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afterthelastreset · 3 years

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Rules Of One’s Soul Ch25 Ending

(Hey everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone who read this far and liked my story enough to read it to it's end. I had a lot of fun writing it and it makes me happy knowing some people loved it enough to read it fully. Thanks to everyone for reading this, adding it, or leaving a nice comment. And thank you to Toby Fox for creating such wonder characters for us all. Mak belongs to @alois-toussaint)

It was...just as they promised.

Rouxls took the last day off, with supervision of course. After that little scare both Seam and Jevil insisted that he stayed right there with them so they could keep an eye on him incase anything happened. So, Seam (forced him to sleep in) offered Rouxls his bed for the night, and he at first refused, but he was too mentally exhausted to argue for too long. So he took his offer, and fell fast asleep. Probably one of the most peaceful nights he had. He slept in rather late as well, because when he woke up he saw the blurry vision of Seam STILL sewing the black cloak he had been working on for a while now and Mak passed out lightly snoring on the couch, still wearing the small purple suit but now it was wrinkled in their sleep.

"So you're awake I see" Seam said with a smile, not even looking up from his sewing. ''I hope you slept well."

The worm groaned and reached up a blue hand run through his messy shiny hair. Slowly sitting up and looking to the cat with a tired grin. "...Yes. Thank thee." The blankets were tossed over, and his legs swung off the bed, And he slowly stood to his feet. Slowly stretching out his dark blue body and still Seam didn't look at him when Rouxls looked in his direction. "And howest didst thou sleep?"

"I slept rather well, thank you. But you must've been more tired than myself as you slept in rather late today, it's almost afternoon." Rouxls ground and reached to grab for his suit coat hung up on the bed post. Seam busying himself by doublechecking the stitching he had just done, bringing the black cloak up to his one good eye to peer at it. He was almost finished really, he just wanted to double check on everything before he decided to wear it. "So when does this celebration start if I may ask?"

Rouxls had just finished buttoning his coat shirt and sighed. "Tomorrow afternoon at five o'clock sharp. I musteth leave tomorrow to make sure all are according to plan-"

"After you're break today. You did promise us you would take time off today after all, and it would be rather rude to go back on your promise."

The worm paused what he was doing and despite him wanting to go and deal with the nonsense and chaos coming to prepare for the ball..He sighed in defeat. "Very well. Thoust shall havest mine word on it, but has thou been up to now?" He finally turned to the duke, who was currently running his hands through his head to try and tame his wild bed head but nodded to the cloak in his paws. "Thou haseth been working on that clothing for a longe time. What ever tis it for?"

"Oh this?" He held up the cloak and the duke nodded. "Oh, it's just an old coat I plan on wearing tomorrow on our little outing. It just needed some fixing from all these years, but it'll do in a pinch. But that also begs another question, what do you plan on doing until tomorrow afternoon?"

"I shallst keep to mineself and reopening mine shoppe for today." A smile came over the duke's features and he chuckled. "Who knowest how many Darkners forgotten to gettest their special someone something last minute.~ Mine profits and funds shall rise substantially."

He hummed and went back to sewing his cloak again. "I see. Are you planning on doing that for the entire time you're waiting?''

"...N-Nay. I'm also going to best thinking about f-future events, and ..a-and what wouldst be best for mineself and Lancer."

"And have you decided yet?"

A pause...And he heard footsteps walk past him and glanced up to see Rouxls stand in the doorway but smiled and looked back to him. "N-Not yet. B-But I havest plenty of time to thinkest it over. A-And perhaps a new speculation on mine life is just what I needed for a long time."

Seam chuckled again. "I suppose we could all use a fresh start every so often, but I want you to know duke. I'll support your descicion whichever you decide."

Rouxls smiled wider. "Thank thee. I shall seest myself out. I shall pick thee up by four thirty sharp tomorrow."

"Just be sure to be ready by that time tomorrow. I'll be expecting you, Mr. Kaard.~"

It seemed the whole day and a half of waiting for the two went by in a blink of an eye. He wasn't sure what Rouxls was doing within that time frame, but for him he was quite busy. More busy than he has been in a while. It took most of the rest of that day to finish sewing up the cloak back to it's former glory and it...it still smelt musty so into the wash it would go. Mak woke up not too long after Rouxls left and awakened with a snort and looked up at him. "Breakfast time??" He chuckled and offered to trade a giant diamond to wash the suit they were wearing and they happily agreed seeing the baseball sized diamond in his paw. Ok. So he got the laundry to go, what else could he do to prepare? ...Well what else to do but do what he usually did to pass the time in his life, he opened his sheap for a limited time this day. So he took down the closed sigh from his flap, gave Mak some food they gobbled down, and sat down at his usually spot behind the counter and waited. It didn't too long for three panicked Rudinns to come scurrying in and frantically looking around for anything they could grab for...the holiday he guessed, and came up to the counter. Each having a small bag of dark candy and one also grabbing a can of food along with it and the three threw money at him before slithering off just as fast away from the sheap....Well. If this is certainly how Rouxls said it would be, things just might be a bit more busy around here in the next few hours. AT least that's what he thought as his paws calmly went and picked up all the darke dollars thrown at him and he got up to pick up the few that fell onto the floor. Yep. It was looking to be a profittable time. And he wasn't wrong. Throughout the one day alone more darkners, mostly Rudinns with the occasional hathy or club, would make their way in and look around for what exactly they needed before exiting just as quickly with what they wanted. Most of it was tiny bags of dark candy, but their was also the occasional darkburger, tea mix, and at one point he even finally sold his spooky sword to a hathy. She said something about her husband always liking edgy looking things. Whatever the heck 'edgy' meant. But it wasn't over crowding, the most everyone would be in there was maybe four or five at a time and they'd leave just as quickly. Mak certainly wasn't enjoying the big crowd and just stayed in the back while occasionally poking their head out to ask a few questions.

