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bokettochild · 3 years

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Sisters, Scoldings and Seaside Memories

My excuse? I wanted to write the Oracles meeting the heroes and it spiraled into some Legend angst, because, well- this is me.

I do have a prompt I blame for this though, so go yell at the folks at @linkeduniverse-prompts for inspiring me with this idea.

The heroes had landed in Legend’s world again, jolted across time and space by yet another sudden switch, one that had left them more shaken and out of sorts than normal, and which, quite to everyone’s panic, had nearly made Four pass out. As was, the smithy had clutched ahold of the nearest hero at the moment, Legend, and refused to let go, resulting in his getting picked up and carried by the vet after they had figured out where they were.

The fact that they had been dumped so close to Legend’s house (they were only just a half an hour’s walk away) had unnerved the vet, and a few others, but there was no sign of monsters as far as their scouting crew could tell, even with the heavy rainfall, and if Hyrule, Wild and Twilight all agreed that the path was safe, then no one else was going to be the one to question them. After all, if you can’t trust the two best survivors and the best tracker on their team, who could they trust?

Ravio had greeted the group with open arms and cheerful welcomes, pulling the sopping smithy out of Legend’s hold and cooing when the multi-colored hero hadn’t even protested. Legend didn’t appear too very put out about it either, just shaking his head with a smile that he hid behind dripping bangs as he’d removed his shoes and barked orders at the rest of them to do the same.

While Legend stoked the fire and grabbed a blanket for Four, who Ravio was settling in his own favorite overstuffed arm-chair (if Ravio hated Legend's rocker, then Legend had already condemned that chair to the furthest corners of the dark world), the rest of the heroes stood about toweling themselves off and looking around. Ravio had reorganized again, although he’d left a few things, like the strange mask on the wall and a few other decorations, alone. It looked nice, cozier, although a bit less like a shop. When asked why, the merchant had waved off the curious looks from both the heroes and his housemate.

“I figured with all y’all visiting so much I’d probably better work out of the shed. It took a bit of tidying up- now Mr. Hero, don’t look at me like that, it was a mess! Anyways, I tidied it up, moved most of the things into the basement where you can get at them easier, Mr. Hero, and set up shop! Now y’all won’t have to worry about my things getting in the way.” Ravio smiled brightly as he finished, patting Four’s head and ignoring the smithy’s irritated look and looking pointedly at Warriors instead.

It was clear that Ravio’s adoption of Legend and Twilight’s use of the word ‘y’all’ was bothering the poor captain immensely.

The evening progressed as usual, with Ravio humming off key as he bustled about the house making ready the bedrooms for the heroes’ use. Wild, perhaps in wake of the pie incident, had finally been granted access to the kitchen, which allowed him to make dinner while the others offered Ravio their aid.

As “host” Legend had been assigned the task of sitting with Four until the smithy felt a bit better. The vet had at first protested leaving all the work to the others, but Ravio had finally persuaded him by pointing out that Mr. Smithy shouldn’t be left alone to stew too much in his thoughts, and wouldn’t Mr. Hero like to make sure the Hero of the Four Sword was quite alright in this particular Hyrule? Why that worked, or why Ravio had used that specific wording was unknown to the others, but Legend caved quickly after that, changing into a horridly oversized tunic and joining Four on the couch, the smithy leaning against him while the two talked over mundane things like metal imbalances in weapons and other such matters.

Time hadn’t been able to hide a snort of laughter as he caught wind of Four very casually explaining proper cooling methods to use on newly forged swords to a flushed veteran, and Legend had looked one instant away from snapping back about a recent mishap involving such a task, only stopped the smith’s continued softness of voice and weary eyes.

The knock on the door only sounded however, once most of the others had already bustled into the kitchen, leaving Legend and Four to eat their dinner together where the smith would be most comfortable and Legend couldn’t scold Twilight for his ‘wolfish’ manners at the dinner table.

Considering the vet had trouble keeping himself clean, Warriors had quietly commented that maybe the other boy didn’t exactly have room to be complaining about table manners.

The sound at the door was lost to those in the kitchen as they chattered and laughed, but to the two heroes in the living room it was clear as day, and startled them both so much that they both fumbled with their bowls, violet clashing with brown as sheepish smiles marred both their faces, light laughter on their lips at their shared startle.

The knock sounded again, this time urgent, repetitive and with a desperate air.

Amusement flickered to worry as Legend had risen from the couch, the line of his shoulders tight with worry as he’d reached for the sword he’d left at the door before even daring to lay his fingers on the door handle. Four’s own hand had scrabbled for his blade, but he’d remained sitting, tense and alert with his ears pricked forwards and eyes sharp against whatever might be outside.

There were a few things Legend was expecting to see when he’d opened the door; royal guards coming for the bounty that the king had still failed to lift from him, despite most all of Hyrule knowing by now of his innocence of the crimes attributed to him, or maybe it would be a villager desperately reporting a monster attack down in Kakariko, he had thought it strange they had been dumped so conveniently close to home with no danger immediately evident.

What was on the other side however was not any of the things on his mental list.

Three cloaked figures stood outside the door, two of them nearly looming over him as a pair of sharp blue eyes stared at him from beneath the shade of a hood, stern and wary, but not entirely devoid of concern. “Link! Oh, thank heavens you’re here!”

“Nayru?” The vet blinked in surprise, gaze falling first on the Oracle in front of him and then to her sisters, standing behind her and wrapped tightly against the rain. And for lack of anything better to say, or even think, he opened the door a bit wider, motioning vaguely with the sword still in his other hand. “Come in.”

Four’s eyes followed the three girls as green, red and blue had brightened the dimming room, the bright hair and clothes of the three Oracles strangely out of place in the muted tones of Legend and Ravio’s house. Legend stashed his sword back against the wall, taking the cloaks from the three ladies and hanging them on hooks with everyone else’s as Nayru turned to him with her face drawn and eyes flickering sternly.

“Link.” Nayru began, frowning down at the vet, who stared up at her with similar seriousness. “It has come to my attention that there has been a temporal and chronological anomaly that seems to have been following you, I’ve come to ask-”

“Four!” Farore’s trill broke through the tense atmosphere as the Oracle of Secrets rushed over to bundle the Hero of Four Swords into a hug. “How? Oh, my stars! It’s been so long! You look so much older!” The girl exclaimed, holding the sheepish smithy at arm's length and inspecting him. “I haven’t seen you in forever! Although, I suppose it seems like less time for you. Linky! How on earth did you rescue him?” That stopped the smithy silent, and he stared up at the greenette before him curiously as she chattered on, worry in her eyes. “Is that why he looks ill? Did you-”

“Farore.” For maybe the first time in his life, Legend actually managed a half decent growl. Sure, he still squeaked a bit, but it was low and harsh enough to nearly count.

“How-” Nayru frowned, blinking slowly at the smithy seated on the couch while Din waved to him quietly.

“Boys, is everything-” Time’s voice was cut off as the three Oracles spun to stare at him, color draining from their faces as Din buried her face in her hands, Farore tensed and Nayru stiffened, sharp blue eyes turning to Legend with a glare.

“I told you to never play with the Harp of Ages!”

“I didn’t!” Legend snapped back, glaring up at the older girl with something similar to a pout. For the other two heroes, had it not been for the painful tension of the situation, they may have smiled at how much the interaction looked like a pair of siblings arguing over a valued toy.

“Then how is he-” Nayru flung a hand out to point at Time, who stood awkwardly in the doorway. “-here?” The Oracle faltered, gaze turning back to Time in confusion before settling on Legend again. “Wait, which hero is that again?”

“Ouch.” Time deadpanned, completely on instinct.

“Hero of Time.” Legend returned with a scowl.

“Wait.” Farore stared from one hero to another in confusion. “Isn’t he dead? Linky, are you- have you been rescuing-”

“This one didn’t die.” Legend returned, looking increasingly done with the situation while Time and Four both winced.

“Split timelines, remember, Fare?” Din offered with a pained smile.

