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caseylicious · 2 years

Note

Hello again! Hope that you’re having a great day! If it’s alright with you, can I request another rise!donnie x gn!reader where Donnie is such a simp for reader?

Like Leo would tease him about it but he would deny it because of his “bad boy” image. But then reader enters the lair and Donnie is just 💜w💜.

Thank you!!!

Simp.

Summary: Donnie being a simp (more of swooning) for the reader.

Character: Donnie.

Reader: GENDER NEUTRAL

Relationship: CRUSH

Warnings: Leo and Donnie having this whole on sibling moment, but that doesn't affect the silly teasing that'll happen-

Words: 3312

Tags: @ath3nasc4f3 , @anxietyishere

A/N: My dear, there is no problem with requesting another time! Your requests place a smile on my face. I'm in love yet so hesitant with this one- because I don't want it to be to remind anybody of 2012!Donnie being whole on OBSESSED for April. With some serious thought, This is Part 2 of the Mad Scientist!Reader piece. (Read for context)

The story may be a bit wack... but im trying so hard to juice my brain for plot. (currently in writer's block.) As well of trying to follow the basic idea of your request, but overall I like this piece a lot! A few things first! I see Leo and Donnie as TWIN BROTHERS. There's just a lot that heavily implies it in my opinion! and I just imagined that one scene from Aladdin with him just swooning for Jasmine. You get me? Yeah.

I love your ideas. Come around again < 3

As always! Please, Enjoy 💐

[ If you have any constructive criticism or corrections for any of my English do let me know! :) ]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

Waving the brothers goodbye from your introduction, you began climbing up the manhole with April. To your surprise, you've gotten along quite well with each one of them. Even with your "normal switch" off. You've noticed in your time with them that each one of them were different in their own way. Leo was cheery while funny person. Raph was a strong sharp, yet loveable and empathetic. Mikey was one of the loudest people you've met. And Donnie... Before you could continue with your analysis of the whole day you had. April spoke, "Well.. whatcha think man?" You thought for a second on what to say. "I need more context to that question O'Neil." She chuckled, "Of the whole meet and greet! You seemed to get along with most of them."

"Hmm.. I'd say it was a success." April's groan echoed through the sewer hole. "That means I liked them all; your friends." You assumed April grinned and was pleased, because you heard a pitter patter on the bar below you. That would've been the end of the conversation before April opened her mouth once more. "How about Donnie?" You suddenly stopped moving forwards. Which made April bump onto your calf. "What about Donatello?" She snickered. "Pfft- Opinion on Don? There's no way you'd forget him man."

A second of silence passed before you finally answered, "Well.. he's okay." An audible gasp could be heard. "What do you mean okay?! You talked about so much with him!" You looked away from the bar in front of you as she kept ranting. You enjoyed the turtle's presence, you truly did. He seemed to understand everything you were talking about. And it was one rare moment in your life where you kept up a conversation which you found interesting. However you somehow "knew" that he'd leave you like everybody else.

The foreign memory which you've tried to suppress began to play. How you ate all by yourself, which led to you staying in the abandoned science lab for most of your lunch. How you've practiced normal conversation in the mirror. Researching popular trends which you've tried copying to the point of creating an image of somebody you just weren't. It just all didn't click with you. For some reason, you just couldn't fit in with the crowd of your school. And it became the reason for the bad reputation you had.

Personally, you wouldn't blame him for leaving. Eventually he'd see how you were.. "weird." But... good always lifts from the bad. Would it be really a bad thing for him to notice you being "weird?' Hypothetically, if you tried hard enough to "fit in," you wouldn't have had a great time with the turtle. Ideas which you've suppressed wouldn't have been unleashed. And you would still be complaining about society being awful and needing a fix. A grin made itself onto you for a moment before you felt your head hit a flat surface. Adjusting your focus, you have found the manhole cover on top of you. You began to lift the object, moving it to the side. Hearing the metal fall, you then climbed onto the ground. Reaching a hand inside for April who was still ranting on how you and Donnie got along so well. "You understand though- Right, Y/N?" You blinked for a couple seconds before patting her back. "Yes. I agree completely. Let's put a pin on this discussion and come back to it. How about it?" She agreed walking down the street with you. Before the both of you separated due to her route being in a different location. Watching as April ran off, you sighed in relief.

You made your way back home, unable to stop thinking about that encounter you had. That special conversation which made you open up. Where you felt normal. But that's silly, right? Out of every logical and fictional existing thing in this universe, a turtle seemed to comprehend anything of what you said. Who was this "Donatello?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

💜 Donnie

Brzzt. Brzzrt. Brzzrt-

A hard slam landed on the device. It was around 6 in the morning and two tired eyes opened. The tired figure slowly sat up, stretching from side to side. A robotic yet humanoid voice spoke, "It's too early to wake up dad.." A chuckle could be heard. "Shelldon, you understand we have work to do. Acquire yourself some coffee and I'll get some bolts ready for you." As odd as that sounds, the purple drone swirled in a circle before exiting the room. It has been about exactly 4 months and 27 days since your introduction.

In those 4 months you both had been interacting with one another nonstop. Mainly on electronic email and/or text. It contained random ideas and topics which you both enjoyed immensely. He couldn't help but feel a genuine boost of optimism seeing your username and email. Especially on random facetime calls the two of you had. How you showed off your school AP textbooks to Donnie, and how Donnie showed off his battle shells explaining each function. And the best part? You listened and seemed to be genuinely interested in his work. It was strange, but he liked it. a lot.

Before he chose to finally get up, he waited for the hot coffee. Which arrived in the matter of seconds. Taking a sip, he let out a sigh of relief. "Ahh.. That's good." He whispered. The soft-shelled turtle walked over to his desk. Inspecting the blueprints in front of him, his eyes noticed a doodle in the corner of the sheet. Donnie groaned, while a smirk quickly formed. It was probably his younger brother Mikey. He was always one to enjoy doodling on his brother's stuff with or without permission. "Did Mikey touch my work?- I swear... alright, let's see what on earth he drew this time-" What Donnie saw made him shut up. Which was rare for somebody who seemed to love explaining everything he knew and believed in. But what did the young turtle see? No, it wasn't anything inappropriate. And no, it wasn't anything hateful. It was something quite far from any of those things...

It was your name traced over in the blue paper. With what seemed to be hearts surrounding it- and was that a cloud? Whatever the doodle was, he was speechless. Silence filled the room before suddenly he felt a cold hand on his shoulder. "Yo D what are you do-" Donnie quickly grabbed his screwdriver. "EAT LASERS INTRUDER!!-" His brother quickly raised his hands above his face, "Hey-! Chill- it's me Leo!" The purple turtle stared at his twin brother for a couple seconds. Before his face became red, flicking his forehead. Leo quickly whined in pain holding his forehead with one hand. "Scoff! Learn to knock next time brother. What are you even doing up this early?" Leo chuckled poking Donnie's plastron with his finger. "I should be asking you that... but you're always up early. So I won't ask!-" Donnie quickly wore his bandana, glaring a little at Leo. "That doesn't answer my question Nardo'."

"Woahh! Chill, chill. I just got up to the sound of Shelldon making coffee... anddd.. because we're-" For a few seconds, Donnie really hoped Leo had a different reason. "Please, don't say it."

"Because we're twin brothers Donnie~" His drawn-on brows furrowed together. "That isn't a proper reason." A grin formed on his brother's face, "Oh, but it is now! Anyways back to me." He paused. "What's that you're working on?" Donnie should've rejected Leo, he knew clearly it was a trap for some sort of teasing. However could he resist to explain one of his creations? No, he could not. "Well- if you insist. I'm working on a suitcase which can hide weaponry such as my staff. So next time we ever choose to go out in disguise, I won't be held back for a couple minutes for silly reasons such as "illegal weaponry" and-" Leo quickly snatched the blueprint out of his hand, "Hey!-" He browsed the paper for a couple seconds before aggressively pointing at the corner of the paper. "And thinking about Y/N! There's no way!!-"

His eyes widened- "Leo, could you at least lower down your voice!" Donnie watched as his brother giggled for a few minutes on the sight. He tried remembering when or why he chose to write your name multiple times on his own piece of work. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. There was no collection of him daydreaming about you. As the laughter died down, his brother spoke. "So- what is this? You got a crush on them or something? Lord-"His cheeks flared up, blinking aggressively down to the floor. "Man! This is almost as bad as you and Atomic Lass! Ha! You and Y/N??" Expecting a snarky comeback, he was responded with only silence. Donnie glanced down. Looking away from Leo with shame, genuinely unsure on what to say or do.

Leo frowned, gently placing his hand on his shoulder letting him sit. "Uhm.. You don't gotta talk about it if you don't want to. I know how you are with stuff like this. My bad." He didn't respond, tension filled the room. "Errm..Want me to leave?" Donnie opened his mouth, but closed it. Trying to find the words. Leo waited for him to figure out what he wanted to say. "..N- no. It's fine, don't leave... I'm sorry just.." He took a quick sip of his coffee. "I don't really know if I do. Is i-.. is it okay to feel like this? I've never felt like this and-" He paused, not knowing what to say. "Well, yeah. It's okay to feel like this man! I'll listen if you really want to talk about them." Donnie blinked a couple times, staring at Leo in disbelief. He hasn't had a "heart-to-heart" moment like this with him in a long time. For obvious reasons. He slowly grinned with a nod.

"Well... Y/N- where do I begin. Oh okay.." Leo pulled out a stool, sitting on top of it. Donnie closed his eyes imagining one of the special calls he had with you. "Well, their hair. It's this color that just looks so nice in the dark and light. They have these eyes that just shine like gems found in the deepest caves of the world- and wow their voice. Their voice is a whole conducted symphony Leo..." His brother nodded his head, listening in. Surprisingly not making a comment. "Uh huh- and? What else? That can't be it." He placed his hands on his cheeks, trying to remember one of his favorite voice calls. "We like so many things- Our interests just match! It's as if the constellations aligned perfectly in one part of the world. They just know so much that I know- which is just so mesmerizing..." A short but long 'hmmm.' came out of Leo.

Donnie watched as his brother placed his own hand on his chin. "Well? What is it Nardo?' Leo empathized with his twin brother, mainly on how he spoke about you. He spoke as if you were a holy deity, a treasure, maybe even a blessing! He just seemed to understand how Donnie felt. Even if he wasn't a touchy feely sort of person. "You really like Y/N that much, huh?" Donnie nodded, covering the lower half of his face with his hand. "Well honestly, expect me to tease ya." Before Donnie could scold him, Leo spoke again. "But go for it. Nobody is stopping you from being with them. And I'll be cheering from afar."

Donnie hummed, glancing back at Leo. "..That's actually some smart advice Nardo... Thank you, brother." Leo smirked. "Getting soft on me Don?"

"Don't ruin it."

"Yeah, yeah- You're welcome! Chill!"

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

Bzzrt. Bzzrt. Bzzrt-

Your hand quickly grabbed the wire clippers, cutting the wire which was attached to the device. Opening one eye, you glanced to what you have cut. The purple wire. Your eye twitched realizing which wire your hand instinctively chose to cut, which frankly saved your life. again. "Ughh.. What genius am I, if I keep cutting that wire?"

Quickly, you got out of bed, slipping your slippers on. Making your way to your closet, the calendar on the wall of your room was marked. In bold red letters, "HANG OUT. 11:00 AM." That's right! You and your newly made friends made plans to hang out together. Excited as you were. You specifically were excited to share your ideas with one particular person of the group. Donnie.

Mentally you had to slap yourself. It was irritating how he always seemed to be on your mind. Just because he chose to listen to your thoughts? Please. It was almost humiliating how just of one person, you'd be this distracted. You suspected it was because how isolated you were. How you were the 'outsider.' Maybe because he seemed to know about titanium and uranium. Or maybe because he genuinely wanted to become your friend. Your hand reaching for a pen, making a repetitive clicking sound. "Pascal Triangle, prepare yourself to be solved."

You were a fan of mathematics. It being one of your favorite subjects in school. April knowing this information, usually asked you for answers. In which you've always responded, "Giving you the answers isn't going to help your education O'Neil!" "Urgh-! I hate it when you're right Y/N." The thought made you grin, until you looked back down to your paper. None of the pentagons had answers in them. "Wh- what? I thought I was answering these..." Needing reassurance, you flipped through all of the pages in your packet. Expectedly you answered them all. To the questions which required the most simplest distributive property, to having to identify graphs. You didn't seem to second-guess yourself, so you were confident in your work of elimination.

Just.. why now didn't you know what to write? You weren't one to be seriously invested in your grades. Surprising? Yes, however you more focused on whether you knew how to perform the work. Were grades going to help you in the long-run of your "world-domination?" No. They would not, but the Pascal Triangle really shouldn't be this confusing. You didn't want to admit it, but you needed another pair of eyes on this question. Well let's do the simple process of elimination with the friends, or more specifically acquaintances you've made.

April? No offense to the poor girl, but could you really get answers out of somebody who asks you for them? Pass.

Mikey doesn't even know what on earth the Pascal Triangle is. Poor him.

Raph and Leo would give you a detailed look of confusion. Calling over...

Donnie.

Out of everyone on the list, Donnie was the most logical choice. It was obvious he would understand what on earth this was. A groan escaped from your lips. "Can't believe I have to ask him for help on this problem. C'mon Y/N.. you're a mathematical genius! Why can't I solve a simple pattern?" You didn't even notice it, but you woke up at ten o'clock. Due to this one question and overthink, you've wasted another thirty minutes. Leaving you now with... "Oh- SHOOT!" As you launched yourself out of your rollie-chair to change...

Running down the alleyways of New York, you were advised by April to remember the specific manhole which led you down to their quarters. What did the manhole look like again-? You inspected each manhole you passed.

Too Large. Too Small. That isn't the right color. That's a whole pizza dropped on the ground.

Eventually you found the manhole, attempting to lift the metal plate as discreetly as you could. Placing it back as you made your way down. You learned from the last time you visited that it was quite dark. So you turned on the flashlight on your phone, stepping through the puddles, your name echoed throughout the sewer halls.

Finally, what felt like walking in the same direction for so long, you made it to the lair. Nothing seemed to change from your last visit, the graffiti was the same, there doesn't seem to be any new furniture, and.. Splinter seemed to be watching the same commercial like yesterday. Mikey was the first to notice your arrival and waved to you like a kid who just ate a batch of Halloween candy. It was adorable, platonically of course. He ran up to you, a visible grin on his face, "Y/N! You made it!!" You smirked, moving a hair strand behind your ear. "Well of course I made it. I couldn't miss out on a hang-out with you and your brothers."

While Mikey kept speaking with you, you could feel a gaze upon yourself. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it was.. sort of strange. You were the outcast, the 'weirdo' of the school. Who on earth would be staring at you?

Donnie, obviously. He was leaning against a wall, standing near the edge of the skate ramp. A small smile growing as he observed your very movement. You just were able to speak in a way that could make his heart flutter. Donnie suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, jumping in surprise. Realizing who it was, his sharpie-brows furrowed together. "L- leo! Do not creep up on me like that." Leo cackled, noticing that you've arrived. "Checking out Y/N? Gotta say Don, not your sort of thing to do." It was quite obvious for Donnie that his twin brother, wasn't going to ever let this go. An unnerving feeling, he didn't like it. "Aren't you going to talk with 'em? Y'know, make your move?" Donnie frowned unapprovingly, "I wouldn't use that saying, but yes. I was going to talk to them..." His twin brother only stared at him, waiting for the second half of the sentence. Soon realizing, that was it.

"Well! If you are then get down there." Leo moved behind Donnie. He became suspicious immediately, "Nardo- what do you plan on do- ING-!!" He was suddenly pushed down the skate ramp, now rolling towards you like a wrecking ball. Immediately jumping into action, his battle shells' metal claws grabbed hold of the floor. Throwing him back into the air, to land on his two feet. As he was about to glare and scold Leo, you spoke. "Oh my God! Donnie that was- so impressive! Was that apart of your shell?"

To the sight of his shell acting like a sixth sense, your curiosity blasted off from there. Did Leo know you'd react like this? ... Maybe. Donnie wasn't the only brother with smart ideas. They're twins after all. Donnie only blushed, as you began to circle him. In a respectful distance, "What coding did you use for them to do that! Oh my- look at this! Are these compartments for items?" After a few seconds of silence, Donnie coughed, collecting himself. "I- indeed! Well, specifically, more of an Object-Orientated type of programming." The two of you didn't even notice as Mikey left, letting you both infodump. "Really? That sounds like absolute hell! You have to teach me how to code something like that... Oh right! I need some help for this math assignment. Know about the Pascal Triangle?"

Donnie chuckled, "Do I know the Pascal Triangle? Y/N, who do you think you're asking? They're the training wheels to the most amateur of equations." Suddenly he watched as your eyes lighted up. A grin filled with relief and joy. Something that felt so amazing to experience in person, "I completely agree! Mind if we go into your lab? It'd be better to discuss there." He nodded his head as you ran off. A lovesick grin visible on his face. Wow you were... just perfect.

"Ha! Lover Boy-!!" "NARDO."

#morilicious #rottmnt x reader #rottmnt 2018 #rottmnt donnie x reader #rottmnt #rottmnt donatello #rottmnt donnie

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charliedawn · 2 years

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Morpheus x Hope! Reader

~request

Tag list : @aurorarevenclaw1927

"What day are we today, Lucienne ?"

Lucienne peered up from underneath her imposing heap of books and important texts to glance at her lord's morose expression. If the heavy rain outside was anything to go by, she would say lord Morpheus was feeling quite melancholic..She sought to find the correct answer right away, surely his lordship already knew the time of day to its very second..So, it had to be an important day for him ?

She thought back and forth of all the possible answers, but couldn't find anything to say other than the shameful truth.

"I..do not know, sir. Forgive my ignorance."

Morpheus didn't reply, he kept staring at the rain and sighed. He should have known. He had done his very best to hide it from everyone, even his own subjects..Of course she wouldn't know. He hadn't celebrated it for such a long time, it sometimes even eluded him.

"...It's my birthday.", he half-heartedly disclosed and Lucienne's eyes widened at the revelation.

At their birth, each Endless had been given a special day of celebration, one that solely belonged to them by their parents, their "birthday".

Morpheus had never actually divulged the date to anyone, not to Lucienne nor to any resident living in the Dreaming. She had asked once, but he had glared at her with such animosity that she had promised herself to never ask again.

It did raise the question as to why he would break his resolve today—of all days ?

He had disclosed this long-hidden secret so nonchalantly, he could have as well waved it off as unimportant. But by the way her lordship's mood seemed to be highly affected by that fact, she didn't know if she ought to wish him a happy birthday, or keep quiet.

She picked the second option and waited for her lord to speak more. But, he didn't. They stayed in perfect silence until Lucienne decided it was best to speak, before her lord found offense in her lack of reaction.

"Would you want me to...tell the kingdom ?", she risked—unsure of what the right thing to do would be in the current circumstances. "I am sure we can still throw you a party or even find something to give you.."

"No.", he replied curtly—his eyes still staring far ahead at the gloomy landscape.

His answer left her dumbfounded. No ? Why ? Morpheus seemed to read her mind and his expression hardened as he promptly added.

"You have your responsibilities. You do not have the time to worry about such a fiddle thing. I just...wanted someone to know.", he confessed at the end and even though Lucienne knew he was right, she couldn't help but feel bad for her lord.

"Well..May I suggest something else then, my lord ?"

He didn't move, but didn't deny her request and she took it as a go ahead and continued.

"The humans are celebrating what they call 'Halloween' today. It is a sort of celebration of dreams and nightmares, and maybe would it interest you to..go down there and have some fun ?", she asked with uncertainty—as she didn't know how her master would react to the proposition.

Morpheus stilled for a moment before pondering on her suggestion. It would allow him to take some time away from the kingdom and furthermore, he never thought of Halloween as a feast for his creations, but now that he thought about it..Humans liked being spooked on that day, right ?

A sinister smile drew on his face. It promised to be entertaining to say the least. Humans were naturally scared of him, but he wondered if their reactions would change upon this unique night.

He summoned a mask and disappeared in a swirl of sand while Lucienne smiled knowingly to herself and returned to her duties. Morpheus would never pass on an opportunity to spend time with humanity, no matter how much he tried to deny it.

In a city somewhere :

Morpheus appeared and even though he was not alone, nobody noticed his rather dramatic entrance as he stepped out of the storm of sand with his arms raised and outfit perfectly unscathed by the waves of sand swirling around him.

He saw all those people dressed as many of his nightmares and couldn't help but smile at the tender picture it portrayed. All of those humans, unknowingly honoring him and his Dreams and Nightmares.

Morpheus still remembered the day he was created, he rose up from the very everlasting being of Time and Space and took his role as the guardian of dreams right away. There had been no warmth nor love in his conception, only duty to a people he still failed to understand fully. Everything seemed so chaotic and—even though he would never admit it—scary..But, he had succeeded in learning how to appreciate the things in his life, until they would eventually leave him.

But, knowing humans kept celebrating his work was enough to make him feel better.

He didn't know why they had started celebrating on this day, maybe a coincidence—or another one of his siblings' failed attempt to provoke him ? Nonetheless, it was entertaining to say the least.

He smiled.

But, as he was distracted by the many lights and decorations, he failed to notice the kid running right towards him. They bumped into each other and Morpheus frowned as he felt the contact and lowered his gaze to find a little boy there—out of breath and who fearfully looked up to stare at him. The little boy—who was dressed in a skeleton costume—momentarily forgot his initial fear as their eyes met and a wide grin spread across his face.

"Wow ! Sick costume !"

Morpheus opened his mouth to reply, but the little boy's face twisted back into an expression of fear. Morpheus thought it was because of him, but was surprised when the little boy hid behind him and gripped the fabric of his robe tightly as other boys arrived. They stilled for a second when they saw Morpheus, but one of them—the leader no doubt—took a step forward to laugh at the little boy.

"Look at that ! Jamie made a friend !", he mocked and the young boy's eyes widened significantly, tears gathering at the corner of his eyes.

When the mean boy grabbed the one hiding behind him, Morpheus instinctively grabbed the bully's arm. The young man froze and his face twisted in fear as Morpheus' face morphed into one of a creepy doll. Morpheus was surprised to find himself surrounded as they dragged the young boy he was trying to protect away.

He could easily take them all down, but he didn't want to make a scene or use his magic in such a crowded area..

Morpheus didn't know how to act and he knew he shouldn't interfere with human affairs, but when he heard the small child's—that he guessed the name was Jamie—screams as he was dragged away..A strange urge to protect him surged through him.

