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shimbongulus · 4 months

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Thorns and Stars

(Warning! There are spoilers for Undertale Yellow's pacifist ending up ahead! Don't read if you haven't played it! Or do. I'm not your dad.)

The sun fractalized through the branches of trees in the park, making Martlet squint a bit as she relaxed on a wooden bench.

The days since freedom came had been absolutely wonderful. Sunlight for the first time in most monsters’ lives, a decent peace with humanity, and a chance for a new start in a world they got to explore all anew.

Martlet had been doing her fair share of exploring around Ebbott, at least, but she wasn’t as young as she used to be. Her brief morning flight was evidence of that as she nursed a mildly aching wing, her fingertips massaging sore muscles and brushing over feathertips that frayed with age.

She rued how unruly her down had gotten as she aged, but she reminded herself that was a sign of age - she got to see her down get all unruly, and feel her muscles lose the endurance they once had. It meant she had made it far enough to see the sun, that fabulous burning yellow disc that Monsterkind had dreamed of for so long.

But at the moment her wings weren’t the only things aching.

For the past decade and then some, she had been coping with the loss of a friend who had been in her life briefly but brilliantly. Starlo, Dalv and Ceroba had been excellent companions in the process of mourning and grief, and she had managed to grow around it, but it still bristled its thorns from time to time.

Was there a world where they got to age with her? Was there a world where they came at this point in time? Perhaps.

Suddenly, a childlike voice echoed from Martlet’s right. “Is your wing alright?” She turned to look, and immediately recognized the figure of Frisk Dreemurr, the human name that every monster knew and would know for centuries to come.

“Oh, just fine. Things start to ache as you get old. It’s whatever.” There was something incredibly familiar about Frisk’s presence and energy, something that seemed to summon the sweetness of the rose that dwelt somewhere within the thorns of grief.

“Say… you’re Frisk, huh?” They gave a nod, “Yup. What’s your name?”

“Martlet. I’m originally from Snowdin, but I’m currently staying in an apartment in New Waterfall.”

Frisk gave that smile that caused the rose of grief to give its fragrance in Martlet’s soul even stronger as they extended a hand and shook with a firmness that shook her to her foundations. “Nice to meet ya, Martlet.” Suddenly, their face drew sympathetic. “Oh, I’m sorry, did I say something?”

“W-Wha?” Small flecks of wetness on the periphery of her vision grew to Martlet’s awareness. “O-Oh, uh, it’s.. It’s not you. You just…”

She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself as she spoke the sentence, “You remind me of an old friend of mine. In a really good way.” She brushed some of the tears away, but a few miniscule replacements came behind them. Martlet tried her best to repress the sadness and lean into the bittersweetness that welled up from within her.

Frisk pulled to a seat beside them, adjusting their blue-and-purple-striped jacket to keep the untimely spring cool out. “Who were they, if you don’t mind me asking?”

For a moment, Martlet found it hard to summon words. What words could describe that brilliant, bright little candle that had come into their life for that moment those years ago? Friend? Compatriot? Companion?

“Clover. Their name was Clover,” was all that she could manage for a moment, her blue bowlcut shifting in a slight breeze as a few tears flecked from her chin to her lap.

Her voice shook slightly as she spoke, “T-They were a human, the last one to come before you. I h-helped them through Snowdin and to the Dunes…” Frisk put a hand on the tip of her shoulder, as if to ask permission to hug them. Martlet nodded as the child stretched an arm across as much of her back as they could reach.

“They were a really, really good friend. They were really strong, and really compassionate, like you.” Something seemed to wake up in Frisk as their brows raised and they asked, “Did they wear a cowboy hat?”

Martlet nodded, the tears slackening a little bit. “Yeah - yeah, they did.” Frisk seemed to look down into their lap, pondering as she continued, “They had a little toy gun, too. They loved coffee, and sweets, and pancakes, and dancing, and adventuring… They were tough as nails, and stronger than anyone could have ever believed.”

Frisk looked up and frowned a bit as they quietly nodded. Martlet then realized Frisk had obviously seen the container. “How did it happen?”

Martlet’s head hung a bit as another few tears trickled down. “While they journeyed, they heard about the wrongs we’d suffered. They g-gave up their soul s-so that we…” Martlet tried to finish the sentence, but they could speak no more, and a pathetic little squeak came from her mouth as the tears seemed to come unfettered and undammed, coming in a small shower from her face as Frisk hugged her that extra little bit harder.

They squeezed Martlet’s feathered shoulders as the bird-monster cried, whispering, “It’s okay, it’s okay,” to her. Martlet’s tears finally slackened a bit as she reciprocated the hug to Frisk.

Suddenly, the human looked up at them with bright eyes full of an idea. “Would you mind if I ran and got you something?” Martlet tried to voice a “sure,” but all that they could manage was a little nod as their breath still failed them from the emotional moment shared with the one who helped break the barrier.

She sat and watched as the human ran down the street, past the old brick building and away to some corner of this new town. She was alone now, for the moment, and wondered how Starlo and Ceroba were doing. Last she had seen Dalv, he was making moves to a more open stretch of ground to the east of the mountain, good for growing the fields of corn he excelled at growing.

Starlo and Ceroba were staying somewhere in New Home, she knew, and she wondered if they would ever complete the move up to Surface Home, but as far as she knew they were happy as it was.

Martlet smiled a bit. Even if Clover was gone, she still had a good crowd of friends. She started to make a mental note to arrange a get-together between Frisk and everyone else, when she felt a tugging at her sleeve.

As she turned, she saw Frisk, who had made their way back in front of her with nary a sound, giving her a start for a moment, “Aah! Oh, gosh, you scared the feathers off of me.” Frisk smirked, “Really? Looks like you still have ‘em all.”

She shook her head, “You know what I mean.” It was then that she noted Frisk’s hand was clasped around something small. “Hm? What’s that you’ve got there?” Frisk smiled, “Something I found in the Underground when I was making my way through.”

Their hands unclasped to reveal a little six-pointed star with small brass knobs sticking out at each star-point. A word shone out from the center of the well-polished and well-kept keepsake, “DEPUTY.”

Martlet’s hands involuntarily stretched out for the star, which Frisk eagerly handed to them. She caressed the thing and felt its contours, caressing even the pin which once held this to the chest of the human she had known so well.

She smiled a bright, happy smile at Frisk as the sweet rose that lived inside grief gave off a perfume they had not smelled since the thornbush had first grown. She felt love emanate from the little badge and embraced it, taking her arms and physically embracing the love - or at least its momentary source, Frisk, which Frisk was all too happy to accept.

“Thank you, Frisk.”

Martlet could not explain it if she had tried, nor if she had been the most knowledgable monster in existence, but for a moment it was as though she felt Clover there, with her. As if she could hear the words murmuring through some consciousness of hers, “It’s okay. It’s all okay. You’re free now.”

The thorns seemed as they were all coming up roses now as she enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon with a new friend.

(Thanks for reading! Be sure to go give this fic a kudos on Ao3 too!)

#undertale #frisk #undertale yellow #clover undertale #grief #fluff #fanfic #martlet #uty

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loosesodamarble · 2 years

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Little Things

Just some random factoids about my Black Clover ocs that aren't enough to make individual posts about.

Josele Canty

Josele likes to aimlessly draw in dirt. She’s not a dedicated artist but she's a decent one. And even though she knows what she doodles will fade, the idea of “I drew here once and even though it’s gone physically, I’ve left my mark here somehow” touches her heart.

Josele considers her greatest luxury to be the ring Morgen proposed to her with. It's simple and, price wise, doesn't compare to the many dresses he's bought her, but it's priceless to her.

Pajamas of choice: nightgown, short or long. No exceptions. It’s one article of clothing to slip in and out of.

Her shower thoughts would include just reciting the last book she's read with eerie accuracy.

.....

Helia Nymvire

Helia loves burying her hands/feet into things. Sand, mud, water, anything that can be submerged into really. Those varying tactile sensations are fun.

She likes to buy shiny baubles. Hair clips, bracelets, or pendants. For herself or her friends, she likes trinkets that bring out one’s eyes or compliments their hair color.

Pajamas of choice: shorts and tank top since she overheats easily. That or just her underwear if she’s feeling particularly toasty on some evenings.

Has dragged every member of the Black Bulls into a mud pit with Henry as the sole exception (for obvious reasons).

.....

Selen Nymvire

Selen is fond of flower buds. The small, unbloomed flowers have potential and that fills him with hope.

He likes taking baths so whenever he indulges, he typically buys nice bath salts or soaps. Later on, per Nero's suggestion, he starts keeping little sachets of soap shavings or salts so he never loses a scent.

Pajamas of choice: um, none? He would go to sleep in whatever he’s wearing at any given moment, no exceptions. The man could be in a full tuxedo and be perfectly comfortable sleeping in it. He’s probably forgotten that clothes specific to sleeping exist.

Shockingly flexible. Can do full splits and reach a foot behind his head without discomfort.

....

Lorelei Koascky

She takes pride in how many pages in her books have dog-eared corners. She's a heathen that bookmarks via bent page corners and sees those corners as proof of how many times she's read her books.

Lorelei indulges in some good massages because sometimes, being hunched over magic textbooks can hurt. She's gotten out of Marx chewing her out for spending her research budget on massages by inviting him to some too.

Pajamas of choice: matching long sleeve shirt and pants. Nothing but fine silk wrapping her body for bed.

Has a book she uses exclusively to put her to sleep because it's just that boring. So many of the pages are warped and smudged from drool she's left on it.

.....

Irene Lodeston

She likes the look of polished floors. Whether they be wood laminate or tile, shiny and sparkling floors give her a sense of joy.

She loves tea and coffee. She's always seeking out fancy blends and loves buying ones with limited releases. She has a whole room in her manor dedicated to storing tea leaves and coffee beans.

Pajamas of choice: either goes with matching pajama pants and shirt or a nightgown.

Has kissed Letoile in front of her class because the children cheered for them to do it. Irene thinks of the moment fondly while Letoile is embarrassed she got pressured by children.

.....

Lexi Tateson

Something small she likes to do is walk narrow lines. The top of a fence, a tree bridge over a ditch, or just a drawn line. Tetia jokes that Lexi should've become a tightrope walker instead of a bodyguard given her fascination.

Lexi's way of indulging involves buying trinkets, toys, and snacks from Clover Kingdom and bringing them to the children of the elf tribe. She loved seeing them marvel at the culture difference through those small things.

Pajamas of choice: whatever the medieval equivalent of sweatpants and a t-shirt is. Simple and easy to wear so she can be at the ready at a moment’s notice.

Lexi and Licht have tried testing which of their magics is stronger but never came to a conclusion.

#black clover #black clover oc #josele canty #helia nymvire #selen nymvire #lorelei koascky #irene lodeston #lexi tateson #soda's ocs

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shingor777-blog · 1 year

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Research Narratives #006

The following are the raw materials I collected in each location, and expand my thinking path.

Coronation Walk (a sidewalk junction)

I noticed that on the side of the road at this location, plants would be bound by iron fences and wooden sticks to form a stable structure to keep out the wind. The orderly iron fence is in sharp contrast to the organic trees, and the iron fence will change according to the shape of the trees. The aesthetic structure formed by this form is very interesting.

In a nearby grassland, because it is close to the sidewalk, two curvilinear roads are carved by pedestrians' steps, while the middle part seems to be avoided by everyone tacitly. The reclamation of roads here is a manifestation of consensus rather than being determined by authority. This idea is very attractive to me.

The street lamp standing at the intersection may seem ordinary to me, but after careful observation, I realized for the first time that a street lamp can also be very complicated—the arc-shaped disc cover on the top, the joint The iron ring, the metal-plated upper part of the branch, the gate for installing the battery, the iron ring for fixing the signpost, and the thick and fat chassis… constitute a sophisticated system. I simply drew it in an infographic way.

Finally, I used paper and pencil to form a tracing of the texture of the trees in that area, resulting in a textured drawing that reflects a different character from my own sketches.

Monument: There is a monument a little further in the park. Monuments are one type of sculpture that are well suited to serve as visual anchors. David let us observe the characteristics of the monument and collect it. I planarized and deconstructed the monument from high to low, and recorded some symbols.

I also found that the arrangement of the iron fences around the monument has a certain regularity. The combination of high and low creates a rhythm, making these fences themselves seem to be a part of the monument. Seen from above, the entire area enclosed by the iron fence is in the shape of a four-leaf clover, which I guess may also have some kind of cultural connection.

Abandoned house (front) We came to the front of an abandoned house. A wealth of objects can be found here - cones, traffic signs, trucks, iron cages, tires, and several cut tree trunks… Due to time constraints, I focused on the objects around the house rather than the characteristics of the building , because I think they can also reflect the functional properties of building a house. Objects are part of memory, and more obvious traces and clues of use can be seen. The felled trees were already overgrown with fungal colonies, suggesting that the wood had been sitting for a long time. The stacking of roadblocks and traffic signs reflects that this place has become a warehouse-like existence, and construction workers are the main applicable population.

Abandoned house (back) Behind the abandoned house, I saw more details related to the house itself - such as a "Y" structure with tyres hanging from a rope, a cross-section of a tree trunk that looks like a steak, Celtic motifs, symmetrical fence forms ……

The other end of the park At the other end of the park, in the middle of the pavement, there are more human traces: a bench, a street sign with various modifications, a blind alley and an orderly pattern of pavement bricks ……

#Researchnarratives

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bubblybongwater · 3 years

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hey it’s october!! i’m gonna be trying to do writetober so stay tuned!! i’ll also be posting a late birthday fic for dark choco so stay tuned for that as well :}, also it’s technically october 2nd now but i started this on the 1st so it still counts + sorry if this isn’t the best, i kinda rushed on it (help me it’s 11:58 and i’m just now posting this crying rn)

🪴🎃🪴🎃🪴🎃🪴🎃🪴🎃🪴🎃🪴🎃🪴🎃

the dead leaves crunched on the ground as you wandered around the pumpkin patch, or…what seemed like a pumpkin patch? there weren’t any signs that stated it exactly was a pumpkin patch. but there were pumpkins everywhere, and you did walk like an hour to get here; so you weren’t leaving without a pumpkin. crouching down to get a better look at the pumpkins, you noticed how well the pumpkins were taken care of. they were pretty much the most perfect pumpkins you’ve ever seen. ‘who could’ve planted these?’ you thought to yourself. suddenly, you heard leaves crunching nearby. since it was night, your only instinct was to jump up and go hide somewhere. the crunching could’ve been an animal, but to stay safe, you just hid behind a tree.

“i hope clover cookie’s animal friends didn’t get into my pumpkins again…” you heard a voice sigh. you popped your head from behind the tree to see where the voice was coming from. you saw a stranger searching through the pumpkin patch, and he had a flashlight. you shuffled back to your original spot behind the tree, hoping the stranger wouldn’t find you. but alas, it was fall. so every time you moved, the leaves coating the grass would crunch. the flashlight that the stranger was holding shined in your direction. your heart started to beat at a really fast pace, you were scared and didn’t know what to do. you just froze and stood there. the footsteps of the stranger drew closer until…

“ah..hello…?” you looked down at the stranger, and he looked back at you. he was…a lot shorter than he looked from far away. however, you were still scared. you didn’t want to get your ass kicked for trespassing. you expected him to scold you for trespassing or something, but instead, he sounded a bit concerned, “are you alright? it’s chilly out here and you don’t have a sweater on.” you really weren’t expecting this stranger to have such concern for you. you cleared your throat before speaking, “uhm..i’m fine, thank you.”

“you can come inside my cottage for a bit, it’s late at night and chilly, no cookie should be out here,” the stranger offered. well, it was pretty chilly. and he was allowing you to come into his home, it felt cruel to decline such an offer. after thinking for a few seconds, you nod your head. “alright! follow me,” the stranger started to walk towards his cottage, beckoning you to follow. you noticed how careful the stranger was around any plant, he made sure not to step on anything, even a small flower. strange, he’s just very passionate about plants, you assume.

when you arrive at the cottage, you admire the structure of it; long strands of ivy creeped up the sides, and many small gardens were around the building. even potted plants sat on the large porch. there were also a few small ponds too. you and the stranger walked into the cottage. “wait here, i’ll bring you some tea,” the stranger excused himself into the kitchen. you sat down on one of the chairs in the living room, it was pretty comfy; you felt a lot warmer than you did outside. a few minutes later, the stranger came back with a small cup of tea, slowly handing it to you. “thank you,” you hummed as you accepted the cup. the stranger just smiles warmly at you as he sits in the chair next to yours.

“oh, i’ve yet to introduce myself. my name is herb cookie!” he grinned as he extended his hand towards you. “(y/n), and uh, sorry about trespassing,” you awkwardly reply, whilst shaking herb cookie’s hand. “no need to worry about it. how did you find my little pumpkin garden though? it’s not exactly a public area,” he asked you.

“well, i was just walking through the forest. then i saw a few squirrels feasting on a fresh pumpkin, and decided to walk around until i found your patch,” you explained, slowly sipping your tea afterwards. herb cookie nodded, “i see…i guess clover cookie’s animal friends did get to the pumpkins after all.” hm, you didn’t see any cookies on your way here. so, out of curiosity, you ask, “who’s clover cookie?” “clover cookie is my brother! he lives here with me,” herb cookie replied. ‘huh, brother. i wonder if they look the same,’ you pondered to yourself.

you and herb cookie chatted for awhile. it was now around midnight, and you were getting a bit tired. herb cookie noticed this and let you stay in one of his guest rooms.

you ended up staying the night there, and honestly, you slept surprisingly well. and in the morning, herb cookie made biscuits for breakfast. plus you even got to meet clover cookie. you, herb cookie, and clover cookie chatted for a bit; until it was time for you to go home. before you left, herb cookie stopped you, “i know you came here to get a pumpkin, so you can have one of mine!” you looked at him, confused on why he’d let you have one. herb cookie obviously cared deeply about his plants. so why did he let you have one. “you’ve been an amazing guest, so you can have one! another gift from me,” he smiled cheerfully. you smile back, grateful for your new friend.

when you got home, you turned the pumpkin into a little plant pot, to symbolize your new friend.

#cookie run #cookie run x reader #herb cookie #herb cookie x reader #cookie run insert #reader insert #x reader #writertober

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doodleimprovement · 3 years

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CSAU :: Moonie Jericho and the Mysterious Case of the Moon-Jumper Mask

At long last, It is finished! Happy Halloween!

Below the line is a lighthearted fic taking place in the “Coffee Shop” AU (( @doodledrawsthings ))with Magic! Family fun! Low stakes! And a gratuitous cameo by my OC because of course Nell is here

Seriously though this fic is about as lighthearted as it gets. At the end of the fic are a few sketches I drew but didn’t end up coloring.

((There’s going to be an alternate ending posted separately at a later date, but its not relevant to the fic))

Enjoy!

Fall in Subcon Forest came in gently as always, and by the time Halloween rolled around, everyone was firmly in their sweaters and beanies and thick leggings and hiking boots that were only occasionally used for hiking. The leaves of the trees and the shining sun framed the town in such lovely muted colors that it looked like a picture right out of a magazine.

Not that anyone in the Horizon was looking out the window to see it - the curtains were closed in an attempt to not blind the employees and clientele.

It was that time between the end of school but before trick or treating, which meant that all of the teachers and parents were coming into the Horizon with their kids to get the new specialty drinks - well decorated and tasty, and more importantly, not hilariously overpriced. The kids in particular seemed to love the “Ghoulishly White Hot Chocolate”, and the teens flocked to the “Jack-O-Spices Frozen Pumpkin Latte”

Luka was almost certain that the pumpkin spice smell would burn itself so deep into his nose he’d never be able to un-smell it. A small price to pay for the rise in business, he supposed.

“Luka, Two Snatcher-ccinos!” Clover called from the cash register.

“I still hate that!” He responded with a light tone

“Too bad, make ‘em!” She teased back with a light laugh.

“Don’t get all testy, you two! We’re only open for another hour!” MJ called, grinning before turning back to the coffee machine, where they were effortlessly making yet another latte.

“Too long!” Clover argued, grabbing a muffin for a customer from the bakery display

“You’re telling me, and I still have to take Bow and Hattie trick or treating” Luka huffed, finishing up one of the “Snatcher-ccinos” and moving onto the next one.

“WE are!” MJ corrected. Luka just playfully rolled his eyes.

The conversation ended up dying rather quickly as the business went through its last rush, and, at long last, 4 o’clock came, and the store shut down. The three employees did a rather quickly clean up this night around - they were all eager to be anywhere but work that spooky night.

Once in the back of the store, Luka seemed to almost melt in relief, leaning further and further into the wall.

“Ugh, my limbs feel like Jelly” he commented as his voice gained its echo

“For all we know, they are,” Clover teased. “We’re meeting at MJs in an hour, right?” She stretched.

“Yeah.” Luka nodded “Have they already run off?”

“Yup. They’re excited” She chuckled “You gonna get home alright?”

“Yeah, thanks. See you later”

“Later!”

0o0o0o0o0

That stupid, cursed thing of a mask had not moved in weeks since he’d found it, and its stupid grin had started haunting the corner of his vision when ever he was in his studio.

It seems like it's decided that sitting on the desk in his art studio was its happy place. At least it was out of the way, and in a place he didn’t frequent often.

Though its eyes definitely still moved, which gave MJ hives like you would not believe. Why he kept it in his studio he wasn’t sure.

Tim had told him that the thing was mostly harmless, that it just seemed a bit… off, which wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Timmy even said that he got “good vibes” off of it, which was a strange phrase to use on something that felt at the very least mildly cursed.

Finishing with the caplet for his costume, gently clasping it, he looked in the mirror and gave himself a smile.

It was obscure, sure, but he’d put a lot of work into it! The legend of the “Lonely Man” was well known in these parts, maybe someone would get it. Someone had to.

Whether or not anyone got it, he was still happy with the tattered thing. That faux old age took forever to get right.

As he straightened out his clothes, his eyes caught the mask once more.

His hand picked it up off his desk, and his thumb rubbed on the odd surface. He couldn’t really tell what it was made of, but it was… oddly smooth, he thought. His brow furrowed as he looked at its eyes, a single pupil in its left eye, and a cascade of diamonds in the other. It was certainly an interesting and eye-catching design. He also liked the blue and reds, and that weirdly off-putting grin.

Such an odd thing.

He held it up with one hand over his face - not putting it on, but getting a look in the mirror at how it would look with the outfit.

He found it utterly bizarre that he could see clearly through the eyes despite what seemed like thick paint over it.

The mask itself wasn’t actually that scary when taken all at once. Oddly enough, it seemed to match with his outfit - at least, color wise. It didn’t even seem evil or anything. It seemed… kind.

That was an odd word to use. MJ tended to flip flop on how he feels about the damned thing

Before he could think any more about it, his doorbell rang, and the mask was left on his desk, forgotten the moment company arrived.

“Who is it?” He asked as he approached the door

“The Dread Pirate Roberts!” A little voice announced as the oak opened up.

To his absolute delight, Harriet was dressed indeed the Dread Pirate Roberts, missing nothing but the mask (The town doesn’t allow masks on minors, for some reason. A weird little policy). Next to her stood an excited Bow, grinning from ear to ear. He knew exactly who she was, but still asked-

“And who are you?”

“My name is Inigo Montoya” She said with all the faux-seriousness she could muster, holding up a foam sword “You killed my father, prepare to die!”

“Oh, goodness, the finest swordsperson in the world and The Dread Pirate Roberts have come to my home, I don’t stand a chance!” He moved out of his way as the kids ran into the apartment, and their father walked up behind him.

When his eyes went to Luka, he let out a snort. The man was dressed in a slightly silly looking prince outfit dyed almost completely purple, and his form was mostly purple as well - an energy-saving tactic if ever there was one.

“And you are?”

“He’s the ghost of prince Humperdink” Bow grinned. “This was the best costume we could find for it”

“I honestly think he shoulda died at the end of the movie so I'm cool with it.” Harriet commented as MJ moved to the side and let the group in “Is Clover here yet?”