"When's Jevil coming back?" "Lunch time now?" "Is my suit done yet?" "Where's my crayons?"

He chuckled and sat there and did what he normally did, meditate the hours away until someone else dashed in and he'd watch them scramble, buy, then leave then start his whole process again. The hours ticked passed and when a small period went without anyone, so he thought it'd be a good time to close up shop. He just got done sealing the flap of the sheap with the closed sigh hanging up, when he heard the familiar sounds of Mak's maniac laughter which could only mean one thing. He smiled as he walked back into his home and sure enough the sight of a very tired Jevil sat upon the couch and Mak was happily showing him their new giant diamond Seam gave them. The imp smiled and patted them on the head before flopping back into the couch's soft cushions.

He chuckled as he walked in and made for the armchair he always sat in. "Well, how was your day of work and playing with the little king?"

Jevil didn't even look up from his tuckered pose position. "Exhausting, exhausting. Rouxls, Rouxls has much to do around the castle and watching a child, child while practicing tricks is not easy, easy work at all. Even for myself, myself."

"Says the one that can do anything?," he chuckled as he sat down across from him.

Jevil chuckled. "I never said I couldn't, coudn't do it. Only that it wasn't easy, easy. But where is Rouxls, Rouxls?"

"He's at his shop resting as far as I know. He said he'll be back here tomorrow to escort Mak and myself to the castle, but how is that routine coming along? I would've helped but I vowed to retire from that life long ago."

..Jevil sighed before smiling wider and finally opening to look at him. "I respect, respect your descision old friend. But I will be able to perform tomorrow, tomorrow if I sleep all night tonight. If it means Rouxls, Rouxls and you will like it."

He chuckled. "You know I've always loved your tricks my dear friend. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Thank you, thank you." He smiled at him...before his smile disappeared for a moment and he turned his gaze to the ceiling. "Seam, seam?" He hummed and Jevil deflated a little with a sigh. "You know I can never, never apologize enough for my actions all those years ago, and I may make up, make up for my mistake...B-But if Rouxls chooses you or neither, neither of us...Would you mind, mind if we were still, still......I mean..Have, have a second chance at what once was between us, us?"

A silence followed and the cat was staring in surprise at the nervous form of jevil silently laying on the couch awaiting the cat's answer with fear as to what he might say. There was no way he wanted to be left alone after all these years of having no company except for guards delivering food or Lancer occasionally, and after he had discovered he had two soulmates he made peace with. But...it all depended on their answers. He was still dreading what Rouxls would eventually pick, but Seam-...He feared more. But as the cat Chuckled he squinted his eyes shut, fearing the worst.

"But of course. I couldn't imagine life without you again."

Like a spring his eyes snapped back opened and looked to the cat in disbeleif. "WHAT?!"

He just calmly shrugged and smiled. "I already forgave you, you apologised, and life is as normal as it'll be under the circumstances. Why wouldn't I accept an invite like that from my dearest and oldest friend- OOF!!" He didn't get a chance to finish before a purple blur suddenly jumped on him in the form of Jevil hugging the much larger cat as best as he could, Seam freezing up for a good moment or two, before chuckling and reaching up to pat the gremlin on the back.

"Thank you, Seam, Seam."

"Of course. But perhaps we both should get some sleep now. We both have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