Nayru scowled, pinching the bridge of her nose as her other hand settled on her hip. “Link, I swear, the Harp of Ages isn’t even supposed to be able to cross realities! Do you know what you’ve done? Link, I know you miss her, but searching across time and space for her just doesn’t work! You’re going to-”

“I didn’t use the freaking harp!” Legend shouted, and to the surprise of both of the others, tears were gathering in his eyes. “So could you just not-” The vet’s voice broke as teary indigo glared up into startled ocean blue. “Could you just not bring that up? I know better, Nayru! Besides, which one of us is it that broke the timeline last time, huh?”

“That wasn’t me.” The blue-haired maiden sighed. “We both know I had no control over any of what happened. But your point stands, I’m- I’m sorry for accusing you.”

“Good.” Legend wrapped his arms around himself, a single tear trickling down his scowling face as Din flew over and wrapped him in a hug. “Oh, Sunshine, she didn’t mean it! We’re just worried is all, you know that, right?” The vet didn’t answer, but he did melt into the hold of the young woman as she patted his back gently.

The others chose that moment to make their respective appearances, peeking around Time to see Nayru standing awkwardly beside the embracing Oracle and Hero while Farore and Four exchanged a Look.

“Legend, who is this?” Hyrule frowned, instant regret flooding over his face as he saw Legend swipe the end of his over-long sleeve over his face with a violent sniffle and a huff, releasing Din as the red-head sighed sadly.

“The Golden Goddesses.” Time answered instead, nodding politely to the three ladies, who all offered him awkward smiles in return.

“The Oracles actually.” Nayru corrected with a strained smile. “Apologies, Forest Hero.” She inclined her head respectfully. “I meant no disrespect, it’s only that you are quite similar in appearance to another hero from this world, one that is near and dear-” The woman’s voice stuttered to a halt as she stared at the others peeking out from behind the eldest hero.

The room fell to silence for a brief moment as Nayru’s face fell, eyes widening dramatically as her shoulders slumped. “Is that- Link, how many Heroes of Courage are in your home?”

“Nine.” Legend huffed, crossing his arms and looking anywhere else but at the girl. “Counting me anyway.”

“Nine Heroes of Courage.” The Oracle repeated, dumbstruck, before rubbing her hands over her face. “That’s like half of all of Hylia’s Heroes in all! Why? Why would so many be gathered in one place? How did you even meet them?”

The vet shrugged, still not meeting the baby-blue eyes that turned his way in desperation. “A lizard. Also, portals.”

From where she was now sitting next to Four, Farore nodded. “That sounds just bizarre enough to be true.”

At Nayru’s nod of agreement, Din reached out to ruffle Legend’s pink hair. “Just like you to get pulled along in something like that, isn’t it, Link?”

The soft chuckle earned a hesitant smile from the vet as the others pushed further into the room, only to freeze again as Nayru’s startled again, staring across the room at Warriors, eyes full of horror. “Oh no. Not you!”

The captain blinked in surprise, offense taking over as he stared at the young woman. “Excuse me?”

Nayru shook her head, no long paying attention as she cupped her cheeks. “No, not the blasted Hero of Warriors! Oh, why me!”

“Okay, now that’s just offensive.” The captain huffed, crossing his arms indignantly as Legend chuckled softly.

Sharp blue eyes made the captain still again as the Oracle of Ages whimpered softly. “Of all the people in your home, Link, you had to have the one Hylian that my daughters obsess over? Why?”

All eyes turned to the vet, who now looked similarly dumbfounded and horrified, blinking slowly at nothing as one hand buried itself in his long bangs. “My niece has a crush on-” the vet viably gagged, face screwing up as he looked up to meet the confused stare of the captain, “-Oh my gross!”

“Seriously?” Warriors huffed with a glare before throwing his hands up, voice raising slightly as he spoke. “Could someone kindly explain why all of you suddenly find me disgusting?”

“Not you.” Din laughed. “My nieces just have something of an obsession with you, and Nayru’s sick of it. Add to that that-”

“Of all the people,” Legend interrupted with a horror filled mumble. “For my nieces to have a crush on, it had to be my brother? Just- oh that is just so incredibly gross!” Violet met twinkling red as the vet leaned back to stare at Din. “Why do the ladies in my family always have such weird taste in men?”

“Says the guy who had a crush on his now sister.” Farore sniggered, now fully wrapped up in the blankets with Four, despite no one having noticed either of them move. The smithy didn’t appear to mind either, his smile matching that of the Oracle of Secrets’, even if he didn’t appear to know exactly what was going on any more than the rest of them.

“It wasn’t a crush!” Legend near shrieked, stiffening as his face turned nearly as red as the long hair that shimmered in the firelight behind him. “You get asked to dance by a girl you don’t know and see how you act!”

Nayru, now somewhat recovered, grinned impishly at the blushing hero. “That’s right, besides, I’m pretty sure our little brother had a crush on a certain farm girl.”

“I didn’t like Ropely like that!” The vet huffed, brightening further. “Or Malon, if that’s what you’re implying. She’s my freaking cousin and that would just be gross.”

“Malon is your what now?” Time blinked, confused.

“I have a Malon in my time too.” Four offered, very unhelpfully, as the eldest hero looked like he was descending into mental acrobatics. “She works near castle town and even lives on a ranch. I think Malons are a constant in our worlds, just like Zeldas.”

“I don’t have a Malon...” Wind mused quietly while Time began to look increadibly distressed.

“It’s a family name.” Legend huffed, rolling his eyes as his blush began to fade. “Mine was named after our great-something-gramma. The same is probably true of Mamalon, Time. She’s probably named after an ancestor from Four’s time or something.”

“Great!” The smallest Oracle exclaimed with a clap of her hands. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, can I please make you recognize that my babies are in one place for once?”

Her sisters stared at her, blinking slowly. “Um, Fare, that’s sort of why Nayru just had a freak out?” Legend snorted but his...sister? Ignored it.

“Yes but,” Farore nodded at Four, who she’d once more wrapped in her arms. “Look!”

And they did. Four was cuddled up with a resigned smile, looking positively tiny in the Oracle’s hold and, admittedly, rather cute. There was not one person in the room left unaffected, and several actually cooed when Farore hugged him tightly, burying her face in the smithy’s hair. “All of my babies, I love you all so very much!”

Warriors laughed at that, shaking his head. “What, do the Golden Goddesses have favorite heroes too? I thought that was just Hylia!”

“Unfortunately, that is the case.” Nayru shrugged. “We can’t help getting attached, just like any other Hylian.”

“Who are who’s favorites?” Wind chirped; eyes eager as he stared from one Oracle to another.

It was Din who answered, wrapping her arms around Legend’s shoulders as she stood behind him, smile warm even in the chill of the evening as she stared at the sailor hero. “Sunshine here’s mine, he’s my baby brother after all!”

“Adopted, as all of our other siblings are.” The Oracle of Ages interjected, earning her a pout from her sister and a laugh from the heroes.

“Nayru’s favorite is the Hero of Time, it’s why she calls him by a nickname, and Farore, well...” The red-head grinned to where the youngest of the three Oracles was cooing and fussing over Four. “I think you can guess.”

“Do any of you have second favorites?” Wind pressed, curiosity flickering in ocean blue and silver.

“I haven’t had enough experience with most of the other heroes to really say, although the Hero of Wild’s never fails to make me laugh when I watch him through Nayru’s mirrors.” The Saesonal Oracle laughed, making the hero in question flush lightly. “Both for his pranks and clever antics, and, of course, having a horse named after you means you simply have to adore the owner!”

“Farore has several favorites, she’s just only ever interacted with Link and Four.” Nayru chuckled. “She’s quite fond of those who had to strive for Courage though, so I suppose the Hero of Hyrule and the Hero of Winds likely tie for her second favorite.” The two boys in question grinned brightly at each other. “As for myself, I find that as the Keeper of Time, I have quite the fondness for its hero. Although, my baby brother and brother-in-law are also dear to me.” Twinkling blue settled on Sky’s flushed face as the Oracle winked. “Hylia could have chosen no one better to be her lover, and I approve the match wholeheartedly.”