Rain started pouring around them and in a matter of seconds, he was standing before them in all his endless might, his hands raised and summoning black sand all around them. The band didn't know how he had moved so fast nor how he managed to summon send and when Morpheus' eyes glowed yellow in the darkness, they all stopped to stare at him, speechless at the inhuman apparition.

"...Release him this instant.", he ordered in the authorative low tone he reserved for his undisciplined Nightmares and it didn't take long for all the kids to release the kid and scurry off, crying and screaming in fear. He watched them flee before returning his attention on the kid who was still on the floor—stunned.

Jamie stayed shocked for a few seconds more before shaking his head and qui8 stood back up on his feet.

"Thanks..I'm Jamie. Jamie Larusso.", he introduced himself sheepishly before looking around, searching for something and Morpheus tilted his head to scrutinize the little boy. He knew he shouldn't be spending more time than absolutely necessary with him, but Morpheus was inexplicably intrigued by the young boy.

"Where were you heading ?", Morpheus inquired, partly because he was indeed curious—but also because he was worried the boys would attempt to attack him again. Jamie hesitated before admitting.

"I was going to see my grandma.."

Morpheus nodded understandingly before declaring.

"Very well. I shall accompany you then.."

The young man's eyes widened in surprise at the generous offer and another wide grin split his face as he asked excitedly.

"You..would do that ? Really ?!"

Morpheus nodded once more, even though puzzled by the genuine happiness the news caused the young boy. Was he expecting him to leave him stranded all on his own for some reason ? The boy took his hand and pulled him forward towards the outer ridge of the village and Morpheus frowned in confusion. Was the young man's grandmother living outside the residential areas ?

It only hit him when they both stopped in front of a tall and imposing gate where he could see graves through the bars.

Larusso opened the gates expertly by sliding his hand down through one of the openings to unlock the door from the inside. When he stepped inside, he turned around to tell Morpheus he could leave if he wished to, but Morpheus followed him promptly.

He knew this cemetery..He was sure of it.

His feet led him to one particular spot where the half washed away name of Jessamy Maria Larusso was written down..He had never asked for her full name. He didn't see it as important at the time, nor did she. But, he should have. He should have known she had a family and a grandson, but he hadn't.

They stopped in front of the familiar tombstone and stayed still, memories of who he used to call friend returning to him..The dear and brave raven who had stood by his side until the very end. Jessamy...He then turned towards the young boy who had tears in his eyes and was desperately trying not to let them fall. He was Jessamy's grandson. It made sense.

"Hey, grandma'. It's Jamie. I know we didn't really get a chance to talk a lot this year, but I miss you. Ma doesn't like to talk about it, but she does to. I just hope..I just hope you're having fun, wherever you are.."

Morpheus felt his heart squeeze at the memory of how Jessamy had sacrificed herself in order to save him. He had never entertained the thought of telling her family the truth. But, now that he knew about Jamie..He was considering paying her back by another means. He knelt on the ground and Jamie sniffled before looking at him with his brow furrowed slightly in incomprehension.

"Wh..What are you..?"

He bowed his head.

Dream of the Endless.

The king of Dreams and Nightmares.

The Keeper of Sleep and one of the most powerful beings in the universe..bowed his head in front of a human.

"I. Dream of the Endless. Promise to keep you safe and pay back my debt to my dearest raven. May your dreams be filled with joy and peace. You shall never know pain in my realm."

Jamie didn't know what to say or do. He had never seen this man before in his life but—for some strange reason—he believed him. He smiled and shrugged.

"Hum...Thanks I guess ?"

Morpheus didn't move and even though he knew this promise would be difficult to be kept, it didn't make him any less determined. Jessamy had been his most trusted advisor for years, and he would ensure her legacy lives on on Earth as much as in his realm.

Jamie looked up at the sun slowly disappearing behind the trees around the cemetery and smiled apologetically at his new friend.

"Listen, I gotta go home, or my Ma is gonna be worried. But, I'll see you around ! Promise.", he held out his pinky and Morpheus stared at it for a second before wrapping his own around his. Jamie smiled and waved him goodbye before running out of the cemetery. Morpheus' eyes stayed on him until he was out of view before returning to the tombstone before him.

He had never even gotten the chance to say goodbye. Maybe, was it time ?

He sighed and rested his palm upon the cold stone, his composed expression breaking into one of loss and mourning.

"My dear raven..To think so many years have passed since your departure to my sister's realm. I have met your grandson. A charming young man who makes me think of you. He is fragile, but his heart beats strong. I have pledged to protect him. I hope this pleases you, Jessamy.", he hesitated for a second before adding. "I'm..getting better. Or, I try to be. There are still so many things that I do not understand, but I..I still can't seem to love them as much as I loved you. I lack the words to tell you how much I miss you. I need you. Now, more than ever. I need..I need hope."

He waited. He didn't know for what. Was he expecting an answer ? No. He knew he wouldn't get any. He just..He just hoped Jessamy could hear him—that she would send him her strength and what he so desperately needed, what he had always needed—even after all these years..

A rattling noise cut him out of his thoughts and his head snapped in its direction, only to find a woman there—gathering dead leaves with a rake. As if she could feel his eyes on her, she looked up at him and her eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Oh. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to scare you.", she apologized and stilled her movements, letting a few leaves escape the pile she had succeeded in collecting. He frowned at the unexpected sight and shook his head.

"No. My apologies. I shouldn't be here. I'll leave at once..", he said promptly.

But, he didn't.

He kept staring at the half-erased name on the tombstone, as if it would somehow make the resident come back to life.

The woman stared at him for a while before asking knowingly.

"You lost someone..Haven't you ?"

Morpheus' throat constricted at the memories of his sweet Jessamy and even though he had no intention to share his burden with anyone, he couldn't see the harm of sharing it just once. Just this once.

Your pov :

The stranger remained silent, but you had seen that face too many times to mistaken it..He was mourning. You put your rake aside to join him, even though he hadn't asked for your company. You read the name on the tombstone and sighed. Of course..

"Jessamy Maria Larusso. A lot of people have come to visit her, especially that nice grandson of hers. I'm sure she was loved..", you mused and Morpheus tilted his head to look at you and he could tell you were speaking the truth. It made him smile. At least, Jessamy did have a good life.

"Who are you ?", he asked after a moment and you almost laughed at the question. Who were you ? As if he didn't know..But, you would keep the mystery for now.

"Me ? I'm the caretaker.", you glanced around significantly at the many tombs displayed around and the rake now laying on the ground by your side. You still had to sweep the rest of the dead flowers and leaves discarded around, but Morpheus really seemed down..He nodded wordlessly and returned his focus to the tombstone, deposing beautiful purple flowers there. You hadn't even noticed the flowers before, but didn't linger on that detail as he clearly needed some time to grieve.

You then thought about leaving him to his grieving, and maybe come by later to check on him ?

"Well, I'll leave you to it then."

You picked up your rake and started walking towards the area you still had to take care of. You thought he would let you, but were surprised when his voice sounded behind you.

"Stay..", he grabbed your wrist and you shivered slightly at the coldness of his skin against yours.

You stopped dead in your tracks and stared at the hand around your wrist quizzically, but didn't voice a question aloud. Morpheus opened his mouth to apologize for his abrupt and unproper behavior, but other words escaped his lips.

"It is my birthday today."

He didn't know why he wanted to tell you, but he did and the need for company overruled all of his usual concerns.

After the information finally settled in, you smiled widely and clapped your hands together.

"Oh ! You were born on Halloween ? Cool ! Happy birthday !"

"It is not.", he immediately replied and you frowned a little at his curt answer—wondering what he meant by that.

"It is not a happy day..", he repeated and his brow furrowed slightly as he kept staring ahead at the tombstone.

Oh..Right.

"Who did you lose ?", you repeated your earlier question—hoping for an answer this time around.

"Everyone..", he confessed. "My son..My wife..And every single lover I've ever had until now.."

You stayed silent. To tell the truth, you hadn't expected him to come clean so earnestly. Most people rarely opened their heart the first time, but you could hear in his weak and strained voice that he was tired and really wished to talk.

Well, you were all happy to listen..Only, you still had more sweeping and cleaning to do. You looked around and sighed loudly.

"Well, let me get back to my job for a bit and I'll be all yours for the night ! What do you say ?", you asked with a large grin—hoping he would grace you with the same—but Morpheus frowned.

Your occupation was taking care of a place dedicated to the dead. The dead would never see nor care about it—and yet—you seemed genuinely set on making him wait.

He didn't understand.

Why ?

"The dead do not care.", he found important to remind you, and you let out a small laugh. "Yeah. They probably don't. But, their descendants do. Besides, I'm pretty sure a lot of people buried in here were important to someone at some point. I don't think they would like their purchase to go to waste now, would they ?"

Morpheus fell silent after that and even though he wanted to deny, he had to admit he would want Jessamy's tomb to remain as beautiful as she had been.

"I'll...help.", he said and you laughed at his hesitation. It took a while for you to realize he was being serious.

"Wait...Really ? No offense. But, you don't seem like a guy who knows how to handle a broom...or a sponge...or even cleaning spray...", you continued and even though Morpheus had to admit manual work wasn't exactly what he excelled at, he did want his friend to have the resting place she deserved.

You must have seen the determination in his eyes, as you stopped rambling and only sighed loudly in defeat.

"Fine. You take this part, and I'll go finish the other end. Try not to break anything..", you said before giving him one of your cleaning buckets, filled with soapy water and a sponge. Morpheus stared at them quizzically and you had this feeling that you had assumed right..He didn't know how to use those.

"Do you need me to show you or..?", you ventured, but the Endless—who hated receiving help—shook his head stubbornly. "No. I will be fine.."

You raised a skeptical eyebrow at him before shrugging.

"Suit yourself.", you walked away and Morpheus waited until you were out of sight before tentatively approaching the bucket, poking the sponge inside and wondering if he would have to ask Lucienne for its use ? But, remembered she was busy and he didn't want to bother her. He had seen sponges before of course, but dreams never really included cleaning. People had better things to dream about, and worst things to nightmare about too..But, he still grabbed the sponge and threw it against one of the tombstones, expecting it to work on its own...But, was only met with disappointment.

He crouched down to pick up the sponge again and after a few seconds of consideration, decided it was unfit for an Endless to do such cumbersome chore.

He clicked his fingers together and in a second, all of the leaves were gathered into a neat pile near the entrance. Even the tombstones looked like they had been restored.

But, something didn't feel quite right..He looked at your end of the cemetery and saw it was almost as good as his, but you had done it with your own hands..You had spent hours on each of them—no doubt..

"Wet the sponge."

Morpheus was startled by the familiar voice and looked up to see Matthew. He frowned disapprovingly at the spying raven, but before he could voice his disapproval—Matthew didn't leave him the time.

"I know that look. You are upset that I followed you and wanna send me back to the Dream world. But, hear me out first. I've been a worker, and a husband. And by the face you were making a few seconds ago ? You feel guilty, sir. And if you want the feeling to go away, I highly suggest you start with wetting the sponge."

Morpheus felt...guilty ? He shook his head. It couldn't be. He couldn't feel guilt for a human. It didn't make sense..But, Jessamy's tombstone was facing him—as if silently judging him for his lack of dedication to the task. And finally, he begrudgingly agreed.

"Alright. As you are of use, I won't send you back..Yet."

Matthew held a small victory caw before repeating.

"Wet the sponge and use it to scrub the surface. Trust me."

Morpheus sighed in resignation and clicked his fingers again, putting everything back as it was before. He then picked up the sponge and soaked it in the water before starting applying himself to scrubbing the moss off her tombstone—under the raven's watchful gaze.

Two hours later :

Once your side taken care of, you decided to go see Morpheus and ask if he needed any help. However, you were surprised to find the man deep in concentration, putting the effort into the work. You looked around and whistled appreciatively at the sight of Morpheus actually dedicating himself to it and it alerted Morpheus of your presence.

He stilled and slowly turned back towards you.

"It's..not finished.", he informed you and you smiled at the somehow endearing dedication of the young god to the task..Well—young compared to yourself.

"Well—even though—consider me impressed.", you said approvingly and Morpheus found himself at a loss. He had never been congratulated for his work before. As master of the Dreams, people usually loved or hated him..But, it was the first time he was actually praised. It made him feel good, but at the same time all the more suspicious of you. Why were you acting so nice to him ?

He must have voiced the question out loud, as you chuckled and rested your hand on his shoulder.

"I didn't expect the place to be spotless. I'm just happy to see you actually put some effort into it. It means a lot.", you explained and Morpheus stayed silent—pondering on your words. You were happy for a job half-done and one in front of which—if any of his subjects had dared present to him—he would have been dissatisfied. But, you were smiling so brightly..You were genuinely satisfied ? He stared at you for a while in wonder, to the point where you thought there was something wrong with your face—until he bluntly spoke out.

"You are odd."

You burst out laughing at his brutal honesty, but didn't try to deny it. Morpheus' eyes flickered briefly from the tomb to your face...

Your laugh ressembled hers so much.

It was uncanny.

"Wow. I clearly didn't expect that. But, I did promise to stay with you once my work done and, here we are. So..How about I reward you ?"

He tilted his head quizzically—unsure as to what you meant exactly.

"What do you mean ?"

You leaned forward and grinned widely.

"Spend the night with me. And I promise I will make this a happy day for you."

After a moment, he returned your smile at the challenge and decided to accept—his interest was picked after all.

"Bold of you to assume you could ever impress me.", he said with a pretentious little smirk and your eyes gleamed with unspoken wisdom—as if you knew something he did not.

"Bold of you to assume I cannot.", you shot back and Dream decided that—for the first time in his long life—he didn't mind losing a bet..

But, he frowned again as he thought of the uncanny situation he found himself in. He didn't know you. And—most importantly—you didn't know him. And yet, you wanted to spend time with him ? He did ask for your company, but he didn't think you would accept.

"You aren't..afraid ? Of being alone ? With me ? We don't even know each other..", he asked after a moment—more by curiosity than worry—and you chuckled—as if the question itself was absurd—while shaking your head.

"Not a lot of things do now. I've seen many dark places and unsavory people. But, you just aren't it.", you said confidently and Morpheus smiled.

"Merely a few hours by my side, and you already think you know me ?", he asked—expecting you to lose that overconfidence of yours—but it failed.

"Oh, yes. I have figured you all out, Morpheus.", you declared confidently and the corner of Morpheus' mouth raised imperceptibly into a doubtful smile.

"Oh, have you now ?", he asked with a hint of playfulness in his voice.

You nodded and clasped your hands behind your back in a childlike manner before walking backwards to face him while you talked.

"Yup. You don't want anyone to know, but you're actually very sweet and fun. Don't worry though. Your secret is safe with me."

You winked playfully at him and another wide grin extended on your face.

"Well, you'll find me relieved.", he replied with a small amused smile and didn't protest when you took his hand and led him forward to your favorite place in the whole city. You walked past the Halloween decorations and the busy streets filled with dressed-up people trick and treating. Morpheus had seen Halloween in many kids' dreams before..Just never in person. Many said this day was his sibling Death' celebration alone. But, he had to disagree.

As all the people were dressed differently—not all of them as horrific or deadly creatures—and he found his siblings' influence as well as himself in all of them. It made him smile. It felt as if this wasn't only Halloween, but a day where all the Endless were reunited..Desire, Death, Destruction, Destiny, Delirium and even Despair..It made him think of their birth, where they had all shared the same purpose and weren't yet split by their own goals and selfish purposes.

A time where the Endless wished to learn about humans and understand them, rather than dominating them..Simpler times.

He closed his eyes and let himself be guided by you through the crowds. He didn't know where you were taking him—and maybe was that what they called the thrill of the unknown ?

A few minutes later :

You walked side by side in the busy streets and Morpheus found himself enjoying your company. You talked a lot, and he loved to listen. It felt nice to have someone to talk to listen to, other than his subjects and their constant demands..

"Dream..You've been quiet for some time now. Am I boring by any chance ?", you asked and broke him out of his thoughts. He hadn't noticed your sudden halt and turned around to face you with an impassive expression—all hints of his previous thoughts gone in an instant.

"Not at all.", he replied in a monotonous tone and you tilted your head with an eyebrow raised skeptically. But, you didn't insist. You kept walking and suddenly, Morpheus' ears were filled with music—a soft melody of forgotten days..He stopped to listen attentively to the melody and even though he was certain to have already heard the song before—he couldn't pinpoint the exact time and place. He closed his eyes and felt a delightful chill run down his spine as the memory seemed to bring him a joy he had never experienced before..Or, had he ?

He then felt a light tap on his shoulder and finally opened his eyes to find you in front of him, a knowing twinkle in your eyes. You seemed so much older now..Older than Time itself.

You smiled at him and extended your hand with a small smile.

"Dance with me, Dream ?"

He could only accept. There was something about the moment that inexplicably pulled him in, pulled him towards you. He was about to take your hand when one of the earlier rude children who had bullied Jamie ran past you and made you fall backwards.

You fell with a loud splash in the square's fountain and the music covered the sound. But, Morpheus' eyes widened and he glared at the crowd, searching for the kids with hid eyes and promising to give them very bad nightmares later..

But, far from feeling disappointed or upset about the situation: you smiled and started dancing—completely soaked and apparently careless as waved of water crashed all around you.

Morpheus stared at you in disbelief..He didn't understand.

You laughed at his puzzled expression and kept dancing in the water, even going as far as to throw water at Morpheus who took a couple of steps back, sending you a glare at your weak attack.

"Are you mad ?", he asked—dumbfounded by your strange reaction. Everything about you made him reconsider what he already knew about humans..

You giggled and gave him an enigmatic smile before gesturing for him to move closer, so you may whisper something to him. He hesitated, but finally indulged.

However, you didn't say anything and suddenly leaned forward to grab him by the lapel of his coat. He didn't expect it when you pulled him towards you and he fell in the water too.

For a few seconds, Morpheus was found speechless.

He didn't know if he should be upset about being so easily tricked or not, especially since your faces were now mere inches away from each other and your smile turned mischievous. His lips parted and his breath hitched as you whispered.

"Maybe I am, Morpheus..You tell me."

There was a seductive edge to the slight tug of the corner of your lip, as if you were waiting for him to prove it to you. The lights of the Halloween decorations twirled around your eyes and made them look as if a rainbow was dancing in them.

Morpheus prided himself on his absolute self-control, but there was something about you that made him want to lose it and just drown into madness with you. He pulled you flushed against him and Morpheus didn't care if you were still in the fountain and looked like lunatics under the moon light: he danced with you.

He danced with you, and he enjoyed every second of it. Let it be said, Morpheus was perfectly aware the situation to be absolutely absurd—as much as all the quizzical passers by—but he didn't find the will to care. He was having fun...Fun. Something he thought he would never experience..

He laughed. He laughed and you found the sound so beautiful—it brought tears to your eyes. Finally, Morpheus was happy. You thought the day would never come, but the rich and deep laugh was unmistakable.

He was so beautiful..

However, you unfortunately had to stop because of being wet to the bone and people throwing you quizzical and doubtful looks. You knew some of them would probably call the cops on you and didn't want your night to end in a police station..Dream clicked his fingers and you were both instantly dry.

It was the first time he had used magic if front of you. He thought you would be distressed—surprised at least. But, you weren't.

"Wow. Neat trick.", you simply noted—unfazed—and Morpheus' eyes searched an answer in your reaction, anything that would explain the reason for your complete lack of reaction—anything. But, he was not met with the answer he seeked as he only saw genuine warmth in your eyes.

"Whatever you are searching for, you won't find it, Morpheus.", you gently warned him—but Morpheus' expression darkened as he realized something..Something that made him draw back from you and wariness bloom in his chest.

"...I never told you my name."

You stilled at the realization and—knowing it was no use hiding it any longer—smirked and grabbed his arm. You were both teleported to another place, a high tower with wold flowers blooming everywhere and white marble columns—far away from the human world. He then noticed your appearance had changed as well. You now wore a long white toga and your hair was braided like times of old with flowers and gold sand which also decorated your eyelids and cheeks. You looked ethereal. Inhuman..

"Why did you bring me here ? Do you intend to destroy me ?", he inquired—his voice not betraying any emotion beside a mild curiosity as to the following of your plan. But, he eyes betrayed hurt and even betrayal..You almost felt bad about lying. You just needed to be sure of his intentions..It had been a long time since your last lover and even though the seers had predicted him to be your soulmate..You couldn't believe them without knowing him first.

However, now that you had spent the whole day with him, you were certain of his heart and worth. You had no doubt he was your destiny..

You intertwined your fingers with his and closed your eyes, leaning forward so your foreheads were touching. You ignored his earlier inquiry and asked another question instead.

"Tell me, Morpheus..Do you believe in destiny ?"

Morpheus didn't understand the purpose of the question, but still answered.

"He is my brother."

Your eyes widened slightly at the revelation and you clasped your hand in front of your chest with a large satisfied grin.

"Oh. Well, great ! I'm sure he warned you about me then."

Morpheus was even more at a loss..Why would his brother know about you ?

"He didn't.", he replied curtly. But, you didn't mind. You were used to his short answers by now.

"Well, your brother must be blind or senile, for it was written from the very beginning that we were meant for each other.", you informed him and Morpheus found it even if more confusing. How you could you be so confident over things that were so out of your reach ? Meant for each other ? What did it even mean ?

"Who are you ?", he asked for the second time and in a matter of seconds, your look of pure innocence turned into a mischievous one as you tightened your hold on his hands and whispered.

"Well, why don't you find out ?"

He risked his eyes downwards at your lips and licked his own. You were so very confusing, but also very tempting...You were his very own flytrap. You were an enigma he wanted to solve, but every time he thought he thought he had the right answer—it turned out to be false or the real answer to be fleeting away further from his reach. He really wanted to give in to you, but there was one question he needed the answer to first.

"What is your name ?", he uttered in a whisper and you smiled knowingly—as if you expected it. You leaned forward until your noses brushed against each other and smiled.

"...Ask me. One more time. And you will have your answer, Dream of the Endless.", you promised and Morpheus didn't hesitate before asking you once more with more purpose in his demand, desiring the answer even more than anything else in the world right now.

"What is your name ?", he repeated—firmer and more urgently this time around.

You giggled childishly, even though your eyes seemed old..far older than him. You clicked your tongue and gently ran your hand along the side of his face tenderly, your eyes sparkling with golden dust as you fixed your attention on the Endless before you.

"You know who I am, Morpheus. You've always known. You've asked for me every night since your birth. Well, here I am.", you pressed your cheek against his—leaving a light kiss there—and Morpheus marveled at the uncanny softness. He wanted to fall to his knees before you and grip the hem of your toga like a distressed child finally receiving the present he had always dreamed of.

"...Elpis. Hope of the Ancient.", he finally uttered your name in a whisper and you giggled again before wrapping your arms around his neck.

