’s not true,” Sirius said softly, reaching out and playing with one of Remus’ curls.

Remus worked his jaw for a moment. “This isn’t – you don’t –“

“I don’t?” Sirius challenged, twisting his hand into the front of Remus’ jumper and tugging him forward slightly. “How do you know?”

Remus stared at Sirius for a moment and then shook his head. “Why are you trying so hard, Sirius?”

Sirius grinned. “Because you’re making things difficult for me.”

“And if I stopped?” Remus asked, crowding in closer to Sirius.

“Then things would be remarkably easier.”

“You’d get bored of me,” Remus said, glancing down for a moment at Sirius’ mouth and how very, very close it was. “Probably quicker than all the others – “

“Ugh,” Sirius groaned, dropping his head back against the door. “Is that why? Remus, come on. I thought you of all people would be above listening to that gossip.”

Remus frowned. “Lily told me she saw you snogging Evan Rosier.”

“Yeah, well, we all make mistakes,” Sirius grumbled unhappily. “I dated Evan for a month and when I dumped him the stupid prick started making shit up about me. He has been for months just to get back at me. I guess I really am unforgettable.”

Remus placed his hands gently at Sirius’ waist, slipping his fingers under Sirius’ t-shirt to touch his skin. It was warm and soft and Sirius made a cute little gasping noise at the contact. “So I’m not just your latest conquest then?”

Sirius shook his head emphatically. “I fancy you,” he said, pressing his nose against Remus’ jawline in a gentle, sliding it up towards his ear before playfully biting the lobe. “I have for a while now but you don’t exactly make it easy to get to know you.”

Remus smiled and pressed a soft kiss to Sirius’ temple. “I suppose I don’t,” he agreed quietly, shifting his hand to splay against the small of Sirius’ back. “I’ll let you close, if you want.”

“I want,” Sirius breathed out. “Fuck Remus, kiss me.”

Remus turned his head and captured Sirius’ lips, pressing Sirius back against the wall. Sirius’ mouth dropped open and Remus took the opportunity to slide his tongue inside. Sirius moaned and carded his fingers through Remus’ curls until his hand was fisted in Remus’ hair at the back of his head.

Remus broke the kiss after a few life-altering moments and pressed his forehead against Sirius’. “Sirius…”

“Does this mean you’ll stop making things so bloody difficult for me then?” Sirius asked, his kiss-swollen lips twitching into a smirk.

“Absolutely not,” Remus said, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of Sirius’ mouth. It would do Sirius good to keep having to put in a little effort. “Still interested?”

“Fuck yes,” Sirius said, pulling Remus into another kiss. “If we get a good grade on the project will you be my boyfriend?”

“We’re guaranteed to get a good grade,” Remus informed him, nipping playfully at Sirius’ lower lip. “I wouldn’t settle for anything less.”

“Well then?” Sirius asked, raising a questioning eyebrow at Remus.

“Yes,” Remus agreed to their proposed deal, sealing it with a kiss. Even though they were going to get a good grade on it, Remus knew Sirius would continue to work extra hard on it for Remus. Renowned trouble maker Sirius Black was going to put in effort into something school related because of Remus - because he wanted Remus. It was the best thing that had ever happened to Remus in his life.

And if the project took twice as long to finish, because they couldn’t help interrupting their work to snog each other, well that was pretty spectacular as well.

#wolfstar #i write things #modern day au #high school au #sirius black x remus lupin #long post #anon prompt #fluff

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justkending · 4 years

Text

10 Years Time Epilogue

Series Summary: As princess of Alberia, it is your duty to grow into a rightful young lady if you plan on ruling your family's country. Of course, the only way your father can see this happening is sending you off to a boarding camp at the age of 14 for 10 years to learn what it means to grow into a Queen. That means leaving all your friends and family behind. One specific person, your best friend, you never want to say goodbye to. But 10 years later, you come back grown into a young lady like your father hoped, and find your best friend has grown into a knightly young man. How will you two adjust after 10 years apart? Will things be the same, or will all that’s happened in that span of time affect your relationship?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Stark Daughter Reader

Word Count: 5800+

A/N: Oh. My. Goodness. We have come to an end on this series, and I’m so happy that this idea came to me. I loved writing for it, and putting myself INTO the story. Thank you for all the love and support with it, and I hope I did the end justice. I truly was worried I wouldn’t be able to do that, but as I started writing I really dove into the love the two characters share for each other, and I’m glad we got what we did for the end. I love you all and let me know what you think!!

Epilogue:

A year had passed since the signing of the alliance for Alberia and Turan.

Both kingdoms had flourished since then. About a month after the signing, Y/N was officially made the queen of the Alberia and her father and Pepper went into retirement. Even in retirement though, Tony had opinions and always gave his two cents to Y/N when he could.

There was only one instance in that year that war was threatened. A neighboring kingdom that had been on the rocks of having a Queen as the single ruler of a country. It was something they never could really wrap their head around, and thought that taking over or trying to invade would be easier. Like many others did since the trend was becoming more popular of a female ruler.

But like the strong and powerful kingdom that Alberia is, they came up on top and war was never even approached after ‘having a word’ with said kingdom. In other words, they were reminded of the kind of country Alberia was and their alliances.

Another major change was the amount of new women knights they had signed up for the force. A-force was growing in numbers and so many more women were stepping up to the plate to fight for their country. It was historical and monumental being one of the few countries to allow this. But because of it, Alberia’s security was stronger.

Scott and Jean were engaged to marry within the next year. The two so happy together and keeping Turan thriving together as well.

Nat and Bucky were engaged and married about 6 months ago. They didn’t want anything fancy, and settled for a small elopement with close friends and family. Nat made a beautiful bride, and Y/N made sure that the after party with friends was truly one to celebrate at. Lot’s of alcohol…

Clint and Laura were expecting their first child. Only about 5 more months to go. They, as well as the rest of the friend group, were ecstatic and so ready for one of them to take the next step in life with a family.

Wanda and Sam had begun talking in the last couple of months, and have finally settled into courting the other. They were perfect for each other with their bubbly and goofy nature. Everyone was surprised it didn’t happen earlier.

Thor recently got engaged to a duchess named Jane. Though people thought she wasn’t high enough on the royalty scale, Thor could care less and all his friends saw the love that he shared for her. They were all in support of the two being together.

Loki was still single, but not phased by others finding love. He liked the business he was in charge of, so not seeing him in love or engaged for the next couple of years wasn’t much of a surprise to the friend group.

As for Y/N and Steve. Well, that’s the story everyone wants, right?

The knight and princess had to keep their relationship on the low for a while after Y/N was finally labeled as the Queen of Alberia. If word got around that one of the reasons for the alliance with Prince Scott was because she was in love with a knight of her country, well questions would be asked and older kingdoms would say she wasn’t in the right mind to rule a country.

Which was far from the truth as we all know, but old privileged men, am I right?

So the couple kept it a secret for a while. A good long while. But after sneaking around long enough, they got tired of worrying about what others thought, and didn’t hide it anymore.

Steve would visit Y/N’s room every night. Not climbing on the roof anymore, but instead walking in the door where everyone could see. They held hands, shared kisses, hugged, and did everything a normal couple would do in public.

As for the staff, cooks, maids, knights, guards, they all knew. They all knew since when the two were young fawning after each other in the fields of wildflowers, but they didn’t dare share secrets that weren’t theirs to share. That’s the kind of loyalty this kingdom had for each other.

So when they finally made it public, the castle rejoiced. Everyone congratulating them and shared their joy for the couple every chance they got.

It was just a few days from when the two would be celebrating their 1 year anniversary from making it official themselves.

They were cuddled up into the other under the blankets of Y/N’s ‘made for a queen’ bed. The whole ‘saving yourself for marriage’ thing kinda flew out the window the night that Y/N showed up to that ball in that gown, and Steve wore that mouthwatering attire for the signing. They were goners as soon as they set their eyes on the other.

“I can hear you thinking Stevie.” Y/N giggled while she drew circles on Steve’s bare chest. His arm possessively thrown around her pulling her into his side. As if someone was going to march in any second demanding her over.

“Hmmm?” he hummed clearly still in thought and not really knowing what he was humming to.

“Steve?” she said sitting up and leaning on her elbow to the side to see him better. His grip never going down, but his eyes quickly looking to look at her.

“Hmm, what?” he asked confused at her movement.

“Are you daydreaming, or…” she dragged out letting a small chuckle come out. When all he did was look at her, she cocked her head to the side and a small smirk began to curve at the corner of her lips. “What are you-”

“You are so beautiful. You know that?” he said looking down at those sultry lips of hers.

“What’s gotten into you-” she giggled, and he couldn’t help it. He pinched her side getting another laugh out of her. He pulled her to where she was laying on top of him, and wrapped his arms around her waist making it impossible for her to move. “Steven!” she shouted wiggling in his grip.

“I love your laugh.” he said peppering her with kisses on her face as she moved laughing more. “I love your nose.” he said kissing her nose. “I love your eyes. I love your cheeks when they get all rosy after I compliment you. I love how your eyebrows quirk when you want to say something sassy, but hold back.” she was trying to move to see his face better, but after every comment he would kiss her again and again. “I love how happy you make everyone feel welcomed just by smiling. I love the little freckles you get when you’re out in the sun too long. I love your love for being outside.”

“Steve, why are you all mushy gushy all of a sudden?” she laughed finally moving to where she was looking down at him. He paused the kisses, and a gleam shone in his eyes. She moved to a sitting position. Still straddling him, but bringing the blanket to cover her exposed flesh.

He tugged at the blanket like he was nervous trying to find something to play with as he sat looking at her. But even as nervous as he was, he couldn’t pull his eyes from those beautiful Y/E/C orbs.

He let out a sigh saying mentally, “Screw it.” He moved to where he was sitting up to, but she was still sitting in his lap. He wanted her close for this.

“Do you know the love that I have for you is something that I never knew was humanly possible?” he said moving one of her curls away from her face and behind her ear. She fell into the touch and closed her eyes basking in his admiration.

“I love you too-”

“No. I mean, my heart feels sad and empty if you’re not within 10 feet of me.” he continued. “I really, really, really, really love you.” he said. The desperation to get his point across was heavy.

“Steve.” she said with a breath through her nose. She moved her hand to his cheek. He copied that same action she did just seconds ago and leaned into it. Instead of closing his eyes, he searched hers for something. “I think I can say the same thing about you. I know it’s not a competition, but if it were I think we have each other tied.” she chuckled moving to rest her forehead on his.