Sky proceeded to flush a color o one had known existed and quickly lower himself to the floor, smiling madly and covering hisface with his hands, earning tender laughter from the blue-haired maiden as she turned her attention back towards the other heroes.

“And for some reason, I’m the only hero left unfavorited.” The captain sulked.

“If it’s any consolation.” Farore called out. “Our other baby sister thinks you’re cute! She says she’s glad you married her daughter!” The Captain Hero choked, and it was only due to Twilight thumping the others back that the poor man didn’t choke right then and there. “The same goes for the Twilight Hero, Lolia absolutely adores him!”

“How did the same goddess choose us both? We are nothing alike?”

Warriors coughed in what might have been agreement.

Farore only shrugged. “I suppose it’s the same reason she adores Ravio so much, it’s the hero who makes an impression on her world that earns her favor.”

The heroes in question took their time processing that, and in the meantime, Legend darted off toe retrieve dry things for his elder sisters, only to come back to Ravio chattering to the three, who’d now gathered on the same couch as Legend and Four had been on earlier, all answering his questions fondly and politely while Farore continued to suffocate Four with hugs. The smithy didn’t seem to mind though, resting easily, eyes glimmering reddish-brown in the fire-light as the Oracle of Secrets toyed with his ong hair.

“I brought warm clothes.” Legend called, offering the things with a brief shuffle of his feet. “They’re Fable’s, but I don’t think shell mind.”

Ravio frowned, looking up at the offered garments with furrowed brows. “Are you sure that will warm them enough, Mr. Hero? It would be horrible if your poor sisters caught cold!” Grenn flickered knowingly, and Legend huffed as he met the expectant gaze.

“Fine, I’ll brew some cider, since I expect that’s what you suggest?”

“Oh! Mr. Hero, how kind of you! I didn’t mean to ask, but since you’ve offered I’m sure your lovely sisters will love to have some!”

Din straightened in her seat, eyes sparkling brightly. “Cider? Oh, Link! I haven’t had your cider in ages! Please make some! I’d actually kill for a cup about now!”

And really, who was the veteran hero to argue with the will of the Oracle of Seasons?

“He’s made you cider before?” The Oracle of Ages frowned.

“Oh, all the time! The whole circus troupe loved it! Auntie Impa always used to beg him for the recipe, but it was that one thing she could never convince him about. It’s absolute heaven, Nay! You’re going to love it!”

The bluette huffed, crossing her arms and faking a put. “He never made me any cider.”

“Because you tried to kill me!” Legend’s voice called back from the kitchen, making the three girls startle slightly. “If you hadn’t, maybe you could have tried some along with Ralph and Raven.”

“I wasn’t- I was- Link!” Nayru spluttered as a cackle arose from the kitchen. “I was under mind control!”

“Still tried to kill me!” The vet chirped back with far too much cheer considering what he was saying. And really, none of the others could argue his point, either because they didn’t understand what was being discussed or because it was true.

Cider was passed around after a brief wait, during which the others had made idle small talk and Farore had finally agreed to release Four from her grasp. The short hero still sat at her side, trading smiles with the three Oracles as he chatted amiably with them, clearly familiar with all three and quite happy to see them again, even with the drama from before.

No one brought up what Farore had meant about ‘rescuing’ him.

When Legend finally emerged from the kitchen, Ravio’s tray stacked high with mugs of steaming cider, silence had quickly fallen save for the quiet sips and louder slurps of the three as Legend handed out the mugs, finishing with the three Oracles and promptly plopping himself down in their midst, entirely uncaring of the looks they exchanged over his head while Four shifted a bit closer to his brother.

“Link,” Nayru settled her mug in her lap and stared over at the pink-haired hero, unfortunately gaining the attention of the rest of the chain in the process. “About earlier, I really am sorry for accusing you. It was wrong of me to assume-”

“You already apologized, it’s fine.” Legend cut her off, yawning softly as he sipped his cider.

“No, it’s not. But I’d like to make it up to you.” The mug was set aside as long fingers had begun to glow with a soft blue, catching the vet’s eyes and making him stare as the Orale of Ages waved her fingers gently, a blue orb appearing in her grasp as a soft smile graced her delicate features. “Anything you’d like to see, baby brother?”

Violet eyes stared fixed on the orb, glistening slightly with wonder as the vet floundered, nearly spilling his cider only to be rescued by Four’s quick thinking as the smithy removed the mug from his grasp. “A-anything?”

“Anything.” The Oracle reaffirmed.

Legend stammered softly for a moment. “C-Could I see Raven? Where he is now?”

There was some murmuring from the others, curiosity and confusion in their tones as Nayru frowned. “Raven lived four-hundred years ago, Songbird, he’s dead now.”

“Oh- uh- I knew that.”

“I can show you what he was doing today four-hundred year ago though.” She laughed softly, spinning the orb in her hands slowly before turning it to face Legend. The veteran hero stared intently, brows furrowing slightly before his eyes widened and he was pushing back into the couch and away from the viewing orb.

“Oh yuck! Nayru! That- ew!” At the girls’ laugher he shot them all a glare. “I did not need to see a woman eating my mentor’s face!”

“That would be kissing.” Time smirked. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”

“That’s my ancestor though!”

“And I knew that would happen.” Nayru giggled. “That was a prank, here’s the actual thing.” A small child and a man looking suspiciously like Time appeared on the surface of the orb, both lying on the floor of what might have been a farm-house as the little one played with a few small toys, the man watching with a fond gaze as he relaxed, looking as if he wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.

“They look happy.” Legend hummed, gaze softening as he watched the duo a moment more before smiling up at his sister. “Thanks.”

The bluette smiled in return. “I accused yo twice though, so you may have a second. What else would you like?”

Anyone who was watching could see the conflicted emotions flying through Legend’s eyes as he stared at the now blank orb, the vet fidgeting with his rings and long sleeves as he gnawed his lower lip, torn about something that remained unknown to the others but clearly was tearing him up inside. At long last however, the vet’s voice, small and vulnerable, more so than they’d heard even when he was half asleep, spoke his request. “I’d like to see her.”

Ocean blue eyes softened as the Oracle nodded, spinning her orb slowly before handing it over to the vet as the scene of a beach crossed the surface of the ball.

A girl with curly red hair and sparkling eyes sat on the beach, voice rich and lovely as she sang ou a tune that had the vet’s eyes watering as he smiled as the vision, his brothers crowding close curiously as several of them muffled soft gasps.

“Marin?” The voice of a boy rang from the orb, gentle, uncertain and young, but resemblant of Legend’s own in an odd, gentle way.

“Link! Don’t startle me like that!” The girl laughed, shaking her head and making her curls bounce as she smiled over at a boy maybe a bit older than Wind. The lad was dark haired, but pink showed through at his roots and while he carried a sword on his back, he looked relaxed and at peace with the world around him, face gentle and unmarred by worries or fears as he walked across the sand to where the girl sat. A dopey smile and light blush touched the kid’s face as the girl, Marin, gently patted the sand at her side. “Join me, you’re done running errands for everyone now, right?”

“For today.”

“Good.” The girl reached up, tugging ‘Link’ down next to her firmly. “Lay down.”

“What?”

“Lay down.” Marin ordered. “You need a break. You’re always running everywhere and helping eveyone else, you need a bit of time to yourself.”

A smile pulled at the boy’s features. “Yes ma’am.”

The girl snorted, but patted her lap and tugged at the green tunic of the other, resulting in him at last laying on the sand, head in her lap as she smiled down at him. “You’re going to rest now, because tomorrow is a busy day for us.”

“Oh?” Already there was a dreamy quality to the boy’s voice as he relaxed into the hold of the girl, her fingers tugging gently through tangled black hair as she nodded.

“Yes. We have to sleep in until nine, and then eat a big breakfast before taking a long walk on the shore. Then, you’re going to help me conquer a huge basket lunch before you can then defeat being awake for an hour. After that, we have to chase the tide until it tires, and then dance in victory over the ground that it’s lost.” The boy laughed softly, lashes already fluttering softly across rosy cheeks as the girl continued. “Then, you and I are going to sit here and watch the sun go down, and we will sing it to sleep along with the island until the sun comes up.”

