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golden-kingdom · 1 year

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And the Season Feels New to Me Because You're Here - Part 5

Written for the 12 Days of Rowaelin: First Holiday Season Together (@rowaelinscourt)

Summary: A month before Christmas, rich hotel heiress Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is running away from her future after a fight with her father and hides at a resort in the Staghorn Mountains. When she has a ski accident and hits her head, she loses her memory and nobody knows who she is. Rowan Whitethorn is a widower who owns a small inn in town and father to 6-year-old Thalia. When, after much insistence from his daughter, Rowan offers Aelin a place to stay, the two have to spend time together against their will. Rowan cannot stand spoiled and self-centered Aelin, and Aelin hates how cold and guarded Rowan is. Thalia thinks it would take a Christmas miracle for them to finally get along.

Inspired by Falling for Christmas (2022)

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT and drinking

Masterlist

Read it on AO3

It was already the last week before Christmas. Thalia would be done with school in three days. She was so excited about the holidays. It was sweet, but also a little exhausting trying to keep up with her.

One evening, Rowan took them to pick a Christmas tree. The tree farm was crowded with people buzzing about. It seemed everyone in town had decided to come get their tree that day. They had agreed before coming that Thalia would choose the tree, but Rowan would have the final say. They went through the rows of trees, Thalia analyzing each of them. None was right she said. She finally stopped in front of a large Christmas tree, one of the biggest.

"This one," she said with confidence.

Rowan looked at it and sighed.

"Don’t you think it’s a bit big?" he asked her.

"No," she replied, adamant about her choice.

Aelin knew Rowan could hardly refuse anything to his daughter. She saw resignation on his face.

"Alright. Let me pay for it and then we’ll take it home," he said.

When they got to the lodge, Aelin helped Rowan take it out of the pickup truck and bring it into the lounge. They struggled with the doorway, but they managed to get it through and then they put it down in the corner by the window.

They started decorating it right away. Rowan put the lights on it skilfully. Then, they all hung Christmas ornaments together. Thalia found one with her name written on it and Rowan picked her up to put it high in the tree. When they were done, Rowan turned around and looked at Aelin.

"Would you like to put the star on top of the tree?" he asked her.

She smiled and nodded. Rowan watched her carefully as she climbed on the stepladder. He handed her the golden shining star and she put it on top of the tree. Thalia clapped her hands excitedly. Rowan held Aelin’s hand to help her get down, only letting go when both of her feet were on the floor. Then they all sat on the couch, admiring their handy work. The tree looked beautiful in the warm light of the fireplace.

…

Christmas Eve was finally here. Elide, Lorcan and Fenrys were coming over for dinner that night. Rowan had been making food all day, Aelin helping him the best she could. The turkey had been cooking in the oven since the morning and they had made enough desserts to feed an army: pecan pie, donuts, gingerbread cookies, apple pie, fudge, peppermint bark and sugar cookies. Even Thalia had contributed by decorating the cookies.

When the food was ready and the table set, Aelin went upstairs to her bedroom. She had no idea what to wear tonight. Rowan had bought her nice clothes when he went shopping for her, but they were practical and simple ones. Tonight was a special occasion. She was looking through her clothes and had settled on a nice sweater with a pair of jeans when she heard a knock at her door.

"Are you ready?" she heard Elide ask through the door.

"Yeah, in a minute. I’m just trying to find something to wear," Aelin replied as she opened the door.

The petite woman was wearing a beautiful long-sleeved velvet burgundy dress that showed off her curves, and her dark hair was pulled away from her face and fell in waves down her back. She looked lovely.

"I have a gift for you," Elide said, holding out two boxes.

She walked into the room and put them on Aelin’s bed. She gave Aelin an expectant look, so Aelin opened the biggest one. Wrapped in silk paper was a beautiful satin golden dress. Aelin took it out of the box, admiring it.

"Elide, you didn’t have to," she started, but her new friend cut her off.

"There are shoes too," she said, gesturing to the other box.

Aelin opened it and looked at the sparkling stilettos inside. They were gold as well.

"They are beautiful," she said.

She gave Elide a big hug, thanking her a dozen times.

"Thank you for making Rowan smile so much lately. He hasn’t been smiling like that in a long time," the dark-haired woman said.

Aelin blushed at that. She took the dress and headed to the bathroom to put it on. Once she was dressed, she looked at herself in the mirror. The sleeveless dress was ruched at the top and the cowl neckline dropped to her breastbone, showing off her cleavage. It fell under her knees and hugged all of her curves in the right places.

"It’s beautiful. Thank you so much," she said to Elide as she came out of the bathroom.

The other woman just smiled when she saw her in the dress. She helped Aelin curl her hair in loose waves and do a simple make up look. Aelin hadn’t styled her hair or done her make up since her accident. She had missed those simple things.

When Aelin was ready, she put on her shoes and followed Elide out of her room. The men and Thalia were waiting in the lobby at the bottom of the stairs. Rowan was talking with Lorcan, and when he turned around, he gasped when he saw Aelin. She gave him a shy smile.

"Wow! I love your dress, Celaena! You look like a princess" Thalia said in awe.

Lorcan took Elide’s hand and they headed towards the dining room.

"Why don’t we go check on the turkey, Thalia?" Fenrys asked.

She nodded enthusiastically and followed him to the kitchen, leaving Aelin and Rowan alone.

"You look… amazing," Rowan said, struggling to find the right words.

"Thank you, you clean up nicely too," Aelin replied with a smirk.

Rowan was wearing a white shirt, a much nicer one than what he usually wore, and black pants. He looked handsome.

They joined everyone in the dining room. The table had been decorated for the occasion, with boughs of holly and candles in the centre. When everyone was sat down, Aelin helped Rowan bring out the meal. Lorcan cut the turkey and everyone started serving themselves. Fenrys poured champagne in everyone’s glasses.

"Let’s toast to the North Star!" he exclaimed.

Everyone cheered and raised their glasses, even Thalia with her small glass of apple juice. Then they all began eating while chatting and joking. Aelin was having so much fun, even Lorcan seemed friendlier tonight. Maybe she had a bit too much champagne.

When they were done with the main course, they went to the lounge to play games. Fenrys was having fun and joking with Thalia, but everyone else was competitive and taking the games very seriously. Elide won most of them.

Later, they headed back to the dining room for dessert. Aelin was already full, but she couldn’t resist sugar. She tried a little bit of everything. Thalia made everyone laughed when she said that a gingerbread man with a frown looked like Uncle Lorcan.

It was late by the time everyone left. Thalia had almost fallen asleep on her father’s chest. Rowan took her to her bedroom where she requested a Christmas bedtime story. She was asleep by the time Rowan had finished.

When he came back down the stairs, he found Aelin standing in the lobby.

"She’s fast asleep, I think she was exhausted," he told her. Aelin gave him a gentle smile, her turquoise eyes glimmering in the soft light of the room.

They stared at each other in silence until Rowan spotted something.

"We’re standing under the mistletoe," Rowan said quietly. Aelin looked up and noticed the decoration hanging from the ceiling.

She looked back at him, taking in how his green eyes were looking at her with softness and sincerity. He slowly came closer and caressed her cheek with his thumb. She could feel his warm breath against her face. He leaned in and kissed her gently.

"Was that okay?" he asked her, looking into her eyes.

"More than okay," she replied, putting her arms around his neck and kissing him again.

He put his hands on her waist and pulled her in, deepening the kiss. He licked the seam of her lips and she opened to let him in. Their tongues met and Aelin moaned softly at the feeling. She grabbed his hair, urging him for more.

The kiss turned hungrier, their lips clashing against each other’s. He ran his hands up her sides, stopping at the underside of her breast. He started trailing kisses down her neck, nibbling at her pulse point. He made his way to her collarbones and then down her cleavage, between her breasts. He groaned when he smelled her perfume.

She pulled him back up and kissed him fiercely, biting his bottom lip. Then she broke the kiss and took his hand in hers, leading him up the stairs.

"We don’t have to do this," he whispered.

"I want to," she simply replied.

When they got to Rowan’s bedroom, he closed the door and had her caged against it in a second. He put his hands under her knees and picked her up, her dress bunching up at her hips. She kissed him ardently, yet it wasn’t enough. She moved her hips against his, searching for more contact. He growled and she repeated the motion.

He took her to the bed, laying her down on it softly. He climbed on top of her, holding himself on his forearms. As soon as he was on top of her, she claimed his mouth again. Her hands roamed his chest under his shirt, feeling the hard planes of his body.

He kissed down her neck until he was at her chest. He pulled the straps of her dress down to reveal her breasts. He put his mouth around one of her hardened nipples, sucking it, while palming the other breast. Aelin moaned loudly and put her hands in his hair, holding his face close to her body.

He pulled her dress down even more, trailing kisses down her stomach. When he got close to where she needed him the most, he looked up at her. She nodded and urged him to continue so he removed her dress completely, leaving her only in her panties.

She needed to feel his skin against hers. She quickly undid the buttons of his shirt and removed it. Then she was unbuttoning and unzipping his pants. Rowan kicked them off his legs. When he pressed himself against her, she gasped at how good his warm body felt against hers. She touched his hard chest, his flat stomach, his strong arms. She wanted to memorize his body and never forget it.

Rowan felt the same. He was kneading and massaging every part of her body he could reach as he made his way back down and kissed her stomach just above her panties. He pulled them down slowly and then he pressed kisses on the inside of her thigh, sucking and biting. She whined and he chuckled lowly.

He parted her thighs with his arms and finally kissed down her centre, never breaking eye contact. He licked her clit with the flat of his tongue, then sucked on the bundle of nerves. Aelin moaned loudly, quickly putting her hand over her mouth to quiet herself. He buried himself between her thighs, eating her out like she was the best thing he had ever tasted.

When he entered her with a finger, she had to bite down on her hand. Rowan pumped his finger slowly at first, but then picked up a rhythm, curling his finger to hit that spot that made her see stars. He added another one and she clenched around him. She was so close; she could feel her climax building up and her legs shaking. Rowan sucked hard on her clit, still working her with his fingers, and she came hard, mumbling his name in her hand.

When she came down from her high, she found Rowan staring at her with lust. She crushed her mouth on his, tasting herself on his tongue. She needed him inside her now. She quickly removed his underwear and wrapped a hand around his length, stroking him.

He removed her hands from his cock and leaned toward his bedside table, grabbing a condom and putting it on quickly. He put Aelin’s legs around his waist and lined himself up with her entrance. He entered her slowly, letting her adjust to his size. She felt so full she could cry. There were no words to describe how she felt. It was like his body had been made for hers.

She urged him to start moving and he pulled out before pushing back in. He set a lazy and slow rhythm with his hips, taking his time to enjoy every second of it. He peppered her face with small kisses and whispered how beautiful she looked like this.

When he hit that spot inside her again, she bit her lips almost to the blood. He noticed her reaction and his thrusts got harder and faster. She grabbed his hands, needing to hold onto something, anything.

She was feeling her pleasure build up again. She was mumbling incoherent things, trying to keep as quiet as she could. Rowan let go of one of her hands and snuck it between their bodies, finding that bundle of nerves.

He started rubbing her clit with his fingers. His movement was timed with his thrusts. He was hitting that spot inside her over and over again. She squeezed his hand strongly, and suddenly her orgasm hit her, her whole body shaking and her back arching off the bed. She bit Rowan’s shoulder to keep herself from screaming. He pushed into her a few more times and then he was coming too with a loud groan.

They laid like this for a while, catching their breath. Rowan smiled at her softly and gave her a small kiss before pulling out of her and throwing the condom in the trash. He put his underwear back on and grabbed two T-shirts in his dresser.

"Here, put this on," he told her as he handed her one of the T-shirts. "Thalia is gonna burst into this room tomorrow morning to get her Christmas presents; it’s better if we’re dressed."

He put his on and Aelin did the same, the T-shirt so big she was floating in it. She also grabbed her panties from the floor. Once they were dressed, they immediately went back to bed and Rowan pulled Aelin in his arms, rubbing her shoulder slowly. Aelin was tired, but she didn’t want to fall asleep. She didn’t want this moment to end. She yawned loudly and Rowan laughed.

"We should sleep. It’s really late," said Rowan.

"But I don’t wanna sleep. I just wanna stay like this with you," replied Aelin, putting her head on his chest and tracing patterns on his bicep.

"I’ll still be there when you wake up tomorrow. I’m not going anywhere," assured Rowan.

He kissed the top of her head and pulled her even closer. Aelin fell asleep in his arms feeling safe and happy. Like she was finally home.

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dokidokidejah · 1 year

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OCTOBER 31

this morning i woke up at around 7:30 and started getting ready to go to town with althea and a pioneer sister named ai. for breakfast i had a yakult, skinned apples again, and of course another piece of fluffy toast with butter and trader joe's strawberry jam on it. ai picked us up at around 9 with her two kids, nia and kai. kai is 5 and nia is 7. kai is so shy, it's adorable!! he wouldn't even talk to us or look at us at first. we dropped him off at school, (their school starts at 10) and dropped nia off at her obachan's (grandma's). then we officially started our day in fukuoka! ai is amazing. she speaks perfect english and she's very excitable and giggly. she laughs so much, even at the littlest of things. it's adorable, and i wish i could take her home with me. i learned a lot from her. for example, all of the pioneers here get extra tiny kcars because it's easy to get into parking spots with them. at home it's the opposite. the pioneers always get larger cars in order to have more seating space available for carpooling. she also told us about her congregation. after the governing body sent out the letter saying congregations can meet together again, only ten people max were attending their hall for a whole 6 months! everyone else was meeting together on zoom. during their C.O. visit, the brother encouraged everyone to come in person, and ever since then the congregation has been all together. it's been very encouraging for them since then. we also talked about samurai guys and their long hair, specifically about atsushi sakurai!!!!! ai had never heard of him or buck tick before, but she started busting out laughing when i showed her pictures of him. she was cracking up and covering her face saying "oh my, you hope to find a guy like that in paradise? oh...." and patted me encouragingly on the shoulder. i think she thinks his hair is just too magnificent. after the 30 minute car ride, we finally reached a little town where ai said people from japan go for vacation. weeping willow trees grow as far as the eye can see!! (my favorite kind of tree!) there were bridges and little streams with boats that had pink lanterns hanging on them– very reminiscent of venice but with a unique japanese air. tons of obachans and ojichans were riding the boats. there was a special hotel there that was built during the feudal era, and it's very historical. from the outside, it's gorgeous. we walked the area, took pictures together, and took pictures of this stylish korean couple and their baby who was also visiting. ai-san took us to eat uni, which is a certain kind of fish that is like an eel, i think? we ate uni onigiri and she warned us a lot that we might not like it, but it was actually super delicious!!! funnily enough, i didn't even taste the fish once. all i could taste was yummy food. then, we went to a second hand kimono shop. there were lots of really cool kimonos there, but the ones i wanted were all stained! i was bummed out until i saw the one that spoke to my soul, and it was the best one out of them all. black, with red design and the inside was a hot pink. i bought it, and also a little cardigan and a 1 dollar rilakumma.

it's important to note that while i was looking at the kimonos, two japanese guys walked in. one of them had his hair tied up in a manbun like eren jaeger, and his other friend was cool looking too. i didn't think anything of it, but apparently ai thought it was suspicious how long they were looking at kimono sashes. when i went to the other clothing area, they also came down, but i thought they were just done looking at kimonos. i was checking out the skirts with ai, when she walked away for a moment. not even 3 seconds after she left, the man bun guys friend started coming down the isle i was walking down! i immediately looked away so as to not make awkward/inviting eye contact, and then turned down the other isle when i heard a voice say "sumimasen~~" i was like, no way, he didn't just say excuse me to me. not happening. and then he stopped me through the clothing rack between us and started speaking fluent japanese to me. i was like "wakarimasen...." and he just kept going. since he obviously didn't get the message, i spoke back in english saying i don't know japanese. then he finally went, "instagrameu changeu?" he wanted to swap instagrams with me!! 😭 i said "gomenasai..... i don't have instagram" and he defeatedly turned back around. i just stayed stopped in my tracks, looking around anywhere that wasn't in his direction with my hand covering my shocked face. i heard the guy talk to his friend who was waiting at the end of the isle, and once they were far enough away i ran to the changing room and hid. i just can't believe the first day i go out into town and already the devil is testing me with cute japanese guys. i'm just so glad it wasn't the man-bun one or else i would've have some serious disappointment on my hands. i "psst'd" althea and ai over and told them the whole thing, and they were surprised, because it hadn't even been two minutes since they left me. so embarrassing!! i felt so flustered and embarrassed for that guy.

to shake it off, we bought our things and then headed to the local mall to take photobooth pictures. there's tons of photo-booths to choose from, all with different wacky filters and borders. the one we chose ended up totally deforming our faces by making us white as a ghostly porcelain doll, with huge doe eyes and a super duper small face. the results of those pictures were terrifying, but taking them together was so fun, especially with ai-san dying from laughter. after the ultra 4,000 catfish experience, i got a little moomin from a gatcha machine, checked out a 100 yen shop, and ate yummy mall udon. ai went and picked up kai and nia, and we got to give them gifts. kai loves dinosaurs, so i gave him a dinosaur sticker and candy. nia loves ballet, so i gave her a flamingo that looks like it would probably be good at ballet. it was so adorable seeing kai's reaction. he's so shy, he was even sticking his head in a bag so he wouldn't have to look at us, but you could see he was just trying to hide his big smile. in the car, i gave them extra candy and stickers. kai chose all the lion stickers, and nia put them all up in the back of ai's car. (sorry ai!) i told ai that i'm already planning my next trip to japan, and that i never want to leave her. she said that she isn't dying, and that next time i come i can stay at her house. she told me that there's a ferry from busan, korea, to fukuoka, japan thats only 200 round trip. it's so perfect!!!!! i want to come back and stay with her forever!!!! she's so sweet, kind, funny, and fun to be around. i hope my family can meet her someday.

when we got home, it was just me and althea and suzuko (ryan's aunt.) she gave us delicious sweet potatoes coated in honey, with bitter green tea. it tasted amazing, but i was already completely stuffed and was about to hop in the shower. we had to talk through google translate, but it was still pretty awkward! especially because the only english she understood this whole trip is when i told althea that i wasn't hungry. 😭. poor suzuko. we still found a way to communicate though, and she even taught us about when to properly wear the kimonos we bought. when i finally got to take a shower, everyone had left the house, so it was just me and ryan's obachan. when i got out of the shower, obachan was in the dark hallway speaking concerned japanese to me and making an X with her hands. i was like, oh no, is my hair dripping water all over the floor? am i supposed to dry it before walking on the tatami mats? she backed me up into the bathroom again, and i still had no idea what she was trying to tell me. i kept saying wakarimasen and gomenasai, and poor obachan just kept repeating herself and making more indecipherable hand gestures. i literally felt like i was in an alternate universe- it was such a strange and awkward experience. finally i thought of calling ryan, so i said chotto matte and dialed his whatsapp, but got no response. so i called althea instead and she let me know they were pulling into the driveway, (thank goodness!) when ryan finally came in, he found out that obachan was just really worried because everybody was gone except for me, so she thought they had left me. she thought i must be starving because i hadn't eaten yet, (but she didn't know ryan and althea were bringing food back) and she was also worried because she thought i must be cold. well, if i had been able to pass her in the hallway i would've grabbed a jacket, lol! she is so sweet, and i felt so bad that she was worried. she kept bringing up how concerned she was the whole rest of the night! i made sure she saw us all eating at the table together. ryan, althea and i had a nice time unwinding and talking about our day as we ate. ryan seemed so happy, and i was happy too! i can't wait for tomorrow, honto ne!

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lily-drake · 3 years

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Fantasy/Twin AU

Sorry for being late and not posting for a bit. Was a bit burnt out and had writer block. I will go back to write the other days soon though. Also, sorry, I suck at writing wing aus, this is my first time doing it.

Earth J-236, an earth full of mystical life. An earth where everyone is born with wings. Your wings represented who you are; well not really, but that’s what people believed. If your wings were bright and colorful then you were obviously an amazing person, but if your wings were darker or had little color, then you have great evil in your soul. Marinette was born seconds after her twin, Damian. It takes a few years before your wings fully grow in, usually to about 6. But with the accelerated growth serums used in their artificial wombs, it took them till they were three for their feathers to sprout. Damian’s were black like their father’s with subtle hints of red like their mothers. Marinette’s were pure black, devoid of any color, and her mother was so proud of that. She was the League’s charm, for it’s believed that anyone with pure black wings was pure evil. Her only purpose being to protect her brother, nothing else was more important than her brother’s safety. She would die for him, because if he died she might as well have died as well as her only purpose for living would be gone.

Damian glared at his sister, his wings ruffling in annoyance. She was hovering close to him again, and she never said anything to him ever unless she was completely sure they were alone. He did not believe that his sister was or could ever be, “pure evil” just because of her wings. In fact, her mannerisms are the exact opposite of what people believed. She, in her own ways, is caring, sweet, and protective. He had seen, and helped, her nurse a baby bird that had fallen from its nest back to health. She would often place little things around the base for only him to find such as some extra baklava, a throwing knife, a drawing of someone, beads, or other random objects. Grandfather had always been extra hard on her, making sure she wouldn’t betray them, she wouldn’t become “evil enough to lose herself”. Sometimes she would sneak into his room at night, and it tore him apart to see silent tears run down his little sister's face as small black raven feathers fell onto the floor from her days worth of training. He had been learning how to fly, her wings had been clipped every two or three months so she could not leave the base. She had learned long ago to control her facial and wing expressions, but he could always see the droop in them and the sad shine in her eyes as she stood on the ground while he was in the air.