“Not yet, I’m sure she’ll be here any minute and we can get right along with trick or treating!” MJ announced

“Yay!” the girls responded in unison, taking their place on MJs couch and turning on his old television for a brief moment of entertainment

Mj looked at Luka and grinned “Well, you’re lookin’ spooky, Luka”

“You kind of do too… what do you look like?”

MJ snorted “I’m the ‘Lonely Man of Subcon forest’. Heard of it?”

“Nope, don’t think I’ve been here long enough” Luka shrugged “Does look nice though. Very zombie-ish.”

The two chatted for a bit before there was another ring barely 10 minutes later.

“That must be Clo” MJ pushed himself off of the wall. “Can you get that? I want to grab my wallet so we can get the kids some ice cream before they go running around”

Luka nodded, giving him a grateful smile before turning to the door to greet the final member of the trio

MJ popped back into his studio, grabbing his wallet… and looking again at the mask.

He pocketed his wallet, and picked the mask up again. His thumbs rubbing against the strange texture of the mask’s sides.

He couldn’t help but admit that he was tempted. Maybe, he could just see what it’d look like, just for a moment. Who knows? Maybe this has all been anxiety for nothing and the mask is just… weird.

He looked back into the mirror, and placed the mask on his face.

There was a moment where he stared amusedly at his reflection - it added a certain air to his outfit. Maybe wearing it out wouldn't be so b-

And then his body seized

He couldn’t move, he couldn’t breathe. He trembled and a pain started from his head and traveled down his spine. It was like the worst shiver from the cold he’d ever experienced. Like ice was pressed directly against his skin. It dispersed like a fog, freezing freezing, and, suddenly-

It stopped.

Panting heavily, MJ pulled themselves back up to a standing position - when had they bent over like that? - and lifted their head, making eye contact with themselves in the mirror.

“GAH?!”

They were - blue! And - and the mask was very much not a mask!!!

When they blinked, it blinked. When they moved, it moved. When they grimaced, the mouth moved along to create the expression. their eyes scanned over the crescent shape, past their neck and then landed on their-

“H-hands!” They stared - they were missing a finger and - had claws?? They clenched their fists in disbelief, eyes catching on a glinting just under their sleeve.

.. Where had the chains come from?

“MJ? MJ are you okay?”

Clover

“D-don’t come in, its fine!!” They panicked, “I’m uh, just, finishing up and stuff with my costume!”

“It looked finished to me” Luka commented “Did something rip?”

“Y-yes?? yes! Something totally ripped“

“They’re lying!” Hattie pointed out

“Sounds like their lying voice” Bow added.

Curse these adorable, smart little girls!

“I-I’m fine!” They yelled out “Totally fine, just fine”

“... MJ I’m opening the door, be decent”

“No, Clover, I - “

But the door opened anyway

And Clover - dressed up as “Generic princess” - looked in, and … stared.

“.... MJ?”

“.... H-hi, Clover.”

“Clover, what are-” Luka cut himself off “Uh….”

“It’s me! Its MJ, I uh - “ They tried to come up with a succinct explanation for the situation, despite not having any real idea.

“The mask” Luka quickly concluded, recognizing the face after MJs unfortunately previous run-ins.

“I … yes” MJ’s shoulders slumped a bit.

“Hey, at least you still have feet” Luka commented, causing MJ to look down and see that he did in fact still have his shoes on. Thank heaven for small mercies.

“What happened, what is it?!” Harriet pushed her way through, her eyes wide as saucers once they landed on the recently transformed adult “... Whoa”

“I … I put on the mask. I was curious and - and it..” They looked back down at the pale, blue hands, nervously moving the fingers and claws. “I felt like I was freezing, my whole body and then…” They trailed off.

“Whoa..” Harriet approached him slowly “It's like, Majora’s Mask!”

Lukas put his hand on her shoulder to stop her from jumping - now really was not the time “... I suppose that's one way to describe it.” He gave a deliberate, thoughtful face towards his transformed friend.

Bow was very firmly behind the adults, staring rather intently and slightly bewildered. Sure, she had been getting used to Mr. Princeton as a parent but.. This was somehow very different.

“... We need to talk to Tim.” Clover concluded

“Tim’s out of town” Luka reminded the group with a grimace “He and Timmy had some kind of meeting thing with other magical people. We don’t…” Luka huffed, his hair fluffing up a bit “We don’t know anyone else whose adept at magic like they are”

Harriet furrowed her brow a bit, looking at the discomfort that MJ was experiencing, rubbing their hands together. Could they be stuck like that? She wanted to think that maybe this really was like the Zelda game, but who could tell? It's not like they knew anyone….

“Yes we do!” She snapped her fingers“I kinda hate that Mu was right, but there is a witch in town!”

“What?” Lukas’ brow furrowed “Who?”

0o0o0o0o0

Getting to the edge of town was… novel, to put it simply. The group was rather lucky that Luka was used to doing this sort of thing. And he was about 4 times larger than the group, so that helped in flying them around.

With the sun kissing the earth, red rays crawling into the darker sky, they didn’t have too much time, but followed Harriet and Bow as they got past the town center, and led them down to-

“Wait, why are we at Nell’s place?” Clover stared ahead at the Mint-green home, succulents hanging from pots and a radio sitting on the edge of the porch.

“Because Nurse Nell is a witch!” Harriet announced walking up the two steps of the porch.

“What- Harriet!” Luka startled.

“Its true!” Bow defended as Hattie knocked on the door.

“Kids, we’ve known Nell for a long time, she’s not-”

“She is!” Hattie argued “We saw it!”

“She made us promise to keep it a secret!” Bow added.

Said nurse opened the door as MJ tried to speak up

“I wasn’t expecting trick-or treaters,” She greeted before looking out the door, “But I do-” She paused as her eyes landed on the strange group at her front porch.

There was a rather awkward, extended silence as her eyes scanned MJ through her thick lenses with a gaze that conveyed a strange kind of surprise.

“.... Inside, now” She pulled the door open further, leaving no room for argument.

The adults shared a glance, but did as she said, entering her small living room. She greeted them with a nod as they entered, and shut the door behind them, motioning for MJ to approach her.

She didn’t say a word as they did so, and very slowly lifted her hands to their face, holding it steady as she scrutinized. “What happened? Less than 3 sentences” She half asked/half demanded. Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it was serious.

“Uh, I put on a cursed mask and it uh… did this” They tried to sum up.

“Where did you get the mask?”

“I found it in the forest. I thought it was abandoned from the spirit festival”

“And why did you pick up an abandoned mask in the forest?”

They awkwardly didn’t respond. She sighed

“I get it, hun” She responded, resigned. “Stay still”

“I am”

“Stiller”

Clover and Luka watched her with some skepticism, seeing the woman take a deep breath, and as she exhaled, her hands suddenly glowed dimly, tapping at the side of MJs head.

“Hah! See! Told you!” Hattie pointed, jumping slightly

“Shhhhhhhh!” Bow shook her “She’s doin’ magic stuff!”

“Hm…” She masterfully ignored the yelling children “Well, good news is that the magic isn’t very strong, Just… aggressive.” Nell announced. “And it's not malevolent” She let go of their face.

“... I… How can you tell?” MJ asked, their own hand tapping their blue cheek.

“.. Let's say it's a feeling” She summed up. “You can sit down. I need to grab something from my library”

And she left the room

“.... I don’t think I’ve ever seen Nell that serious” Clover spoke out “Also the uh, glowing hands? Didn’t know she could do that”

“How did you not know she had magic?” Luka asked with a rather incredulous tone

“It never came up!” Clover retorted

“How did it never come up?”

“Its cool!” Harriet jumped into the conversation

“It think its cool too” Bow agreed “I always wondered how my paper cuts at school always healed so fast…”

MJ had sat themselves down, hand staying on their head, feeling the strange curve of their forehead with a certain fascination. Nell’s words - said with so much affirmation- did make them feel better about the situation.

The nurse returned, her expression still relatively serious, but calmer as she carried an old, thick book with a rather overly ornate cover in a faded blue.

“You’re lucky I collect these old things” She commented for a moment, sitting down next to MJ. She flipped through the pages, finding a two-page spread with a plain mask listed on it, and text printed so small that MJ just could not read it. “Here we are.”

Harriet climbed up next to her “What's it say? That’s a lot of words!”

Nell chuckled a bit at her eagerness “It is, but... “ she hand rested on the book for a moment, and then she lifted it, and the text glowed, lifting and circling around her hand like a ring.

“Whoa…. It's like the unknown from the Pokémon movie!” Bow jumped, causing Nell to laugh more.

“A little, I suppose” Nell responded, and she looked over at the other two adults, mostly at Clover, whose bewildered stare caused her to laugh again “You okay there?”

“... How did I not know this about you?”

“Never came up, dear. Don’t think too hard about it. You too, “Snatcher”” The woman gave a smirk. Luka cleared his throat. “Now…”

A simple flick of her hand, and the letters were floating around MJ’s head, and some of them glowed just a little bit brighter “Hm….. Alrightie, that's a good sign” She snapped, and the letters, very suddenly disappeared as if popping a bubble. “Well, Give until dawn, and then you should be able to take off the mask. If you can’t, come to me. I don’t work tomorrow”

“Oh… Well, that uh, wasn’t so bad. I’ll be okay?”

“Of course” Nell nodded, shutting the book “I’d’ve called the Kagai’s the moment I let go of your face if I thought otherwise”

“The who?” Hat questioned.

“Another time, Hattie, another time” Nell placated. “Now….” she exhaled, putting the book on her coffee table and clasping her hands together “I just realized I haven’t even said hello to any of you”

Something about that sentence finally broke the tension, getting a laugh out of Clover and Luka, and a snicker out of MJ.

The next ten minutes consisted of Nell reassuring the group that MJ would be fine, and reiterating that they needed to come to her if the mask did not come off by sunrise.

“There’s a lot of magic in this that I can sense. So uh, just be careful.” She warned. “I don’t know a lot about that, so you’ll have to ask Tim”

MJ nodded “Uh, thank you, Nell”

She gave them a kind smile “Don’t mention it. Next time you need me though, have Clover send me a message or just call me, alright?” She looked passed them to Harriet, who gave her a sheepish smile.

“Got it” The transformed barista nodded.

“Oh and, don’t be too worried about people seeing you. Just say it's a costume” She recommended as they walked out with their family waiting just beyond the porch. “Happy Halloween!” She called before abruptly shutting the door

“So……” Bow started

“Can we go trick or treating now??” Hattie finished.

Luka looked up to MJ, who seemed much calmer than before, despite continuing to lift their hand to their weirdly shaped head.

“.. Yeah, yeah i think we can” they gave Luka a grin “And thanks for getting us the help, Hattie” MJ reached down and picked her up “Who knew the Dread Pirate Roberts could be such a help!”

The girl giggled before being put back down “Then let’s go!!”

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

MJ was initially a bit tittered when they entered the town, but the moment anyone noticed them, the compliments rolled in.

“Wow! You look like a spooky zombie!”

“What game is that cosplay from?”

“How did you get the prosthetic to look like that, damn!”

“Wow, that is a really cool idea for the Lonely Man!”

MJ was beaming at the semi-undeserved praised as they took the kids from neighborhood to neighborhood, filling their pillow cases close to brimming with so much candy that Luka kept making a face and seemed to be mentally preparing to hide all of it, whispering to Clover and MJ about taking some of the candy so that it wasn’t all in his apartment.

“Seriously, all that candy?? They’re going to get cavities and I cannot pay for dental work like that.” The father aggressed. MJ just laughed a bit, looking ahead at the two girls who were trying to run ahead to the next house.

And then Bow’s foot caught a crack.

“Ah, Bow!” MJ startled, hand reaching out - but there was no way they’d reach her before she fell-

And then, she just stopped falling, stuck in midair as if floating.. But she wasn’t.

Upon closer examination, she was held up by a variety of red strings, connected to MJ’s clawed fingers

“... Uh”

“Whoaaaa” Hattie gaped “Magic! Cool!”

Bow pulled himself up to a standing position, and MJ put their hand down, the strings disappeared

“.. Thanks” Bow cleared her throat “That was really cool”

“It kind of was... “ They commented, looking down at their hands “I’m gonna be having a heck of a long talk with Tim when he gets back from wherever he is”

“Yeah, definitely” Luka nodded in agreement.

Lucky for the group the rest of the night went without incident, with MJ joining Luka at home and the two of them staying up until the sun started showing through the windows.

“Ready?” Luka asked him, the being no longer human shaped, as he’d finally reached his limit

“Yeah.. I think so” MJ took in a breath “She said it can just… come off like how I put it on…”

“Alright….” Luka’s voice trailed off as MJ reached their hands up to their face, thumbs by their cheeks, but then - wait! The edge, the mask! They felt it.

Barely bothering to breath, they mentally counted… 1… 2… 3!

they pulled it off and gasped as that icy feeling went through them even faster than last time, trembling and nearly falling over as Luka kept them up with their tail.

“Hey, hey! You okay MJ?”

MJ looked up, nodding “Yeah, uh, how do I..?”

“You’re back to a nerd, if that's what you’re asking” Luka lightly teased

Their hands went back up to their face, and gasped when they felt their regular skin, and their glasses (Where had they gone? Didn’t matter)

“Oh, thank god” The tired barista flopped onto their partner, “That was exhausting. Thank goodness the Horizon is closed today…”

“Hah, ready to sleep?”

“Oh, definitely” MJ commented, looking down at the mask still in their hand, its smile seeming not nearly as spooky than before.. “Hm..”

“What?”

“.. Why’d it choose me, I wonder” They muttered, sitting up and placing the mask by the window sill “But… we’ll see about finding out more, hm?”

“.. Yeah, we will” Luka confirmed.

MJ gave him a smile, hugging his partner with a slight nuzzle “Come on, we need to sleep. Hattie and Bow-”

“Oh, don’t remind me. We’re in for a hell of an afternoon” Luka groaned, but he was still smiling.

Saying that things were “back to normal” was never correct with this group, but things were still pretty okay. Maybe better, even.

Moonie figured they’d just have to wait and see.

BONUS::

Costumes! I wasn’t able to finish these in time, but I hope they suffice!

#doodledrawsthings #coffee shop au #ahit coffee shop au #ahit #a hat in time #ahit moonjumper #moonjumper #ahit snatcher #snatcher #ahit hat kid #hat kid #ahit bow kid #bow kid #ahit florist #florist #ahit oc #ahit nell #csau nell #nell

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lordoftermites · 3 years

Text

OF CLOVER & IRON

Part One

Pairing: Roiben x Kaye

Summary: fluff(ish), angst, obligatory smut (later). fluffish smangst, let's go with that.

My first fic for these two—and all around the first one I've ever written, period. I finally got to a point that I can confidently post parts 1 & 2 without obsessive editing so yeet haw let's fuckin go. Set the day after Ironside Ch. 13. {there's a slight deviation of the wound placements also, because I just really wanted to see Kaye lovingly take care of her Emo Black Knight™. Everything else is canon-compliant. I hope.}

Rating: M for suggestive themes, smut in future chapters

Also I was listening to Beautiful Crime by Tamer and If You Care by Evan Barlow the whole time and if those aren't the most Roiben songs I've ever fucking heard—

*buzzfeed voice* let's get into it

________________

Each step I left behind Each road you know is mine Walking on a line ten stories high Say you'll still be by my side If I could take your hand, oh If you could understand That I can barely breathe, the air is thin I fear the fall and where we'll land

"You realize I have attendants for this, don't you?"

Roiben was reclined, rather awkwardly, against the mountain of plush pillows on his bed. Their down stuffing jutted through the timeworn fabric and pricked along the sensitive skin of his bare back.

While the gash Talathain's sword had wrought the day before had since been cleaned and bandaged, the end of those feathers still managed to find their way through to jab at the still-open wound, eliciting from him a wince, as though he needed reminding of the events that had transpired had, in fact, transpired.

Ruefully, Roiben found that he did not need reminding.

"Mhmm, I know." Kaye replied absently beside him, drawing him back to the present. She was perched on the edge of the bed, inky-black gaze fixed on his hand in her lap; she was gently applying a viscous paste to the scarlet, angry line along his palm—another gift from Silarial's green knight. The mixture had a cooling element to it, not at all unpleasant against the dull burn of the wound. Kaye was careful, dedicated as she worked. Her tender, feather-light touches sent an involuntary shiver down the base of Roiben's spine.

“I admit, I do not mislike having you for a nursemaid instead of an ill-tempered hob." He grinned down at her as she finished, gently wrapping a milky-white cloth around the pad of his hand, tying it off in a small knot at the base of his wrist. He didn’t think anyone in his service would have tended to him with such attentive care; actually, they very well may have relished an opportunity to see him wince. Indeed, he much preferred this.

She glanced up at him through thick lashes and gave him a small smile of her own, but it faltered on her features, wavered there until it faded into something Roiben couldn't name. "I guess,” she began, dropping her gaze back down to his newly-dressed hand in hers. “I just wanted to do… something, for a change." Roiben's brow knitted at the sadness in her voice, the way the guilt, thoroughly misplaced, steeped her words. There was a twinge in his chest that was reminiscent of the arrow she had pulled from it not four months prior. Automatically, his hand reached up to touch the new scar, a rose-tinted indentation in the middle of his sternum. A phantom ache bloomed under his fingers.

She had been only a human girl then, guised as she was, and unfortunate enough to be the one to find him bleeding out, collapsed there against the gnarled tree he would have gladly let become his grave. She had saved his very soul that night in the rain, though neither of them had known it at the time. It was very likely she still didn't.

And here she was again, nursing the consequences of his own obstinate pride and blaming herself for it. Too often, too willingly did she take the weight of his burdens as her own, while he futilely sought to keep her safe from them. Safe from him. She was the most stubbornly kind creature he had ever known; a knight of her own design—a savior he had never had any right to.

Roiben reached out to tuck a loose tendril of viridescent hair behind her ear. The slight movement pulled at the lesion on his back, threatening another wince. He resisted. "Kaye," he started, and when she didn't meet his eyes, he crooked a finger under her chin and canted her head to him.

"There is nothing you have done—not since the moment I met you to now, that was not something." His thumb ran over her emerald jawline, the smooth skin silk in contrast to the roughness of his own. Kaye's eyes fluttered and she leaned into his touch. "I know it is my failure, in not telling you as such, that you mistakenly think yourself so inadequate. For that, I am well and truly sorry."

Through the burning discomfort of his wounds, Roiben drew her down to him and captured her mouth in a kiss. He had never been a master of apologies— or much else for that matter. And for reasons he was unable to name, his way of begging Kaye's pardon seemed to often be sought with his mouth, as if he hoped she could taste it on his tongue— and forgive him with her own.

Her lips, softer than satin and more delectable than any wine he had ever tasted, parted in a soft, lilting sigh. The sound, as it so often did, caused the muscles in his lower abdomen to coil with a rush of warmth. His bandaged fingers moved to tangle in her wild hair as her tongue danced between his teeth, languorous at first, then quickly shifting into something nearer to frenzy. He could feel his pulse quicken, the familiar strain across the front of his trousers when her hand splayed his chest, soft fingertips pressing into his bare skin. His breath hitched.

And then Kaye's lips were gone and she was pushing herself back up, away from him, her breathing ragged. He watched her dazedly, lamenting the abrupt loss of her closeness. She combed a hand through her mess of green hair, and Roiben realized she was trembling. He frowned.

"What is it?" he asked, drawing himself up to a sitting position, jaw clenched against the sharp tug of the bandage stretching from his shoulder to his hip. "Have I done something to displease you?" He glanced down, sliver gaze settling on a fraying thread of gauze on his wrist. "Perhaps my apology wasn't quite the one you were looking for, but I—"

"That's not it." Kaye cut him off, and when he looked back up to meet her eyes, he was disconcerted to find their pitch depths were suddenly glistening. He opened his mouth to speak, but Kaye raised a hand to forestall him. He pressed his lips together, obediently falling mute. "It… it's not you. I mean, it's a little bit you. Okay— maybe it's a lot you. But… I'm just…" She let out a frustrated groan, as though she couldn't quite manage to untangle whatever thought she was trying to get out. The back of her hand swiped angrily across her eyes.

Roiben knew she hated crying, but he was unsure whether it was explicitly crying in front of him, or if it was the act altogether. Whatever the reason, there was a nagging in his gut, a temptation to reach up and wipe away the glittering tear that rolled down the curve of her verdant cheek.

But he stayed patiently, painfully silent beside her, fingers worrying the fabric over his knuckles instead as she worked through unweaving her mind. Roiben found himself suddenly wishing he had the power to read it, if only to help wrench her free of whatever trap that held her there, apart from him. Finally, she sighed—a dispirited sound that reverberated through the otherwise quiet stillness of his chambers.

"Why did you come back? Why did you find me at the diner? Why did you choose me?"

The string of questions— rather, the way she asked them, whispered, bordering on anguish, stung him like the gilded edge of Talathain's blade. Roiben gaped at her, for a moment too stunned to respond. Her expression was contorted slightly, the emotions that coursed through her scrambling over one another to find purchase on her face. Still, she held his gaze with an unwavering severity that bored into his very being and rooted him to the spot.

He knew she would not accept his usual indirect summarizations, those with which he so carefully guarded himself. He was now well beyond the safety of that delicate thread of tightroped truths he danced.

She expected—commanded his unreserved forthrightness, with that look that held the power of his name without it ever needing to cross her lips.

#this is my pride and joy ok #i don't think i've ever written something with so much effort #i was terrified it'd be purple-prosey but i *think* it's ok?#whatever even if it is i fuckin love it #and miss black herself said to write what you love first #so there it is #roiben #rath roiben rye #kaye fierch #kaye x roiben #mft #tmft #modern faerie tales #tfota #the folk of the air #tfota fic

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thewildomega · 3 years

Text

Second Chance Ch.12

Looking up at the giant ship with the blue whale as the figure head you tilted your own head. Ed had told you that his own main ship had been sunken during the war so you guessed this was one of his other ones. Seeing how big this one was made you wonder how large the actual Moby Dick had been. It seemed to be made up of mid-colored wood with the white and navy blue trim. The many sails were up since it was docked but the Whitebeard flag flew proudly at the top of the mast. Seeing all the ropes and stuff you could only imagine how many people it took to run a ship like this even more so with the paddlewheels on the back. Swinging your feet you looked back down to the drawing you had made of the ship. Humming along to the music as you added in details and such.

"Of course, why would she sit where it was safe..." he grumbled to himself as he finally caught sight of the woman who held his heart. Looking out to where she sat on he sighed. Somehow or another she had managed to get herself out onto one of the larger rocks in the sea that was the closest to the whaleship. She was just sitting there, her feet swinging idly and doing something that he couldn't really make out. "Y/n!" he called but she wouldn't look his way. Trying twice more she still didn't hear him. He wondered if the waves crashing against the rocks were the cause of it. Sighing out he started to jump across the rocks towards her. Finally getting to the one she was on he moved to stand right behind her, looking down to see she had her headphones in. 'Well that explained her not hearing him.' Seeing something in her lap he leaned forward some and peeked over her shoulder.

A sudden shadow coming over you made you knit your brows and look up to the sky, was it clouding up? Seeing a face you let out a yelp and lost hold of your book. Panicking when you thought it would fall into the water you saw a large hand come out to grab it just in time and sighed. Snatching your headphones from your ears you turned around to give him a small glare. "Stop sneaking up on me." you scowlded, smacking one of his large legs that was beside you.

Huffing out in amusement he smirked and looked down at her, noticing that when she was sitting she only came up to his knee. "You're the one that makes it so easy darling." When she stuck her tongue out at him in reply he chuckled and lifted her notebook. "What were you doing out here anyway?

Seeing him go to look through your notebook you quickly stood and moved to take it from him. "Just doodling and stuff."

Holding it out of her reach when he saw the slight blush on her cheeks he grinned. "Doodling what lass?"

"Just little things, now give it back." you grunted. Wrapping your arms around his large biceps you attempted to haul yourself up or pull his arm down but neither happened as he just held you in the air like you weighed nothing more than a bag of flour.

"I want to see what some of the other dreams are on your list." he smiled.

"No." Jumping up to try and grab it he only held it above his head, even further out of your reach.

Humming he rose one of his brows, "Why not?"