*************************************************************************************************

Seam awoke the next morning to Mak asking for Breakfast and Jevil gone. Guess the royal jester was needed for rehearsal and all that with a ball. Which suited him fine. Not only did he himself had to get ready, but it was going to be difficult to convince the child to do anything of the sort, and he couldn't very well leave them here by themselves. They would've probably been ok, but he would've been a bad caretaker if he left the child there alone by themselves. First order of business was coaxing them into a bath, but of course like any child they refused and he had to brib them by offering them more shiny objects for their collection if they did so, which thy did reluctantly but they didn't like it. He'd make it up to them later when he was finished grooming himself....He was not fond of baths himself. One being because it was a cat thing, and another reason being because whenever he did take a bath his cotten always felt weighed down by all the water soaked into it and his stitches always strained. Nothing a magic drying couldn't fix, but that always left him rechecking all his stitches and brushing all his fluffed up fur. Especially the orange tuft of fur around his neck, it always fluffed up to make him look like some kind if lion, Mak laughed when it happened this time as he rain his claws and brush along the dum mane of hair and the rest of himself, repatching stitches and sighing after the amount of work fixing himself always took. Mak wasn't any better. They would let any part of them be brushed and even after he offered them something in return, only let him fix up the top of their head before clambering back into their suit and letting Seam fix them up and straighten their bowtie back into it's proper place, before throwing on his own black cloak. It had been slightly over a hundred years since he wore it, so he wasn't surprised when it was kinda snug, but it still fit fine all the same at least. He straightened out what he could and even dawned a fancy dress pants to match with it. When he was finished he summoned a mirror with a snap of the fingers and took a look at himself. The cat in the reflection smiled back as he inspected the cloak around his shoulders. The smooth black velvet had gold stitchings on the shoulders and hem and while it didn't go all the way down to his feet, it was still long enough to sheild his arms from sight unless he poked them out, and two large buttons were sewn to the left side of the suit with golden strings attaching them to the other side. Why- He'd say he'd look just like he did nearly a hundred years ago in this, even after his accident which left one of his eyes to be replaced by a button, minus all the patches he had now. Below him Mak was smiling and messing with their bowtie as if still readying themselves for the giant event. He chuckled and patted their head before snapping away the mirror.

"Are you nervous about the party?"

"Nah. Just hungry."

He chuckled again and made for the armchair he was all so familiar with. "Well just remember to behave yourself while we're there, and don't cause trouble." He sighed as he sat down into the comfy armchair and relaxed back into it's soft seat. Snapping his fingers to summon a flame before throwing it into the fireplace, lighting a fire in it's place. The kettle over the fire slowly starting to heat up.

They didn't have to wait too long. Time flew by as he sipped his tea and Mak..was playing with whatever shiny object they had collected recently, but there was no mistaking the sound of the flap opening and fancy heeled footsteps approuching the backroom. Seam hummed and looked to the old clock against the wall. Four thirty sharp. Well the duke wasn't a lier, he did show up to get them at four thirty sharp, and he smiled and turned to the doorway- And blinked in surprise at the sight before him. This could NOT be the duke. This fancy dressed up make up wearing beautiful GODDESS!! Could not be the duke. The blue man that was standing there was wearing fancy white, shiny heeled boots that stopped by his knees, fancy black dress pants and an even fancier blue and white velvet coat shirt. Gold shiny buttons shined from the coat shirt and the long elegant blue cape drapping over one of his shoulders and flowed down until it was a few inches away from the floor. Black spade markings lined the coat and white velvet gloves pushed the coat away for a moment. A small necklace hung around his neck with a shiny black spade and matching earrings were hanging from his pointed ears, but all that was nothing compared to his face. The shiny white hair that usually drapped down his back was now styled in an elegant braid drapping over his left shoulder and any left over small strands were curled framing his face. His eyelashes, looking like they had been curled, brought out his pretty mitchmatched eyes as they fluttered at him and Rouxls smiled. The worm quickly took notice of the cat's staring and the small pink to his cheeks, he's always had this effect on people, but this somehow made him feel more...bashful as the blue man looked down and reached up to push one of the white curls away.

"Art thou pleased with mine look?"

Seam didn't respond at first but coughed before giving a polite smile. "O-Of course. You look rather handsome tonight, Duke." Despite his initial shock at first, he calmly stood up and Mak poked their head out of their corner. Upon seeing Rouxls, they clambered out and bounded over by Seam's side as he rose a hand and snapped his fingers. The fire instantly disappeared and Seam turned back to him. "Sorry. Have to take precations."

Rouxls just bashfully cleared his throat. "T-Thank thee. Art thou r-ready to go?"

Seam patted Mak's head. "Yes. Are you ready to take us?"

His Only answer was smiling and held his hand out. Seam reached down to pick up Mak and calmly put the child under his arm before his bigger paw grasped onto Rouxls's and for a moment the two stood there and flushed, before he felt a sudden build up of magic and a blinding white light captured them both. It was a very strange and weird feeling to be sure, the light bodied nothingness feeling just felt..Strange. So when the three of them landed down on a path, thank goodness, instead of hard stone of the castle and much to his embarrasment, he fell over flopping softly onto the ground and coughed a few times. Blinking away the bright white light and staring up to the dark sky as feeling came back to his body and he realized his fur was standing on end. Mak grunted and crawled out from under his arm and shook the dust off themselves, just as Rouxls leaned over him with a concerned look over his face.

"Oh my. I amst so sorry! A-Art thou alright?"

"Yeah. I'm good." He grunted as he sat up and Rouxls comically pushed his back until the taller cat stood to his feet. The nervous worm quickly dusting him off and he shook his head, feeling slightly embarrased he fell over like a goober. Rouxls's way of teleporting was MUCH more different than Jevil's. He was used to the tight compact feeling of Jevil's twisting teleporting, but he guessed even Rouxls's way was more fancy of doing it. But he paused as Rouxls was still dusting him off and moved to the front of his magnificent cloak. And paused. "Oh. We're here."