"Here we go ! I knew you would eventually figure it out..", you shouted cheerfully, but Morpheus' brow furrowed as he remembered all the lonely nights he had called out for you. All the nights he had felt his life devoid of purpose and in his prison of glass..

"I called for you..For centuries. You never answered my calls."

It was your turn to frown at the accusation and your smile turned upside down at the reminder of your poor Morpheus—trapped away in this cold house..You slid your arms away from him to wrap them around yourself defensively instead. Your eyes flickered downwards and you bit your lower lip guiltily as you confessed.

"And I heard you. Every single time."

Morpheus felt rage replace the warm feeling in his heart as he suddenly grabbed your wrists to pull you flush against him, forcing your eyes to look up at him in surprise.

"...You left me to rot. You heard my cries for help, and decided to stay immune to my pain.", his voice deepened and trembled—as if his voice was about to shatter at any moment.

Your eyes filled with tears at the unfairness of the object of your affections. He didn't know what he was saying..He didn't know how it felt to leave him alone—even though you knew how much he needed you.

"I couldn't help you. You weren't worthy back then. Your heart filled with want of revenge, instead of letting me in..I had to make sure you were worth it first. See, Morpheus..I do not give my favors to just anybody..I am Hope, it doesn't mean everyone deserves me.", you tried to explain, but your clumsy explanation only fueled Morpheus' rage as he spat angrily.

"You are cruel."

You closed your eyes at the coldness behind his words—but you had expected it. A lot of people thought Hope to be heartless, to appear when you don't need it and disappear when you need it the most. But, the truth is ? Hope was to be nurtured, fed by potential and efforts..

"I am fair.", you replied impassively and tear yourself away from his possessive grip. He was still angry, and you only realized now that you had acted too impulsively—thinking he was ready to meet and love you.

Another mistake.

You talked out of experience..You had tried to help people like him before—but some were simply not worthy of your love. Morpheus used to be one of them. He used to despise humans and find every reason to be condescending towards everyone..He had prayed to you, but had never worked for it.

But, seeing him today—actually enjoying himself among the humans and witnessing his respect towards Jessamy's offspring made you reconsider your decision. But, you were afraid you hadn't waited long enough..

"You feed on the suffering of others.", Morpheus then remembered with a slight frown—a lesson his mother had once taught him—and you sighed loudly. Of course he would know that.

"I do. I knew you since the moment you were born, little Morpheus. I could feel your pain. I was alive before you and will live long after you will have disappeared..I knew we were linked from the start. And you don't know how much it hurt to see you get rejected over and over again..But, I had to stay away. I had to wait for you to be ready..", you looked away and Morpheus noticed how sorrowful you seemed. You had bared alone the truth of your connexion for years..And then, the moment of your meeting was brought back in his mind.

Jamie.

You were there for him..The little boy seemed truly happy with you by his side. His heart longed to know that happiness.

"...If I let you in, will it hurt ?", he finally asked—wary of the consequences of your presence in his life—and you smiled weakly at him.

"I would never hurt you—Not purposefully at least. Are you scared ?", you replied—even though your eyes betrayed uncertainty—and your lips inches from his. His own eyes lingered there for a moment and desire overrode all cautiousness.

He shook his head negatively and you grinned widely at his response.

"Good..", you closed the gap between the both of you and Morpheus didn't hesitate before kissing you back. He wanted to be relieved of all that pain and regret he felt. He didn't want to think of his past failures and in just a kiss, he found his wishes granted. It was as if all of his worries were being sucked out of him and turned into bliss.

He had waited so long for you..He pulled you closer.

"Happy birthday, Morpheus.", you muttered against his lips and Morpheus smiled. For the first time since his birth, he had hope..He kissed you again and in the dark of the night, no one noticed the two shadows keeping each other steady.

Hope could be cruel, Hope could lead to madness, Hope could even hurt and yet—Hope was beautiful and irresistible.

Morpheus couldn't stay away, as much as you couldn't stay away from his delicious suffering..You needed each other and now that he had you, Morpheus would make sure you would never be separated..

#fandoms #imagine #fanfic #morpheus sandman #morpheus x reader #morpheus sandman x reader

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auslanderka · 7 months

Text

— my little piece for a spooky sports event made by my dear @koushuwu! || event post ; event masterlist

fandom : slam dunk

ship : mito youhei x gn!reader (f!reader in my mind)

TW/tags: spooky sports anime event, horror movie night, characters aged up, established relationship (wife-husband), slighty 18+, minors dni

Note : tbh I don't know how to write typical spooky stories but this was created, in general I don't celebrate halloween at all and all the traditions are for me "dry theory" from English class ; I feel like it's a little silly and boring but if by some miracle you have wandered here - enjoy.

Note 2 : and okay this fic. I dedicate this writing piece to @gothintegra - it's possible that you like horror movies and probably youhei wouldn't need to comfort you during horror movie night (I realized this as I was finishing writing haha) but it doesn't change the fact that I wrote with you in mind. it's my little "thank you" for your kind words when things were very bad for me in early september, I hope you enjoyed it!

— contains eng grammar problems and mistakes as well —

The living room of your small apartment looked fabulous. If that's the word to describe the room decorated with pumpkins and other ornaments you found in the store's Halloween & autumn section. Like every year, you created a mood to warm up the ugly weather that was starting to be more and more outside the window.

Youhei leaned over the candles in the shape of small pumpkins lighting them while you placed two mugs with hot chocolate decorated with marshmallows in the shape of little ghosts on the table. Next to them were two plates of cookies, which you had been making all morning while Mito was still at work. The pleasant smell of shortcrust pastry, baked apple and cinnamon wafted throughout the apartment.

It was October 31st. A day when ghouls came out of their hiding places and people spent time at dress-up parties. You and your husband decided to spend the day together and make a movie night. You two just didn't agree on the choice of movie genre. Youhei wanted horror movies, and you wanted anything that wasn't horror.

"so what are we going to watch tonight?" you asked while correcting the cushions on the couch. Mito smiled broadly and disappeared into the hallway for a while. He returned with a paper bag full of rented DVDs from a nearby rental store. Seeing his face and the package you made the mental sign of the cross. You may not have been religious, but the sight of that one evil smile on his face made you know you had to prepare for the worst.

"you and your ideas" you groaned, picking up one of the dvds from the table. The cover itself was already rejecting; you didn't even want to think about what was the plot.

"hey, it's October 31st!"

Youhei stood on the other side of the table grinning widely. He had been saying for several months that they would have a movie marathon in October. At first you thought he was joking. You had been together for quite a long time, Mito knew very well that you are fearful and horror movies weren’t films you reached for with pleasure. You had seen maybe one or two in your entire life, not of you own volition, of course, but it let you know that it was not your favorite film genre.

You looked at Youhei and already knew you wouldn't give you a break so easily.

When he turned on the second or third movie, you sat next to him on the couch quite stiffly. You kept your gaze fixed on the TV, but at every louder sound of music or screaming you flinched or jumped up feeling the hair on your head go astray. Horror wasn't your favorite movie genre as you once again found out. Youhei sat next to you resting his head on his hand and watching you for several minutes in concentration with a lazy smile on his face.

He gently grabbed your hand lying on your thigh at which you jumped up making a silently frightened sound. You looked at him feeling your cheeks turning red and slapped him lightly on the shoulder seeing his amused face.

"hey" Mito chuckled smiling slightly and clasping his hand tighter on your arm. He pulled you close so that your cheek rested against his chest. Closed your eyes snuggling into his shirt.

"I don't want to watch it," groaned quietly, hoping that Youhei would give you a break tonight and the scary movie night would end with two horror movies watched.

"It's just fiction." he chuckled quietly feeling your arms tighten more tightly around him. He sighed quietly, put his arms around you and kissed your neck gently. Still cuddled in, Mito glanced at the TV, which he had turned down a few minutes ago without you even noticing.

After a while, however, he lost interest in the movie and the mindless carnage that had just played out on the screen accompanied by the screams of the blond-haired actresses. He grabbed you tighter by the thighs and pulled you closer to him. He rested his forehead against your shoulder, closing his eyes and inhaling the soft scent of your perfume. A scent you used only in the fall.

His hands carefully slid out from under the material of your loose cotton shirt and he moved them as gently as he could along your sides. At such moments, Mito always noticed how petite you were compared to his hands. He also had the impression that you had lost a lot of weight recently due to stress and excessive work. His grip became stronger.

"It's just a fiction. You are not in danger of anything." whispered in your ear.

Your skin was pleasantly soft and warm. You raised your hands, allowing him to pull off your shirt. A cheeky grin appeared on his face at the sight of your black lace bra, which contrasted sharply with your pale skin. The faint light of the candles set on the table and bookcases in the dark living room further accentuated your assets. He leaned in. His lips gently touched your hot skin, leaving a gentle kiss on your collarbone. You felt a pleasant shiver along your spine. You took his face in your hands and forced him to look at you. The corners of your mouth lifted, seeing dark eyes gazing lovingly at you. Nothing had changed since high school. All these years, he gazed at you with the same infatuated eyes. You leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, and he let the air out of his lungs loudly.

Your delicate hands moved down the nape of his neck, pointing upward toward his dark hair. His hair, which had always been perfectly styled, was now disheveled and in the mess you liked so much. This was a private Youhei. Your Youhei. One that only you and perhaps his closest friends knew. You weaved your fingers into the strands, smiling slightly. He placed a gentle kiss on your shoulder and then began to move his lips toward your neck.

"I hate you..." you muttered quietly ignoring the screams coming again from the TV behind you.

"And that's why you married me." he winked at you at which you sighed quietly. It's a good thing you were sitting, because your legs probably would have refused to obey you.

#spookysports #pavli : writing #mito youhei x f!reader #slam dunk x reader #slam dunk

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tealincubusspeckles · 4 months

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Concept Card

To those in the Seduce Me Community who are uninspired here are some concept ideas that you can chew on.

Overarching Theme: What made you fall in love with your love interest in the first place? Can you put them in a situation where that attribute shines through in a different scenario?

Concept A “Comfort Collaboration” Main Theme: Break the dependency 1. People like comfort characters. 2. Yet, they do not ask themselves “How can I make my partner more comfortable with me”? 3. Possible MC motive: Person who like comfort, but disregards their own boundaries to help others. Or they lack confidence to comfort another. 4. Possible resolution: the brothers or LI help MC to realize she is not as shy as she once was around them.

Concept B “Hold Down The Table” Main Theme: When Dungeons & Dragons gets weird or when players fail successfully? 1. MC, the dungeon master, gathers the brothers to test a new story on the boys. 2. MC wants to see their reactions, but also to make note of possible routes other players may choose in the story. 3. Comedy/surprising twist: Damien often rolls to seduce the most. 4. Whenever Sam attempts to flip the table the other brothers have to hold it down. “It's just a game bro! It's not that serious”. (+5 emotional damage, -3 hp) jk.

Concept C “Language Soup” Main Theme: Knowing or Lack of knowing multiple languages as a mixed raced kid. 1. MC is a mixed raced kid. 2. Often people used to tell them “You should be able to speak [insert language here]". 3. The MC knows how to a small degree. 4. Or sometimes MC forgets the correct phrase or word when stressed so they refuse to speak. Or instead of going silent they swap in another word from another language they know. Example: "Usted es kawaii" 5. The brothers are interested in learning how many languages the MC knows. 6. MC and the boys journey to building confidence in speaking the other languages. 7. Soon it becomes a week day or a weekend challenge to see who can hold the longest conversation in a certain language.

Concept D “Birthday Windows” Main Theme: Is leaving home all for love worth it? 1. Takes place after SM2 in Sam's route. 2. MC never thought she would never see her friends again. 3. Although, she is far from them and they probably forgot her by now. She can still find similar things in the Plains that remind her of home. 4. Sam surprises her with a stone/crystal slab that works like a video call! It helps her get in contact with her friends or Sam's siblings. 5. Before she uses it Sam could explain the basics of how it works. Or He can "call" Matthew up to explain it. The slab can create illusions so Mika or the background looks "human". 6. Of course! This means Mika has to lie about where she is and how she is getting "wifi". But hey! Friends! 7. Mika cannot use the slab often since it requires tons of Sam's magic to do so. 8. It was Matthew who created the idea of this method. Erik who executed the original spell. James designed the "device" and instructions to send to Mika's friends. Damien was the one to deliver said "device" saying it was a sample product Mika wanted them to be the first testers. 9. *Keep in mind dog tags reached the Abyssal Plains and Diana knows the laws of the worlds. Why? Demons know a little about human culture and trinkets.

Concept E "The Boat Is Sinking!" Main Theme: In the game "The Boat Is Sinking" players who fail to group loose (sink). 1. MC gets stuck in an old elevator alone when visiting Thr Anderson Toys Company. 2. The elevator soon drops. MC gets nervous, faints, then hits her head. 3. Mika's starts dreaming (plot hole?) 4. She gets whisked away onto a pirate ship! 5. Here she meets Captain James, Quartermaster (Second Captain) Erik, Boatswain Sam, Pilot (Navigator) Matthew, and Master Gunner Damien. 6. MC also finds out that she is a captured mermaid they kept in a tank to make a deal. 7. Apparently before she passed out she told them she could make them happy. 8. The brothers are seeking a way out from their engagement with a foreign princess. 9. How can MC help all 5 of the brothers out of the engagement. What can a mermaid not related to mermaid royalty do? Maybe some animal friends can help? Or maybe the fact her grandfather was a shapeshifting mage?

If you use any of these concepts here, AO3, fan fiction, or whatever else please tag me or comment. I would like to see them in a story at some point.

#character concept #seduce me the otome #seduce me 2 the demon war #ideas #alternate universe #credit fandom creators #credit to creator

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underforeversgrace · 1 year

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broken trust and the wounds hidden behind

title: broken trust and the wounds hidden behind

words: 4181

Chapter 3 of 7

Story summary: Jack wasn't meaning to snoop in his son's room when he found a box of medical supplies and a USB with a tag that said IF I DON'T COME HOME. Danny’s secrets revealed, Jack is desperate to earn his son’s trust, to earn the right to this secret he stumbled across. After almost two years of unknowingly hunting his son, is Danny's trust too broken to heal? NO ONE KNOWS AU

AO3

Tumblr Chapter One

Tumblr Chapter Four

Holding the Thermos and weapon in either hand, Jack moved his arms slowly away from his body, carefully dropping to his knees. Once he was low enough, he set both items on the ground to either side before pushing them away, out of reach, then settled his hands in his lap.

Those green eyes didn’t stop following him at any moment, confusion joining fear. A moment of silence passed, Jack unsure how to proceed.

Thankfully, Danny spoke first. “Why?” He asked.

Memories of Danny’s recorded confession, Spectra’s vitriol. “That ghost. What she said. Do you want to die?”

Danny’s gaze finally averted from Jack for the first time, studying the grass beneath him. “I don’t know.” He said, voice thick with pain and emotion.

“I don’t want you to,” Jack said, hoping it came across as supportive.

Clearly, it did not, when the ghost’s gaze flew back to him, chest rapidly raising and falling. “I’d rather die than have another scalpel taken to me.” It came out like a plea.

Jack’s heart dropped to his stomach. “Another?” Jack paled. “The GIW explosion three weeks ago?”

Danny spoke easier than Jack had expected, probably relieved to at least let some of his trauma out. “Yeah.”

“How?”

“I’d rather not elaborate further to someone who wants to do the same thing to me again.”

“I don’t want to. Not anymore.”

“Excuse me?” He said in disbelief.

“I don’t want to hurt you ever again.”

Danny studied him, then held out his clean glove. “Can I see your hand?”

Jack didn’t even question it as he grabbed Danny’s hand. He had to resist the urge to shiver. Even through both of their gloves, Danny was so cold. Danny kept eye contact with Jack, who felt a small bolt of cold streak through his entire body. It wasn’t painful and it was over as soon as it had started. Danny pulled his hand away. “You aren’t overshadowed. I don’t understand.”

“You can sense that?”

“Yeah. Core search and pupil check. Which you passed.”

Ah, the coldness. He and Maddie had long suspected Phantom possessed an ice core, which he had all but confirmed when he’d frozen his own injury.

“What do you want to do to me, then?” Phantom asked.

“To help.”

Danny snorted. “Yeah, and I want head lice.”

“Is it so hard to believe? That someone can change?”

“You shot me four days ago and called me parasitic scum that you’d crush beneath your heel. Four days.”

Jack looked down at his hands, fingers fidgeting. “I’m sorry.”

Complete bafflement. Phantom’s glowing, tanned face was totally and entirely confused. At least the fear had faded. He kept looking around, blinking rapidly, opening his mouth and shutting his mouth. “Huh?” Was all that eventually came out.

“Everything that just happened with Spectra.” Jack lied. Especially after the look on Danny’s face, Jack wanted to earn his trust, his secret. Unless something got bad, Jack would keep his knowledge within.

Danny said nothing. Jack took it as a cue to continue.

“That ghost clearly feeds off negative emotions. Am I correct?” Danny nodded. “She was feeding from yours. Still right?” Another nod. “Then you’re capable of emotion. So many theories hold that ghosts can’t feel emotion. This one fact is the basis of many foundations of ecto science. This one interaction disproves, or at least casts extreme doubt into, nearly everything I know. If I’d ever looked before, I may have seen it sooner. My science is flawed. What else do I have wrong?”

“Personally, your theory that we can’t feel pain is one I would like to adamantly throw several wrenches into.” Phantom said, a ghost of a smile on his face.

“Are you hurting right now?” Jack asked, gesturing to the ice.

Danny shrugged. “I’ve had a lot worse. You get numb to it eventually.”

“You shouldn’t have to, you’re just a kid, aren’t you?” Jack asked, the regret in his voice very real.

Danny gave a bitter laugh. “I shouldn’t be used to staring down a gun barrel or having one pressed against my head. I shouldn’t know what an autopsy feels like. I shouldn’t know how to give myself stitches, shouldn’t know what my bones look like, how to field dress my own injuries.” Danny stared down at his injury, where bright green had started to melt into the ice. “I’ve been fighting for my life since the day I died, Jack. If I hadn’t gotten used to it - the pain, the assaults, the isolation, the hatred - I would have lost my mind by now. People are only meant to survive so much.” His eyes moved to his left hand, where Jack knew the worse of his death scar was. “I’ve already survived more than I should have.”

Jack couldn’t help but cry silently as Danny spoke, realizing just how much he’d suffered. He watched the steady movement of Phantom’s chest as he breathed, an unwanted image of him on a steel table with a scalpel. It was something he and Maddie had pictured so many times, it was an easy image to pull. Nausea clutched him even as shame clawed its way up his throat. Nausea at the idea. Shame at how much he used to like the idea.

“Do you have anyone in your life? Who’s there for you?”

“I’m dead. I don’t have a life, period.”

“Alright, anyone in your corner, then? Someone who helps you, listens to you, anything?”

Danny exhaled sadly. “No. I’m alone. I have been my entire afterlife. Sure, I have allies in the Zone. But it isn’t the same. It isn’t what you’re asking if I have.”

“And how long has that been? Your entire afterlife?” Jack asked. He already knew, of course, the date the portal turned on was seared in his brain for the rest of his life. But he was doing his best to act like someone starting from zero.

Danny thought for a moment. “In four months, it’ll be two years. I’ll have been dead two years.”

“Does your family know?”

Danny snorted. “They’d hate me. I think they’re still mourning me, though. Mourning who I was, at least. I’d rather not taint their memories.”

“Are you really so certain of that? You’re their son. That means a lot.” Jack encouraged.

“I’m not sure,” Danny admitted. “But I’m not willing to risk their rejection, what they’d do to me. At best, they never treat me the same. At worst, they kill me or give me back to the Guys in White to be disposed of because they can’t bring themselves to do it.”

“Think on it, okay? Don’t give up on your parents that fast. I changed my opinion about what I considered fundamental truths when probable doubt came up. Maybe they’ll surprise you.”

“Would you accept either of your kids like this?” He asked, so softly Jack could barely hear him.

Jack pretended to pause, to take a moment to think. “I know their personalities. I know who they are. I’d know if it were them. And I’d still love them.”

Danny hummed a little. “I don’t know, Jack. That’s an easy thing to say now, when both of your children are alive. It’s probably a lot harder in practice, a parent staring their dead son in the face.”

In that moment, Jack wanted to admit he knew, admit he didn’t care, he loved his son. But Danny was talking to him, more truthful than he’d been in years. Staring at his dead son’s face, like he’d just said, Jack still found it easy to love him. He wanted to set fire to the Guys in White. He wanted to wreck every weapon they had that had ever hurt Danny. He wanted to scream and punch everyone who had ever hit his son. For now, though, he’d take just listening to his son.

“Would you like to have someone on your side? Someone not on the other side of the portal?”

“I’ve wanted that for so long, it feels impossible.”

Jack tentatively leaned forward, reaching his hand towards Danny, stopping close to him but not touching him. He held his open palm towards his son, who eyed it thoughtfully. “I’m not your parent, obviously. I’m probably not who you want. But I can be your friend.”

“Is this really all it took?” Danny asked. “A single conversation?”

“It took me taking long enough to listen. But I am a scientist. My hypothesis was wrong. It’s time for a new one.”

Danny smiled. When was the last time Danny had genuinely smiled at him like that? That happy? Danny closed the gap, gripping Jack’s hand. “I’d like that. Just no more hypothes-ie, uh, hypothes-os-es, uh, whatever the plural of hypothesis is, that involve shooting me, please?”

“I never intend to shoot you again,” Jack said, closing his hand tightly around Danny’s and shaking vigorously. Danny’s grip was just as strong. “And it’s just hypotheses.”

Danny shrugged as they pulled apart. “I didn’t get that far in science.”

“Maybe I can help fill you in, later,” Jack said, knowing how bad Danny’s grades were. “For now, though, do you need any help with that?” He asked, gesturing at the wound.

Danny looked at it, the ice instantly melting, a small waterfall of ice and ectoplasm cascading down his side. The wound was deep, really deep, like probably two inches below skin level deep by Jack’s estimation. But Danny shrugged. “It isn’t that bad.”

“Phantom, that’s a huge chunk of damage!” Jack protested.

“Rephrase. I have a… healing ability. One I can only do while alone. And it should clear this up within a few hours. Ghost, remember? I can come back from a lot.”

Jack very much wanted to grab his son and drag him home right now, give him medical attention and then put him in phase proof bubble wrap for the next decade. Instead, he just nodded. “You do know your body better than I do. If you ever need me, just come by my home, okay?”

Danny nodded. “Sure thing.”

Jack got to his feet, pulling Danny up to his as well. Danny, feeling better, hovered a foot off the ground. Jack began to search through his pockets, seeking the GAV keys.