"B..because there mostly stupid things... most of them are places back in my world I wanted to see."

"A person's dreams are never stupid. Most may be places but not all so I'm still curious." Seeing her go to try and grab it again he moved out of the way and jumped to the next rock then the next and back towards shore.

"Edward Newgate! You give me back my notebook right now or so help me I will kick your old ass!" you yelled as you picked up your phone and headphones, jumping after him at a slower pace than he was going. Hearing his loud laugh you narrowed your eyes and growled. By the time you got back to shore he was gone and you were trying to figure out which way he went. "So much for acting your age." you grumbled. Feeling a pull in your chest you decided to follow it and ran as fast as you could.

He had been running for a short time before he slowed down into a walk, moving towards the small patch of trees and shrubs to hide behind. Sitting down in the grass he opened the small notebook up to the first page to see a quote,

A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. Sail out to sea and do new things. ~Grace Hopper

Smiling at that he flipped through the first couple dozen pages to see small things written out, lists of things she needed to do with some things crossed off, recipes, dates to remember, a list of books. Opening the book to the next page he felt this one heavier than the other and opened it to see a small picture taped sideways to the page. Turning the book so he could see it better he saw it was a picture of a man and woman with five small children sitting all around them. Knitting his brows he looked to the couple and noticed they looked a lot like y/n. The picture looked a little old and he noticed it had a few blotches here and there. Looking back to the family he frowned, were they her parents? She said she didn't know where they were, that she hadn't ever met them, had she lied to him? Feeling the next page heavy as well he turned it and saw a pressed daffodil, written at the bottom was 'Ed'. She had wanted to remember the flowers he had given her. A few more little things went on for a while again until he came to a sketch. A sketch of the whaleship. She had done a pretty good job of drawing the ship out, she had even drew his flag beneath it. Still hung up on the fact that she may had lied to him he only felt his lip lift up a little. Going to the next section in the back of the book he found what he had been looking for.

Bucket List

Meet my parents. (Almost illegible)

Climb a mountain.

Fly in a plane.

Ride on a ship.

Canno the Smith River.

Make a friend.

See a shooting star.

Visit the Grand Canyon.

See the Niagara falls.

See the ocean.

Jump off a waterfall.

Take an art class.

Read The Great Gatsby.

Watch Dances with Wolves without falling asleep.

Go on a date.

Find a four leaf clover.

Touch a cloud.

See a shark/dolphin.

Get my first kiss.

WHAT?! She has never been kissed?! They had almost... last week. Wait, if she has never even been kissed has she never... Swallowing hard he rubbed his face. He would have to come back to that.

Mean something to someone.

That made him frown, his brows furrowing down and his heart ache.

Be apart of a family.

Sighing he dropped his head. He knew what that felt like, knew what it was like to have no one. Going to lift his head up to read again he was knocked to the ground suddenly, letting out a small 'ooff' on the way.

"Ha! Got you!" you hummed. Grabbing hold of your notebook you went to pull it from his hand, "I'll take that thank you..." When he still didn't let go you groaned but didn't get time to protest anymore before a large arm wrapped around you and pulled you to the ground beside him. "Eddddd." you whined. Trying to wiggle out of his hold to no avail you looked to see his face serious.

Laying beside her he held her still as he flipped to the page with the picture on it. He had to know, had to know if she had lied to him. "Who is this?" He asked in a firm voice. Seeing her face fall and her eyes quickly look away from the picture he frowned. "Are they your parents?"

"Yes." you whispered.

"You told me you had never met them." he said confused. He didn't want to seem angry at her but he also didn't like the idea of that she had lied to him either.

Hearing how deep his voice was you knit your brows, "I.. I haven't."

"Then how did you get their picture?" Seeing her frame curl inward some he took a deep breath, he would get nothing out of her if he didn't calm down. "I don't mean to sound angry lass I just... I don't understand."

Glancing back to the picture you felt a lump in your throat grow but quickly swallowed it down. "I looked them up..." when he knit his brows you licked your lips. "Remember that thing I was using, my laptop. I told you about the internet and how it had all this information on it." Seeing him nod you looked to him, "Well a few years ago I got up the courage to look up my parents. I didn't know anything but their names but after a while I managed to track them down. I don't know where they are exactly, just a general location. Anyways I saw that picture there and I got so happy, they were still together and I had brothers and sisters. I sent them a message telling them who I was and how I wanted to meet them, I told them how long I had been hoping to find them." Stopping to get ahold of your emotions you looked away from him, "It took a few days and I remember losing hope but then when I got home one night I had a message from them, my mother." taking a deep breath you looked down to his blond hair that was laying across his arm and onto yours some. "She told me that she was sorry but they had moved on from that time in their lives. They had started a new life with their children and they didn't want me to intrude on that. They apparently hadn't told any of my siblings about me and never wanted them to know. She said that if I really cared about them I would be happy for them and respect their wishes, that I would never try to contact them or anyone else in that family again." Feeling your lip try to tremble you bit down on it. "I printed out their picture because... well I don't really know why..." you huffed sadly. "I guess because even if they could forget me, that that didn't mean I could forget them."

He felt like such an asshole. She hadn't lied to him, she had never lied to him. She just didn't want to be reminded of more pain. His own parents had died, he hadn't been orphaned by choice, she had. He couldn't imagine ever doing that to a child. To make them feel what his lass felt, unwanted, even by her parents. The thought alone angered him and he wished he was back in her world just so he could hunt down all of the people that had ever hurt his darling.

Sniffling you took a deep breath and grabbed the book from him, closing it. Looking up into his warm yellow eyes you slowly felt your pain go away and a sense of ease come over you. Wanting to break this sad moment you grinned a little and stood, feeling his arm loosen to allow it this time. Stepping over him you looked down his wide, toned back and hummed, swinging your foot you turned it and kicked him square in his no doubt muscled ass.

Feeling her kick him, not hard enough to actually hurt but hard enough that he could feel it he felt his eyes go wide and snapped his eyes up to her. "Wha.."

"I told you I was going to kick your old ass." you huffed, crossing your arms over your chest.

"You sure you want to challenge Whitebeard darling?"

"Won't be much of a challenge with you loosing and all..." When the great Capitan only narrowed his eyes, a playful but dangerous look coming over his face you smiled and quickly ran for it. Only getting a few meters away before a light tremor shook the ground and put you off balance. Going to fall you were swept up and tossed over the massive man's shoulder like a bag of rice.

"What was that about me loosing?" He asked with a smirk.

"I was talking about swimming." you giggled but only heard him hum before laughing.

.........................

"What are you looking at hun?" Zella asked her husband who was looking down towards the valley with a soft smile on his face.

Chuckling lightly the phoenix smiled, "Nothing." Turning away from the playing man and woman by the trees, giving his pops some privacy.

............................................

Waking up suddenly he snapped his eyes open and stared at the ceiling of his bedroom. Something felt off, knowing that usually that feeling meant something involving his soulmate he got up from bed and quietly walked from the room. Seeing the bathroom door open he knew she wasn't in there. Making his way across the living room he looked down to the couch and found it empty. Quickly looking to the kitchen and dining room he saw them both empty as well and felt his brows lower. Snapping his eyes to the door he saw it unlocked, she had left the house. With a deep breath he made his way out to find her, letting his heart guide him to her.

Having woke up covered in a cold sweat and panting for air you shakingly stood from where you were sleeping and hurried outside. You didn't exactly know where you were going you just knew you had to walk, had to get away to clear your mind. Before long you had made your way down to the beach and sank down to sit in the cool sand. Pulling your knees up to your chest and hugging them you rested your chin on them and closed your eyes. Taking a deep breath you let it out in a long sigh. Thinking back to your dream you swallowed hard.

Sitting on the cold wooden floor in the middle of the dark room you breathed heavily and looked around, "Hello? Is anyone there?" No one answered at first and you licked your lips. Looking down you saw you wearing old threadbare clothes like the ones you wore when you were living on the streets for those two years. Moving to push yourself up to stand you were suddenly struck across the left cheek and fell back to the floor, your hand flying up to your burning face.

"Despicable girl."

Snapping your eyes up to the familiar female voice you saw your grandmother standing there in her usual red dress, a deep scowl on her wrinkled face. Shaking your head a little you turned to move away from her when you were stuck again, this time the hand a little larger, rougher.

"Worthless."

Your grandfather, a look of distaste in his eyes as he looked down his nose at you.

"You should have never been born." your grandmother snapped.

"No one wants her, she's so ugly."

Seeing your great aunt had joined them you swallowed hard.

"What a waste of life." Your cousin spoke.

"Stupid."

"Loser."

"...going to grow up to be a common harlot, just like her mother."

"Unsightly."

"Useless."

One by one more people crowded around you, striking you and calling out insults. Everytime you tried to get up you were hit back down to the floor until soon you could do nothing but curl up into a ball, your hands over your ears and your eyes shut tight as you tried to drown out what they were saying. When their voices got louder you felt tears fill your eyes and you started to scream.

"They're right you know."

Gasping you heard all of the other voices stop and opened your eyes to see them all gone. Turning your head you looked around the dark room until you saw him. Watching as he crouched down in front of you you stared up into those yellow eyes. Something wasn't right, why did they look so cold? Swallowing hard you parted your lips to speak, "E..ed..."

"They're right."

Furrowing your brows you licked your dry, cracked lips and started to shake your head. Before you could speak he started laughing.

"Did you really think I would ever want you?"

That wasn't his normal laugh, wasn't the one you had heard so many times before, the one that made your heartbeat a little harder in your chest. Feeling tears well up in your eyes you blinked and felt them roll down your burning cheeks.

"You're so pathetic. No one wants you, you don't mean anything to anyone, especially me." he huffed.

Feeling the lump in your throat burn you let out a little sob.

"Why would I want someone as ugly as you by my side?"

"P..plea..sssse ssstop..." you cried. Feeling him curl his finger under your chin and lift your eyes to his you looked up at him through your tears.

"I will never love you."

It felt like someone had stuck a knife straight through your heart. Feeling his finger slip from you, you dropped your head to the wooden floor and curled up as tight as possible as sobs wracked your body. You heard his deep chuckle and then the sound of his boots walking away before you were left alone in the cold darkness.

Feeling something wet land on your cheek you opened your heavy eyes and stared out at the sea, the moon reflecting off of the dark surface. Curling up tighter if possible you sniffled, another tear rolling down. It felt so real, all of it. The clenching in your heart as well. As much as you hated it you couldn't help but wonder if this was a warning of some kind. There was no doubt in your mind that you were falling for Edward, never in your life had you felt this connection with anyone, this longing, this happiness. But what if it was all too good to be true? What if he didn't feel the same? Would he grow tired of you soon as well? Would he throw you away like everyone else had? Then you would be alone again. You didn't want to be alone anymore. You didn't want to hurt anymore.

Looking out to the moonlit shore he saw her and started walking forward. What the hell was she doing out here? It was the middle of the night and she was in nothing but his damn shirt. Getting closer he went to call out for her but stopped when he saw the shining tears rolling down her cheeks. He had only seen her cry that once, when he had stopped that man from raping her. Just the sight alone made his heart ache. She looked so fragile to him in that moment with her body curled up as tight as she could, clad only in his button up shirt that was too big on her. Her hair was blowing wildly around her with tears rolling down her cheeks. She didn't look hurt to him, not physically but she was hurting that much was clear. Slowly walking over to her he saw her glossy eyes stay on the dark sea before snapping to him once he got close enough.

"E..ed..." your voice was nothing more than a broken whisper. Quickly remembering that you were crying you looked away when you saw him looking down at you with concern clear on his face. Wiping at your cheeks and eyes you mentally started cursing yourself for no doubt looking so incredibly pathetic. Here you were crying on the beach in the middle of the night, STUPID!

Not saying anything at first he crouched down beside her, placing his hand on her back. Hearing her start apologizing for waking him and telling him to go back to his home in a soft, saddened voice he furrowed his brows. When she still refused to look at him he tilted his head. "Lass, look at me."

His voice sounded so deep and low, you knew he wasn't asking. That was the voice of a captain giving an order, just maybe a little softer that he would have been with his crew. Screwing your eyes shut you tried to force away your previous emotions, not wanting to look weak.

"Y/n."

Swallowing hard at the way he said your name you slowly moved your eyes out from where you had hid them in your knees to look up at the giant of a man. You thought he might be angry, that he might be annoyed but that wasn't the case. Those weren't the cold eyes from your dream, those were warm and kind and caring. Just one look made you feel so much, his touch, his smell, his... everything. Never before had you felt so alive than you did when you were with him. How could one man, one person cause so many feelings inside of you? He made you want to smile, want to laugh and cry and... love. You loved him. YOU LOVED HIM! It was like someone had hit you with a ton of bricks and all too soon you were crying again. No, no you couldn't love him because if you loved him there was no going back. If you loved him and he didn't love you then it would break you. If you loved him and he tossed you away then it would kill you. Oh God it hurt, just the thought alone hurt, it hurt so bad.

Seeing her start crying again, her body curling up and her fingers dig into her arm he felt his heart throb. "What's wrong? Y/n, darling tell me what's wrong." he spoke in a deep voice, kneeling down to place both of his hands on her, trying to comfort her.

His touch was like a warm blanket and his voice a light shining at you from the darkness. "I'mmm afffraid." you cried without looking up at him. There were so many emotions hitting you all at once. Shame, embarrassment, fear, uncertainty, sure, delightled, doubtful...love."

Afraid. First thing that popped in his head was him, was she afraid of him? Many people were. He was sure he had never given her reason to be though, he was careful around her. "Of what, afraid of what?" She didn't answer him for sometime and he feared it was him but then she spoke one quiet word that made it all clear.

"Feeling."

He knew her past, knew what she had been through. The past was hard, it was for most and some never recovered from things that happened to them. It could make people bitter, angry and afraid. His lass had been hurt time and time again. She had been tossed aside, given away and never given the chance to develop any real relationships in her life. Everyone she had ever trusted had hurt her and so she had shut herself off. She didn't have any friends, didn't try and make friends because she was scared of being hurt again. Now though he assumed she was feeling the same thing as him and that scared her. Taking a deep breath he gently lifted her up into his arms, feeling her not even fight him. Holding her close he dipped his head down and closed his eyes, "I know you've been hurt before and this scares you but Y/n you have my word that I will never make you feel what they did. I will never leave you. I will never hurt you." he promised her in a low, deep voice.

You wanted to believe him, you really, really did but you were still afraid. Still unsure. People had made you promises before and never kept them, were his just empty words as well. Would he grow tired of you or change his mind?

Feeling her body remain tense he turned his face to her head, touching his lips and chin to her forehead. Letting out a sigh he stroked her thigh with his thumb. "There's nothing wrong with being afraid lass. Just means I'm going to have to work on making those fears go away. I'm going to spend the the rest of my days proving to you how wonderful you truly are."

"Wwwhy? Why would you... why do you c...care?" you asked in a broken cry.

Smiling he breathed in the scent of her hair, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close. "Because lass, I love you."

Gasping you opened your eyes, looking at the skin over his hard chest, feeling his heart thumping in your ear. A tear rolled down your cheek at his confession, the words you never thought you would hear anyone say to you. "Yo....uuu...mmmee?"

"Need me to say it again darling? I'll tell you everyday." he grinned. "I love you."

Fresh tears poured form your eyes but these were not from the sadness or loneliness you were so accustomed to crying about, no for the first time in your life, these were tears of pure joy.

He hadn't been expecting her arms to wrap around his neck, nor her face to nuzzle into his neck as she cried but he wouldn't complain. Wrapping his own arms around her he hugged her as tight as he could without crushing her.

Swallowing thickly you felt a burst of courage come over you and smiled, you couldn't exactly leave him hanging."I love you."

Smiling from ear to ear he turned his face to press a kiss to her head. "You really do know how to make this old man feel young again lass." he chuckled and heard her hum softly. When she nuzzled into his neck more, her arms still latched onto him with no signs of letting go he grinned and stood, holding her to him with one arm under her ass and the other over her back. Walking back to his home he carried her inside and locked the door. Passing by the couch he felt her head perk up some and grinned but said nothing as he walked back to his room... their room.

"Ed..."

"No more sleeping on the damn couch." he told her in a firm voice, moving into the dark room and over to the bed. Laying her down on the side closest to the wall he got in beside her and pulled the covers over the both of them. He could tell she was a little apprehensive so he got comfortable on his side, facing her, gently pushing her down to lay beside him. "Go ta sleep darling." he told her in a gentle voice.

With his arm wrapped around you, holding you to his chest you slowly relaxed, letting out a sigh. Closing your eyes you listened to the sound of his beating heart, felt the warmth of his body seep into yours.

Listening as her breathing turned deep, her body going limp against him he grinned softly. Placing a gentle kiss to her temple he felt her face nuzzle into his chest. "Goodnight my darlin'."

#Whitebeard #whitebeard one piece #one piece whitebeard #whitebeard x reader #edward newgate #feedback would be appreciated #edward newgate x reader #one piece #One Piece Fanfiction

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yungidreamer · 4 years

Text

Fae

The second one shot in my Kinktober fantasy series

Summary: A lonely fairy in the woods catches sight of an intriguing visitor who seems to love his forest as much as he does. He invites her in, but will she decide to stay?

Wordcount: 4k

Content warnings: mild sexual content, making out, kissing, more reference to sex than description of it, and some magic.

Suggested music: Capercaillie Eastern Reel and Price of Fire and The Seed by AURORA

If you ever meet a fairy, do not accept their food or drink, it is how they draw you into their world...

She was here, Felix grinned to himself. He had watched her passing near his fairy circle for months, admiring her beauty and the way she always seemed to be so happy when she walked through the forest. He loved the wonder that came into her eyes when she spotted a pretty flower or a cute little bird flitting by.

“Please come in,” he said hopefully. “I promise not to keep you forever if you just come, just for a little while.” He just had to do something to catch her attention, to draw her inside. Felix put his hand on the ground near the edge of his circle letting out small tendrils of magic through his fingertips. The glowing vines of magic crawled over the forest floor bringing forth bursts of spring flowers where they touched.

The movement and bright colors caught her attention in the corner of her eye and she turned to see what was there. A curling carpet of spring blooms covered a short distance up a little incline to a ring of mushrooms growing in the forest floor. She would have sworn it wasn’t there a moment ago.

“How are these growing now?” She asked quietly, directing the question at no one in particular. “Lily of the Valley, crocus, and Siberian squill...you all bloom in spring. How are you here?”

Careful not to step on the flowers, she made her way up the incline to see what was there, what could make those flowers bloom. Stepping into the circle of light brown mushrooms, she turned in a little circle to take in the view of the forest from that point. Somehow it looked brighter, more vivid from that place where she stood. A slight rustling drew her attention to a tree stump a few meters behind her.

“Who are you?” She asked the boy who seemed to be suddenly sitting there, cross legged, his chin resting on the palms of his hands as he looked at her.

“I’m Felix,” he replied, standing up. “Welcome to my forest.”

“Your…” her voice drifted off. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude. I didn’t think this was private property.”

“No, please, don’t apologize,” he assured her, standing up and moving to join her. “I don’t mind having you here. It’s nice to see someone appreciate my forest.”

“Have...have you been watching me?” She asked, taking a half step back.

“A little,” he admitted shyly, smiling up at her through his lashes. “Your sketches of the birds were so pretty. Most people don’t pay enough attention to capture them so well.”

“Thank you, I suppose,” she replied. He made her feel funny. It was some sensation she couldn’t place when she looked at him. He was handsome and young looking, with sparkling eyes and a dusting of freckles over his nose and cheeks. A mischief danced in his eyes when he looked at her with an adoring intensity. It should have made her uncomfortable, after all, he was a stranger she knew nothing about. Not to mention the strange way he was dressed. Why was he here by himself? How had he seen her and her sketches in the forest without her noticing?

“Did you like my flowers?” He asked, drawing closer.

“How did you get them to bloom so late in the year?” She asked, turning to look at the carpet of flowers again.

“Oh that’s easy,” he explained, taking her hand and pulling her along to an open part of the forest floor. “Like this,” he knelt down and placed his palm on the ground and let out a small burst of his powers. Around his hand golden ripples pushed out, leaving blooms that pushed up through the leaf litter in their wake. Her eyes went wide and she moved down to her knees to get closer to the sudden burst of flowers.

“Edelweiss,” she breathed quietly. “What are you?”

“I’m a fairy,” he answered, as if it should be obvious. “I live in the forest, care for the plants and the creatures here. Would you like to see my home?”

“Yes,” she said before she could think better of it. It seemed likely this was a dream, or maybe that she had lost her mind, and if that was the case where was the harm in going to see it? Taking her by the hand he led her to an old thick oak that grew near the edge of a small stream. It looked like an ordinary old tree until he put his hand on it and the front of the tree melted into an old door that opened inward. It didn’t look possible, the door seeming to be as large as one side of the tree, but he stepped inside, drawing her in behind him.

“Welcome,” he said as he closed the door behind her. She couldn’t respond as she tried to take in where she was. Through the door was a little world that seemed to defy definition as either a room or a forest. Somehow it was both and neither at the same time. The walls and ceiling were a dome of warm golden wood, shiny and smooth from years of being polished and cared for with gentle hands. Windows looked out through the notches left by knots that had been cleared and set with rippling glazing that sparkled in the low light. Shelf-like mushrooms grew in areas along the walls holding everything from little figures, to cups and plates. Off to one side sat a person sized nest on a little nook that came out from the wall. The mess of blankets that covered it, as well as the cushy looking pillows buried off to one side, looked like they were made of the softest silk in shades of green and brown. On the opposite side sat a table made from the top of a stump that extended from the wall, floating just the right height above the floor. Two small stumps sat, one on each side, providing seats for anyone who wanted to sit for some tea or food, if the mood struck. Spheres dangled here and there, bringing a glowing warm light to the space. It smelled fresh and woody, like rosemary and pine with just a hint of sandalwood, completing the sense of fantasy about the place.

“Wow,” was all she managed to say after taking it all in for a moment or two.

“Do you like it?” Felix asked, drawing up beside her and taking one of her hands in his. “I don’t really get visitors very often.”

“It’s wonderful,” she assured him, turning to look at him and finding his face far closer than she thought it was. A blush rose onto her cheeks and he gave her a warm grin as he took notice.

“I’m so glad you found my forest,” he sighed, taking a hand and brushing his fingers over her cheek. “Would you mind if I kissed you?”

“No,” she said, her gaze dropping down to his perfectly shaped pink lips. It was just a dream after all, she told herself. If it was a dream, there was no harm. It couldn’t be real. Fairies didn’t exist, nothing could make flowers spring from nowhere, houses couldn’t appear inside trees.

Felix leaned in, brushing his lips against hers as gently as if he were kissing the fluff of a dandelion. His lips tasted like sweet clover and summer strawberries. His delicate hands held her face, tilting it just right so he could nuzzle his lips closer to hers. He filled her senses, with the sweet flavor of his lips and the gentle touch of his hands as they wandered from her face down to her shoulders and arms.

She was as wonderful as he had imagined, soft and giving under his touch. She was so alive and so warm in a way he had missed for so long. Humans usually held little attraction for him. They were short lived, selfish, and obsessed with their world of concrete and steel, missing the wonder and beauty of the nature so close to them. But she was sweet like a summer dawn and took joy in all the little details of the world around her. In her art she had captured the way the chickadee spread its wings as it turned in flight, the gloss of the leaves after the rain, and the glint of the spiderwebs in dawn mist.

“Let me touch you,” he asked quietly against the corner of her mouth.

“You already are,” she pointed out with a breathy laugh, her hands coming to rest on his waist.

“I meant like this,” he chuckled as his hand slipped over her clothed breast.

“Ah, right,” her cheeks went pinker as she pulled his hips closer to hers.

“Is this alright?” Felix slid a hand up under her sweater, still staying over the soft cotton of her t-shirt. She nodded, getting a closer look at his face as he explored her gently. Near the corners of his eyes he had little marks that looked like tiny silver crescent moons, glowing lightly from within. Over the bridge of his nose and cheeks were freckles of bronze and gold along with those that looked like regular ones. His eyes were brown like the fertile soil of the forest, but had flecks of red and gold, like leaves in fall.