A simple touch, but something that meant much more to them. A sense of understanding and communication for them to share so much without saying anything.

They sat there for a second. Their breathes syncing and going in and out as one. Then Steve said it. He said it no longer being able to keep the thought to himself.

“Marry me.”

It was more of a statement than a question, but either way, Y/N pulled back quiet and looked at him wide eyed.

“Wait, what-”

“Marry me.” he repeated.

“Steve-” she breathed out as if she was socked in the stomach.

“I love everything about you and so much more.” he said continuing his first rant. “I love the light your soul radiates on this earth. The way you are compassionate and loving to everyone you meet. How you come at issues with peace as the first tactic instead of war. How you make an effort to know every staff, guard, cook, noble man, and every person around you. I love the calmness and the excitement that you can turn up and turn down when needed. I love your stubbornness, when it’s not directed to me.” he said with a smirk making her laugh and a single tear came down her cheek of pure joy.

He moved his hand and wiped it away before pulling her closer to him by her face.

“I love everything you are, I love everything you are going to be, and I want to make that person my wife.” he smiled nerves coming back. “I want to make you my queen.” he said in a whisper.

“You really want that? You’re going to be ok with that?” she asked concerned, but immensely excited too.

“More than anything I’ve wanted all my life.” he answered as if it was the simplest thing he could answer.

“Can I say something then?” she asked catching him off guard. His nodded unsure of what was to come.

She bent down and slowly started to kiss his cheek before moving to other spots on his face. Slower than him, but just as love filled.

“I love how strong you are for everyone around you.” she started. Once he saw where she was going with this he was about to interject since he was the one supposed to be peppering her with compliments, but the game worked both ways. She moved her hand to his lips and pulled back sending him a look. “Don’t interrupt.” she said semi-sternly making him effectively shut his mouth.

“I love the kindness you show everyone around you. I love the little specks of green in your eyes when the light hits it just right. I love how when I’m reading a book and fall asleep, you bring me a blanket or take me to my room to sleep. I love how long your eyelashes look when you sleep. I love the scruff of your beard when you first wake up. I love how when anytime you see me doubt myself, you jump in reassuring me every time. I love how supportive you are to everyone. I love the gleam in your eyes when you get an idea you’re excited about. I love the way you protect everyone around you as if you would jump in front of an arrow for each and every single one of them.” She stopped kissing his face, and looked at him seeing him practically glowing. Very rarely did he let her compliment him like this, so clearly he was blushing. “I love everything you are and everything you are going to be.”

She grinned as if telling him her answer. He looked back and forth between her eyes and brushed a finger over her lips.

“Does that mean you’ll marry me?” he asked.

“Only if you really are ok with being stuck by my side for eternity.” she smiled back.

“I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to see it any other way.” he said pulling her into his chest and crashing her lips to his own.

_____

A royal wedding. Taking place only about 4 months after they announced it. Fast and hurried, but everyone was ecstatic. The Queen of Alberia was going to settle down and with a man everyone respected and loved just as much as her.

The villagers knew Steve because of how often he came into town to help with anything and everything. Y/N was the same kind of person. Making a large impression as a couple for the kingdom.

Not a single soul wasn’t routing for the two in Alberia. People were waiting to see the marriage finally take place.

“No! Those flowers are supposed to be mixed with the wild flowers. Don’t you understand the purpose of baby breath?” Nat shouted running to fix every little problem she saw.

“She does realize the wedding isn’t until tomorrow, right?” Y/N asked as she signed another order of some sort with yet another delivery.

“That won’t stop her from being type 1.” Wanda shook her head letting out a sigh.

“True. What else is there to do today?” Y/N asked thanking the delivery person as they bowed and walked off.

“Aunt Jay said that the dress is just 2 stitches from being done, and she wanted you to try the veil on in about 30 minutes. We need to check in with the bakers and cooks to make sure the menu is ready for tomorrow, and lastly, we saved some time for you and Steve to be together before you’re forbidden to see the other until you’re walking down the aisle.” Wanda grinned, turning to her Queen with her arms behind her back.

“Sounds doable.” Y/N smiled back. “Have Nat go take a nap or at least rest. If she refuses, tell her the queen commanded it. It’s not an option.” she said with a certain look that showed Wanda to not relent. “I’ll go check with Rebecca on the food, and then I’ll head to Janet’s room for the veil.”

“Anything else you would like me to do?” Wanda asked with bright eyes.

“Just make sure you and Nat are rested for tomorrow. If you think the day before is stressful, just wait for the day of.” Y/N winked moving to the kitchen with two guards behind her as usual. They kept a good distance though.

“Yes your highness.” Wanda curtsied before turning to get Nat who was still trying to perfect the layout of the flowers.

____

“Oh Becca! It looks perfect.” Y/N said circling the simple wedding cake she asked for. Steve and her weren’t much to go over the top like the wedding was mapped out to be, so where she could add simplicity she did. The cake being one of the few things.

It was a beautiful blue marbled cake with gold flakes brushed on delicately. The topper was a sun and a moon together. Night and Sun. It was brilliant and very royal like while also touching a personal level for the couple.

“Really? You’re not just saying that because you’re best friends with my brother.” Becca chuckled with some nerves in her voice.

“No Bec. You always come out making things better than I pictured them to be.” she added with a nudge of her shoulder to the young girl. “You outdid yourself again.”

“Thanks your highness.” Becca said with a proud grin . “I’m glad you like it.”

“How is that brother of yours? I barely see him anymore it feels like. He’s either with Nat at night, or on some mission in the daytime.”

“He’s doing absolutely great. Thanks for asking.” A deeper voice said in the background making the two girls turn.

“Hey!” Y/N said with a wide smile going to hug her friend. Bucky returning it and giving her a tight squeeze around her waist before letting go. “I thought you were training all day.”

“That was the plan, but after some of the basics, I dismissed them all. I heard something about a big very important wedding happening tomorrow, so I figured, what the hell? We’ll give them a day off to really be on guard tomorrow.”

“Last day as second in command. You nervous? Excited?” she asked.

“Steve and me were practically co-captains anyway. Not much is changing besides having to ask him first before making a command or move. Which I feel like I’ll still be doing since it does have to go through the King and Queen first anyway.” Bucky shrugged folding his arms behind him.

“Well, I’m glad it’s working out well for you. I know Steve is excited for you, and has all kinds of faith in you. As does the rest of the kingdom.” Y/N nodded.

“Good to have the reassurance.” he smiled genuinely. “Now before I forget, and get ripped a new one by my wife, I was sent here to get you to Janet.” he said offering his arm.

“Nat’s supposed to be resting.” She said back with a tilted head.

“Yeah, Wanda was dragging her to our room when I went to find her. She was able to get out the little bit about a fitting before Wanda locked her up.” Bucky laughed.

Y/N shook her head playfully grabbing his arm and turning back to Rebecca. “It’s perfect.” she said motioning to the cake. “I trust everything down here is in good hands with your mom and you. Let me know if you need anything further.”

“Yes, my queen.” Becca's curtsied.

“It’s Y/N, Bec. You know that.” she winked getting a blush from the younger baker. “Lead the way Captain.” she said to Bucky who just rolled his eyes with a smile.

___

“Perfect timing my dear.” Janet said once Bucky and her walked into Janet’s tailoring room.

“Good evening Aunt Jay.” she said moving to give a kiss to the older woman's cheeks.

“That’s my sign. I’ll see you tomorrow Y/N/N.” Bucky bowed.

“Wait. What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” Y/N said stopping Bucky from moving further.

“Uh, probably just double and triple checking stations for tomorrow, and then going to find Nat.” he shrugged.

“Ok, then you can spare about 10 minutes here?”

“I mean yes, but why?” he asked.

“I just want to catch up.” she grinned.

He returned the grin before moving to a chair by the small pedestal Janet had for fittings. “Of course your highness.” he winked.

Y/N laughed before working with Janet. She showed her some tiaras she had in mind, and then she showed her the different veils she designed and already had done ready to try on.

“I know you want simple, but I thought I would go with a little uniqueness for the veil since the dress is very elegantly simple.” Janet explained.

“These are all stunning Jay. You never fail to make my jaw drop.” Y/N smiled ghosting her hands over the options.

“And everyone else in the room’s jaw drop too.” Bucky said under his breath, but still loud enough for the two women to hear and send smiles his way.

“Oh! I forgot!” Janet said running to the closet of tule and fabric. “How could I forget?” she mumbled to herself. Both Y/N and Bucky looking over at her trying to figure out what she was doing. “There it is!” she said grabbing something and speed walking back to the veils. “Now I know it’s not traditional, but-”

“I think we are way over doing things the traditionally way around here Jay.” Y/N snickered with Bucky.

“Well it wouldn’t be a Y/N Stark kind of wedding if we didn’t do something a little different.” Jay said winking and going to the veil Y/N was hovered over the most. “I wanted to incorporate something like this. What do you think?”

Y/N looked and saw the little patterns of gold stars and moons that Janet had mapped out and made an audible gasp.

“Oh Jay. That’s perfect. More than perfect actually.” she said in a breath.

“So you want it?”

“Will it be too much to do? I don’t want to make you even more time crunched then you are.”

“For you darling? I would do anything and everything.” Janet smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“You can’t say no to that Y/N/N. Steve will crumble at the altar and that’s not even adding the dress to the thought.” Bucky said over her shoulder making her jump slightly at how fast he stood by her.

Y/N smiled down at the veil and ran a hand over it before turning to Janet. “You’re sure?”

“Only if you are.” Janet shrugged crossing her arms over her chest.

“Then yes please. I would love to add a piece of Steve to this.” she said.

“Oh yay!” Janet jumped clapping her hands. “It’ll go perfect with the dress too!”

“I’m excited to see how it all comes together.” Y/N said with a laugh.

“Me too.” Bucky added.

___

Y/N was dressed to the nine. Perfectly dolled up, veil and tiara on, dress fitted perfectly to her body, not a hair out of place, and nails painted.

Everything was just how she hoped. There were very few details she got final say in since royal weddings were expected to be above and beyond. Though that wasn’t the soon to be married couples taste, they were considerate people who knew everyone else wanted a big elaborate party.

So with the few details that were theirs to choose, they made it their own. Y/N’s dress was simple but elegant and unique much like her. Her veil and tiara were a little more detailed but not by much. The veil had the gold stars and moons signifying her ‘knight’. Reminding her of her love that would be waiting for her on the other end of the aisle. Her tiara the same kind of gold with red rubies littering it all around to show the colors of her kingdom. Her hair was styled as if it flowed down her back like a waterfall. Half looking like it was braided and half looking like it was curled to cascade down.