The giant looming figure of the Card Castle's shadow towered over them as the cat stared and his button eye spun. He didn't even realize Rouxls had grabbed his paw and began to pull them forwards towards the castle's grand entrance. And Seam only watched as the castle grew closer with Mak bouncing at his heels, the front doors being guarded by two giant Rudinn Rangers who lowered their weapons once the duke waved them away. It was almost like nothing changed. The pathway was still as stone cold as he remembered and the anxeity of all those eyes possibly on himself again for being the old magician. Would everyone look at him funny? By being the duke's date he was bound to get some attention, but that was the least of his worries. WOuld the kings be displeased to see him? It had been quite a while and he wasn't sure if Rouxls told anyone of him being his date for this whole night, but it was still terrorfying. Even if noone knew or remembered him, he was sure he would get some attention for just being on the duke's arm, or more likely the duke being on his arm, but it still made him nervous. And when he blinked, brain catching up with him, he finally noticed they were in the castle. The many, MANY red and pink decorations lining the other wise drab hallways. A lot of giggling and smiles from the many staff and guards were a refreshing sight and calmed his nerves even if only a little bit. Mak was giggling and running around startling some of them and eyes wide at all the shiny decorations, and startling a few of the people watching the child floating around. But no one was looking at him, but he noticed a few people gazing towards the duke then away again. Despite his calm and polite smile, he felt a bit of annoyance at seeing the smiles sent Rouxls way, guess he couldn't help it. Despite what Jevil said, he wasn't the best or young looking. Scars and patches here and there. One eye. Stitches. He was only a few years older than Jevil and a few they were both older than Rouxls by a few more, but he still gave off the aura off being much older. Jevil was always saying it was because of how wise and patient he was, but he always knew it was more his appearance. But he was most surprised when the pair turned a corner and ran into two tall darners wearing suits and with professional faces. He was sure with his limited memory this was the rather large throne/ball room and by the way Rouxls was smiling excitedly at it, his gut feelings was correct. The worm suddenly stopped when Seam did and looked over his shoulder, white brow raising in confusion. The cat had grabbed the stuffed bat for a moment and kneeled down eye level with them for a moment.

"Now do you remember what we talked about?," He questioned and they nodded. "And what did we talk about?"

"No biting or scratching."

"And behave yourself. Can you do that?" They nodded again and he patted their head before standing back up and letting them run ahead to the doors. ROuxls excitedly lead him to the doors and nodded to the two in front of the doors as the child bounced excitedly at the doors waiting for them to open.

At Rouxls's nod, the two Darkners in suits both reached over and grabbed a door each and pushed them open. Seam was NOT prepared for what was on the other side of the doors. His good eye widened and his button one spun about as the doors opened and bright candlelights lit the room and bounced off the many MANY giant glittery decorations lining the wall. His ears twitched towards the left where a band was playing ballroom dance music even though no one was dancing(yet) and he couldn't beleive he just now noticed these sounds. Even though they were around half an hour early arriving, their must've been around at least fifty fancy looking darkners around them wearing glittery jewelry and other fancy things he didn't care for, but it seemed Mak did as their eyes widened before they ran off in a seperate direction giggling to themselves and disappearing into the crowd. Not that the two noticed. Seam was still star struck at the incredible sight of it all. Over to the far left near the winows was a very VERY large and long tabled filled with food: two gigantic roasts, a giaint salad, a chocolate fountain with bowls of fruit around it, a few cakes king sized, a punch bowl, a...giant bowl of Salsa(??), some platter of some kind of cookies(they were shaped like something but he didn't know what), another giant bowl full of dark candy, and a few other things he couldn't make out from the crowd clocking it. And there sitting on the thrones, were the kings and Queens themselves. Ah! He remembered them well. The Clubs were talking to their four headed queen. AH! King Heart and his beloved Queen Amory, the two looked so loving together as Mrs. Hearts fed her husband one of those strangely shaped cookies, and the Diamonds-...Well. They still looked as unhappy in their marriage as usual. The giant Rudinn was rubbing his temples and Mrs. Diamonds was glaring boredly at her surroundings. He chuckled- Until he saw him! The little jevil himself! There was a few wooden stands were in the middle of the floor a few feet above the audience with 5 performers. Four of them were simple jacks. 2 juggling a couple of harmless pins to each other on the stands above the crowd, the third a contorshonist curving his body into impressive poses impossible to most, and the last one laying on a bed of hot coals. The coals safely inside a suspended fireplace for everyone's safety. And in the middle stand of them all was the man of the hour themself. The purple menace hand't noticed them at all yet and wore a jester outfit similar to his regular one, only this one was made of black and gold velvet. The gold parts shiny and flashing brightly thanks to the devilknives he was juggling....and the devilknives were on FIRE!! He sat cross-legged in mid air and easily juggling four devilknives on fire, smiling widely and cackling at his work-

"Sir Duke and Royal Advisor Rouxls Kaard of Puzzles and Card Castle!!...And his plus one Retired Royal Court Mage Seam!!" Seam flinched as someone inside the door way called out Rouxls's official title and a LOT of people turned to see them, the kings included...He guessed someone told them about him too. Rouxls gave a smile and squeezed his paw almost comforting as he gently pulled the startled cat along into the room.