He brought his lips back to hers, guiding her backwards until the back of her knees hit the edge of the nest like bed. She let herself sink backwards into the softness of the bed and its blankets as he moved to lie beside her. Felix coaxed her into the center of the bed and curled up along her side.

“You’re so beautiful,” he told her, brushing a little hair out of her face.

“I…thank you,” she said shyly. Reaching up, she pulled his face back down to hers, capturing his lips. She kissed him with passion and desperation. He was beautiful, he was delicious, and he made her feel like she was coming alive after a long winter.

He slipped her sweater off and tossed it to the floor. He kissed his way over her cheek and down her neck as he snuck his hand under her shirt to touch the skin of her stomach for the first time. He sent out tendrils of magic over her skin, making her gasp at the feel.

“What did you do?” She panted.

“Just a little magic,” he explained timidly. “Did you like it?”

“Yes,” she nodded, desperate for him to do it again.

“Here,” he helped her pull off her shirt and her pants, leaving her only in her bra and underwear in the soft nest of the bed. He stretched out beside her, running his knuckles over her stomach lightly.

“What about you?” She asked, running her hand over the clothing that still covered him. “Can I see you?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” he gave a musical laugh and his clothes melted away.

“Easy indeed,” she gave a nervous giggle as she looked down the line of his naked body. “That shouldn’t be possible.” She said softly, running her fingers along his shoulder, touching the soft skin there. His body was long and lean, muscular but not the sort one got from strength training, it was the body of a runner, a swimmer, a dancer. He was beautiful as he smiled down at her. Splaying a hand over her stomach he sent out a small ripple of magic over her skin and she saw little golden waves move across her skin, bringing pleasure with them. She let out a ragged breath and gripped his bicep to steady herself.

“Keep going,” she whispered, looking into his eyes. Felix leaned down and put his lips to hers and let a trickle of his magic into her through them. It amplified the cozy warmth of his lips and the taste of strawberries that washed through her. She urged him to deepen the kiss and helped him shift until he lay half on top of her as he did. When she touched him, she felt like she couldn’t get enough, couldn’t get close enough. He ran his fingers through her hair, holding her head as he explored her mouth.

A shiver went through her as his tongue tangled with hers and he slid a knee between her thighs. Her hands pressed against his back, feeling his muscles move under his soft skin. Somehow he managed to feel warm and hard and soft all at once under her touch. His magic intoxicated her, leaving her mind slowed and making the world have a pull and drag like water around her. She wanted more.

“Can we…,” she fidgeted, squeezing her thighs around his and hoping that would get her desire across.

“Are you sure you want to?” He ran a hand down her side to her waist. “I can make you feel good even if we don’t go all the way.”

“But I want to,” she nodded emphatically. If this was a dream she wanted to have this moment. If it wasn’t a dream, she wanted to feel like this, take as much of this moment with her for as long as she could remember it. “Please touch me.”

“Of course,” he giggled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll touch you as much as you desire.” His fingers played at the edge of her bra strap and he moved it slowly off her shoulder. He kissed along where it had been as his hand went to cup the soft mound of her breast. Everywhere his skin touched hers, golden sparkles followed behind.

Felix loved watching her reaction, the way goosebumps prickled along her skin when he touched her. The way his magic could flow and tickle along her skin was intriguing. Even with other fairies it hadn’t been like this. Sometimes their powers clashed, sometimes it fizzled, something that was always a great disappointment when you were otherwise compatible. But even with the best of experiences he had had before, they didn’t compare to how it felt to share it with her.

He reached behind her and undid the contraption that was her bra, discarding it off the side of the bed with a toss. Running the tips of two fingers over her from the notch in her collarbone down between her breasts and to the dip of her belly button. Her back arched and her muscles twitched under his touch. She looked so pretty like this.

“Can I take these off too?” He asked as he fingered the waistband of her panties. She nodded, lifting her hips to help him do it. Felix slid them down her hips and thighs, tossing them vaguely in the direction her bra had gone. With her now as naked as he was, he straddled her legs, sitting on his heels near her knees.

“If I said you were the prettiest thing in my forest would you believe me?” He asked, letting his eyes rake over her beneath him.

“No,” she admitted, moving her hands to cover herself.

“No, little one,” he leaned forward and entwined his fingers with hers and brought them to his lips. “Don’t hide. You are so beautiful to my eyes.”

“You’re too pretty to be believed,” she shook her head, pulling at him to ask him to lie down with her. He obliged and covered her body with his. A tingle went through him as so much of their bodies came into contact and he let out a gasp, as did she.

“Does it always feel this good for a fairy?” She asked as she moved her legs to cradle his hips.

“No, my magic seems to like you as much as I do,” He smiled. She smiled back and brushed his lavender bangs off his forehead. His lips returned to hers, giving them ravenous kisses as his hunger filled his skin. He moved his lips over her cheek and down her throat, making a slow sojourn down her body. He sucked and licked along her collarbone, enjoying the thin and sensitive skin there. Next he moved to her breast, sucking one nipple into his mouth as his fingers pinched the other lightly.

“Felix,” she gasped, her hands gripping his hair lightly. “You feel like heaven.”

“My love, you are heaven,” he replied, kissing along the underside of her breast and down her ribs. Eventually he found himself stretched out between her thighs, eager to explore her there. He placed little kisses on the inside of her thigh, enjoying the sparks he left in his wake. She was endlessly entertaining to touch and watch and enjoy for him.

He ran his tongue up her length tasting the moisture that had gathered there. She was sweet and salty to his taste buds, the perfect mix of intoxicating flavors. Her back arched under his touch and he spread her thighs wider. He watched her as he licked and sucked at her, loving how she reacted to him. She looked beautiful squirming under his ministrations.

Warm sensations enveloped her as her pleasure increased. It built inside her like a slowly lapping tide, curling against the inside of her body. Her hands reached for his as she could feel it rising and threatening to drown her with desire. He held her, a touch stone in a storm as she came apart underneath him. Moving up to lie beside her again, he admired her expression and how much she looked like she belonged here like this.

“I want to keep you,” he sighed, tracing the line of her features with his eyes. “But I can’t make that choice for you.”

“What if I decide to stay?” She asked, ready to say she would already.

“Don’t decide now,” he shook his head gently, cocooning them both in the soft blankets as he moved on top of her. “For now, just be with me.” He kissed her and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Let’s just have this now.”

She nodded and said nothing else as he slid himself inside her, burying his face in the crook of her neck, taking in the scent of her. It was as perfect a moment as he had ever had, sharing the warmth of their bodies, a mingling of their souls. They made love until they were both exhausted, falling into a contented slumber in the secret of his tree.

Hours later when they awoke, Felix helped her dress and walked with her to the edge of his circle. He wanted to keep her, to share the joys of his forest with her and perhaps he still would, but he would not do it by trickery. He could, and many of his kind did, but he loved the kindness of her soul too much to win it through deceit.

“Here,” he took one of her hands in his, pressing it between his two and sending a bit of magic through it. “Take some time to think, but if you choose to return, this will let you find me again.” When he drew his hand back, there was a mark on her palm that looked like a faint gray crescent moon. “If you choose to come back to me, I will share all I have with you; my forest, my magic, my heart. But if you come there is no going back, if you become part of my world you cannot go back to what you were, so think carefully on this choice. I would understand if you chose not to come back.”

“I don’t want to go,” She sighed. “If I go, I’m afraid this will all have been a dream. Or if it isn’t, what if I forget?”

“You won’t forget,” Felix promised, pointing to the mark on her hand. “This will stay on you, at least for a little while and I promise I’m not a dream.”

“Can I come back tomorrow?” She asked hopefully.

“Perhaps wait a little longer,” he laughed, cupping her cheek. “Come back in a week, find me then. Be careful going home, it's starting to get dark.” She nodded, stepping out of the circle of mushrooms to suddenly find herself alone in a forest that felt different than it had just a few moments before. She scurried down the path that led back home, leaving a piece of herself behind.

It had been a week and waiting so long had been a daily fight. The face of Felix haunted her dreams and her waking hours. She had spent much of the first few days sketching it in the hopes that it would give her some peace; exorcise it from her mind. But somehow she couldn’t capture just the right sparkle in his gaze, or the glint of his freckles in the glow of the light. She spent pages and pages sketching it, painting it, but could not get the memories on the paper. The results were beautiful, some of the best she had ever done of a person, her friends assured her, but she knew it wasn’t right.

At night she lay in bed, touching the mark he had left on her, willing him to hear her thoughts so that he would remember her too. What if he forgets me? She wondered to herself. What if he doesn’t want me back? I never should have gone. She sighed and turned over in her bed, struggling for sleep to take her.

Just three more days…

Just two now…

Tomorrow!

In the morning she had sat at her desk, penning a few notes to her friends and family in the hopes that it would at least make them worry less. She laid the envelopes on her bed, under the edge of her pillow, partially hiding them from sight. If she couldn’t find him again she would have time to destroy them before anyone would take note of them or even that she had been gone. She took with her a few photos, the necklace she had inherited from her grandmother, and the little music box her father had given her as a child.

She closed the door and locked it, slipping her keys into her pocket. Her feet walked her back to that place without a thought. She found the woods and the little half hidden trail that had teased her mind for last week. The wind blew through the mostly empty branches of the fall trees as milky light filtered down to the forest floor. The sound of her footsteps grew more faint as the visible path disappeared, becoming moss and the litter of fallen leaves.

She knew she must be getting closer as the forest began to grow quieter around her. She looked for the incline and the circle of mushrooms she knew must be near as she rubbed the mark on the palm of her hand.

“Felix,” she whispered under her breath, the fear she would not find him again welling up in her chest. She closed her eyes and said his name quietly, half a prayer, half a question. When she opened her eyes, before her floated a small orange ball of light that pulsed slowly as it floated just a little ahead of her. Her feet followed it without a second thought, slowly making her way through the last tangle of branches before she finally saw it.

“Felix, are you here?” She asked, carefully getting nearer his fairy circle.

“You came back,” his voice floated out to her a moment before he stepped out in front of her. “I had hoped you would, but…”

“Of course,” she extended her hand with the little crescent to him, taking those last few steps up to the line of mushrooms.

“Come inside, let me give you a little something to eat,” Felix offered with a smile.

Masterlist

#Lee Felix #stray kids imagines #stray kids smut #stray kids #felix #kinktober #fairy Felix #stray kids fluff #fantasy #fairy tales #felix smut #felix fluff #fantasy au

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simpingforthisonedeer · 4 years

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Chapter 3: A Reprise

Summary: Whiskey, flirting, crack, talk about magic, more whiskey and then, a loooot of frisky 😏😏😏

Notes: This is just a fun chapter at a whopping 7102 words but every detail is important so keep that in mind...

oh and there’s NSFW at the end ;)

Aika spent hours until evening helping Raymond and the rest of the captains to come up with formations for every thinkable scenario while enjoying food and drinks brought in by the servants. And then she happily spent the last hour with Julius to come up with contingencies for specific scenarios while the captains and the Magic Emperor either tried to relax, or took a power nap while the two laboured through.

It was early evening when they finished, and all the captains packed up their papers, maps, notes and the official plan. Aika took off her heels and sat down in the nearest empty chair with a groan. Captains walked by and patted her on the back sympathetically and in ‘goodbye’ as they dragged their feet out the door. All except one.

Aika laid her chin on the heel of her palm as she watched Julius decant what she assumed was whiskey, with half-closed eyes. A warm hand on her shoulder drew her out of her drowsy state.

“Aika.”

“Yes, uncle?” she looked drunkenly over her shoulder. He looked as tired as she felt. Raymond’s eyes flickered to Julius before he looked at her reprimandingly. She shrugged imperceptibly and rolled her eyes and shook her head, telling him not to worry.

“Captain Julius wanted to speak with you for a moment.”

She yawned as she nodded. She assumed he would. She told him she was a traveling mage then she turned up at his meeting saying she was also a tactical strategist. Raymond squeezed her shoulder and laid a hand on her head.

“You did a really good job today.”

Aika gave him a toothy smile. “Thank you,” she murmured.

He patted her head gently and nodded at Julius, who nodded back. Raymond silently made his way to the door and gave Aika one last, fond look and closed the door.

“Would you like some whiskey?” Julius asked sedately.

“Yes, please,” she took the Old Fashioned from him and smiled when her fingers brushed his. He took the seat opposite to her with his own glass, which was a significantly smaller portion than hers, and appraised on another.

Tall, short, blond hair, a killer jawline and deep, violet eyes twinkling at her in mild amusement. Aika stared hungrily at his bow-shaped lips as she bit her own.

“Is this what you meant by very soon?” Her eyes flicked up to Julius’ as she took a sip. Then it became clear. Her uncle was supposed to organize a meeting between Aika and Julius to let him know about her services but he called her in during a key, strategic meeting for her to show off her skills instead.

Aika nodded and gave him a lazy smile. She stood up with her heels in one hand and walked over to her backpack next to the window. She swiped the fake plans she needed to pass on to Jayce so he could deliver them to the Diamond Kingdom. Then, she paused abruptly when she noticed the trees she planted earlier.

It was getting dark out and the wisteria trees shone brighter than she had ever expected. They lit up the whole area. Some guards, a maid and the Coral Peacocks and Praying Mantis Captains stood around and admired the trees and its flowers.

“What’s wrong?” Julius came up next to her in a flash. “Oh.” He noticed the trees

“They’re beautiful…” she whispered.

“They haven’t been there before…”

Aika turned to him with a coy smile.

“I planted them this afternoon for Master Raymond,” she put her sunhat, heels and papers into her backpack and shrugged it on. “Him and my father loved to relax in the gardens together when they were younger,” Aika opened the windows, swung her legs over the windowsill and perched herself comfortably on it.

“Master Raymond’s your Uncle,” He plopped down next to her, his starry eyes still on the bright, purple trees. “Why’d you reveal that to me?” He looked at her from the corner of his eye. “Sharing classified information with family members can get you and most likely Master Raymond arrested if you don’t work for him in official capacity.”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

Aika took a sip and sighed in satisfaction. This whiskey burned real good, and it soothed the nervousness in her gut. She turned to Julius and answered,

“I wanted to be candid with you and continue to be so because I want to leave you with no doubt that I’ve never lied.”

“It’s alright. Your work needs a cover so I understand any ‘lies’ about that.”

“Oh.” She expected the absolute opposite of that reaction.

Julius laughed when her face fell.

“And don’t worry, nobody is arresting anyone. You proved yourself to be quite skilled today. All the Captains were impressed and you got them all to agree on a plan which is nearly impossible,” A wry scoff escaped his lips as he shook his head. “Every rule has an exception and you were exceptional today,” he winked at her. She averted her eyes with a blush and a small smile.

The pair continued to admire the wisteria trees in comfortable silence as they took an occasional sip. While it was nice, Aika hated the silence because the ringing in ears got louder so she decided to continue speaking.

“You remember the night we met?” Julius nodded as he took another sip to hide a smirk.

“Felt like a dream, to be honest.”

She turned to him with a perplexed look.

“A dream? What do you mean?”

He let out a wry chuckle.

“See, this one night, I just wanted to see some magic,” he began in an amused voice, “but then I got caught in this beautiful woman’s bear trap in the middle of the woods, got called delicious and instead of being devoured like I was hoping,” Aika’s mouth went dry at his intense gaze. “I discover she’s the only other Time Mage around. Then I get verbally thrashed and then we’re all friendly,” He threw back the last sip and sighed with a thoughtful look. “In fact, it never felt like we were strangers. We talked about Magic for hours. Turns out, the woman is not only really pretty but also super smart. It seemed like we had a lot in common,” he set his glass on the floor inside the room behind him and leaned forward on his knees with his eyebrows furrowed and a pensive look.

“We parted ways with a vague promise of seeing each other again and then the next day, I was told about a woman who’s been working with Master Raymond named ‘Aika Tolliver,’ someone who would possibly have to work with me after the war is over and I’m Magic Emperor,” he said, looking pointedly at her. Aika shrugged helplessly with a crooked smile.

She turned and stared at her glass as she swirled her drink. It was obvious he had been thinking about that night a lot and is absolutely shameless about it. She would be lying if she said she didn’t think of it often too. She had read up on all the files about him, his achievements, character profiles and open cases after that night. It was actually quite surprising that he wasn’t badgering her to show her more magic if the description of his quirks were true.

It was an open secret, apparently, that Captain Julius Novachrono was often child-like and easily distracted by magic. He loved nothing more than to wander around the kingdom to witness more variety of magic than do his work. As far as they both knew, they were the only two arcane stage Time Mages. The Freese family had also used a form of Time Magic but it was a much weaker version.

But he wasn’t exactly like the character profile stated. Yes, he was fascinated by magic, in fact they discussed Magic for hours the first night they met, but he wasn’t badgering her like it was the only thing he ever did like the reports implied. She was actually really flattered because he seemed more interested in her than her magic.

Aika knew that she shouldn’t court Julius while still wanting to maintain a professional relationship but she couldn’t really help it. He was so damn tempting.

“You sir, are,” she began as she bit her lip. “quite bold, I must say,” she said, addressing his beginning remarks. She shivered and hugged herself as a cold gust of wind swept by. Julius moved to take his cloak off and offer it to her but Aika took the edge of his cloak with a mischievous grin and wrapped it around her as she pressed herself into his side.

“Another thing we share in common,” she whispered as she nearly brushed her nose against his. Maybe a whole glass of whiskey was a bad idea. She was a little tipsy and a little too comfortable.

Julius parted his lips in shock. That was not expected. He knew he should be talking to her about what Master Raymond discussed with him: about her providing information about Clover’s neighbors, the underground, and covert missions. He was just being his flirtatious self to maybe bring her guard down but damn, two can play this game too. He recovered with a grin and wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close.

“I guess it is.”

She flashed a satisfied smile and turned to look back at the trees. She laid her head against his collar and took in a deep breath. The familiar, sweet smell of ozone came wafting from the man next to her. It was kind of like how her younger brother’s magic used to smell mixed with something that was purely Julius so she couldn’t help but smile at that. But as far she knew, Julius didn’t have any lightning magic like her brother, so she turned and pressed her nose to his collarbone to investigate the smell.

“Hey, that tickles!”

She pulled back with a laugh at his affronted look.

“Sorry, sorry.”

“It’s alright,” He assured her as he gave her one of those smiles where his eyes went soft and Aika felt like melting right then and there. She looked away before she did something stupid like kiss him silly.

There was another comfortable silence except for a shiver here and there from Aika which made Julius tighten his fingers on her hip. She controlled her breathing as she got warmer and pressed closer into his side. She had absolutely no shame.

“Hey,” he began as they both watched the sun set over the glistening trees. “I have a question about what Captain Leonardo said earlier.”

Aika looked up at him.

“About The Innkeeper?”

“Sort of,” he furrowed his brows again. “Why would The Innkeepers ask you for a favor if they had to face the two brigades? How would you help them?”

She tensed at his questions.

“I don’t mean to pry. Master Raymond has explained what you do for him in very vague terms, and your dossier was very bare. So, I want to slowly get to know you, either for work,” he looked at her shyly. “Or for just you.”

She was ready to get aggressively cagey and defensive again but she couldn’t help but melt again at his words. This man has been nothing but nice and cordial to her and she really needed to rein in her anger. Aika had also basically promised that she won’t lie to him, so she needed to tell him. And besides, she was a hatchet man for her Uncle and if she needed to continue being one when Julius was promoted, he needed to know.

She took his other hand with a fortifying breath. She brushed the back of it with her thumb in silent apology for her oversensitive reaction that he had no doubt noticed. But he was quick to reassure her nonetheless. He was patient and kind…

Does he want her to work for him or does he want to seduce her? In the direction he was going, it seemed like both to Aika.

She squared her shoulders, excited about the possibilities and answered his question.

“If they called me for a favor because two brigades rolled up in their tunnels,” she looked at him blankly. “I would take care of it.”

An intrigued smile crept onto Julius’ face.

“Really?” He turned his nose up with a taunting look. “And how would you do that?”

“I will try to be diplomatic first.”

“Good idea,” he nodded approvingly. “And if that doesn’t work?”

She bit her lip and looked away.

“Then, I would bring the private army to settle things.”

“Wow, you’re really The Dagger?! I would love to see you fight one day! How—”

“Uncle Ray calls me ‘The Dagger?’ That’s—”

“A badass title, Aika? Yes, it is.”

Aika pinched Julius’ side with a laugh, drawing out an undignified yelp out of him.

“That’s a cringey name, Julius!”

“Okay, okay! But I’m not the one who said it!”

She looked away with an exaggerated ‘hmph.’

“He calls me that because he thinks it’s funny that I always carry a dagger,” she scoffed as she shook her head. “And besides, ‘Wizard King’ is away better title,” she said childishly. She fiddled with the edge of her skirt for a moment before she noticed that Julius went quiet.

“What’s wrong?”

“You want to be the Wizard King?”

A beat.

Aika gaped as her lips twitched in suppressed laughter.

“Wh-What?! No!” She couldn’t hold it anymore and burst out laughing.

“I’m so sorry I’m laughing,” she wheezed as Julius looked over at her in concern. “I have not wanted to be Wizard King since I was 8, and, and,” she breathed deeply before she continued laughing again. She apologized profusely as she tried to catch her breath.

“I don’t know why that’s funny to you,” Julius grumbled with a small smile.

“No, no, it’s the way you asked. Like the sheer disbelief in your voice was hilarious. I’m so sorry, I don’t know why that’s so funny.” She wiped a stray tear. He had no idea.

“It’s just,” she took a deep breath. “I’ve given up on becoming Wizard King when my little brother said he wanted to be one too. Actually, I don’t even know why I wanted to be Wizard King in the first place. I was just a peasant in the Forsaken Realm who didn’t even know her attribute.”

“You were a peasant?” Julius blurted. “But isn’t your uncle a noble?”

Aika laughed. “My Uncle was a commoner who married into nobility and my father went to the Forsaken Realm to paint landscapes but fell in love and settled down there. So, I’m technically peasant-born...” she finished quietly, expecting Julius to maybe move away or be disgusted.

“Ohhh, that makes sense,” he nodded thoughtfully. He loosened his hold and turned to look at her with a starry look. “Will I get to see you on the battlefield though? I’ve heard so many great things about The Dagger and I want to see how you fight with Time Magic!”

“You’re not going to see me fight for a long while, Julius.” Aika was done fighting, especially other’s battles. It was why she left the Diamond Kingdom in the first place. She only ever saw her daughter during the weekends and the stress of her work, fighting and planning was getting to her mental health. She wasn’t going to fight again unless someone forced her hand.

“Aw, come on! Not even as part of an overwatch unit?”

“That’s a solid maybe,” she objected as she put her glass away. She wasn’t really the type to stand by and watch so she may change her mind after this weekend. But, after her ordeal with the Diamond Kingdom and their resistance movement, she was a lot more reluctant to pick up her swords again.

“Hmm,” he touched his chin. “Maybe,” Julius regarded her with a suggestive look. “I can change your mind.”

“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow in interest. He moves really fast. “And how do you pl—”

He quickly attacked her sides with his fingers causing her to squirm as she pursed her lips shut and stopped any laughs or screams from escaping. Tickling her? Aika hoped for something way more different. She composed herself as she shook her head when he began to try harder.

“I think,” she began in a shaky voice. “That you’re just looking for an excuse touch me.”

She nearly slipped off her perch but Julius quickly caught her and looked at her with a pout.

“Can you blame me?”

“Not as long as I get to return the favor!”

And before Aika’s hands could reach his sides, Julius launched himself off the windowsill, towards the gardens as he threw a grin over his shoulder.

He wasn’t childish, he was just a mess of gorgeous chaos, and she could see it in the ever-present twinkle in his eyes that threatened to shine like the stars.

“Julius!” She leapt after him.

He landed gracefully on his feet and made a big show of running in the direction of the brightly lit wisteria grove as he laughed.

“Only if you can catch me!”

Aika landed behind him and ran after him with a wild smile. She ran past the guards, captains and the maid admiring the grove and followed Julius into the center where she created a clearing earlier that day. Aika blinked and he disappeared.