If beauty, elegance, perfection, stature, and humbleness was a person. Y/N was that person.

All the girls in the room were fawning over her. Nat, Wanda, Pepper, Morgan, Janet, and Hope who had come back home to see her long time friend get married.

“Ok, enough tears and mushy sentiments.” Pepper said after the group had gushed over the bride. “We need to get moving and clean up the makeup we just ruined.” she sniffled.

“Yes ma’am.” Y/N said laughing as she looked up trying to blink the tears away.

“Oh, my dear.” Pepper said moving her hands to Y/N’s shoulders and looking her up and down one more time. “You’re going to give the man a heart attack before he can say I do.”

Y/N sniffled a giggled and then there was a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” Nat asked moving to the large doors.

“The father of the bride. Retired King of the Country. Philanthropist. Lots of other things, but mostly just excited to see my daughter.” the voice said making Pepper roll her eyes and the rest of the women laugh.

Nat opened the door checking to see it was just him and motioned Tony in.

Tony thanked her and then looked in the middle of the room seeing his stunning daughter.

“Wow.” he said as if he was out of breath. “That can’t be the little girl that I used to know.” he said stepping closer and his eyes showing a clear gloss forming.

Y/N shrugged her shoulders, pursing her lips, and trying her best not to break down in tears at seeing her father's reaction.

“Oh bug.” he choked out moving to her and enveloping her in his arms.

“Hey dad.” she said muffled into his suit.

Eventually he pulled back and when they separated some, they noticed that everyone had gone out in the hall to give them some privacy.

“I’ll kill Steve if he ever hurts you.” Tony said making Y/N laugh and wipe the few tears that did manage to get past the dam.

“We both know that will never be the case.” she said with a soft smile.

“Yeah, yeah, but I’ll still do it. If he even so much as forgets to tell you good morning, I’ll have him banished forever.” Tony said still with the threatening dad look.

“You do realize he’ll be the King. You can’t really banish the acting King.” Y/N laughed.

“Well, I happen to know the Queen and she’s more in power than him soooooo…” he dragged out.

“Dad...”

“Hey, I have to say this stuff. I’m the father.” he shrugged.

“Steve’s the best of the best. You don’t have to worry about me not being spoiled. I think he’s got that down to a tee.” she laughed squeezing his hands.

“Ok, ok… You’re not wrong. If there is any guy I know you’ll find happiness in… It’s Steve Rogers.” They paused as if taking in the moment. “You sure you still want to take his name?” Tony asked ruining the mood. Y/N smacked his arm. “Ok! Ow! Jezz! I guess I’ll settle for the hyphenated name.” She shook her head and looked at the ground. “Hey, you’re going to kill it out there. You’re my daughter so no chance you won’t.” he said lifting her head with his knuckles. “Head high, little bug. Today’s your day.” he smiled genuinely. All joking manners gone.

“I’m nervous.”

“I would be concerned if you weren’t.” he said rubbing his thumb across her cheek before quirking a small smirk. “We should probably move to the ceremony though. Steve’s out there sweating buckets, and I’m not sure if we have a back up suit for him ready to go.” That got a laugh out of her as she moved to place her arm through his extended one.

“We didn’t get to talk long last night. Only about 10 minutes before Nat forced us to go to bed for ‘beauty rest’.” She exaggerated the last part.

“Well, you’ll have a lifetime to talk after this.” he winked just feet from the door before she stopped abruptly.

“I wish mom were here.” she said quietly.

Tony stopped and pulled her back into him in a tight embrace.

“She is baby girl. She never left. She’s always watching and taking care of you. I know cause I see her in you.” He said into her hair before placing a long and gently kiss on her forehead. “You are everything and more that we hoped you would be.” he grinned. “We are both so very proud of who you are.”

The two were about to start another set of water works, but Nat’s knocking on the door broke them out of their trance.

“We should go before she drags us out there herself.” Y/N laughed swiping a tear off her and her father's face.

“Natasha’s a scary one when it comes to weddings.” Tony said going back to hold her arm.

“No, she’s scary when it comes to anything concerning me.” she corrected.

“Very true. Makes me all the more happy that we brought her into our little family.”

“Me too.” Y/N said taking a deep breath looking at the door.

“Let’s go make some people’s jaw drops bug.” he winked before they started ushering the two out the door.

___

“Nervous?” Bucky asked his friend.

“Well, when you’re about to marry the Queen of your country, and become the next King it’s a little overwhelming.” Steve answered as Bucky straightened his suite. Much like the one from the night of the alliance ball. More decorated than before though with new badges and medals.

“We’ve been over this. You are going to do amazing as King of Alberia. Y/N deserves you and so does this Kingdom. You would do anything and everything for the both.” Bucky said dusting off his perfectly clean shoulders. “Don’t get in your head punk.” he said stepping back and looking him over.

“I know. I know.” Steve said taking in a deep breath. “It’s the nerves talking.”

“Understandably.” Sam interjected. “You got this Cap.”

“Not going to be Cap much longer. That’s weird.” Steve let out a nervous chuckle as he ran his fingers through his hair for what felt like the 100th time in the past 2 minutes.

“Yeah, I got that covered.” Bucky winked. “Everything is going to work out just fine Steve.”

“I just want to see Y/N. I want to skip the whole party, and just be with her.” Steve sighed.

“Trust me. After she walks in, making everyone’s heart stop I’m sure, and then a little talking and dancing here and there, it’ll be just the two of you for a week. Tony said he was going to take care of things so you two can have a honeymoon unlike most royals.” Bucky said going over the plan.

“Hmmm mmm,” Steve hummed only half listening.

“Steve.” Bucky groaned grabbing him by the shoulders once again. “Calm down. This is Y/N we’re talking about. As soon as you see her walking toward you down that narrow aisle, everything will fall into place for you.”

“Is that what happened when you saw Nat walking down the aisle?”

“Yes.” Bucky smiled thinking back to that day. “It was as if I was in heaven and any worries or nerves I had just left my body.”

“Come on Steve. You know you got this.” Sam said standing and coming into his view.

Steve closed his eyes imagining his queen. No. His sunshine. Her walking in practically blinding everyone with her beauty and bright light. The thought alone dissipated the tension in his shoulders. He took another deep breath in and out before looking at his friends.

“Let’s do this. I’m ready to marry the love of my life.”

____

The choir had begun singing, and the band played a quiet song as Nat and Wanda made their way down the aisle with Bucky and Sam. Then it was Y/N and Tony’s turn.

The crowd stood when asked. The ceremony small compared to what the reception would be. The giant doors leading to the back opened almost as if in slow motion. The crowd letting out a slight gasp at the sight before them.

Steve’s breath hitched in his throat as the beauty that was his Sunshine began walking down the aisle. She was smiling widely and excitedly. Her eyes solely on Steve and his solely on her.

He let out a light breath trying to catch his own. Going to cover his mouth with his hand he noticed a tear or two had slipped and he now felt ready to let them all slip just at the beauty that was his bride.

Her dress? Perfect. Her hair? Made her look like the goddess she was. Her crown? Shining as if the lights around them were meant to shine just on her and them. Her smile? Priceless and something that Steve never wanted to see disappear.

Before he knew it, Tony and her were just mere feet from him.

“Who gives away this bride today?” the pastor asked.

“Her family and I do.” Tony answered turning and placing a kiss to Y/N’s cheek she soaked it up with a smile. He helped Y/N up the stairs where Steve was already standing with his hand out to take her. “You hurt her or don’t spoil like she deserves, I banish you.” he said with threatening eyes to Steve.

“Dad.” Y/N chasted.

“Hey, I told you I have to say it.” He said to her.

“You can trust me sir.” Steve said to Tony before looking at Y/N with that love-struck-teenage-boy look. “I would give her the galaxy if she asked.”

“That’s the right answer.” Tony said before nodding and turning to go to his seat.

Once they were standing at the front hand in hand, Steve looked Y/N in the eyes and vice versa.

“You’re going to kill me before we can even make us official.” he whispered to her.

“Now we wouldn’t want that would we?” she winked making him melt all over again.

“God, you got me wrapped around your finger.” he shook his head pulling her closer to him as much as allowed.

She giggled and the ceremony began. The two faced each other the entire time. Only looking at the pastor every once in a while when he asked them to repeat something.

“Now the rings. Steven, you first.” the pastor said. Steve turned getting the wedding band from Bucky, and turning back to Y/N. “Repeat after me.”

Steve said his vows, and when it was Y/N turn she turned to Nat. Nat winking knowing that the ring wasn’t what Steve expected.

“I got this from Daisy’s mom’s shop when we went into town a while ago. I was going to give it to you earlier, but never found the right time.” She said sliding it on to his ring. He watched and noticed the piece of jewelry.

It was unique and one of a kind. Everything from Daisy’s shop was made original. No others like it. Somehow it looked just like the necklace that he got Y/N all those years ago. The same one she was wearing now. It had a small moon and a small sun that were intertwined into each other. A symbol that stood for both Y/N and Steve. The balance and unity of the two. It was pure.

He looked up at her and another tear escaped. As much as he wanted to crash his lips to her at the thought behind the gift, he knew that wasn’t until the end of the ceremony. So he settled for squeezing her hand and smiled brighter as she said her own vows.

“I would now like to proudly pronounce, Queen Y/N Maria Stark-Rogers and King Steven Grant Rogers of Alberia.” the pastor said making the crowd shout and jump to their feet. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Without hesitation, Steve wrapped his arms around Y/N’s waist pulling her up and off the ground and capturing her lips into the most extraordinary kiss they had yet to share. All their love and admiration for the other pouring into it.

Once they finally broke apart, all the sounds and cheers in the room were tuned out from them.

Steve leaned his forehead onto hers and she leaned into him.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you more.”

“Not possible, Sunshine.”