“And what then?”

“And then we do as we please!”

“We build a fire.” The boy hummed. “And I’m going to make you cider so good you’ll be ruined for any of your silly teas.”

“Hey!” The girl huffed, purposefully jostling the lad’s head as she huffed down at him. “My teas are good!”

“Not as good as my cider.” The boy replied, opening one eyes to grin up at her, a cheeky smile on his face. “Just you wait, you’ll see.”

Marin shook her head, eyes glistening gently as she ran her fingers through Link’s hair again. “I suppose I will.”

The orb shattered as it hit the floor, dissipating instantly as the heroes collectively startled.

“Legend?” Four rested a hand on the vet’s shoulder, staring in concern at the other boy, who hid behind his bangs with a faint sniffle.

“Thanks , Nayru.”

“Do you want me to fix it? I can give you another-”

“No, I know what happens.” Legend waved her off, sighing heavily and offering a teary smile. “I just wanted to see her again.”

“Well then you should have said something!” Warriors exclaimed, catching the attention of all gathered as he stared at the vet, caught between a grin and a scowl “Had I known you were Marin’s prince charming I would have said something by now! For pities sakes, the girls have been trying to hunt down her world since the war ended!”

Legend blinked.

“She’s still not home?” Wind frowned. “But, it’s been months!”

“No one knew where she belonged, she didn’t even know, said she knew nothing of Hyrule’s history, only that there was a hero.” The captain shook his head. “Hard to believe the sweet hero she described is this here ass, but who am I to judge?”

“She’s alive?” Legend stared.

“Yes,” The captain smiled slightly, gaze warming as he met the vet’s. “But between Cia, Lana and Midna, we never-”

“Midna too!” Twilight exclaimed, pushing into Warriors’ line of vision with a shocked face and watching the captain immediately fly through every shade of shock imaginable.

“Love of the goddess...” Warriors breathed. “Both of you? The two famed sweethearts of my team are the biggest asses I know? You have got to be kidding me!”

The Oracles laughed, or in Farore’s case, cackled, at the plight of the captain, and the other heroes joined in.

“Wars, I’m not even mad.” legend chuckled, shaking his head, and Twilight nodded in agreement. “But I will say this, we can’t get to your Hyrule soon enough, and when we get there, Time, know for a fact that I don’t need to wait till I’m older to understand that thing earlier.”

“Okay, that's just gross!” Wind exclaimed. “I do not want to see Legend kissing someone! That’s just- oh yuck!”

The vet threw his head back and laughed, and no one could really help but join in. Except Wind, who scrunched up his nose in disgust while Wild and Hyrule shared a confused look.

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breath-of-the-hobbies · 3 years

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BOTW2 - A Return to Darkness

(I’ve never written fan-fic before in my life, but all of these new BOTW theories and art inspired me to write this idea out. Special shout-out to @autumn-sweet-fae for the idea about Link’s ability reset! [x])

The series of caverns beneath Hyrule Castle seemed to be a source of boundless interest and excitement for Zelda, who stopped to document every carving and luminescent gem with the Sheikah slate no matter how small or difficult to reach. Link felt the absence of Revali’s Gale acutely whenever Zelda lamented being unable see the carvings far above their heads, but Revali and all of the other Champions had long since moved on, taking their gifts with them.

The two Hylians, displaced in time, had initially begun exploring the newly uncovered cave system as a way to escape the realities involved in rebuilding a kingdom. Soon enough, though, it became obvious that there were important secrets tucked away beneath the ground, perhaps even older than the Sheikah. Zelda hoped that uncovering these secrets could help in the rebuilding process, and so their short, escapist trips had turned into full-fledged expeditions.

They had recently discovered a steeply descending path near an entrance by the Great Plateau. Although Zelda continued to record her findings as diligently as always, they both felt a strange sense of disquiet as they descended into the darkness. Though they had been seeking answers to their questions for months, this was the first time they were afraid of the response.

When they discovered Ganon’s mummified corpse, things began happening very quickly.

Perhaps it was the presence of all three people of legend in one space that activated the chain of events. Within moments of the Hylians stepping into the final cavern, the earth began to shake and malice oozed from the floor. A glowing turquoise light leapt like lightning from Ganon’s form to Link’s arm, which he had instinctively extended to shield Zelda as stalactites and whole chunks of the ceiling rained down around them.

The shock of the light touching his skin—no, entering his skin—was nothing compared to the acidic burning of malice as the slime piled up on itself and swarmed the glowing arm, as though with a single-minded purpose.

Zelda screamed his name over the thundering of stone, knuckles white on her sword grip. Neither of them had seen anything like this, and neither knew how to combat it. Link stepped backwards, tearing at the ooze and trying to keep it away from his princess, noticing how it seemed to be exclusively targeting him. Afterwards, he would remember that small step with piercing regret. If he had only been closer, if he could have moved a little faster…. The ground collapsed beneath Zelda’s feet. Link lunged forward, desperate, reaching—their fingers brushed, and then she was gone.

Link could barely process anything. The earthquake had stopped. Ganon’s corpse had disappeared into the yawning black mouth that now filled the cavern, the same mouth that had eaten the only person who mattered to him in this world. The malice had somehow shriveled and sunk into his arm along with the strange light, and now a black rot was crawling up towards his shoulder, rendering the whole limb dead. He was unable to handle a glider or climb down into the hungry darkness, and the gnawing, unnatural pain in his arm was enough to drive him to his knees.

Slowly, painfully, and with an involuntary cry of agonized frustration, he tightened a belt around his upper bicep in an attempt to stem the creep of malice and stumbled up the debris-filled path to the surface.

When he finally emerged into the calm summer evening, his horse startled and shied at his approach, registering the scent of his arm as a corrupted enemy. Nearly delirious with pain, fatigue, and fever, Link still managed to soothe it, leaning his face against its neck and pretending that it was sweat running into its fur. He could barely stand to look at Zelda’s beautiful horse, but forced himself to clumsily fasten its lead to his own horse’s saddle.

But where to go? His champion allies were gone. The castle was still largely abandoned, the guardians erratically active and monsters as yet un-eradicated. The closest source of help was days away, and the slate had been with Zelda, so there would be no teleporting.

Purah’s not going to be happy about this. He thought nonsensically, and set his horse’s nose towards Hateno Village.

***

He did his best to cling to the horse’s mane, but as the familiar village appeared in the distance, his sense of relief overpowered the adrenaline that had kept him going for the past several days. Slowly, gently, darkness clouded his vision and he slipped from his mount’s back, falling into the ditch on the far outskirts of Hateno Village. The horses, exhausted themselves, barely registered the change in weight and continued on to the place where they knew that apples and good hay could always be found.

The children of the village, who had frequently begged rides from Link and clung to him on past visits, immediately recognized that something was wrong when they spotted the tired creatures trudging up the cobbled street. They ran to the eccentric scientist up in her tower, and joined Symin, her chief researcher, in a frantic search of the area. The sun was beginning to set when they finally found the unconscious Link. Symin scooped the small hero up in his arms, a knot of fear in his stomach, and carried him to his lady.

***

Link opened his eyes to sunshine streaming through a window, birdsong, the warm scent of hay and machine oil. The agonizing, corrupted, wrong pain in his arm had faded, but in its place was a weak and draining numbness. Remembering Zelda’s fall, he sat up with a gasp, and immediately crumpled, spots swimming in his eyes, heartbeat rushing in his ears. As he panted, head between his drawn-up knees, he heard soft steps as someone came up the ladder to this bedroom.

“I would have thought you’d slept long enough the last time, Linky.” Said Purah dryly, but not unkindly. “You’re really pushing my skills here. I had to research tech that hasn’t been used since the Zonai disappeared.” Link slowly lifted his head to look down at his arm. The rot was still there, shriveled black skin stretched over tendon and bone. Two things were different: there were engraved metal bands that clasped his arm from wrist to bicep, softly buzzing with energy, and there was a Sheikah emblem tattooed on the back of his blackened hand.