At the announcement of them two specific people caught their attention. Jevil snapped he smile over to them and paused. His yellow eyes widened first at Rouxls. The worm's hair and eyelashes naturally glowing and lighting himself as his fancy eyes met Jevil's and he bashfully smiled back...Jevil's hands didn't stop that expert juggling as he had developed to perform as second nature but he visibly gulped and his eyes slowly widened and had a pinkish hue to the bottom of those yellow orbs. But they started to become fully pink when he turned to Seam and saw the outfit he was wearing. The old but fancy magician cloak was simple compared to Rouxls or his or anyone else's outfits, but it suited him to a T and all the happy memories of him and Jevil performing and being happy came rushing back- And his smile came back even more wide as Seam calmly smiled at him too. His cackling growing as he juggled. The second person jumped up on their throne as soon as Rouxls's name was announced before jumping off said throne and began zooming through the crowd towards them. Pushing past others and excitement dripping over their young face.

"LESSER DAD!!" Rouxls's head snapped to the left and smiled widely kneeling down and holding his arms out just as Lancer grunted and squeezed between two darkners before coming free and running towards the worm who easily captured the young boy in his arms and happily brought the giggling boy up in his arms. Seam smiled and peered curiously at the small boy in the duke's hold, finally getting a look at this famous young king. The child was dressed in a small fancy uniform and cape, with a white crown on his head. A blue tongue stuck out of his mouth as she giggled and his tail wagged happily as his face hole that was apparently his face stared at his father. "Where were you? I thought your break was over."

Rouxls chuckled and bounced him a few times. "I waseth...a bit busy with a fewest new things and visiting someone." He turned to Seam who reached a paw up and waved to the small pup who tilted his head at him. "Lancer. Tis a friend, Seam."

"...You look really fluffy and tall Mr. Grandpa cat!"

Seam's brow rose, not expecting that kind of reaction from the child, but chuckled either way as Rouxls groaned softly. "Well, I'm happy you think so, Young King. " He bowed. "And what a brave little man you are."

"YEAH!! Lesser Dad is my noble steed too!!...Whatever a noble steed is." He said proudly and both men couldn't help but chuckle.

"Were you good while I was gone?"

He nodded. "YEAH!! I got to play with Uncle Jevil, and he made sure I got all the food I wanted, and he let me watch him practice, and he made me do boring homework with the teacher guy, and then I had to take a bath." He sucked in a breath to keep going. "And then I had to wear this itchy suit, but I got to eat ice cream for breakfast today!!" He took a moment to look at his father. "WOW!! You look really pretty, Dad!"

Rouxls rose a brow at him at the ice cream bit, but still smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, and you look as handsome as ever." He gave him a kiss to the forehead to which the child giggled at but shook his head.

"And Ralsei's coming!! I don't know when because his letter said his parents were busy, but he promised he would come!!"

He chuckled. "I look forward to meeting this Prince officially. We haven't been properly introduced since mine encounter longe ago with thine Lightner friends."

"This young uh..Prince wouldn't happen to be a small white darkner with glasses would it?" Seam asked curiously and Rouxls blinked at himbut Lancer answered before he could.

"YEAH!! He really cool!! Not as cool as Susie, but he can do really cool magic and is really nice!!"

He hummed and smiled again. "Well then I remember this Prince of Darkness. He and his friends visited my shop and fought Jevil. I was honestly surprised they made it out in one peice."

Rouxls blinked..before scowling. "What?..Art thou telling mineself that Jevil battled against children and thou let them?!"

Seam paused sensing Rouxls's now displeased scowl and shrugged nervously. "They lived, and aren't you the one who tried to stop them using puzzles and a powered up K-round?"

His frown deepened. "Mine puzzles were not thine best true, but they were made to trap and not harm and mine control crown -before it was destroyed by thine lightners- made thine K-round under mine control and I waseth going to stop it once it weakened thine lightners enough to store them safely within thine dungeon....I was NAY!! Intending on causing any harm or did so so carelessly, Seam." The cat didn't say anything this time and Rouxls sighed. "We and Jevil are goinge to have a longe talketh about this later." He quickly turned back to a small smile to Lancer and chuckled. "Now. Art thou having fun?" Lancer shook his head no. "Nay? What ever is thy matter?"

"Ralsei's not here and Uncle Jevil's busy...and everyone said I couldn't bring ANY toys and I have to sit on the dumb chair until Uncle jevil does his trick Routine." He pouted and leaned against his father.

"Oh? And when is Jevil going to entertain us?"

"He promised before my bedtime but it's taking too long!!"