Marvel Tags:

@girlintheshire @thejourneyneverendsx @zlixlle @death-unbecomes-you @heyiamthatbitch @zeilenkrieg @lizzymacy555 @iheartsebastianstan @srrymydood @sebastianstanfavpita @xa-dia

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My Lovelies forever:

@natura1phenomenon @lauravic @traceyaudette @kakakatey @notyourtypicalrose @laneygthememequeen @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @sandlee44 @thorne93 @snffbeebee @thefaithfulwriter @marvelfansworld @essie1876 @greyeyedsmile14 @capsiclehan @naomi02hook @xostephanie @schwankyblock @averyrogers83 @awesomenursingstudent @gh0stgurl @cs-please @carls1022 @jjlevin @rainbowkisses31

10 Years Time Tag:

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#steve x reader #steve rogers #steve roger #steve roger x reader #captain america #captain america x reader #justkending #red white and royal blue #marvel #marvel fanfiction #mcu #mcu fanfiction #mcu au #mcu royal au #marvel au #marvel au series #marvel series #steve rogers x reader series

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amandaklwrites · 4 years

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Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Rating: 10/10

Movie Review:

Where do I even begin. THIS MOVIE, THIS FRANCHISE, IS ONE OF THE BEST TO ME. I LOVE THIS MOVIE WITH ALL MY HEART. (Can you hear me screaming from so far away?)

This movie formulated so much of my life. I know that may sound silly, but in my life, it’s true. I didn’t see the film when it first came out (I was like 7-8, it would’ve been too much for me), but later, when I was about 12, after a split decision to watch it one late evening.

And I remember being so sucked in that I think I wasn’t even aware of my own breathing or thoughts.

I was in love with Elizabeth immediately (I should’ve known I was into women back then, but I figured it out a while later), and Will Turner was a breath of fresh air and made my heart melt. I can say that Gilbert Blythe and Will Turner are the men I want in my life, so they’ve created a bar for when I meet men. If they aren’t anywhere close to them, then meh. Jack Sparrow made me laugh, and made me think.... okay, maybe pirates aren’t so bad.

Then, here comes Barbossa. Good lord, isn’t he a good villain? Menacing, freaky, destructive, but somehow, sarcastic? Though he’s a villain, I noticed how desperate he was. How much he just wanted to live and eat and breathe again. It showed an interesting take on piracy-- men like Barbossa want to live forever, don’t they? To be immortal? Well, Barbossa got it. But he doesn’t want it. He realizes the twistedness of it, and he wants to live again. That’s why I feel myself crying when he finally gets shot and he whispers, “I feel... cold.” Cause though he doesn’t want to die, his words were “I feel.” Those are important to him. With that death, he feels for the last time. To me, it felt like I hear relief in his voice. It has finally ended, this curse that has terrorized him.

I just rewatched this movie last night, and I found something interesting.

Guys, listen to Jack Sparrow and Barbossa talk. THEY ARE INTELLIGENT MEN. They bring up philosophy, they use words that even I don’t know. These aren’t “idiot” pirates, men who were poor and escaped into freedom on the seas. Though, especially in Jack’s case, they act and talk like pirates, sometimes, they slip into a language that makes me consider their backstories. Who were these men? Why are they so smart, but out here as brutal killers and pillagers? What made them like this?

(Raises brows). There’s more to their stories, and my only complaint about this movie is that we aren’t told any of it.

Oh well. We’re on a wild affair of adventure and pirating and stolen women and curses. Everything about this story is absolute magic and perfection. The conversations aren’t lacking, there is so much great humor (appropriately placed, as well), there’s a darkness that shows that pirates aren’t as glorified as we want to make them, and these are real, breathing characters.

We watch Elizabeth Swann brave this horrible world, learning how to trick even the tricksters, using her wit and bravery and intelligence to outwit them all and stay alive. Elizabeth Swann is probably my main fictional hero, because yes, she is a beautiful woman, but her beauty is never used in that sense. The pirates don’t take her or use her because of her beauty. It’s more complicated than that. I think Barbossa recognizes her wits and intelligence, and hopefully, admire her for it. She’s uses everything but her beauty to her advantage. And she comes out the one with the most growth. Keira Knightly show us a strong, powerful woman without powers or control in her world, but my god, she takes the world by storm, pulling on the corset straps to become one of the best warriors-- she does become the queen after all! (Also, did you know Keira Knightly was only 17 in this movie??? Like, come on!)

We see Will Turner turn from a quiet, complacent man to someone yelling at men higher than him in station because he wants to save the woman he loves. We see him deal with the fact that he comes from pirates, learns that not everyone is who they say they are, and that may be okay. That not everyone is perfect, and sometimes, you can’t follow everyone else. Will Turner joins the pirates to do the right thing. He recognizes that the system of his own world isn’t right, and that’s why he saves Jack Sparrow in the end. Because he knows what is right and wrong now. Orlando Bloom brought a gentleness to a man living in a world where brutality was the answer-- but for him, everything was chosen because of love.

And then there’s Jack Sparrow. The wonderful character we all love. Johnny Depp swept onto the screen as this character by stepping into port right off a sinking boat. As soon as he did so, I knew I was going to love this character (I actually managed to practice so much that I could talk exactly like Jack, accent and all, for quite a long time, if I wanted). He gave us a character we love because he's honest about who he is, and I think that’s why the other characters love him too. Though he can be a little shit and switch sides for whoever will help him the most, everyone knows that’s just how he is. He doesn't hide his flaws and faults, and that’s what makes him so intriguing in the franchise. He’s just Jack Sparrow. He’s out for himself (though he does do some things for love, in the end). We got a morally gray pirate who just wants to survive and have all the treasure, and isn’t into murder and gore like Barbossa. He just wants to have some damn fun.

All the other characters brought so much to the table as well. Norrington represented the colonial world who immediately saw PIRATE and thought HORRIBLE. But I think he learned so much by the end, especially by giving Jack “a day’s head start.” I think Norrington questioned his own world by witnessing what Will had done to save Elizabeth, and it made him question himself. That was why, at first, he was so desperate to prove himself. Because he was questioning himself the whole time. (And can we just talk about how he is actually a good man?? At the end, he realized Elizabeth loved Will and he WALKED AWAY! He didn’t fight, he didn’t argue, he didn’t use his station over Will. He just hoped Will loved her well enough. Like, how cool is that??? Good men in this movie!)

The sets and filming locations were so beautiful and added another level the movie. I can feel the Caribbean through the screen, and I love how I can feel the ocean through this. I love watching the ocean, and I feel the same sensation in this movie. It brings it all more to life. This movie does a great job of sucking you into a movie of pirates and the sea. And the tone is so dark, but it gives it so much meaning, and you feel like you are Elizabeth, surviving in this world that we don’t quite know or understand, but we’re learning.

I grew up with the ocean. I spent half of my life along the water, day, night, for hours on end. I know what it’s like to jump into the ocean and swim and float there, I know what it’s like to be on a small boat in the ocean heading toward Canada, and walking around the boat with my grandpa and not getting seasick. The sea is in my blood in ways I can’t ever quite understand, and this movie speaks to me on that level and more.

Overall, this movie is a fun adventure, with sword fights and stranded islands, and curses. On the surface, it’s a love story, a rescuing of a woman who can handle herself just as well as being saved. But, deep down below the depths of those waters, it’s more than that. It’s about a pair of young people, especially a young woman, learning the truth of the world, seeing the other side of life, and realizing that maybe their old life isn’t exactly what they first believed. They discover who they are, while discovering the truth of everything they had believed in, and changing for the better. They join the chaotic life of the pirates to find who they are, deep down inside, together.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.

#pirates of the caribbean #curse of the black pearl #pirates of the Caribbean franchise #movie reviews

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checkurwindow · 4 years

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Crash and Burn

3 months.

That’s how long it’s been since Tony and y/n’s once close relationship had deteriorated to absolutely nothing.

3 months of longing, heartbreak, and regret, yet he only had himself to blame. She had tried, she tried so hard to make things work between them. Every time he changed his mind, every time he hesitated, she was the one who compromised to satisfy him, yet she never complained, not even once. He was too much of a coward to admit it, to admit how much he cared about her to her, and himself.

He kept coming up with reasons why they shouldn’t be together, why they couldn’t be together, why they would be better off apart, because that was what he wanted...right? He wanted this, he kept assuring himself that this was the right thing to do, that this was the only way he could keep them both safe. Everything had been fine for a while, until one late night.

Making his way downtown to a bar he knew y/n frequented with her friends, he should’ve known that he was bound to run into her, but as fate might have it, he was immensely drunk and rational thoughts had been thrown out the window quite a while back.

He should’ve known that she’d be there, laughing and chatting happily with her close group of friends, the frequent clueless guy walking up to their booth and offering to buy her a drink.

Fools. He thought to himself, they were all fools, thinking they could be with her one night and come out the next the same. That night, he unknowingly tested the theory himself.

She had caught him staring, but instead of looking away, she held his gaze, the tension between them agonizing for both parties, so it wasn’t long before one thing led to another and they were stumbling around his room in the dark. The next day when he woke up albeit hungover but more importantly sober, he realized what he had done, what he vowed to himself he wouldn’t. He told her it was a mistake, a night that couldn’t possibly happen again. Seeing as mere seconds later she stormed out of his place with tears brimming her eyes, she didn’t take it too well.

“Are you even listening to me?” Fury’s voice brought him out of his flashback.

“No, no I wasn’t,” Tony admitted, his eyebrows furrowed.

“I said that I need the team in Quebec, take London, Y/l/n and Knightly with you too,” He explained, “you leave in 4 hours , go tell y/l/n , I haven't been able to reach her comms, ” he finished and gestured for Tony to leave the room.

He sighed as he started his search for her. When he finally found her, and with her was Eli London, a fellow SHIELD agent of hers. He said something to her, making her almost burst out in laughter. Oh how Tony had dreamed of being the one to constantly be the one to make her laugh. His thoughts stopped along with his feet when Eli leaned closer to her, their lips dangerously close.

He quickly stalked towards them, anger building up inside him, yet he knew he had no right to be angry or jealous, they weren't together, he had made it clear to her that night, yet he can't help but long to be in Eli's position.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat behind them, they instantly sprung apart.

"Y/l/n, we're due in Quebec, be at the runway in 4 hours," he said and turned on his heel, starting to walk away.

"What's the mission in Quebec for?" she asked and he reluctantly turned around.

"Fury will brief us on the way, so I suggest you stop flirting and get your priorities straight, because I don't need another incident like Boston on my conscience," he spat out, venom laced his words even though he didn't mean it.

She winced at those last words, a look of hurt flashed across her eyes as memories of how she failed to save all those people because she wasn't focused washed over her. He knew that he had struck a chord he didn't mean to, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that last part," he grabbed her hand before she was out of reach and apologised but it was no use, the damage had been done.

"No, you shouldn't have," she stated and pulled free from his grasp before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving him stood there dumbfounded and angry at himself for letting it slip out.

4 and a half hours had passed and yet only one of the agents had arrived. Tony was worried, he had started fidgeting with his watch, his hair, anything to take his mind of her.