Purah remained uncharacteristically quiet, letting Link take in the changes, before starting up again to enthuse about the tech. “I’m going to keep optimizing it, of course. It’s wildly inefficient at the moment but I needed to get something on you or you’d lose the arm. Currently the runes are drawing directly from your energy just to stop the procession of the corruption, but I plan to improve that. As such I think it’s going to take you a while to get your strength back. I saw you lost your slate—“ her voice hardened in sudden anger “—but until you get it back I’ve got plans to add some capabilities to this tech in the meantime.”

Link finally found his voice. “Zelda.” he croaked, his defeated, exhausted gaze rising to meet Purah’s.

Her face softened. “We were worried why she wasn’t with you, why you were in that state. We sent some people to the tunnels, but they haven’t returned.”

The half-hoping, half-pleading look in Link’s eyes disappeared immediately, replaced with stubborn determination as he placed his feet on the floor and rose, legs visibly shaking.

Purah sighed, as though she had expected this. “You’re in no shape to go after her now. Zelda has held her own in this world for longer than you have, and she can handle herself. You, on the other hand, need to build your strength back up or you’ll be knocked over by the first bokoblin you meet. Or the first gust of wind.”

Link ignored her, taking slow and unsteady steps towards the ladder. “Link, your clothes!” She yelled after him in exasperation just as he missed the second rung and disappeared from view. A loud thud and a startled exclamation from Symin rose back up through the hole in the floor. “Hylia, why me?” She asked the air.

***

Link glared at the straw monster in front of him, sweat running into his eyes. It took all his effort to raise the stick in his right arm, the numbness of the limb and unfamiliar weight of the tech making every movement sluggish. He had been hacking at the doll for hours and yet it looked fresher than he did.

Symin watched from the window, sipping a cup of tea. “Should we stop him?” He asked. It was several weeks now since the scrawny hero had picked himself up off the floor and legged it out the door, only to collapse less than halfway down the hill. Since then, he had spent every waking moment making his best attempt at training.

Purah didn’t glance up from her book. “The man just lost everything he cares about for a second time. In many ways he’s worse off than he was when he woke from the century’s sleep. At least that time he had his strength, if not his memory. Let him work things out his own way.” Unspoken between them was the knowledge of reports from central Hyrule that the castle was once again filled with malice and making the ground tremble day and night. Link had not told them the details of his encounter, nor indeed spoken hardly at all, but his grim determination said more than enough.

Only a few days later, the morning after Purah had successfully implanted the first upgrade into Link’s arm, Symin slammed open the door to her tower study, panic and worry twisting his face. “He’s gone! Link’s gone!”

Purah turned to gaze out her window. She didn’t look surprised, but her normally boisterous personality was briefly extinguished. She shook herself and turned back to her notes with renewed vigor. “He’ll be back. Let’s be ready for him.”

Chapter 2

#botw #botw2 #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #link #zelda #purah #symin #botw fic #botw2 fanfic #breath of the wild 2

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blankdblank · 4 years

Text

Brother Dearest Pt 11

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @sweeticedtea, @ggbbhehe4455, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @here2have-fun, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore, @mariannetora, @thorinanddwalinsdwarrowdam, @swoopswishsward

Certainly you were growing more confident and at home here in your new schedule and surroundings, that could never be unattractive. Not even mentioning the filling of your figure the forgiving supply of clothes that had been bought for you helped to accentuate even more in your full supply of good food. More and more you were coming into your own and smack dab in the middle of an offer of teaching you pool the sly draping of a familiar coat around you was a blaring statement your tipsy mind was a bit slow on reading.

James could see it and it burned him badly, more and more you were blindingly beautiful, he didn’t fault you, no, never. It wasn’t on purpose who couldn’t love the walking embodiment of the moon, but even knowing all the men aiming for your heart and the rest aiming for a night of carnal lust with your innocent and assumed naïve self something had to be done to keep the unworthy away.

A single failed to be masked shiver and his jacket was around your shoulders in his path to get another refill leaving your brothers on watch of the men around you to keep their distance in the all to easy to cop a feel pool game Eddie had learned and was now coaching you on. It was serious and none would ever dare to touch you without consent, not with the former duo now trio of odd men watching you. Clearly two were familial with the often more sullen of them all intently fixed on slowly stealing a chance with you now heading a secret betting pool on when and who would make the move.

Even tipsy you could feel him watching and slightly drunk himself his urge to pin you to the wall and kiss you was out of the question. So it would just be a coat tonight but not for long. Because two weeks flew by and every time you would leave the classes the guys would keep trying to get you to come out with them, offers that the lengthening and more tiresome comment filled classes had you feeling a bit weak for the praising compliments from the guys who had known just what words were said. All the same you had accepted, and trying to be friendly, James watched the men gradually testing just how their status with you settled while keeping conscious of the man watching their interacting with you.

Again a coat was draped around you and in the first chill in a rainfall of shedding leaves you strolled out of the diner after the group of men had waded off to the milling group of ladies from a typing class nearby coming to eat all too glad to entertain the notion of flirtatious heroes returned home. All the same you sighed saying, “You know one of these days you’re going to realize what giving your coat to someone means.”

Passing a group of women stealing a second glance at his backside after eagerly ogling his front half James took a wider step to get to your side again, “You were cold. Linky says your coat will be in on Tuesday.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” Through the park you cut to head for the lot the truck was parked in and up onto the edge of the fountain to be his height you hopped avoiding a strip of muddy water around the edge of the fountain making James step closer to ensure you didn’t slip and fall.

“Oh really, then what does my coat mean then past stopping your shivering?”

“I wasn’t shivering and putting your coat on someone is like marking a tree.”

“Oh,” he chuckled out, “I did not mark you, I am not a dog,”

“No but in a world of dogs you have a feisty growl.” Making him chuckle again and roll his eyes, “Just for that you’re taking me on a date.”

“Am I now?” He asked unable to take the humor out of his tone even with his heart pounding taking in the sight of you in the misty day partly coated in reflective lights from the streetlamps lighting the fountain path when you came to a stop halting him as well. “What gives you that idea?”

In a pinch you shifted his coat around you with a raised eyebrow making him swallow dryly at your finger tapping his chest, “You marked me, intended or not, to the whole group of guys you growled, so now you have to pay for it. Burger and a shake, on you, proper date. Not sure how we’ll work out the picking me up from home part, and there will be a set time to get me back and all the frills.”

“Frills?” He asked in a chuckle, “What frills?”

“I don’t know, you’re the one who’s dated,”

His head tilted, “I courted, not dated, it’s different. We weren’t allowed alone till our marriage. Even after there were chaperones. No frills.”

“Well you’ll think of some frills.” Making him chuckle and turn to glance at a group of whistling guys making his brows furrow, “See, growl. Keep it up and I’ll demand two.”

His head turned again and without noticing you had moved closer, it was only the giant waft of green apple mingled natural alluring scents from you that made his head turn wondering what had gained your spike in hormones. Though a grip on the front of his vest his eyes clamped shut and ever so subtly his head shifted in the awkward plant of your lips on his. Another whistle, this time from an officer warning you both from afar to move it along broke up the moment and on his numb legs he strolled along with you after your turn and trot to the end of the fountain to hop down barely to his shoulder again.

Once at the door to the truck he opened for you only to tap a finger under your chin tilting your head back stealing another kiss your eyes shut through and his opened with a throaty grumble at a second whistle. “I hear ya, bub,” he said grabbing your hips to lift you into the truck he climbed into in your sheepish slide to the middle.

“You’ve got lipstick,” his eyes met yours and his hand rose to swipe a smudge off your face around your mouth with his eyes locked on yours.

“Figured as much, pesky but admirable adornment.” His hand moved to the rear view mirror he used to wipe his lips off then turned to see back again and fired up the truck in the start of the drive home. Questions of class broke the silence and nearly the full way home anything but the top of your kiss and demand of a date was spoken about until the final turn before your driveway when he said, “Spud’s theater is showing Wizard of Oz on Saturday, have you seen it?”

“No. Read the book though.” You replied even through your shock at believing he would just pretend like nothing was said.