“Jack?” Phantom asked.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for giving me a chance.”

“I think I’m the one who should be thanking you. But you’re welcome, kid.” Then, unable to hold back, Jack reached forward and ruffled Phantom’s white hair. It felt like silk mixed with snow, and was nearly unbearably cold, but Jack didn’t mind.

Danny slapped his hand away, softly, a genuine grin on his face. “Bye, Jack.” He said, picking up the Thermos from where Jack had left it then disappearing.

Jack retrieved his net gun and bazooka, returning to the GAV, half on the sidewalk, half in the street. Jumping in and tossing the weapons to the back, Jack embraced the silence, the time to think.

He’d learned so much about Danny today. Danny’s biggest secret. Thoughts and feelings he never would’ve guessed haunted his son.

Learned his son had died, and Jack hadn’t noticed. Learned his son was repeatedly severely beaten, and Jack hadn’t noticed. Learned Danny had been kidnapped and had a scalpel taken to him, and Jack hadn’t noticed. How did he not notice that? How long was Danny gone? How much pain had Danny successfully hidden? He suspected he now knew why the other four pills were taken.

How had he failed this much as a father?

Turning the GAV on, Jack headed home, obeying traffic laws, not even bothering to hide his tears. He didn’t even bother getting the weapons out when he got home, simply sliding out of the vehicle and into the house. The USB drives, journal, and narcotics bottle was right where he’d left them. Such small items to have turned his entire world inside out and upside down. He picked up the green drive - the one hidden with the journal. Should he look through this one too? Or should he put it back? He already had to pretend now to not know Phantom was his son, what if this gave more information he had to hide he knew, more secrets he hadn’t earned from his son?

Grabbing the other items back, he shoved the journal and green drive back into the bag they’d been in, returning to the attic and placing it back from where he’d taken it.

Jack went to Danny’s room next, pulling out the first aid kit from its hiding spot. He set the USB back in, hiding it towards the bottom like it had been. He stared at the narcotics, conflicted. These were literal illegal drugs. But Danny had been responsible with them? But… what kind of father doesn’t immediately seize them? The same kind that pushed him to use them, apparently.

Jack was fairly positive only two events had driven Danny to this. He knew the Fryer was one. He’d be willing to bet money the other was when Danny got…

It hurt to even think about.

Two instances Danny had to have been in severe, immobilizing pain. That Jack hadn’t noticed. He made his decision, dropping the bottle back in. He’d check it daily, monitor its usage. Either Danny wouldn’t need it or Jack would know his son had been severely hurt again and could help.

Secrets returned to their hiding spots (and getting the duct tape he’d gone in there for in the first place) Jack went to the kitchen, making lunch for himself.

Danny must really think Jack is oblivious, he realized sadly. So many of the things he’d said should’ve been giant flashing lights saying ‘I’m your son!’ but Danny hadn’t seemed to think it possible for Jack to figure it out. Or maybe, deep down, he wanted his father to figure it out. Wanted someone to connect all of the dots he barely hid, to see him, notice him enough to care.

Jack munched on his sandwich, deep in thought. How did he make Danny trust him as Phantom? That was the part of himself he feared his parents would damn him for. And Jack had two years of ingraining that fear into him that he needed to undo. He wasn’t sure if Danny would even come here as Phantom.

Jack signed, tracing the pattern of his empty plate.

And what about Maddie? She was halfway across the world. If he called her and said ‘hey Phantom is actually our son, so stop shooting him’ she’d think he was overshadowed, come back here, and probably hurt Danny. At the very least, reveal that they knew what he was.

No, he decided. He wouldn’t tell her. Not until Danny knew. Maybe he and Danny could tell her together. Jazz would probably be the last to know, though she was rarely even at home anymore. She had joined night classes at the local community college and met a great friend group, something she’d never had thus far in high school. He didn’t push back, she was nearly eighteen now. She needed to learn it was okay to be free, but to be cautious. Hopefully she knew she always had her parents to fall back to.

Dropping his plate in the sink, Jack returned to the lab. He approached the portal’s swirling depths, rubbing a hand along the cold exterior.

A chill that had nothing to do with temperature ran through him. This is where Danny died. Where he was electrocuted to death and then back. This is where their work life had flourished at the expense of their home life, their family. He slid down to the floor in front of it, emotions running back and forth within him, unable to settle. How did Danny feel around it? Did he fear it?

As he watched it, the deep glow within it, the odd matter state that formed the surface, the shine of cold metal around it, part of Jack wanted to rip it apart. But that wouldn’t do anything, wouldn’t give Danny back his old life, relieve Danny of his fear. Danny had died to turn it on. Even if he didn’t fully die, his death turned it on, and it felt like rejecting a sacrifice after the sacrifice had already died - pointless.

Jack desperately wanted to know more about Danny. He thought when he finally knew Danny’s secret, the path forward would be so clear, the answer would shine light into every dark corner of Jack’s knowledge. But it hadn’t. The light had risen but not to show a clear path, instead it showed him in the heart of a labyrinth, more shadows now than ever in all the branching paths.

All that was left to do now was to put a hand on the wall and meet all the dead ends between here and the exit, with faith that the exit even existed.

Eventually, Jack pushed himself up from the floor and returned to the kitchen, a look at the clock telling him he had spent several hours down there. Danny would be home soon - probably. He hadn’t pretended to be off at his friends in a very long time. Was Danny really going through life, through death, all alone?

Jack bit back tears as he heard the front door open. He poked his head around the corner just in time to see Danny drop his backpack by the door, back to his father. Danny lifted his arms up into a large stretch that was cut off when he recoiled, pressing a hand to his side. Jack’s heart stuttered, wanting to reach for his son but afraid to do so. He waited for Danny to stop clenching the hidden injury before booming out “Danno!”

It was almost humorous when Danny yelped in shock, leaping into the air and sustaining his height from the floor for just a touch too long than a person bound by gravity would’ve.

“Dad!” Danny called, turning, hand on his chest. “You scared me half to death!”

Jack didn’t miss the little half smile on Danny’s face as he said that. That was soothing, Danny was still able to be happy and laugh.

“No such thing as half dead, Dannyboy!” Jack enthused, beckoning him into the kitchen. Danny just rolled his eyes, smile still there.

“What’s for dinner, Dad?” He asked, eyeing the clean kitchen, notably absent of the type of mess Jack Fenton left when cooking.

“Time got away from me, son,” Jack admitted with a rueful smile. “And your sister is out to that friend group again tonight. Wanna order in?”

“Hmm,” Danny said, scrunching his face into fake thoughtfulness. “Do I want a no clean-up, no ecto-contaminated, ready in under an hour meal or do I want to deal with a chemical waste clean up?”

“My cooking isn’t that bad!” Jack protested, even though it absolutely was.

Danny just sent him a Look.

“Chinese?” Jack asked, grabbing the menu from the fridge.

“Did you develop mind reading powers?”

Jack laughed. “Absolutely! And I can tell you want…” Jack narrowed his eyes at his son, placing his pointer fingers to either temple. “Chicken lo mein with double servings of fried rice.”

“Aha, your powers are not yet fully formed, father! You missed the egg rolls and tuna rolls!”

Jack let out an exaggerated gasp and then the two broke into (very masculine!) giggles.

“I’ll be in my room, give me a shout when it’s here?” Danny asked. Jack nodded. He wanted to sit and talk to Danny but he had to let everything seem normal. Danny retreated up the stairs, stopping to grab his backpack.

Jack grabbed the phone from the kitchen wall and keyed in the number for the restaurant, immediately tangling his fingers into the cord connecting phone to wall.

Order successfully placed (and pre-tipping 40% because that was apparently the point when the delivery drivers would risk getting gooped by Jack, from his experience), Jack went to the living room to wait, turning on some TV, though he was quickly lost in his thoughts.

The doorbell brought Jack back to earth and he went to answer it, smiling broadly at the teen there who kept glancing around warily. Jack may have, ah, earned his goop reputation. Frequently.

He took the food from the boy, closing the door and heading to the kitchen, calling Danny’s name when he passed the stairs.

Danny was quickly down, grabbing a plate and scooping food onto it enthusiastically. “Thanks, dad!” He said, heading back to the stairs.

“Danno, wait!” Jack called.

Danny turned back to him. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just, uh, just wanted to sit and eat with you, if that’s okay?”

Suspicion flitted across his face for just a moment, but it quickly adjusted into a smile and nod. “Sure, dad,” he said, dropping down into his normal seat.

By the time Jack had made his plate up and sat down, Danny had already scarfed through half his plate.

“Jeez, Danny-boy, you okay?”

“‘M good. Gh’st figh’ a’ schoo’.” Danny said with a full mouth, finally swallowing before continuing. “It was during lunch when we all got evacuated.”

Jack was very careful to not react too strongly to that. He hadn’t even considered his son not getting to eat after that fight.

“Oh, right. I was there, actually!” Jack said proudly.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” Danny said, doing an extremely good job of looking surprised.

“Yep! Beat that damn spook right back into the Ghost Zone!” He proclaimed. “Oh, and I talked to Phantom.”

Danny started choking on his food briefly, hitting himself in the chest. “Oh, uh, and he escaped? Some other students saw him around after the fight.”

“Not fought, Danno. I talked to him. Turns out, a lot of ecto science might be built on, well, bad science.”

“Uh. Really? You, uh, think you might be wrong?”

“I know I am, son! This was absolute fact - ghosts can’t feel true emotion. Well, Phantom showed emotion! Enough another ghost was able to feed from him! Even if not all ghosts can, Phantom can! So the science is wrong and time to go back to even beyond basics!”

“He, uh, he made a real impression on you, then?” Danny asked, the forced casualness in his voice quite convincing.

“He did!” Jack said, though sobered as he continued. He couldn’t tell Danny he knew, but he could still try to help. “I heard the other ghost talking, the things she said. And Phantom just seemed so sad. The things Spectra said, no child should ever feel that way, alive or dead. No child should answer ‘I don’t know’ when asked if he wants to live.”

“But like, is it even living for a ghost? He isn’t alive.”

Jack had to fight back a flinch. “The definition of alive to him is a lot more loose than yours and mine. But he feels, he thinks, he can hurt. I’m done hunting him, permanently. I’ve even invited him to come here if he ever needs to, like for medical attention. Just wish I had a better way of contacting him. Or at least of letting him contact me.”

“You could try a burner phone? They sell them at, like, gas stations.”

“Excellent idea, son!” Jack said, snapping his fingers. “I’ll get one tomorrow and give it to him next time I see him. I’m worried about him now. Poor kid even got kidnapped a few weeks ago and no one noticed!”

Danny paled slightly at the mention of the kidnapping, hand automatically raising to his chest. Jack kept a smile on his face, pretending not to notice even as the food churned in his stomach. “Well, uh, good thing he got free or whatever, right?”

“Very good. The things he alluded to being done to him… it’s sickening.”

“Even though you’ve wanted to do the same?” Danny asked softly, spinning some loose noodles with his fork.

“That just makes it worse, son.”

There was silence for a moment.

“Dad?”

“Hm?”

“I’m glad you’ve changed your mind. But I don’t think you should stop seeing him as a threat. Not entirely, at least.”

Was Danny trying to further force distance between himself and his ghost half? Why would he encourage Jack to stay wary of Phantom? “Why d’ya say that?”

Danny’s eyes didn’t leave his plate. “Everyone is capable of being evil, dad. Ghosts being more human like in your eyes now doesn’t change that. Phantom could burn the world down if he wanted. And someone has to stop him if he ever snaps.”

Yet another dark corner in the labyrinth. Danny spoke with conviction, with a plea in his voice. What had Danny been through that had him saying this?

“Of course, Danno. I’ll keep you safe from any ghost, always.” Jack said, unsure how else to reply.

Danny’s shoulders sagged slightly in relief. “Thanks, dad.”

Patience, he reminded himself. He had never excelled at patience but he needed to now.

#Grace writes #danny phantom #danny fenton #jack fenton #phic phight 2023 #Phic phight

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singguks · 2 years

Text

horus academy, 04 | bts

© horus academy | all rights reserved. do not repost, translate or claim as your own. if you find this work elsewhere besides the three blogs stated, please report it to any of the writers. @singguks × @socksjinie × @bluenpjm

summary: in a school where greek methods rules, not everything is as clear as it appears to be. heart, mind, soul, and body. those are the teams of the horus academy and boarding school. but deep within the long corridors, lies dark secrets. the so-called loving families formed in the shape of teams begin to tear up when an anonymous source unravels their deepest secrets.

genre: high school au | mystery au | smut | angst | fluff

pairing: OT7 × OC's

rating: PG13

word count: 11,829

warnings: foul language, bullying, pyromania (impulse control disorder regarding fire), exposing secret relationships, femicide.

a/n: if you want to be part of the tag list so you won't miss the secret that'll be revealed next, comment down below and we'll add you :)

chapters. 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 ✩ masterlist

PREVIOUSLY ON HORUS ACADEMY

“Good morning Horus, and get ready for the Ascension,” The speakers throughout the entire school turned on as Kihyun’s voice, the school’s announcer, caught everyone’s attention. “The schedule of this week’s round will be the following—please take notes or regret not doing so—first stop, a game for intellectuals only. The second phase is for those who dare to be brave… and physical! The third and final round must be for the jacks of all trades. Best of luck to all teams- and may the greatest God or Goddess win!”

The Griffins were starting their day very uneasy… A little before the announcement of the game, the leader of the team, Archie Miller, opened the doors of their common room just to find it completely out of place.

The yellow sofas that normally stood on the four edges of the walls, against them, were placed in a circle and in the middle of the room. As he came closer to have a look at what was going on, he found a blue envelope on the floor, right at the center of the circle. It was as if it was inviting the whole team to gather around and take a seat to know what it contained. And some even managed to arrive on time to see their leader reading it alone because Archie was anything but patient or very loving.

To say the Sarx meeting didn’t go so well was more than an understatement. Archie was completely out of his mind; fuming in anger. All he could think about was how they managed to enter their common room. And he knew who had been the culprit, that was the sole reason he was so furious.

“Those damn wolves.”

[ ... ]

“And it’s… Correct!” One of the judges announced giving one more point to the Dianoia team. Jin and Kaya, the ones that were chosen to be representing their house in this first round, hi-fived each other while celebrating.

Dianoia kept leading with two points ahead while Kardia and Psykhe were disputing second place, both tied with four points each. The audience was anxious. After all, this was a game of intellect but also speed. The fastest team to reach a total of nine correct answers would be given a clue to the location of the next round, and that meant the next duo would have to reach the secret location to be given an advantage quickly. No one could leave without the so-wanted nine, and the groups were waiting right there, completely powerless; the wait was slowly killing them.

“The seventeenth question is the following…” A girl from the judges' panel announced, “Which monarch officially made Valentine’s Day a holiday in 1537?”

There was a moment of silence, some glances from the teammates being exchanged, but then Vernon from Psykhe cut through it and slammed the button in front of him and his partner. “I think I know it, but I’m not so sure,” He chuckled in a boyish manner. The Psykhe team, all sitting behind them, started to shout words of encouragement.

“We trust you, go on!” Dahyun, his partner, cheered alongside their team.

“Would it maybe be Henry, The Eighth?” He tried, “No! Wait! Ok, no, Henry, The Eighth is my answer- Ah! I don’t know, man,” He laughed again confused, starting to feel the pressure.

“Are you locking in that answer?”

He took a glance back at the Psykhe team and everyone seemed cool with his reasoning, giving thumbs up and screaming Lock it! which made him feel more confident about it. Vernon was often not sure about the information he thought he knew, but the team did not doubt him. That was why they appointed him to the spot. The boy even had a nickname in the family. Tidbits, because he often shared tiny pieces of information no one ever heard about… Actually, a lot of the Psykhe students were like that, Dahyun included. He was just the ace of it.

“Yeah, I’m locking it!”

“And the answer is… Correct! Another point for the Psykhe team!”

They all cheered in unison. Mark, from the Sarx team, slightly punched their stand, murmuring a Fuck, I knew that! At this point, the Griffins were falling way behind… And the thing was, you were not allowed to receive the clue to the next location unless you had nine correct answers. The Sarx team, having only three questions on their belt, was feeling more than uneasy.

“Okay folks, next question!” The judge called for their attention, “What is the rarest M&M color?”

Not even a second after, Nayeon from Kardia, smashed the button overly excited. “It’s the brown one! Lock it, I’m sure.” And then she turned to her partner to say, “I googled it not even a month before this.”

“And Kardia, your answer is… Correct! Congratulations!” The judge cheered, laughing, “I guess someone is an M&M enthusiast.” And to that, she received a truthful answer, shouted from Kardia’s stand.

“WHO ISN’T THOUGH?!”

“You got me there!” The judge chuckled, “Let’s carry on. Dianoia still leading with six points, close behind them with five points, we have Kardia and Psykhe now tied- again! And Sarx, you better pick it up, you only have three…”

Archie Miller, Sarx’s leader, was pacing back and forth a few meters forward, where the second phase teams were awaiting. He would have to give his very best if he wanted Sarx to secure its place as the current champions. And the way Freya was stretching overly joyful by his side made him feel even more furious, after all, he was still brooding about the Wolves’ attack on their common room.

“Nineteenth question! What is the loudest animal on Earth?”

Jin pressed the button without hesitation and Kaya looked at him alarmed. He often said things without much reasoning and she was afraid they would lose their one-point advantage if he answered something stupid.

“Sperm Whale,” He said and she looked at him incredulously, almost certain her track of thoughts was coming true and the other teams would catch up in a second. “Lock it.”

“And the answer, Dianoia, is… Correct!”

“I don’t know how I know but I know, ok? You can trust me.” He said simply when he looked at the face she was making.

“Dianoia, two more questions, and you guys are ready to go!” The judge announced and the team got loud once more, cheering and chanting Go Stags!

After that, Sarx managed to get a point, and Archie screamed more than his teammates competing in that round. Dianoia once more snatched a point, this time through Kaya, and they could already feel the taste of victory—at least for this round. Shortly, Psykhe snatched one more point and Kardia followed.

“So, participants, what is the biggest-selling music single of all time?”

You could see Kaya furrowing her brows, trying very hard to make sense of some song. The audience went silent again, some trying to think of the answer themselves, some just searching for the team who would ring the button.

Dong!

Vernon had pressed it. “Candle in the Wind from 1997.” He stated very sure of himself this time, “Lock it.”

“Psykhe… Correct!”

Their crowd cheered and the boy put a hand on top of his chest, almost fainting, making them all laugh.

“Ok, a little bit of science now… Shall we?” The judge wasted no time in introducing the next question, “What is the hottest planet in the solar system, and what is its temperature?”

“I know this!” Kaya shouted, making Jin jolt beside her with the jumpscare. She pressed the button, “It’s Venus! With um… I’d say with, umm about 460 degrees Celsius. Lock it!”

“And Dianoia, your answer is…” The expectation was in the air. Kaya held her breath, she knew she was right but at the same time, there was a chance she wasn’t. Jin held her hand tight, waiting anxiously for their final and winning point.

The audience was silent apart from the thumping of the feet of the Stags, everyone was up in their seats.

“CORRECT!”

A lot of shouting could be heard, mixed with some boos from the Sarx team.

“Congratulations Dianoia! Here is the clue!” The judge passed a black envelope to Kaya’s hands, “Solve it first and then give the location to your teammates over there!” She pointed toward Joy and Yeonjun, the participants of the second phase who were waiting a few meters away.

While the rest of the trivia game was being resumed, Jin and Kaya started discussing the words written on the envelope.

“It meanders this way and that, but prove you’re no fool. You’ll be both west and north of it, relaxing or should I say, feeling cool…?” Jin mused. “This doesn’t make much sense… Why would I feel cool?”

But Kaya didn’t mind much of his question, her brain was working to full capacity. “What do we have inside the school both north and west?” She asked him expectantly, still thinking about the answer herself.

“Um… Not much. I know North is that way for sure,” He turned to face the trail of the woods behind them. “But west-”

“So it’s inside the woods!” She stated in a hushed whisper, “What do we have there? It meanders… Meanders.”

“We better hurry, Psykhe and Kardia are one point away, I think.”

“Um, I think… Cool! It’s not the cool we’re thinking about, Jin!” She shook him lightly by the shoulders, “Think about it, it meanders and it’s cool… It’s water!”

“Water?” His nose scrunched.

“Yes! The abandoned pool!” She whispered excitedly, “That’s the only old building still standing in the woods, which is both north and I’m guessing west from here.”

“Oh, fuck.”

In a split second, both of them hurriedly went to the second team of Dianoia waiting. They briefed them about the location and how it would make sense since they were all warned through the speakers this morning the second team was the only one allowed to take an empty backpack to the challenge with them.

“For the wet clothes or any object you might find at the pool.” Kaya clarified with a brilliant smile on her face.

Once Psykhe passed their intel, Freya, and Jooheon ran as fast as they could through the dense woods. The sun was shining bright, as rays passed the little breaches between the leaves. Every little sound made the duo turn their heads, afraid they could be leading the team that had stayed behind to the next game. There was no explicit answer to the riddle so, despite being confident in Vernon and Dahyun, there was no way to know if the pool was the right place to head to.

“Should we go in?” Jooheon asked Freya. A look at him would never reveal how much of a scaredy-cat he was.

“What?” Freya asked as she kept on moving towards the old building.

The pool was in ruins. There was no certainty about how long it had been abandoned. But the long ivy branches on the walls made it clear that it had been years since anyone had taken care of it. The rumors regarding it were many. No one could understand why the school had decided to leave an entire building and simply relocate all its services.

“Didn’t someone die here?” Jooheon whispered.

“Those are just stories.” Freya chuckled. “C’mon. Dianoia is probably already inside and Kardia was just ahead of us. We don’t have any time to waste.”

The girl rushed inside, the glass doors creaking as the movement presented new to them. “Don’t leave me here!”

Jooheon rushed after the girl who was fiercely striding into the building. Freya didn’t believe the stories. About the pool. Or the boy. She had heard so many versions of it in the last two years she had been in Horus that the more she knew, the more absurd they sounded.

“There’s no way I would’ve come here after five,” Jooheon whispers, but his voice echoes anyway. The sound makes him nervous, as he tightens the grip on the strap of the black backpack he had been carrying for the game.

“Shush-” Freya stops in her tracks. “Did you hear this?”

“Is it- is it the boy?” He stutters.

Freya moves after the sound and as she does, she is perplexed by the sight. The duo from Dianoia was putting on swimming suits, hurriedly. But the creative kids with blue uniforms can’t focus on their actions. Instead, their eyes fall on the pool. It was the size of an Olympic one, but it was far from it. What once might have been crystal clear water, now was dark green, with moss floating around.