________

Marinette looked up and watched as the fiery Phoenix flew through the air setting Nada Parabat aflame. She didn’t feel much as she watched her grandfather get blown up. She only felt great anxiety and fear as she could not find her brother. She loved her brother, and if her job was to cause chaos, she would make sure she could prevent it from hurting him. Grandfather had told her about how cursed she was, it’s why they had to be extra tough on her, and she understood that. They couldn’t have her hurting anyone they needed, only the people they wanted gone. She was angry at grandfather yesterday for taking some of her feathers for failing a task, this must have been her fault. She didn’t want to hurt her brother, her wings had only proven nothing but destruction. She had to leave now, then she could go where no one else was, and she wouldn’t have to hurt anyone else. So like a coward, like the disgrace she was, she ran. She kept her wings tight against her back making sure that no one could grab them as she ran. An arrow hit one of them, but she didn’t have time to think about the burning pain as she ran and ran and ran farther and farther and farther away. Tears ran down her cheeks as she silently prayed that her brother would be okay.

She didn’t know how long she ran, but she knew it must have been a really long time as she had just collapsed from exhaustion in the woods. She looked back at her wings and slowly and carefully spread them out and hissed in pain from where the arrow had pierced her left wing. Drops of red slowly dripped down her feathers and dropped on the ground. She quickly closed them and made sure they were as small and put away as possible. She looked up at the trees made of brass with different colored jade leaves. Pearl-like apples growing on a few. She watched a baby griffon follow it’s mother in the distance, turtle ducks waddling to a pond somewhere nearby, deer nibbling on plants, she could hear the rustling of leaves and branches from unseen creatures and everything was getting more blurry and dark. She was cold, it felt very cold. She slowly unwound her wings from around herself and closed them tightly around her, but that didn’t stop the chill that went deep down to her bones. She was a failure, a mistake, she would only cause harm. Here she wouldn’t be able to do that, and if she died here, then no one would be hurt by her again, and wasn’t that such a nice thought.

________

Tom and Sabine had finally been able to hire some trusted employees and explore places in Tibet. They had made lots of money over the years with their successful bakery, and they thought now was a better time than ever to go on a real honeymoon as they hadn’t been able to afford it before when the bakery had first started. It was during one of these forest explorations when they saw a trail of little drops of blood and felt they needed to follow it. What they discovered broke their hearts. There lying on the cold forest floor was what appeared to be a child hugging their very black wings around them. They knew of the rumors and myths of black winged people, but they did not care. They believed that their wings were not what made them evil, but rather situations put into their lives. Sabine quickly checked for a pulse, and though it was slow she sighed in relief when she felt it. She quickly handed the small unconscious girl to Tom and they both quickly went to the nearest hospital. How could someone leave such a small child all alone to die like that? It looked as if she had been injured if the dried blood on the small fragile wings said anything. And worst of all, upon closer examination, they had been clipped, recently too.

As soon as they arrived they carried the small girl to the front and demanded that they take her in. They waited until the doctors were done and gave them permission to visit claiming to be the girl’s adopted parents. It wasn’t technically a lie, they would be soon even if Sabine had to force it to happen.

When Marinette woke up she knew something was off. She was under a blanket, she’s never been given a blanket before. The sent of bleach and chemicals were everywhere and it hurt her nose. There was a beeping noise next to her that was giving her a headache. She didn’t know where she was, and that was bad. She opened her eyes a small fraction so nobody could see she was awake and looked around as much as she could. The entire room was white and there were bright lights. There were two strange people waiting in chairs near where she was laying. She wondered if they were the ones who brought her here. Slowly she opened them up all the way and silently sat up. It’s best to make no noise, then she wouldn’t disturb anyone.

“Oh sweety, I’m so glad you’re awake.”

The woman said in a cheery and relieved manner, but she just continued to watch and study them silently. Her wings felt stiff against her back, though she made sure they didn’t move or give anything away.

“How are you feeling dear?”

Silence greeted them, and her face remained as impassive as ever. They wanted something, why else would they save a freak like her? What were they aiming for here?

“Did your parents hurt you? If so, we can take you away from them.”

Marinette’s eyes widened only a fraction. These were randoms, innocents if you will. They obviously had no idea who she was, and they seemed unafraid of her and her wings. Did they not know how dangerous she was, didn’t they know that black wings meant she was cursed? The man and the woman looked at eachother and spread their wings. Marinette was shocked, but she wouldn’t show it.

The large man had light brown eagle wings while the small woman had white and black woodpecker wings. She wanted to reach out and touch the feathers, but then something bad would happen to them, so she held her hands together.

“We don’t care what your wing color is. Your wings don’t define who you are, it’s what you do with your life that does. Can we please help you?”

The woman said sincerely as she gripped the man’s hand in hers. She felt a pull to them, something telling her to accept. She didn’t want to hurt them though. But maybe she could protect them? Maybe she could find a way around her curse and make sure they don’t get hurt? Slowly she nodded and they both looked so happy when she did. She hoped that she wouldn’t hurt them, they didn’t deserve to be cursed. Maybe if she didn’t touch them things would be ok. If she didn’t let them touch her then it wouldn’t spread. She could do this!

________

Apparently she couldn’t do it because this is a very affectionate family, and the first thing that happened before they let her sleep on their —super fluffy, pure Heaven— bed was give her a hug. She had made sure that her wings were tucked under her clothes and tight against her back the entire time though. So they didn’t touch her wings, so maybe that meant they wouldn’t be cursed.

It was strange, because the next morning they went to a courthouse, and she was adopted. She hadn’t said anything throughout the entire event, she just watched and observed what people did. They stayed in Tibet for another few days before they flew to Paris, France. This was supposed to be her new home. The city of light and love. Maybe here, it would stop her curse. It was so bright that it had to block out her darkness. She still always carried one of her knives with her, she felt naked without one. Tom and Sabine seemed to understand somehow, and said that it was her business and that was enough for them till she was ready to talk about it. It was strange not to be interrogated for now wanting to tell someone something.

Marinette had lived with the Dupain-Chengs for about a year now. It was strange really, they were honest business people and their joy was always sincere. They didn’t question much of what she did even though it was probably weird to them. They didn’t punish her for messing up like the league did, and they never went near her wings without permission. They never plucked her feathers, and they would often ask if they could preen her wings. She would refuse every time, but she would often wonder what it would be like to have someone else touch them. Think of what it would be like if she weren’t cursed. When it was time for school she would always wrap them around herself then tape them so no one would see or be able to touch them. Things were finally going well, she couldn’t risk it now!

There was a blonde brat that liked to act like she was above her, and because her wings were always hidden with no explanation she made sure everyone knew that she was “wingless”. She didn’t care though, being wingless was better than being evil winged. She never really said anything in class or to other students, she never gave much reaction keeping her stoic face up. The brat left her alone soon after for being a, “ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous freak.” And nobody was the wiser.

Being Lady Chaos was….the best thing that ever happened to her if she was being honest. Even with pure black wings, people still thought she was a hero. She never flew, she was scared she’d fall and die. She was never allowed to fly before, and even if she technically can do so now, it’s not worth the risk. Her partner though, Mr. Bug has gold, red, and black wings. He can fly through the air with ease she wished she desperately had. Sometimes after patrol she would go to the very top of the Eiffel Tower and just stretch her wings out as far out as she could. She would close her eyes as the wind blew past her and ruffled her feathers and pretend that she was soaring through the air.

________

Year three of living with Tom and Sabine she was comfortable talking to them more, and with Plagg there to control her chaos she finally let them touch her wings. It was strange really, she never took care of her wings, never cared enough to. When she first felt the hands on her feathers she had to will herself not to draw them back for fear of them plucking or ripped out. But Sabine’s hands were so gentle and smooth that they seemed to move on their own and go closer to her touch. Sabine would smile and hum as she gently preened the dark raven feathers that were soft and smooth. Maybe she could finally tell the class that she wasn’t wingless soon, and maybe they would be okay with it.

No, they would not as she learned from listening to her classmates talk to the new student, Lila Rossi. To them Lady Chaos was the only good black winged person because she was chasing after Mr. Bug to earn his affections. Lady Chaos was obviously evil before she met Mr. Bug and she would always be evil no matter what she did. Marinette felt nauseous that she ever thought about telling them the truth. She had never felt more betrayed than she felt now, because she had given them her trust, and they broke it without even knowing it. After that day, she made extra sure that her wings were hidden and wore a bit thicker clothing just in case. Tom and Sabine are a little worried about it, but she calmed them pretty quickly. She was fine, it wasn’t like they were all great friends to begin with. That’s probably why everyone sides with Lila and decides that she’s a terrible person.

She had tried leaving her past behind, pretending that she didn’t hurt and kill people. Pretend that she wasn’t a weapon. She tried to push it far away, but it wasn’t enough. It was never enough. She had abandoned her brother. She betrayed the league. She did unspeakable things to please someone who would never care about her, just her use. The city of lights seems duller than usual, it was probably her fault Hawkmoth came to be in the first place, afterall she was cursed to bring ruin everywhere she went.

________

Lila and Chloe thought it would be a great idea to bring everybody to the Crime Capital of the World for their senior trip. Probably to watch people flounder and worry when things go wrong, which they definitely would. She had stopped Hawkmoth a month before the trip, but Mr. Bug took all the credit for it. The arrogant self centered bas*. Adrien kept giving her side glances that always made her feel uncomfortable and slightly disgusted. During school he would try to touch her with every chance he’d get. He almost discovered her wings at one point. She couldn’t do anything about it before because of the stupid your-rich-so-do-whatever-the-heck-you-want treatment. Now that Adrien’s family fortune is gone, and people don’t trust him because of what his dad did, so he has to be more careful. He now kept some distance, which she was extremely grateful for.

She would have broken his hand, she had imagined it plus other things more than once. But then Tom and Sabine would get in trouble by Gabriel for her actions. They didn’t deserve that, they had been nothing but good to her since they found her abandoned in that forest.

She would be fine though, as long as Lila had a grip on his arm and she was in the back, away from him. She listened to their tour guide, Richard Grayson, talk about the history and importance of WE. The architecture was brilliant really, and you couldn’t blame her for having to draw and sketch it. She often thought of Damian when she sketched. She used to leave drawings for him around the base, little things that expressed her adoration for him without getting too close. She wondered if he was still with the league, had he escaped, did he die? She hoped that wasn’t the case, she hoped that he would be alive and well. Bright orange and white wings nearly slapped her in the face if she hadn’t stopped right before the movement had occurred.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry Marinette! Sometimes my wings just spasm out of control like that! I didn’t hurt you did I?”

Marinette just silently rolled her eyes and took a few steps backward and watched the class glare at her waiting for her to comfort the liar. She would never lower herself to do that. She was still an Al Ghul afterall, even if she did leave it behind when she fled. She was thankful when lunch came, she waited far away from the line and watched silently from a dark corner to make sure no one would hurt her. Then she felt it, a hand touching her back feeling for something. She quickly and instinctively grabbed the arm and twisted it behind them pinning it behind their back at a painful angle.

“Ukhti, let go.”

Marinette knew that voice. She remembered that name and she could feel her heart stop. The lunchroom was silent as they watched the small bluenette silently and quickly release the “Ice Prince”. Everyone watched with bated breaths to see what would happen next. The boy’s wings were ruffled in agitation and fear.

“Where are they?”

He demanded. Marinette knew what he was talking about, she simply wrapped her arms around herself and turned her head away definitely.

“Why are you hiding them, Malak? Please.”

Marinette could feel her wings moving in defiance to what her brain was saying. They wanted to be shown, they wanted to be touched by her brother again. She looked down and slowly uncrossed her arms from her body. Damian gently took her hands in his and looked directly into her eyes.

“Everything will be ok, Taw'ami.”

She slowly nodded and with shaky fingers reached under her hoodie and began to slowly unwrap the tape that kept her wings confined. When all the tape was in her hands she hesitantly removed her hoodie and let her wings unfold from around herself and into the open. She had made shirts that let her wings slip through slits in the back that were tailored to her wings specifically and were most comfortable. Damian marveled at how big her raven wings had grown and how shiny they were. He reached out a hand slowly and gently ran his fingers down the inky black that was her wings.

Shouts of fear and accusations were thrown at her, mostly from her class. She didn’t listen though, she just observed. The tour guide was coming over now, probably to kick her out. He had such lovely wings though, they were a deep navy blue that looked similar to black with dark red and light blue running through them. They looked so well kept and soft.

“Damian, what’s happening? Who is this?”

“Grayson, meet my twin sister, Marinette.”

“You have a twin?!”

Richard exclaimed loudly, drawing even more attention. The insults and jeers stopped after that. She looked over at the class and smirked when she saw their shock and confusion.

“Yes, keep up.”

Damian said brusquely. They must know each other well then.

“Come, we must take her away from these imbeciles and take her to father.”

Damian grabbed her wrist and tugged, her quickly falling into line like she used to when he did this.

“Now tell me Ukhti, have you been taking care of yourself?”

She nodded as they came to an elevator and walked into it with Richard right behind them. Marinette felt her feathers fluff up nervously. She wasn’t in control of them right now, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Damian ran a hand gently down her right wing trying to smooth it down.

“Things will be fine Marinette. Just watch, father will be glad to meet you.”

She looked him in the eyes and squeezed her hands together.

“No, I have not told him about you. Things will be fine though.”

He seemed to understand her weird way of communicating, she still didn’t understand how he did. Richard cleared his throat and both turned to look at him.

“Sorry to interrupt, but um…I’m Dick, I’m Damian’s, and yours I guess, oldest brother. It’s nice to meet you.”

He spread his wings in a welcoming way that meant and showed safety and peace. Her wings involuntarily rose up as well to reciprocate his greeting. When the door to the elevator opened again she quickly forced her wings to hide on her back trying desperately to keep them from sight. Damian didn’t seem to like it, but he just grabbed her wrist and dragged her to a large office room. The plaque on the door read “CEO Bruce Wayne”. Their father was Bruce Wayne?! She couldn’t go in there, she couldn’t curse him and ruin his life. No, she had already messed up at the league, and she was just barely not messing up with Tom and Sabine, she would definitely ruin Bruce Wayne’s life, and she would not allow that to happen. She tugged at his grip desperately trying to get away.

“Marinette, stop. Your wings are not cursed, that was a lie.”

Marinette shook her head and kept trying to escape the iron-like grip.

“Do you not trust me anymore?”

She froze at that and quickly shook her head. Of course she trusted him, it was her that shouldn’t be trusted.

“Good, because we’re going in now.”

And that was that, because the door was now open and she was being dragged into the office room where their father and another boy with large bags under his eyes stared at them. Damian puffed up his chest and feathers letting his strong, big, and brilliant wings rise into the air.

“Father, this is your daughter, my twin, Marinette Erebus Al Ghul-Wayne.”

They both stared at her in shock and Marinette slowly and cautiously raised her despicable black wings into the air. Both stared at them in awe before looking back at her, but she didn’t meet their eyes. She didn’t want to see the disgust and hatred in their eyes.

After a few moments she looked up and saw their wings greeting hers like Dick’s had. Their father’s wings were a mix of black and dark grey alternating the color in each row of feathers. The other boy’s were black at the top and slowly turned to red at the bottom. But they were welcoming her openly, so that must mean something! Well, it was time to get to know her father, she guessed.

296 notes · View notes

kumqu4t · 3 years

Text

birthday with the company headcanons!

☆ a birthday gift to two wonderful people, @trxblemaker and @rowandor whose birthdays are on the 13th and 14th respectively!

☆ (platonic!company/reader)

☆ takes place after BOTFA, everybody lived!!

☆ kind of angsty at the beginning but dON’T WORRY THERE IS MUCH COMFORT AND FLUFF TO MAKE UP FOR IT!!!!

☆ target audience- teen reader

☆ (y/bday)= your birthday

☆ (y/n/a)= your new age

you were slowly but surely getting settled into erebor, your new home

shortly after the battle, you found yourself adopted by EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMPANY

you now wore braids with handmade beads in your hair, one for each family

you lived in erebor, obviously

and all the other families, lived in rooms in the same hallway

you spent most of your time exploring

and the company weren’t the only ones you spent time with

dís had taken a liking to you quite fast, proving to be a much appreciated maternal figure in your life

tauriel was like a sister to you. someone you could prank kíli with, but also go to for advice and a listening ear

so basically you never had to worry about being lonely

things had been pretty quiet and uneventful for awhile

until, on one ordinary day, you made the mistake of bringing up your birthday

you were walking aimlessly around erebor, simply exploring and enjoying the view

when kíli bounded up to you, a smile lighting up his face

“company supper coming up! you will be in attendance, right (y/n)?”

“it’ll be great fun,” he continued. “we’re planning to head to the library after and tell stories while enjoying a few drinks.”

“no drinks for you though, little sister,” he added as an afterthought, ruffling your hair playfully

kíli now looked at you expectantly, waiting for your response

“oh that sounds great,” you answered after a pause. “what day is it planned for?”

“(y/bday) at 6:00!” kíli answered

you responded without thinking

“oh that’s my birthday! i’ll be turning (y/n/a). huh! with the quest and the battle and everything it must have slipped my mind! anyways, of course i’ll be coming, i can’t wait!”

you looked at kíli to see him frozen in place, a pained expression on his face

“kíli?”

you waved a hand in front of his face “earth to kíli?”

he jerked to life, flashing you a quick smile that looked more like a grimace

“terribly sorry (y/n), but i must be off! i think i heard uncle calling!”

you stared after him for a few more minutes, feeling confused

you definitely did not hear thorin calling

well that was weird

brushing it off, attributing it to kíli just being kíli, you went about the rest of your day as usual

oddly, you didn’t see much of the company that day, or in the rest of the days following

you didn’t see bilbo, dís, or tauriel either

and you usually spent time with at least one member a day

but now they were nowhere in sight

and if you did see them, they would make an excuse and quickly dash away

so by the end of the week you were feeling a little down

you didn’t know what you had done wrong

and you missed spending time with your family

you wondered if maybe dwarves didn’t celebrate birthdays? but even so, they had never avoided you like this before

some unfortunate thoughts came to you

‘maybe now that the quest is over and i can’t be of service in any way, they don’t care about me anymore? maybe i don’t fit in here in erebor?’

your sadness soon mingled with anger, and your anxiety remained

creating an uncomfortable knot in your stomach and a lump in your throat

what did you do to deserve this? they could at least tell you why

you had saved their sorry butts so many times

and when you saw them again, you planned to kick their sorry butts all the way to next tuesday for avoiding you

the day of the company supper (and your birthday) finally came

and despite your anger and confusion, you still decided to go

for multiple reasons

mostly because you wanted to confront them and ask why you had been ignored all week

and you also heard that bombur was making his famous apple tart with raspberry jam

evening came sooner than you realized

you saw that the clock read 5:45 and readied yourself as fast as possible

you quickly dressed yourself in your favorite outfit, pulled a cardigan over it, and ran a brush through your hair

you rushed down the long halls of erebor, keeping your pace quick

you finally turned the corner and came face to face with what had been dubbed as the “company room,” for all the time they spent in it

you felt your hand shake slightly as you grasped the cool metal handle

slowly, you opened the door, preparing to be met with the high, stone walls and rich velvet furniture

but you opened the door to find... nothing?

you squinted your eyes, trying to see into the pitch black room

“hello,” you called out. “thorin? fíli? kíli? is anyone here?”

all of a sudden, the candles and lanterns were lit, and people jumped out from behind furniture and under tables

“SURPRISE,” they yelled. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Y/N)!”

you didn’t say anything for a few seconds

you could only stare, dumbfounded, at the people in front of you

everyone was there. the whole company, including bilbo, dís, and tauriel

“w-what?” you tentatively asked. “what is going on?”

kíli piped up, a large smile on his face

“it’s your birthday party!! don’t you like it? we’ve spent all week planning it!”

you took quite a few seconds to look around the room

it was decorated with streamers made of beautiful fabric, and banners hung from the walls

a large pile of wrapped gifts lay in the corner

and in the center of the room was a huge table with a feast fit for a king

as the clocks on the wall continued to tick, you heard dís mutter “kíli if you got the date wrong i swear to mahal...”

you spoke up, “no, no. he’s right. it is my birthday. but... i don’t understand. you guys did all of this... for me?”

bilbo stepped forward, thumbing his suspenders, “why of course! it’s your birthday! we wouldn’t miss a chance to properly celebrate our girl’s birthday.”

“so you guys weren’t avoiding me all week because you think i don’t belong in erebor?” you asked

the room exploded with yells of anger, confusion, and outrage

“why in durin’s name would you think that?” thorin asked after the chaos died down, furrowing his brows in confusion.

“well you guys were avoiding me all week. i didn’t know what to think.”

dori hurried over to you, draping a blanket around your shoulders and steering you towards the couch.

“yes dear, come this way, and we will explain everything. don’t you worry, sweetling,” he soothed.

everyone gathered to find seats around you

kíli shifted uncomfortably on his feet and bit his lip. “i’m so sorry (y/n)! when i found out your birthday was coming up, i felt terrible that we didn’t know sooner, so i hurried to collect everyone and devise a plan.”

ori interjected, a worried frown on his face, “we were all so excited to plan your party, we must have forgotten to keep you distracted.”

“we meant no harm by it,” fíli added.

“aye,” said thorin. “and about that complete and utter nonsense you were spouting earlier: you belong in erebor just as much as any dwarf here. you are our family. and we wanted to celebrate you today.”

of course, you burst into tears

*cue panicked company*

“oh mahal, what did we do now?”