“I didn’t know there was a book. We can go for the date then if you like?” At the end of the driveway he parked feeling your eyes on him and cut off the headlights looking at you in the dimly lit truck. In a scoot closer to you his fingers eased along your jaw, “I’m crazy about you, and demand or no demand we can still see the film. You deserve a night on the town,” after a deep exhale in his thumb stroking your cheek he said in his shifting closer, “And I was growling.” At your mild smirk he closed the distance cupping your cheek as his lips pressed to your lower lip in a silent guiding action, that when the peck ended your parting lips had him back again in a slow stream of pecks.

Just as suddenly as his offer had come the kiss had ended and he wiped around your lips again and hastily wiped his firing up the engine again only to loop his arm around you in the bounce of the truck when Venom landed in the bed of the truck. Crouching lowly peering into the back window he hissed, “Hello Sister.”

Turned around in James’ arm loosening you flashed him a wave, “Hey Venom,”

Eddie’s face popped out and he said, “Thought you might have needed a push or something for stopping here so long.”

James, “Did you know there’s a Wizard of Oz book?”

Eddie nodded, “Ya, I also know she had nightmares for a week after reading about how the Witch of the West died.”

James, “Perhaps we should pick a different movie,”

Eddie, “Movie?” Venom slowly retracted leaving Eddie in his trousers and loose shirt and vest, “You mean the one with that Judy girl?”

James shrugged, “Thought she might like it for a date.”

Eddie, “Finally! Who asked who?” His eyes looked over you both, “Oh come on now, whole pot on this.”

James, “She demanded it.”

Eddie laughed, “Knew it! Oh! Drinks on me next night out.” Making James roll his eyes and turn forward missing Eddie’s wink at you and his asking, “How was class?”

The conversation carried on inside until Eddie insisted on you all going to get Victor from the mill, outside which Eddie hopped up in the bed shouting, “Guess who has a date this Saturday.”

Victor smiled, “No?! Who?!”

The guys split in half debating if you or James had asked first making you mutter, “We need to move if this is a full town show.”

James chuckled easing his arm around your back sliding you back to his side draping his arms around your sides humming lowly, “Small towns are everywhere. It’ll pass. Better small towns than big.” Stealing a tender kiss on your cheek making you giggle lowly.

Victor shouted along with the others hearing you demanded a date while Eddie victoriously chuckled that he had won the pool in the spreading gossiping group of guys spreading to their trucks while Victor slid into the truck with a smirk. “So, Saturday? Whatcha doing?”

James said, “Spud’s,”

Victor, “Ah, yes the one with that girl and her dog. Nice choice.” He said with a wink to you, “Good to see you wrangled him into it.” Trying not to focus his gaze on the clearly worn lipstick you were donning hinting that you had worn it down in hopefully a kiss or two to silence the moping from not being able to find his own way to demand a date of his own. Dinner came rowdier than ever at the planning of a dinner for when you were to sit for your exams followed by another to celebrate your graduation coming up.

Alone post bath you sat on the end of your bed finishing the braid on your hair thanks to the hair creams now all to your shoulder blades and was cut evenly with a trip to the town barber while the beautician was closed for the owner’s honeymoon. Though unable to sleep you slipped outside and climbed up onto the roof to peer up at the stars trying not to worry about what you had caused and risked by demanding a date with James. The scent of cocoa turned your head and up onto the roof James climbed bringing two cups and a pair of sandwiches, one of each he passed to you, “You didn’t eat much of dessert. I know you’re hungry.” The coat on his shoulder slung around your back when he sat beside you. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Your eyes met his with lips parted, “I’m not scared of you.”

With half a smirk he replied, “You are, and it’s perfectly right for you to be.”

“Why would I be scared of you?”

“Not so much of me, but dating. I am crazy about you, always have been. Even since Victor kicked that door. Couldn’t help it.” Wetting his lips his eyes scanned over your face in the fidget of your fingers around your cup, “What I mean is, clearly I’m older, I’ve been married, had a family, lost my family, and I know when we were outside that brothel, I’m not like those men.”

“I know,”

“Still, I have to say it. There is no expectation of anything from you. I mean, when I grew up it was the way to wait on anything more than a stolen kiss or two. Well I was never good at stealing moments, had to wait for a second kiss from Rose till after our wedding. Since then, I tried to have purely, physical relationships only they never sat well with me. And I would never treat you as some piece of property or conquest as many men now see women. That is, if you would wish for me to kiss you still it would not go farther than that. No roaming hands or demands of any forced affection. I give you my word on that.”

Uncertainly you whispered, “You wouldn’t-,”

“I am impossibly attracted to you, in your confidence and comfort more so. Being with someone, intimately, it is an extremely powerful decision. If we did chose to in the future I would ensure you were well cared for and protected, but it would never be until you were certain. So much was stolen from you, so young you were made to feel unsafe and all of us would never wish you to feel that again. The war took your teen years, all those awkward, terrible, moments you wished you could forget, all the romantic fumbles with those your own age while still in your phase of innocence as a child until you hit the age of legality. I am older, so much older, but I want you to know, I will never push you into anything physical. As patient as you are comfortable with.”

“So, does that mean you’re expecting more than two dates?”

Leaning in at the playful glint in your eyes he smirked humming, “Two dates, then we’re an item.”

The gentle peck ended and you teased, “So much for not forcing things,”

Smirking in a low chuckle he hummed back, “I distinctly remember you demanding two dates,”

“You marked me first, several times.”

Again he stole another kiss, “And I’ll mark you again, after our second date, by boasting to each and every-,”

You rolled your eyes and he chuckled in your first sip of your cocoa, “You and Victor,”

“We brag senselessly of the woman in our lives. Rightfully so. Not everyone gets to have a Battle Bunny in their lives.”

In your scoffing giggle he took a bite of his sandwich as you had before you mumbled, “I still don’t know where they got the tail and ears from.”

James chuckled again, “To add a little bit of fiction to your persona. Squishy is unbelievable, you needed a mask as well. Got a letter from the lads, first official issues are on sale Monday, next class you have after we stop by the office to sign the papers to be partial owners of Venom and Battle Bunny comics. Guys have sent out demo issues and people love them. Canada loves them.”

“What about Wolverine and Kitty?”

James chuckled again, “Too gruff without Bunny and Squishy.” Making you giggle again. “So tiny and impossible to keep from loving even an alien fell hard.”

Snacks finished and with a helping hand from him you were on your balcony again and following him into your room when he saw your fire had gone down. And a pat of your hand had the nearly pouting giant teddy bear eased into the covers with you gladly to fold around you as you asked, “Is it the animal heads in your room why you can’t sleep?”

Lowly he chuckled and replied, “It doesn’t smell like you.” Folding his arms more around your middle bringing your back flat against his chest.

“By now most of the house must smell like me.”

“I’ve been stealing your pillow from the library,” making you giggle again at his head burrowing into the back of yours, “You can send me away when you want.”

“I can throw you from the house when I want too,” Making him smirk at your hand folding around his bringing it closer to your chin, “I don’t want to hurt you. I have my metal leeching, no telling what would happen. I’ve read books saying you can lose yourself.”

A bit more his hand molded around yours, “I happen to be quite resilient. And impossibly patient, that is part of why said I would wait until it was your choice, when you were relaxed and ready.” After a moment he purred teasingly, “What sort of book did you read that in?”

“Go to sleep.”

After a deep chuckle he replied, “Good night, Darling.”

A midnight roll over and groggily James pulled your body against his chest gladly mingling his legs with yours, eyes closing at the press of his chin to the top of your head smoothing his hands across your back to your content sigh. Only to feed the fire in a delirious bathroom trip for you James left the bed, but was back again and smirking at your tired flop and wiggle to lay across his chest. A tiny tug later and your back was covered up to your chin and his arms mirrored yours easing around one another as much as possible until morning. Heavy feet landing on the bed had your fists clenching on his shirt, and in the extension of his claws between your knuckles metal blades shot out making the agitated and momentarily silver eyed man groan out in pain.