Rouxls chuckled at his pouting and nodded to Seam to follow. "Well then. Now that I'm here, why don'tst thou wait with me while you wait for thou's friend, and gettest to know Seam better?"

"Is he cool?"

"Very.~ He was a magician."

Lancer's interest spiked up at magician and the pup stared past Rouxls shoulder up at the stuffed cat as he followed Rouxls back to the giant thrones. He was pretty anxious to be stepping up in front of the kings and queens no less, but to his surprise and absolute releif, none payed much attention then the usually 'Oh, I remember you. How are you these days?' kinda talk. Two of the four kings were too busy making googoo eyes at their partners anyways and one was busy trying NOT to notice the giant lady Rudinn they were married to. Lancer looked up at the kissig faces and made a 'yuck!' face and pointed at his mouth. Seam chuckling at the sight. Such a innocent child. Rouxls set him back down on the chair and Lancer groaned, falling back into the comfy seat as the other royals greeted the duke before going back to their regular business. Despite being next to the gigantic royals, Seam's attention was on the crowd. His good eye scanned the many, many couples swapping small hearts or giggling with red faces. One or two kissing each other. He thought he saw a flash on Mak every few seconds but couldn't be sure, and his eye went to Jevil the imp smiled seeing him look at him juggling before doing a flip in mid air looking like he was doing a hand stand without using his arms to stand and looked at him upside-down without stopping juggling and winked at him. Seam chuckled and waved back over to him- He hummed and turned back to the throne. Rouxls was now sitting in the throne with Lancer in his arms and said child was tugging his cape with interest.

"Are you really a magician?," he asked.

He chuckled. "A used to be. But I'm retired now."

"What does 'retired' mean?"

His paw came up to pat his head where his crown wasn't. "It means I don't work that particular job anymore. Now I own a store."

"Like Lesser Dad?" Seam nodded and Lancer smiled wider. "Uncle Jevil said you used to do tricks too!" His tail thumped wider in excitement. "Can you show me?! Please!!"

Seam hesitated for a moment, he hadn't really performed persay any tricks in a long time. But one look at Rouxls's smile encouraged him. After all, Jevil had made peace with their soulmates child, it was only fair he made a good first impression too. So he leaned down and held out his paws, both empty and not wearing sleeves. Lancer glanced at them curiously but jumped when Seam suddenly clapped them together, and slowly opened them to where he was holding a small toy in his paws. Lancer gasped at the cute teddy bear in his paws and reached out excitedly for it as Seam handed it over. Lancer was happy to examine the new toy before holding it to him in a hug and looked back to him bouncing and saying: 'Again! Again!' Rouxls was smiling wide now as was Seam as he performed another trick for the small pup. This time reaching behind his crown and then suddenly pulling out a single dark dollar, to which Lancer gasped in wonder and also took it when Seam offered it to him, shoving it into his pants pocket and asking for him to do it again. He smiled and happily performed a few simple tricks he remembered. Pulling a strand of tied together hankercheifs out of nowhere, which lancer also reached for excitedly. Making a small flame appear and turning it into different simple shapes like a circle, cube, flat surface, etc. Pulling a button out of his ear seemingly. And a few other harmless little party tricks a child like Lancer found amazing, the child was just fascinated with magic and he chuckled at his excitement. In the meantime Rouxls watched lovingly as Lancer was giggling and enjoying himself as Seam bowed as he clapped at his small performances. While this was going on every so often the announcer would shout out another name as more guests arrived.

"Princess Clover Clubs of Card Castle!!" King and Queen Clubs were excited and babbled as their small three headed daughter came up to them wearing a small crown for each head but that was about it. "Baron Mr. Elegance and Mr. Society of Great Bourd Pass!!" Two strange all white darkners made their way in about thirty minutes later and mingled with the crowd. Thirty minutes later."Royal Court Healer Ms Valen and her Husband!!" A slightly bigger than average blue hathy couple. Seam was starting to get the impression that most of the folks here were important court members and their plus ones/partners or just important people invited to the royal shindig. As the next ones also arrived around thirty minutes after the last. "General of War Sir Punch-a-lot and his husband!!" A VERY scarred up red rudinn ranger slithered through the doors with a slightly smaller green one and the red one gave a grumpy look around before rolling his eyes and letting himself be dragged in. Thirty minutes later. "Head Of Treasury and Staff Ms. Royal Coat Jack!!" A strange looking jack came in, but she just looked nervous and skittered in without another word. Huh. Guess she was the secritary Rouxls often referred to helping him. But the next announcement made Lancer perk up from his new teddy bear again thrity minutes later. "Esteemed Guest and Hero of the Darklands Prince Ralsei Durrmee of the neighboring Durrmee Kingdom!!"

This time a LOT of attention was focused to the doors as they opened and Seam looked too, wanting to get a look at this hero once again, and a small hush came over the crowd. Behind the doors strode in a teenage darkner. He looked-..Well exactly how Seam remembered. Same outfit too. Green cloak and hat, wide circle glasses, and red scarf. The nervous looking boy paused looking at all the darkners suddenly staring at him and he smiled nervously before waving a paw.