“Oh, gross!” Joy squealed as her bare feet hit the water. “I’m going to be sick.”

“Oh God-” Freya let out, her hands instinctively covering her mouth as the other rested on top of her stomach.

“Freya-” Jooheon called out, tapping the girl's shoulder.

Isn’t the weather perfect for a swim? We are not that cruel—suit up! You should dive and find the consoling sight of home. Find the board with your crest and you shall move one house ahead. And don’t think you can fool us. We might not be present, but we are always watching your every step.

The duo couldn’t believe they had to dive into the filthy water. By now, Yeonjun had helped Joy into it and the girl’s squeals were echoing loudly through the abandoned halls. Freya was quick to rush to the suits, grabbing one for herself and another for her partner.

“There,” Jooheon said softly, trying his best to not alarm the girl.

Freya followed the tilt of the head he had given her only for her eyes to lay on one of the corners of the room, by the ceiling, with what seemed to be a camera with a red light flashing. The game had become increasingly serious and there was no policy for cheating.

“Let’s get ready.” She shrugged. “There are snorkeling masks there, too.”

The boy simply nodded as he began to get ready. But he was soon paralyzed, the sudden sound of screams coming from outside alarming him. Jooheon's eyes widened and he felt like he had stopped breathing. He was certain he would see a disfigured man, running towards him and pushing him into the mossy pool, as he took his last breath of air.

“Spider!” A scream was heard and the boys fell straight on their asses.

Everyone is silent for a second until Freya bursts out laughing, the sight of Jackson Wang and Kim Mingyu both screaming over a spider being too funny for her to hold it in.

“How are you two here already?” Jackson points an accusing finger at the duo.

“How aren’t you?” Freya remarks sarcastically.

“It’s not like arrows were pointing Abandoned pool that way!” The boy from Kardia spoke again, his exaggerated personality being enhanced in moments of stress.

“I’m not going in there,” Mingyu says, a disgusted look on the boy’s face as he reaches the edge of the pool.

But as soon as he speaks, Jackson is already shoving his swimming suit up his legs, a sudden moment of courage filling his body. “For Kardia!”

“We’re being watched?” Mingyu asked as he looked around, aiming to find the lurkers.

“Top corner, to your left,” Freya commented as she put her hair in a bun.

She watched as the Kardia boy looked around, eyes finally laying on the camera. And in that same moment, a mischievous smile appears on his lips. Freya tries to focus on the task ahead of her, the thought of having to dive into those waters grossing her out more and more as time passes. Still, she couldn’t keep herself from hearing Mingyu whisper to his teammate.

“Let’s hide these.”

From the corner of her eye, she sees Jackson smirk, grabbing the last two pairs of swimsuits and running toward the old balneary with them. She thought about playing some tricks herself, but she wanted to win this year’s games. Not even for the prize, but for the satisfaction of stealing yet something more from Sarx, and getting back at them for what they did to Jungkook.

“How are we doing this?” Jooheon asks by the girl’s side. They are both standing so close to the edge, that their toes are curled in the air.

Freya sighs, considering her options. For a moment, she watched the water, waiting for Dianoia to come back to the top. As time went on and on, she was quick to notice how much more frequent their visits to the surface were.

“Do you think there might be flashlights or something lying around?” She whispered.

Jooheon was quick on his toes, the sudden mention of the item rushing through his mind. “On the backpacks.”

“Damn it!” Yeonjun let out a frustrated sigh as he came out for air. He climbed the edge of the pool, sitting down as he tried to catch his breath.

Joy followed a couple of seconds later. “I can’t anymore.”

“Let’s rest for a second.” The younger boy helped her climb out.

“We should search separate areas. I comb one side, you do the other.” Freya suggested after overhearing the other team interaction.

“Deep side first?” Jooheon asks and Freya nods in response.

“It might be best. We probably won’t have the strength to comb that part later.”

“And if we find someone else’s board?” Jooheon whispers, eyes falling on the Kardia boys that were struggling with their suits.

“We keep our mouths shut.” Jooheon nodded in agreement.

There was still no sight from Sarx and everyone in the room was glad for that. Archie was close to losing his cool during the first game, and the lack of his presence made everyone sure he was destroying everything that stood in the way of his victory. Sooner, he would be storming over those rusty doors, getting a little too close to breaking them and diving into the sludge-filled pool with no second thought.

But for the time being, the room was filled with Jackson’s squeals. Anyone that passed outside could think someone was being murdered. The mischievous boy had quickly faded into a soft one, too afraid—or better yet, grossed out—to enter the pool. Mingyu tried to give the example, but he too was petrified.

As soon as the Psykhe team was about to dive, hands securing their masks as they adjusted them perfectly on their face, Archie came rushing into the room.

“What’s the game?” He brutally asked, shoulder-shoving Mingyu out of the way as he stopped in front of the board. “Momo!”

The girl came running into the forgotten building, a little out of breath. Everyone could tell she had been forced to run after him towards the abandoned pool.

“Look for the suits.”

“Suits?” She asked confused, considering she had no time to read the pieces of information about the game on the wall.

“Swimsuits!” He screamed impatiently.

The girl looked but the longer she took, the longer Archie pressured. He cursed the game makers for not ensuring there were enough suits for everyone.

“Loser’s crops.” Jackson shrugged, knowing he would get a reaction from the Sarx leader.

“What did you say?!”

“You should work your brains as well.” An innocent smile was plastered on the Kardia boy’s face, but he was far from that.

“Whatever dude.” Archie laughed dryly as he noticed the camera. “Momo, let’s go into the water. We don’t need suits.”

“Wha-” The girl stuttered. It wasn’t enough that she wasn’t comfortable around water—or her partner—but she also had never tried to swim in these conditions. Just the smell that arose from the water made her stomach turn. “I can’t.”

“What?”

“I- I’m not a good swimmer.”

“Bro, what?! And you’re telling me this now!?” The leader lost his cool, yet again. The Griffins were motivated with micro-aggressions better than with words of affirmation. No one could understand that house around Horus.

“Relax dude.” Mingyu gets between the leader and the girl.

“Fuck off, bro.” Archie makes sure to hit Mingyu with his shoulder as he passes him one more time daringly. “You’re not going in, Momo?”

“I-I really can’t.”

“I knew I shouldn’t have brought a fucking girl to this. Pathetic.” He spits as he turns around to face the pool.

“You’re such an asshole…” Freya can’t keep quiet.

“You’re out of your mind, dude. It’s a game.” Mingyu shakes his head.

“Again, fuck off.” Archie gives everyone in the room a dirty glance before diving just as he was.

Freya dived right after. She wanted to keep the advantage her house had so far from the Griffins but at the moment, they were standing equal. Even Dianoia, who had a good head-start, was now seemingly falling behind. Joy hadn’t entered the water ever since she last sat down on the edge of the pool. Even with the snorkeling masks, it had proven too difficult to stay down for too long.

Joy watched all the other participants give their best. Her mind kept on rushing. The big windows let very little light in, most of them being covered by the tall trees of the woods that surrounded Horus. The wind made the leaves dance swiftly; the sight was almost peaceful.

Yeonjun came up again for air. He was already exhausted. The pool was more than 6 feet deep. He had a hard time reaching the bottom, much like everyone else, and even harder staying there. More often than not, his flashlight would shut out and he would be lost in the darkness, his only sense being the faint touches of his pruney fingers.

Mingyu, having the body of an athlete and the brain of a strategist, had already found a board, Psykhe’s. He stayed a little, analyzing the piece glued down, hoping that it would make it easier once he laid eyes on his. He wasn’t sure if it was from the small deprivation of air in his brain, but the more he thought about what would be the use for it, the less sense it made for him.

He came back up for air.

“You okay?” The boy from Kardia asked once he saw Freya leaning against the pool edge, her body still inside the water.

She turned to see who was speaking to her. “Yeah.” But it didn’t sound as hip as she wanted, her lungs gasping for all the air they could get. “Not as easy as I thought.”

Mingyu laughed, agreeing. “You should look elsewhere. You’ve been there for some time.”

Despite her tiredness, Freya was quick to notice the look on the boy’s face. That wasn’t a simple comment out of care or worry. The thought of him passing by her team’s board was as if a bundle of fresh air.

“I will.”

Grabbing the ledge of the pool, she moved to where Jooheon was diving and waited for her teammate to come back up. She was quick to explain the interaction she just had and justify their new search area. Her partner agreed in a heartbeat.

Not far from them, Archie had been making his best times so far. Sarx would have been proud if they were there watching. Instead, he only had Momo. It was the last time he was going against his gut, he had thought. She was quick to collect herself, giving him tips on where to look next, but the sound of her voice only made him more impatient.

Fifteen minutes passed, with each player doing their best underwater—apart from Momo, who kept crouched by the pool shining light wherever Archie would choose to dive next—and from time to time someone would emerge gasping for air, or even scream. It was difficult to know which was worse: to stay by the edge of the pool gasping for air while hearing weary sounds that came from the trees or to stay underwater wrapped in shades of dark green and floating shadows that sometimes looked like creatures watching you. Both gave everyone the chills. Even Archie, that seemed way too stoic, would look behind his shoulders or flinch when plants would appear in his way.

Freya emerged gasping, right in the middle of the pool. Jackson and Mingyu snapped their heads to look at the noise, they seemed to be strategizing while taking a light rest. “Joo!” The girl called. “You’ve seen him?”

“I think he dived there,” Mingyu pointed out since Momo was too busy—and perhaps too afraid—to diverge her concentration from Archie.

“Thank you!” Freya said excitedly while swimming her way towards the place he had pointed, just in time to catch her partner coming up for air. “Joo!”

The guy screamed, scared to see a hand grabbing him out of nowhere. “It’s me! It’s Freya” She laughed it out.

“Thank God, I thought I was done for good!”

“In a certain way you are,” She said, attracting looks from the ones still resting by the ledges, “I found it.” She whispered last.

Jooheon’s eyes got adorably rounded, “You- Really? Like— You’re sure, sure?”

“Super sure.” She winked. “C’mon!” And as they swam their way out of the pool, the players remaining went under it again, too afraid to stay behind, too eager to win, and to get done and over with this game.

The Psykhe pair was quick to get out of their swimming suits and grab the walkie-talkie with a blue string near the Rules board. Freya looked around, her hair soaking the tee she was wearing, and she thought it was best if they talked about it elsewhere. They couldn’t, in any way, share information or clues with the other teams. Jooheon was quick to catch up on her thoughts, so they both ran outside.

The radio screeched once she turned it on, and Jooheon kept fidgeting by the girl's side. Every breeze that hit his wet neck would make him jump, leaving him on edge. They were still deep into the woods, after all.

“Tae, can you hear me?” Freya called for her brother through the device.

“You guys okay?” She heard, but it wasn’t her twin’s voice, it was Jungkook’s.

“Hey! Yeah, we're alright!” She answered with a satisfied smile, and with Jooheon’s protest by her side ‘Define alright’, as he pouted, making her nudge him playfully. “And we got the clue. Write it down, ok?”

“Ok, tell me.”

“Letter H and number 7,” She started, waiting for their response.

“Ok, H and 7,” Jungkook repeated, and right after she heard Taehyung’s voice.

“Any idea of what it could be, Frey?”

Jooheon kept looking towards the crusty doors from the old pool entrance, trying to make himself useful and busy. He was on the verge of freaking out, the tales from the boy of the woods too impactful on his mind.

“It was a chessboard!” Freya described, “The pawn was in the H7 position… But I don’t know if you should relate it to chess or if it’s just a coordinate, like the letter H and number 7?”

“Ok, we’ll see what we can do with that… I mean, we’re in the woods too, but in the south part, by the Stags greenhouse.”

“Watch out for markings in the woods— or signs!” Freya spoke fast, her body getting filled with adrenaline as her mind began to formulate a million different theories of what the solution to winning the game could be.

“Alright.”

“Good luck,” She said as soon as she felt Jooheon poking at her side, notifying her a team was about to come out, “And you two better bring that trophy home, you hear me?”

“Yes ma’am!” They laughed together, and that put a smile on the, most often than not, blasé girl. Something about them together felt awfully familiar, as if Jungkook had always belonged to her group of friends, or been close to her brother.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a scaredy-cat Jooheon who was tugging on her arm for them to go to the finish line and wait for the outcome of the games. Or in reality, just to escape the nightmare people made these woods to be.

While she was leaving, she offered one last glance to Mingyu, who was holding a red walkie waiting for the response of his team.

He caught her glance, their eyes meeting for brief seconds.

“See you guys at the finish line!” She said loudly, and to her surprise, it wasn’t to tease as she often would in the games.

The smile on his face grew, and the radio screeched. “What took you guys so long?!” Elena’s voice sounded through.

The sun was still up in the sky when the third game officially started, but the ones who had even the smallest of knowledge about anything sky-related knew for a fact they had to hurry up if they didn’t want to still be venturing into those woods late at night.

Taehyung and Jungkook were well aware of that. They had barely succeeded in finding their way back hours before this. But here they were, running once more between the long trees that surrounded the school, this time with another goal in mind: find an H and a 7.

“Do you think Jimin and Elena left already?” Jungkook asked his partner, his voice a little shaken due to running.

“Maybe,” He heard Taehyung answer and pant a little behind him. “We were a bit far from each other and I don’t see very well from afar” He laughed it out making Jungkook chuckle and relate a bit to his roommate.

“Oh- Look!”

They came to a halt, slowing their pace. In front of them, some of the trees could be seen with markings, some with letters, some with numbers. They glanced at each other knowingly.

They would have to search for two trees apparently, one with their number and the other with their letter.

“They’re painted with four colors…” Taehyung thought aloud making the other boy start looking at the trees once again, “You see there?” He pointed to his left. “That one has a B painted in blue but this one is painted in yellow.”

“So we have to find the blue ones with H and 7,” Jungkook concluded making Taehyung nod. “We could split up to cover more ground?” He suggested with his hands on his hips.

“That’s what they want,” Taehyung said convicted while looking around once more.

“What do you mean? Who?”

The trees were dancing with a light wind right above them. Some melodic whistles floated in the air, little birds that were probably nestling around. Despite what he had been through, Jungkook still thought the woods were almost magical. It would be nice to venture around them in a lighter situation…

“YOU’RE FALLING BEHIND!” Both of them heard Jimin’s voice echo and they snap their heads to follow the sound of it. Jimin and Elena were close by, towards their left, running further into the trees. And as they left into the distance, they could still hear the girl’s excited laugh.

“WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT!” Jungkook shouted back with a smile on his face. He kept on looking at their backs distancing further and further from where he was standing, a million thoughts spiraling in his mind. Maybe this is where I belong, he thought. And looking back at Taehyung, he found the boy already smiling at him, amused and with a complicit look plastered on his face.

For a moment Jungkook feared having to open up to his roommate for being caught in a moment like that. He didn’t think he was ready to say anything about his past yet, or if he would ever be ready for that. But thankfully Taehyung didn’t press him. Nor made fun of it, like he was sure any other guy would.

“We’re not searching anymore,” Taehyung said simply, and Jungkook wasn’t able to follow his track of thoughts, getting confused.

“What?”

“Follow me!”

The two of them trailed together between the tricky spaces around the tall trees. Jungkook had to remove the flannel shirt he was wearing on top of a tee due to the sun's rays hitting his face and torso. All the walking and running wasn’t helping either.

Taehyung’s eyes were sharp, looking for their clues. He suddenly stopped before a pine tree with a red seven painted on it and a small paper note attached. They had noticed before that each of the trees had this kind of paper glued to it, some contained the same text, and others had something entirely different.

“What are you doing? That’s not our seven! Ours is blue,” Jungkook started but Taehyung turned around swiftly putting a hand on his shoulder as if explaining some big event to a child.

“You can’t think like everyone else in this challenge, JK.” He said in a funny intonation. The more he spent time with Taehyung, the more he could see the guy was quirky and did things his way. “We only need a seven and an H. No one told us it needed to be in our official colors. Think about it. This is a challenge to make you waste time. It’s a tricky one.”

And Jungkook reflected upon his words. He was… Right. Freya never told them it had to be blue. She only gave them a letter and a number. Taehyung was brilliant. And looking at him, a growing smile forming on his face, he knew exactly why the boy had been appointed to this challenge specifically.

“Now, start digging!”

“Digging?” Jungkook asked getting confused once again.

“Look at the text on the paper.”

Look up, players! That’s right, two flags you must find… One here, and one at the other coordinate. Will you climb? Hmm, that’s dangerous. A practical solution we will share: Go to the heart of it and your tool will be there.

Jungkook read it two times, but the only thing he could take out of this was: one, climbing the tree to take out the flag swinging on the tallest tree branch, or two, go to the heart of the woods—its center—in hopes to find some tool to facilitate the process. So why the hell was Taehyung asking him to dig, he thought.

He heard him sigh, “Pine tree roots are called heart roots.” Taehyung explained already kneeling on the earthy floor to start digging the soil with a stick he found laying around, “It might be a long shot, but I don’t think so because look at this,” He fumbled with a dirty spot near the tree, “The soil is darker here, meaning someone already dug it.”

“And you know all this stuff… How exactly?” Jungkook asked surprised but found himself a larger stick to start helping.

“My grandparents have a farm… We used to spend a lot of time there when we were kids… Freya and I.”

“Huh, I see… That’s- That’s nice.”

“Look!” Taehyung poked a part of the ground enthusiastically, discarding the stick he was previously using to shift some dirt around with his own hands. When he managed to pull at a rope, a whole flag came following. “I told you!”

“Woah… You’re a genius,” Jungkook marveled.

With yet another knowing look, both of them got up quickly and started running after any tree with a big H painted on it. On their search, they passed by the Dianoia team trying to throw rocks at the flag on top of their targeted pine tree, they too seemed to be trying to think out of the box… But with no immediate success.

The Psykhe duo kept running, eagle eyes trying to do the job of finding their so-desired H. Both of them hoped the tree they found wouldn’t be next to any of the other teams, so they didn’t have to accidentally share their technique. Once they found it, a crooked H painted in yellow, they breathed relief for not being able to see a single person around, although they could hear slightly annoyed screams from the Sarx team. Something along the lines of ‘You have to push me harder, Minhyuk! I can’t climb a whole tree by myself!’ So they were the ones attempting the climbing scenario… Sarx was no joke.

With their second and final flag in their hands, Taehyung grabbed Jungkook by the arm and just advised quickly, “Now we run, as fast as you can- Just don’t leave me behind. Please?” He begged, making his roommate laugh.

With a certain nod of Jungkook’s head, they both sprinted towards the finishing line. If someone was winning the games this year, it would be them. Taehyung couldn’t help but laugh like a maniac already thinking about how good it would feel to see the Griffins’ faces, and his laughter echoed through the whole grove.

Elena and Jimin had just found their first tree when the two of them passed by running, their clothing all stained with dirt and two flags in hand. Jungkook looked like he was filming an action movie, sprinting and jumping with great agility through his obstacles, while Taehyung followed him, the difference was that he was just wagging the flags above his head like a crazy person.

“Those bastards…” Elena let out, hands on her hips as she tilted her head. “How the hell did they do it already?”

“Why are they so… Dirty?” Jimin asked a bit baffled by the situation.

Elena didn’t answer it right away, her eyes going from them to the tree marked by a big four painted in red. She analyzed it with half-closed eyes.

“Were they rolling around in the ground? Climbing a tree doesn’t make you that dirty…” She pondered. “They had to be digging. Right?” Her eyes shoot up at Jimin as if something could start to formulate in her brain.

“What, like actual ground?” Jimin had his hands on his hips, and instinctively he kicked the tree trunk in front of him.

“No, like a tree.” Elena looked seriously at him, “Of course, it’s the actual ground, Jimin!” She added and he started laughing at his dumb remark. “You’re too much!” She laughed alongside him.

“Ok, so where do we dig? Here?” He pointed towards the base of the pine tree and Elena nodded, so he crouched down and started poking the soil.

Not even ten minutes had passed by when they found the tip of the flag and started pulling it out. A little bit of hauling and more digging around the edge of it and the flag was loose and on their hands. Jimin was about to celebrate when Elena shushed him out, fearing the other teams would find out.

“Let’s cover and smooth it as much as we can.” The girl said, looking around as her hands were quick to find the piles of dirt and put them back in their place. They only needed their F now, and as they searched for it, the situation wasn’t looking so good. The Kardia duo needed to hurry up if they wanted to have at least a shot at winning first place; with any luck, Jungkook and Taehyung had got lost, with no clue on how to arrive at the finishing line. Taehyung would certainly get lost, Elena thought to herself. Not only that but the Stags passed by them, one flag on Johnny’s shoulders as they moved through the vegetation.

Rumour had it that a long time ago, Horus Academy used to be much chipper. Only the richest would be allowed to pass by the front gates and marvel at the benefits of having the crest of the prestigious school right by their hearts.

The halls were roamed by troublemakers. Grades weren’t important. Even the teachers wouldn’t try too hard with the students. An F could swiftly be transformed into an A by the end of the semester, a juicy donation made to the Horus Academy Foundation from the family acting as the factor of competence and credibility of the kids' performance.

Despite all this, nothing could be perceived more than mischief. Kids were ruthless. They would speak their minds, not a care in the world if they could be shattering you into a million pieces. Some bullying… Some hazing… But never one step further than that. It was fitting, and not even slightly strange, after all, they had been raised by parents that thought money could fix anything.

Even so, a look at the now long-lost records of the students of the Horus Academy could show that the most serious case that had turned up on school grounds had been a miscarriage—in consequence of a conceived in school-grounds pregnancy.

That was, of course, until that day. The day when all changed.

Chadwin Sinclair. Everyone knew him by his self-entitled nickname, Dragon.

The story was that he had been sent to Horus Academy after almost burning his entire mansion down, with his family sleeping and all the staff still inside. He hadn’t meant it, of course. He was only nine. But his mother—had anyone cared to ask—always found it quite disturbing how his favorite toys were a box of matches. Still, she was too depressed to care or do something about his behavior. With another child on the way, Chadwin’s parents saw no other option than to send him away to a boarding school, as he represented a great danger to what could be the perfect frontman of the Sinclair family.

And in no time, they had forgotten all about him.

During the Christmas break, his mailbox was filled with gifts. He was thrilled. There were no visitations nor, like the other students, did he get the chance to go home. But he was still happy his family bought him everything he had asked for. After all, in the eyes of a child, a Christmas morning is fulfilled by presents under the tree. To Chadwin, sitting by the fireplace with his family was, most of the time, a burden.

Sooner than expected, summer break was just around the corner and he had begun to pack. Some students had already gone home, despite there still being two more weeks left of classes.