A sudden release of your grip had them easing back in and his arms eased back allowing you upright to sit back on your knees with tears in your eyes looking at the blood on your knuckles. Behind you Victor smoothed his arms across your back, “I’m sorry Pipsqueak.” He looked to James and watched his brother lifting his shirt saying, “See, Jimmy’s fine.”

Reaching out James’ hand rested on yours to smooth over his side, “See, all healed.”

Barely above a whisper you replied, “But-,”

Making him shake his head and sit up cradling your hand he kissed the knuckles on he then lowered guiding your fist to form making you wince at the blades easing out mirroring his claws extending. In a scoop you were on his lap and a warm kiss was left on your cheek with his free hand cradling the other as his fist still overlapped yours. “No buts. You were scared. I had a defensive reaction and you mirrored it. I’m healed, next time I’ll check your hands before sending out my claws.”

Victor leaned in kissing your forehead, “I’m sorry, just thought you might want some pancakes. To celebrate?”

“I celebrate by stabbing-,”

Victor waved his hand, “Oh, who hasn’t stabbed Jimmy.”

James couldn’t help but chuckle, “He has more than a few times, even bit me in his sleep more than once.”

“But-,”

Again he leaned in and stole a firm kiss on your lips then hummed after a peck of his lips onto the tip of your nose, “You were scared. It happens. I’m not mad, if you’ll feel better you can push Vic off the bed.”

Victor rumbled, “Off the roof if that would help more.”

You rolled your eyes and against James’ chest you were curled up, “You know, I like your claws better,” in a tilt of your head you glanced up at him and he nodded kissing your nose again, “Smoother than being stabbed with our bone claws. Hurts less in the stab and retraction.”

Victor, “I am a bit jealous.” Making you roll your eyes as he added, “His claws have knots on them, downright painful.” His smirk came out again and he purred, “Pancakes?”

Unable to help it you grinned through James’ wiping his blood off your knuckles and replied, “Pancakes.” Again James stole a kiss on your cheek and lifted you by a hold on your legs carrying you to the edge of the bed where he set you down. Using one of his hands to help you straighten the skirt on your nightgown Victor covered with your robe he brought over as you slid your feet in the moccasin slippers waiting at the side of your bed. Breakfast soon bled into a hurried readying to get you and Eddie off to work while the guys would have their own shift in the mill as well, all no doubt readying to get the full day of everyone asking questions.

The parting peck on your cheek was more than enough to start the girls up inside to ask for all the details of your upcoming date the day after next with Dot up first stealing a moment to ask, “I just knew it, so, I am curious, how do you see this going?”

Her wide smile made you chuckle weakly to yourself and reply, “The movie sounds good, if it’s any close to the book.”

Dot rolled her eyes and her cousin came over to say, “She means with James.” Your eyes shifted between them as you tilted your head to loosen your ponytail from its place on your collar, “He’s what, late 30’s maybe? How long do you think it might take?”

Dot’s brows inched up and she added softer in the passing of another diner on the other side of the counter, “For a ring?”

“Um,” hastily you wet your lips and you stole a glance at the door waving to a leaving diner who had said goodbye to you three, looking back again you said, “I don’t know, you’d have to ask him.”

They rolled their eyes and the cousin said, “Ask him and he’ll give a vague answer. How long have you known him again?”

“We met, four years ago? But it was nearly another year before our troops ran into one another. So, roughly three years?”

The pair grinned at you and Dot said giddily, “Shouldn’t be long then. Three years to wait for a date, no telling how impatient he’ll be to get a family started.”

“I doubt he would try to-,”

The pair shook their heads patting your joined hands on the band of your apron and said, “No, no, that’s not what we meant.”

Dot, “I doubt he would ever push babies on so soon.”

Her cousin grinned wider saying, “The wedding however, no doubt he’ll be carving that in stone quick as can be.” Giggling in her path around you to add coffee to the cup of the customer in her area while you looked to Dot then went to answer your own call for a check.

“Hey Jimmy, so, how soon should we be fixing up the old church?”

James chuckled guiding the next log into place to help with its scraping as another man asked in joining him and Victor on the log with scraper in hand, “I mean, come on, she’s what, late teens?”

Victor replied, “20, your point?”

The man sent a playful scoff his way, “My point, gorgeous young girl, you planning on holing her up all day at home till the babies come in droves? I know my Lina loves having her at the diner.”

James started to scrape with the others saying, “Jaqi is going to school.”

Victor nodded, “No doubt off to one of the best schools. Babies can wait.”

The first man said, “Ah, so you’re letting her chase that path then?”

James smirked replying, “If you knew her better you’d know there’s no letting her do anything. And even if she needed my permission I’d be full steam ahead ready to move where she needs to follow her dreams academically.”

“Not many men would say that.”

James chuckled saying, “You think she’s stunning when she smiles, that’s nothing to when she rambles on passionately about things that even go over my head. Reads like she breathes and could put so called masters of subjects to shame, and trust me, nothing more appealing than being the arm candy for a change.” Making the men around him chuckle, “Either way, I’m still deciding on the bands, so no need to start mopping yet.”

Chuckles and jeers filled the corner of the mill and another man said, “Ooh, not even a date yet and he’s picking rings.”

Victor smirked saying, “He already has the ring, just needs the wedding band.” Stirring up more jeers and chuckles even making the brothers laugh at the supportive men in town all eager to see the former grump off to marital bliss.

Victor in a lean across the counter to kiss your forehead asked, “How’d your day go?”

Propping your arms on the counter you replied, “Well apparently by breakfast no one would be shocked to see a ring on a certain finger.”

Victor snorted trying to hold back his laugh and rumbled back, “Well that’s good, because we’ve heard rumbles the town is eager to get the church ready.”

In a shrug you replied, “Why even bother with the date, just jump right into the gown, which I would not be surprised to have an entire parade of trucks bringing the latest designs-,” making him laugh again hanging his head for a moment, “Either that or the girls will shut this place down and drag me to the city to find one.”

Victor, “We all just love you. Besides, Jimmy’s at Spuds now, heard they were saving your tickets just in case too many people wanted to tag along.”

“I’m surprised there’ll be any seats left at this rate.”

He rolled his eyes and said, “Least they’ll be distracted, you can sit in the back, or front so you can’t see anyone else, and burgers after if we have to we’ll shut the diner down for you.”

A jingling bell sounded and your eyes turned in the sounding diner with a spreading grin walking around the counter at James entering to claim your usual booth while you collected your tips. The usual orders went to your seats and at his side you sat down trying to keep from blushing as the conversation remained rather vague on how the town had been acting until you were in the truck on your way home again.

To calm you down another round of fishing was called for and bled into a giggle filled dinner as joking plans were tossed up in front of you and subtle cues were taken on how welcoming you might be to possible options on ceremonies. And even Eddie had brought up possible wedding bands making the brothers smirk at the idea of the traditional secretive engagement bands of youths, simple tied ribbons. It was a perfect idea to James as he really just needed the wedding bands to design fitting the ring he had inherited from his mother. She never wore it feeling it was too dark of a stone for her tastes and the cut was altogether ridiculous to her but he hoped you might like it and be proud to wear the unique ring as long he paired it with an equally as special band.

For weeks of his sneaking to join you by the time James had come back to bed after a bath you were giving his bed a curious bounce test making him smirk watching your loose curls sway and shift as you settled on your knees again. Lowly he rumbled, “Does it pass the test?”

Looking up at him his smirk deepened in a ruffle of the towel in his hair he then passed you his brush at your reach for it. “Bit stiff, but it might be from neglect,” making him chuckle at your easy taming of his hair, after which he turned to pull you under the covers against the pillows in the fire warmed room. Softly you giggled and said, “But I think the wolf in the corner is a bit much.”

Chuckling lowly he said, “Easily moved.” Stroking your cheek then melted into your gentle kiss you both nestled into the pillows afterwards widening his grin at your settling with his arm as your pillow trying not to react to your stolen brush of fingers across the hair on his chest tapering down his abdomen. His head nuzzled against yours and lowly he murmured sweet sentiments to you long after you’d fallen asleep only to claim a sleepy good morning kiss. Slowly the kiss deepened and his hands clenched into the sheets to keep from pushing you further at the spine tingling rush he felt at your fingers trailing over his back and into his hair. A muffled hum from you came in response to his stolen mumble of your name, “Jaq-,”

“Mmm?”