“i bet thorin said something wrong” “shut up dwalin”

“oh no lass, please don’t cry!”

through your sobs, you somehow found your way over to thorin, seeking cuddles

he scooped you up and sat you gently in his lap

you buried your face in his chest, clutching at his tunic with your hands, allowing his scent of smoke and pine trees to wash over you

his large hand rubbed soothing circles on your back as he mumbled assurances

bilbo held and stroked your hand gently

and you felt others reaching out with their own soothing touches

you eventually found yourself at the center of a huge group hug, not that you minded at all

group hugs did seem to be inevitable in this family

through tears, you explained that you were relieved, and so very thankful for the party

you apologized for jumping to conclusions and overreacting, but everyone insisted you had nothing to apologize for

after you eventually calmed down enough, bofur spoke up

“well i think you’ve done enough cryin’ this evenin,’ now haven’t ye’ lass? it is your birthday after all. i say we start the party!”

everyone agreed

as you all found seats at the table, you allowed yourself a moment to admire the spread

bombur had truly outdone himself this time

the table was full of food of all sorts. salted pork, mince pies, all kinds of cheeses, potatoes, biscuits, sausages, meats, and stews.

oh and don’t forget the ale- and lots of it!

you sat and ate until your stomach could handle no more

all the while listening to and telling stories, and laughing as bilbo reprimanded the dwarves’ bad manners

then came dessert

the company insisted to do by “your people’s traditions” and sing you happy birthday.

they were completely off key and didn’t know the tune at all

but it was perfect. it was more than perfect.

you dug into a few small slices of your favorite flavor of cake

fili may or may not have smashed kili’s face into his cake, leading to a wrestling match that had to be broken up by dwalin

after cake, came presents

once you saw all of the boxes, you protested vehemently, insisting you didn’t need all of this

which led into many more speeches preaching that you deserve all of this and more

so with a light blush staining your cheeks, you opened the gifts one by one

they were perfect

- forged by thorin: a sword with various gems emblazoned on the hilt (“so you can properly threaten any suitors you find yourself approached by in the coming months”)

- from bilbo: a handmade handkerchief embroidered with your initials and your favorite flowers (“well this would have come in handy earlier, now wouldn’t it?”)

- from fíli: one of his lucky knives (“see here, you can strap it on your thigh for easy access”)

- from kíli: a poorly knitted bear with one eye sewed on haphazardly (he made it himself, and he tried his best) because you had mentioned missing your stuffed animals before

- from tauriel: miruvor that she acquired from rivendell (for emergency’s- just in case)

- from dís: a quilt with the lonely mountain embroidered on it (“to keep you warm and remind you of home”)

- from balin: a collection of classic dwarven stories in a thick, leather-bound book

- from dwalin: a fluffy fur coat and a pair of gloves (“a wee lass like you will freeze in these winters without proper protection”)

- from ori: a beautiful portrait of yourself

- from nori: hair pins that also function as lock picks (“s’no harm in being careful”)

- from dori: your favorite tea (“a warm cup of tea is both the perfect way to start the day and the perfect way to end the day”)

- from bifur: a beautiful bouquet of flowers, hand picked and arranged by him

- from bofur: an intricate wooden carving of your favorite animal

- from bombur: a bountiful basket of honey cakes, carefully wrapped for future snacking

- from oin: fancy haircare and skincare supplies

- and from gloin: a necklace with a beautiful stone pendant

it was entirely too much, but, as you have come to learn, your family doesn’t do simple

especially when it comes to you

you thanked everyone many times, not knowing how to fully express your gratitude

the night, as kili had promised, followed with many stories and much laughter

and lots of ale

you tried to sneak a sip of thorin’s

AS A JOKE

a joke that he did not find very amusing

you spent the rest of the evening listening to tales of old, your head drooping to rest on tauriel’s shoulder

you recall the night getting darker, the fire slowly burning out, and the laughter becoming quieter

the gentle pressure of a coat being placed on you

and strong arms wrapped around your small frame, pulling you to a warm chest

helping you easily drift off into a peaceful sleep

you woke up in the early morning next day, before the sun had even risen

apparently everyone had become so tired and it was so late that they decided to just sleep in the “company room” for the night

no one had any sense of personal space while they slept not that you minded

you felt arms wrapped around you and draped over your stomach, hands brushing yours, feet propped up on you, and more

all were asleep, save yourself

you sat up slowly, careful not to disturb the others, and took a look around

to soak it all in

to enjoy the moment

snoring dwarves

a hobbit, curled up in a cocoon of blankets

an elf, hugging a pillow close to her chest as she slept

and you, right in the middle of it all

you gave a small smile as you eased yourself back onto the couch

this was peace

this was contentment

this was home

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min-sugar-7 · 3 years

Text

DAY 6: “Can I uncover my eyes now?” “No, stop being impatient.” + Humor

Read it Here on AO3:

“Can I uncover my eyes now?” Merlin said, not two minutes after Arthur covered them.

Arthur rolled his eyes, but still got a jab in his stomach from Merlin. “I could hear that eye-roll,” Merlin grinned over his shoulder.

“Shut up. Stop being impatient, Merlin.”

They were outside, in the dead of the night, stumbling through the forest like lunatics. Arthur tried hard to make sure Merlin wouldn’t crash into trees, but branches are pesky little things. Merlin let out another hiss when a tree branch grazed his arm.

“You’re going to remove this blindfold, or I’ll burn it,” Merlin hissed, rubbing his arm. Arthur sighed, resigned. He was determined to keep the location a secret, to see Merlin’s reaction when he would realize where they were.

“Just a bit longer.” Arthur guided Merlin to a clearing, a familiar one. Not much had changed since the last time they were here. The river still flowed, the long grass still tickled their ankles, and the air still felt chilly and clear. Arthur had planned this right to the smallest details. He'd tried his best to recreate the night they kissed.

Arthur untied the knot to Merlin’s blindfold, letting it drop. Arthur saw everything, every expression that crossed his face. First, it was confusion, then realization sparked his eyes like the stars in the night sky. A brilliant smile crossed his features, giving it a manic edge. Then his eyes turned soft, dark in the moonlight.

Merlin met his eyes, face almost glowing in the starlight. “Prat,” Merlin muttered, drawing Arthur into a soft kiss. It’s been a month, but it still felt like the first time. Merlin’s kisses were eccentric- the softness of his lips contradicting the feel of his calloused hands framing Arthur’s face. His touch sent the same sparks, same feeling. He kissed like a man struggling for air, but sometimes they were soft and chaste and loving.

Arthur pulled back, resting his head against Merlin’s, relishing the warmth his body provided. “There’s more,” he muttered after a while of comfortable silence.

“Oh?” Merlin asked, fluttering his eyes open. Up this close, Arthur could see the faint blue of his eyes and the dim gold that freckled them. The darkness made it harder to make out anything else.

“Yeah,” Arthur said, “only if you have the patience to wait.”

Merlin’s lips twitched upwards. “The one lacking patience would be you, your royal highness.” Arthur shook his head because only Merlin could make it sound like “chamber pot.”

“None of that.” Arthur slipped his hand into Merlin’s, intertwining them. “I’ll have you know I’m plenty patient.”

“Funny,” Merlin smirked. “If I can recall correctly, you’re the one who unceremoniously crashed his lips to mine, instead of waiting until the laws were repealed, like we agreed.”

Arthur shrugged his shoulders. “Would you rather I had not?”

Merlin immediately shook his head, saying, “nuh-huh, kiss me again.” Arthur was more than happy to oblige.

Arthur dragged him to the picnic blankets he’d laid out this morning. Merlin raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Okay, which servant knows about us? ‘Cuz I definitely didn’t lay all this out,” Merlin said, sounding genuinely surprised.

“All me,” Arthur smirked, feeling proud. Merlin’s eyes widened, lips pressed in an impressed line. Arthur felt his pride soar.

“Impressive. Hard to believe, but impressive,” Merlin said and sat down. Arthur did the same. Arthur pulled out the fruits, bread, cheese, and tart cakes he packed from the basket. He laid it all out for Merlin to see.

“Are those apples and blueberry tarts? Who are you and what have you done to Arthur Pendragon?” Merlin narrowed his eyes in fake suspicion.

“The real Pendragon is rotting in my dungeons, Emrys. I’m here to kidnap you and make you my pet sorcerer,” Arthur lowered his voice for extra effect. Merlin gasped, his hands flying to cover his mouth.

Merlin froze and then lowered his hands, face morphing into a thoughtful expression. “Will there be blueberry tarts?”

“Plenty,” Arthur smirked.

Merlin shrugged, reaching forward to grab some. “I see no problem with this, then.”

They both stared at each other for a beat and then burst out laughing. Arthur loved moments like these. Moments where he could forget that he was King and Merlin was a powerful sorcerer, and enjoy the ridiculous company Merlin is. It was just them being completely, utterly, ridiculous.

“No, but seriously,” Merlin said, once they sobered up, “what do I owe this pleasure to?”

Arthur thought about it, “just for us. I wanted to show you something, but you have to wait.”

Merlin smiled a soft one smile and shrugged. “As long as I’m waiting with you. What is it?”

Arthur had to scold his heart for speeding up like that, especially when Merlin shifted over to cuddle with Arthur. His heart, obviously, did not listen. Merlin didn’t say anything about it.

“Well, you know that Astronomer that visited a few days ago?” Merlin nodded. He’d come with a visiting delegation from a kingdom of magic. Arthur had already made peace with the Druids. Now, he thought it was best to start with the neighboring kingdoms, too. Of course, the visiting delegation immediately recognized Merlin, and it was fun watching Merlin get all flustered and shy.

“He said a giant star would fall tonight, leaving a trail of ice. I wanted to watch, with you,” Arthur said and pulled Merlin closer. The night was getting colder. Merlin turned and gave a look so full of adoration, Arthur just had to kiss him again. “I don’t know how he knew, but…” Arthur trailed off, shrugging.

“He was a seer, remember? And he studies the sky for a living.”

And so they waited. They teased, bantered, kissed, ate, and teased some more. They watched the sky, but Arthur spent most of it watching Merlin. Sometimes, if he turned a certain way, it looked like the stars were embedded in his eyes, twinkling and shining. Arthur loved him, so much, that it felt amazing.

“I’d seen this before, in Ealdor, I think.” Merlin burrowed his head on Arthur’s chest. Sometime during the night, they’d laid down on the blanket, too tired to sit up. Arthur tightened his grip around Merlin’s waist, pulling him closer.

“Hm?” Arthur hummed, telling Merlin to continue. Arthur buried his nose in Merlin’s messy hair, breathing in the comforting scent there. Merlin smelt like home- like the forests, crisp and fresh. Oh God, Arthur loved him.

“I don’t remember much.” Merlin sighed. “But it was beautiful. I’m not sure if it’s the same thing.”

“Can’t trust you to remember much, anyway. It’s a miracle you remember your own name.”

For his efforts, Arthur got a mumbled, “shut up,” and a slap to the chest, followed by laughter. Worth it.

“As I was saying-” Merlin shifted, sliding his legs between Arthur’s, burrowing closer, “- it was a very big star, more like a chunk of rock or something. It left a trail of blue light behind, a long one. It was like a tail or something. It was beautiful.”

“That sounds impossible. Rocks? In the sky?” They would fall down to the Earth.

“I know. But it wasn’t a star, I’m sure. It was too big.” Arthur stared dubiously because it sounded ridiculous. This led to a fairly stupid discussion (read: argument) on whether there could be rocks in the sky. Merlin thinks the Sun and Moon are rocks, while they’re obviously just big stars. Arthur said that this giant “rock” is just a hoax or something.

“I have faith. Maybe it’s true,” Merlin said, shivering.

“Cold?” Merlin nodded. Arthur went to the basket and brought out another blanket, earning a kiss from Merlin. They snuggled close, exchanging kisses and jabs.

When the moon was halfway across the sky, Arthur gave up. It did put a damper on his mood, a big one, in fact. He wanted to show Merlin something pretty, something impossible. But it just didn’t happen.

“Hey, stop pouting,” Merlin said, poking at Arthur’s lower lip. He wore a small smile and leaned forward to press another kiss. “It doesn’t matter-”

“It does, though,” Arthur sighed.

Merlin’s eyes went all soft and adoring, his hands running through Arthur’s hair. “I’m happy, though. It’s been a while since I had this much fun,” Merlin confessed.

Arthur had to agree. The past couple of months were hectic. He got crowned King, Merlin showed him a side of himself which Arthur never knew about, they fought, made up, almost kissed, decided they weren’t ready, and then kissed again because Arthur couldn’t wait. Then there were the countless meetings and delegations and feats. In the end, they were both worn out and tired.

But Arthur wanted to, perhaps, maybe, try doing something romantic. He failed, obviously, and it was disappointing. Arthur wanted to see Merlin’s brilliant smile, hear his melodious laugh, lose himself in his eyes. Arthur hated the fact that he’d gone all soft, but Merlin made it all worth it.

Merlin sighed, letting his head rest on Arthur’s chest. “Alright,” Merlin said, raising his head again. “I could show you what I saw in Ealdor as a kid.”

Arthur considered it. If they wait for too long, they’d lose the night sky and won’t be able to see anything.

“How?”

Merlin smirked, wiggling his eyebrows. He raised an arm and wiggled it, “magic.”

Arthur chuckled, impressed. “I thought you said magic was to be used judiciously, or something like that.”

Merlin frowned, shrugging. “I think I can make an exception.”

Merlin rolled away from Arthur’s chest, resting beside Arthur. Arthur turned his head so that he could see Merlin. He inched his hand closer to Merlin’s because he missed the physical contact. Merlin wordlessly held Arthur’s hand and closed his eyes.

Merlin said something Arthur couldn’t quite understand, but when his eyes opened, they flashed a brilliant gold. It reminded Arthur of sunsets. Merlin's face twisted, eyes narrowing in concentration and effort. His grip on Arthur’s hand suddenly tightened, making Arthur jump.

“Merlin-” Arthur began to protest because Merlin’s grip suddenly slacked. Arthur’s stomach dropped, because what if Merlin hurt himself? He always pushes himself to his extent, poking and prodding at his limits.

Merlin turned his head to the side, his eyes tired. The corners of his lips twitched up, smiling lazily.

Arthur’s heart dropped. Arthur pulled him closer, cradling him in his arms. Oh God, what if Merlin really hurt himself? Arthur should have known that it was a bad idea. Dammit.

“Watch,” Merlin slurred. Arthur couldn’t take his eyes off Merlin. He could not; will not. It was his fault, and Merlin isn’t telling him what’s wrong- “If you miss it, I’ll never forgive you.”

Arthur reluctantly tore his eyes away from Merlin, clutching him closer. And, oh, oh. It was large, larger than a wishing star, but smaller than the moon. But it left a beautiful trial of white and blue, glittering like a million stars crowded in one area. It moved across the sky, and in about a couple blinks, it was gone, leaving behind a trail of white dust.

Not a few seconds later, a wishing star passed by. Arthur knew it was childish and stupid, but he closed his eyes and wished a wish.

Arthur turned his head to where Merlin was still watching the sky. Something heavy bloomed in his heart, something spectacular, magical. Arthur wondered what he had done to deserve Merlin- someone so beautiful, so magical, so, so- Merlin.

Arthur was shocked by the intense wave of emotions he felt. He swallowed past the lump in his throat, content to continue watching Merlin watch the night sky. Merlin turned, and soon they were staring at each other.

Arthur is very well aware that he looks like a love-sick fool, and for once, he doesn’t care. He wants Merlin to know, to understand, just how much he cares for him, how much he loves him.

So he did. Under the night sky, under the stars, right after Merlin did something that seemed so impossible, Arthur pulled him closer, delighted to have him in his arms. “I love you,” he whispered, and meant it with every fiber of his being. He’s never felt so deeply for anyone. He never let himself. But Merlin, sweet, loyal, impossible, Merlin, broke through every one of his walls and carved a Merlin-shaped hole in his heart. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Merlin’s expression changed from droopy to delighted, smiling wide and lazy. Merlin leaned forward but couldn’t get far. But Arthur understood. He pressed his lips against Merlin’s, nipping at his bottom lip, sucking it. Merlin’s kisses got sloppier, and Arthur pulled back.

“I lov’ y’u to-'' Merlin began slurring, but Arthur understood. He placed a soft kiss on his forehead, heart about to burst. He tucked Merlin’s head under his chin, bringing the blanket up to Merlin’s chin. He tucked him in, weirdly comfortable sleeping on the ground, but it mostly had to do with Merlin being in his arms.

#merthurweek2020 #day6 #prompt fill #fic #bbc merlin #merthur #humor #fluff #tooth-rotting fluff #romantic dates #kissess #lots and lots of kisses #night sky #star gazing #comets #shooting stars #magic #incorrect astronomy

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jaskiersvalley · 4 years

Note

This blog is fairly new and you’re one of the first I’ve found that I hadn’t already with an old blog. I love your work. It’s very well written. 💜

Thank you! When you sent this ask, it was a fairly new blog (to be fair, I still think of it as such, it’s not even 6 months old). As a little thank you for being so encouraging so early in the life of this blog, please accept this random little story: Geralt the accidental gardener.

The Path was lonely without Jaskier. Geralt had grown to hate the silence, the way people turned away from him without the buffer of Jaskier between him and humanity. But Jaskier was off on better adventured now, Geralt had to hurt him so he’d realise at long last that there was a better life for him out there than one beside a witcher. It had hurt, Jaskier’s expression had burned into Geralt’s mind, the crushing disappointment and realisation that Geralt wasn’t going to come crawling back. But oh how Geralt had wanted to run after Jaskier, beg his forgiveness. Alas, this was the very act of being cruel to be kind. Maybe one day Jaskier would realised.

Contracts were few and far between but the lands Geralt had roamed of late hadn’t been too hostile towards an infamous witcher. There was even a contract advertised in a lesser court not too far. Geralt made his way to Lettenhove and was ushered into a hall where the Viscount and Viscountess greeted him.

“I’m here about the job,” Geralt announced, not beating around the bush. Nobody ever wanted a witcher in their courts, no matter how small their power was. As expected, he was given a hesitant once over.

“Do you have experience?” It was the Viscountess who spoke up, looking only slightly unnerved.

“Yes.” There was no point for Geralt to prove his worth, they either wanted him to deal with their issue or they would suffer until another witcher graced their courts with his presence.

“Then it is settled. Room and food are part of your contract. Reydan will show you to your quarters and tomorrow he will give you a tour. Your horse will be welcome in the stables of course.”

That was a much warmer and pleasant contract negotiation than Geralt had ever had. Even when he heard the Viscount mutter “you sure about this?” and the Viscountess’ “we owe him this much” which made Geralt frown in confusion. Maybe the Viscountess was one of those who hoped to bed a witcher for the novelty of it. That was Jaskier’s forte though, not Geralt’s, he tried not to tangle with anyone in a relationship.

The room Geralt was shown to was in the servants’ quarters and actually nicer than anything he’d ever had. Even Kaer Morhen paled in comparison. His window overlooked the garden to start with. And the bedding wasn’t torn or moth eaten. In fact, it looked barely used at all. The Viscountess was almost definitely a monster fucker. Geralt would do the job and get out as quickly as possible before things got awkward.

Settled into the room for the night, Geralt was surprised when Reydan knocked for him, inviting him to the servants’ dinner for the evening. It was strangely nice, being surrounded by humans who, while a little wary, were doing their best to be welcoming and friendly. They treated him like one of their own. For the first time in a very long time, Geralt felt at ease amongst humans.

Morning came sooner than expected and Geralt groaned, pulling his armour on, strapping his swords to his back, ready for Reydan to take him to where the beast was. He didn’t expect to be given a baffled look by Reydan but be led into the garden without comment. Various plants were pointed out, rose bushes, a vegetable garden, arches of wisteria and so many others that Geralt had never even heard of. It was all very nice but he couldn’t figure out what this had to do with monster killing. Maybe those were the plants the monster liked? Or the ones he was to avoid while battling the creature that haunted the gardens? The answer came as they walked through the front gardens and stopped to admire an apple tree. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a sign being removed from the front of the property.

Gardener wanted

Oh fuck. Somehow the Viscount and Viscountess had assumed he was there for the gardener position and not the creature killing one. They took one look at him and, despite his inhuman looks, swords and general demeanour, they decided he couldn’t possibly be a witcher but rather an unusual gardener.

“That is about all that you’ll be responsible for.” Reydan finished up and looked over Geralt. “Do you have anything more suitable to work in? Leather tends to get too warm. And we have pruning shears which are more efficient than swords.” Laughing awkwardly, Reydan gave Geralt a small smile. “And I don’t think I ever caught your name, I’m so sorry.”

This was a crossroad in Geralt’s Path. He could either declare this had been some great mistake and he was here for the monster. It would be awkward, he’d be sneered at, ostracised and thrown out for taking their resources, even if by mistake. He’d still kill the monster but probably to take his frustrations out rather than for coin. Or, he could lay his swords down for a while. The world was tiring and disappointing. One evening in the company of people who treated him as an equal had been invigorating and, selfishly, Geralt wanted more.

“I’m Eric,” he said, quietly sending a “fuck you” to Vesemir who had denied him the name.

Gardening, Geralt realised was more difficult than he had ever thought if would be. Knowing what to cut when and how, which trees needed what compost or how much water was beyond him. Geralt tried his best though, tried to watch what everyone else was doing. Thankfully, Reydan had been kind enough to find him some dungarees and a floppy, wide brimmed hat to work in. He had been absolutely right, such work in his leathers would have been worse than uncomfortable.

Miraculously, none of the plants in his care died. Sometimes it looked like a close call, Geralt fretting that he’d cut something at the wrong time or the wrong way but, somehow, the plants survived his inexperience. Even better, the other servants and staff seemed to genuinely warm to him. The few times he encountered the Viscount or Viscountess, they nodded and smiled at him, only once enquiring how he was settling in. As well as food and room, Geralt was granted a weekly wage which might have been meagre but it was more and steadier than he had ever had before. While he was loath to spend it, he found that it built up into a tidy little stash at a surprising speed. Soon, Geralt was going to be the richest witcher in existence.

To keep his skills sharp and also repay the kindness of those around him, Geralt secretly sneaked out at nights and on his days off to slay local monsters. It was both to keep his newfound job safe and also to feel that he hadn’t quite given up on being a witcher. Merely, he was taking an unofficial hiatus.