She situated herself in the center of the grassy area and spun on her heel as she scanned the area for an ambush. She was a Time Mage too so speed wasn’t really an advantage if he wanted to sneak upon her but she was too tired to properly use Mana Zone without accidentally suffocating someone so she avoided using her magic. She had to trick him instead.

She pretended to look in a direction longer than she did before and as predicted, a blond blur moved at her eight o’clock and she sidestepped him.

Aika grabbed Julius’ arm and twisted it behind his back and tackled him to the ground. He fell with an ‘oomph’ and groaned when she straddled his back. He leaned on his left side to avoid aggravating the bandaged wound on his right with considerable strain as she pressed down on him. Aika watched with a pleased smile and a blush as Julius breathed hard below her.

“You really thought you could just get away with it?”

He turned his head to the side with a cheeky grin.

“I don’t know anyone as fast as me so yes, I did.”

She retaliated by folding her legs underneath her like a pretzel and put all her weight on him.

“Don’t sit on my back!” He exclaimed as he struggled to buck her off. She pressed his arm harder with one hand and forced his head down with the other. Then an idea struck him and his grin grew wider. “Sit on my lap instead,” he suggested lowly.

Julius expected to catch her off guard and give him an opening to free himself, but he didn’t expect her to lean down to his ear and whisper,

“If you don’t behave, that is exactly what I’ll do and more.”

He inhaled sharply as all blood rushed to his cock.

Fuck. Not expected, but certainly not unwelcome either. Aika smirked as he stopped resisting and flushed redder.

“Are you threatening me with a good time?”

“And if I am?”

“Hey, Miss Tolliver!” Marcus, the Praying Mantis’ captain, called out as he entered the clearing with Leah, the Coral Peacock’s captain, at his side. Aika quickly masked her face with a playful smile and waved ‘hello’ at him.

“I didn’t know you were such good friends with Julius already. What did he do?” He asked with a laugh.

“Miss Aika!” Evan exclaimed in worry as he came running into the clearing, his hands ablaze with fire. Aika waved his concerned, mother-henning self off as she slid off of Julius’ back.

“I’ve known this man for less than 24 hours,” she addressed Captain Marcus as she made herself comfortable on the grass. “and he had already tried to push me out the window!”

Julius discreetly moved his cloak to cover his not-so-little problem as he quickly sat up next to her.

“Push you?! I didn’t push you and it wasn’t on purpose!” Aika crossed her arms and raised one sardonic brow. That was a lie to cover for him but if he wanted to blow it, he was welcome to do so.

“Oh, would you like to tell them what exactly you were doing then?” she motioned to Evan, Captains Leah and Marcus, who were becoming more invested in this conversation by the second. If he wanted to tell everyone that they were flirting, that was fine by her.

She turned in surprise when Jayce, her other guard, and Ellie, her maid walked into the clearing with cautious expressions. Perfect! Now, she could hand off the fake plans for the Diamond Kingdom. Aika waved them over with a happy grin as Julius stammered next to her.

She looked at him smugly, silently daring him to tell what he was doing that made her nearly fall off. He wiped the dirt off his face as he looked at her pleadingly. She hid a smile at his puppy-dog eyes and conceded.

“The window was opened and I was standing by it and he accidentally bumped into me. He didn’t say sorry so I chased him and he jumped out the window and I followed,” Aika lied. Evan looked between her and Julius in suspicion while Ellie and Jayce hid a snicker.

“That sounds like Julius alright,” Marcus chuckled as Leah shook her head.

“Lovely trees, aren’t they?” Julius asked a little forcefully. Aika looked around and nodded at his remark, letting him change the subject. It was completely dark out and the flowers shone brightly with a purple tint, completely lighting up the area. Aika would’ve made some flower crowns with the Wisteria if they didn’t sting her so much.

“Let’s continue speaking in the meeting room,” Julius addressed Aika as he stood up with a groan. He nodded at the Captains and the guards and offered a hand to Aika to get up. She nodded and took out the fake battle plans from her backpack and handed them to Jayce as the rest watched curiously.

“I was brought in today by Master Raymond, so they know,” Aika quickly explained when Jayce and Ellie threw panicked looks at the Captains. She took Julius’ hand and stood up next to him. “Give them directly to Generals Allard and Hennequin, okay?”

Jayce nodded seriously and tucked the papers inside his robe. The Captains turned to Aika in surprise.

“Are they your spies?” Leah asked in disbelief.

“Yep, the three of them are my assets. I trust you all can keep this little secret?” she pressed a finger to her lip with an enigmatic smile. “Master Raymond is already aware of them.” Aika let out huff when Julius gave them starry looks.

“What kind of magic do you guys use? Does it help you guys in spy work? Well, magic is too flashy so do you have transformation magic or something? I would think that would be the most usef—”

“Julius,” Aika pulled him back by his fur cape as he got all up in their space. “The answers to your questions are classified. Please don’t make them uncomfortable.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, haha!” He rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile. Sometimes, he just forgets himself when it comes to magic. He turned to Aika with a small smile.

“I suppose we should continue speaking in the conference room?” He offered an arm to her. She nodded and took his arm graciously. Any excuse to touch him was fine by her. They both waved ‘bye’ to the slightly perplexed crowd and walked back towards the tower as they threw secret looks at each other.

Ellie waved back in confusion. Jayce wound an arm around her shoulder as he leaned heavily on her, his eyes still on Aika. Evan hummed thoughtfully next to them.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” he asked. Aika and Julius flew up together to the window and back into the conference room, linking hands as they did.

“I believe it’s about the Captains’ retirements,” Leah piped up. “and Julius’ ascension to the throne.”

“The throne?” Jayce asked as he reluctantly turned to her disbelief. “He’s just going to be the Wizard King, right?”

“King Augustus enjoys a stress-free lifestyle,” Marcus said as he shook his head. “He may resent Master Raymond for having equal power to the king during wartime but he certainly takes advantage of it and passes all his paperwork to the Wizard King.”

They all nodded in understanding as a smirk crossed Evan’s face. The others might not have seen it in the dark, but he had certainly noticed how they linked hands when they were further away. The way his boss looked at the young Captain...Things might get interesting around here depending on how tonight goes…

Aika made herself comfortable on one end of the couch as Julius poured her a smidge of whiskey and settled down on the other end. She tucked one leg underneath her as she turned to face him.

“Am I going to have to drink by myself?” she asked cheekily as he put the decanter away. He patted his chest lightly.

“I have a slow-acting rotting curse on my liver. It’s going to be a while before that goes away so I can’t drink.”

Aika’s demeanor turned serious almost instantaneously.

“I heard there was a hired gang of curse mages in the last battle. Was it from one of them?”

He nodded slowly.

“Couldn’t you just rewind to the time when the curse didn’t exist?”

“Ah, no. Immediately after getting hit with the curse, they tied a mana resistance spell and its duration to it so I can’t dispel it yet. The healer mage said another week or two before I could begin to heal.”

“Ooh, that’s a rare curse combination. Combining a curse and a reinforcement spell is difficult,” Aika said, nodding as she fished through her backpack. “And even then, a mana resistance is a gamble unless you are very specific with your spell, or else your target is completely impervious to all attacks.”

She pulled out a vial of clear liquid and waved it at him.

“Here, catch!”

Julius caught it and examined it. It had a unique smell that he couldn’t name. He thought it smelled kind of like thyme and rain.

“Mana resistance is a good spell so there wasn’t a potion to remove it,” she motioned at the vial in his hand. “until recently.”

He examined it more thoroughly as he understood what this little potion meant. Mana resistance was actually annoying when it lasted longer than it should but no one had really developed a potion to counter it.

“Was it developed because soldiers aren’t able to heal themselves in battle because of resistance?”

“Among many other reasons.”

“Wow, so cool! I haven’t been keeping up with potion-making and I don’t think my healer did either!” He moved to uncork the vial but Aika stopped him with one hand. She didn’t realize she had even moved. They both looked at where their hands touched with a jolt and blushed.

“Sorry, I was just-”

“It’s okay,” Julius grinned at her, a blush still present on his face. “I don’t mind.”

Aika lips twitched with a shaky smile. She cleared her throat and focused on the vial.

“You need to fill it up with your mana first before you drink it. You can only dispel it-”

“With my own mana because I can only overwhelm a mana resistance spell from the inside out.”

“Hey, you know your stuff! An unrivaled magic nerd like they say I see.”

He grinned proudly and did as she told him. Aika watched as the vial glowed in his hands as he poured his mana into it. He uncorked it and raised it in cheers before throwing it back.

He handed the vial back to her and hovered a hand over his liver. Accelerating time wasn’t an option because that would leave him with a damaged liver. Rewinding time would mean the mana resistance would be back.

“What are you waiting for?”

Julius looked up at her big, expectant eyes and he forgot to breathe for a second. The moonlight from the window illuminated half of her face in the dimly-lit room and lashes fanned her cheeks when she blinked at him with an innocence he knew she didn’t possess.

“Um,” He motioned vaguely at his chest as it rose unsteadily. “I can’t rewind or the mana resistance would be back.”

“And accelerating would leave your liver damaged,” she finished with a thoughtful look on her face. Julius’ mind went blank when his eyes focused on her mouth. They spoke about magic with the same passion as his, lips that turned pink for a moment whenever she bit her lip flirtatiously, lips that would look wonderful wrapped around him—

“Hey, Julius?” she asked lowly. Gooseflesh rose at the nape of his neck when she leaned closer. He prayed that his trousers were covered in shadows.

“Yes?”

“You kind of spaced out. You okay?”

“Yes!” Julius shook his head to clear his thoughts and looked at her properly with a shining smile. “Yes, I’m feeling fine.”

“Okay, good,” Aika’s shoulders fell slightly as she gave him a relieved look. “I got an idea on how to rewind and step over the mana resistance. Well, it’s a theory. We would have to use combination magic though,” she said with a mischievous smile. That caught Julius’ attention. He had never used combination magic before! People with arcane magics often can’t.

“Aren’t our rewind spells the same?”

“Not necessarily. Your rewind spell is actually very different from mine.”

“Oh? In what way?”

She grew more excited as her idea became more coherent.

“My rewind spell undos the effects but your rewind spell, it’s resurrection something, uh,” Aika snapped her fingers and lit up when she remembered. “Chrono Anastasis, right? In the description on your grimoire page, it said that it undos events and keeps using the rune ‘event’ over and over again, compared to mine where it says ‘effect.’”

Julius furrowed his brow as he absorbed that information.

“How are ‘effects’ and ‘events’ different?” Aika settled down closer to his side, her knee pressingly eagerly against his leg and bit her lip with a smirk.

“Say for example, I tore your shirt off and threw it to the side,” she began casually, willing her face to stay still when Julius’ eyes nearly bugged out. “If I used my rewind spell on the shirt, the tear would repair itself but that’s it. If you used your rewind spell, the tear would repair itself as the shirt makes its way back on you.”

He swallowed thickly as he processed the information.

“So you’re saying that my spell, er, has a bigger sphere of influence at the base than yours.”

“A bigger diametral place, yes. And I’ve experimented with my Time Magic and I’ve learned to use it in pieces rather than letting the spell run its course. I’ve skipped over certain effects when rewinding but it's really hard. But, if I combined it with your magic where it distinguishes events specifically, I can differentiate the dispelling of mana resistance, get to the rotting curse, and rewind it!”

Julius gaped as Aika gave him a sunny look. He willed himself to breathe properly when her eyes flickered down to his lips.

“Do you get it?” He nodded as he gathered his wits and squared his shoulders. He lifted his hand, palm facing her as he let his giddiness take over. He was going to do combination magic for the first time! He’ll concentrate on that for now.

“Let’s do it then.”

Aika pressed her palm against his and nearly drew back when she realized how cold he was.

“Your hands are really cold,” she murmured. He smiled as a rush of cockiness overtook him.

“Maybe, you should keep them warm for me.”

Aika paused a beat and stared as he raised an eyebrow. Oh, she wasn’t going to back down from a challenge.

She twisted her wrist and took his hand, brought it up to her lips and placed a slow, open-mouthed kiss on his knuckles. The bold move short-circuited Julius and his erection pressed almost painfully against the front of his trousers. He stared at her in mild surprise as she looked at him from beneath her lashes.

“It would be my pleasure,” she said softly. She laced her fingers with his and nodded in the general area of his chest.

“Should we get to it then?”

“Uh,” he blinked and slowly pressed his legs together, not that it was going to hide much. “Yes. How do we do this?”

“Lend me some of your magic and I’ll rewind the wound,” Aika explained as her eyes stayed resolutely on his face for the sake of his dignity.

He nodded and closed his eyes and let his mana seep into her. He began hesitantly but relaxed when she squeezed his hand comfortingly.

Aika’s hand hovered over his liver and she watched in fascination as a blueish clock, very different from her own, spun counterclockwise. It kept spinning and accelerating until she knew she went back two weeks.

This was much more effortless than doing it with her own magic where she had to calculate the exact moment she needed to skip and actually perform the spell. It was kind of amazing to feel a different kind of time magic slide against her own mana. She expected to have some issues because combination magic that wasn’t spur of the moment required a certain amount of trust, and the proof that he trusted her even a little bit set her heart racing.

Julius took a deep breath and exhaled in relief when it didn’t hurt.

“Wow, it feels so much easier to breathe!” He exclaimed as he touched his chest. He gave her a big smile. “Thank you!”

“Your welcome, and now you can finally join me.” Aika let go of his hand and handed her glass to him. She stood up with a wink and instead of bringing the nearly empty decanter, she walked back to the sofa with a bottle of whiskey and another glass in her hands.

He raised an eyebrow. She shrugged shamelessly.

“I hope you’re not a lightweight for both our sakes,” he jibbed as he took a sip.

“A full glass couldn’t get me tipsy, Julius. Another glass wouldn’t make too much of a difference,” she plopped down next to him and reclined as she crossed her legs.

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Aika.”

“Mm, if I want to wake up, brain all sore, among other things,” Julius choked. “who are you to stop me?” She patted his back as he recuperated. He cleared his throat and turned to her with a deadpan face as if to ask if that was really necessary. She giggled.

“So Time Magic,” Julius gritted out in an effort to change the topic. “What else do you think we could do with our combined magics?”

“Well…”

They talked about time, space, the end, and the beginning, till their glasses nearly emptied.

“Your teleportation spell is not a time-space spell! It’s literally spatial magic! How-” “Nonono, if I’ve been somewhere before, it’s a moment in time. I can’t really go back in time, but I can go back in space.”

Aika snorted derisively as she threw back the last sip in from the bottle.

“Yeah, whatever you say, space boy.” Julius huffed in mock anger. “I would’ve asked if you were for hire if you weren’t so busy trying to become king—I mean, Wizard King.”

“Speaking of hiring,” Julius began suddenly as he looked into his glass with uncharacteristic solemnity. “Would work for me? This meeting was supposed to be about me convincing you—”

“I thought it was the other way around,” Aika blurted. “I thought I had to convince you?”

“Oh...”

They burst out laughing.

“I think we were too busy talking magic to be convincing each other of anything,” Julius wheezed out between laughs.

Aika breathed deeply in a futile attempt to catch her breath.

“Well, I at least know that you would be fun to work with,” she giggled as she tried to get the last drops out of the whiskey bottle. She looked up when he spoke.

“But you still didn’t answer my question,” Julius took a sip as he crossed his legs. “Would you work for me?”

Aika barely registered what he said. Her eyes were only on the drop of whiskey on his lip. His tongue darted out to lick it and it set her blood on fire. She resisted the urge to squirm and instead focused on the glass in his hand.

“Yes, of course, I’ll work for you.”

He grinned.

“Great! Three ‘yeses!’”

She hummed as her hand slowly inched towards the glass on his hand.

“Can I have the rest of it?”

“What?!” He looked at his glass and swiftly raised his arm above him and out of her reach. “No!”

“Please?” She pouted. Julius’ face flushed redder.

“You’re already six sheets to the wind. Any more and we’re looking at alcohol poi—”

Aika plucked it out of his hand with a smirk.

“Hey!”

She clambered backwards to the opposite end of the sofa as he leapt after her. She kept him at bay with her legs as she attempted to drink from the glass but he pinned one leg down with his hip and stretched his arm out to grab it from her. Aika quickly shifted up and arched her back over the armrest and kept it out of his reach.

He grunted when she tried to tickle him with her other hand. Julius looked down to scowl at her as she gave him a shit-eating grin but their faces fell when they realized what position they were in.

Julius was straddling one of her legs as he hovered a few inches from her face. Aika’s hair was fanned out in a halo around her as her breathing grew heavier.

Julius smiled drunkenly as his eyes flickered down to Aika’s lips. She pulled him gently by his cape and carefully brushed her lips against his, testing the waters, asking permission.

Suddenly, she was drowning in whiskey, lightning and the heady sensation of his insistent lips on hers.

Aika haphazardly set the glass down and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with equal frenzy. He hummed appreciatively and pressed his weight on her but kept his hips at a respectable distance.

He brushed the hair out of her face with featherlight touches and cupped her cheek tenderly. She knotted her fingers in his hair, lightly pulling as she went. She had been longing for him since that night a week ago and now her body ached to have all of him, feel him, surround him.

Aika brought up the leg he straddled and pressed it against his straining erection. Julius made a keening noise against her lips as he ground down against her thigh. She traced the arch of his spine appreciatively as he wantonly rode her thigh, making needy noises at the back of his throat as he did.

She ran her hands up the back of his thighs and squeezed his firm ass. He stiffened in her arms and sat up immediately, his eyes, sober and aghast. Aika’s heart stopped, thinking it was rejection.

“I’m so sorry,” he exclaimed. “I didn’t mean to kiss you so suddenly! I was just reaching for the glass and I didn’t really think. I don’t know if you were just flirting for fun or if it was serious and I shouldn’t assume like that.”

She gaped as he apologized profusely. Was this man serious? He was about to get fucked within an inch of his life and he’s sorry?

“Julius,” Aika called out, stopping him mid-rant. She stared pointedly at his straining cock and raised an impressed eyebrow. “You’re not sorry and I’m not either.” He flushed redder, if that was even possible, as her eyes roved over his debauched form. She grinned when an idea crossed her mind.

She planted her feet on the couch and flipped them over. He grabbed onto her hips at the sudden movement and grit his teeth to hold back any noises as she ground her thigh into his cock. Aika licked the sliver of skin high up his neck and bit his earlobe.

“You don’t get to flirt with me, touch me, kiss me and ride my thigh,” She ran her fingers down his chest “and be sorry about it.”

She wrapped her fingers around his clothed length and latched her teeth on the fluttering pulse of his neck. She gasped and tightened her hold when he whimpered in her ear.

Aika pulled back, her face pleasantly surprised. Julius panted through swollen lips and hooded eyes as he stared back at her, unabashed and eager.

A smirk crept up onto her face and she licked her lips. Perhaps she should move on to the next phase.

“I will tie you to my bed and wring every ounce of pleasure out of you,” she brushed her lips against his jaw. “if you promise to keep making those pretty, little noises.”

Julius let out a shuddery gasp when invisible hands began to stroke and caress every straining nerve on his body, any place that could elicit pleasure. Hands he couldn’t see touched his inner thighs, raked down his sides and stroked his chest.

“Yeah, just like that,” she cooed.

“Wh-what is that,” he gasped out.

“Mana Control: Mana Hands,” she explained. “Magic gets you excited,” she giggled as she continued “So I wondered just how excited it would make you to know that magic could also be used for pleasure.”

He bit his lip and moaned quietly at her words.

And suddenly, a knock sounded on the doors.

“Aika?”

Julius and Aika looked at each other in horror.

Oh, shit.

Notes: I hope you horny bastards enjoyed that ;)))

#julius novachrono #julius novachrono x reader #julius novachrono x oc #im thirsty for julius #legitimately cockblocked #oh what life #oc: aika tolliver #imma make memes for this chapter :)#my fic #demons run

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jadekitty777 · 4 years

Text

Umbrella

@chiherah drew the cutest Fair Game sketch of Clover and Qrow sharing an umbrella at my request. And thus, I got inspired.

Rating: K+

Pairing: Qrow/Clover

Word Count: 1900

Ao3 Link: Umbrella

Summary: It’s pouring out and Qrow has no umbrella. Luckily, the cute, new guy at the apartment complex is willing to share his. [Modern AU]

Qrow liked to think of his mornings as chaotically organized.

That is to say that he got up at 6:40 sharp every morning, spent 5 minutes on downing a burning cup of instant coffee, 12 minutes on his bathroom routine, and was out the lobby doors of the apartment complex by 7:02 to catch the 7:10 bus that was two blocks away. He had it down to an art, always was on time without failure every day; and though he’d probably benefit from turning his clock back even five minutes to avoid rush, why change something that wasn’t broken?

Problem was, being so precise with his schedule didn’t leave for any opportunity to make last minute adjustments. Like, for example, grabbing an umbrella. Or a coat.

Qrow stood in the foyer that acted as a go-between to the lobby and the outside world, sourly staring at the sheets of rain coming down in thick torrents from the sky. As he pulled out his phone, hoping by some miracle he had three minutes to spare, he stepped aside as he heard the door open behind him to get out of the way of whomever it was.

7:02 AM laughed back at him.

“Shit.” He grumbled.

“Everything alright?”

He jumped, looking over to the person who’d joined him in the foyer. Brunette hair, teal eyes, and an easy-going smile greeted him in return. He instantly recognized him as the new guy who’d taken Maria Calavera’s old apartment when she’d moved out into assisted living earlier on this month (A fact he was a bit salty about – he liked that old codger). Qrow also happened to already know his name because, by habit one day, he went to go get Maria’s mail for her and found a new name etched on the box: Clover Ebi.

He’d caught a few glances of him in passing, but this was his first up-close contact and the realization hit him hard over how unforgivably handsome he was.

“Uh, yeah.” He avoided his gaze when he realized he was staring. “Just, forgot it was going to rain, is all.”

“Oh. That’s unfortunate.”

Qrow snorted. “Buddy, that’s my middle name. Anyways, see ya.” He offered him a wave before walking into the storm. He ducked his head as the rain instantly assaulted him, feeling cold spikes hit along the back of his neck and exposed arms. He sighed, crossing his arms and hunching over as he started his miserable walk to the bus stop, knowing he was going to be drenched by the time he got there.

Or so he thought, until a shadow fell over him, the rain blocked from above.

“You know, I had thought you were going to go back up and grab a coat at least. You’ll catch your death of cold going out like that.”

He tilted his head up, spotting the turquoise umbrella with little, happy aquatic creatures patterned along it, then to the one who had offered it. “Don’t have time. I’ll miss the bus.”

Clover’s smile hadn’t faltered, even as he was pelted by the rain. “Where ya headed? I’ll walk you there.”

Despite the chill in the air, he could feel heat creeping up his neck. “Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”

Wow, real grateful. Good job Qrow. A+ social skills.

But if it offended the other, he didn’t show it, stepping closer so he could hide under the umbrella as well. “Actually, I’m running early. I don’t mind, really.”

“I uh, well, sure, thanks.” He said articulately, his sociability surely continuing to impress.

“Lead the way.” As they started down the street, shoulders nearly touching, he offered. “I’m Clover, by the way.”

“Qrow.” He replied. With his profile now in his sight-line, it made him realize his left ear was pierced, a little silver shamrock twinkling there. Huh, cute. “Soo,” He drawled, feigning obliviousness, “You just moved in, didn’t you?”

“Yep, all the way from Montana.” Clover replied.

“Montana?” He felt his eyebrows shoot towards his hairline, easily picturing lush forests and grand mountain ranges and snow fall ten feet deep. He had to wonder if the guy also had a deer head mounted on the wall and a bearskin rug in his living room. “That’s quite a move. Why’d you come out all this way? It not like Wilmington is the Los Angeles of North Carolina.”

Clover laughed. It was a very nice sound that had Qrow’s heart pattering harder than the rain along their nylon shelter. “That’s an interesting way of putting it. Honestly though? The beach.”