"Sorry we're late, we got caught up with training," Y/N said as she and Eli rushed onto the tarmac.

"Good, I was starting to get worried about you," Tony said, locking eyes with the only person in the group her cared about.

"That's no use as you lost the right to care 2 months ago," she said and brushed past him and into the awaiting quinjet.

He walked in last, his eyes scanning the jet for empty seats when his eyes landed on the only open one, of course, he thought as he slipped into the seat next to her.

She took out the book she was planning to read on the flight over when her phone vibrated. It was a message from her brother, Jaden.

Good luck with the mission! I'm buying you dinner when you get back! Love ya!

She smiled to herself as she began to write a reply when she noticed Tony's eyes on her.

"Is that Eli?" He asked quietly.

Normally it would've been a natural question, seeing how close she and Eli had grown these past few months, especially when her relationship with Tony, whether it be professional or romantic, had crumbled.

"I don't want to do this right now, Tony," she warned, "and frankly, it doesn't concern you who texts me and who doesn't, as I'm sure you know you've made abundantly clear time and time again. And no, it wasn't Eli, it was my brother," she didn't bother giving him the chance to explain, simply putting on her ear buds and opening her book.

He let out a frustrated sigh, this wasn't how he wanted this conversation to go, he wanted to apologise to her, about everything, and tell her how deeply and overwhelmingly in love he was with her.

It was an hour into the peace and quiet when Jace, another agent, pointed out the looming weather in the distance. "It looks pretty bad," he said.

Y/n, of course, didn't hear him with the music playing loudly in her ears.

Tony turned towards her, tapping her shoulder lightly.

“What?” She growled, very obviously annoyed. He could hear the voice of Lin Manuel Miranda blasting through her earbuds.

“Definitely Hamilton” he thought to himself. She had always been obsessed with the musical, constantly trying to get him to sing along.

He opened his mouth again to speak up but everything went dark.

“Jace? Jace wake up!” Tony heard Steve say a few feet away from him as he sat up, propping himself up with his elbows.

He coughed loudly into his blackened sleeve, his throat dry and hoarse and his ear ringing.

“Tony, are you okay? Can you walk?” Natasha asked as she stood up, slightly limping.

Tony stood up, his leg working somewhat fine, “Yeah, I’m mostly fine, but my chest hurts like hell,” he explained to her.

“Guys? Guys where’s-“ Eli stopped himself to breathe as he felt an overwhelming sensation of pain run in his leg, where a large gash visibly cut across his left thigh, “fuck,” he breathed deeply, “ where’s y/n?” He questioned.

“I-I don’t know, I was still conscious a few seconds into the crash, I saw her face but then I blacked out again,” Jace confessed anxiously.

“W-wait, I-I hear something, something banging against metal,” Eli panted as he finally caught his breath.

They followed the sound to about 20 feet away from where they were before. Below a large metal piece of the plane lay y/n, a large gash on her right cheek.

“Oh god, y/n!” Tony rushed to her side, kneeling beside her, “W-What hurts?”

“You mean what doesn’t hurt?” She quipped weakly before coughing again, blood staining her cut lip.

He glared at her,letting her know that it wasn’t the time to be making jokes.

“I-I can’t feel my chest, my head is throbbing, I think my right leg is bleeding, honestly everything hurts,” she said and sucked in shallow breath, her body not allowing her to do any more.

Tony was panicking, his supposedly genius mind unable to find a coherent thought for the first time ever, “E-Eli! I need you to help me here!” He yelled at the younger agent, “On 3, we have to lift this up,” he said, his eyes trained on the metal frame that held y/n down.

Eli nodded, his hands finding a place on the frame, “1...2…”

“3!” They pushed together with all their might, desperate to do something to help y/n, but to no avail, even with their combined strength, it wasn’t enough to lift it off of her.

The other gathered around, injured but not nearly as severe as y/n.

Tony tried again, this time without Eli’s help, as he was sitting next to him, applying pressure on his own wound.

“Why are you guys just standing there? I need your help!” Tony pleaded with them, almost out of breath.

“They know...Tony, it’s too late…” her soft voice said, volume barely above a whisper.

“N-no, there was to be something we can do, I can’t let you just…I won’t let you just leave me like this! Not…” he sucked in a deep breath, “ not after I left you,” he conceded.

She reached out, taking his hand with hers, “It’s okay, Tony, I-I…” her breathe became softer, her eyes fluttering close.

“No-no,” his thoughts clouded and his vision became blurry, tears rolling down his face, “you can’t just- Fuck!” He yelled at no one in particular, “pl-

Tony woke up in a cold sweat, his heartbeat racing and his mind all over the place.

It was a dream.

He looked over to his bedside clock, 2:36 am

He jumped out of bed, throwing on a nearby t-shirt and ran down the hallway, rapidly knocking on her door. After 15 seconds of silence, he tried knocking again, his head hanging but he still had the slightest bit of hope.

He heard the sound of a door opening and looked up, the door still closed.

“Tony, what are you doing?” Rhodey, who was sleeping over, asked.

“W-where is she? I need to talk to her,” he said, furiously knocking on the door again. His knuckles were starting to hurt but he kept knocking as fast as he could.

“Tony…” Rhodey started, but Tony didn’t look at him, his attention trained on the door in front of him, “Tony, stop…” Rhodey said, grabbing Tony’s hand and pushing it back down.

“W-where’s y/n?” Tony asked desperately.

“Tony please, don’t do this-”

“Tell me, please. I need to talk it out with her, I know I’m wrong but I need to tell her I love her and I need to make everything right, I-”

“Tony…” Rhodey’s voice becomes softer, “the crash was 2 years ago…”

It wasn’t a dream.

Author’s note: Welp, I uh, I wrote my first one shot?? I’m not used to writing one shots so do let me know how it was!

Your favourite Tumblr (well this is new, I’m usually on wattpad lol) author,

CheckUrWindow

#marvel #tony stark #iron man #oneshot #x reader #tony stark x reader #mcu

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velkynkarma · 5 years

Note

hi i want to hear more about shiro starting a religion by accident

OH MAN. Okay so this was back in S1. S2 was going to drop in like 2 weeks, and then they announced Hunk’s birthday. And I wanted to do a fic for it, but I ended up running out of time, since I was posting Parasite Knight at the time.Now at the time, bear in mind S1 was all we had to work with. There wasn’t any real civilization of note in S1. We’d seen the Arusians (who were very primitive) and the Balmerans (who clearly had a culture but also had been enslaved for a very long time). There was no hint of any sort of middle-class society, no space malls, no advanced civilizations like the Olkari. So the universe at the time was portrayed as a broken wreck left behind by the Galra empire, like an apocalyptic universe.So I wanted to have the team try to figure out how to get Hunk a birthday cake, but they couldn’t just pop in at the local mall or grocery store to get the ingredients. Which meant the fic itself was something of a scavenger hunt, with each character having to go retrieve an ingredient from the space-y wilderness while not getting caught by Hunk in the process. Shiro was in charge of getting something similar to cherries for the cake, and…y’know what. I’m feeling generous. Have the scene.

-----

Shiro is in charge of the cherries.

Getting to the planet in question isn’t really difficult, and the mission shouldn’t even be dangerous. The groves of Fretian Sunfruit are tended by a sentient race, according to Coran, and it will just be a matter of bartering with them while keeping things diplomatic and peaceful. Shiro can handle that.

He’s fully prepared for a diplomatic mission, and fully ready to present the image of a respectable and trustworthy paladin of Voltron. He’s less prepared to find that the people are even smaller than the Arusians, with the tallest of them not even reaching his knees.

He’s taller than nearly everyone on the team, but this makes him feel like a towering giant. It’s a little disorienting.

Still, he’s very careful to not step on anybody as he walks into the village, because he’s fairly certain that would certainly be undiplomatic, and very careful to keep his movements unthreatening and friendly, because they’re staring at him like he’s got two heads. (At least, he assumes two heads are unusual on this planet).

He thinks it goes well at first, at least. He manages to flag down a few less timid individuals, and begins his rehearsed speech. “Hello—there’s no need to be concerned—my name is Shiro, and I’m one of the paladins of Voltron. I’ve been sent on a mission to collect some of the fruit from your groves, so if you could direct me to whoever is in charge—“

This is, curiously, cut off by a shriek, and the individual Shiro is speaking to turns and runs. Shiro raises both eyebrows in surprise. Well. That’s a new reaction. It’s not unheard of for Voltron to be, well, unheard of, but it doesn’t generally send people running in terror.

But they come running back just a few minutes later, trailed by half a dozen individuals, all of them wielding spears and swords and kitted out in full armor. It might have been an impressive display, if the spears weren’t shorter than his forearm and the armor wasn’t made out of what looks like tree bark.

They’re followed by another dozen individuals in long cloaks, each with a staff made out of sticks and leaves. The foremost individual is wearing an additional flowing white cape, and riding on what looks like a lizard. He looks fairly important, but it isn’t until he shrieks (in a tiny, squeaking voice), “A challenger paladin to the altar of Silarious, God of Sun and Storms!” that Shiro starts to get the feeling he may have screwed up somewhere along the line.

“Er…are you in charge?” he asks, faltering for a moment in the serious, knightly image he’s supposed to be portraying.

“The challenger paladin, prophet of Voltron, calls upon the paladin of Silarious, to gain entry to the Holy Groves!” one of the robed individuals in the back squeaks. “But only the Worthy may enter and take of the Sacred Fruits!”

Shiro can actually hear the capitals in their words. It occurs to him that ‘paladin’ has a very different interpretation here. Stupid universal translators. “Look, I really don’t need to go in there if you don’t want me to, I can just buy some, or trade—“

“This paladin lies!” the other…paladin, Shiro guesses…shrieks. He beats his tiny sword against his tiny shield, and his tiny mount snaps its tail in readiness. “He is not holy! He does not have powers from his gods! He does not have a steed of the gods gifted from on high! He is not worthy to take of the Sacred Fruits!” The others bristle, and ready their weapons.

Okay. this is beyond surreal, but it’s probably time to intervene before anybody gets hurt. Specifically, them, because they’re just…they’re just so tiny. “Okay, wait,” he says, holding up his hands. “I, uh, came here in—er, on—a mighty lion?” He gestures down the hill, where the Black Lion is clearly visible, towering over the tiny village like a mountain. Fortunately, she has nothing if not perfect timing, and lets out a roar that could shatter the heavens. The Fretians look properly wide-eyed and stunned.