Months down the line, Geralt was cutting roses for the dinner hall bouquet when a murmur went up around him. He couldn’t see the cause of it but the words were easy enough to hear.

“He’s back!”

“The little master is home!”

“He’ll be so happy we followed his request.”

While Geralt didn’t get a glimpse of the ‘Little Master’, everyone seemed to be cheered by his appearance. In fact, the whole court was in a bubbling upheaval. A feast was ordered and all servants were invited to take part in the meal in the main hall to celebrate. Curious, Geralt let himself be playfully bullied into attending too. He didn’t quite blend in with the rest of the servants but the crowd was almost large enough to swallow him. It was nowhere near enough though when he walked in and sat at the high table with the Viscount and Viscountess was none other than Jaskier who was staring right back at him.

Noting their staring, the Viscountess scowled at Jaskier then rose, dragging what was so evidently her son behind her.

“Julian,” she said, stopping in front of Geralt. “While you’ve been away, we’ve hired a new gardener. This is...Eric.”

“Eric?” Jaskier looked incredulous.

“Yes. He has been with us for a few months. Eric, this is my son, Julian. He’s often away, travelling the continent as a bard.”

Sudden bright, clear laughter broke out from Jaskier, head tipped back, eyes creased and mouth wide open.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” he gasped. “Can we stop this charade. Geralt, what the fuck? Mother, this is the bastard who broke my heart.” Without any warning, he swept Geralt into a hug. “You fell off the face of the continent without anyone knowing what had happened. Eskel and Lambert mourned for you, you bastard.”

At least the Viscountess looked relieved rather than anything else. “You asked us, Julian, that if any witcher ever came, especially one with white hair, we would make sure to give them respite. So we did.” Sniffing daintily, she looked at Geralt. “No offence Eric, Geralt, whatever, but you make a shit gardener. Poor Reydan had to sneak around after you to try and keep the plants you butchered alive.”

Jaskier laughed even more at that and a few of the braver servants crowded closer, listening. Geralt looked at them all, the ones he had been able to call his friends for the last few months. They all knew he was a witcher and yet welcomed him with open arms just because Jaskier had asked his parents to help. All in all, Geralt felt rather foolish.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll leave immediately.”

A hand shot out to grab his arm. “Or you could stay.” Jaskier said.

“Just please, spare the plants.” That was Reydan interrupting, giving Geralt a friendly slap on the back. More of the servants echoed Jaskier’s suggestions that he could stay, at least until Jaskier went back on the road.

There was a bit of an uproar when Geralt didn’t move to the high table to catch up with Jaskier. Instead, Jaskier had moved down to his table and joined the servants. Oddly, Jaskier’s parents only looked on fondly.

As the meal wound down, gossip was exchanged, Geralt laughed at in a friendly way for all his bumblings as an incompetent gardener, it was time to retire for the night.

“Come to my rooms for a nightcap?” Jaskier asked, a hand on Geralt’s arm. “I feel we have a lot to discuss and catch up on.”

Hesitant at first, Geralt accepted the invitation and followed Jaskier to his rooms. If Geralt had thought his room was fancy, Jaskier’s were downright lavish.

“Got something to say to me?” Jaskier asked, a smile teasing at his lips.

“You engineered all of this?” It wasn’t at all what Geralt wanted to say but it was what came out to start with.

“Oh come now, if a witcher comes looking for a job in these lands, it means he’s desperate. My parents know how to keep beasties to a minimum here. I’m thinking we should have Lambert come this way next, he’d excel as a cook for a few months.”

A very good idea, Geralt could imagine Lambert taking to life in the kitchen, experimenting with the spices on offer. It would do him good to have a break too. And Eskel, though he probably would be better in the stables. And Vesemir too, if he could be enticed there, he would excel as an adviser to the household. But that was all beside the point, Geralt had something much more important to say.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing for you.” Geralt hadn’t thought Jaskier would still travel as a bard, had assumed he’d settle in a court. Instead, he’d sought out other wolves and kept them company.

“Never do that again.” Jaskier’s face hardened. “If you have a concern, speak. Don’t make my decisions for me.”

Nodding, Geralt looked a little chastised. It had been so much easier to express emotions recently, around friends.

“Now. I do believe before you so rudely chose our paths for us, we were building towards something quite beautiful.” Jaskier handed Geralt a glass of something rich and smooth. The clinked glasses. A week later, they were leaving Lettenhove together, once more a witcher and a bard rather than a gardener and a viscount.

#geraskier #geralt of rivia #jaskier #the witcher #gardening au #tldr: geralt accidentally becomes a gardener

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henryobsessed · 3 years

Text

I Took You Home - It’s my Life

Summary: Reba has a flash back that causes her to run from Henry.

Word Count: 1700

Warning: Mentions emotional abuse, abortion, Angst.

A/N I do believe in women’s rites on both sides of the fence. In this case Reba was emotionally forced to do something she was not ready for and it impacts her decisions well into her future. If this triggers for you please seek someone to talk to.

Previous Chapter 8

Chapter 9 –

Henry called Kal's puppy sitter and waited, while he sat a panicked nervous energy filled him, leg bouncing he texted Reba – "Sorry I was late, I need to talk to you, please tell me you're ok? your Charles" as the light of the car hit the windows he sprang up running out the door. Thanking the sitter as he moved past, he jumped into his car and sped to Reba's apartment.

As he drove, he questioned himself, was he being silly? Was he overreacting? Maybe she was just writing and caught up in her world, that was a legitimate reason she didn't reply. It worried him that she didn’t stay that she was not communicating, last week she was quick to answer his texts. He had finally found someone he clicked with, Someone, who seemed to like him for just being himself, but he hadn’t told her how he felt.

Pulling up to her complex, he walked towards the front door. It was the first time he had been greeted by a doorman who smiled and said "Good Evening". Henry smiled back but kept focused on his mission. The ride to Reba's floor seemed to take longer than last time, He stood outside her door and knocked. There was silence.......... He knocked again.......... More silence. His shoulders slumped as he accepted defeat. She either didn't want to let him in or she was not here.

He slowly walked out of the elevator towards the outside, all-purpose lost from his stride, stopping as the doorman said goodnight. Taking a chance, he asked "Do you know when Reba from floor 28 is due back?" The man’s friendly smile fell as a look of concerned took its place, "Are you a friend or family member?" Henry wondered at the odd question "Friend, hoping to become family" The man eyes softened as he nodded and said the words that confirmed his greatest fear. "She left her keys with reception earlier today with instructions for her flat to be rented out. I don't think she was planning on returning"

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Reba knew she was making the right decision; but she would not know for sure until she tested, and she had to wait for that. When Henry left for work, she got up and started to make plans. This time would be different, this time she would be the one to make the decision not someone else. He had said they needed to talk so had Brian. Would Henry be the same? Emotions from the past that were buried deep resurfaced, as she sank to the side of Henry's bed. It had felt so right, they had felt so right. She didn't want to leave him, had felt safe with him. But what if he ended up like Brian.

She had been 17 when she met the tall stranger with bleach blond hair and hazel eyes that you could get lost in for hours. He had arrived at Reba's school only a month before prom. They were in drama club together and had hit it off quickly. So, when he had asked her to prom she had not hesitated, truthfully no one else had asked her as she had been on the outside of her schools' hierarchy. So, when her tall handsome blonde-haired friend had asked her to prom she couldn't say no. The night of Prom had been magical, the theme for the night was under the sea. Fairy lights had filled the room twinkling with green and blue hues. They had danced, there body's moulded to each other's rhythm, so in sync that Reba had lost all her inhibitions.

She didn't question when he took her back to a hotel room rather than the after party. She didn't question when he had told her to undress, and she didn't question when he pushed harshly into her. There was no cuddling after, no comfort. He had dropped her home pecked her on the cheek and left. A month later when she started vomiting, she had panicked. Her younger self not thinking it possible that from that short dalliance she could become pregnant. He hadn't really spoken to her since that night, so when she pulled him aside he had been surprised. "Aren't you on the pill Reba" he had accused, making her blush hard "No, that was my first time Brian." He had run his hands through his hair and walked away mumbling.

The following week he had texted her "We need to talk, meet me in my car after school" she struggled to think in class for the rest of the day. Would he still like her, want to be with her? She knew she was to young but maybe they could find a loving family to care for their child. His face when she met him at the car told another story, he was angry, hard, cold. She didn't question when he told her to get in the car, didn't question when they drove to a small clinic downtown. It wasn't till she woke up in the clinic bed that her head screamed at her, she had been obedient when he had taken her in. When the clinic nurse had asked her if she was ready, she had looked to him his eyes telling her she had no choice.

As the tears fell down her cheeks Reba felt Kal's nose push into her hand. She absently lifted her hand to scratch Kal behind the ear. He knew she needed comfort, sweet boy, "Thanks Kal, I'm glad I got to meet you even if it was just for one day." Taking a shuddering breath she stood up resolution filling her muscles. She called a town car, then called her friends to let them know she was coming home. Letting Kal out she stood looking over the garden, allowing herself one moment, to dream, the what if. What if he wanted her? What if he would want a child with her. She heard the sound of the town car beep its horn. The risk was too great. With finality she called Kal back inside, took one more look around and pulled the front door behind her.

The rest of the day was a blur, as soon as she got to the apartment she packed up her clothes, computer and headed down to her civic. Once it was packed, she went back up for a dummy check. The apartment was turnkey, everything rented so that when she arrived all she had to bring with her was her clothes. The only thing she wanted to take with her was the grey towel that Henry had used. Call her sentmental, but if she did have a child, she wanted to wrap it in something he had worn. She smiled at the thought of the poor man who had woken up in her apartment only a week ago. How could so much happen in just one week. Locking up, she walked down to the reception and handed in her key.

It took her 5 hours to reach her friends property outside of Kettlewell where her little cottage stood. Kyle and Sandy had known her for years and were very protective of her. They had even gone to the length of building her a small one bed cottage at the bottom of their property. It was a beautiful place where some of her best work had been written. It was almost 4 in the afternoon when she arrived emotionally and physically weary and ready to just fall on her bed. She drove up to the small stone cottage hidden by a grove of trees. She could see that the fire was already lit by the smoke coming out of the chimney, standing by the front door was Sandy. Arms outstretched she took Reba into her arms, "Hey sweety" her warmth and unconditional love broke Reba as she began to sob in her arms.

Sandy lovingly held her and let her cry before moving her into the warmth of the little cottage, sitting her in her favourite recliner in front of the fire. She knew she needed to unpack the car, at least to get her phone and laptop. But her body betrayed her; it wouldn't move. Her eyes falling heavy as she felt a blanket being laid over her.

When she opened her eyes again it was dark outside and the antique clock over the mantel showed it was 11:30pm at night. In the fog of her sleepy mind she registered that she needed to get up and move to her bed. As she did she remembered her computer. She walked out to her car and retrieved her laptop, and phone, the rest could wait till morning. Walking past the small two person dinning table she saw a note from Sandy "When you wake, go to the fridge there is a muffin there for you to eat. We will drop breakfast by in the morning and when you're ready I'm here for you if you want to talk." She smiled at the beautiful note and her stomach growled at the thought of the muffin.

Food in hand she sat down at her computer desk, unpacked the laptop and opened it ready in case her characters clambered for a voice in the middle of the night as they often did. Her apple cinnamon muffin appeased her stomach and now she was ready for bed. Her last thought was to plug her phone in as it had gone flat in the car. The little apple lit up on the screen as she plugged it in then the messages started flooding the screen. In the last 6 hours Henry had texted her 27 time, she read the first one "Sorry I was late, I need to talk to you, please tell me your ok? your Charles" she groaned. The only way she was going to be able to do this was if she cut herself off. It was her life. Switching the phone off again she laid down on her queen size bed, her last thought before sleep took her again was that she needed to get a new number in the morning.

Next Chapter 10

I have Tagged people who follow me and who I follow if you want to be removed or added please let me know :)

@keanureevesisbae @darkverrmin @viking-raider @littlefreya @madbaddic7ed @the-soot-sprite @thelastsock @lovetusilver20@crimsonrae @demivampirew @ladyreapermc@henrycavillobsessed @nitannichionne @runawayolives @heartfelt-pen @omgkatinka @star017 @llly113 @sad-ghost-of-garbage @ayamenimthiriel @starstruckkittyangel @lebguardians @summersong69 @notyouraveragemochii @imneonpanda @carriebee1 @ivyfatale @thereisa8ella @lucy930 @sarahmichelle5 @stuckupstucky @cleodoramer @kmuir1 @elliepower @xobriellaxo24 @xxxkatxo @supernovacocorocha @hennerslionhat @xo-mery-ox @waitedforlove743 @ladamari68 @coksy @wickedrum @harleyfranquinn @mysticalstrangerearthquake @justrae9903 @willkatfanfromasia @daddys-littlewhitegirl @cavilladdict @lebguardians @theblondetumbleweed @snowbellexx @radaofrivia @geralttheewitcher @acdd22 @thullyana @fanfictionaddiction99 @beckythfc1882 @heyheyharry @sauve-et-libre @shy-violet-soul @elliepower @msamericanrebel @minion-of-the-lord @xxxkatxo @oh-for-fic-sake @omgkatinka @pterodactylterrace @ruthoakenshield @inanna999 @libbymouse @witcherfan @enchantedbyhiddles

#itookyouhome #henry cavill x ofc #henry cavill #drunk!henry

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no-whump-on-main · 3 years

Text

Apartment 307-5

TWs: Parental grief, implied death of a child, mention/recount of torture

Sunday night was cold and dark; large, gray clouds hung in the near-black sky, joined by the splatter of shining stars. It was going to rain soon. Even if it did, Jodie Larkin didn’t care. She was busy desperately trying to get a hold of Demetrios. The end of November was in sight, the air far too frigid for one to be outside without a coat, but Jodie was out on her porch in a dress and sandals anyways, too frantic to bother changing out of her Sunday best. She paced back and forward as she held her phone up to her ear, praying the man on the other end of the line would pick up. He didn’t the first time she called, nor the second, nor the third, but she was too worried to give up and leave him alone for the night.

Finally, on the last ring of the fourth call, just when she had begun to lose hope, a familiar, deep voice spoke through the phone’s speakers.

“Hello? Is everything alright, Jodie?” Demetrios asked, his tone softening with worry. It was unusual for her to call several times in a row, especially so late in the evening on a Sunday. It was nearly ten o’clock.

From her porch, Jodie sighed heavily with relief, gently rubbing her temples.

“Hi! Hi, thank god. I’m so sorry to be bothering you. I was just-Oh, god, I think something is wrong. I-when was the last time you saw Elora? She was meant to be here for dinner four hours ago. I tried calling her, but her phone went straight to voicemail, and my texts won’t go through, either. I know it’s only been a couple hours, but it’s weird, you know? I’m worried. I thought it was strange when she didn’t text me about her day or anything yesterday, either. She usually does when she goes out and does fun things. So there’s that, and now she just didn’t show up, and it’s worrying me. God, I’m rambling, I-” she paused, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry. It’s a parental thing, you get it. I just wanted to know the last time you heard from her.”

In his home, Demetrios sat in a leather recliner, his expression slowly becoming troubled as he listened to Jodie’s frantic rambling. His wife, Lucia, sat a few feet away from him on the couch, a blanket tossed over her legs and a book nestled in her lap. She could faintly hear the conversation through Demetrios’ phone, though, and closed her book upon hearing that something was wrong with Elora, setting it to the side as she stood and walked towards him. He motioned for her to hold on, clearing his throat.

“I saw her leaving the bakery Friday night,” he explained calmly. “I offered to drive her home, and she refused, like always. You’ve raised a headstrong girl, Jodie. Look, I’m sure everything is alright. She probably got caught up with friends or nature or a sewing project. I’ll let you know if she doesn’t come into work tomorrow, alright? I’m sure she’s fine. She’s more than likely just making the most out of her last couple months as a teenager and being a delinquent.”

He chuckled, the familiar sound calming Jodie’s nerves. She sighed deeply, nodding to herself. She knew he couldn’t see her; the action was to reassure herself, more than anything.

“You know, you’re probably right. I just...worry about her. She’s my whole family, you know? Just call me as soon as you can in the morning, alright?”

Demetrios sounded sympathetic. He knew, better than anyone, what it was like to lose a child. Only, he knew the pain of losing one forever, not just for a few worrisome hours.

“Of course.”

“Thank you again. I don’t know what we’d do without you. Sorry for being so frazzled. You know how I am.” Jodie chuckled awkwardly.

“It’s normal to worry, Jodie. She’s still your baby even though she’s growing up. You have a good night, okay? Get some sleep. I’ll call you in the morning.”

She nodded, again, for her own reassurance. “Right. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Jodie hung up the phone and headed inside, sighing deeply. She kicked her shoes off and headed into her bedroom, deciding to take Demetrios’ advice and relax. Get some sleep.

This would all just be a funny story in the morning. Elora would come home and she’d scold her and then everything would be okay. She plugged in her phone and rolled over, facing away from it. The house felt scarily empty, the same way it had for months since Elora had moved out. Only tonight, it felt even emptier than normal.

Five text messages were left sent, but not delivered, on her phone.

11/29/18 6:15 PM: You’re late! Hurry up, kiddo, lasagna’s getting cold.

11/29/18 6:42 PM: You okay? Call me.

11/29/18 7:27 PM: Please call me.

11/29/18 8:59 PM: What’s up? Where are you?

11/29/18 9:36 PM: I love you, E. Please call me as soon as you see this. Love you.

“What was that all about?” Lucia asked, her hands on her hips and her brow furrowed with worry. Whatever it was, it didn’t sound good.

“It was Jodie,” Demetrios explained. “Elora didn’t show up to dinner and her phone’s going to voicemail. She’s worried, but I think she’d probably just sidetracked with something. Or partying. I don’t know. She’s still practically a kid and I gave her a free weekend. She could be getting into all sorts of things.”

Lucia nodded, considering for a moment. “I’m sure she’s fine. I wouldn’t worry until tomorrow. But it’s natural for Jodie to worry, she’s her only baby and she just moved out. We’re both working the morning shift tomorrow. I’ll try to reassure her.”

“You’re an angel, you know what?” Demetrios smiled.

Lucia leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, smiling back. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight, I love you.”

Demetrios nodded. “I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

With that, Lucia nodded and walked off.

Eventually, Demetrios joined her in bed, and the pair slept peacefully, curled up with each other in a messy tangle of limbs. Together, just the way they liked it.

Somewhere far away, Elora was sleeping, too. Or at least trying to. She couldn’t get comfortable, surrounded by walls of hard ceramic and chains and blood. So much blood. She assumed that today, Sunday, had been the man’s day off, because he’d spent what felt like the whole day with her, only giving her a reprieve after hours of what she could only describe as torture. Her head was still pounding from the night before, but he didn’t seem to care, as he shouted at her again and again about that stupid little aloe plant. He still wanted her to grow it, but she wouldn’t give in. Couldn’t. She needed to be strong. At first, he’d just slap her, then ask again, but after a bright red handprint from repeated impact was clear across her cheek, he moved on, bringing back the pocket knife. He cut her across her arm, again and again, then went back and dug his fingernails into the gashes. She thrashed and cried, but still didn’t give in, for the whole day. Now, though, she almost wished she had. The dull sting in her arm was a constant, bitter reminder of her defiance, and one of the only sensations she had in the dark room. She couldn’t see an inch in front of her face in the darkness, but she could feel the sting. And the throb from her thigh. Constantly.

She stared up at the ceiling, trying to stop the tears from welling up. She didn’t know why she kept trying to hold them back; they always came and slid down her face, anyways, no matter how hard she tried. Maybe it was just the shred of dignity she had left, begging to be held on to.

It was cold in the bathroom. There were no windows for heat from the sun to seep through, and she wasn’t sure if the apartment even had a formal heating system. If it did, the man wasn’t turning it on. It was cold enough to amplify her misery, but not actually harm her. Probably intentional.

She didn’t actually fall asleep for a long time. She rotated around near-constantly, trying to get somewhat comfortable to absolutely no avail. There was no way to position herself without agitating something. Her aching head, her stinging arm, her sore thigh-one always screamed out in complaint from the way she laid.

When her eyes finally did shut and her breathing became even, it was more of passing out from exhaustion than true sleep.

Still, that night, she dreamed of her mother. Her mind painted a vivid picture of the two of them picking apples at an orchard together, the rows and rows of trees bringing about the most poignant feeling of peace. The breeze was soft, the fall weather still just warm enough to wear her favorite shorts. In the morning, she would wake up with a sad sense of longing, wishing it had been real, but for the moment, she was happy.

Demetrios got ready for work just like normal the next morning. He hardly even remembered the conversation he had with Jodie the past night, paying it little mind. He was certain that Elora would come into work like normal, perhaps a little hungover, and he’d be able call her mother and assure her of her safety.

And so he kissed Lucia on the forehead and drove to the bakery, dressed in his usual uniform of khakis, a t-shirt, and an apron that had seen many years of stains. He pulled into the parking lot in his spot, unlocked the front door, and began opening like he always did. He cleaned, prepared ingredients for the day, filled the cases-everything like normal. They didn’t open until 8, and it was still only 7:30 by the time he finished preparing everything for the day. He didn’t worry.

He started watching the window around 7:40. He was sitting behind the register, with a clear view of the parking lot. He was sure he’d see Elora walk through the doors.

Three of his other employees came through the front door between 7:40 and 8:00, smiling and waving obliviously.

But Elora never came. She usually came in right around 7:50, but there was still no sign of her by 8:00 when they opened.

Maybe she was just late. He tried to convince himself of that, but when 9:00 came and he’d been acting so nervously that even the regulars noticed it, he knew he had to call Jodie.