"Uh...H-Hi, Everyone." He quickly excused himself and made his way towards them. It seems the only ones who didn't stop were the band and performers, taking their jobs seriously no matter what happened. The nervous goat monster made his way through the crowd and Lancer's tail wagged even more as he came closer. "Excuse me. Excuse me. Pardon me, Ma'am. Oops! Sorry. W-Watch your footing, Sir." He said as he walked even closer to the royals who were now looking with smiles- Except for Queen Diamonds who seemed more interested in her jewelry. But the boy still bowed once he got close enough to the giant thrones and their occupants. "U-Um..Greetings, Everyone. I hope I'm not too late-"

''RALSEI!!" Lancer happily jumped off the Duke's lap and made for the teen still holding his teddy bear, said goat prince looked up just in time to watch the small spade pup hug one of his legs and giggled. Tail wagging. "YOU'RE HERE!! NOW IT WON'T BE ALL MUSHY AND BORING!! YOU WANNA PLAY WITH ME?!" All the adults (minus Queen Diamond and Clover) awed at the adorable sight of the teen giggling and patting his head in response. Clover's three heads were staring at the small goat teen with blue blushes even though each head had a different face responding to the blush. "Sure. If your dad doesn't mind." He looked back up at the duke still sitting in the throne smiling and watching, and waved a paw at him. "Um. H-Hello Mr. Kaard. Wow. You look really nice tonight. All of you guys do too."

Clover flushed deeper at that and Rouxls chuckled. "Nonsense. Thou arrived with plenty of time to spare. How waseth thou's trip?"

"F-Fine thanks." He straightened his glasses before looking down to Lancer. "And if he doesn't have any other duties, I'd be happy to catch up-"

"HEY!!" Most everyone jumped up at the sudden shout from one of the clubs princess's heads. "YOU PROMISED YOU'D BE OUR DATE TONIGHT!!" "I-It's fine if he wanted to spend time with him instead, I'll just be a little sad." "OH! I'm so excited! Our first date with a cute fluffy boy!"

"Uh..." Ralsei glanced to Rouxls for any help on the matter.

All of King Clubs heads looked displeased and about to say something a whole lot of somethings before his wife's heads spoke up. "Dearest we talked about this." "J-J-Just...l-l-let her have this moment..ok?" "Im fine with anything really." "HEY!! SHE'S ALMOST SIXTEEN!! GIVE HER A LITTLE SPACE!!" The five heads of his majesty stared at each other for a moment...before grumbling and not saying anything. "THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT!!" "Thank you, Sweetie." "T-T-Thanks." "Im still fine with anything really."

Ralsei still looked quite unsure before looking back to Clover. "U-Um..Ok. C-Can Lancer come too? I promised to spend time with him too."

The three heads looked at each other before the middle one spoke. "Would that make you happy and like us more?"

"Uh," he said still really unsure and looked at Lancer who nodded eagerly. "Yyyyeesss??"

"OK!! We can start by getting some roasted tree!!" She shouted before standing back up and walking towards him.

"Roasted what?"

He was nudged away by one of Clover's heads and Lancer happily bounced next to the two (or five if you counted each of Clover's heads as an individual) teens. King Clubs still not looking the tiniest bit pleased at his daughter's 'date' for the night at all.

"Do you think we're pretty?" "I thought we looked nice." "OF COURSE WE ARE!! WE HAVE STYLE!!"

"Uh..Yes?"

The last Seam heard of THAT conversation was Clover happily squealing to herself and still pushing the poor boy off with Lancer at their heels. At least the boy would be around two other kids and get to spend time with someone closer to his age group. But speaking of food, Seam gazed over to the table full of goods and wondered if there was anything to his liking. He didn't really have to eat being made of cotten, but anything he did eat was converted into extra magic later and who knows when that might come in handy? Rouxls seemed to mirror his same thoughts as he stood up and bid good morrow to the giant royals before turning in Seam's direction and gesturing to the giant food table in question. Seam nodded and the two began their way there, with Seam politely offering Rouxls his paw and the duke gladly taking it with a smile. The two made their way over past the others in the room and finally his one good eye was able to make out all the stuff on the table that was previously blocked from veiw...and his smile disappeared as he blinked. The last table sat a ....bowl of roasted tennis balls covered in cheese and-...a atcually honest to lightner tree that looked like someone tried to burn it but didn't do a very good job. Clover was there sitting on her hind legs and her front paws held a plate with ease. The giant plate had a couple of the tennis balls and a chunk of what he could only guess was this 'roasted tree' she was so excited about. One of her heads was jabbering to Ralsei while another one scarfed down what was on the plate. Poor kid was smiling nervously holding a plate with a single cheese covered tennis ball, obviously trying not to be rude...and LAncer was bouncing one of said tennis balls getting cheese all over the floor. The cat chuckled and shook his head. The poor kids. The duke and him at first stuck together looking at things but as soon as his eyes spotted the mac n cheese bowl he lit up and made a beline for it, leaving seam chuckling and looking around at all the other foods. He wasn't really that picky but none of it was really appealing to him yet. The roasts looked too hard and chewy, and he was never a big fruit or salad fan. And all the deserts looked too sweet for him. And there was NO WAY he was about to eat cheese covered tennis balls or burnt trees- And speaking of deserts. He chuckled when he finally saw the strange cookies and now understood why they were called 'Lancer Cookies', because they were all decorated to look like the young boy. He sighed and shook his head, going to move past the punch bowl since he wasn't really that thirsty....But paused when something...(or someone) slowly rose out of the punch bowl making a few darkners around them cringe in disgust.