Again his eyes rolled and shut again when your lips met his again and firmly his hand rested above your hip folded around your side in what was intended to be used to inch you away only increasing his urge to bring you closer to him and hike your leg up around him when he rolled over you to take charge. Yet he held back and broke the kiss, “We’ll be late-,”

On your back his eyes trailed over your face as you said, “But it’s Saturday.”

For a moment his eyes flinched away then landed on your face again and he murmured, “Vic works today.”

With a nod you nipped at your lip and at your eyes looked over his face as he repeated, “Vic works.” Once again the distance was closed and his lips found yours in a glide of his hand across your cheek to tangle in your hair. The sensation making him smirk imagining it to your waist again as it was when you had first met. Again his lips left yours and softly you relished the break for air in the stroke of his hand from your scalp through the end of your curls with an admiring gaze following his hair, “I can’t wait for you to have that same waist length braid packed with these unruly curls of yours.” Awkwardly you grinned in a creeping blush, leaning in he sweetly kissed your cheeks and murmured, “Unless you prefer it short.”

You shook your head and replied, “I miss my long hair, vain as you are about yours, I can admit I almost cried having to lose it all, and Eddie certainly did cutting it off.”

James smirked leaning in to kiss your lips again, “Be as vain as you like about your hair, because Darling, you don’t have a vain bone in your body. We’ll be quite the pair then.”

You rolled your eyes and after another stolen kiss he pulled back at the grumble of your stomach and said, “Breakfast first, maybe we can beat Victor then I can take you and Eddie on a hike if you like?”

Pt 12

#Eddie Brock #Venom #Victor Creed #James Howlett

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books-and-dragons · 6 years

Text

What never could have been

okay, now im gonna be doing these days as they come, so expect delays? i may write/start writing day 4 tonight, but my schedule’s gonna pick up this weekend :c

What could never have been

Deep down, Akechi had longed for that feeling of unity, when he joined the Phantom Thieves. He’d ached for the support, the praise, the feeling of pride and satisfaction that came at the end of a long day in Mementos. Every move he made in tandem with Joker, he’d clung to like a desperate child.

A part of him had hoped they trusted him. Considered him a friend.

Seeing them all, in the Engine Room, walking together, shoulders brushing against each other, Battleworn and achy, but happily together- he felt the pang of rejection. He knew before he’d even jumped down from those pipes, before he’d revealed himself as the Black mask.

They’d never trusted him.

He would never be one of them.

ShuAke Confidant Week, Day 3- Rejection

Linky to ao3 be here (i’ll add in a sec)

Akechi had been using the Metaverse since he was 15. He was no stranger to shadows, or personas- certainly not cognitions.

But to the roaring laughter in the Monabus, the teasing comments in the midst of battle, the reliable support at every twist and turn of the Palace- Akechi most certainly felt a stranger to.

Blackmailing the Phantom Thieves and infiltrating their little group, that had always been the plan. Wait until the end of Sae Nijima’s palace and kill Kurusu in the Interrogation chambers, he was ready for that. He’d put an end to that annoying attic trash, his sickening kindness and irritating friends.

And then, he joined the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

When Eigaon was heading straight towards him and Robin, suddenly Akira was there, supported by Arsene’s bold wings, taking minor damage from the element the pair were so inclined to.

In the Monabus, Makoto shared her water, claiming he looked tired. The thieves were quick to ask about his health, worry about his sleeping patterns- Akechi couldn’t remember the time someone asked how much sleep he’d been having recently.

At Leblanc, Akira always added extra curry to his and Yusuke’s plates. Going to bed hungry was becoming but a distant memory.

Akechi could remember the gut-aching laughter when Ryuji suddenly decided that he was able to stomach coffee. In particular, Haru’s elephant-dung black coffee. It had been a spit-take that Futaba had immortalised forever on her phone.

That amused yet serene smile on Akira’s face as he set all the thieves lose to gamble their shadow winnings in Sae’s Palace. How it made Akechi's own heart race, especially when Akira transferred that same look directly at his direction.

But then, he’d stared into Akira’s glazed eyes, his beaten face. The blood congealing on his wrists, the pricks of needles peeking out from the Shujin turtleneck, the way each breath was much shorter, as if to breathe longer pushed the very limits of his ribcage, long lashes stuck together from some sort of liquid, perhaps tears. He’d looked at it all, then he shot Akira in the face.

Leblanc was no longer a source of homely comfort. No longer would he be welcomed with Akira’s warm smile and Sojiro’s old-man grumblings.

His forgotten meals went back to being forgotten, nobody caring if he’d eaten or not. If he felt well at all.

But it was all his fault, and he knew it.

The Phantom Thieves had offered their hands to him, and he threw it aside. Killed their beloved leader, their guiding light. Betrayed their trust in the worst way possible.

He still caught himself lingering in the train station, hoping to bump into Akira. Those days were always the worst. The days where the shadow of a ghost would flash around every corner, linger at their favourite spots, watch over Akechi’s shoulder as he did paperwork. The briefcase was always heaviest on those days, the nightmares most vivid.

He hated himself for clinging to that ghost. For creating that ghost in the first place.

He could have had friends, companions. On most days, he’d hiss to himself that he didn’t need friends, that they were pathetic- a crutch for the weak. He was stronger than such reliance, such neediness. He’d made it this far by himself- he didn’t need anyone else.

On other days, he taunted himself with images of what could have been. Perhaps he would have told the others about his relation with Shido, and Akira’s eyes would light with determination- they’d storm into his Palace, tear it down in a matter of days, Akechi could destroy that man, surrounded by honest and genuine support from the Phantom Thieves. Perhaps they would celebrate after, full of warmth and excitement. Akira could lean into him, giddy and tired from the past days events, and Akechi would carefully place his arm around that slim frame- maybe that night, running on sheer adrenaline, Akechi would finally work up the courage to act on the feelings he’d buried for so long.

But instead he threw it all away.

With a single bullet, he destroyed all hope he could have ever had at that happiness.

How easy it could have been, to escape that interrogation room with Akira in his arms- battered and broken, but he’d be safe, protected.

Instead, he was dead.

Dead, at Akechi’s hands. Shido gave the order, but it was Akechi that followed them, like some pathetic dog following the orders of its master with no mind of it’s own.

The thieves had offered him a way out, and he turned away.

The hope he never thought he’d be offered, that he never deserved, offered to him in perfect scenario after perfect scenario- he could have had that. Their care, their friendship.

And he hated himself for rejecting that.

They’d never cared.

He was a fool to think they were ever genuine about their friendship, that they would ever truly welcome him among their precious ranks, their sickeningly-close bond. He was a tool, yet again, just something other people used for their own advantages.

They pretended. Faked kindness and honestly- those innocent offerings, rambunctious rounds of laughter, all of it a mask for their true loathing, their distrust.

For how long had they been hiding so much from him? Had it been their plan the entire time, to weaken him with their friendship and bonding, only to betray him, to whisper secrets behind his back and plot their way around his path, like undetected phantoms.

He watched them, exhausted but still smiling, linked arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand, the final letter of admission to Shido’s Representative Chamber secured in their grasp.

And right in the middle, surrounded by love and support, wearing that irritatingly-soft smile and perfectly breathing, was Akira Kurusu.

No bullet wound through his skull, all physical wounds from his interrogation mostly healed- it was as if nothing had ever happened.

As if Akechi had never even existed.

He knew in that moment, the second he lay eyes on Kurusu, that he’d been manipulated. They tugged at strings of his heart that he once thought were long-since withered, played him into believing their offer was real- all to get rid of him.

They always knew he didn’t belong with them.

As he jumped down from the upper pipes, landing perfectly before a minorly-startled Joker, he told himself that deep down, he'd always known he didn’t belong with them either.

#writing #shuakeconfidantweek #persona 5 #p5 #akeshu #shuake #my fics

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