After all, it didn’t matter if they were there or not, if their attendance was perfect and their brains matched the level of the prestige school known to the outside world. As long as the deposit came through at the beginning of each month, all was well.

Chadwin didn’t get the reception he was expecting. People teased him. Especially the older kids.

Much like his mother, everyone found it a bit odd how enchanted he was with fire. He used to take refuge in the girls’ bathroom, escaping in between bells, just him and his matches.

Chadwin completed one year with Horus Academy, then another, and another, never leaving the somewhat prison he had been sent to. He had quickly been forgotten by his family and his Christmas mornings were less and less crowded with the disguised wrapped love. So much so that he had stopped writing home. It was of no use. The far apart he grew from his family, the more the fire grew in him.

Rumors intensified once he got admitted to the infirmary. And even more when he got released from it. For most of Autumn and Winter, he had been able to hide it with the long sleeves, but as Spring came around the corner and the sun began to fill the days at Horus, everyone spoke about his arm.

It could fall off at any time.

He was probably trying to kill us all. Failed once… I guess he will forever be a failure.

What a freak.

Don’t go near him. Imagine ending up like that.

Again, children were ruthless. And if Chadwin thought he was alone before, now he was certain that he was nothing but a waste of space and air. He thought of himself as not being worthy of a kind word. They made him believe he was a freak. And despite his best attempts to leave his comfort, putting behind the warmth of the fire in his soul, he couldn’t.

So he kept on playing with it.

One afternoon, he was hiding in the Academy’s cafeteria.

Some boys had decided that he should mix his elements. The freak should be in the water—a change of pace from his good ol’ matches. They had tried to dunk his head in the toilets. And they had succeeded. Not as much as they wanted, of course. What were a couple of minutes to dear Chadwin when he got to spend so much time with fire…

As it did before, the fire inside him grew. And Horus Academy was changed forever. No one cared to look for Chadwin Sinclair as the ghastly sound of flames was blended with the screams of frightened children, running for their lives.

Horus struggled to get back on its feet. And truth be told, it almost didn’t. But as the corridors of the new buildings are roamed by a new kind of troublemakers, the Academy keeps on attempting to keep the dark secret of that day from ever being found.

“I can’t believe they’re not here already.” Freya frowned, arms crossing over her chest.

The sun was close to setting and had it been any other day, the focus of the students would be on capturing the beautiful tones that adorned the sky, with soft shades of blue, pink, and purple welcoming the moon.

“I can’t believe our advantage didn’t mean anything.” Kaya laughed drily. The girl was usually a good sport, not caring much if she lost or won, only if everyone around her was having a good time. But this— this was different. It meant too much.

“Honestly, I can’t believe you guys aren’t eating!” Jin spoke after swallowing hard on the big chunk he had taken from his hot dog.

“I’m confident.” Namjoon’s dimple made itself known as he took a step closer to the finish line. “I can already sense Jungkook and Tae turning the corner, flags in hand, a victorious smile on their faces…”

“They better not screw it. I didn’t dive in that gross water for nothing.” Freya lifted her eyebrow.

“The second we knew what the other trial was, I was certain that we weren’t going to finish.” Hoseok laughed.

“Hey man, don’t even mention it. I will have nightmares, forever.” Jackson cried, gaining a laugh from the ones around him.

The crowd is silenced by the sound of screams.

“What the—” Freya squints her eyes, trying to figure out what was going on.

“What’s happening?” Kaya spoke fast, eyes widening in comparison to the tall girl beside her. The brunette started to move, impulsed by curiosity, hand grabbing Freya’s wrist as she pushed past the group of students that stood by the finish line. “Are those…?”

“Oh my God-” Freya gasped. “Let’s fucking go!”

Jungkook passed by the two girls at full speed as Psykhe had been quick to notice what had been happening and everyone shouted his name, as well as that of the boy right after him. Taehyung was out of breath. It was obvious to anyone watching that he had a hard time keeping up with the new guy in school but the compliments weren’t any less.

Stopping by the judges' tables, Jungkook handed them the flags.

“Only the team can finish this trial.” One of the judges said eyeing him up, stating Taehyung’s absence. Jungkook puffed irritated, hands falling to his knees so he could finally catch his breath while waiting for his partner to catch up to him. His eyes fell on the time watch on one of the judges' hands.

“Very well, boys. The flags, please.” Yeri, a girl from the Psykhe house winked at them.

“We already finished. Won’t you stop the clock?” With a hand on his hip, Jungkook pressed, head nudging towards the ticking-bomb-like device.

“We need to check the flags first.” Tzuyu barked back, eyebrows narrowed as she was not pleased that the boy in front of her wasn’t someone from her house. His eyes pierced hers defiantly, as he clenched his jaw and handed her the flags he had discarded on the judges' table.

“What’s going on?” Taehyung who was lying down on the floor finally managed to ask.

“And— stop!” Wheein, from Dianoia, lifted her hands in the sky. “Everyone!” Grabbing the megaphone from the table, she stands up on her chair, expecting eyes to fall on her immediately. “Guess we have our first place! Give it up for Psykhe!”

The crowd roars, filled with wolves, and they rush toward the boys. Suddenly, they are being lifted in the air. Some boos are heard from the other houses, playfully but honestly sore from the defeat. All except the ones coming from the Sarx house. They don’t boo but a simple look at their expressions makes it clear that they would need their time to soak in the stomp on their winning streak.

Jungkook gets put down on the floor again while Taehyung still fights for his safety; his teammates are too excited about the event to even care.

Freya rushes to the new guy—that didn’t seem that new anymore as he fits the group as a glove—without even thinking, her arms swinging around his neck with excitement. He is quick to wrap her in his embrace, squeezing her tight and lifting her in the air.

“Dream team, baby!” Jungkook says into Freya’s neck making her smile widely.

“Hell yeah!” Freya can’t help but scream excitedly. Before she can even notice she is being surrounded by her housemates, a pack of Wolves, as loud as they can be, she catches herself feeling secure in this stranger's embrace. It was weird how she felt so comfortable in Jungkook’s presence yet knew so little about him. “Help!” Taehyung yelps cutting short her trace of thoughts, while almost falling to the floor as he is finally released from the sea of people he was in.

Jungkook lets Freya out of his hold to go and help her brother stabilize himself. A rushed way out of the blood flushing to his years with the sudden proximity with the deep-eyed girl.

“Everyone’s been trying to kill me today.” The twin lets out, as if out of breath.

“Drama queen…” Freya laughs, arm leaning on her brother’s shoulder.

“Do you know how hard it is to keep up with him?” He side-eyes Jungkook, who breaks out in a fit of laughter.

“You’re just simply very much out of shape.” Freya chuckles.

“Nah, I’m just that fast.” Jungkook shrugs, nonchalant, and Freya scoffs amused. Hadn’t she been interrupted, she would be quick to fight him back on his statement. Perhaps that would be a theme of conversation for another time, much like her incessant curiosity to know more about him.

“My man!” Namjoon appears, engulfing Jungkook in a hug.

“Hey, I was part of the team too!” Taehyung pouts.

“Tae, we all know you’re the brains behind the whole operation but he was definitely the one doing the hard work.” Yoongi appears with a smug smile on his lips, hands stuffed in his pockets. “Good job, guys.”

“C’mon, show a little more enthusiasm, I know you’re backflipping inside that head of yours.” Freya pokes the boy’s side, gaining attention from Jungkook.

“Uh, Psykhe.” The dripping dullness in his voice completes the blank expression on his face as his balled fist is thrown unamusedly in the air.

Freya crosses her arms, one eyebrow raised. “That’s the best you can do?”

“C’mon, louder! The sore losers need to know who’s the boss.” Taehyung joins in.

“On three…” Jungkook smiles deviously. “1…”

“2…”

“3!”

“PSYKHE!” The wolves shout in unison.

“...ATE YOUR… Asses…?” Everyone hears at the end and looks at the culprit in question—Freya. “No…? Alright. No need to look at me like that, gee.”

“You have no respect for the mourning of others, do you?” Kaya pushes Namjoon away from the circle they had formed while eyeing the electric twins, making room for herself.

“Don’t be a sore loser yourself.” Freya sticks her tongue out, teasing her friend.

“Shush it.” The younger girl demands in feigning authority for pure spite.

The group dismisses the circle-like shape and is quick to stand by the finish line, eager to see which team would occupy second place. In a matter of seconds, the crowd that had become quieter over time was reminded that there was a competition still going on and a second place to earn.

“JIMIN-AH! RUN!” Elena's strident scream can be heard even before she comes into sight. “THEY'RE CATCHING UP TO US!”

“Elena really wasn't made for this kind of situation.” Hoseok laughs, knowing that if it were him, he would also scream as loud as his teammate.

“I'm surprised we didn't hear her any sooner.” Taehyung snorts, an amused look on his face.

“YOU RUN!” Jimin giggled, grip tightening around the girl's wrist. Elena wasn't as fast as him—maybe it was the adrenaline or his insistent pulling on her arm—but she was running right by his side.

“Those two together are absolute chaos.” Kaya shakes her head. The big smile she had on her lips is quick to fade though.

Following right suit, Johnny and Changkyun turn the corner, and the screams that left the blonde's lips get more intense. The boys from Dianoia are fast and close to catching up to them.

“GO JOHNNY! GO KYUNIE! RUN!” Kaya suddenly jumps up giving in to the frenzy of the crowd, hands tightening around the fence placed between her and the running track. “JIN, LOOK AT THEM!” But the oldest of the group was nowhere to be seen.

“Go Jimin!” Taehyung swings his arms up in the air.

“Let's go, guys!” Hoseok also cheers.

And the crossing of the finish line and delivery of the flags at the judges' table is only separated by a couple of seconds from one duo to another.

Despite the thrilling emotions both teams were feeling, trying to understand their places in the games, the focus of the crowd wasn't on the judges' table. Instead, everyone started staring at Archie Miller, the captain of the Sarx house. The look on his face, as he realized that his team would finish last, was nothing compared to the cussing words that left his mouth. He was enraged. He wanted to take the path and find the team he had sent out for the third game and finish it himself.

“Can’t believe they didn’t tell us if we made it second.” Elena scoffs as she reaches her group, still trying to even her breathing from all the running.

“You never know.” Kaya teases.

“I will smother you tonight. Don’t think I didn’t hear you scream for those two.” A mean expression adorned her face as she tilted her head towards the Dianoia team.

“What?! Oh, now I’m hurt.” Jimin’s hands flew to his heart.

“Don’t mix business with pleasure, isn’t that what they say?” The smart girl laughs.

“Wouldn’t you know…” Elena sticks her tongue out to her friend as she sits down on the grassy ground next to Taehyung. “I still can’t believe you guys got first place.”

“Who else could've?” Taehyung replied with a smug smile on his face, getting shoved right after.

“You only won because you had him.” The girl scoffs and points to Jungkook, who was standing proudly next to his team captain. “You should know that you got sorted into the wrong house,” Elena states to the new boy gaining his attention.

“Look, another sore loser.” Freya jokes at the mercy of her friend teasingly. “But really, this was a collective win, guys. Look at Miller.”

The conversation is quick to die down as the Griffins finally pass the finish line. The judges don’t bother to look at their flags like they had done with the other teams. Regardless of being successful or not, they came in last and their fate was very much decided at that point. As so, they don’t go to the podium. Sarx goes home without a prize, their player's hair all messy and clothes torn from their lack of imagination completing the third game, as they were the most likely team to present it as yet another physical trial.

The third place is occupied by Dianoia. An upgrade from last year’s games. The judges make sure to assert the almost nonexistent difference between them and the second place: Kardia. Only seconds separated the two teams. The teasing between the group of friends is immense as if they had been disputing the first place, to begin with. Kaya, a naturally good sport quickly loses her composure as her roommate, alongside the other two Dragons of the group, Jimin and Hoseok, celebrates with a much-exaggerated dance for a clear win.

Screams of excitement were heard as soon as the judges mentioned the real first place once again. Wolves—and even the Stags and the Dragons—made their contentment knowing Psykhe are this year’s crowned winners.

However, quicker than expected the mood shifts.

A loud and guttural scream is heard across the open field. A human shape dashing desperately through the tall trees that marked the woods' territory—Joy.

The girl seemed out of her mind, scared, and looking like a mess. She was still wearing her swimsuit, or at least half of it since the piece was hanging from her upper body but still covering her from the waist down as if she had run in the middle of completing the task.

Her hair was disheveled and full of dry leaves entangled in it. The closer she got to the paralyzed crowd the more it was visible how she was injured as well. A cut could be seen above her eyebrow along with some ugly scratches adorning the extension of her arm and her bare feet.

“Help!” She managed to exclaim.

Yeonjun, her partner from the abandoned pool game, was by her side in a heartbeat giving her the support she needed so she could finally know she was safe. His expression was mixed with confusion and worriedness, and he wouldn’t stop saying incoherent things, as if he was certain she had been inside the school perimeters this whole time and not in the woods.

Even though she had not arrived with him at the finish line.

And when questioned about what had happened, while being wrapped with a warm blanket, Joy, still crouched on the ground and shaking, had said she had been surprised at the abandoned balneary when she went to take her swimsuit out of her body by a strange figure.

“I just got so scared, so I- I ran! And I knew it wasn’t one of the boys. I- I swear it wasn’t one of the boys that were on the pool with me.” She had said between stutters. The more Jungkook heard her piece, the more his jaw tensed, being reminded of his own episode not so far ago.

Yeonjun promptly clarified that he had waited for her, and once he called for the girl by the girls’ balneary and she didn’t answer, he even entered to check. She was simply gone. So he didn’t make much of it, just assumed she went ahead and back to the finish line.

He returned alone.

A commotion began to form among the crowd. Everyone was nit-picking on their stories. Some pointed out that Yeonjun should have said something once he arrived, others defended the boy. After all, Joy could have perfectly arrived at the safety of her dorm to take a shower and clean the stench left by the gruesome pool, just like everyone else did. Well, everyone minus Archie who kept staring at the woods by the finish line too proud and anxious to lose his precious title.

And then the gossip followed. In a question of seconds, the rumor of the boy of the woods was being spread, Jungkook’s tragic yet mysterious kidnapping as well, and looks of terror started to appear. That was until the first beep was heard.

Suddenly the sound of notifications filled the air, and even the Stags who were all over Joy stopped their interrogations to pay attention to what was going on. Something like this… Could it be…?

“What’s going on?” Kaya asks, looking around quickly and approaching her friends again. “I don’t have my phone. What’s going on?” She insists, looking between them.

“Namjoon?” Jungkook asks, big doe eyes as he can’t help but panic after taking a glance at his own screen.

“Oh, great,” Yoongi laughs drily. It was impossible to ignore all the whispers and stares directed at him.

The captain of the Wolves scratches the back of his neck, a big puff of air leaving his lips. “We have a situation here…”

“So it’s me this time.” Yoongi sighed, the weight of prying eyes still on him. “Let me see.”

“You.” Freya spat. It was like her body was on fire, rage overcoming all the positive emotions she had been feeling. “This is such bullshit.”

“Yeah, don’t think they agree.” Yoongi chuckles, glancing at the hostile faces staring back at him.

“Fuck them.” Freya gets closer to Yoongi, protectively wrapping her arms around his own, but the judging stares don’t stop. They only increase. Like a fire going out of control.

Jungkook can’t help but look at the two of them together. His eyes keep falling on the way the girl strokes the back of Yoongi’s hand with her thumb, ever so gently, and so distant from the harsh expression shown on her face.

The way Yoongi starts fidgeting in Freya’s embrace, even though he appears to be calm and collected, and the way he tightens the grip on her hand tells her all she needs to know—he’s overly uncomfortable. And she can’t stand it.

“I’ll be right back.” She says decisively to him and to her friends, who were still close to each other, each with a look of uneasiness of their own.

Freya marches straight to the mini stage, taking the megaphone Wheein was previously using to announce the results to the crowd off of her hand.

“Hey!” She shouted and a screech echoed making some of the people standing close to the speakers cover their ears. Everyone winced but started paying attention to the girl instead of looking toward Yoongi.

“This is bad,” Kaya stated anxiously.

“Good. Now that I have your attention let’s clarify some stupid and nonsense rumors.” Freya scoffed, too mad that people deliberately chose to just believe some unfound and ridiculous tweet than actually think.

“Someone take her out of there,” Kaya added, gripping Hoseok’s arm but unable to take her eyes off her friend, expectant and afraid You would drag her again to the mud.

“I’m really sorry that Joy had gone through some sort of attack and all but are you really blaming it on Yoongi?” Freya questioned baffled. “That Yoongi? ‘Cause like- Unless he has actual superpowers I can’t see how he left my side to sprint towards the woods and go scare her.”

People started looking at each other. By the incessant whispers, it was notorious that they started doubting You’s statement but also clear that some of them were still not buying Freya’s lead. And all because of a tiny detail… One that could light a fire and burn everything down. She had a motive to defend him.

Horus was filled with troublemakers, yes, but its walls also contained brilliant minds; Some bright, the brightest ever, and some ruthless—like said before. And one of them decided to speak, right at that moment, to ignite a flame.

“I’m sorry but aren’t you his girlfriend?” Bambam shouted from the back of the crowd, a scoff leaving his lips. He had his arms crossed carefreely and an annoying smug smile on his lips that made Freya clench her jaw involuntarily. The way he looked around at people made it clear that he was after sympathy. Some even started to nod alongside him. “The one that was caught climbing his window two weeks ago or so…?”

Her instinct was telling her to jump off that stage and fly up on his neck, but Freya knew better. He just wanted her to act up and lose all her credibility before the confused crowd. So she took a deep breath before smiling sarcastically, ready to give him an answer.

Jungkook however, who was the least rational person in the precinct, was so ready to act that he managed to take his first step toward Bambam, tongue poking the inside of his cheek, anger in his eyes. He remembered the boy’s face from that day in the woods when he had been cruelly tied to a tree.

But Namjoon stopped him right in his tracks. “We got this.” The team leader assured with a last confident smile before walking to the stage Freya was on.

“And what is it to you?” She questioned smartly. “Does that have anything to do with the fact Joy was attacked by someone or are you just trying to start false rumors? Perhaps you know who’s behind that stupid account, no? They seem to follow your track of logic.”

A group from the crowd let a wave of ‘uohows’ mocking Bambam who by now had his smile fading into a defeated frown. Jungkook couldn’t help but show his radiant bunny smile, victorious. Elena shouted a “Damn right” backing up her friend, and Taehyung went along proud of his twin sister.

Before anyone else could point out Freya had just been defending Yoongi because she had something going on with him, Namjoon stepped up onto the small stage.

Asking silently for the megaphone, that was handed to him after a brief exchange of complicit looks, the team leader continued. “I feel ridiculous having to even try and explain something regarding that rumor, but if it puts your minds at ease, Yoongi was with me the whole time waiting for our team to arrive at the finishing line. As soon as Freya ended her trial, she took a shower and met us here where, not only a lot of you had seen us, but also the judges.”

In a matter of seconds, the crowd was silenced and some even quietly apologized to Yoongi while passing by him.

Freya and Namjoon were about to step off the center stage toward their friends when another voice was heard. The fanfare was far from over. Among the crowd, there was a person who was still not over the events of the day. Archie Miller.

With unmistakable annoyance in his tone of voice, he exclaimed. “You know what?! This is bull!”

Suddenly all eyes were on him.

“So these damn Wolves will just get off with anything?!” He continued enraged. “First our room, our stuff, now Joy… The poor girl can’t even say a coherent sentence.” He took a glance at the girl in question, who was being escorted towards the infirmary, with a feign of worriedness that didn’t belong to his normal behavior, gaining some raised brows in return. “I say we punish them.” The Griffins' leader stated finally what he wanted all along.

“Punish them?” Freya questioned once again outraged. “Where are we? In Hunger Games or something?”

“C’mon Miller… Acting so coy. We can barely recognize you.” Elena couldn’t help but join.

Taehyung who was right behind her had to be quick, however. The last thing they needed right now was to add more fuel to the fire. Afraid Archie would unleash his anger on her, Taehyung covered Elena’s mouth with his hand, and in a swift move lifted the girl up, left arm holding her tight on her center, exchanging places with her. “Now’s not the time” He shushed her quietly.

“Taehyung what the fu-” She was about to say when he circled her yet again in his arms, leaving her face glued to his back. All Elena could do due to the height difference was slap poorly his shoulder.

The boy could almost breathe relieved knowing he had stopped chaos from happening, but the thought of peace went out as briskly as the breath he took.

“Archie… Dude. If you want your trophy that bad why don’t you go fetch it?” Jimin retorted impatiently and his best friend was almost heard swearing a couple of feet away. “There are more important things at the moment. Joy’s incident had nothing to do with anyone here… Clearly.”

There was a moment of pause; Some were expectant to what Archie could possibly answer back as everyone knew he was a walking ticking bomb. Some, the gossiping eyes of this school, were curious to know what was this “trophy” talk all about.

Archie himself took a moment just to look at Jimin. You could see his brain was working like a fuming train just by the way he walked toward the other boy with furrowed brows and a questioning glance.

“I never said anything about a trophy, Park.” He barked out, now only a meter away from Jimin.

Instinctively, Jungkook balled his fists standing side by side with Jimin. If looks could kill, Jungkook would have opened a hole in Archie’s forehead. And he wasn’t the only one, as Jackson was furiously opening a path among the crowd to reach his Kardia teammate. Freya too was about to reach Jimin to give him a deserving slap in the back of his head for being such a damn taleteller when someone grabbed her by the wrist.

As she looked up, all she could see was Mingyu’s profile, shielding her from Archie in case something unfolded. Knowing the latter’s temper, a fight was about to start.

Jimin scoffed with a smile. “Joy was attacked on school grounds and that’s where you’re stuck?”

Tension was palpable and shortly it was present everywhere.

“Hey hey, what’s going on?” Jin appeared by Yoongi’s side confused by the sudden ruckus.

“Where were you?” Taehyung asked his cousin under Namjoon’s attentive gaze, but the answer never came as Jin’s focus was purely on the fight about to happen right before him.

Much like the oldest's reaction to the scene unfolding right in the center of a mass of students present, the crowd grew closer, engulfing the two boys in a circle. Whispers were heard from every side and some were even tempted to find the right words that would finally ignite the fight. Tzuyu had left the judges table and was now quick on her feet, right next to Mandy, a close friend of Jimin’s, who had been taping the entire scene from the moment she had heard Joy screaming. No one wanted to miss a second of the spectacle.

“Are you going to let him talk to you like that?” Bambam had a devious smile on his lips as he spoke right at the ear of his team’s captain.