He ducked outside quickly before any employees could question for him, anxiously tapping his foot against the deck. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed Jodie, breathing deeply. It was going to hurt to tell her this.

Jodie answered on the second ring, clearly having been waiting for him to call. She stepped out into the hallway, away from all the rooms, praying that Demetrios was calling because Elora just got in a little late and a little disheveled.

She spoke first, hope potent in her voice. “Hello? Is she there?”

Demetrios sucked in a breath. “No. I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened, but I’ll help you figure it out, alright? Lucia and I will. We care about her, too. You’re family and we’re gonna figure this out, okay?”

It felt like a few years of her life force was sucked out of her when she heard the answer. No. Your daughter isn’t here, Jodie, she could be somewhere, anywhere, hurt or dead or worse.

She wanted to break down, she really did, But she had patients to tend to. And so she shoved down the pain, compartmentalized it into a little box and set it to the side to be dealt with later. All she could offer was a tiny squeak of acknowledgment, not wanting to speak too much for fear of bursting into tears right then and there.

She hung up the phone before Demetrios could say anything else. When she turned around, prepared to head back into the ward and continue her rounds, she found that Lucia had followed her out.

Lucia didn’t even have to ask her. Jodie just shook her head. Lucia frowned, then stepped forward, putting a gentle, reassuring hand on her back.

Jodie rested her head on Lucia’s shoulder and sobbed.

“What if no one finds her?” she asked between cries, shaking her head. “It’s not like her. It’s not-no one has seen her since Friday.”

Lucia rubbed her back lightly, shushing her gently. “After our shift, we can go down to the police station and file a report together, okay? It’s gonna be okay, Jodie, I promise.”

The other woman sniffled and held back another sob. Your job, Jodie.

She nodded, her chest heaving with a heavy breath as she leaned into Lucia. Their shift was another nine hours, they were losing time, she was losing time, she was losing her daughter-

She swallowed and nodded.

“Okay.”

Tags: @exploringspaceinpyjamas

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evabellasworld · 3 years

Text

Storm of the Republic

Chapter 2

AO3 Link | 1 | 2

——————————————————————————————

Summary: When Tup murdered General Tiplar during a battle, Anakin Skywalker and Captain Rex dispatched Ahsoka, Fives, and Yara to solve the mystery that was plaguing the Clone Army. Meanwhile, Senator Padme Amidala contacted Commander Fox, Commander Tori, Riyo Chuchi, and Dipper to help her continue investigating the death of Palpatine, suspecting that Dooku was behind the evil plot. But when Dooku send an ISB agent to stop them, the team had to race against time to search for the truth, which could alter the course of the galaxy.

————————————————————————————

Facing the wide window, Emperor Dooku gazed at the Coruscanti skyscraper, holding a file in his hands. He gazed at the white, puffy clouds floating in the azure sky as he watched the traffic flowing smoothly, taking a mental note of every hovering vehicle. The old man noticed the Jedi Temple from afar, which was left in ruins.

The scenery of the city was like how he remembered when he was first brought to the metropolis planet, where he trained to be a valiant Jedi from a young age. Dooku’s first training from Master Yoda was meditation practice, where he learned to detach himself from his physical surroundings. It wasn’t as easy as it seems, but after a few attempts, he was beaming with pride and joy towards his own success.

When Master Yoda knighted him, he experienced the same emotions he felt as a youngling after going through the challenging trials and errors he endured. Dooku could also say the same for his late apprentice, Qui-Gon Jinn, who was the apple of his eye.

The Emperor recalled the day when a 12-year-old boy with dark brown hair was assigned to him. Qui-Gon was shy and was anxious about failing his master, but Dooku wasn’t upset. Rather, he was impressed that his Padawan admitted his flaws. Not everyone has the guts to reveal their vulnerabilities, and from there, he took Qui-Gon to explore the Temple.

He was a curious boy, Dooku smiled fondly, as he glanced at the photograph of him standing underneath a cherry blossom tree. He even saw some similarities with Qui-Gon’s apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon spoke highly about him a couple of times. At one point, Dooku even persuaded Obi-Wan to join him and defeat the Sith, but was disheartened when the Jedi Master refused his offer.

Turning to his desk, Dooku picked up another file. Only this time, it was related to two missing Jedi Knights. According to an investigation by Agent Starros, Ava Lira and Eva Bella Young were born in Chandrila to a single mother, Kaia Young. At the age of 3, they were taken to the Jedi Temple, and the rest, as they say, was history. Based on their appearances, the identical twins resemble their mother, despite their red hair and blue-green eyes.

Six months ago, the Jedi Order reported them missing after they did not turn up, and the Nurin alert was placed in order to search for them. Though there was a lead, the trail went cold and until today; they were nowhere to be found.

They don’t deserve to die, he frowned at the twins’ photograph when he heard the door hissed open. A light purple woman with chestnut hair and facial markings entered his office, bowing at him with utmost respect. “You summoned me, my Lord?”

“Yes, Agent Doherty,” he greeted cordially. “You may take a seat, please. I would like to discuss the progress of your mission so far.”

“Yes, my Lord,” Lenora answered politely as she sat down and placed her datapad on his wooden desk. “I have a list of senators I have monitored so far. Would you like to have a look?”

“That would be lovely, Agent Doherty,” he agreed as he picked up the datapad, skimming through the list of senators that sided with the Galactic Republic. Though he barely knows all of them, there were a few individuals that stood out, particularly the ones closer to the late Chancellor.

They were Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo, Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila, and former Senator Riyo Chuchi of Pantora. These were the politicians that were vocal in the Senate, particularly about the ongoing war they’re facing.

Senator Amidala was close confidant with Chancellor Palpatine. They knew each other decades ago, when she was still Queen of Naboo. She was most critical about the Clone Wars and even tried to end the conflict with one of the Separatist senators, before the latter was killed. Despite her background in politics, however, she was also skilled in combat.

Senator Organa was also her closest ally, along with Senator Mothma and Senator Chuchi. His home planet, Alderaan, was the most peaceful in the galaxy, and like her, he also advocated for the war to end, which didn’t come as a surprise to the Emperor.

Placing the last three names on a list, Dooku then shifted his focus towards Riyo Chuchi, who was formerly a Senator of Pantora. She was part of the Republic Senate for almost three years, before the Imperial Security Bureau labeled her as a traitor. “Agent Doherty,” he spoke, showing his interest towards the young politician. “What can you tell me about your findings on Senator Chuchi?”

“Senator Chuchi was responsible for the death of Agent Starros and fled Coruscant 6 months ago,” Lenora explained to him. “She had help from clone units CC-1010, CC-6231, and CT-1512, who were part of the traitorous Republic remnants’ army. If it weren't for Agent Starros, they would have been captured by now.”

“I’m impressed that you outdid your former mentor,” Dooku lifted his chin up. “I find Agent Starros rather emotional for my taste. I’m sure you shared my sentiment towards her, considering what she had put you through.”

Lenora bobbed her head as she recalled the torture Agent Starros had committed in the past, making her fist clenched. “I’m glad she’s dead, my Lord. She had sociopathic tendencies and was prone to emotional outburst when things didn’t go her way. It’s rather unprofessional, if you ask me.”

“And that is something we do not tolerate in our government,” he returned her datapad, along with the files related to the Chancellor’s death. “Take these back to the late Chancellor’s residence, please. It is much safer there.”

“Yes, my Lord,” she bowed, acknowledging his orders.

“And keep a vigilant eye on Senator Amidala and her latchkeys,” added Dooku. “We must let no one bring down our government, just like how the Jedi did with the Chancellor.”

“I understand, my Lord,” the ISB agent approved as she walked out of the room and stepped inside the lift, releasing her breath. That wasn’t so bad, she wiped her forehead. I’m so glad the Emperor wasn’t as bad as he seemed.

Lenora recollected the day the Republic Intelligence was dispatched to handle the case of Palpatine’s murder. Dina Starros was in charge of the case, much to her envy. She used to pour a bucket of ice-cold water on Lenora whenever she failed, and forced her to sleep outside her dorm. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, she begged. I’ll do better next time, I promise.

Thinking about it made her shiver in fright as she pictured herself in a warm, secluded desert, which soothes her. Still clinging on her datapad and files, Lenora stared at the panels when the lift door opened, revealing a familiar face she saw from her datapad. “Good morning, senator,” she chirped, catching her by surprise. “How delightful to see you here.”

“Good morning, Agent Doherty,” Padmé replied in a nervous tone. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Oh, the Emperor summoned me. He wanted to know more about my progress. You know how meticulous he can be.”

“Of course he would,” Padme raised her eyebrows as the lift door was shut, leaving her at mercy with the ISB agent. Out of all people, why must I run into her?

“Is everything okay, senator?” Lenora inquired, noticing her fidgeting. “You seemed tense.”

The Senator of Naboo shook her head and cleared her throat. “Everything is alright, agent. I was just thinking about the next Senate debate, that’s all.”

“That wouldn’t be a problem, given that you are one of the best politicians we have right now. Besides, I trust you’ll do great later on.”

“Thank you, Agent Doherty,” she coaxed. “You must feel honoured to receive a mission. It’s not easy to get special attention from the Emperor himself, you know.”

How smart of her to say such a thing, Lenora bemused as she turned to her, crossing her fingers behind her back. “I wouldn’t call it special attention, really. He only told me to monitor the rest of the senators and put those files back at Palpatine’s residence, that’s all.”

Padmé’s eyes widened when her plan worked, prompting her to sneak a quick glimpse at the datapad and the files she was carrying. “What’s so important about the files that it needed to be kept at the late Chancellor’s house, anyway?”

“It’s a case file relating to his death,” Lenora spilled the truth. “Every piece of evidence that we’ve collected from the investigations is recorded here. That way, it’s easier for us to keep track of our progress. Impressive, isn’t it?”

If I could get my hands on them, I could finally reveal the truth behind Palpatine’s death to the Senate. “It is, actually. I bet there must be a lot of guards outside his house.”

The agent shook her head. “We only placed sensors by the door. The Emperor finds it a waste of resources to dispatch a couple of guards outside. Besides, I doubt anyone is going to break in.”

I’ll risk my life for that file. “That makes a lot of sense.”

Stopping at the 47th floor, Padmé sighed in relief as she stepped out the lift, grinning at Lenora. “I wish I could go on with our conversations, but I have important matters to deal with.”

“I understand, senator,” she maintained her smile. “Have a wonderful day.”

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briefololtragedy · 4 years

Text

When a plan comes together

Part of Pakkun’s plan series

Pairing: Kakashi x Sakura

Summary: Pakkun watches Kakashi and Sakura through the stages of their relationship. He just loves when a plan comes together.

For Kakashi’s birthday

Also posted on AO3

Kakashi was pacing back and forth. Pakkun just watched as his owner gave himself a pep talk.

“I can do this. I can do this. It’s just a simple question. She wouldn’t say no.” Kakashi continued to pace. Pakkun didn’t understand how cats watched something move back and forth all the time, he was getting nauseous.

Kakashi and Sakura had been dating for 6 months now. At least that is how long Pakkun has known about it. It may be even more than that. Everyday Pakkun has now gone with Kakashi to the coffee shop. He watched them flirt with each other. He watched as Kakashi would pull her into a hug and kiss her after she gave him his order. The two never noticed all the women jealous of Sakura or the men glaring at Kakashi. The two existed in their own little world.

Sakura was staying over more since the first night they were together. All of the others in the pack adored her. Pakkun tried not to get jealous when he would see Sakura scratch their heads or give them his special treats.

Pakkun heard the door handle jingle and let out an excited yelp. He watched as Kakashi straightened and composed himself.

“Oh hello to all of you too.” Pakkun couldn’t believe it as the others jumped all over Sakura the moment she entered. He watched as she brought a box over her head so it wouldn’t get destroyed.

“Hello handsome.” Sakura gave Kakashi a peck on the cheek before she went into the kitchen. Pakkun melted when he saw Kakashi’s eyes warm, his whole body relaxing.

“I brought some dessert. What would you like for dinner?” The two danced in the kitchen. Kakashi refused to let her help, but she would constantly try to help him.

“Such a stubborn old man.” Sakura pouted on the barstool.

“I’m your stubborn old man.” Kakashi stilled as he stirred the stir fry.

“What would you say to moving in with me?” Kakashi just blurted it out no tact. Pakkun would facepalm if he could.

“Oh.” Sakura froze. Kakashi became deflated as she went silent. He was preparing for the worse.

“I have thought about it, but…” Sakura looked down at the counters. Her heart was racing. She would love to move in with him, but part of her was old fashioned.

“But I always imagined I would be at least engaged before I moved in with someone.” It was now Kakashi’s heart that was racing.

“Oh.” Sakura found her oh thrown back at her. He was going to break up with her, she just knew it. Pakkun didn’t know what was going to happen. All his hard work was going up in flames. He wanted to weep. He wanted to cuddle up in his bed and munch on a special dog biscuit.

Pakkun was brought out of his sorrows when Kakashi moved to stand in front of Sakura. He took her hands in his.

“Well I was going to do this differently, but..” Kakashi reached into his pocket as he kneeled to the ground.

“Sakura Haruno will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes! A million times yes.” Kakashi went crashing to the ground as she tackled him. Pakkun was barking loudly and soon all the others joined in.

“So you’ll move in with me.” Pakkun just watched as Sakura kissed Kakashi to shut him up.

________________________

In a whirlwind Sakura had moved in. Kakashi’s bookshelf found all different kinds of cookbooks littering the shelves. His kitchen was packed with new gadgets.

Pakkun just watched as they would sit on the sofa together and plan the wedding. When two loud blondes came over the first time Pakkun never thought his hearing would recover. He didn’t know what to make of having his measurements taken. It was one night when he was lounging on the sofa with his owners that he realized what they had in store for him.

“Are you sure you are ok with this?” Sakura was curled into Kakashi’s side. Kakashi was playing with her hair.

“If it wasn’t for him we probably never would have met. I think it is adorable you want him to stand as one of your groomsmen.” Pakkun couldn’t protest as Sakura hit that perfect spot behind his ear.

__________________

It was a beautiful fall day. People Pakkun had never seen before were sitting in chairs outside. The leaves had started to turn orange, red, and yellow. Some had fallen from the trees already. He did see two familiar blonde mops of hair. The female version was wearing a flowing champagne colored gown. The male version was sitting in a chair eating ramen. How the hell did he get ramen?

Pakkun was positioned to Kakashi’s left side, both of them were wearing dark gray suits with black accents. Pakkun could feel the nerves radiating off of Kakashi and he couldn’t help nudging his head against Kakashi’s leg. Soon the music started to play. One by one different woman Pakkun had seen over the last few months filtered to stand on the other side, each wearing the same flowing champagne gown.

Then the music changed. Kakashi’s heart skipped a beat.

Sakura came into view. All the nerves he was feeling before evaporated into thin air. His future was walking towards him. She forewent the vail. Instead she had a crown of flowers on her head. Her hair was in loose cascading waves. Her dress was a long sleeve lace dress that flared out at her hips.

At that moment nothing else mattered.

Sakura looked into those warm grey eyes and knew nothing would be the same after today. They were going to walk side by side, partners in life from here on out. In good times and in bad.

“I do.” Never sounded so sweet to Pakkun in that moment.

__________________

Pakkun watched as Sakura’s stomach slowly got bigger. He could sense something was different about her. All of them decided she needed to be protected at all times. Kakashi would laugh when he would come in the room and see them all surrounding her. Bull especially stayed as close as he could.

They would dance together while making dinner. Swaying in each other's arms. Kakashi would place his hands on her expanding stomach and sing sweet nothings to the growing bump.

__________________

The crying wouldn’t stop. There needed to be an off switch on this thing. Pakkun would watch as the two new parents navigate the task of having a baby. He didn’t understand what was so special about a grey haired green eyed little boy. He didn’t do much aside from crying and making the most awful smells. Pakkun at one point got too close to the diaper and his nose burned for days.

They were so busy with the crying machine that Pakkun didn’t get his special treats.

Pakkun laid in front of the crib and just watched his newest human. He wasn’t sure how he felt about him, but knew he would still protect him no matter what.

______________

“Sakumo no! Don’t throw your food.” Sakura was at her wits end. Sakumo decided that it was more fun to throw his food on the floor rather than eat it. Her homemade baby food meeting a grizzly end on the floor. Kakashi was busy making dinner for the two of them. He couldn’t help, but get a few pictures when Sakura wasn’t looking.

Pakkun watched the scene in front of him, while licking up the delicious apple and pear puree. This kid wasn’t so bad after all.

Sakura soon gave up and let Sakumo continue to launch his food into the air only for it to hit the dogs. Her spirits were lifted when a plate of food was placed in front of her. Kakashi sitting by her side. They leaned into each other. Kakashi stroked her back as he watched their son.

“I’ll clean him up when he is done, so you can relax with a glass of wine.” Sakura perked up.

“Have I told you lately how you are the most amazing husband and father in the world?” Kakashi couldn’t help, but stare in those emerald eyes.

“Hmmm...I think you said something similar this morning.” Before she could protest he sealed her lips with his.

Pakkun watched. His belly full of delicious food, like it should be. All was right with the world. He loved it when a plan really came together.

#Kakashi #kakasaku #Sakura Haruno #kakashi x sakura #Pakkun #fluff

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bssaz97 · 4 years

Note

I have to ask how did Qrow and Juanes family react to the kids in Missing for a Year

Missing For A Year Part 3

Ruby: “Miss Goodwitch, thank you so much!” *Large Anime Tears fall down her face*

Glynda: “You’re welcome Miss Rose, although I do recommend keeping a closer watch of your children while at events in the future.”

Both Ruby and Jaune nodded rapidly to her sound advice, who will make sure to take the advice to heart.

Ruby/Jaune: “We promise we will!”

Glynda: “Good. Now.” *lifts up her riding crop directly at the ice block*

*CRACK!*

The ice prison around the two newlyweds had been broken apart, freeing them so that the two can freely move again. Much to the joy of the two leaders and displeasure of a disgruntled ice queen.

Qrow: *approaching* “Well I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Does it kiddo.”

Ruby: “Uncle Qrow!” *petal bursts out of the ice cube and launches herself at him*

Qrow: “Oof!” *catches her while laughing* “Geez pipsqueak! I’m not as young as I use to be, you could be a little gentler...”

Ruby: “Sorry I’m just so excited to see you again!”

Qrow: *hugs her tightly* “Yeah me too.”

Ruby: “I’m sorry it took so long.” *hangs head in shame*

Qrow: “Hey none of that alright. What’s happened has happened, no use in crying over spilled milk. Just seeing that you’re alive and well is all I need.”

Ruby: “You too. I know we’ve been gone for awhile but we missed you all so very much and I wished we could’ve come back sooner to you all.”

Qrow: “Well maybe remember to stamp your letters next time.” *he jokes*

Ruby: “It was a honest mistake!”

Qrow: *laughs and ruffles her hair* “Whatever you say kiddo.”

Ruby: “Meanie...to think I almost named one of my children after you.”

Qrow: “Probably a good call that you didn’t. Don’t need to have a kid named after me until I’m at least in the grave.”

Ruby: “Oh ha-ha.”

Jaune finished swiping of all the ice residue on his person then rubs his hands together rapidly to warm them up. Being trapped in a large ice cube wasn’t very comfortable in the least. His mother helps her son by removing her scarf and wrapping it around his hands.

June: “Are you alright sweetie?”

Jaune: “Yeah just a bit frosty.”

Yang: “...Did he?”

Taiyang: “I think he just did.”

Jaune: “What? I can make puns too. You all didn’t originate them.”

Taiyang: “Ok fair enough.”

Jaune: “Oh yeah by the way...are we cool?” *gestures between himself and his father-in-law*

Taiyang: “Well considering that you pretty much married my daughter behind our family’s back, I should be furious. But since you’ve already made me a grandfather I can’t really stay mad at you.”

Jaune: “Really?”

Taiyang: “No.”

Jaune: “Figured.”

Taiyang: *laughs* “Relax kid, I’m just messing with you. Glad to have you in the family.”

Jaune: “Thanks.” *smiles*

June: “Speaking of grandchildren...YOINK!” *takes an infant Rowan/Summer from Taiyang and Yang*

Taiyang/Yang: “Hey!”

June: “Hello my little darlings~ I’m so happy to meet you two. Look at how big you two are already. I’m your Granny June and I love you both so much! Oh you’re both so cute~” *she coos as she cradled the two infants rocking them to and fro*

Jaune: “Uh mom, I know you’re excited about your new grandchildren but you should really-.”

June: “Oh come now Jaune I’ve raised eight kids including you so I think have this under-!”

Summer: *gurgling noises with her face turning green*

June: “...oh no.” *face paled*

*BLEEEGH!*

What Jaune tried to warn his mother about was that Summer was unfortunately cursed with his inherited motion sickness. As such Summer did not like to be rocked otherwise it would lead to her spit up all over said person’s shirt.

June: “....oh dear.” *looks down at her ruined dress*

Ruby: *gasp!* “Mrs. Arc I’m so sorry!” *grabs a tissue and tries to clean it off*

Jaune: “I tried to warn you.”

June: “That’s ok, this isn’t something I haven’t gone through before. Although I would be more than grateful if you could take back these two while I get cleaned up.” *handing their babies back to them*

Ruby: “Are you sure you don’t want me to help? I feel really bad.”

June: “It’s alright dear. I’ve raised eight children after all, so there’s nothing to worry about. Jaune, be a dear and introduce your children to the rest of the family before your sisters complain about not seeing their new niece and nephew, ok?”

Jaune: “Sure.”

As June Arc was making her leave most, of not all of Jaune’s sisters swarmed them just as she said they would.

Rouge: “Oh my goodness look at you two!”

Saphron: “You’re so small and look so cute!”

Vert: “What’s their names little bro?”