“He is a mighty warrior priest of Voltron!” one of the robed figures screams abruptly. “Gifted with a mighty Winged Lion steed from the Heavens themselves! He comes to challenge the god Silarious! Paladin of Silarious, defend your god!”

“Wait, no,” Shiro protests. “I just want to buy some fruit—“

“In Silarious’s name!” the tiny warrior-priest-paladin screeches, and hurls itself off its lizard mount straight at Shiro’s…shin.

“Wait, hold up, I didn’t agree to—“ The Fretian paladin smashes into his leg, but Shiro barely feels the impact. “—this.”

He will give the paladin credit, at least. The sword doesn’t even crack the Voltron armor, and Shiro feels not a damn thing from the attack, but the little guy really tries. It’s a bit like watching a kitten try to beat up a bemused great dane. Shiro glances around, but everyone else is focused with wide eyes and held breaths on their warrior-priest. This is definitely, unquestionably, the weirdest fight-he-never-agreed-to he’s ever been in.

Shiro gives him a few minutes, hoping he’ll tire himself out. When the little guy still doesn’t, he sighs and nudges him just slightly with his foot. The tiny paladin falls over and drops his sword, but leaps to his feet again immediately. “I shall never surrender, in Slarious’ name!” he shrieks.

Shiro sighs again, and picks him up by the back of his armor—a feat he can pull off easily even with his left hand—holding him at eye level. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but can we just…not? I really don’t want anybody getting hurt.”

The tiny paladin goes still for a moment. Then, one of the other robed figures screams, “The paladin of Voltron earns Holy Victory this day, and yet the god Voltron orders his Holy Knight to stay his hand!”

“Wait, what?”

“Truly Voltron is a powerful and merciful god!”

“Wait, no, that’s not—“

“All Hail Voltron!”

“No, Voltron isn’t a—“

“What might we do, to show our eternal worship and gratitude to the great and powerful Voltron, oh mightiest of paladins?” the paladin in Shiro’s hand asks with complete devotion in the most shocking about face Shiro has ever seen.

Shiro sets the little guy down on the ground. Glances around at all the Fretians staring at him with wide-eyed adoration. Calculates how long it might take to convince them he’s not some kind of holy warrior. Concludes his chances are somewhere between ‘very slim’ and ‘Hell freezing over.’

He sighs. Screw it. “Voltron desires fruit.”

An hour later he leaves with two heaped bushels full of the desired Sunfruit—which, despite being a golden yellow, really does taste like cherries. He leaves with the same thoroughly perplexed feelings he had for the entire thing, and the feeling is only heightened when he returns to the Castle of Lions. He’s able to sneak his prize in to the designated storage room without getting caught by Hunk, and when the team regroups Allura praises him for his abilities.

“At least one of us is competent enough to perform well in this mission,” she says with a sigh. “I hadn’t expected a surprise party to be so difficult to arrange.”

“If anybody can pull it off it’d be Shiro,” Lance says with a grin.

Shiro takes the praise stoically, and decides not to mention how he may possibly have started an entire new religion centered around himself and Voltron completely by accident. Need to keep up appearances, after all.

#Velkynkarma answers #Velkynkarma writes #Anonymous

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imagining-sio · 5 years

Text

Adventure Awaits I

Medieval!Bucky AU

A/N: loved this movie as a kid among many others and I kinda wanna do my own version of it, hope you like it!

Chapter i

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The gulls cruise over the shoreline, the thermal wind lifting them up with grace and fluidity. The tides themselves crash upon the wet sand with a rhythmic sound, a beat that, if standing upon the right cliff-face, it stems for miles. The very same winds that drive the gulls upward hit the cliff-face with the force of a stampede, and can knock one off its balance if not careful. Most stay clear from the edge, as the rocks are known to crumble at the faintest step.

Though, there is one who run toward the danger, or worse yet, dance upon it’s edge. It would be heresy for one to do it routinely. Such as it is today, a heretic to the sensible, responsible, and reasonable; in other, more plain words, an adventurous teenager.

With her sword and shield in either hand she slashes at her imaginary foes. Her grace and stamina are matched to few, more so that there are none left on this field but her and her horse who is grazing a few feet away, completely oblivious to this imaginary war. The female, ducks down to block a fictional wave of arrows, lifting the circular shield over her head. Her sword wushes in the blustering wind, her grip firm or else the metal knightly sword would fly from grip, as it had when she was a naive beginner with the weapon.

The Knightly sword itself looks out of place in her hand. It looks like a far wealthier object than the stature she would come from. Her clothing is muddy and worn, showing much use over the years. A stark contrast from the intricacy of the shield and the weapon that lie in her firm grip. The shield is of the same make, it’s light blue inlay of the circular design show a royal craftsmanship.

“King stark! Behind you!” The female, Y/n, shouts at her to the imaginary ally, protecting him from the even more imaginary and faceless foe. The great ruler of the Kingdom, in reality resides in his great towered castle, which itself sits firmly set in stone in the great Capitol. Y/n smites the fell creature with three staggering blows, finally finishing it off by stabbing the Knightly sword into the grassy knoll of earth.

There was a quick surrender of the foul troops, and they dissipated into the winds, like a wave of ashes, stemming her back to reality. The thrumming of hooves draws her out of her battle, and back to the land of Midgard. Her black horse lifts her head, the noise finally drawing her attention. Y/n readies herself for her approaching enemy, the sweat pouring from her brow. Her stance lowers, her shield in front of her, enough for her to see over it and sword pointing to the approaching figure.

“Y/n!” the shout makes her instantly relax, the sword practically plummeting to the ground again, while still in her grip. As she stands, the figure is finally spotted riding her speckled work horse over the beach grass covered hills of the cliff-face. The winds whisk her bright cherry red hair, and the flaps of the apron she wears as she rides side saddle. The young woman hops off the horse with the grace of a dancer, her hand coming to tuck her hair behind her ear.

“You mother is looking for you!” The redhead shouts over the winds, in case she cannot be heard from that distance. Y/n rolls her eyes so hard her head begins to follow. She tucks the shield over her back, trudging to the black horse that has lazily resumed her grazing.

“Of course she is!” Y/n grabbed the leather sheath for the sword itself, and tucked it away within it. Grabbing the saddle, Y/n hauled herself up to horseback, her feet easily finding the stirrups. Her horse raises its head in attention, and trots over to the redhead and her speckled horse.

“You know that you should be out here. Be lucky I found you before she did.” The redhead mounted her horse once more, riding side saddle as to protect her skirt and apron. The two girls stared at each other, only to begin laughing seconds later.

“You should’ve joined me. You would have made good practice.” Y/n giggles as the two trot their way back to their village. The gusting winds soon become a lulling breeze, one completely harmless, as it barely manages to move the braches of the wheat grass starts to overtake that of the beach grass on the cliff-face.

“Oh yes, because we have enough swords and shield for one single person in the village and you keep stealing them.” The redhead, Natasha as she was known, scoffed, throwing her head back in laughter.

“I could still teach you!” Y/n rebutted defiantly.

“You forget I am better with a stick that I am a sword.” Natasha eyed her, a knowing smirk grew across her face. The two rode from grassy undergrowth to a paved stone road, a showcase that civilization drew near. Soon, you could hear the hustle and bustle of the small village. Small plumes of make were starting to come into view, as did the thatch made roofs atop the stone houses that slowly and surely became more and more closer in proximity. Soon the market came into view, and People were running about for setting up decorations, as they did every year around this time.

The end of summer brought the celebration of the foundation of the Midgardian alliance, when the multiple city states finally sanctioned itself as a single country when it came under attack from foreigners of a dark and mysterious country merely twenty-two years prior. For the founding of the kingdom, they appointed their catalyst for their alliance, as he risked life and limb for the people of Midgard to be protected. The great King Stark then appointed a host of knights to join him in the Capitol as not only representatives of the city states, but to be his advisors and his men at arms. The Iron Knights as they are known throughout Midgard, the fiercest warriors of the kingdom.

Y/n’s own father was a great warrior, and the leader of the Iron Knights. As leader, he was practically the King’s right hand, hence the reason for the intricacy of the shield and sword Y/n covets so precious to her.

“You seem to be making progress on your wild goose chase.” Natasha stated, hopping off her horse, tying the bridle to the horse post beside Y/n.

“Very funny,” Y/n gave a empty glare. With their horses tied up accordingly, they set out into the village center, where the decorations were being tied up.

“Are you still on the hunt for your bird brain?” Y/n shot a knowingly look toward the red head, her smile only growing wider as Natasha’s cheeks were beginning to become as red as her locks.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” she muttered, shoving the woman lightly, enough to move her a step to the side as she laughed.

“Hello, Y/n, hello Natasha!” the villagers greeted the two women as they passed. the two women would respond accordingly, as the custom in the village. Everyone knew everyone here, and they most likely watched the younger generation grow up to their current age.

“Y/n you mother’s been looking for you. What did you do this time?”

“Nothing much, I’m sure.” the woman grinned.

“Y/n you know better than to run off like that! You mother has been worried sick!”

“I didn’t go far.”

“Y/n L/n!” her mother’s voice pierced the air. The young women easily spotted the elder woman, and angry expression on her face as she stormed toward the two who sat on horseback.

“How many times have I told you, don’t run off like that!” she pulled the young woman by the sleeve toward their home.

“Thank you for finding her Natasha, Clint has been looking for your help in the bakery.” she quickly diffused any attempt of help from the red head by merely mentioning the boy’s name. Y/n watched in horror as her friend ran off in the direction of the bakery, where her little bird was working. The remainder of the walk to the house was silent, Y/n’s guilt mounting with every step.

With the slam of the wooden door, Y/n could feel the eyes of her mother glare towards the back of her head.

“Y/n, I understand you miss father greatly. But this running off has got to stop. I don’t need to worry about the village and you running around somewhere. Souls forbid, the cliffs.” Her mother ran a hand over her face, the exhaustion prevalent in her tone.

“How am I supposed to be a good knight if I can’t go anywhere!” Y/n protested.

“Knights don’t go running off into battle or for seeking adventure! Your father never ran into a fight, he only fought to protect us. Y/n Knights protect their people, more so, Ladies don’t become knights! So please, stop this impossible dream!”

“What if I don’t want to be a lady? I want to be a knight! And if I can’t do that than what am I?” Y/n flung her arms in frustration, the palpable silence the fell over the house was enough to hear a pin drop.

“Y/n, you will always be my daughter, no matter what life you choose.” Her mother sighed, bringing her child into an embrace, only pulling away to placer her within arms’ reach.