And that was all the incentive the impulsive red-haired boy needed. His eyes fell on Jimin and the other guys backing him up but he was sure he could take them all. Hell, he had his eyes set on the prize. Launching forward, the captain of Sarx pulls his arm back, his fist ready to clash with the now so clearly thief of his precious trophy.

“May I ask what is happening here?!” Miss Bellum’s voice froze them in their places before a fight could actually unfold. She worriedly passed by students trying to reach Archie and Jimin.

Belle, the Dianoia student who worked as a secretary for the school during her vacant hours, came right after the teacher, as it was later found out she was the one reaching out to a professor to prevent something worst to happen. She also made sure to update her biology teacher about Joy’s episode on the way, as Miss Bellum questioned her why the brunette had been admitted to the infirmary with cuts and restless behavior.

“I won’t repeat myself, boys.” The teacher scolded. “If I catch any of you fighting we’ll have serious consequences. Archie put that fist down!”

Jimin backed away, quickly apologizing to the teacher but his eyes were still on the boy before him. Archie didn’t say a word, he was far too angry for that, and in his head, this wasn’t over. Far from it.

Before he could turn back from fighting Kardia’s golden boy, the incessant notification noise traveled through the crowd like a tidal wave yet again.

📓 [ CLICK TO CONTINUE READING ]

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cahmilo · 2 years

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Carlos Madrigal dating a Ballerina

pairing: carlos madrigal x fem!reader.

tags: headcanons, modern au, ballerina reader

notes: not a ballerina but was trained in similar styles so sorry if there are inaccuracies. feel free to correct me

requested by: anonymous (btw im so sorry this is so late and i accidentally deleted your ask so i cant find you anymore and just put u as anon 💀💀)

You singlehandedly changed the trajectory of Carlos Madrigals' life since day 1 with just a simple smile

Camilo invited Carlos for a talent showcase in his school and that's where he first saw you

Carlos never thought he'd be the one for romance and he absolutely never believed in love at first sight but Camilo only laughed at him when he saw hearts coming out of his brother's eyes when he saw your solo

Carlos begged Camilo to introduce you to him and despite Carlos making himself look like a cold jerk, he kept melting inside when you would talk to him

Soon enough he asked you out and when you said yes he went home with a dumb smile on his face

He is the best boyfriend you could ever ask for. Despite you two not having much in similarities, you found common ground in music and dance

Carlos is literally your biggest fan. He is present in ALL your practices, presentations, shows, competitions, etc. This man would cross the river and a hurricane just to see you dance

"Do you ever get dizzy spinning around so much like that?"

He would not hesitate to drive you everywhere for practices and events. His other hand would either be on your lap or on your hand (he's not a fan of PDA so if your ballet friends are hitching for a ride his other fingers would be tapping on the steering wheel resisting the urge to hold you)

Carlos is a gift-giver. He would be spoiling you with new costumes, new pointe shoes, new tutus, and other stuff that makes you look good

Would volunteer to break your pointe shoes the moment he gifts it to you. Sometimes he goes overboard but you find him hot in the end when he's smashing and crushing the poor soles of the shoes

When I say he is your biggest fan, I mean it. His phone wallpaper is you in an arabesque position with a pink and gold decorated tutu that his cousin Mirabel had sewn for you

He also flexes you, a LOT. He's always bragging to his friends how his girlfriend is a pretty ballerina and shows them hundreds of videos of you that he took

Carlos would go to hell and back to make sure that you're okay. In his car or his room there's always a kit for you that includes hot packs, adhesive relief patches, band-aids, essential oils and pain remedies if ever you feel discomfort at the end of the day

He also keeps extra hoodies of him in the car for you to wear if you feel cold or breezy in your dance outfits

Both of you are private people in general, not too open out so communication may get a little tricky between the two of you

But you make it up through quality time. Carlos knows how drained you get after whole days of dancing so at night he either brings you out for a night drive, stays in to watch a movie with you, or to just cuddle with him until you sleep

The moment he hears you groan in pain, he's out there grabbing meds and ice packs dashing at the speed of light

Bringing back to when I said that Carlos is your biggest fan and supporter. This means he would go the extra mile to help you improve better;

Everyone knows Carlos Madrigal is good with the guitar. But what they don't know is that he secretly bought a piano and learnt it by himself so that he can practice the classical pieces that you perform to.

Every time he sees you dance, he falls in love again and again. And mind you, he's trained for punk rock so if he sleeps through every other classical performance except for yours, that's how you know he's whipped af for you.

He's always complimenting and calling you beautiful every time

If you two pose for pictures after show, his hand is always on your waist. No exceptions.

Carlos Madrigal is an awkward romantic. You can tell he really tries and it makes you find him adorable and sweet (he hates it when you tell him that though)

His petnames for you always have the word 'my' with a word related to your career. My ballerina, my princess, my doll, my queen, my swan, my feather, etc. It makes you melt inside and he loves the look you get when it happens

If Carlos is a gift-giver, he's also a gift-keeper. He's a sentimental person lowkey and he has this antique chest where he keeps your show tickets, dried roses you have received, stray ribbons that fall from your outfit, and even the spare fabric that he sneakily steals from his cousin when she sews an outfit for you

He knows the strict diet you must follow as a professional dancer, so as much as you discourage it, he sneaks in small candy in the pockets of your sweatpants for a little guilt filling treat while practicing

He's also a trouble maker not only during your practices but also on your shows. Despite the 'no recording' rule, he always hides in his seats while filming you for safekeeping (also so that he can re-watch you again and again)

Lowkey gets hella jealous when you're with other male dancers but he won't admit it. You can tell because he unconsciously pouts and gets extra affectionate at the end of the day when you two get home

Highkey wants to dance the last dance scene in that Barbie movie you love at his wedding day but he's too cowardly to admit it (also because he's barely confident in his dancing skills and doesn't want to embarrass himself in front of you

You don't notice it, but when you two go shopping he eyes a bunch of baby tutus and doll shoes and he gets all giddy inside

Only you can manage to make this boy soft tbh he barely shows any emotion towards anyone else but he's always so open and chaotic when you two are alone together

To other people, he's really nonchalant and chill but if he's with you he's always speaking so softly

But when you two argue he would try so hard not to raise his voice but it fails. You two take time off each other and Carlos misses you again so he just runs back to you and acts like a lost puppy wanting to be pet

Only you can see this warm side of him. Never does he act all happy and giddy in public not even in front of his twin brother

Speaking of Camilo, he snitches to you a lot on how flustered Carlos would get when your name gets mentioned at their family dinner

so sorry if this is short <//3 also i cant find the one who requested this one so oops i hope youre still here

taglist: @thegirlwiththebangs , @mirabelleza , @carcat-02, @brushofease , @camilos-luna, @kitasgloves , @ducky-is-dead-inside , @elegantkidfansoul , @moon-cakiie , @ignoremepeople37 , @its-mia88, @try-cry-why-try ++ join here

#gif: leserafim #carlos madrigal #carlos x reader #carlos madrigal x reader #encanto #disney encanto #encanto headcanons #carlos madrigal supremacy #carlos madrigal fluff #carlos madrigal fanfic #carlos madrigal my beloved #ballet #ballet dancer #cahmi fics #cahmi reqs #headcanons #encanto x reader

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thepalaceofmelanie · 4 months

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Martell Week- Day 2: Favorite quote

Tag: @elvinaa @adriennegabriella @wingsoftheangels @morby @tashastrange89 @candycanes19

(A/N: So this is based one idea I have with Oberyn, Ellaria and my Stark character. I’m not sure if I’ll have it in this particular verse as I’ll call it. The verse itself (and so are the others) are non-canon compliant. You’ll see in a moment!)

Day 2: Favorite Quote

“You're saying you need us? That must be hard for you to admit.”- Oberyn Martell

Song inspired: “The Truth Untold” by: BTS/ “Whore” by: In This Moment

If someone were to say the North and the South would unite; you’d think they lost their self to madness, while in reality that’s what was going on currently. Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand (With a few guards and others with them.) had found themselves in Winterfell.

Lord Eddard Stark was with them in the Great Hall; a look of worry, tiredness and the haunting of days gone by, longed on his face. Three goblets of wine were placed down; Catelyn joined them shortly after, just getting in from trying to find me.

“I have no idea where she’s at right now; I sent Robb to look for me; you know I need to be here.” Catelyn spoke.

“Thank you for coming Prince Oberyn, I hope your travel was safe.” Eddard started.

The Dornishman looked around for a moment before his eyes settled on Eddard.

“It was, thankfully. It is a shame you couldn’t come down to Dorne instead.” Oberyn tried to sound cheerful.

It was a bit too cold for his taste and Ellaria had his cloak on; but thankfully for them, they were sitting close to the fireplace. Of course the couple was as close as can be; while Eddard and Catelyn sat next to each other.

Culture can be so interesting can’t it?

I’ve always felt like more of a Dorne, then a Northwoman. I feel so detached to my own culture because of just being me. I hear people spread the rumors about me and, sure a few maybe true, but most are false.

“Ellaria Sand, My paramour.” Oberyn introduced.

“My Lord, My Lady.” Ellaria smiled, kindly.

Catelyn kept quiet, just observing but giving the woman a smile in return. Eddard found out that Doran couldn’t make it, Doran’s health was acting up again; so Oberyn was sent and, wherever Oberyn goes, so does Ellaria.

“So my Brother tells me, you want me to marry your daughter for an alliance.” Oberyn spoke after a moment.

“Yes, that’s correct.” Eddard answered.

“Lord Stark, I highly doubt you’re asking for political reasons.” Oberyn quipped.

Eddard blinked in surprised, believe it or not he was right. This wasn’t for political reasons, Catelyn looked to her husband and she’s shocked. Ellaria smirked and watched on. Eddard quickly recovered and kept his eyes on the Red Viper of Dorne. Eddard Stark knew this wasn’t going to be easy by any means.

“I would like the real reason, the political aspect can be for my Brother as far as I’m concerned.” Oberyn added.

Eddard took in a breath. Yes, Father, I wish you all the luck in the world on this. Honestly, if I was there, I would have to take control of it. That should be soon though. I mean, when I’m in King’s Landing, I don’t wear my house pin.

“It’s about my oldest daughter.-” Me, not Sansa or Arya. “I’m fearing for her safety. With all these rumors going around, I’m not sure what to do at this point.”

“Prince Oberyn, if I may, my daughter she’s...I’m worried that the Lannisters could try to have her killed. As you know the Starks and Lannisters are at odds with each other. With Cersei being married to King Robert, we have no idea what they may try to pull.” Catelyn spoke up.

Oberyn nodded, allowing them to continue.

“Well, rest assured Lady Catelyn, my lover and I, hate the Lannisters.” Ellaria replied.

The room went silent; yes we all know the story of Elia Martell and her children; just hearing about it sends chills and fear down my soul.

“Are any of them true?” Oberyn asked.

“As far as we know, one or two.” Eddard answered.

A look of wondering was on Ellaria’s face. She had an odd feeling and she wanted to know if it was right. After all, it’s not everyday that someone from Dorne comes up to the North. Ellaria looked over at Oberyn, the two lovers knowing what the other could say without speaking.

“You're saying you need us? That must be hard for you to admit.” Oberyn knew he won.

Both Eddard and Catelyn said nothing; that confirmed Ellaria’s feeling.

“She preferences both?” Oberyn asked.

“Yes, but we’ve never seen her with anyone.” Eddard answered.

“Also you know how judgmental some in the North can be.” Catelyn added.

Or Westros in general; I’ve been busy with things; I don’t have time for a relationship or whatever else, I know Mother and Father eventually planned to marry me to someone; so why bring on heartache? Plus, I enjoy my silence and books and my secrets.

“Then everyone is missing half the world's pleasure. The gods made women… and it delights me. The gods made men… and it delights me.” Oberyn smirked.

Ellaria smiled and looked at Oberyn. The two Starks drank some wine to make things less awkward.

“The other rumor...we’re not even sure on. There isn’t any evidence but lately she’s been going missing for extent of time after midnight. Some believe she’s using magic to sneak out of Winterfell and goes wherever.” Catelyn said with bated breath.

Well, actually that is true; but I don’t think I want to get into that right now.

“Really?” Oberyn said with a surprised expression.

“Despite the rumors, we realized at times we weren’t there for her when she needed us, but we do care about her. I want her to be safe and I’ve done everything that I can think of.” Eddard nodded.

“You’d be also surprised to know that our daughter has a vast knowing of Dorne.” Catelyn added.

This interested both of them; they both came closer to Mother and Father. As they talked, I finally got back to Winterfell. Something felt off, I looked around and started to walk to where the Great Hall is.

Something just told me to go.

Instead of going around to the outside entrance, I opened to go through the one inside entrance; that way I could see if I should be on guard or not. I quietly get to the door and look to see Mother and Father talking to two people. Wait, why do they look familiar?

I pushed the door opened and I blinked once they turned around.

“Ah, there you are daughter; come meet your betrothed, Prince Oberyn and his paramour, Ellaria Sand.”

#Martell week #Oberyn martell x oc x Ellaria Sand #possible future story but will rework this to improve #Mel's ideas #If you're wondering they met in the brothel

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trippin-over-my-fandoms · 1 year

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The Prince of Shadows - Chapter Five

(Reminder that the image of Karl belongs to this neat artist!)

AO3 version and previous chapters can be found here. Previous tumblr chapters can be found by hitting the fanfic title in the tags.

Rating- T

Words- 885

Soft Mama Miranda makes me melt I may have to do a whole fanfic for her

There is an attempt to use Romanian in this fic but it’s relying on google translate so if anyone sees need for correction please let me know!

“Karl?”

Nothing.

Maybe a little louder, “Karl?!”

Again, no answer.

She tries to ignore the way her heartbeat picks up. He’s around somewhere, surely. Behind a tree, around a corner-

“Karl, where are you?!” She tries to manage the panic in her voice, determined that he couldn’t have gone far but the fear is there nevertheless.

“Over here Mama!” Comes his little voice from just behind her. Miranda turns around, backtracks the way they had come by a few feet. Sure enough, he’s there by the little creek they had passed. How had she missed him? She swore he had darted ahead of her moments ago. She took her eyes off him for one second, one second is all it takes- she should have learned that with Eva.

Miranda sighs, calming her nerves now that she knows for certain there’s nothing to fear, “What in the world are you doing child?” She asks, mildly exasperated as she returns to his side.

“Was watching a baby frog,” Karl says innocently, poking at the mud by the water, she has to reach down and pull him back before he manages to get even more dirty or, even worse, falls into the shallow murk, “I lost him though,” he adds sadly, but then triumphantly, “but I almost had him!“

“What would you do with a frog?” Miranda grabs his hand as he stands up, falling back in line at her side and brushing off his dirty knees with his free hand.

Karl grins up at her, a big wide smile that shows off the gap of his recently missing tooth, “I could keep him! Like a pet! I could take care of one Mama, I promise!”

“And your little kitten isn’t enough for you?” Miranda smiles fondly at her boy, just barely nine years old and he’s already trying to bring every animal possible into their home. First he wanted one of the large dogs the farmers in the village kept, then he was determined to convince her to let him have a chicken, then the cat, he even wanted to keep a catfish. At first she had thought it was just his natural curiosity as Eva’s had been. Her daughter had wanted every animal under the sun so she could observe them. But Karl wanted them as companions. His heart is already so big, so much love for someone so small. There are days when Miranda feels honored that he’s her’s.

“Well maybe Ramură needs a friend,” he tries to convince her, just as he had sworn the little injured bird he found would be a good friend for the cat. Miranda didn’t even have the heart to tell him that the bird was hurt because the cat had gotten to it.

“Ramură is just fine with the two of us, I promise you. He won’t be lonely anytime soon,” that feisty little cat could find a lap anywhere. He’s got as much energy as Karl does and enough mischief to keep Miranda on her toes. His saving graces being how much her son adores him and keeping unwanted mice and rats out of her lab.

Karl simply shrugs, kicking rocks on the trail as they walk.

Miranda checks the path ahead then back down at her child, “I need you to not run off like that micuta draga. You almost scared me for a moment,” her smile is gone, replaced with a look more serious but not too harsh. He isn’t in trouble, she simply needs him to understand her worries.

It’s difficult not to have so many, especially after losing Eva. And Karl is almost as old as she was when she passed. Miranda wonders often if that causes her even more worry. She doesn’t want to lose him, he’s become her entire world, he saved her from giving up on life again, inspired her to continue her research, and even now he reminds her of how precious life is.

“I’d always come back Mama,” he says, leaning onto her side and Miranda wraps her arm around him, “I’d miss you too much,” Karl wraps his small arms around hers, she’s always loved how cuddly he is.

“You better,” she grins again, “Or else I’ll have to send a lycan to bring you home to me! And he’ll use you as a chew toy for sure,” she reaches up to ruffle his dark hair. It’ll need to be cut soon, it’s getting long.

“No you wouldn’t Mama!“ Karl giggles, a small squeal in his laugh that sends a squirrel in the trees running.

“Run away and find out,” Miranda teases him, knowing he wouldn’t. At least not now, not this young. He’d have nowhere to go anyways.

“Never,” Karl stops in front of her, reaching up in a silent ask to be carried. He’s getting big but he’s still small enough that Miranda can still lift him with some ease. She doesn’t hesitate to pick him up and hold him close as he wraps his arms and legs around her, nuzzling into her shoulder. She gently rubs his back as she carries him, silently hoping he’ll be ready for a nap once they reach the village. If he’s asleep then she’ll be able to get back to her work.

She’s so close to a breakthrough.

* the nickname means “little darling” and the cat’s name is Branch :3

#resident evil #re8 #mother Miranda #Karl Heisenberg #fanfic #the prince of shadows

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initiala · 8 months

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Rules: Go to your published works on AO3 and list the first fic you ever published there, the last fic you published, any fic that you wrote for a fandom/ship only once, your favorite fic you wrote in the fandom/ship that has the most works, the fic you wish more people read, the fic you agonized over the most, the fic that sprang fully formed from your mind without any effort, and a work you are proud of—for whatever reason. <3

Tagged by @spartanguard thanks lovey

Oh good grief, there's a lot of stuff to go through here hang on...

First fic published there: Anthony and Virginia, back when I was headlong into Pepperony/the MCU. Published on May 24, 2012. I have fics that are dated older, because I backdated them when I cross-posted some old stuff over for archival purposes, but A&V is the first fic I published on AO3. It was also the first time I was getting back into fic writing after a couple of years of break!

Last fic published there: SPEAKING OF... Growing Up Hanyou was posted sometime probably in 2021 or 2022, it doesn't say when I uploaded it because I backdated it to the original publishing time of 2008. It was a slice of life sequel-ish to A Matter of Trust, a fic that I won an award for Best Melodrama for, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about 19-year old Amanda's fic writing habits.

Any fic that I wrote for a fandom/ship once: The Old House, for Breath of the Wild. While I've written for the Legend of Zelda franchise before, they're literally lost to the annals of time because it was like 2002 and I have wiped that from the internet as best as I know how. (also it was like seventeen usernames ago) They're best forgotten, though I do kinda wish I kept the one around that tried to bridge what happened between OoT/MM and WW. It was also very dramatic. I was a very dramatic child.

Your favorite fic you wrote in the fandom/ship that has the most works: Red-eye to Incheon. Biased because this is heavily pulled from my (positive) experiences in Korea without any of the negative stuff (of which there were many), but I really liked writing this and getting to live a little vicariously through the characters (I'm a very boring person. Expat culture is fucking WILD when you're a boring person like me so I mostly observed and filed away for later use, aka here.)

The fic you wish more people read: Very Cool. If I'm going based on hits, I can see why some of these aren't like. Hit up more. There's the very old ones that I archived here, there's one-offs that are just genfic that most people in fandom Do Not Care About. But I'm actually proud of Very Cool because I wrote it after seeing a copy of the Doctor Who magazine on the stands while I was in England and I wrote Eleven exactly how he speaks in his cadence and honestly it should have more than 239 hits even as a little crackfic, especially back in the big Series 5/6 heyday thank you.

The fic you agonized most over: Day of the Dead. I think I agonize a bit over every fic I wrote, but I think most of the WTNV fics were agonized over a bit more. It was 2013, I was really pushing myself with what I was comfortable writing and Tumblr was REALLY Tumblring at that time so there was a lot of cause to not get cancelled over a fic (seriously. There were a LOT of wolves with pitchforks then. If you think it's bad now, it was worse then) I wrote my first genderswap fic in that fandom, I played a lot with the laws of physics and reality, and I wrote this, my first fic that was multi-lingual. I had a lot of help to make sure the Spanish was correct and even after it's been nitpicked over a bit, but for the most part everyone received it well. But I did SO MUCH research because I really didn't know much about Dia de Muertos at the time, it hadn't become a thing to integrate it into the US yet, Coco was years off, and I wanted to make sure I was portraying this cultural holiday accurately and respectfully, while also showing that these are still just people celebrating and it's not going to be this Irreverent Thing you follow exactly to a T.

The fic that sprang fully formed from your mind without any effort: The Corner of First and Amistad. I literally wrote all 8 chapters in one day and then posted as I finished editing. I do wish I'd had more experience/training in how I write now for this, because I think this fic deserves it, but for something that was brain-dumped so completely in such a short amount of time it's not bad. I'd also need like. Fresh eyes to go in and help with the edits because while I KNOW it needs polishing and expanded on, I'm always too fucking precious about my own work to do anything without someone forcing me to.

A work you are proud of—for whatever reason: Hook-Echo. This is the fic no one wanted, no one asked for (though let's be real, all of my multi-chapter AUs are this, every single one is a "huh? how is THAT an AU?") and absolutely a "I wrote this because it's been living in my brain for years and I just needed something to force me to sit down and write it all out", so I can absolutely thank the 2018 Big Bang for giving me that excuse. It was published after the show ended, so the fandom was... gone by then, so it definitely is a passion project like no other and didn't get anywhere near as much love as it might have had it been done on the heels of finishing Dark Horse like I'd originally planned.

#captain swan #wtnv #doctor who #inuyasha #breath of the wild #amanda writes #tag games #fanfic #cs fanfic #dw fanfic #wtnv fanfic #inuyasha fanfic #loz fanfic

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iblameashley · 11 months

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#A Hot Summer Day

Part 3 of my descent into madness for CoD men.

Story W/ Civilian | Male | Gay

I have concerns I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this fandom. My bags are packed and I'm ready to move to my cabin when this blows up in my face.

Reminder: I'm Canadian and do not know German. I am picking words at random and hoping for the best. Do. Not. Roast. Me. lol. (But feel free to offer corrections!!)

(M!Reader (only cause its kinda self-insert), Ghost, Soap, König via text)

Fluff. Enjoy.

"This is the stupidest thing you've ever asked me to do, Johnny." Soap let out a sigh.