“Okay, fair.” He conceded. Wrightsville Beach was less than an hour away from here, and was the one of the east coast’s most beautiful tourist attractions for a reason. The stunning, deep blue water and wide sandy banks were easy attractions to an appreciative eye and had a calming effect on the soul. Back during his more insomniac years in Uni, Qrow would oftentimes head down there just to capture the sunrises on his easel.

“I’ve always loved the sea, so when my job offered a relocation opportunity out here, I knew I’d be stupid not to take it.” Clover continued. “Kind of hoping for some time off to rent a boat, maybe do some fishing.”

Well, now the aquatic creatures above them made more sense.

Qrow stuffed his hands into his pockets, trying to keep them warm. “You fish?”

“I know, it’s about the most boring thing you’ve ever heard, right?” He joked.

He rolled his shoulders in a shrug, focusing more on the cracks in the concrete as he hesitantly admitted, “Actually, I uh, I bird watch.”

Immediately as the words flew out of his mouth, he regretted them. Of all the things he could have said! What was he thinking, telling this cute guy about his dumb, weird hobby? Now, he probably thought he was about as drab as a broken lamp.

“Really?”

…So then why did he sound so awestruck?

Qrow swallowed his nerves. “Yeah, my parents were ornithologists and they were a little obsessed with their work. It’s why they named me and my sis after birds. Raven hated it.” He did another shoulder roll, feeling that blush creeping up on him again. “But my parents were always so fascinated and one day I decided I wanted to try and see what was so special about ‘em and well, I didn’t care for all the science and stuff, but I liked watching them fly and build nests. I even learned how to do a few calls.”

“Really?” Clover’s eyes widened. “Can I hear one?”

“What? No!” Now he was positive the blush was on his face.

“I won’t laugh, I promise.”

He just shook his head even more vehemently.

“Alright, then I guess I’ll just have to improvise.”

What?

Clover cupped a hand over his mouth, took a deep breath, and then let out a series of loud squawks. “Caw-caw! Caw-caw!”

Qrow watched him a moment, briefly flabbergasted, and then just started to laugh. “What in the hell are you doing?”

“Bird-calling.” He replied innocently.

“That is not bird calling.”

“Well then,” He lent forward in the small space the umbrella offered, his smile coy. “Guess I got to learn from the master.”

Yep. He was red a tomato, for sure. “Alright, jeez, you swindler. I’ll do one.” Ignoring the way Clover’s face lit up like a damn Christmas tree, Qrow regretfully unearthed his hands from their temporary warmth. He thought over which one to do that was both easy for him but also impressive. “Okay, this’ll be a canary.”

He’d learned how to do that one in high school, and it taken him months to get it just right. The moment he did though, he belted it out randomly in the halls, enjoying the slight chaos it caused the other kids as they tried to find the source of the noise. Just like he used to back then, he pressed the pinkies of both hands to his lips, curled back his tongue a bit, and whistled through them, vibrating his vocal chords just enough to make the sharp trill of the bright yellow bird, the sound easily piercing over the falling rain.

Unlike his classmates though, Clover wasn’t fooled by who had made the noise. “Wow.” He breathed. “That was spectacular.”

“Ehehe, not really.” Qrow rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yes really.” He knocked his arm gently with the umbrella stem. “Don’t cut yourself so short. I bet that was hard to learn how to do.”

How was this guy so nice? Helplessly, he scrambled to respond, “I mean, not as hard as the seagull.” At the other’s sudden, eager grin, he gave a firm, “No.”

“Aah, alright.” Clover surrendered, “We’re almost at the stop anyways.”

Qrow glanced forward, spotting the familiar black structure just a few feet away. As the approached it, he ducked under the curved roof that functioned as a blissful shelter form the rain, and turned back to the man who had gotten him here, realizing this was probably goodbye.

He was surprised by how disappointed he suddenly felt.

“Uh, thanks, for, you know.” He said, gesturing around himself as words again failed him. There was a reason he never took public speaking in school.

“It was no trouble, really.” Clover replied, that easygoing smile back on his face.

He crossed his arms, rubbing the exposed skin idly. “Guess I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah – oh, wait.” Suddenly, the other stepped into the shelter with him, flipping his umbrella upside down and leaning it up against the bench. Then in one smooth motion, he yanked the green hoodie up and over his back, running a hand through his hair to fix the little quiff at the front.

Qrow’s brain short-circuited because whoa, muscles.

Clover held it out to him. “Here, you can borrow this.”

“Huh?” He looked from those nicely toned arms to the offering to his eyes, suddenly catching up to the situation. “No, I couldn’t.”

“I have time to go back and get another. Besides,” He winked, short circuiting Qrow’s brain again, “It’s not like you don’t know where I live.”

Oh. Oooh.

Qrow was experienced enough to recognize the gesture for what it really was: a surefire guarantee that they’d run into each other again.

Now how could he ever refuse that?

“Suppose I do.” He quipped back as suave as he could. He took the hoodie, pulling it on. It smelt like pine, heady and rich and despite their similar heights, it still dwarfed his leaner frame. Some of the other’s body heat still lingered in the fabric and he couldn’t help but melt into the much-needed warmth. He fingered one of the strings, trying to remain casual as he subtly offered, “I’ll return it tonight. Around…?”

“6:30.” Clover rested the umbrella back on his shoulder, expression just as sly. “Maybe we could catch some dinner too?”

Qrow felt his stomach flutter, face easing into a grin. “I’d like that.”

“Then it’s a date.” As he stepped back out into the rain, he winked at him again. “See you soon pretty bird.”

“See you.” He returned, watching the other leave, eyes scanning along his backside and appreciating the view.

Despite the dreary beginnings, it was shaping up to be a great morning after all.

#qrow branwen #clover ebi #fair game #rwby #fanfiction #Chase Firekitten's Tale

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sunflower-swan · 4 years

Text

Wolfstar Chapter 17

A/N: Here’s what you need to know: I created this story for Writer’s Month 2020. Every day is a new prompt, and therefore a new chapter. This is an AU Wolfstar where Remus is a tattoo artist next door to Sirius who manages a flower shop. James and Lily are alive in this universe and own a coffee shop across the street. And to make parts of the story work with the prompts, Remus is about 10 years older than Sirius. It also takes place more or less in present time, minus Covid-19.

This is chapter 17 of a multi-chapter work. If you’d like to start from the beginning, here is chapter 1.

Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters. I just like to play with them.

Day 17 Prompt: Cooking

Rating: Teen and Up

Word Count: 1608

Tags: fluff, dinner, date night, confessions

Chapter 17

Remus

Coldplay, “Strawberry Swing”

Now the sky could be blue

I don't mind

Without you, it's a waste of time

Remus entered the Flower Loft. It was nearing the time when Sirius would usually take a break, so he hoped he hadn’t missed it. Through his head ran ideas of how to do this and not sound like an idiot.

Are you busy tonight? What are you doing tonight? I’m cooking a roast for dinner, want to come over? Hey, want to come over for dinner tonight? ...fucking hell...

One of Sirius’ employees was running the front counter. Remus inquired as to where Sirius was, and the young woman went to fetch him.

Remus tried to dry his palms on his cardigan, but did not have much luck. The act left him with navy fibers clung to his hands. A few moments later, Sirius appeared from the back.

“Hey, Remus. Everything ok?”

“Yeah, yeah. Everything’s fine. I was just wondering --” he rubbed the back of his neck, “-- well, have you taken your break yet?”

“No, not yet. Just about to. Are you sure everything’s ok? You look a little...like, your face is kinda blotchy...and sweaty.”

Fucking nerves. “It’s warm outside?” Remus said, hoping that was a decent excuse.

Sirius didn’t seem completely convinced, but didn’t press the issue further. “I’ll meet you at our bench under the oak tree in about,” he checked his watch, “ten minutes?”

“Sounds good.”

Remus went to wait at the bench. He liked this bench. His hands splayed over the wood planks, worn rough and clover green paint chipped in places.

Our bench, Sirius had called it. It wasn’t far from the truth. They had spent a lot of time together on this bench over the course of their friendship. This bench had seen them drink a lot of coffee and share a lot of stories. Now it would be privy to Remus asking Sirius over for dinner. If he could figure out how to do it without being a complete awkward failure.

Before Remus could formulate an acceptable way to steer the conversation, Sirius had appeared. He settled into the bench, and threw his arm around the backside of the bench...behind Remus’ shoulders. Crossing his legs and turning toward Remus he said, “So, what’s up?”

Here goes nothing. Thanks a lot, Lily. “Er...wannacomeoverdinnertonight?” The words came out so fast, so mumbled, there was no way Sirius understood any of it. Which meant he would have to say it again. Dammit.

“Ha ha!” Sirius laughed, and leaned toward Remus. “What?”

Sirius fingertips lightly played on Remus’ shoulder. This did not help his nerves. And Godric, did he smell good.

Remus cleared his throat. “I said, would you like to come over for dinner tonight.” He finally looked directly at Sirius. “Do you like beef roast?” Shiiit...shit, shit, shit. What if he says no?

Sirius' fingers stopped their light pattern on his shoulder. Remus watched his concerned frown morph and grow into a wide-mouth, teeth-gleaming grin. “Beef roast sounds delicious. Throw in some roasted potatoes and carrots and you got yourself a date.”

A date. Remus was pretty sure his heart actually stopped at those words. “Um...what are your feelings about strawberry shortcake?”

“Strawberry shortcake sounds marvelous as well.” Sirius said with a wink.

He resumed the small, gentle caress of his shoulder. Somehow it simultaneously calmed Remus and increased his heart rate.

Sirius checked his watch. “I have to go soon. What time should I come over?”

“Eh…” Remus quickly calculated how long he would need to do the shopping, and pick up the flat a bit, plus time for actually cooking the meal. “How about...eight o’clock. Sound ok?”

“Eight sounds perfect.” He gave Remus’ shoulder a small squeeze. “See you then.” Sirius stood and started back to the Loft.

Remus leaned back and let out a long breath. This whole asking someone out thing was harder than he remembered. He hoped he still knew how to actually date someone.

“Hey, Remus!”

He turned to look down the sidewalk, where Sirius was half-shouting.

“I’m really looking forward to dinner tonight.” Then he gave a wave and disappeared into the Flower Loft.