“I know how much you want this, no matter how hard I try to understand it. But you need to know there are other aspects to being a knight than fighting. Your father was an example of what a knight is supposed to be. He protects his people, he supports his people, as if they were his own family. The village is our family, Y/n, and we as the lairds of the land, must protect them should they need it. They’re other ways to protect people, please, let me teach you.”

Y/n’s lips formed a tight line, her brow furrowing. A sigh fell through her nostrils, her shoulders sagging at the weight of her decision.

“Okay.” She nodded her head weakly.

A great sigh passed through her mother’s lips. The elder woman happily embracing the younger with renewed vigor.

“Oh, thank you, Y/n. I need you to get ready for the festival tonight. Wear your Sunday best! The clothes are in your bedroom. For now, I need to help Mrs. Atkins, I’ll be back before evening.”

“If only you were here papa, maybe you could try to help me get to the Capitol for training, like you always promised.”

————————————————————————————————————

The night had proved good reason for the decorations, the whole village was in attendance. The people were alight with joy, sharing drinks and food with one another. Y/n’s mother was conversing with the successful owners of the village, as she was making her rounds with her constiuents. Y/n stood in full sunday best, her long dress in a pristine white cream color, the thick fabric concealing the fact that she still wore similar clothing that she wore earlier that day, only this pair was much cleaner.

“And how are we this evening,” Clint, the son of the local baker approached her.

“Well, Barton, though I am surprised that our mutual friend is not beside you.”

“I was wondering the same thing.” He mulled over his drink, taking a sip before speaking again; “I was wondering if you had seen her yet?”

Y/n’s head tilted to the side, her brow furrowing. It was not unlike Natasha to not show up somewhere. More so when it involved Clint. She always showed up at the agreed upon time, if she didn’t there was something wrong.

“I haven’t Clint.”

“Then we are in agreement.” he set his mug down upon the table Y/n sat. Y/n herself stood up, walking with her friend to find the missing redhead.

“Mother have you seen Natasha?” our protagonist asked her mother. The elder woman, shook her head, her brow also furrowing, having so much experience with the young girl and her habits.

“I have not, when was she last seen?” she asked her fellow townleaders.

“Last I saw she was over by the entrace facing the sea.” one member spoke.

“I thought she was over by the barn?” Another chorused.

“Alright, Y/n, you go to the sea road; clint and I will check the barn; you two go see if she is anywhere in the fields. Come back in ten minutes, here.” Her mother spoke with a level headedness that helped quell the young baker’s nerves.

Y/n hiked up the road toward the sea for a solid five minutes, the dress was definitely a hindrance on her progress.

“Tahsa!” she shouted as she struggled not to trip over her feet. Y/n cursed the dress under her breath as she nearly fell to the road for the umpteenth time.

A rustling in the bushes caused the young woman’s body to shoot upward. The darkening raod made it as if everything moved, that anything had a face to it, this was nothing like her imaginary foes from earlier that day. Of course, that was in the afternoon sun, this was in the covent of night, where the imagination may come back to haunt you.

“Natasha?” Y/n leaned toward the noise, which led to the cliff where she was that afternoon. A low drumming sound began to thrum through the air. Y/n, following the noise, quelled the uneaase in her stomach, nor did she care that the hem of her dress was bound to turn brown from the sand and dirt.

A shirll cry stuck the air as thunder from behind. Y/n whirled around in time to spot the flying figure. It was much larger than a bird, and was far to fast to be a seagull. Y/n was able to duck from the creature in time, with enough room to remain undetected as it descended down the cliff-face. Our protagonist followed the beast until she reached the cliff’s edge, to be met with a horrible sight.

Ships were beginning to dock upon the beach, with mass amounts of troops debarkig upon the same sands that she often rode upon her horse. Shouts and orders were being barked around as supplies were also being dumped as for the troops. The large beast that almost hit Y/n landed next to a figure whom stood directly beneath her. The large looming figure stood surveying his infantry, not even giving the flying beast the time of day.

“Do you have it?” he asked, his gravelly voice was enough to send chills up Y/n’s spine.

“N-no master.” The beast, whom now could apprently talk, spoke with a serpentine cadence, it’s head ducking low.

The figure backhanded the creature without a second thought.

“You were to steal the Iron sword. How hard could that have possibly been you imbocile!” the man boomed, his rage boiling over.

“They will never find it, master.” the creature defended.

“Oh, do explain, while you still breathe.”

“It fell in the Darkened Wood. No one dares go in there.”

Y/n processed the information with fever pitch. The Iron sword of the King had not only been stolen, but lost in the Darkened Wood. The sword itself was forged by the king, and it is said to have fabled abilities. Without it, the Midgardian would have never won their independence. The king has never parted with it, and it is said that without it he would perish. The king himself could very well be dead as we speak, and without this fabled sword, there is no hope of victory.

Invaders now line the beaches of her home, and without the fabled sword of the king, no one would be able to mass the amount of hope needed to defend themselves.

The Darkened Wood was what stood in the way for these people. It stood directly in the way for the path to the capitol, the road around it would take another week to get to the capitol, which was why it was presumably more used than the overgrown and dangerous road that ended within the confines of the Darkened Wood. The Sword lay within the confines of that forrest. That certainly narrowed down the playing field.

A faint touch upon her shoulder sent Y/n to jump out of her skin. A hand clasped over her mouth, silencing her from any noise she would have presumably made. Natasha held a finger to her mouth as to continue the silence, the same finger then pointing doward as to reference to the figures beneath them. The redhead tugged on Y/n’s arm, carefully guiding her to her feet. The two women crept backwards until they were at a safe distance, to which they turned and ran at full sprint.

Y/n’s dress tore as it came in contact with a thron bush, the ripping sound emanating throughout the fields. The two didn’t stop to think if it was heard or not, they simply kept running back into town.

As soon as the town came into view, they began shouting with great frivor. Their sout drew the attention of the entire town. Soon Y/n’s mother, and even Clint came to meet them.

“What’s happened?” Y/n’s mother noted her daughter’s dress and it’s dissaray. Clint rushed to Natasha, whom was in a worse condition. He quickly snatched a strewn tablecloth, draping it over the red head with great care.

“Ivaders, they arrived on the shore, they’ll be here shortly.” Natasha spoke between pants.

“Y/n?” Her mother probed for an answer. The young girl nodded her head.

“We need to get word to the Capitol, Mrs Atkins! Get my husband’s sword and shield!” her mother began to order towspeople to bring up barricades. The tailor, Mr Hilberg, handed Natasha an overcoat in place of her tablecloth.

“What do you need me to do?” Y/n asked her mother.

“No, I have something more important for the three of you. Clint go get their horses. Hurry!”

“Torches up ahead!” a man shouted from atop the roof.

Mrs Atkins returned with the sword and shield, handing it off to Y/n mother, who promptly handed the items to her daughter. Clint had arrived back with tow horses, his own, and Y/n’s, whose was the fastest in the village, but not necessarily the fastest on earth, it was a slim margin. Clint was already armed with a bow and quiver, as he was a prolific hunter in the village.

“I need you three to get word to the capitol as soon as possible, the sooner the king knows, the better the chance we have. Do you understand?”

“We do.” Clint set Natasha atop his horse, a large belgium workhorse big enough to fit the both of them. He then mounted, making sure Natasha was situated comfortably in front of him, despite the bright red tint on both teenagers’ cheeks. Y/n mounted her horse, looking to her mother, grasping her hand, at silent sense of peace in the midst of the fray.

“Go, hurry!” her mother slapped the bottom of Y/n’s horse, sending it into a gallop out of the town. Clint was quick to follow, the horse easily catching up to Y/n as they headed toward the Capitol as fast as possible. The three dared not look back, in case if anyone actually had seen them escape.

It wasn’t unitl daybreak that they had slowed down. The long grassy knolls were soon replaced with large evergreens of vibrant color. Birds sang throughout the woodland, to the point it was tough to say what bird was singing due to the amount of overlay.

Soon a giant fork in the road appeared. the one on the left retained its bright cheery image, it’s sign was well kept, and was inscribed with a newly painted ‘Captiol’. The other, which pointed to the opposite direction, was unkempt, and riddle with dark thorney vines. As Clint and Natasha rode forward upon the well worn road to the capitol, Y/n remained at the fork, mulling over a great decision.

“Y/N?” Clint asked puzzled, turning his horse with the bridle.

“The Iron Sword is somewhere in the Darkened Wood. The Ivaders are after it.”

“Y/n I don’t like where this is going.” Clint said with a warning tone.

“You shouldn’t.” Natasha voiced for the first time since they had been dispatched.

“They will most likely be after it just as much as they want to invade the Capitol. You go, I’ll go this way.” Y/n dismounted her horse, offering her to Clint and Natasha.

“You know no one comes out of their, right.”

“What choice do we have?” Y/n ripped her dress apart, revealing her clothing that she held under it. She attatched the sword to her belt, and placed the circular shield upon her back. Natasha disounted from Clint in order to mount Y/n’s horse. Before she did, she pulled Y/n into a warm embrace, one filled with a layer on morbid sadness.

“Be safe.”

“You too,”

A loud shout drew the three from the tender moment. The three turned toward the direction of the shout, which was the exact direction they had spent all night and morning running from.

“Go!” Y/n urged the two, watching them gallop away upon the safe road toward the capitol. Gathering the remnants of her dress, she hoped to buy her friends a few moments of time, by trailing the torn fabric behind her toward the more dangerous road. Y/n turned toward the road she had travelled, the sound of running footsteps growing louder, before finally turning toward the unkempt road filled with thorns and fog, running full speed into the Darkened Wood.

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Hope you enjoyed it, message me if you want to be tagged!!!

#bucky barnes x reader #James buchanan barnes #bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes x reader #marvel x reader #marvel imagine #bucky imagine #medieval!bucky #medieval!au #Adventure Awaits #natasha romanoff #clint barton #ima let you wait to see who the villain is

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jasperdunlop · 5 years

Text

The Difference Between a Dream and a Fantasy

Henry decides to confront Charlotte about why she’s been avoiding him. Meanwhile, Jasper has an accidental heart to heart with Ray and Schwoz.