Jaune: “Uh, This is Rowan and Summer.” *points at each of his children*

Bleu: “Do they have all their necessary shots?” *adjusts her glasses*

Jaune: “What? No, they’re barely three months old!”

Noir: “Why didn’t you tell us you two eloped?”

Blanc: “And how did you get pregnant so fast?”

Ruby: “W-Well we wanted to marry after the war so that’s what we did.”

Violet: “How can you tell which is a boy and girl?”

Arc Siblings/Ruby: .....

Violet: “What? It’s a legitimate question.” *shrinks in embarrassment*

Nicholas: “Girls.”

At the sound of his voice all the Arc women made way for the patriarch of their family. He walked towards the brand new couple/parents, his towering figure nearly encompassing them in shadow.

Nicholas: “Son.”

Jaune: “Hey Dad...long time no see. Heh”

Arc Sisters: *winces*

Terra: *facepalms*

Ruby: *whispering* “Really?”

Jaune: “Uhhh. So! ...How are you?”

Saphron: *mouthing ‘NO!’*

Jaune: “I mean. What I mean to say is-!”

Nicholas: “Stop.” *raises his palm*

Jaune: 0x0

Nicholas: “What’s done is done. There’s no use to bringing up the past.”

Jaune: “Right...”

Nicholas: “But I am very happy to see you alive.....and apparently with a wife and children.” *rests his raised hand on Jaune’s shoulder*

Jaune: “...Thanks Dad.”

Nicholas: *nods then removes his hand* “So if I heard correctly, this one is Rowan and this one is Summer right?” *gestures to the two infants*

Ruby: “Yessir. My tiny little blessings.”

Nicholas: “...heh. I see you’ve adopted June’s nicknaming habit.”

Ruby: “Yep.”

Nicholas: “Mm. Looks like you have a keeper my son.”

Jaune: “I’m lucky to have her.” *one arm hugged Ruby*

Ruby: *smiles*

Nicholas: “Good. Don’t do anything stupid to mess it up. You hear me boy.”

Jaune: “Wouldn’t dream of it sir.”

Rowan/Summer: “Ahh!” *make curious baby noises*

Nicholas looks down to see both Rowan and Summer then bends his knees, lowering his large frame to look into the little ones. They looked at the older Arc curiously, looking at his aged but still strong facial features and Summer was brave enough to reach out touch the older man’s beard. This caused Summer to giggle as the hair tickled her tiny fingers, causing Nicholas to laugh softly at the child’s pure laughter. Rowan followed soon after Summer and he giggled as well once he felt Nicholas’ beard.

Nicholas: “Hello little ones, I am your grandpa. I am pleased to meet you.” *he said with what could be called a genuine smile*

Ruby: “ohhhh” *she watches the display in amazement* <3

Qrow: “WOW Nicky, I think you just made a genuine smile on your face.”

Nicholas: “Qrow...”

Qrow: “Hey don’t scare the babies now! They’re impressionable.” *while smirking*

Ruby: “Qrow be nice.” *she chides her honorary uncle/mentor*

Qrow: *raises his hands in mock surrender*

Ruby: “Hey Rowan, look this my Uncle Qrow. Isn’t he cool?”

Rowan: *head tilts* “Ah?”

Ruby: “Yes he’s the coolest uncle ever. You want him to hold you?”

Qrow: “Uh Ruby I don’t-.”

Ruby: “Here you go.” *moves Rowan into his arms*

Qrow: “Wait Ruby don’t-! Ok here we go. Uh hey there kid. Nice to...meet you.”

Rowan: ....

Ruby: “It’s ok Qrow, he’s only a baby. He won’t bite.”

Qrow: “Right. Um, heh, You look a lot like your mom. Kinda surprised that your supposed to be the boy.”

Rowan: .... *hrk!* *BLEGH!*

Qrow eyes widen but it was already too late, all he could do was look down and see that Rowan had just spit up all over his new shirt. Both parents gave nervous looks but also tried not to laugh at Qrow’s expense. Taiyang, Yang, Nicholas, and the seven Arc sisters, however, did not follow their example, laughing their guts out.

Rowan: *giggles and points at Qrow*

Qrow: “Oh now you find me funny. Don’t ya, you lil’ gremlin.” *eye twitches*

Ruby: “Hey I’m sure he didn’t mean to do that!”

Yang: “Hahahaha! I don’t know Ruby, he seemed pretty determined to puke all over Qrow!” *covering her mouth*

Qrow: “Well at least I know you’re your Mother’s kid. You’re a brat through and through.”

Ruby: “Hey!”

June: “Ok I’m back what did I-...Oh dear. Apparently both children have motion sickness.”

Nicholas: “No dear, it’s just the boy knows how to get back at others.” *he smiles in pride of his progeny*

-Fin-

A/N: Boy did this one take me awhile to get done. I had a lot of ideas for how this were to go and tried to fit them all in so hope I met your expectations. Thanks again for your support! 😊

P.S. I did my best to make names for the remaining Arc sisters and I decided to simplify and translate the names of the girls in accordance to their color from the portrait we saw in Volume 6 in Saphron’s house. Also keep in mind I have no idea what the age difference is just know I did my best and this will be my head canon until proven otherwise.

Rouge = Eldest (Red w/ Short Hair)

Saphron = Second (Orange that was Upside down. Her name is closer to orange so yeah)

Vert = Third (Green)

Blanc/Noir = Twins (Ok so they had blue bows but the also look to be wearing black and white so I went with that to avoid confusion)

Bleu = Sixth (Blue w/ Glasses)

Violet = Neña (Violet, no brainer)

Jaune = Youngest (Yellow. Ok so he appears to be the youngest from the photo as most of the time the most recent child is at the center of most family pictures. But again I could be wrong but I stand by what I said until CRWBY says otherwise...probably)

#rwby #ruby rose #jaune arc #rwby lancaster #lancaster #yang xiao long #arc family #rwby saphron #saphron cotta arc #qrow brawnwen #rwby qrow #rwby taiyang #taiyang xiao long #anonymous asks #missing for a year

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cicici03 · 4 years

Text

Just Listen Ch 10- Reunited

OMG I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE END OF JUST LISTEN!!!!!!!

PLAY THE MUSIC WHEN YOU GET TO ONE PART OF STORY FOR MORE FEELINGS!!

I HOPE Y’ALL ENJOY THE LAST CHAPTER!!!

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Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday

Everybody sing the Stevie Wonder rendtion of “ Happy Birthday” to Amaya. Amaya was soaking up the attention and look towards her parents. Her parents may thought she didn’t notice the little things, she did. She smile not only it was her birthday, but she has her parents still together.

“ Amaya, blow out the candles baby!” Tre shouted to his youngest daughter with some tears coming up seeing his baby turn six years old. As Amaya blew out the candles, Cierra looked up at her husband.

Tre couldn’t hold the tears in.

Cierra wipe off a tear off his face. As she finish wiping the tear off his face, Tre caught Cierra hand and kept it on his face. He looked at her and smile. Cierra smiled back.

As the couple was having a silent moment, Jakob was up to no good. As Amaya finish blowing out the candles. Jakob came up with a idea.

A DUMB IDEA TO BE EXACT.

Jakob saw his little sister soak up all the attention. Amaya might be his favorite sister, but she was on his list. Amaya “accidentally” slip up and told Jakob’s girlfriend that constipate. Even though Jakob was, he was shock that his favorite sister was going to do him like that.

So Jakob, whom was standing right behind Amaya, and standing by Mia finally saw the time was right.

As he seem like slow motion, Jakob slam Amaya face in the cake. It seem like everything stood frozen.

Amaya looked back with this twitch in her eye, and grab a piece of the cake and threw it at Jakob. Jakob yelled out:

“ Food Fight!”

With thirty 5/6 years old, they love themselves some food fight. With Jakob running away from Mia and Amaya, whom was running after him with cake in their hand.

Cierra and Tre finally felt out of their lovely eye gazing when a piece of cake hit Cierra right in her face. When Tre looked around, it was a bunch of kids running around with cake and other food in their hand. Parents were hiding and some was even joining.

Marcus took off his shoe warning kids if he get hit by some cake, then they getting their ass whoop.

Tre turn back to his wife, who was still in shock, and start laughing. As if he didn’t learn that laughing at his wife will get him hurt. She looked on the ground, and saw that some Mac-N-Cheese was on the ground. Cierra went down and pick it up off the grass and chuck it at Tre.

With that, Tre shut his mouth and looked at his wife. Cierra met his eyes and knew it was time for her to run.

“ Cierra, you better run because when I get my hands on you, those lemon cookies are mines!” Tre ran after her getting a plate of mash potatoes.

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As the end of the party came to an end at 5:00, the family was cleaning up the food fight that ruin the whole backyard. As Tre and Cierra was cleaning one section of the yard, the kids gather up on the other side of the yard.

“ If your dumb self didn’t start this, the backyard wouldn’t be ruin!” Mia yelled at Jakob while trying to be quiet as possible. Mia looked at her Apple watch and realize that the caters would be here in a moment.

“ OMG we got to get mommy and daddy upstairs because the cater is going be here at any moment!” Mia rushed into the house to get Angelo and Marcus to get them two upstairs.

Mia came back outside with them following right behind her. She gesture for Amaya and Jakob to get inside to put on their outfits for the surprise.

On the other side of the backyard, Marcus and Angelo was busy trying the two to go to their respectfully places where Mama T and Lisa to set up their outfits for the surprise.

“ Cierra we need to check on the test.” Angelo whispered in Cierra’s ear. Cierra turn around and ran to her office with Angelo. This test could change things in the Rhode’s household.

As Marcus saw Angelo get Cierra to go, he stated silently to Tre, “ Tre you remeber that phone call you had this morning, I think they left a message on the land line.” Tre looked at Marcus and ran upstairs to his room, which was the room that had a landline, to hear the voicemail. This voice mail could change things in the Rhode’s household.

Both of these things can.

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“ People,move it!” Mia yelled at her family that was setting up the backyard for the surprise dinner. Mia looked over at her siblings which they were bickering with each other.

“ Both of y’all James Brown lookalikes! Y’all better not ruin my plan or else!” Mia shouted at them and while looking into both of their eyes.

“ Okay, Mrs.Meanie, that is why you actually looked like James Brown yesterday!” Amaya retorted back with a head roll.

“ Now this is why she is my favorite sister!” Jackob said while looking at Mia, whom was not very interested in the argument.

“ Okay both of y’all get change into your outfit and hurry up.” Mia said while turning around and saw Marcus about putting the wrong floral arrangement on the table. Grandpa Marcus what the heck are you doing!” Mia shouted while quickly running over to him.

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

As Cierra walked out of her office with the dress that was laying on her desk.

Cierra saw her husband walking down the stairs in the amazing black suit with his shirt open a little.

“ Now Trevante Rhodes don’t make me take you down on this staircases.” Cierra whispered seductively to her husband as he walking towards her. Trevante smirk and looked at his wife.

“ Now turn around for me Mrs.Rhodes.” Tre smirked as he saw his wife go slowly around. As she was about to turn back to him, Trevante grabbed her towards him. They both start making out with each other and feeling all up on each other. Tre start going down Cierra neck as he heard a voice.

“ Now I am getting tired of seeing y’all getting freaky in this house.” Angelo stated while looking at the couple. They both look quickly at each other only to see Angelo.

Nope.

Standing right beside him was Marcus and Jakob with a disgusting look on there faces. Cierra finally notice that the everybody was dressed up.

“ Why are y’all dress up?” Ciera question to the three of them. The look on their faces told Cierra and Tre that they were hiding something.

“ Well you know that we like to look good! What’s wrong with that.” Jakob answer while not looking at his mom. Jakob don’t look at his parents when he is lying and they know that.

“ You are lying, did Tre even gift me this dress?” Cierra question the three stooges in front of her. Tre spoke up: “ No baby I didn’t, but Marcus said that you gift me this outfit.” Tre looked at Marcus, who turn his whole head the other way.

“ Well I can tell that everybody is hiding something from us and I want to know now.” Cierra stated with much firmness while looking at the three people in front of her. Marcus looked down at his watch reading, 8:00, which this was the time that Mia wanted her parents to go out for the suprise.

“ Well, we are hiding something, it is in the backyard.” Marcus looked at the couple in front them. Cierra and Tre head to the backyard with the three hiding behind them.

When Cierra and Tre walk out to their backyard, Cierra started to tear up.

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With Reunited playing in the backyard, the couple looked in awe at the transformation of their backyard.

The backyard that was full of food was transform to a romantic canopy dinner for two. With the bamboo trees in the background and the candles all over the backyard. Tre looked at his wife, who had tears coming down her eyes, it made him smile. Cierra looked at her husband and ask, “ Did you plan this?” saying with much shock on her face.

“ No we did!” Amaya shhouted behind them. The couple looked back and saw their three kids in their waitress outfits.

“ Well my lady and sir, it is time for you to go eat and I will show you to your table.” Mia stated to her parents with dinner menus in her hand. Walking hand and hand, Cierra and Tre followed the Mia.

When getting to the table, Tre got Cierra’s chair and waited for her to sit before he went to his chair before to do the same.

“ What would your drinks be sir and ma’am.” Mia said while smiling at her parents and seeing that they loved it. They looked at the print menu that Mia did this morning.

“ Well for me and my lady I think we will take the red wine.” Tre said while looking at Mia. Mia smiled and turn to walk back in the house.

“ Wow, our kids are amazing.” Cierra said stil looking around at the backyard and how the kids transform it.

“ They are truly amazing. Happy anniversary baby girl!” Tre said reached across the table and held Cierra’s hand. Cierra turn back over to looked at her husband. With a smile, she replied “ Happy anniversary baby!” while squeezing his hand.

“ This past couple of months been the hardest thing. Baby I am truly sorry for doing anything that ever hurt you. I was so depress that I forgot that I had my wife that was hurting too.” Tre quietly finishing the statement at the end with tears coming down. Cierra looked at her husband and the tears came down faster.

“ Baby I said things too, and I am sorry for that. I love you so much Trevante Nemour Rhodes. I don’t know what I would do without you. You gave me all my children, my first love, and my best friend baby. I know the lost of the baby really hurt us both,” Cierra stated to her husband taking a pause, “ Well, I have something to tell you. I haven’t been feeling well for the last couple of days and I took a test. 15 to be exact.” Cierra emphasized the last part of her statement.

With a smile, Cierra looked at Tre and announce “ All 15 of them were postive!”

Tre smiled turn into a big cheshire cat smile. He got up out of his seat and ran over to his wife and kiss her. He held on to her face, with their noses touching each other, they were smiling.

“ Well, I hope it is a boy because I can’t deal girls no more dad! Cause these two right here are a enough for me.” Jakob said out loud while his sisters and him was looking at their parents. Cierra and Tre looked at their kids, which the girls was punching him because he ruin the moment.

Those were their kids alright.

“ Daddy you forgot the gift you suppose to give mommy!” Amaya shouted giving her dad the ringbox.

“ You remeber when I first propose to you and I gave you my grandmother’s ring. With that, I said to you when we get stable enough, I would buy you something else.” Tre said while givng Cierra the ring box.

Cierra open it up, and Tre truly outdid himself.

“ Trevante Rhodes, this thing is huge!” Cierra said bewildered with Tre putting the ring on her finger.

“ Well your daughters, momma, and Angelo said that was the one.” Tre stated recounting ring shopping this past week. Cierra looked at Tre and smile at him. She then looked a the kids and saw that they wanted to be in the conversation too.

“ My little babies, bring up a chair!” Cierra shouted looking at the kids. Amaya sat down in Tre’s lap, who went back to his seat, while Mia and Jakob got a chair. The family started to talk and laugh like they use to before everything happen.

They were in their own world.

The other family memebers went outside and realize that the family was having their time together. They put up the food, and went to their respectful rooms. The Rhode’s family went back to being them.

“ I do have an announcement though!” Tre exclaimed with a sleeping Amaya on his lap.

“ Well, your daddy and husband is about to be the a superhero! I am the next Green Lantern!” Tre stated with much excitement coming from his family. Tre looked at his wife and just smiled.

“ It is time for you kids to go to bed too!” Tre said while getting up with Amaya still knock out. The twins latch onto the their mom arms while Tre walked Amaya to their room. As he layed down Amaya, he kissed her on the cheek and left her room.

Tre went inside their master bedroom, looking at his wife that was taking off her makeup with a wipe by her bedside. Tre came beside and look directly at her and smile once again.

“ Baby all of this smiling is getting a little creepy.” Cierra insisted while laughing at her husband. “ Why can’t I look at my beautiful, hot, sexy wife that is looking absolutely stunning that dress.” Tre stated back while taking off his shoes. Cierra just laughed while walking into their joint closet.

“ Tre on serious note though, I am truly proud of us! We got stuck in the movement of us and things happen. We didn’t know how to solve them, but we learn alot!” Cierra said while changing and walking out in her pajamas pants and sports bra.

Cierra got on her side of the bed and got under the covers with Tre walking out of the bathroom.

“ I know baby! I have learn that I need to take care you like you take care of our family. You learn that I just need you to be my best friend. However, both us learn that we need to just listen!” Tre stated coming out of the closet with his sweatpants on.

Cierra wasn’t looking at her husband’s face no more, but something that swinging. Tre looked at his wife and knew what she was looking at. As he got in the bed, Tre said “ I think somebody wants to give The Green Lantern some lemon cookie.”

As he got in the bed, Cierra jump on top of him.

“ Well Mr. Green Lantern I think tonight you need to just listen to me!”

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Well that is the end of Just Listen you guys 😭😭😭! My first baby is grown up😭🥺!!I am so proud that I acutally did it and I finished it! I want to thank @l-auteuse for telling me that I could do it and all of y’all reading this! Tre, Cierra, Amaya, Jakob, and Mia is not ending, they just only beginning! My Masterlist will be updated and keep an I for my new series, When Two Worlds Collide.

Like, Comment, and Repost!!

Taglist: @l-auteuse @twistedcharismaaa @munteanhore @19jammmy @ljstraightnochaser

#trevante rhodes fanfiction #trevante rhodes fic #Trevante Rhodes

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freczeyourbrain · 4 years

Photo

⌞ʾ⁎ ⊰ thomas doherty, male, he/him ⊱ i think i just saw JASON DEAN walk across trafalgar square, singing to MANIAC* ( by CONAN GRAY ). you know, the TWENTY THREE year old MECHANIC? people claim that they are just like JD from HEATHERS**. it must be because they are PASSIONATE and MANIPULATIVE as well… though i could be wrong. all i know for sure is that they live at EMERALD*** apartment.

MY SON, MY EVIL YET HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC/SOCIOPATHIC BOY. here’s some bullet points about him, his life, a short bio, and so on and so forth.

B I O G R A P H Y: Born in Scotland, JD was actually a fairly normal kid when he was younger, his mother and father were fairly good parents until his father lost his job due to a crash in the economy when he was 6. That's when he'd started drinking, started getting violent, and things just went incredibly down hill from there. His dad would be destructive, loud, JD never saw him put hands on his mother but he certainly heard it from his bedroom. It got so bad that, when JD was eight years old and his father had started his demolition company, his mother went into a building set to fall apart and...never came out. It was after that his father took him to the states, saying there were better job opprotunities there, bouncing around city to city and school to school. The voices in his head started showing up during that time, dark and twist, urging for chaos in ways he tried to shut out. His moods would switch at the drop of a dime, torturing him in a mental prision he didn't know how to handle. JD remembered his father telling him to man up, to get over it, and he never went to a doctor to figure out what was wrong. An untreated cause of bi-polar disorder, manifesting each year into something darker and darker. His Junior year of high school, he went to Westerburg and that's when things got messy for him. Three murders type of messy, and before anything could be traced to him, JD left town and dropped out of high school. He told his father to fuck off, somehow was able to dip into the family account and move all the way across the pond to London to start all over. Now in London, JD put the fact he was great with his hands (after all, he did build a bomb to blow up the whole entire school before he was caught and stopped by his ex-girlfriend), and became a mechanic when he was only 18. His skills were greatly appreciated, and after getting into somet trouble again, he got roped into gang activity which helps those voices in his head quiet down. But you know what they say, old habits die hard.

his birthday is october 29th, so he is a scorpio because…OBVIOUSLY HE IS.

he didn’t go to college, so he’s been working on cars since he finished his junior year of high school, so he’s actually a damn good mechanic (and good with his hands, hehe) one day he wants to open a shop all his own and is getting closer due to his growing client base.

he’s 6′1 in height

his favorite colors are black and red

as in the musical, JD was raised by a single father because his mother couldn’t take the intense nature of his father and basically committed suicide by going into a building her father blew up when he was younger (around 9 years old)

his father is a POS so the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, he basically is the reason that JD is a sociopath, he was never raised with any love in his life, always with darkness.

in high school, he did kill kurt and ram, and ATTEMPTED to kill heather chandler but no one ever found out except veronica obviously. but he managed to get her to stay quiet (by threatening her family, which is an empty promise bc he would never hurt veronica.)

JD DOES know how to build bombs and stuff but has never done anything with that random skill, just more so just knows it because of his father.

he is VERY smart and cunning, a bit of a ladies man to be honest, he’s able to charm and smooth talk for days. the guy does have a tendency to be a little obsessive and jealous when he’s SUPER into a girl but it’s a rarity he’s able to keep interest for longer than a month.

that’s about it folks as far as the basics go!

#intro: jd.#intros.#musicalhqs:intro

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donteattheappleshook · 4 years

Text

Stone Hearts Chapter 11/13

Here we go, only one more chapter after this and then the epilogue. This one is over 10,000 words so I hope you enjoy it!

Summary:

Emma should have known. She should have known that they couldn’t just go to the underworld and not suffer any consequences. She should have known they’d bring something back with them.

Cannon Divergent after 5x21 Last Rites. No Hyde. No serum. No Evil Queen split. No prophecy. No season 6.