Remus felt like a jumble of nerves. Excitement, anxiety, enthusiasm, and insecurity rushed through him in waves. Now that this was happening, he needed to get a move on. Just as soon as his legs were no longer jelly.

~~~~~

Remus went to the store to pick up ingredients for dinner: beef roast, red potatoes, carrots, strawberries, and whipping cream. Now he was back at his flat putting things away, and doing a general tidy up. It’s not like his flat was messy or dirty. Just those items that have a home but never really stay there long, or one doesn’t feel like putting it away because they’re just going to use it again soon...those types of things. Once the flat was tidied up, he grabbed his kitchen apron and set to work.

At eight o’clock on the dot, the door buzzer buzzed. The exact punctuality told him that Sirius had probably gotten here way early, but didn’t want to be early, and waited outside until eight.

Since he was in the middle of finishing the meal, he swished his wand toward the direction of the door, and hoped it unlocked and opened for Sirius.

“Hello?” came a voice in the hall.

“Come on in!” Remus called. “I’m in the kitchen!”

A few moments later, Sirius poked his head around the kitchen doorway. “Smells bloody delicious in here.”

Remus glanced back at him quickly before returning his attention to his cooking task. “Thanks. You can come in and sit down. It’ll be about five more minutes. My timing wasn’t perfect today.”

Sirius stepped into the kitchen with one hand behind his back. “I brought you something.” He drew up next to Remus at the stove.

Remus looked over. He was holding a small floral vase of what appeared to be...no way. “Are those…”

Sirius blushed. “Gardenia and Calla lily.”

“Wasn’t that…”

“The first arrangement you bought from me? Yep.” Sirius cast Remus a sheepish smile. “I’ll just set this on the table then.” Sirius placed the vase in the center of the small table. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Um...well, you could set the table if you want.”

Sirius jumped to work setting out plates and utensils. “Nice apron, by the way,” he said with a chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve seen it before.”

Remus looked down, and turned to face Sirius. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing. But, ‘Feed the Beast’? Seems a little, ominous.”

“It was a gift from someone who thought they were funny.” Remus laughed. “Ok, I think, dinner is ready.”

They both filled their plates, and sat down across from each other at the small table. The roast was very flavorful, and the roasted veggies were nice and tender. All in all, Remus was proud of the meal he had prepared. It was one of only about five things he could actually cook decently, but that was beside the point.

“It’s been a while since I’ve done this.” Remus admitted.

“Done what?” Sirius asked. He popped a carrot into his mouth.

Remus paused his fork and looked up. “Date.”

Sirius also paused, and met his gaze. “Is this a date?”

“Do you want it to be a date?”

His eyes lit up. “Yeah. Do you want it to be a date?”

Remus couldn’t stop the smile playing on his lips. “Yeah.”

“How long exactly?” Sirius raised an eyebrow.

“Hm…” Remus contemplated. “Ten years? My, uh…” Now or never, Remus. “I was actually married once.”

Sirius nearly choked on the bite he was chewing. “Really?” he said.

“She passed away. It was...a difficult time for me.” His throat tightened.

“She?” His brows narrowed.

“I am really not good at this date thing am I?” Remus rubbed his temple and chuckled. “Ok, so...I’m bisexual…”

“Oh, ok. That’s cool.” Sirius smiled. “I was super confused for a moment.”

“Yeah, bringing up deceased spouses is probably not what a person is supposed to talk about on a first date.” Remus looked down and tapped the handle of his fork against the table. “Sorry.”

Sirius grinned. “First date? Are you forgetting Open Mic Night?”

Remus looked up, then tilted his head and placed his jaw in his palm. “Was that a date?” he asked, warmth filling his chest.

“I’m counting it.” Sirius shrugged with a smirk, and swallowed a large bite of potato. “Besides, normal first date stuff is like, boring surface level shit. Which, I feel like we moved past a long time ago. This is nice.”

This is nice. This is really nice. Even if he felt like he was bollocking it up by bringing up his deceased wife, he also felt it important for Sirius to know. “I’m having a nice time, too,” he said.

Remus finished his plate, and lay down his fork. Then he placed his hand on the table. Sirius' hand was so close. Remus wanted to reach out and take it. Place his hand over it. Thred their fingers together. Those mere centimeters might as well have been an entire continent.

As Remus stared at their hands, he saw Sirius’ begin to move slowly closer...and closer...and then Sirius’ fingers were gliding over Remus’ fingers. His skin tingled under Sirius’ tender touch. Remus stopped breathing as he watched his hand slowly disappear under Sirius’ hand. He looked up.

Sirius’ eyes sparkled, and his lips curved into a smirk. He gently stroked the side of Remus’ hand with his thumb. “Your history made you who you are. And I’m ok with that.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 18

#writersmonth2020 #wolfstar #remus lupin #sirius black #remus x sirius #sirius x lupin #harry potter marauders #slow burn #alternate universe #harry potter #fanfiction #fanfic #bisexual remus

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collectingsparechangemadeeasy1 · 4 years

Text

Lucky Charms Week Bonus Day! Pokémon AU! My friend on discord made the art and I wrtoe the ficlet.

“Nice job bud.” Qrow grinned as Harbinger dropped the pin into his hand. He held out his arm for the honchkrow to land and flipped the pin up in air before catching it. Clover had been working too hard again. So Qrow was doing something about it.

See the plan was, have Clover’s togetic Kingfisher take his pin while Clover was showering. Then she would give the pin to Harbinger, Qrow’s honchkrow, who would give it to Qrow. Once Clover saw the pin missing, he would go looking. Kingfisher would lead him to a clearing where the real surprise was. It was gonna be great.

~back at Clovers place~

Clover felt far more refreshed after his shower, though he could do with a nap, or a vacation. He’d been working near nonstop for the past few days. Paper work, meetings, missions, and a million and one little things that stole his time. He wished he could take a break. But he had too much work to do right now so rest would have to wait for a bit.

Getting into his Ace Ops uniform he reached for a certain charm to put on his lapel. Only to see it wasn’t there. He knew he left it on the table before he went in for his shower. So where could it be? Wait...Qrow. Of course he would. Probably trying to make him take a break. It was sweet really but he needed to get to work, and he couldn’t without that pin.

“Why does he keep doing this?” he asked Kingfisher, who had appeared at his side. She gently nuzzled his cheek and tugged at his collar, a clear “Let’s go find out.” from the little fairy type if he ever saw one. “Alright, alright. But when we get the pin back it’s straight to work, got it?” he gave his partner a pointed look. He knew her. She was playful by nature and as much as he loved that about her, he had needed to regain her antics in more than once. She rolled her eyes but nodded, butting her forehead against his playfully.

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go.” Clover smirked, pushing the pokémon away with a chuckle. He did a cursory search of his place, just to be sure it wasn’t there. When nothing turned up he walked outside into the cold Atlas air. “Ready to go Kingy?” he asked as Kingfisher settled herself on his shoulder. She chirped out an agreement and they went on their way.

Together they scoured the academy, through every classroom, training room, and club room, leaving no stone unturned. Clover was very close to just giving it up when a little white blur suddenly darted toward him. “Whoawhoawhoa!” he cried, bracing himself for impact. When none came he looked to see Kingfisher hovering right in front of him, looking far to pleased with herself.

“Hush.” he grumbled, “What do you have?” the little togetic grinned and grabbed his hand, pulling him along. He followed her through numerous hallways and rooms, twisting and turning and very nearly disorienting him. “Where are you taking me?” he asked, knowing he wouldn’t get an answer.

Finally they stopped in front of a set of glassdoors, they led to one of Atlas Academies indoor gardens, one of the ones used for pleasure instead of classwork. He shook his head and smiled, yup, just like he thought. Qrow. That conniving bastard, what was he leading Clover into? Sighing Clover opened the doors and walked through. Immediately he was hit with floral perfumes and the sounds of the pokémon playing in the flora.

His togetic flew a bit further ahead and beckoned him to follow. He trotted along after her, waving happily to any pokémon he happened to pass. He should come by here again, it was nice. Warm, it smelled nice, it was peaceful. Yeah, he needed to come by here again sometime.

The sound of beating wings drew his attention, he looked up to see a very familiar pokémon in one of the trees. “Harbinger! Good to see you!” he chirped, waving merrily at his lover’s partner. “If you’re here that means Qrow can’t be too far right? Mind showing me where he is? I think he has something of mine.” Clover grinned as the honchkrow took off to another tree and waited.

Quickly he followed, careful not to lose sight of the black bird ahead of him. Too quickly they reached the edge of a clearing. Sitting in the middle on a checkered blanket and rubbing the belly of his absol, was Qrow. And sat right on his lapel for all to see, was Clover’s missing pin. Honchkrow flew down and settled himself next to Qrow and tugged on his sleeve. Qrow looked up and grinned when he saw Clover, offering him a lazy two finger salute.

“Hey there lucky charm. Took you long enough.” Qrow said cheekily. Clover glared at him and stomped over to where Qrow was sat. Once he reached the ruby eyed man he crossed his arms and tapped his foot, looking at Qrow expectantly.

“Join me for lunch? It’s such a lovely day for it, isn’t it?” Qrow chirped, tilting his head innocently. Oh he was asking for now.

“Qrow.” he said plainly, “Give me my pin. I need to get to work.” He held out his hand and waited. He wasn’t gonna play this game today. He had too much to do.

“Aww. You’re no fun Cloves. Guess we need plan B. Kingfisher now!” Qrows shout was met with Clover suddenly being lifted into the air. Clover let out a surprised yelp and turned his head to see his partner, eyes glowing pink, using psychic on him. That traitor! He raised her from an egg and this was how she repaid him? How could she?

“Kingfisher put me down!” he demanded, struggling in the physic grip of his partner. She did not in fact, let him go. At least not until she had him above the blanket and positioned next to Qrow. He was unceremoniously dropped on his ass next to his boyfriend, who quickly wrapped his arm around Clover's shoulder and pushed his absol onto Clover's lap.

“Now you’re trapped. You can’t escape. Eat lunch with me.” Qrow grinned, placing a sloppy kiss on Clovers cheek. The jade eyed man glared at Qrow and wiggled in his grip.

“Qrow, please I really need to get back to work.” Clover sighed when his wiggling attempts didn’t work.

“Nope.” Qrow grinned, booping Clover’s nose. When Clover glared further at him Qrow sighed, dropping his cheery demeanor. “Cloves, you need a break. You’ve been working yourself to the bone. Please, just a few minutes to eat and relax with me. That’s all I ask.”

Qrow’s voice was achingly soft and Clover couldn’t really say he wanted to decline the offer. “Fine. Just a few minutes though. I really do need to get to work.” he conceded, sagging a bit in Qrows grip.

“I can work with that.” Qrow smiled, kissing Clover’s cheek. “Thanks for the help Kingfisher, and you too Harbinger. Couldn’t have done it without you guys.” Qrow then said, turning to scratch a finger under Harbingers chin with one hand, and petting Kingfisher's head with the other.

“Yeah.” Clover said, gently taking his pokémon into his arms, “We are having a talk about this later little lady.” Kingfisher gave him a sheepish look and nuzzled his face. She quickly flew off, Harbinger not far behind, the two playing together around the clearing.

“So, are you ready to eat?” Qrow asked, pulling some sandwiches out the cooler behind him.

“Brothers yes.” Clover chuckled. Maybe taking more than a few minutes wouldn’t be too bad. Maybe. He would definitely get Qrow back for his little prank later, but for now he could just sit, relax, and enjoy the company.

#luckycharmsweek #rwby #luckycharms #lucky charms #lucky charms week #lucky charms week bonus day #clover ebi #qrow branwen #pokemon au

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blankdblank · 4 years

Text

Next Caller pt 4

Through the short drive you watched the city change to a green suburb filled with tiny caves in little clusters that spaced out the larger they got. A final turn through the quaint suburb with the neighbors waving and nodding to the passing car from the pebble lined walkways on either side of the winding street scattered with large trees littered about casting shade onto the street and paths leading to each grass or clover covered cave carved Dwobbit Hole.

A forest green door was on the house Gloin parked outside of on the street. Climbing out of the car you three walked towards the gated front walk as Gloin said, “Garage is in the back by the greenhouse,” pointing out the driveway path that was fenced off making the square of land between the walkway and the driveway had been used as a garden before now grown over by clover. “Used to have a garden here with a bench below the oak there.”

Once unlocked and opened for you internally you felt a click as if your body was saying you were home finally. Room by room you went looking over each and every detail following the flow of the home with Gloin naming each. “Entrance hall, oak hall, smoking room,” Looking around you eyed it finding it the perfect set up for your library with the high ceiling and built in shelves you could easily add onto.

Next was the a lovely little bedroom with its own small bath attached. “Spare room,” Through the oak hall again he said in the large empty first of the five pantries, “pantry, there are two more under your feet both naturally chilled and two more in the kitchen. Back through those doors are the twin cellars.”

Attached to that was the large storage room linking it to the West Hall, from there the back room and guest room were linked. Also linked to the hall was the hall leading to the back door, mudroom which stemmed out to the greenhouse now empty and in need of digging and tearing back some weeds. The moss and vine coated structure however halting you in your tracks at the stone pillars with arched widows with metal designs on each looking more like an overgrown church left to its own whims for decades than a greenhouse all but sealing your interest in the house. All remaining space in the cave taken up by this switched blend of Hobbit and Dwarf style, all stone to cultivate the flora within to perfection with the domed enchanted glass filling it all with warming golden light coating every inch.

Back inside you found the master bedroom complete with huge bathroom and walk in closet. The study through a jaw dropping swing out bookshelf, making you squeak and the Dwarves chuckle, was a hidden study also emptying into the atrium you froze in. Staring upwards you eyed the shadows of leaves from the oak tree halfway covering the domed stained glass ceiling of this room dancing across the glass.

Across from the large pantry was the dining room feeding into the kitchen that emptied out the parlor and East Hall leaving just another small bedroom and two half baths on either side of it. The laundry was off in the two car garage and the two acre lot gave you ample space to what you liked outside if you wished.

“This is, incredible, wouldn’t you say, Miss Pear?” Gimli asked and you turned with a grin.

“You’re saying I could afford this place?”

Gloin chuckled and said, “Rent alone would save you over 500 a month. Most of the heating and cooling is all natural due to the cave around the wooden shell around us, with fireplaces and a cooling system if needed. Lighting is solar powered with solar crystal lanterns and chandeliers throughout, and you have your own well for water so there’s little to no utilities. There is a home owners committee that does take a fee to keep up with the streets and walkways for a hundred a month but they’re pretty lenient on garden features out front as long as nothing is too ghastly or explosive with the pollen. Five bee keepers live down the block so plants in the open have ample help with pollinating and their shop has a discount in the suburb market square a few streets over by the parks for the bairns.”

“Wow…” you murmured in a closer inspection of the chandelier in the study you had looped back to when Gimli had remembered about the storm shutter system to protect the glass.

Gloin asked, “Interested, or would you like to keep looking?”

When your eyes met you said, “I am, how much would it cost for the paperwork and all to get started?”

Gloin grinned wider saying, “Let’s get you back to the office and get started on the paperwork. I’ll give the owners a call and see how swiftly we can move this along.”

Not even a half hour later you were being guided through the papers and in a pause to look over a fuller list of the town activities you eyed Gloin in the hall grinning while he paced talking to the owners. Steadily you could feel your knuckles fighting to clench just assuming the worst that the first check for 5000 from your first week on the air was going to go out in smoke to get yourself in this home. The fearful thought never leaving your mind since first climbing into that car this morning. You would lose that savings and promptly be bumped off the air and be back to emptying trash buckets, shuffling leaflets from personnel and bringing the new star of your slot coffee falling back to oblivion to scrimp and scrape forever.

Entering the office again his grin deepened and he said, “Great news, since it’s so close to the first and they just want to take the plunge in settling with their new home the owners agreed to waive any down payment and such and will be down within the hour to sign the papers.”

“Ok, so, I just, wait here?”

Gloin shook his head, “No, not at all, we’ve handled your paperwork and they will come down to sign theirs leaving information for a bank account you can direct deposit the rent to monthly that will mail you receipts in return. I’ll bring all the information on the house, interim deed included when you move in. As soon as you like, when is your next day off?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow, good, we’ll roundup the guys and come to help you move in and I can talk you through everything. Now so you are certain, in case anything breaks or, let’s say you want to remodel, paint and such, it is your house, merely a person to person mortgage, if you will. So repairs and upkeep are on you with merely a financial tie to the former owner. With the option to pay it off sooner anytime if you wish. Their email will be included if you ever do find the savings to take off a larger chunk of the amount.”

Before he could blink his arms were raised as yours circled his neck in a tight hug he grinned and patted your back through while Gimli smiled trying not to snicker at your mumbling, “Thank you so much.” You pulled back and his grin flinched a moment seeing you sniffle and wipe your cheek with your bunched up sleeve and weakly chuckle out a grin saying, “You have no idea what this means to me.”

His hand reached out to pat your arm, “You deserve a home. We reached out to the Findis Clan and you have worked tirelessly for them for over a decade. I know you will settle in nicely.”

A chime from your pocket had your brows furrow in pulling out your phone to see a message from the station owner’s assistant to come in making you mumble, “My second job..”

Gloin, “Something wrong?”

You shrugged, “But it’s never something casual like you forgot your coat.”

Again he chuckled and said, “I’ll drop you off. Planned on surprising the Missus anyways.”

“Thank you, again.”

Gimli followed after saying, “You’re the one we should thank, been on the market for years that lot. Owners have been getting restless, and it does seem perfect for you to grow into.”

“Not due for much more growing, maybe a couple inches in the next decade but past that pretty much where I’m gonna stay.”

Gloin, “Not a bad height. Just nearly the same as my Gorgo.” The rest of the drive came with their chatting to one another about which would be the best place to take her to help calm her down after another day of fruitless searching she had been following up on between replays of the show recordings to help bolster her hope the author was still out there.

With a wave and another thank you the pair watched you trot into the building’s front entrance past the gawking construction crew still lazing about through the remodel on the front signage and mounts between the new arches to hold up the awning the owner wanted to make the place look snazzier. Past the front desk you made your way to the lift another worker equally as flustered for the sudden call in adjusting his shirt he’d just realized was on backwards. Through the doors Mal trotted and came to a stop beside you and the bag in her arms drew your eye and the snort coming from inside the poles blanket there. Fighting a giggle you asked, “Hey Mal, whatcha got there?”

Your eyes taking in the striped and mohawked tiny baby boar struggling against the cast on its back leg to climb out of the bag to get to the bottle in Mal’s hand. “You can see what he is.”

After a giggle broke free you said, “Yes, I can but I would really like to see if you know who you’ve got there.”

Shifting in her feet she said as you reached the floor under yours, “He’s a teacup piglet,” again you giggled and her brows furrowed a moment as the man behind you smirked in a knowing glance over her shoulder knowing better himself. “It’s not funny, the guys found him this morning on the side of the road, they were going to kill him at the shelter just because they said he was a runt with a bad fracture in his leg. I’ve named him BamBam. I’m gonna nurse him back to health.”

Shaking your head you cleared your throat and said while stepping out into the hall, “No, you’re right it’s not funny. Only he’s not a pig.”

With a scoff she stomped into the hall with you, “Well what is he then?! A wombat?!” She said tilting the bottle in her hand to start feeding him in steadying her pace to calm and quiet him down at the growing number of people around you.

Locking your eyes on hers in waiting to file into the banquet hall sized room where everyone was going for whatever this was you replied, “BamBam is a Mortar Boar. Give him a few months and he won’t fit through that door. They grow over five feet you know. Maybe four for him but it looks like he’s too young to be sold yet, not even weaned must have been separated. No doubt if mom wants him back she’ll be in the news in a rampage.”

Mal inhaled sharply wondering how she’d keep him in her flat then said, “Well I’m keeping him, at least till I can patch him up and find him a good home.”

Smirking at her you said, “Shouldn’t be too hard in Dwarf territory. They love a good boar. Maybe your guys would have room for him.”

She sighed, “Doubt it, or the time they’re on a pit crew with their uncle. Travel a lot.”

“You’ll figure it out,” you said entering the hall with her after you smirking in following you to your choice of seat.

“What about you, anything, or anyone new in your life?”

“Well I just bought a house.”

She gasped, “Details! Why didn’t you say we could have gone looking together if I knew you were moving! How long have you been up to this?! I haven’t been that distracted with the guys! Have I?”

Giggling to yourself you replied, “Just today, found out yesterday they’re tearing down my town. Apparently all of Beryl is getting the boot.”

“Wait up, you live in Beryl?! For how long?!”

“What is wrong with Beryl, everyone seems so up in arms to hear I’ve lived there.”

“Hello! Trolls live in Beryl!”

Your brow arched up in a glance at her when you lowered into your seats and she adjusted the bag on her lap, “Ya, and they aren’t half as bad as others make them out to be. Most of my building is trolls. It’s the Goblins and Easterlings you have to watch out for.”

“How did you end up in Beryl?” She asked lower in a more concerned tone, “You could have moved in with me.”

“I’ve lived there for nearly three centuries Mal, I’ve known you for not even two years. And not everyone has a family based in pottery to have anonymity to start on your own. Had to change my name to move and work here and still the black ooze seeps out from time to time. It was just chance I got a deal in the house at all. Thought I’d be back to a closet sized apartment here if anything.”

“Well when are you moving? I’m helping.”

“Tomorrow,” her mouth dropped open and you patted her leg, “I know you work don’t worry, got a group of guys who said they would help with the truck and all that. Hardest part is the stairs.”

“You don’t have a lift?”

“I’m on the 17th floor,” she nodded, “The loft goes to 15.” She scoffed and you giggled turning to face the assistant up at the podium readying the projector screen making you all groan lowly to yourselves knowing you would have your day off wasted with another nonsense presentation from ownership on things that didn’t concern any of you.

Her lips pursed a moment and she asked, “So where is your new abode?”

“Cerulean circle.” She let out a soft squeak, “Why?”

She shook her head leaning over to softly whisper in the dimming of the lights, “So you’ll be within walking distance of your barista friend?”

You rolled your eyes, “Yes. What of it?”

“Nothing. You just could happen to pass him by more frequently and happen to invite him to a warming party.”

“His cousin’s the realtor who helped me move,” deepening Mal’s plotting smirk, “He said he’ll help with the guys and truck for my move. Apparently Beryl is so bad in his mind that he had to jump into action 24 hours after I mentioned where I live to get me out of the city…do I just look that helpless?”

You glanced at her and she said, “We’re just small. It’s concerning. Trolls are huge and that city’s so tough to live in. No one works there.”

“And yet we all have two to three jobs in my building just to live there.” Her eyes flinched over you then back to the speaker coming up to the podium.

“At least here’s a plus,” you stole another glance at her from the corner of your eye, “Batista man will know where you live.”

“Comforting thought.”

She shrugged, “Who knows, might just pop by with flowers one day. Or, you might just happen to get a secret admirer with gifts and tokens left outside.” Again you rolled your eyes.

Muttering back, “Doubtful.”

“We’re throwing a party.”

“Takes more than two to constitute a party, who else are we inviting, Hmm?”

“I’ll invite my guys and you invite your barista.”

“Cuz that won’t be awkward, you three necking in the lounge while me and him awkwardly small talk over tea.”

“We don’t neck,” at that she sighed, “I wish we had. We went out yesterday but they had to call it early for some press thing today.”

“Don’t you mind a party for me. Just focus on getting those boys alone for a night off, better use of your plotting mind.” Making her smirk as her mind dipped into daydream mode while you mentally traced through each inch of your place to plan how to pack the non essentials tonight to be ready for when the grump and his crew would show up.

For an hour you listened to the assistant sharing that there would be a new owner to the station instantly punched you in the gut assuming that this would mean bad things for your new place in this station. ‘I knew it’ replaying over and over again until you eyed the man walking out to introduce himself. Glorfindel, a good friend you had met through the Greenleaf family, who had been promising they would talk to a friend of their own to see if he could help you get a leg up at the station that was long overdue. The slump in airtime and drop in listeners before your show no doubt eased the deal and it seemed he had swooped in right in time as you heard the sale was final two weeks prior with their people focusing on the paperwork side of hinges before showing their faces and stirring things up.

“I want to assure each and every one of you that your positions are not in danger. All contracts per the switch for those on air will be re-signed to have the new owners listed for our paperwork.” His eyes shifted to you and he added, “You have nothing to worry about.”

Mal glanced at you and asked in a whisper, “Do you know him?”

“Friend of a friend.”

Once again information was given on the basic changes, including the acronym for the station you would name behind the station number while the building would be left as the Lonely Mountain to ease the list of changes. When the others were filing out Mal’s hand on your arm kept you in your seats and she said with a grin, “We should meet our new owner.”

It seemed he caught on as he stepped off the platform and crossed his hands in front of him waiting for enough people to get out of the way to come and share what he was planning for you. When he did get to you he lowered onto the seat in front of you sideways, resting his arm on the back and said, “5000 a week is pathetic.” Your brow inched up and he said, “Ecthellion will be here day after tomorrow to give you a more fitting deal, since the now biggest pulling show is linked to your spot, a usual dead air time, it’s yours, no one else can really compete. Also he’s drafted up copyright papers for your show and characters for you to own your tales none can touch or profit off of. Perhaps we can try to build a better following to grease the publishing companies to give you a shot they can’t pass up.”

“How long have you been after the station?”

“Not long, but we heard Turdiq has been dipping his foot into radio. Wanted to make certain he didn’t catch wind of you. I doubt he would ever cross into Dwarf territory but you never know since the beheading. Your Naneth is well?”

You nodded, “Cirdan’s taking great care of her. Girls are nearly in school.”

His grin eased out hearing your half sisters were well, “That’s great to hear. Perhaps we could work out a vacation time for you to head out and visit them. You’ll certainly be able to afford it soon enough.”

With a weak giggle you said, “Have to find a way to get off my other job too first.”

His eyes looked you over and he wet his lips showing signs that he was going to share what he was reluctant to start out with. “I wanted to say, about Beryl,”

Mal grinned saying, “Oh, she knows, just bought a house today!”

His brows inched up, “Did you now? I had hoped you weren’t in the dark completely but I am curious to know how you managed a house so soon.”

“I got a deal with a barista, he pays me a 20 for posting reviews of special drinks he wants to try for a few days now. And he heard yesterday where I lived and he called his cousin who’s a realtor that helped me find a place. Turns out one of his relatives married into the Findis clan and since I’ve worked 12 years with them that was worth enough respect to not dig deep for a clan check.”

Grinning again he asked, “What sort of place?”

“Cerulean Circle, a Dwobbit suburb. Bigger Hobbit style homes.”

Glorfindel couldn’t help but laugh, “You always did love to burrow, Jackrabbit. I do hope you like it better than Beryl.”

Mal scoffed, “Did you know she’s on the 17th floor,” his brow inched up in confusion, “The lift stops at the 15th. Madness.”

Again you giggled and he stood patting your shoulder, “Enjoy your days off, I am off to see if I can get something done about the front entrance, should have been done weeks ago.” Turning to head out making you smirk and stand as Mal did.

With a grin she said, “Well look at you all successful and finally flashing your furry self. You know, we should celebrate by getting our nails done.”

“What about BamBam?”

She said, “It’s a Hobbit shop you know they have puppies and such in all the time. Bound to be a spare chair he can nap in.” Your eyes dropped to the sleeping boar you shifted the blanket to cover his side stirring a snoozing grunt from him. “He’s so cute, come on they can’t say no to him.”

“Fine, but it’s on your head.” Walking out you made your way back down to the street and turned for the nail shop not far away.

Another coating of green was spread across your nails and thankfully due to the sea of Hobbits and Dams clambering to see BamBam you got a relatively quiet manicure experience. The ride home was more of the same, lingering silence until a buzzing of phones had your head turn at one of the half Troll men from the building across from yours showed you his phone translating the runes you couldn’t quite read etched across the screen, “They’re closing our building! I thought it was just a rumor! Had you gotten any notices?”

You shook your head, “No, but a new friend mentioned his cousin in real estate had heard that they were planning to evict everyone in Beryl to do it over.”

The man scoffed glaring at his screen, “No wonder half my building is gone. Just says clear out and leave the keys in an envelope through the office mail slot when we move out. Nothing else. I know most of your building is gone.”

“Ya, just the top couple floors left. Been kind of eerie.”

The woman beside him said, “You’ve been here forever though, my gran said you were here before she moved in and that was 70 years back, so you have a place to go?”

You nodded, “Just found one today.”

She let out a sigh of relief, “Good, the lot of our building pitched in for a hotel chain in the outskirts of Orcarni. Cottages and such we can all run together while we fix it up in search for new places to sell off and split the profits.”

“That sounds like a great plan. When are you off?”

“Oh we’ve moved most of our stuff already in just staying tonight to get a package my pop sent here that got delayed by weather. Then I’m off in the morning on the next train.”

The man nodded saying, “My girls have one more day of school then we’re getting their transcripts to start them down there on Monday.”

The woman asked, “Are you moving with family?”

You shook your head, “No, they’re out in Lindon. Been out of the nest a few centuries now.”

To which she replied, “Never seems to get easier does it?”

Wryly you chuckled and replied, “Not really, no.”

The man muttered to himself with a smirk, “Least the goblins get what they wanted, the place to themselves. Let them handle the anvil crash on their own. Them and those damn Easterlings.”

Another half Uruk-hai man added, “Morgoth knows they’ve never once aided us, especially since the fall of Cirith Ungul.” Adjusting his napping toddler against his chest patting her bottom to halt her grumble at being moved.

Joining the others in allowing silence to drop again once it was confirmed everyone on the train had in fact had a place to go and wouldn’t be stuck alone in this. Silently though you were grateful more so to Thorin for having alerted you otherwise you would have been the only idiot in the block who didn’t know.

Pt 5

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @sweeticedtea, @ggbbhehe4455, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @here2have-fun, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore, @mariannetora, @shesakillerkween

Hobbit/LotR – @abiwim, @jotink78, @pastelhexmaniac

#Thorin x Reader OC #Hobbit #lotr

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tsarisfanfiction · 4 years

Text

A Tradition of Pride

Fandom: The Mortal Instruments Rating: Gen Genre: Friendship, ish Characters: Clary, Raphael

When designing the new symbol to represent the Council, Clary struggles to find a symbol to represent the vampires.

Clary frowned, staring at the paper in front of her. It was almost finished, almost but not quite. There was one space, one symbol missing, yet to be drawn, but she couldn't think of it. In this situation, her usual response was to scrunch up the paper and throw it away, only to begin anew, but that wasn't possible here. Well, it was, but she would only keep meeting the same block again and again, and this was not a piece of art she could just abandon.

Well, technically she could, but she didn't want to. It was an honour to be asked to draw the new insignia for the Council, a fresh emblem to represent the new beginnings, the start of an alliance she hoped would last far longer than the previous one had. For the first time, Downworlders had a seat each on the Council, and she wanted to represent that in this artwork.