"I dun know 'bout that, Si." Johnny said. "Do you still have eyes on the target?"

"Yes. He hasn't moved in five minutes."

"I'm on my way." There was a click as Soap hung up.

"Fucking git can get me to do anything, I swear."

Ghost waited in cover for at least another five minutes. It was hot and he was getting irritable, but he kept his eyes on the target. He was watching something on his phone, but Ghost couldn't tell what from his position.

Soap finally appeared beside him. "Still there?" He asked.

Ghost nodded and pointed.

"Lets move!"

The two jumped from their hiding spot and bolted over to the bench where their target was sitting.

You suddenly realized you were no longer burning and sweating in the heat of the sun. You looked around to see two men standing behind you. One towering over you like König. You looked at the other guy. "Soap? Ghost?" You asked. You had only met them both once, but you remembered the skull mask.

"Yae remem'bre us!" Soap exclaimed.

You nodded. You were unsure what was going on.

"We saw you about fifteen minutes ago. We were going to come over and day hi, but--" Ghost glared at Soap.

"It'd been rude to arrive empty handed" Soap chastised. He held up a drink tray. "We brought yae some'tin to beat dae heat." He smiled.

Ghost grabbed his large coffee from the tray. He was wearing his mask, a black hoodie and jeans. It was 32 degree weather. You just… couldn't grasp how he wasn't keeled over from heat exhaustion.

Soap handed you a large iced drink. "Large iced coffee with a shot of hazelnut, very little ice and some whip."

"How did you know?" you asked.

"We text König, he's stuck at the base right now." Soaps face beamed with pride.

"This was all his clever little plan" Ghost said with a bit of mockery. "You shouldn't be out in this heat like that."

"Respectfully, I don't think I should be taking that advice from you." You chuckled.

Ghost tapped you on the shoulder and ushered you over to a bench that was under some shade. Soap followed behind him like a little puppy.

"Thanks for the drink." You said before taking a sip.

"Think nothing of it." Soap smiled.

They sat there with you for a good half hour. Ghost went mostly silent as he took small sips of his drink. Mask would slip down, he'd take drink, mask back up. Soap on the other hand… couldn't shut up. He reminded you of how König acted when he was excited. You understood why they were all friends.

You enjoyed the shade and the cool drink. You had actually been lost in the black-hole that was You-Tube videos, and likely would have passed out sooner or later.

Before they left, Soap managed to convince Ghost to take a selfie. You all held up your drinks, or what was left of them, and Soap sent it off to König with the tag "Prost!"

"Liebling!" He replied. A moment passed. "You better bring me something too, Soap."

Soap laughed. "Yeah, yeah. We're on our way. We cant bring your 'Liebling', so coffee will have to do." He sent back.

Soap got up from the bench and made his way back toward to coffee shop. "I got hase drink. Meet yae ou'side innae few, Si."

Ghost stood up and finished his drink. He was actually very handsome, so you wondered why he wore the mask. He took your empty cup and tossed everything in the trash.

"It was good to see you." He said flatly. He paused, thinking. "You're good for König." There was a softness to his eyes.

"Thanks. For that, and the drink." You said.

Ghost nodded and began to walk off.

"Hey Ghost!" You called. He turned to look at you. "How long you been dating Soap?" You flashed a cheeky smile.

Even with that mask, you could tell he was blushing. "Too long." He replied and then walked off.

#cod #cod mw2 #cod mwii #gay #lgbtq #boyfriends #male reader #story #fanfic #headcanon #headcannon #ghost call of duty #soap call of duty #konig modern warfare #König

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multiplicity-positivity · 2 years

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Undiagnosed system here

Im pretty sure i was misdiagnosed with something else and i *know* im a system. i keep seeing things about how the goal should be to ✨ get better ✨ and not look for labels.

But i like my alters? Like theyve kept me safe all these years. And some of them are really funny 😫

Its just really frustrating that i keep finding posts telling me how i should be.

Point is, do you have any recommendations for spaces/resources for people like me? Really tired of it 😖

Hiya! Um so a few things:

Misdiagnoses are an unfortunate reality for many people, but with DID/OSDD, the presence of multiple conditions is quite common! Here’s an article by did-research.org on the comorbidities of dissociative disorders and other disorders/mental illnesses. It is entirely possible that you were diagnosed correctly, but are still a system! If you’re worried about being misdiagnosed, and having the correct professional diagnoses is important to you, it may be good to consider getting a second opinion from another psychiatrist or therapist.

(However, we’re big proponents of self diagnosis. At the end of the day, you and your system know yourselves better than anyone else. It’s okay to do your own research and come to your own conclusions about what disorders may affect you and your system!)

We don’t think the goals of “getting better” and “looking for labels” are mutually exclusive. Finding the right labels can help you better describe your experience and find community with people who are going through something similar. It can be incredibly healing and liberating finally having the words to talk about what you’re going through, and meeting others who share your sentiments!

Also, “getting better” does not have to mean losing your alters forever. Our goal in therapy is functional multiplicity; for us, that means building communication, working on relationships with each other, bringing down dissociative barriers and working to heal from trauma. It’s important to note both that functional multiplicity will look different for different systems, and some systems opt for fusion as opposed to maintaining their multiplicity! Neither of these are wrong or bad decisions - they are different treatment plans that work better for different systems.

As far as spaces go:

DISCORD

our system does not join discord servers for our own comfort, but one we had joined a while back is the Multiplicity Database server. This server has a lot of channels, an active mod team, rules for system safety, and 665 members!

Any of our followers who are in system discord servers that are WELCOMING to questioning systems, and INCLUSIVE to systems of all origins, feel free to make recommendations (though keep in mind anon that we won’t be able to vet servers suggested by other systems!).

TUMBLR

Here’s a post we made a while back with resources for questioning systems. The post has a few blogs recs who welcome systems of all sorts! It’s also got some resources from outside websites.

The hashtags #plural gang, #actually plural, and #plurality are all tags we follow, and are one way to take part in the inclusive system community here on Tumblr.

Sorry this was so long! We hope this was useful for you. If anyone else has anything affirming to say/resources to add please feel welcome to!

We wish you the very best! Hopefully you’ll be able to find the diagnoses/labels/spaces/community you need in order to live your best life :) and we’re always happy to help if we can!

💚 Ralsei and 🐢 Kip

#multiplicity #pluralgang #plurality #system resources

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psijic-toast · 2 years

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FFXIVwrite 22: Veracity

Ao3 if that’s mor eyour cup of tea

Narantsetseg Borlaaq was a practical woman, or so she liked to think. If there was an issue, she set out to resolve it, whether it be through her own skills and experience, or by enlisting the help of another. She tackled problems head on, working them over until they gave in. While others at the Arcanist's Guild played with theories, she put those same hypotheticals into practice.

So, when concerns and doubts of the future began to plague her mind, she tried to do something to ease it.

“Wren, might I have a word?”

The wind rolling over Silvertear Lake stole most of her words away, but Wren had managed to catch enough. With a glance to Hoary, who motioned he would continue keeping an eye on the kids, Wren made his way over, slumping down on the rock she occupied.

“What can I do for you Nara?”

“You’re likely to outlive all of us, correct?”

“I…” The look he gave her was hard to describe, but could be summed up as ‘Why in the Eorzean seven hells are you asking?’. “Yes, I suppose. Viera have a longer lifespan than those of other races. I prefer not to think about it, really”

“May I ask a favour of you?”

“Should I be scared? I honestly can not tell where this conversation is going”

“No, no, it’s nothing to worry about” Nara tried to reassure. Admittedly, it wasn’t the most desired start to a conversation. Perhaps she should have planned this, and not just have blundered into it. “Or, well, not in the way you may be worrying?”

“Don’t leave me in suspense here”

Nara took a breath, taking a moment to prepare the words this time. As she ran through them in her head, her eyes settled on her son, playing in the tall grass with Estelle, and a few other children of Toll. Haphazard flower jewellery adorned their wrists and hair as they chased one another, yelling and laughing.

“The Borlaaq tribe is composed solely of women” She started, eyes not leaving Erden as he sprinted to catch Estelle out. “Boys and men are not allowed within it. When a Son is born, we are to leave him within one year of his birth, whether that be in the arms of another, or… simply left to the Steppe”

“Nara…”

“It’s not common for women to leave the tribe to raise their sons, but nor is it unheard of. My own mother left for a time when her son was born. And I chose to leave to raise mine. But… one day I plan to return to the Steppe, to be with my sisters again”

She glanced over to Wren, who motioned for her to continue.

“I don’t plan to leave for some time, not until Erden is old enough to fend for himself. But even still, it would bring me peace to know someone is watching out for him”

“And you decided to lead this heartfelt request with ‘Hey, you know how we’ll all die before you?”

“Oh, shush you!” She knocked his arm, a light giggled mixing with his more hearty laughter. In the distance, Erden perked up, alerted to his mother’s laughing, giving Estelle time to escape. “It’ll give me peace that he’d have someone throughout everything. And I’m sure others would be glad if you kept an eye out for Estelle too, considering her predicament is similar to yours”

“A predicament I wouldn’t wish for someone who’s already lost so much. But you needn’t worry Nara. Even if you hadn't asked, I would have looked out for them - if for no other reason than to give you all less reason to haunt me when I’m old and lonely”

Nara’s smile was radiant, a weight lifted off her shoulders. The thought of leaving her son had weighed heavy on her mind for some time, increasing with each birthday passed. Despite the jokes, she didn’t doubt Wren’s veracity.

She didn’t get a chance to thank him, before said son barreled into her side. His grin could only be described as infectious, as he hooked a small loop of flowers around her horn.

“What are you laughing about Ma?”

“Oh, Wren just poked some fun at me pumpkin, that’s all”

Erden’s eyes seemed to light up, turning to Wren.

“Are you doing anything right now uncle Wren?”

“Uh, no, I guess?”

“Do you want to play tag?”

“I mean I should probably go back - oh, no, we’re off. Bye Nara!”

Nara laughed heartily as she watched Erden drag Wren away, the latter waving as he submitted to his fate as ‘it’. Yes, She thought, they’ll be in good hands.

#FFXIV #ffxivwrite #ffxivwrite2022 #Narantsetseg Borlaaq #Wren Ironwood #Erden Kahkol

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thornappleworld · 1 year

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Forbidden Spirits

This post was a bit of a struggle for two reasons.

A werewolf gave me Covid... again.

I think this might be a novel one day. I went in thinking “short story” but it kept falling into a longer format that I'm not ready to write just now.

I've been calling the rebel group “Browncloaks” so far, as that's what everyone was wearing in the dream I had that sparked all this off.

In the dream we were rag-tag but had been at it for a while. Time has stolen details, but I remember blowing up military-style trucks with a small cell of other rebels. Very Guerrilla warfare-ish. Even smallest victories were met with celebration. I'd like to fill out the dream & write it up as a story in this setting eventually, but I must build the setting first. So I need to make Browncloaks happen.

Other influences:

I've been listening to the street poets podcast a lot lately.

I've been binging and taking notes on youtube videos about real-world historical rebellions.

Also, I'm using this as a loose prompt for faction building based on MTG colors.

Pro: Loyalty, a group made of outcasts. Found family. Rebels, benevolent anarchy.

Con: Power & control at any cost. Cult-y & playing with forces that others know better than to.

I see Galloway sending prisoners to nexus sites in places where they don't speak the language. These prisoners are for experimenting with magical stuff as they're trying to figure out the rules I previously posted. I see escapees with aid of a third group. The third group only offers them safe harbor.

I think this is the story of the Brown Cloak leader forming the group & inspiring all the rest. I used a random number generator to determine gender (45% female, 45% male,10% other). It's a girl.

I want her story to be relatable to “guests” of for-profit private prisons, but this is outside of my experience. Forgive me if I mess this up, I'll listen to any notes you may have.

I'm casting Rutina Wesley.

Book 1

Amaya Turner was arrested in her 20's. For story reasons, she legit did the crime. For reality reasons, she got a much harsher sentence than what was just. She was born in an American inner city. She didn't have a lot of options growing up & at a young age, joined a gang. The 10th Street Diamonds (or 10D) provided community and protection.

She liked to learn & she kept up with local politics; both the governmental and the street kind. If you wanted to find someone or something, she was who you needed to talk to. If she didn't know/have it, she could usually get it in a few days. She had a real talent for it & it's how she made a living. Guns, drugs, or whatever else, she's your woman if you've got the green or something to offer in trade.

She did that for years. She had a strategic mind and an absolute talent for staying out of sight. She was in the habit (low-key obsession really) of checking for cameras whenever she entered a space & avoiding them as much as possible.

Her luck, however, did run out. She was caught receiving stolen goods by way of a hidden camera. It was an open and shut case. The story should end there. Google tells me she'd be facing some time in a state prison (up to 10 years) or house of correction/county jail sentencing (up to 2.5 years) Up to $10,000 fine.

...Except that Amaya had the fateful misfortune to sit before a judge that was in ROC's pocket.

She knew something was very wrong when they loaded her and some other inmates on a bus, then a plane to travel to Europe for a “work detail”. She and inmates from other ROC prisons were clearing debris in Romania. It seemed that there was some sort of explosion that leveled a building. Before she even arrived on the scene, whoever was in charge had built a new structure where the old building used to be. Hard work, but not impossible. Finding bodies in the rubble made it harder. She'd heard that she was picking up the remains of a shoe factory, but the new building was a windowless concrete tower.

She found ways to smuggle small-time contraband into the prison & gets an underground economy going. We meet Camila Saldana Romo. She worked for a chop shop stealing cars. A member of her crew turned her in when they got busted. She comes from the same city and they'd sen each other in passing, but didn't know each other personally before. Camila convinces Amaya that they should “team up” for survival in this strange situation.

Every day, one by one, they'd take a few prisoners into the tower. They were brought to a small room like an interrogation room with a 2-way mirror on one side. Strange symbols were carved into the walls. In some spots one could see that the symbols were plastered over and new ones were in their place. They'd open a vent in the ceiling that emitted a purple-ish light. It had a feel to it like static electricity but...not.

Prisoners were told to do strange things, like see objects or events in other rooms, other buildings or even other times. Sometimes they were told to increase the heart rate of another inmate using their minds. Sometimes it was even stranger.

Amaya would pretend to do as she was told and make faces like she was focusing on whatever task she was given. (She convinces Camila to do the same). Most other prisoners legit tried to do what they were told, usually with no results. Some had nosebleeds or splitting headaches after. One went blind when they were told to read a message sealed in an envelope. Sometimes there was screaming an gunshots heard from the tower. On those days, inmates were taken out in body bags, buckets, or not at all.

To offset the reducing number of inmates, ROC brought in some fresh blood. We're introduced to Georgia Robinson. High energy, lots of personality, center-of-attention type. When she walked into a room, everyone knew it. As a kid, her parents saw that she needed something to do with all that excess energy, so they enrolled her in martial arts. She was good too, damn good. Won some awards but eventually got injured in one of the street fights she participated in for extra cash. Surgery meant painkillers. Addiction soon followed. She came to ROC because she had been caught dealing in opioids. As the withdrawal got worse, Amaya and Camila stepped up. With dwindling doses, they helped Georgia ween off. Georgia, in turn, provided protection. She took on the role of the visible queen of contraband while Amaya was happy to remain the silent partner. Camila usually served as lookout or a distraction when one was needed.

One day Amaya's cellmate, an arsonist named Leanne, told Amaya that she actually got the candle to light. When she did, they asked her a lot of questions about exactly what she was thinking and how she felt, had a doctor give her a very very thorough physical and took some blood. She got to eat first & best at dinner that night.

“Good days” happened a few more times in the three months it took to clear the debris field and turn the field into a four acre fenced-in parking lot with the tower in the center.

It dawned on the trio that ROC will never let them go. This is confirmed when some inmates' sentences are up and they aren't being released. So, the trio enlisted the aid of a few other inmates and stole a wand from a locked case in the warden's office. Leanne was convinced she could start fires with her mind. Liz, Georga's cellmate, often worked custodial duties and knew the layout of the building better than anyone, and Hannah, Camila's cellmate, because Camila refused to leave a friend behind.

The escape plan was complex, but went off really well...until it didn't. A guard on a cigarette break spotted them hopping the outer fence and sounded the alarm. Georgia stood her ground and leveled her wand at the rushing guards. Leanne and Liz were already on the other side, with Amaya still halfway to the top and climbing. The two on the outside ran for it when the floodlights came on.

The guard staring down the wand only smiles smugly and another guard shot Liz through the fence. They also shot at Leanne, but missed. She escaped. While Georgia hesitated, surprised that the wand didn't get more of a response, the guard she was targeting simply shot Amaya off the fence. With that, the escape attempt ended.

Amaya spent a few days in the infirmary. They had to dig the bullet out of her shoulder and she lost a lot of blood. ROC had already lost two subjects, they weren't willing to lose a third. It was here she met a mysterious stranger who offered her a deal (this scene takes place where hallways intersect). The stranger informs her that the wand was just a very pretty stick, set up as bait for this exact reason. He further informed her that her family was told she died in a prison riot. He offered her the knowledge that ROC was trying to gain, and with it, an opportunity to escape. She signed the contract on the spot and her lifespan was shortened.

The contract took hold immediately. She knew she has only another ten years to live, but she also now had the benefit of the experience in everything she would have learned in decades working the magical underground. As he left, the stranger told her that when her opportunity comes, go east. The van will be waiting. A gift from a friend.

A month later ROC took a handful of inmates into the tower at once, including Camila. There was screaming... some of it was even human. Semi-automatic gunshots and Topaz guards running from the tower as massive cracks appeared climbing its height.

They tried to herd the workers into prison transport buses, but it all happened so fast. A creature burst through one of the walls, tearing guards apart and ignoring its own gun shot wounds. A thirty foot tall being. Not a giant, but it looked like someone took the test group and a few guards, stripped them down, than roughly stretched and crushed them into a single humanoid shape, like an uncaring child playing with clay. With a dozen mouths it screamed pain and fury, dishing out what punishment it could on its former captors, adding them to its increasingly malformed mass. When it had killed all the brave and foolish it could catch with its hobbling gate, it went after the nearby prison. The thing smashed itself even bloodier in the process, but it knocked the several outer walls down, clearly intentionally ending its own suffering in the collapse. As she escapes, Amaya sees to her horror that its “head” is made of Camila. As she watches her friends escape, she smiles...then dies.

The tower collapsed due to the damage done by the rampaging beast. As it fell, it broke around a light that stayed fixed in position in the air, it must have been on the top floor. It was clearly the source of the purple light. It was like a tear in reality.

Amaya and a handful of others ran in the confusion. There was forest to the east after a quarter mile of open terrain. They were shot at, a few of the escapees didn't make it. Topaz guards chased them in jeeps, but it was a lot of scattering inmates.

Through the treeline another mile or so, Amaya and the others kept running until she came across a dirt service road. There was a van parked there, with forestry service logos on the sides. Our mysterious stranger is waiting in the driver's seat.

We get briefly introduced to (the next faction) the House of the Seven Winds... a black market that deals in deals... the magical kind. Amaya & Georgia opted to stay with them. Amaya worked out a deal help them move contraband in exchange for earning her years back a few at a time.

They both knew that with ROC & Topaz after them that their families were safer without her & they wanted to know who arranged for their freedom.

Book 2

Less on this one. I wrote the outline after realizing that this is a multi-story series.

It's a few years later, and Georgia is thriving in the House of the Seven Winds with Amaya remaining her silent partner and brains of the operation. They have a crew, including some former ROC inmates. They are both making deals on the crossroads for the H7W, & Amaya has used her magically advanced skill set and earned a substantial number of years back.

They still haven't learned who arranged their escape when there's an action scene wherein Topaz guards almost get them. Georgia is shot. Its treatable but rough because she refuses painkillers. A large branch of House of the Seven Winds is compromised in the shooting & has to shut down. As a result, many of their resources are cut off.

Georgia wants to use magic to evade Topaz, this call is divisive. Amaya knows this can turn real bad real fast. in the end, she concedes. Georgia brings her crew to a point off the coast of France where a nexus point exists just below the ocean surface

Besides the boat's captain who is merely present, five people are involved in the ritual. Three former ROC inmates, Georgia, and Amaya. Georgia wants invulnerability. Amaya wants to be able to turn invisible, but something comes through the nexus. It smell acrid, burning everyone's eyes & nose. There is a sound like thousands of steel pipes banging together rising through the water around the boat as it boils than freezes solid in minuets.Something bores up from the bottom of the boat, which doesn't sink due to being trapped in the ice. A a mass of slithering lights bright enough to hurt to look at roughly the size of a big dog stalks the everyone aboard one by one in a clearly intentional order with no recognizable pattern. When it gets close enough, its target's bodily fluids start to boil as everything else freezes. There is shattering after a few agonizing moments.

When it's after Amaya, Georgia attacks it, trying to buy her time to escape. For her troubles, Georgia is pulled screaming into the nexus itself. The screams stop short after a far-too-long time. The boat erupts into flame and Amaya escapes on a chunk of ice. She is the lone survivor and eventually washes up on shore.

She regains consciousness in a hospital as a Jane dough (The French version is Madame Dupont... I think). Her invisibility isn't the ideal kind. Instead of “invisible” she can only be seen by one's own eyes. Cameras & reflections show nothing at all. She casts no shadow. All attempts just show cloths floating in the air, or an entirely blurred out image. Even new memories are fuzzy like the person remembering just wasn't paying attention. It doesn't turn off. It's a gift and a curse. Also, she has the logical burns, hypothermia, & a concussion.

Her sort-of invisibility is noticed fairly quickly in the hospital. Calls are made and the Galloway group takes notice. They come for her, but using her new-found ability, she escapes... at one point wrapping in a stolen brown blanket and pretending to be homeless, blending perfectly into the background.

A year later

She's leading a Guerrilla-style offensive against Galloway, freeing prisoners & generally being a nuisance. They use brown cloaks as a sort-of uniform. (think Jedi, this bit came from the dream)

She knows well that magic is hard to use and that it's dangerous, so she keeps the secret, but also serves as a guide and uses it as a weapon.

She is the forbidden spirit.

Book 3 will likely be a re-telling of the original dream, but updated to reflect the lore I'm building in this blog. A love story with two members of different cells withing the Forbidden Spirits. Also, I'd like to explore more of Amaya's story.

Also, I think the Yellowheads funded her escape. Who are they? Stay tuned.

I'm legit not sure when a woman's prison became my sort-of Hogwarts, but I may just expand on that idea.

As always, I'd love peer review. Shitty works are written in a vacuum & I want to be better.

#Thornapple #Fantasy #Urban Fantasy #contemporary fantasy #Prison #Contract #WIP #Eldritch #Cosmic Horror #Horror

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