Word Count: 2058

Note: look at me i’m actually writing! this was an idea i came up with for the end of the next ep! i wrote the outline before the promos came out so if it doesn’t totally match up, that’s why. i also wrote this kinda quickly so it’s not my best but i wanted to post it before the ep and i hope y’all enjoy it

Dedications: i’m not sure how many of you like to read fics or if you’d be interested in this one specifically, but i’m gonna tag a bunch of friends and if you don’t want to read it you totally don’t have to! also lord knows i take forever to read fics so absolutely no rush lol @cactus-con @xanderdewitt @ciara-knightly @up-the-tube @youngbloodthekilljoy @ginger--binger @gwendastacy @max-thunderman @jelenarulestheworld

~~~~~

"I think I'm gonna, uh, work up in Junk N’ Stuff today, call me if you need anything," Charlotte tells the group as she speeds into the elevator right as Henry walks out of it.

Henry barely has time to process what Charlotte said before the elevator door is starting to close. "Wait, Char! I wanted to talk to you about-"

Charlotte gives him an exaggerated shrug as the door closes between them. Henry scoffs and turns to face Jasper, Ray, and Schwoz on the other side of the Man Cave. "What is her deal? She's been super weird around me all week. Did I do something to her?"

The three others share a hesitant look. Charlotte told them about her dream the day before, and they all promised to keep it a secret from Henry while she got over it.

Henry notices the look and squints at them. "Wait, do you guys know why she's being weird?" When no one answers, he takes a step towards them, "Come on guys! If I did something then I wanna know so I can apologize!"

Jasper sighs and walks over to him, putting a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "You didn't do anything, alright? Something… weird happened and Char just needs a little bit of space."

Henry tilts his head at the vague explanation, "Are you sure? I mean, maybe I should go talk to her or something." He turns slightly to look back at the elevator, considering the idea.

"You can if you want to, but I promise she's fine," Jasper responds as he lets his hand fall off of the other boy’s shoulder.

Henry glances back at Ray and Schwoz, and they both give him a half shrug in agreement with Jasper. Henry takes a long breath in, considering whether he should follow Charlotte or not. After a second of thinking, he turns around and walks to the elevator, pushing the button as he says, "I'm gonna go talk to her, I'll feel better hearing all that from her." The others nod at him in acknowledgement as he gets into the elevator and heads upstairs.

The second the elevator door is closed, Ray turns around and pulls up the video feed of Junk N' Stuff on the monitor, currently showing Charlotte sitting alone behind the counter. Jasper knows that there's no way he can talk Ray out of this, so he figures he may as well watch too. Plus, he can't say he's not interested in how the conversation between his best friends will go.

While Jasper casually lingers a few feet behind Ray, Schwoz eagerly rushes to the man’s side, practically bouncing with excitement. "Do you think they're finally going to date?"

"Oh, definitely. They've liked each other for years," Ray casually responds, eyes glued to the screen as he waits for Henry to appear.

Jasper chuckles slightly at their excitement and a second later they see Henry walking through the bead curtain and towards the counter of Junk N' Stuff. Charlotte awkwardly greets him as he stands across the counter. “Hey,” he responds. “I asked Jasper and he said you weren’t, but are you mad at me?”

She basically repeats the same thing Jasper told him earlier, that she just needs a bit of space, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for Henry.

"But what happened that made you need space? I must have done something, and I wanna fix it," he says, desperation clear in his voice.

Charlotte smiles at his dedication. "Seriously Henry, you didn't do anything wrong! It's really not a big deal."

The two go back and forth a few more times, Henry insisting that she tell him, and Charlotte insisting that he doesn't need to know. Even Ray and Schwoz seem frustrated by the aimless exchange.

Luckily, Charlotte eventually relents. "Fine! I just had a... weird dream about you and I guess it freaked me out a little bit."

Henry pauses for a second, clearly not having expected that answer. Once he's taken a moment to absorb the information he asks "So, what happened in the dream? It must've been pretty crazy if it freaked you out that much."

It's barely noticeable on the tiny screen, but Charlotte's eyes widen at the question. "Oh, uh, it was dumb, don't worry about it," she stutters.

Henry giggles at her sudden shyness. "Oh, come on! Just tell me." Charlotte shakes her head and gives him a firm look but he pouts in response and adds a "please" just for good measure.

For a second Jasper thinks she isn't going to give in and tell him, that she really is way too embarrassed about it, but it only takes a few seconds of Henry's pout for her to crack. "It's not a big deal, okay? But uh, I fell into the lion's exhibit at the zoo and couldn't get out. Then you showed up as Kid Danger-"

"As I do sometimes.”

"-and you pulled me out. So, we were standing close, you were uh, holding me, and since you had just saved me you looked so... heroic."

Henry has his elbows on the counter now, leaning forward slightly in interest. Charlotte hesitantly continues, "We were just staring at each other, and we were so close that we both started... leaning in. And we were about to uh," she pauses again, her eyes looking anywhere but Henry, "about to kiss. And that's when I woke up."

Henry's eyebrows shoot up at the word kiss, but nothing else on his face reveals his thoughts on the dream.

Charlotte laughs awkwardly, put off by the lack of reaction. "Pretty weird, right? So I figured that if I was around you too much I might accidentally try to... you know... kiss you." Jasper has never seen Charlotte stutter this much before, she's rarely ever nervous when talking to people.

She stays quiet for a moment, now staring intently at Henry, whose face still hasn't changed, making it impossible to gauge any sort of reaction. "Henry?" she finally says, her tone begging him to say something.

The tension in the Man Cave is just as thick, everyone leaning forward and intensely focused on the screen, like if they stare hard enough they can make something happen by sheer brain power alone.

Without a word, Henry pushes himself off of the counter and walks around it to where Charlotte is standing. "Uh, Henr-?" he cuts her off by pressing a kiss to her lips, catching her off guard.

Ray and Schwoz immediately explode into cheers and grins, while Jasper’s jaw drops in shock. Ray turns to high five him, but isn’t met with the enthusiastic reaction he was expecting from the boy. Once he realizes Jasper isn't going to return the high five, he slaps a hand on the boy's shoulder instead. "Son, come on! Those two finally got together, this is awesome!"

Schwoz grins and nods behind him, finally tearing his face away from the screen to look over at them. Jasper tries to wipe the shocked expression from his face and give them the smile they want, but it comes out forced and insincere. Ray takes his hand off of Jasper's shoulder as his eyebrows scrunch together in confusion. Schwoz walks a few steps closer to them and says "Come on Jasper! Isn't this exciting?"

Jasper lets the fake smile drop as he looks at the ground, kicking his foot slightly. "It's... it's hard to be excited when your best friend and your crush are kissing," he cautiously responds, voice wobbling a bit on the word crush. He had no plans to share his feelings with anyone, ever, but something about actually watching the two kiss made him just vulnerable and heartbroken enough to do so.

Ray and Schwoz share a wide eyed look, and Ray turns back to him with pity in his eyes. "Oh wow, kid. I had no idea, you never said anything," he says gently, like he's worried he'll hurt Jasper even more if he's not careful. Jasper shrugs a bit, still avoiding eye contact. "How long have you liked Charlotte?" he uses the same gentle tone, but he asks the question so quickly that Jasper can tell he's dying to hear the answer.

Jasper fixes his gaze even further into the Man Cave floor, biting his lip and staying completely still. After a couple moments of Ray waiting impatiently, Schwoz speaks up, words gentle but deliberate, "How long have you liked Henry?"

Jasper glances up at Schwoz for a second, a soft and knowing look on the man's face. Who knew Schwoz of all people would be the one who could read him the best?

Ray spins to face the other man, an incredulous look on his face. Jasper doesn't see the face Schwoz gives in return but Ray slowly turns back to him, realization dawning on him as he takes in Jasper's expression. "Oh."

As much as he wants to never speak again, Jasper knows he needs to say something, otherwise this horrible silence will go on forever. He decides to answer Schwoz's earlier question, "I realized it a few months ago, when Henry lost his powers. But I'm pretty sure I've liked him a lot longer than that."

"Oh," Ray repeats, still not having fully processed this whole conversation. Schwoz just gives him a tight lipped smile, and unfortunately for Jasper, the silence returns.

He can tell neither of the men want to push him on the subject, and aren't sure what to do in this moment. Jasper can't handle it, so he speaks up again, "Guys, it's not a big deal, okay? He's still my best friend, and him and Charlotte clearly like each other a lot, so I'm not gonna get in the middle of that."

That seems to snap Ray out of his funk, because he gets his fervor back as he says "But your feelings still matter!" He bounces back and forth on his feet, like he's trying to physically force an idea into his head. "There's gotta be something we can do, right?" he asks as he waves his hand, gesturing to nothing in particular. He suddenly snaps his fingers. "Schwoz, could you make some sort of reverse love potion? Something to get Jasper to stop liking Henry?"

Schwoz opens his mouth to respond, already nodding slightly, but Jasper cuts him off before he gets the chance. "No! Dude, I don't need a reverse love potion. It's a crush, it'll go away eventually. It sucks for now, but I can deal." Ray and Schwoz share an unsure glance. "I'm serious! I don't need you two to alter my brain chemistry or whatever. I'll be fine," he states firmly. Ray and Schwoz seem to accept it this time, but they still look at him sympathetically.

Jasper glances back at the screen and sees Henry and Charlotte now holding hands and heading towards the elevator. "They're coming back downstairs. Not a word, okay? Neither of them need to know about this." Ray and Schwoz both nod and Jasper sighs in relief just as the elevator dings and the doors begin to open.

Luckily, Ray and Schwoz's excitement about the kiss did not fade after their conversation, and as soon as Henry and Charlotte walk out of the elevator saying that they have an announcement, they start jumping happily and yelling about how they saw the whole thing on the monitor. Jasper approaches them too, giving them the most genuine smile he can muster, hoping that it’s more convincing than the one he gave Ray and Schwoz earlier.

Once everyone calms down slightly, Jasper finally speaks up. "So, should we call you guys Chenry from now on?" he asks, a teasing tone in his voice. Henry and Charlotte both roll their eyes but grin all the same, and Henry claps a hand on his shoulder as he slips the other hand around Charlotte's waist.

Ray and Schwoz continue to prod the new couple with overly personal questions while Henry and Charlotte gag and refuse to answer. Jasper can't help but smile genuinely as he watches his friends joke around casually. He still isn't exactly happy about what unfolded today, but if even Ray can support him no matter what, then maybe he can be happy about it someday.

#henry danger #chenry #hensper #my writing #also feel free to give constructive criticism! i'm aware that this is a bit rough so i don't mind!#also big thanks to lou for telling me she believed in me yesterday #it honestly motivated me to finish this lol #alternate title/summary: jasper tells his two dads about his crush #i finished this literally a minute ago and CANNOT read it again so lemme know if there are any typos or smthg

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