It had been easy to start with. The symbol of the Nephilim was already well known, and it had not taken her long to draw it. Then it had got harder, although not by much. Creating a symbol to represent each of the four seats held by Downworlders was a great responsibility, and she did not want to pick something wrong. The werewolves had been easy – they drew their power from the full moon, which now proudly displayed itself on the page, alongside the Nephilim's crest. Warlocks and the Fae Folk had been harder, but she was confident that her selections of a spellbook and a four leaved clover were appropriate. Magnus had certainly seemed to think so, when he'd come over to visit Alec – again – and crept up behind her to see what she was drawing. Not that he didn't already know, of course, and his presence hadn't been entirely welcome – it was her drawing, and it wasn't finished yet – although it was relieving to know that he thought his symbol accurate.

No, what was troubling her, the empty space that mocked her artist's block, her lack of imagination in just this one thing, was the vampires. They were the sole reason for numerous scrumpled sheets in the corner, where she'd tried to draw something but it hadn't worked. Nothing that she had tried fit, then again, she was stumped for ideas. She'd even, in a fit of desperation, tried Simon's jokey idea of a bloody fang. That had been eliminated almost before she'd finished drawing it. Compared to the peaceful symbols of the others, it looked far too violent. She didn't want to show the vampires as violent, even if violence and cruelty were the only things she really knew to associate with them.

Perhaps that was her problem. She didn't know the vampires like she did the others, and her view of them was tainted because of what had happened to Simon. They'd wanted him dead, because he was different. They were stoic, traditional and unchanging, and the difference of Simon didn't sit well with them.

Now, if only she could find a symbol for that tradition, that unchanging nature.

Sitting here, staring at the paper, was doing her no favours. Her mind was running in circles, trying desperately to think of something when nothing was coming to her. Artist's block was no-one's friend, and as much as she wanted to get this done now, it wasn't happening. She needed a break.

Slipping the unfinished design under another sketchbook, hidden from the casual eye – hardly anyone in the house had a 'causal' eye but maybe they'd at least respect her privacy, she hoped – she stood, pulling on boots and the green jacket Luke had given her what felt like worlds ago.

It was hard to believe how quickly her life had changed, from a normal school girl whose main concern was hanging out with Simon and lecturing him and Eric on suitable band names, to a Shadowhunter with more angel blood in her than any other, save perhaps her wonderful boyfriend.

She should go see Jace, she knew, but it didn't feel right. He was a musician, yes, but not an artist and she didn't think his wit, or the gentler words he reserved just for her, would help her out of it. She certainly couldn't ask him what represented a vampire. He'd probably say the same thing as Simon. There was no love lost between him and the vampires, really.

Her feet, unguided by her mind, led her towards the edge of the city. It was dark, the moon hiding from view, leaving only the stars to guide her, once she was away from the glare of the Witchlights. Settling herself down in the trees, just beyond the wards, she sighed, staring up at the sky. Perhaps the pressure was too much. Perhaps she should turn down the request after all and hand it over to her mother. Jocelyn was an equally talented artist – moreso, if you asked Clary – and had been a Shadowhunter for far longer. She would be more suited for it.

No, she told herself. She had accepted it, and she would see it through. Clary Fray was not a quitter, even if her name wasn't technically Clary Fray any more. Clarissa Morgenstern. The name still felt unfamiliar, like a glove that didn't quite fit, although she knew it should. Perhaps she was just putting her fingers in the wrong holes, but the knowledge didn't make it any easier to accept that her name wasn't what she'd thought it was.

She didn't like change, she decided. Well, she liked what had happened, but that didn't mean she didn't wish she'd grown up in this world, rather than a shocking introduction to it as a teenager. She liked what had become of the change, but not the change itself. Perhaps that was what the vampires needed to learn to do. Perhaps not embrace the change itself, but accept the results of it. But no, the vampires seemed far too stuck in their ways to do that, and she had no intention of trying to make them listen. More than any of the other Downworlders, they scared her. Werewolves had always been kind to her – thanks to Luke, she knew – and while both Warlocks and Fae had been less open, more confusing, she still knew more or less what to expect from them, and they'd never caused her harm.

Vampires, on the other hand. They had killed her best friend, although to look at Simon you certainly wouldn't think he was dead. She remembered the terror of Hotel Dumort clearly, as Raphael had ordered their deaths. Alone out of all the Downworlders, they were the only ones she truly feared.

"Nephilim rarely leave the safety of their wards, particularly when unarmed," a quiet voice commented and she looked up in surprise. The vampire she had just been thinking about was standing there. She hadn't heard him arrive, then again, perhaps he had been there first and she hadn't seen him.

Either way, the lack of warning unnerved her.

"Valentine's gone," she said, keeping a wary eye on him. "And I'm not that far out."

"Far enough that no-one would hear you scream," Raphael said idly, still standing next to her. She knew that when most saw him – a young teenager with an angel face – they thought him harmless. Having seen two angels herself she had to admit that the description wasn't totally accurate; Raphael was hardly an angel, although still beautiful. She would compare him more to Sebastian – Jonathan. Beautiful, but in the way that could and would kill you if given half the chance.

She didn't feel safe any more.

"Are you going to make me scream?" she asked instead, a challenging look in her eyes that she knew wouldn't faze him at all. If he wanted her dead there was little she could do about it.

He sat down, not quite beside her but not that far away, either.

"It is rare to see a Nephilim outside the safety of their wards," he said, repeating his earlier greeting. Now that he was sitting, not that it really made a difference in the threat levels, Clary could hear the curiosity. That was something she'd forgotten about Raphael, and she wondered if it was standard among vampires to be so interested in the minds of mortals. It was as if he'd forgotten what being human was like.

Perhaps he had – she had no way of knowing just how long he'd looked like he'd just reached puberty.

"I wanted to think," she admitted.

"And you could not do that within Alicante?" Raphael asked, not looking at her. He hadn't looked at her since he'd made his presence known, she realised. Then again, he didn't need to. Not with his superhuman senses.

"Being surrounded by Nephilim isn't helpful when you're trying to think about something that's not Nephilim," Clary replied, taking the advantage she had to study him.

He wasn't white, like most vampires, although she assumed that if he were to stand next to a human of the same ethnicity he would look it. What was he, anyway? Spanish, perhaps. Maybe Mexican. Certainly Spanish was his mother tongue. She wondered how long it had taken him to learn to speak English so fluently that he'd even lost his accent, more or less. It was a subtle reminder that he was far older than he looked.

His eyes were dark, although whether black or merely brown she couldn't tell, and his black hair curled around his face in a way that was entrancing. She wondered if he had always been so beautiful or, like Simon, if being Turned had enhanced his features into the current beauty.

"If you want a vampire to study, perhaps it would be better to study your friend," he said suddenly. She jumped. Of course he'd known that she was staring. "Not everyone takes so kindly to being scrutinised. What is it you are looking for?"

She didn't answer, or look away, although her gaze turned from curious to wary. She was afraid to look away, in case she lost him. He was a killer and her only safety was to know where he was.

After a moment of silence, in which dark orbs turned to look at her, aged eyes still shining with a curiosity she'd associate more with a child, she realised that the answer to her problem was, potentially, in front of her.

"What is a vampire?" she asked him. His eyes widened, then narrowed in suspicion.

"Your friend is a vampire," he said. "You have been inside our home – one of few humans to leave alive – and you have been educated by both Nephilim and Magnus Bane on the matter. You know better than many what a vampire is."

Despite the tone, Clary could see the confusion, and the curiosity still burning inside him.

"I know the theory," she admitted. "But it's not enough."

"Why is it not enough?" he demanded. "You are not one of us. You do not need to know." The unchanging aspect, the one that hated anything it didn't understand, was showing through. It was probably stupid, but Clary decided to keep talking.

"How can I finish a crest if I don't know what it represents?" she asked. The silence felt shocked, just for a moment, before it turned calculating. She continued to explain. This was her one chance, she realised, and it wasn't going to slip away from her. "I'm the one that's designing a new insignia for the Council. It's not just made up of Nephilim any more, and I want to show that. There's a moon for the werewolves, a spellbook for the warlocks, and a clover for the fae. But I don't know what would be best to represent the vampires, and I think it's because I don't understand you."

"Your view of the Night Children is clouded by the Daylighter," Raphael said after a long silence, so long that Clary had thought he wouldn't answer. "The only vampire you interact with considers himself to still be human. He has yet to accept that he is dead." Clary couldn't deny it. "You say that you do not understand us. Perhaps your best course of action would be to think about what you do know, when you remove your friend from the picture."

"You don't like change," Clary said immediately. "You didn't like it when Simon could walk in the daylight. You think yourselves superior to humans, but despite that we still intrigue you."

Dark eyes narrowed further.

"You sound as if you think you know me, not us," he said, somewhat stiffly.

"Aside from Simon, you're the only vampire I've ever spoken to," Clary reminded him. Despite the stiffness, he still managed to look elegant as he inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"And therein lies your problem," he said, looking up at the sky again. "You cannot base something meant to represent us as a whole on just one individual."

"Then tell me," Clary said. "What is a vampire? What are you, as a whole? I can't go round talking to hundreds of vampires, not in the time I have."

Raphael laid himself back on the ground, looking up at the sky.

"We are a proud race," he said after a moment. "You cannot comprehend us because you are not one of us, and have no wish to join our ranks. When you live lives as long as we do, change is an unwanted constant. Our environment changes, the humans that we do know, be they what was once our family or humans that willingly gave us their blood in return for protection. They all fade and die. Vampires should stick to the night. We do not belong in the day, for there are even more changes there. That is why your friend should not exist, and why, had I the chance, he would no longer exist."

He knew she was the one that had Marked Simon.

"But perhaps the main thing to remember is that we are the children of the night," Raphael continued, looking straight up, still. "We stalk the night and sleep during the day."

Clary wondered why he'd said that. Everyone knew that about vampires, even if they thought they only existed in fiction. Then she looked up.

The sky hadn't changed since she'd emerged from her room. The moon was still hidden, with only the stars shining down from above. She looked across at him again, a lean black shadow on the grass, illuminated only by the unwavering light of the stars.

Before she registered it, she had leapt to her feet, charging back into the city and her room with no thought for the vampire she'd just abandoned, not that he minded, probably.

Pulling the paper towards her again and wielding her pencil with the practiced ease of one that had been drawing all her life, as she had, strokes appeared in the blank space, simple, yet elegant. Much like vampires themselves.

Putting the pencil down, she surveyed it for a moment, waiting for the sense of wrongness to hit, as it had all the previous times, but there was none.

"Perfect," she finally allowed herself to breathe. "It's perfect."

Nestled in what was once an infuriating blank space was a star, proud and unchanging, just like the vampires it represented.

#mortal instruments #mortal instruments fanfiction #clary fray #raphael santiago #vampires #tsari writes fanfiction #a tradition of pride #clarissa morganstern #shadowhunters

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vertanimeni · 4 years

Text

the ice will start to break, the day will fade away (11/18)

Summary:

“Have you heard? The Elephant of Caocin has committed high treason!”

From Trikru’s most reputable war hero to Trikru’s most wanted traitor, Kova found themselves stripped of their titles and trapped between a clan that wants them dead and a camp of invaders - the same ones who kidnapped and tortured their brother.

But Kova was willing to do anything to stay alive and keep their family together.

Pairing: Bellamy Blake/Grounder OC

Word Count: 3,888

TW: Canon typical illness, food

A/N: Hi again!! I had to break this chapter into two parts lol I might?? Update sooner than Friday because of that :D If you’re reading through my blog, the read more does not show up due to Tumblr’s new formatting, so please click on the post itself. As of right now, I will be updating every Friday at 4pm EST. (Today is just an exception cuz this past week was hectic lol) Enjoy :D

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xi. inimical.

“They’re back! Open it up!”

Head shooting up, Bellamy looked between Harper and Miller, sharing bewildered looks with one another. "Who just gave that order?"

"No clue, I—"

The loud creak of the wooden gates opening interrupted her. Leaving her and Miller behind at the table, Bellamy jogged towards the entrance. Luckily, the three had just wrapped up their discussion with the other delinquents working on the final touches of the wall, but unluckily, the sound of the gates opening distracted the workers, and while Bellamy ran alongside the wall, they all leaned over to see of what was going on.

"Get back to work!" He called out with a swing of his arms. "I'll deal with it, get back to work!"

The delinquents did, although begrudgingly.

'If they start slowing down, the wall will never be finished at this rate.' His thoughts grew bitter, a scowl creasing his eyebrows. 'I specifically told the gate workers not to open up the gates until I came to check the group out, so why— Unless Clarke—?'

His thoughts broke off once he reached the gate, blood boiling, hands balled up in anger, fury-driven eyes seeking Kova's—

—Only to pause in his steps.

With Kova at the front leading the group, calmly carrying two baskets, Monty, Fox, Zoe, Finn, and Drew stumbled into the camp behind them, their bodies forced into an awkward angle until they could drop the baskets safely in the camp. The heavy baskets caught his eyes — fish, fruits, vegetables, and not a single turnip or onion in sight, and as if someone injected cold water in his veins, the thrumming of his pulse slowed down, and his anger-induced headache ebbed away.

The delinquents, already curious at what could have made their short-tempered leader speechless, dropped down from the wall where they had been hammering and fixing wooden planks, and murmured their astonishment, interests piqued at the sight of moss-wrapped fish and dirt-speckled vegetables.

“Get back to work.” Bellamy ordered, half-heartedly, but the delinquents were more interested in new food rather than the wall. They gathered around the group, blocking Bellamy's view, and pointed and exclaimed their awe.

“Is that a carrot?”

“There’s brown stuff on it, though…”

“I think that’s just the dirt?”

“And that stringy thing attached?”

“Wah, look at that one, it’s so fuzzy—!”

The chatter died quite abruptly to Bellamy’s alarm, and the delinquents took a step back as if startled, clearing the way just in time for him to see Kova pushing their mask up to sit on top of their head, sweat beading at their forehead and dripping down their collarbone. Either unaware or ignoring the stares, they turned to their scavenger group, the corners of their lips quirked up ever so slightly with endearment and familiarity. “Call out.”

“Herbs!” Drew, Monty, and Fox called out.

“Fish!” Zoe raised her hand with a bright grin.

“Veggies and fruits.” Finn said.

“Great. Fish, vegetables and fruits.” Kova themselves announced, setting down their baskets. “Who’s in charge of what?”

“I can bring back the herbs to the dropship. I wanna check up on Emmie.” To Bellamy’s shock, Fox spoke first, all hints of her nervousness and stutter long gone. What the hell happened on this trip?

“Sounds good. Carry the one you already have. I’ll bring the other two shortly.”

Fox nodded and hefted the basket over her shoulder again. Just before she passed Kova, she sent them a smile and mouthed, ‘Thank you’ before running off.

Ducking their head, Kova turned back to the group, their smile a little more prominent, a little more easier to catch. “Great. Who’s in charge of fish?”

“I know how to cut them up.” Finn offered.

“Remember not to throw away the moss. I can handle that part, if you want.”

“Monty,” Kova said, a surprised tone in their voice. “You… like horticulture a lot, no?” ‘After all, he wouldn’t stop talking about plants on the way back… and the different uses for certain mosses and mushrooms…’

“Well, yeah, I mean. I guess you could say plants are my thing…” Monty gave Finn, Drew, and Zoe a look. The four of them laughed.

Eyes flickering between the four, Kova figured they were laughing at an inside joke. They looked down and shook their head, hiding their smile. “Either way, you’re right. Remember what I taught you.” They addressed Finn as they took a fish and acted as if the side of their hand were a knife. “Slice the fish up, but don’t cut off the head or fins yet — save that for when you actually cook it. You should cook most of it by tonight, or they’ll spoil fast.” They turned to Monty, dropping the fish back into the basket. “Dampen the moss again, wrap them up, then wrap the entire thing with a cold cloth. When you’re done, if possible put the piles in different places.”

“Why?” Drew asked.

“Anyone remember?” Kova looked around, encouraging the rest of the group to speak up, like some sort of mentor.

Bellamy had half the mind to remind the delinquents just who and what Kova is.

“Rot and flies, right?”

“Good, Zoe. The bugs around here will smell and swipe them before anyone can get a bite. Once they start rotting, the whole pile is at risk.” They turned to Zoe and Drew. “Same applies to you two,” They paused, “if you don’t mind handling the vegetables and fruits.”

Zoe locked arms with Drew, and the two nodded. “We can do it!”

“Remember, don’t put them in direct sunlight, but not somewhere dark, either.”

“Yup, got it!”

“Alright. That should be everything.” They took in a deep breath. “Any questions? Yes, Drew?”

“Will you still teach us how to climb trees?”

Halfway through Kova’s fish cutting technique explanation, Bellamy had chased off the surrounding delinquents back to work. Just as he was coercing the last ones to the wall, Drew’s question brought not only his, but the others', attention back. His head snapped up, quickly enough for Kova to hear a pop of a joint. “No. No way—”

“I will have to talk to Clarke first,” They interrupted, words barely on the polite side. “But if she gives the go ahead, then I can.” When they noticed the delinquents on the wall listening intently, they added, “I don't mind teaching anyone who wants to learn. But only after all of this is over. Go back to work, please.”

To their honest surprise and petty delight, the delinquents listened, and when Bellamy turned two different shades of anger and annoyance, it only made their spite sweeter. But they refused to let it show on their face, and instead turned back to their scavenger group with the most neutral face they could possibly forge. “Then, I’ll return to the dropship. Shout if you need anything.”

"Yup, see ya!" Fox called out while the others waved their goodbyes. They hauled off the baskets, but Kova could still hear them throw friendly jabs at one another.

And then Monty said, "Man, this trip was actually fun."

Warmth bloomed in Kova's chest — a feeling they hadn't felt in a long time. The rest of the group agreed, briefly talking about what they enjoyed before their voices faded out with distance. They hid their growing smile behind a curtain of dreads as they reached down for their baskets. With one already strapped across their shoulder, the tips of Kova’s fingers barely made contact with the strap of the second basket when a hand snatched it out of their grasp. They raised their gaze slowly, finding their annoyance reflected in Bellamy’s eyes, and perked up an eyebrow — a question all on its own.

He ignored it and asked, “What’s in this one?”

"Spices. Ginger and clover." With a curt response, they reached for the basket again, only for Bellamy to pull his arm back. They sent him a flash of sharp eyes before lunging forward, but he swung the basket out of the way, thankfully not spilling the contents.

Still holding the basket away, he said, "You kept them out for four hours."

"And?"

“You put my people at risk.”

For some childish reason, Kova desperately wanted to respond with something that would hurt, something like, 'Were they not at risk of dying from disease and malnutrition?' Instead, they shot back with, “Clarke said to return before sunset. I'm early.”

His expression pinched, jaw tensing, and he had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

Bullseye.

After all, there was very little that could hurt more than poking into whatever resentment Bellamy had for his co-leader. As soon as they saw him open his mouth to speak, Kova spun around and walked in the direction of the dropship, sending him a dismissive wave. "You best follow," They said, "or she'll get annoyed with you for the delay." Pausing in their steps, they glanced at him over their shoulder, one corner of their lips quirking into a far too smug smirk. “Or, even more annoyed with you, I’m assuming.”

His blood skipped simmering, straight to boiling. They assumed wrong — Clarke had actually been furious for Bellamy’s interference earlier (he could still hear her shouts ringing in his ear), but there was no way in hell he would admit it, not when Kova had that look on their face. In his anger, he gritted out, “Fuck off. Don’t think you’re suddenly on everyone’s good side. You’re still just a grounder to them.”

Damn, alright. That felt bitchy, even for Bellamy. But a petty ego in him flared when Kova's smug look dropped and they faced forward, away from his sight.

“Were your ancestors not grounders?" He heard them say, saw their fists clench. "Did they not live here, just as mine and I do?”

Before he could retort—

“Kova!” A voice called out. The two broke out of their argument and turned together, as if preparing for some sort of disaster. Instead, it was just Drew and Zoe, running up to them, each holding a cucumber. “Oh, hi Bellamy.” She added in passing. “Sorry for bothering you, but which one is a zucchini and which one is a cucumber?”

Bellamy noted Kova's face had grown stoic with Bellamy's words, but with Zoe's question, the corners of their lips quirked up in a fond matter. “Both of them are cucumbers. Cucumbers are dark green with no stem. Zucchinis are yellow-ish green with a wood stem.”

“Dammit.”

"So I was right! Thank you.” Drew smiled brightly, but Zoe grumbled under her breath, glaring at the cucumber as if it were her fatal enemy.

Kova, without hesitation, placed their hand on Zoe’s head, playfully rubbing their knuckles against her scalp. “Don’t worry. You catch on quick — I'm sure you’ll get the hang of it in no time.”

Knowing Zoe’s tendencies, Bellamy half expected the girl to bite their hand off. Imagine his surprise when instead, she sent them a small smile, a hint of an embarrassed flush on her cheeks from the praise.

All of a sudden, she pushed Drew with a balled up hand and sprinted away, yelling, “Race you back!” Leaving Drew with complaints of cheating as he tried to catch up.

The two were left alone, and while he pointedly didn't look at Kova, Bellamy could see from the corner of his eyes how their fond smile grew into the same smug look from before, just to a lesser degree. They merely said, "Not on their good side?"

With a scoff, he turned and made his way to the dropship.

Neither acknowledged the basket strapped alongside his chest.

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The crunch of footsteps on dry leaves stopped.

By the time he realized, Bellamy was already a few steps ahead. He rolled his eyes, and with a snide comment ready to strike, he turned around—

The words died in his throat when he saw Kova's wide eyes, the slight part of their lips, the grit of their jaw. Their hands tightened around the strap of the basket, enough to pale the skin of their knuckles.

He followed their shocked gaze to the dropship, where two masked delinquents carried a body down the ramp and dropped it alongside the cadavers lined up against the side of the dropship, each with a cloth covering their faces.

Truthfully, Bellamy hadn’t visited the dropship since the last time he tried to check on Octavia. Clarke had pushed him away, claiming that her patients were finally getting the rest they needed, and that she couldn’t have him disrupting their peace. Instead, he ended up fretting over Octavia’s well-being, to the point where Miller had to distract him with more wall work and the preparation for the return of the scavenger team.

‘But now,’ His eyes raked over the lined bodies — not too many compared to Clarke and Wells’ predictions, but enough to make him also stop in his tracks, ‘Now I wish I had come by sooner.’

How many? How many graves will he have to dig up? At this rate, he will certainly have to make extras—

Crunching leaves turned into metal thumps, breaking his train of thoughts. Next thing he knew, Kova had already made it to the top of the ramp by the curtained entrance, where Wells and Clarke had been in a deep discussion until they interrupted. They hooked their wooden mask to their belt loop and replaced it with the cloth Wells provided. The three talked, too far for Bellamy to hear, but he could see Clarke and Wells gesture to the sturdy basket held between Kova’s arm and waist with interest.

“I got everything.” He heard Kova’s voice as he moved closer. He nearly hip-checked a delinquent rushing down the ramp. “Monty and Finn have the meat, Zoe and Drew have the vegetables. Bellamy has the turmeric and tea plants…”

“Perfect. Will you be…”

Kova and Clarke's voices faded out, muffled by the curtains as the two entered the dropship.

“Hey.” Wells greeted him, holding out a cloth similar to the one he gave Kova. Bellamy gestured that he didn’t need it and tried to walk in, but before his fingers could even brush the curtains back, Wells placed a hand across his chest, shaking his head. “Nope, Clarke’s orders. No one comes in or out without one.”

He raised an eyebrow.

Wells raised his own in response.

With a heavy sigh, Bellamy tied the cloth across his face.

"Good." Wells pulled back the curtains. "Come in."

“…and you’ll be teaching me how to make the medicine, right?” Clarke asked.

Bellamy had the absolute pleasure of walking in to see Kova's stoic face falter out of nervousness.

"…Yes.” Their words were slow, hesitant, and their eyes flickered around the room. “But like I said previously, I…" They cleared their throat. "I am not… I am not exactly the best at making medicine. I can provide the instruction, but you’ll have to make it yourself.”

“Don’t all the grounders make medicine? How can you be bad at it?” Bellamy sneered, crossing his arms. “Lincoln had, like, twenty bottles of shit in his pouch.”

As if someone had smacked them upside their head, Kova bent over, shoulders shaking, and spluttered out a full blown embarrassed laugh. After all, Bellamy wasn’t the first person to say something along those lines — they used to get a lot of shit from other ‘grounders’ for brewing medicine so terrible it would poison rather than cure someone, while Lincoln and Nyko were absolute prodigies of medicine and potion classes.

But the fact that Bellamy out of all people called them out for it—

Their laughter died abruptly. Crinkled eyes turned into a sharp glare. Face suddenly severe, they turned to Bellamy and hissed out, “Keep his name out of your mouth.”

He was already in shock from seeing even a hint of a laugh from Kova, let alone a full blown one, but their sudden change in behavior felt like they had poured cold water down his back. Tone defensive, Bellamy fixed his expression and said, “Don’t tell me you’re still angry about that.”

“About what? You torturing my brother?” They bit out, coldblooded, eyes sharp, every couple of words punctuated with a step closer. Wells and Clarke stood near Bellamy, ready to intervene in case they snapped. “I’m furious about it. And if you were not Octavia’s brother, I would have already sought vengeance on his behalf. But unlike others,” They eyed him up and down, “I don’t let my emotions act as a barrier from being civilized.”

“This is what you call civilized?” He scoffed, standing to his full height, stubbornly making eye contact despite forgetting the fact that he was still an inch shorter than Kova. “Well, knowing you grounders, sounds believable.”

“Can y’all… not do this right now?” Came Wells voice, his eyes flickering between the two with a look neither could decipher.

Both Bellamy and Kova switched their gazes to Clarke, who held disapproval in her eyes.

"My bad."

"My apologies."

The two sent sharp, piercing glares at one another, but with one stern look from Clarke, Kova cleared their throat and turned away, pursing their lips slightly, and Bellamy looked to the side, his scowl ever so prominent.

Suddenly, he looked up. Clarke reached out her hand—

“Octavia, you okay up there?”

Finger curling, Clarke's expression pinched. Wells and Kova, confused, looked at each other, then up at the ceiling, wondering why Octavia hadn’t responded yet. To their surprise, Bellamy narrowed his eyes at Clarke and took a step towards the ladder—

"Wait." Clarke sighed, pinching her nose bridge. "She’s not there. I sent her to Lincoln.”

Any negative feelings Kova might have had towards Bellamy crumbled away with a flurry of expressions; Comprehension, betrayal, worry, anger. Eyes widening, he took a step back, shoulders slumping, a hand suddenly tightening around the railing of the ladder.

They felt sorry for him. Logically, they knew no harm would come to Octavia if Lincoln could stop it. But the sole fear of a little sibling being in danger—

Well, was this not a play by play reflection of themselves?

Kova took in a sharp breath at this realization, catching Bellamy's attention. Anger flared behind those narrowed eyes, pinning Kova as if they were the sole cause of all these problems. Shaking their head, they crossed their arms into an 'x' shape, as if to say, 'Hey, don't look at me, I didn't know either.'

"Lincoln? Why?" Wells asked. It seemed that he didn't know about this, either.

“If there’s a cure, he might have it.” Clarke continued. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you wouldn’t want her to go.”

That, on its own, sparked someone else's anger. "I already told you there was no cure," Kova's words cut through the conversation, a frown creasing their eyebrows, "so where is this really coming from?"

"I needed a second opinion."

Kova heard, 'I still don't trust you.'

“If anything happens to her," Bellamy interrupted, pointing at Clarke, "you and I are going to have some problems.”

He stalked off, ignoring Clarke's calls. She turned back to Kova and Wells with a helpless look, but before she could even open her mouth, Kova also walked away. They could hear Wells berating her in the background, but they tuned it out. They needed a second to calm down. Maybe Emmie wouldn't mind some company—?

Distantly, they heard Bellamy snap at some poor delinquent.

And then came the screams.

Kova instantly changed directions and ran out the dropship, only to find absolute chaos. One of the delinquents, a young teenager, sat on the floor as if someone had pushed them. Blood dripped from his eyes, and he let out a soft, pained moan as he pressed the heels of his palms against his head.

The other delinquents huddled away from him, and some of them had ran off to wash their hands thoroughly in one of the open barrels of water. To Kova's shock, one of the delinquents aimed his gun at the young teenager, yelling at the others, "Nobody touch him! Move back!"

“Get to the dropship, now.” Bellamy ordered, and the young teenager stumbled his way up the ramp, almost shoulder-checking Kova.

In the huddled group, Raven noticed a girl swaying back and forth by her side. “Hey, are you okay—?”

The girl toppled over. Two boys close by caught her before hit the ground, and as payment, she coughed up blood, spreading it across their faces. The boys cried out and dropped her, wiping at their faces and stumbling about. Kova jogged down the ramp and guided the three up the ramp as quickly as possible, but it was too late. The entire camp threw itself into chaos. Delinquents pitted against one another, gunners threatened the infected—

Two gunshots rang out.

Everyone ducked and swiveled to the origin. Clarke stood at the ramp, her rifle pointed straight up in the air. “Can’t you guys see that this is what the grounders want? They don’t have to kill us unless we kill each other first!”

Feeling bold, a gunner stepped up in front of the group, aiming his gun at her chest. “They won’t have to kill us if we all catch the virus, so get your ass back in the damn dropshi—!”

The gunner stumbled back and collapsed to his knees, heaving loudly as he held his stomach in one hand and his chin in the other. Bellamy had grabbed his gun and butted him up the jaw while Kova had grabbed his shoulder and pulled him close, kneeing him in the solar plexus, and throwing him down. Bellamy held the end of the gun to the floor and, to Kova's surprise, nodded at them. They were still angry and, dare they even think it —hurt— but, they nodded back. They didn't risk their life at the bridge just for Clarke to die at some trigger-happy fool.

“Not to state the obvious, princess," Bellamy addressed Clarke, "but your quarantine isn't exactly workin…" His words died out, and he lunged forward, even though he was no where near the ramp.

Clarke didn't realize she had fallen over until Finn caught her, swinging her into a princess carry. “Hey, let me go. I’m okay.” She muttered, trying to tumble out of his grasp.

“No, you’re not.”

"It's fine, Octavia will come back with a cure."

A familiar voice called out, “There is no cure!”

'What a surprise,' Kova thought, turning to see Octavia push her way through the crowd. All eyes landed on her.

“The grounders don’t use the sickness to kill.” Octavia said.

“Really? Tell that to them.” Bellamy gestured to the dead bodies lined up. “I warned you about seeing that grounder again.”

"Yeah? Well, I have a warning for you too." Octavia spun around to the crowd. “The grounders are coming! And they’re attacking at first light.”

Needless to say, the delinquents' gaze switched to Kova, and all were surprised to see them equally as shocked as everyone else. Everyone's hushed mumbles grew, and Octavia used the distraction to tap Kova's arm, gesturing to follow Finn inside the dropship.

Bellamy reached out, as if about to grab her, but Octavia avoided his touch like the plague and dragged Kova without another word.

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#the night our stars aligned (and our breaths touched)#bellamy blake x oc #bellamy blake x grounder oc #bellamy blake #The 100 #bellamy blake imagines #the 100 fic #bellamy blake fic #my writing #writeblr #my wips

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