Read from the beginning on Ao3 or FFn because tumblr eats all my italics.

Rated M

Chapter 11

Belle led them to a small, makeshift camp they had set up underneath the Town Hall. Emma had been right, there were tunnels that spread out through the entire town, and the one below Regina’s office was dead center. Ariel explained how there were secret entrances all over Storybrooke, that the three of them had been using them to navigate their way around, to collect supplies, to raid Gold’s shop and even Regina’s vault. Nearly every establishment in the town had an access point.

Emma tried not to think about how creepy it was that Regina had a secret way of getting into any building at any time during the first curse. But it made sense - the Evil Queen would have wanted to make sure she was in complete control of her little prison.

She followed the women, leading Killian along behind her. The whole way he kept casting strange looks at Ariel and Emma couldn’t figure out why. She wondered if perhaps there were new memories emerging, if maybe he was remembering what he had done to her in the Enchanted Forest. She thought they had put their differences aside. Ariel wouldn’t look at him, avoiding his gaze as they made their way to the camp and settled there. She squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him. Old grudges didn’t matter now. Those things had to be put behind them. They had a common enemy now.

“How long have you guys been down here?” Emma asked, looking around. The camp was surprisingly nice and Emma realised that they must have been settled here for a while. Their collection of supplies and the small comforts they’d amassed was impressive. They had stockpiles of food and medicine and even toiletries. There was also a very comfortable looking little pile of blankets and pillows that made up a sleeping quarter, and a makeshift table built out of an old door and books stacked for legs.

Emma shouldn’t have been surprised by the sheer amount of books scattered around the tunnel. Belle was a librarian after all. And, you know… the actual Belle from the Beauty and the Beast. But Emma’s heart started racing as she noticed the massive pile of spellbooks. They were scattered across the table, several open with notes in the margins and dog-eared corners. Belle had been researching - just as she had. Maybe together they could find a solution, learn how to break the curse.

“Tink and I have been here… almost 9 weeks now I think,” Belle told them. “We found Ariel on one of our raids a little over a week ago.”

“I came to visit and couldn’t figure out where everyone had gone,” Ariel explained. “It was like a ghost town. I didn’t know what had happened but then I saw Belle and Tinkerbelle and they told me about the attack. I stayed to help them fight.”

Nine weeks, just over two months. Emma did the math in her head, trying to put together how much time had passed. Weeks and days had become a blur, irrelevant in her life but she thought back. Killian had been taken six weeks after the attack - she’d never forget that date - and then she, Ruby, Henry and David had survived on their own for two more without him, plus the week she’d just spent in captivity… that meant…

“You guys have been here the whole time? Since the attack? Nobody’s found you?” Had it happened? Had they finally found a safe place? A real one?

Belle nodded. “Hardly anyone knows about these tunnels. Those who did have forgotten. Rumple -” Her voice caught. “The Dark One didn’t even know about them.”

“How did you find them?”

Belle shrugged. “I found one by accident once when I was working in the library. I didn’t think it was smart to share their existence. I was planning on finding a way to seal them off, in case a villain ever wanted to make use of them. I’m glad now that I didn’t.” She looked up at Hook who was still holding Emma’s hand. “I was going to ask Killian what he thought, see if he could find a way to destroy them. But then everything happened.”

She looked at him sadly, and Emma realised that maybe Belle had missed him too. Hook however, was still fixated on Ariel, who was looking uncomfortable under his gaze. What was wrong with him? Was it because Ariel had threatened her? Was there more bad blood between them than Killian had told her? Was it enough that even now, buried under the stone around his heart, he remembered, or felt, some sort of animosity?

Emma set her bag down in the middle of the table, reaching in and taking out the food she’d grabbed before leaving the house as well as the other supplies. Killian stood behind her as she did, closer than he had been standing before and she felt the strange sense that he was being protective, watching her back. He didn’t know them. She’d told him to trust them but maybe it would take him time without his memories. She tried not to think of how it warmed her heart a little to know that he was still looking out for her.

“Here,” she said, gesturing at them. “Add these to your stocks. If we’re staying with you then we should at least pool our resources.

“Thank you,” Belle said, and Tink and Ariel collected the supplies and started dividing them into the neat little stacks and towers they had built further along the far wall. Emma started to leaf through some of the books on the table. No wonder she hadn’t been able to find much - Belle had hoarded all the spellbooks in Storybrooke.

“Killian,” Belle started, but the man beside her didn’t react.

“Hook,” Emma corrected, and he caught her eye. She nodded towards Belle and he looked at her. Belle raised a brow but didn’t comment on the name.

“Could you help them please?” she asked. Hook turned back to Emma, hesitant and unsure. He stepped a little closer to her, clearly suggesting he wasn’t planning on leaving her side. Belle smiled a little. “I just want to talk to Emma alone for a moment.”

Hook looked at Emma again and she gave him a small smile. “It’s fine.” He hesitated another moment and then gathered the supplies that were still on the table and headed over to the other women. Emma watched as he awkwardly stood by them and handed them things as they asked for them.

“That’s quite the bodyguard you’ve got there,” Belle commented. Emma nodded.

“I don’t know how it started. The King caught me, kept me in a cell and kept him outside my door as a guard. But… I don’t know… he didn’t act like the others, even from the beginning.”

“How so?”

“He - he listened to me. If I asked him not to touch me or to find out if Henry was safe, he listened, he did it. And then I started telling him stories about me and Killian and he asked to hear more.” Emma frowned, realising how clear it had been from the start that Hook wasn’t like the others, that there was something more human about him than she’d seen in any other stolen person. How had she missed it? How had she let herself be so blinded by her anger and her grief and hatred that she hadn’t seen the bits of this man coming through?

“When did it start?” Belle asked. Emma frowned, trying to think, to see clearly through all of her doubts and denials.

“I think,” she remembered how he reacted the first time she’d seen him, when she’d refused to let him touch her and he’d hesitated, how he’d reacted the next day when she’d gotten angry with him and he’d gone to check on Henry. “I think it was right from the start. I yelled at him and -” An amused, knowing smile crossed Belle’s face. “What?” Emma demanded. Belle pressed her lips together, trying to school her features but doing a poor job.

“Killian’s always had a type, hasn’t he?” she said. Emma frowned at her. “You know, we used to talk about you sometimes, when he would come visit me in the library or on his ship.”

Belle had been staying on the Jolly Roger since they’d come back from the Underworld and her father had woken her from her sleeping curse. It had been one of the few places she’d felt safe from her husband after she learned she was pregnant. Emma and Regina had put up the protection spells themselves. Killian would go there some nights to spend time with her, to talk about books and the Enchanted Forest. But she knew he also went to make sure she was safe. She wondered if that was where she’d hidden when the first attack had happened.

“He told me that the first time he realised he liked you was when you threatened his life.” She smiled a bit and raised an eyebrow questioningly. “He said you tied him to a tree?”

Emma shrugged. “It’s a long story.”

Belle laughed. “The point is, Killian liked you because you were strong and you fought him. You stood up to him and challenged him - not many people have done that, you know.” Emma smiled. She did know that about Kilian. I quite fancy you from time to time, when you’re not yelling at me... Yeah right. “Maybe, this version of him isn’t so different,” Belle continued. “Maybe you yelling at him sparked something, found its way into the feelings that had been locked up. Stranger things have happened.”

“Maybe,” Emma agreed then hesitated. She looked over at where Killian was now standing in front of a stack of books. He ran his fingers over the spines carefully. Belle followed her gaze and smiled curiously. “Something else changed,” Emma said. "Today." She looked back at Belle. “He’s started remembering things.”

“Like what?”

“He knew who Ruby was. He remembered Regina’s apple tree… he remembered his name - sort of.”

“Did anything happen today? Anything that could have triggered it?”

Emma blushed. “I kissed him.”

The smile Belle gave her was understanding and a little sad. “He’s your true love, Emma. Even if he’s buried under darkness and stone. And you’re the product of true love - that’s a powerful combination. Maybe you reached that part of him that’s trapped, helped him break through.”

“Like with Graham,” Emma said quietly to herself, remembering how kissing Graham had sent him on a quest to find his heart, believing he was someone else - he’d been right, she just hadn’t known it then.

“Who?”

“Nevermind.” She didn’t want to get into that particular tragedy. She had enough loss to focus on already. “So what have you found out about the curse?” she asked, looking at the books again. Belle didn’t push her.

“It’s called the Stone Heart curse. It creates a prison around someone’s heart, locking away all their memories and emotions - effectively erasing their personality. In theory it kills the soul and leaves behind a sort of living-dead corpse, a shell that the one who cast it can feed orders into. The cursed are loyal only to that person, They’ll do whatever they ask. I think his cauldron is some kind of conduit. He can use it to communicate with all of them, tell them where to go and what to do.”

Killian came to join them now and Emma couldn’t help the way her body reacted when he walked up to her side and placed a hand on her back, as though it was something he did all the time. “Have you found a way to break it?”

Belle shook her head. “No. You’ve come closer to that than any of us have. The thing I don’t understand is what the King’s purpose is. Why is he doing this? What is the point of creating a living dead army if there’s no war to fight? There has to be more.”

Emma hung her head. “He was looking for me. For my heart.”

Her eyes widened. “Your heart? But I thought your heart was protected.”

“It is. That’s why he kept me prisoner. He said he needed the heart of the product of true love and he wanted me to figure out how to remove it. The way he said it was weird though.” Emma paused, trying to remember the exact phrasing Gold had used, knowing that any details they had could help. “He said he needed 'the heart that belonged to the product of true love’.”

Belle frowned, muttering to herself under her breath. “The heart that belongs to the product of true love.” Her eyes snapped up to Emma’s, shock registering on her face. She dashed across the tunnel - as much as she could in her current state - and headed over to another stack of books.

“What is it?” Emma asked, following. Killian followed with her, like a magnet who was being pulled along.

“I’ve heard that before. It was something I found Rumple looking into before we went to the Underworld. She tried to grab a book but it was weighed down by a few others that were out of her reach. Emma went to help but Hook was quicker, lifting them off with one hand. “Thank you,” Belle said with a little shock in her voice. She headed to the table and sat down, opened the book and flipped through the pages. She stopped, reading over one of them quickly. Her face lit up then, with success and surprise, and then it was replaced with fear and panic.

“This is what he’s doing,” Belle said, turning the book around so Emma could see the pages. “Your heart is the primary ingredient in a spell that will allow him to break the laws of magic.”

Emma’s heart raced. “But that could mean…”

“He could do anything. Anything he wants. Bring people back from the dead, perform magic without a price, live forever… make someone love you.”

Emma’s chest tightened, thinking of how Gold had been helping the King. She looked at the sadness on Belle’s face and reached for her hand. “We’ll save Gold. I know that he’s under the control of the King but if we can get his dagger we can -”

Belle stopped her. “He’s not under the King's control. Rumple has his dagger locked away where no one could ever find it, not even me. He -” she stumbled, her words catching in her throat. “He made a deal with him, of his own will.”

“How do you know?”

“He came to me the day before the attack. He found me on the Jolly and asked me to come back to him. I said no.” Tears were welling in her eyes and Emma’s heart went out to her friend, proud of her strength and her decision to choose herself despite how much it must have hurt to give up on the man she’d loved. “He said I would. That he’d find a way. That somehow, I’d love him again.” Belle’s tears fell. She put a hand over her swollen stomach. “That’s what he wants. To make me and the baby love him.”

“Hey,” Emma said, taking her hand again between her own. “We won’t let him. We’ll figure out how to break this curse and then we’ll find his dagger. We’ll stop him. I promise.”

“He’d also… Emma, he could bring Neal back.” Emma fought against the way her heart raced, against the way a small part of her wanted that, not for her but so that Henry could know his father, so that Killian could see Balefire again. She knew how much his loss had hurt both of them.

But she couldn’t let herself think that way. That kind of thinking made her just as bad as the King and Gold. It wasn’t worth the sacrifice of giving them that kind of power just to bring him back. She shuddered though, fearing what she might be willing to do if it meant bringing Killian back. She reached out for his hand. He was here. He was coming back to her.

“We’ll stop them,” she said again and Belle let out a heavy breath.

“Thank you.” She moved to stand. “I’ll go look through some of the books we found in Regina’s vault. Maybe there’s something more about what’s happening to Killian. Maybe we can find a way to -” She stopped. She’d been in the process of standing, awkward and clearly difficult for her to do from her low seat when suddenly Hook was at her elbow, steadying her, letting her use him for leverage as she got to her feet. She blinked at him. “Thank you,” she said and he nodded, letting her go.

Emma’s heart leapt into her throat. It was another sign that Killian was in there. She’d been worried, still, that maybe some of Hook’s actions had only been because of this new version of him’s apparent affection for her. But Killian had loved Belle, Hook didn’t know her. But he was looking at Belle now with the same protectiveness and openness that Emma saw when he looked at her. She looked at the other woman and knew she’d seen it too.

“Do you want to help us?” Belle asked and Hook cocked his head. “We’re going to look through as many of these books as we can to try and figure out what happened to you.”

“Why?” he asked.

“So we can fix you,” Emma said. Hook looked at her now.

“Am I broken?”

She felt her gut twisting. Shit. Nice job, Emma. Belle stepped back, making a point to look very interested in the book on the table, offering them some privacy. How could she explain this to him? How could she explain that he wasn’t who he thought he was, that there was someone else trapped inside and that she wanted that person back? How did she explain that without hurting him?

“You know how you told me about your dream?” she asked.

“Yes. You were there. And the man.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I think it was a memory. You had all of your memories stolen from you and we want to get them back so that you can remember everything else about your life, who you were before the King made you.”

He frowned, looking at the floor, taking in her words and then looked up at her again. There was that openness again. “Will I still remember you?”

Emma smiled, her eyes watering at the sweetness and the concern on his face. Yes, you’ll remember me, she wanted to scream. You’ll remember who you are and you’ll be the man I love again. She only nodded, worried that her voice would betray her.

“Okay,” he said.

“Okay.” She was going to step away, going to go find a book and get started, but the way he was looking at her kept her where she was. He was still an open book, even now. He looked so worried, so unsure, but still, he trusted her, believed that she wouldn’t wrong him.

He still wasn’t Killian, not yet, but when she got him back - and she would get him back - she wanted to remember this version of him too, keep him in her mind with the other versions of him that she’d been lucky enough to know. And for now, for now this version of him needed her, needed her to believe in him, to protect him, to reassure him that things would be okay despite the risk he was taking.

She took a step towards him, noticed the way that longing returned to his eyes the moment she was close, saw the way his breathing picked up just a fraction. She put her hand on his shoulder, balanced herself as she rose onto her toes and pressed her lips to his cheek. He turned into her touch, the same way Killian always did, and she smiled. He followed her as she pulled away, leaning forward, his hand brushing her arm but not taking it.

He stood there, watching her as she and Belle made their way over to where Ariel and Tink were. “You’re right,” Belle said and Emma glanced up at her. “Something is definitely happening.”

“I’m sorry,” Tink said then. “I didn’t know. But I can see it now. I can see the way he’s looking at you.”

“It’s okay,” Emma assured her. “I get it.” Tink still looked a little ashamed. “Really. I do.” She nodded.

“If it was going to be anybody,” Tink started, “it would be him. I’ve never seen anyone survive the way he does, never seen anyone fight that hard for the people he loves. I’m sorry I doubted him. I just -”

“I know. I miss him too,” Emma said and Tink nodded, her lips pulling into a thin line, fighting the emotion on her face.

“Then let’s get him back,” Ariel said.

Hook joined them and helped them carry as many books as possible to the table. They grabbed everything they thought could be useful. In addition to her spellbooks, Belle had amassed an impressive collection of storybooks. None of them like Henry’s, but novels and fairytales and myths and legends - anything that had some link to magic.

For a brief moment, Emma was worried about whether or not Hook could read but he took a book at random and opened it, getting to work. But he didn’t stop casting glances at Ariel. She didn’t notice, her own head buried in her own book, but Emma did. She wished she knew what memory he had or what information he’d been given that made him so anxious around the mermaid.

“What’s with you?” she whispered to him and he caught her eye. “Why are you glaring at Ariel?”

He continued to stare. “She seems… familiar,” was all he said in answer.

“That’s because you know her - or you did know her,” she tried to explain. He frowned. “She’s one of us,” Emma said. “She’s on our side.” He didn’t look convinced. “Look, you and her… the old you and her had some issues. But you need to ignore that now, okay?”

He relented finally, nodding. They returned to their task, all of them focused and frustrated as they found useless spell after useless spell. She had learned how to freeze a heart, how to crush one, how to control one, how to connect one to another, all sorts of different ways to curse hearts - but nothing about how to free one, how to chip away at the stone.

She was getting antsy. Her leg bouncing rapidly under the table as she continued to be let down by book after book. She felt like she was about ready to scream. They’d already been at it for hours and the closest they’d gotten was a spell on how to draw water from a stone. Unhelpful. She’d also found the note that Gold had refered to. The only way to remove a protected heart, the heart of the product of true love, was for the one who was protected to break the spell. Of course it didn’t say how someone would go about doing that - no, that would be too easy.

She felt a hand fall over her own, looked up to see Hook, his eyes still on whatever page he was reading, but his fingers closing over hers on the table between them. She didn’t even think he’d done it intentionally, like it was a reflex, an impulse, but it calmed her almost instantly, the calluses of his fingertips familiar and the warmth of his skin spreading through to hers. She turned her hand under his and he nearly startled before letting her intertwine their fingers. She smiled. So it had been a reflex.

“I think I need a break,” Belle announced finally and they took that as permission to stand and stretch. Belle looked at her. “You look exhausted.”

“Thanks,” Emma deadpanned, only half joking.

Belle laughed. “I only meant you look like you could use some rest - especially him.”

She gestured towards Hook and Emma took a closer look at him. Belle was right. He was pale and dark shadows were beginning to bloom under his eyes. She remembered how she’d woken to him crying out, loud enough that she could hear him down the hall, how he’d been sweating and tossing and turning when he woke up. They hadn’t had a particularly long day, but it had been a big one, especially for him. It was funny, she thought, she hadn’t remembered ever seeing him look tired before. She hoped it was another sign, another thing that proved he was becoming more human.

“Maybe you’re right,” she agreed. She knew she wouldn’t sleep, regardless of how tired she was, but she wanted him to. She was also pretty sure that he wouldn’t go to sleep unless she went with him. He seemed pretty opposed to leaving her side.

“You should rest too, Belle,” Tink said. Belle started to protest but the fairy gave her a stern look. “Your baby needs you to take care of yourself. Now go. Lie down and read it one of those bedtime stories you’re so fond of and try sleep a little. Ariel and I will keep watch.” Belle agreed but begrudgingly, putting her hand on her stomach and stroking it protectively.

Belle led them to the pile of blankets and pillows they’d converted into a cozy little corner. Killian didn’t protest when Emma rose and pulled him along with her and she worried that maybe he was more exhausted than he was letting on. Maybe all of those nights not sleeping outside her door were catching up with him now.

Belle lay down first, propping herself up against one of the walls and pulling a large book from under one of the pillows. Her Handsome Hero, Emma mused. This must have been the bedtime story Tink had mentioned. She smiled a little, it was fitting that Belle would start reading to her baby before he or she was even born.

Emma lay down next to her and groaned at how nice it felt to lie down. She felt more relaxed than she had in a long time. They were safe - for the time being, a voice in her head reminded her, but she ignored it. They were somewhere that the King didn’t know existed, somewhere Gold didn’t know existed, and they had allies. They weren’t in this alone anymore. And Killian was coming back, with every passing moment he did something else that assured her that she’d find him. She just had to keep digging, keep looking for him, help him find his way back to her.

Hook stood above her looking uncomfortable. There wasn’t room for much more than three people on the pillows and she wondered if he was remembering how she’d sent him away last night… but then, she’d also stayed with him until morning. He looked torn, like he wanted to join her but didn’t know if he was allowed, like he was waiting for permission or a command. She didn’t want to give him a command. She wanted him to decide what he wanted.

She sat up. “Are you gonna join me?” she asked and he looked at her, eyebrows shooting up in surprise for a moment before he nodded. He sat next to her and hesitated for a moment before lying down. He seemed to be doing his best to keep his distance, to avoid touching her. She didn’t like that. She took one of his arms that was folded over his chest and stretched it out on the blanket so that she could lay her head on it. She didn’t think she would sleep but the smell of leather and the familiar feel of his shoulder under her cheek might help.

He hesitated for a moment and then slowly, the arm that she was using as a pillow curled around her, holding her to him. He was still for a long time and Emma listened as his breathing slowed and then evened out. She closed her eyes, listening to his breathing and to Belle’s story as she read aloud in a whisper, trying to find a little rest. It was useless.

She rolled onto her side, facing Belle and froze when she felt Hook move again, rolling onto his side with her and wrapping his other arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. Her heart raced against her ribs. She looked up at Belle who had stopped reading and was looking at them with wide eyes. Emma frowned.

“What is it?” Belle asked, speaking quietly so as not to wake him. Emma took a moment, unsure how to explain the worries that still plagued her. She could barely explain them to herself, they were so confusing, everything about this was confusing.

“I just… I don’t know what’s Killian and what’s Hook. When he does things like this I don’t know if it’s Killian breaking through or if it’s this new person developing… feelings.” It felt strange to say but she couldn’t deny the way that Hook had reacted to her, even before the kiss, before the crack in his heart.

“Maybe it’s both,” Belle said. “I’m pretty sure that any version of Killian would fall in love with you. Maybe Killian breaking through has allowed Hook to care about you on his own, as his own person - but I don’t think that means that Killian is any less there,” she said. Emma nodded and Belle gave her a sympathetic look. “It’s okay to like him like this too, Emma. It’s not betraying Killian to feel something for Hook.”

And there it was. Exactly what she’d been afraid of. Because she did like him like this. Of course she wanted him back - all of him. But she couldn’t fight the growing affection she had for the version of him that was with her now. He was kind and he was good and he cared about her and he was still so very much Killian, despite not having his memories.

She remembered the way she’d had the same battle when she met the shy, nervous deckhand, when she met Captain Hook in the past. Each time, every Killian she met, she couldn’t fight the pull she felt towards him, the connection. And each time it felt like a betrayal. She swallowed, guilt eating at her even now.

Belle reached for her hand. “True love is a powerful thing,” she said. “It transcends everything - time, space, magic, curses. I think that you and Killian are just fated to love each other no matter the circumstances. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Think of it as a gift. Not everyone gets to experience love like that.”

Emma nodded, some of the tightness in her chest lightening. She was right. She couldn’t imagine a version of Killian she couldn’t love. She’d known him at his darkest, both when they first met in the Enchanted Forest and when he was under the power of the dagger. But she still loved him. And now, this version was no different. He’d had the darkness inside of him but he’d fought it - he’d fought it for her.

She took hold of his hand that was splayed over her waist, pulled it up to her chest and held it there between her own. No matter the time, the place, the circumstances - she loved him and she would always love him. She just needed him to remember that he loved her.

Belle grunted sifting and arranging pillows around herself, grumbling that she could never get comfortable anymore. Emma smiled, remembering the hell it had been to sleep when she was in the later stages of her pregnancy with Henry. She felt a pang in her stomach thinking about him now, about how much she missed him, how she hoped he was safe. She needed to find a way to break this curse, to get back to him and make him forgive her. She’d lost him once, when she was young and too afraid to fight for him. She wouldn’t lose him again.

Emma frowned, watching as Belle shifted again, thinking of Henry… she froze. She could feel the blood rushing from her face. Shit. Shit. “How long did you say you’d been here again?” she asked. Belle looked at her, frowning.

“A little over two months,” she answered. Shit. She looked back at Hook behind her, tried to do the math in her head. When she looked back at Belle she had another one of those understanding, sympathetic looks on her face. “How late are you?” she asked.

She didn’t even know. She’d lost track of all sense of time and what was normal and what was human in the weeks that had passed since the attack. She tried to think of everything that had happened since, how exhausted she was all the time, the way her mood swung from one extreme to another, the fluttering feeling she’d gotten in her stomach, thinking it was pain or guilt or grief - she’d fainted in the hospital a few days ago. Fuck. She’d chalked it all up to stress, up to a reaction to the absolute hell she’d been living in. But what if it wasn’t just that?

“Late enough,” she answered.

Her heart was racing, her ears ringing, she couldn’t catch her breath. She couldn’t do this again. Not alone, not without Killian. She sat up, shrugging Hook’s arms from her, feeling claustrophobic. This couldn’t be happening. Not now, not here. Not when everyone she loved was slowly being taken away from her.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Belle tried to sooth her. “Believe me, I understand.” Emma looked at her, tried to calm her pounding heart as Hook stirred behind her. He rolled onto his back but didn’t wake. Belle settled her, told her to breathe and slowly, Emma’s hands stopped shaking. She thought of all the times she’d put herself in danger, the reckless lack of regard she’d had for her own life since the King arrived. And now to know it might not have been just her life she was risking…

“I can’t think about it,” she said, doing everything in her power to push the thoughts away. She didn’t even know if she was pregnant. And she couldn’t be right now. There was too much - it was too much. She looked at where the man next to her still slept. “I can’t do this alone,” she said, turning to Belle.

“You won’t. You have us. And you'll have him. I promise.” Belle frowned at Killian then and Emma couldn’t read her expression.

“What?” she asked.

“Do you think he knew?” she said and Emma’s brows shot up. “Killian, I mean.”

“Why?”

“I just - I know the love you can have to your baby before it’s even born. I have it now. I’m sure you had it with Henry. The love between a parent and their child, that’s true love in its purest form. If he knew… then he’d be fighting his way back to two true loves - that’s a powerful pull. Enough to break a curse.” Belle looked at Killian again, tilted her head. “And even now, he’s so protective of you…”

Had Killian known? Had he figured it out before she had? She wouldn’t put it past him. He was a very perceptive man. And he wouldn’t have said anything, not in the state she was in then - he knew her, he knew she couldn’t handle this, not now. But he’d protected her, kept her safe, kept her healthy… He was continuing to do it now, even buried under rock and darkness.

Later, when Emma had had a bit of time to come to grips with the possibility of being a mother again, and to rise above the panic and the fear that possibility brought with it, Belle asked her how she felt about it.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, do you want to be pregant? Do you want to have another child? Are you happy?”

That was a hard question. If she’d been asked two months ago she’d have said yes. Of course, yes. She loved Killian, she knew he wanted this, she wanted it with him. They were in love, happy, together. But now, now she didn’t know. She was too afraid of having to do it alone, too afraid that they wouldn’t defeat the King before this kid showed up and then what kind of world would that be for her to raise it in?

“I don’t know.”

Belle nodded. “I understand,” she said, her hand coming to her stomach. “But, life goes on doesn’t it? Despite everything, all the horribleness that gets thrown at us, it’s still life. We need to seek out the good and hold onto it or we’ll lose ourselves to the bad.”

Emma nodded. She tried to think of how she’d feel if this wasn’t happening now. She was happy. It was a confused, complicated kind of happy, one that brought with it more anxiety than joy, but she was happy. She looked at the man laying next to her, the one who had protected her since she’d met him. She loved him so much that it hurt. She loved them both and she needed to do whatever she could to keep this version of him safe and save Killian. She needed Killian to share this with her, knew how much it would mean to him, how much he wanted it. Emma reached out, brushed his cheek gently.

“Come back to me,” she begged for what felt like the hundredth time. She lay her head down on his chest, wrapped her arm around him and held him tight. “Come back to us.”

***

They were woken later by Ariel shaking her shoulder gently. Emma blinked up at her, wondering what time it was, how long she’d slept. “What is it?” she asked and a playful smirk crossed Ariel’s face.

“Want to go on a raid?” she asked. Emma looked up, Belle and Tink were sitting at the table again, discussing something intensely.

“A raid where?” Emma asked, sitting up slowly, trying not to wake Hook.

“I found something.” Emma’s heartrate picked up, feeling suddenly very awake. Ariel smiled. “One of the books made mention of a magical object that could break any curse. A dagger that can sever magic from an afflicted person’s body.”

Holy shit, this was really something! Something that could help them, could maybe free Killian, free her parents, free everyone. She leapt up, jostling Hook as she did and he bolted to a seating position, looking between the two women. She ignored the way he wrapped a protective arm around her, shielding her from whatever threat he thought might have woken him.

“Where is it?” Emma asked, brushing Hook’s arm away and standing. He stood with her.

Ariel’s smile widened. “On the Jolly Roger.”

“Wait, what,” she demanded, shocked and confused. “Killian had it?”

Ariel shook her head. “Not Killian, Blackbeard. When he had possession of the ship he hid treasure all over it. I remember seeing a dagger that looked exactly like the one described in the book. I don’t even think he knew what it was, just another prize.”

“What are we waiting for?” she asked. “Let’s go!” Hook moved to follow her and she hesitated, not sure if he would be a help or a hindrance, not sure what was going on between him and Ariel, but also not wanting to be separated from him - not again. Ariel must have seen her hesitation.

“Bring him,” she said. “Maybe the Jolly Roger will help spark some memories. And,” she hesitated, like she felt bad about her next words. “He knows how they think. If we run into any shells he could help.”

Emma turned to him. “Will you come with us?” she asked. He nodded, took her hand. She smiled. “Good.”

The tiny, hesitant smile he gave her in return was familiar and made her heart race even now. She would be careful, she promised herself. She had two people to protect now. But she needed to go, had to go if there was a chance that this dagger could save him. She nodded for Ariel to lead the way.

“Be careful,” Belle said as they headed to the stockpiles and armed themselves. Emma was happy to find a gun. She could use a sword but at the end of the day, a gun was familiar and more reliable. She tucked it into the back of her jeans. She tried not to smile as Hook found a sword and secured it to his hip.

“Take care of her,” Ariel told Tink.

Belle frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not a child,” she said.

“No, but you’re carrying one,” Tink reminded her. She still didn’t look pleased.

“We’ll take the tunnels,” Ariel told her as they headed down in the opposite direction of the way they’d come in this morning. “If we magic there in broad daylight we could draw their attention.” Broad daylight? Had they slept all night?

“There’s an entrance that comes up in the warehouse,” she continued. “If we’re quick, and careful, we should be able to stay hidden through the covered docks, climb down to the water and swim to the Jolly Roger.” Emma wanted to groan. Of course the mermaid would suggest swimming. At least it wasn’t winter.

They made their way through the tunnels until they reached what Ariel said was the right exit. Thankfully Storybrooke wasn’t a very big town and Ariel seemed to know her way well enough. They came up through a trap door in the harbormaster’s office, making sure to crack it open and be sure nobody was around before climbing through.

“Be careful. They usually have three guards to each post,” Emma said.

“Four,” Hook corrected and she turned to him. “Four guards. Three visible and one hidden. For backup. Or to deliver a message back.” She raised a brow at him, not only was that the most he’d spoken yet, but she was surprised at how much he knew, she’d somehow forgotten he was one of them so recently. He only shrugged.

“Okay, four. Do you know where they are?” she asked. He smiled and it was the most Killian-like smile she’d seen since she met him, full of mischief and a little cocky. He nodded.

“They guard the shore, not the water.”

That meant they were behind them. They wouldn’t have to face any of the shells if they avoided making enough comotion to draw their attention. Emma smiled at him and he looked so proud it made her smile more.

Carefully, they made their way down to the edge of the water and ditched their boots. Emma tried not to make a sound as the freezing cold water hit her. She could handle this. The Jolly wasn’t far off, maybe a few hundred feet. She was a strong swimmer and so was Killian and, well, Ariel was a mermaid so they should be fine. They allowed her a moment to get used to the cold, to lose the heaviness in her limbs and be able to breathe easily again before they started making their way to the Jolly.

They reached the side of the ship and grabbed hold of the nets that hung down it’s side, starting the slow, steady climb onto the deck. Hook climbed expertly to her annoyance, occasionally reaching out to steady her with his hand on her back when she lost her balance on the uneven terrain that moved every time she reached up. He was doing it one handed too.

She was reminded of the beanstalk, of how they’d climbed together then, how this wasn’t so different. Both of them on a quest to find a magical object that would reunite her with those she loved. Killian was still Hook then, still someone who had only just chosen her over the evil he’d to whom he'd promised his allegiance. She knew better now though. She could trust him. And she would.

They finally made it on deck, Emma taking just a moment to flop down on the wood, exhausted. Hook reached it just after her, smiling down from his spot standing next to her head. He reached his hook down and she grabbed it, let him haul her up to her feet.

“We should split up,” Ariel said. “Search the ship. Blackbeard would have hidden it well. He didn’t like anyone coming near the things he’d stolen. Especially anything that could be valuable.”

Emma nodded, and Ariel suggested she start with the deck and Emma with the captain’s cabin since she was the one here most familiar with it at the moment. It was understood that Hook would come with her. Ariel said she’d start with the healm, knowing that Blackbeard had a habit of hiding things where he could keep them close.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright by yourself?” she asked.

Ariel brushed her concerns off. “If anything happens I’ll jump overboard. They won’t find me in the water. I can swim away or stay under until they give up.”

Emma agreed reluctantly and she and Hook made their way carefully down below deck. She felt safer now that they weren’t out in the open, but she still worried for Ariel out there alone. They were in the galley, the crew’s sleeping quarters to the left and Killian’s room to the right. She figured his room would be the best place to start.

Hook was looking around with a strange expression on his face. It was the same look he’d had when they were in their home, in Regina’s office. Like he was trying to put the pieces together but couldn’t. She hoped it felt familiar, hoped it would spark something.

She led him towards his room, only making it halfway down the narrow hall when Hook shushed her, his whole body going stiff. He reached for his sword.

“Someone’s on deck,” he said. She heard it then, the creaking of the boards above them. Her heart leapt into her throat, her body suddenly on high alert. He was right, she could hear it, footsteps above them. Not Ariel’s, the helm was at the bow of the ship, the sounds were coming from the stern, but they were making their way to the front quickly.

“Are they usually on the ships?” she asked, her heart racing, hoping he’d have an idea of how many people they were facing.

He shook his head, “Never.”

Oh crap, she thought as she realised - They were looking for him. If they’d suddenly posted guards to the Jolly Roger then that meant that they were expecting him to come back, maybe expecting her to bring him back. She should have expected this, should have seen it coming. They needed to get off the ship. They needed to get to Ariel, save her before she was caught unawares.

“Hurry,” she said. “We need to help her.”

He jumped to action, heading back to the stairs and she rushed after him. They climbed back up on the deck, hiding for a moment in the stairs to try see how many there were. She could see three. Hadn’t he said four? That meant there was another somewhere.

She motioned to two of them, indicating that he should take them on while she took the third. She should have grabbed a sword. She couldn’t use her gun now, it would draw too much attention. Stupid. She thought. How had she been so stupid? Hook nodded and headed up first. She followed after him.

He cut down the first before he had time to make a sound. He was rounding on the second as Emma tackled the third, knockin him to the ground and whacking him in the head with the butt of her gun as hard as she could. His head fell against the wood with a hard thump. She looked back up and saw Hook standing over the second shell. She almost smiled before she heard the scream.

Ariel. She and Hook cast a glance at each other before running off towards the sound. When they reached it there were two more, each holding one of her arms as she struggled in their grasp. Emma charged, gun raised, they’d been found out now anyway. She took a shot, getting one in the shoulder and wounding her enough that she flew back with the force of the bullet.

She kept her distance as she circled the second one, keeping her back to the railing, trying to get a shot but he kept Ariel between them as a shield. She heard a sixth running towards them, saw as Hook whirled around to take him down, their swords clashing. But Hook was a better fighter, he was always the better fighter. She nearly had her shot.

“Emma watch out!” Ariel screamed and she barely had time to follow her gaze to the woman she’d shot down, aiming her own gun straight at Emma’s heart. She heard the shout of Hook’s ‘no’ echoing across the water, heard the crack of the bullet leaving the chamber. She waited for the impact but before it could come he was there, throwing himself between her and the bullet.

“Killian!” she screamed as he was thrown back by the force of it, falling over the railing and crashing into the water below. She didn’t even know if she screamed, she didn’t think, just threw herself over the edge after him. She hit the icy water, ignoring the way it constricted her lungs and numbed her limbs. She opened her eyes, searching. Where was he, where the fuck was he?

She found him, sinking deeper, his eyes shut, his body lifeless, blood turning the water around his stomach red, seeping out into the darkness around him. She swam, kicked and dived, her lungs screaming at her, her eyes burning from the salt. Just get to him. She couldn’t lose him again. Not now, not like this.

She reached him, wrapping her arm around his chest, under his arms and slowly making her way up to the surface. But he was too heavy. She had nothing to push off of and she was running out of air. The surface was too far away. She kept pushing, kept kicking but she knew she wouldn’t make it.

If she hadn’t been underwater she would have laughed when she saw Ariel dive in beside them, saw her spot them and swim over. Arielgrabbed hold of one of Hook’s arms and Emma grabbed the other. Together, they heaved him up.

Emma gasped as they broke the surface, not even taking a second to appreciate the air in her lungs because Hook hadn’t taken a breath. She leaned back, holding him to her chest, keeping his face out of the water. She put her fists to his sternum and squeezed harshly, a desperate, relieved sound leaving her when he spit out water, coughed and gasped desperately for breath.

“Emma,” Ariel said, getting her attention. “Can you get us back to the tunnels?”

She nodded, focusing, struggling as she tried to balance calling on her magic, stretching it out to include Hook and Ariel, and focusing on keeping herself above water, on not panicking at the fact that Hook was still shot, still bleeding out, that he wasn’t out of the woods yet. It took a moment but the white smoke surrounded them and suddenly they collapsed to the ground, soaking wet, in the middle of the camp.

“What happened?” Belle shouted, she and Tink rushing to their sides. Both of them turned their attention to Hook. He’d stopped coughing, his breathing coming in shallower and shallower bursts. Emma didn’t answer, let Ariel explain. She had to save Hook.

You idiot, she thought. She wanted to scream at him. Why would you do that! He’d jumped in front of a fucking bullet for her, had nearly drowned, had nearly left her. She brought her hands to his stomach, over the wound there. She tried to rein in her panic at the amount of blood that stained her shaky hands, flowing out of him freely and quickly with each beat of his heart. He groaned at her touch but it was weak.

Emma shut her eyes, focused on him, on Hook, Killian, whoever he was. It didn’t matter who she was saving. She needed them both. She loved him, all of him, and she focused on that love, let it pour out of her heart and into her blood, let it course through her veins and into her skin where she touched him. A golden glow shone there and she opened her eyes, watched as some of the paleness left his face, as his breathing evened out, the blood slowing.

She lifted her hands, pulled open his shirt and vest so that she could look at the wound. It was gone. Not even a scar left. The only evidence it had been there at all was the blood that was slowly rolling off his stomach with the water. She broke down, finally let her fear and the fact that he’d almost died again crash over her. She fisted her hands in the open collar of his shirt and bent over him, let her forehead fall against his chest as a sob wracked her body. He was alive. He was alive. He was still here.

She felt his arm come up around her, felt his hand rub soothing, and hesitant up her back and she remembered she was angry with him. How could he have been so careless, so reckless with his life? How could he have been so stupid? He’d nearly died, he’d nearly left her again. She wouldn’t have survived it. And now she wasn’t the only one who needed him anymore.

She stood, storming off under the guise of wanting to wash the blood off her hands. She’d seen some wipes in one of the stockpiles and she found them, ripping the packet open and rubbing aggressively at the stains on her skin. There was so much of it. She’d almost lost him. She heard him coming up behind her but she didn’t turn around.

“Thank you,” he said and she tensed. She didn’t want his thanks. She wanted him to not be a fucking idiot and throw himself in front of guns for her. She didn’t answer him, kept working on cleaning her hands. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked. She felt the fury rising up inside of her, she couldn’t stop herself, she whirled on him.

“Yes, you did something wrong!” she snapped, anger taking the place of the fear and the pain that seeing him like that had caused. Anger was easier, anger didn’t hurt as much. “How could you do something so stupid, so dangerous?” she demanded. “You almost got yourself killed!” He looked down at his feet, worried the end of his hook. She stared at him, panting in her rage, waiting for him to say something, something she could yell at him for again.

He looked at her and her breath caught in her throat. She knew that look. He was looking at her the way Killian always looked at her, the way he looked at her before she let him in, before she admitted she loved him, after he admitted he loved her. Her anger faded away, snuffed out by the affection and the dedication in his expression. It was overwhelming after not having been looked at like that for so long.

“I couldn’t let them hurt you,” he said and her chest tightened. “Not you.” He stepped forward, always hesitant, always unsure. “I - I don’t understand it but,” he frowned, his face screwing up under the effort of trying to find the words. “You make my chest hurt,” he said and it was her turn to frown. “You make my chest hurt and my stomach twist and when you’re far away it hurts more.” He reached out, brushed her arm, let it trail down to her hand where he wrapped his fingers around hers. “When I touch you it stops hurting. I don’t want to let go.” He squeezed her fingers. “I couldn’t let you get hurt. I don’t know - I don’t know what I’d do if you were gone.” Emma looked into his eyes and was nearly knocked back by the emotion there. “I need you,” he finished.

It was a clumsy declaration, an awkward explanation. Killian had always been good with words, she was usually the one to stumble over her feelings. He didn’t understand what he was feeling but it didn’t matter, she did. He loved her. This version of him loved her, Hook did, and he had risked his life for her, to protect her. And she’d yelled at him. He loved her. She could feel tears stinging her eyes. Belle was right, any version of them, in any universe, they would find each other, they would love each other.

She reached for him, brought his lips down to hers and kissed him. She kissed him to say thank you, she kissed him to say she was sorry, and she kissed him to say she loved him - in a way that he would understand. His arms came around her as he pulled her close, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe but she didn’t care as his lips moved over hers with an intensity and a rightness that had been missing from their last kiss.

She felt it when it happened, felt the light burst from between them, the shock of magic that blew out, surged through her and filled the room, scattered out beyond the walls and out into the world. She stumbled back, knocked over by the force of it. She held on to him as he tumbled with her, trying to steady herself. When she looked at him again it was Killian looking back at her.

“Swan?” he said.

Emma let out a sob, throwing herself at him with so much force that it knocked him back a step. He caught her, letting out a surprised ‘oomph’ when she pressed her lips to his again, kissing him over and over to make sure he was real. He was here. He was back. He’d come back to her.

“I knew you’d do it, Emma,” he said when she released him so that she could wrap her arms around him, tuck her head under his chin and feel him pull her close, feel his fingers run through her hair. “I knew you’d find me.”

They turned as the others came running, looks of shock and excitement and bewilderment on all their faces. She released him but grabbed his hand, not ready to let him go just yet.

“What happened?” Ariel asked, looking between the two of them.

“We did it,” Emma said, not able to keep the happy laughter from bubbling up in her voice. “We broke the curse!”

“How?” Tink asked.

“True love’s kiss," Belle smiled. "The most powerful magic in the world.” She stepped forward, pressed her lips to Killian’s cheek. His ears went red. “It’s good to have you back, Killian.”

“Is it really you?” Tink asked and Killian smiled at her.

“Aye, Tink, it’s really me.”

She jumped forward, slamming into him and throwing her arms around him, squeezing him tight before remembering herself and stepping back, looking embarrassed.

“This is wonderful news,” Ariel said. “I’m so glad you figured it out.” And with that, she plunged her hand into his chest and ripped out his heart.

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