It took him a few moments of blinking and staring to realize who it was, and when he did he sighed. "Mak. WHY are you in the punch bowl?"

The child blinked back. "I got thirsty."

His brow rose. "And so you decided to go swimming in the punch bowl?...And where did you get those sunglasses?" He now noticed the new and shiny sunglasses on top of their head. And he sighed. They were all sticky and wet now.

"Waiting for the surprise."

He blinked. "Surprise? What surprise?"

Before they could answer the same announcer that was shouting everyone's official statuses shouted out his voice from near the king's throne and he turned to look. In the meantime Mak slowly drifted back down into the pink punch and disappeared. "ATTENTION!! THE ROYAL PERFORMERS SHALL BEGIN THE SHOW!! PLEASE STAND CLEAR FOR THE CENTER STAGE!!"

Seam looked confused for a moment, but then sudden flashbacks of his old shows reached his mind. The audience of around a hundred darkners all gasped and stood aside when the jacks all stopped performing including Jevil as he caught the devilknives that he had been juggling this whole time. Each one being put out as he did and he watched in mid air as the five jacks jumped from their set up stages and began to push their own stage towards the middle one Jevil was sitting above. The five giant puzzle peice designed stages coming to fit perfectly with one another as he remembered it would and a small smile reached his face. Well, well. It had been quite a long time since he'd even seen a royal performance. Now was a good oppurtunity to witness one. Rouxls walked up back next to him watching curiously as he ate and the lights dimmed out until only two spotlights remained, one on the band that had gone silent, and one on the stage where all the performers including jevil had hopped off.

"ANNOUNCING LADY PAPER DOLL AND HER WONDEROUS BALLERINA DANCERS DOING THEIR FAMOUS WATERFALL DANCE!!" The man announced. "PLEASE EVERYONE STEP AWAY FROM THE DOORS!!''

Most everyone scrambled out of the way as the band started up some ballet sounding waltz music starting with violins at the same time the doors opened and in came not one but FIVE different all white white some black thin looking darkners dashed in through the dark. Making the audience gasped in surprise as they all jumped expertly and easily onto the table and could now be all clearly seen the spotlight. The biggest one was all white and stood in the middle as the black and white ones, four of those, all stood around her. All made similar ballerina poses as the music faded for just a moment before starting back up again, them moving along with it it gracefully. With the four smaller ones standing on their tip toes and slowly swaying their arms going a few yards away from the bigger one (the stage was fairly large and well built for such things) as their leader stood on one leg and reached her hand up as the soft flute music slowly died out once again and the other four stopped in a pose which left them on their tip toes and their arms pointed to their middles. They could hear the music conductor tap his music sheet stand and begin to wave his hands. Trumpets and violins started to play and they moved. The four began to move in similar motions, twirling themselves in circles while also circling their middle leader in a bigger circle as they spun, and who he assumed to be Lady Paper Doll moved as graceful as one would expect. She expertly brought her leg up high to stand on one leg and twirl around before taking a few graceful steps forwards the edge of the dancing circle before stopping, hand to her chest in fake distraught befor doing the same thing towards the other side before holding a hand to her forehead and dashing back towards the middle twirling a few more times before expertly 'falling' to the floor and laying limp like a ragdoll in a fake faint.

Seam hummed and leaned down to Rouxls to whisper. It was easy to see the worm as his white hair and eyelashes easily glowed in the dark giving him a beautiful aura. "They're very good. This Lady Paper Doll is quite graceful."

Rouxls nodded without looking at him. "Tis based on a true story about what someone sometimes experiences."

"Oh really?"

Rouxls nodded and pointed to Ms Paper Doll who had just now sat up to her knees and was fake sobbing and twirling her upper body in graceful circle motion to the music. "She represents the struggle someone goes througheth with their sad emotions when something devastating happens. And the four dancing around her-" He gestured to the still twirling ballarinas still doing circles while encircling her. "-represent the obsticles and circle of emotions thoust tis feeling. Which is why she's also metiphorically trapped within thine middle. Trapped within her own emotions and problems, which only go downwards as if one tis in a waterfall. Hence thy name Waterfall Dance. They're truly a remarkable group."

Seam didn't doubt that as he looked back to the lit stage from the dark audience. Lady Paper Doll then expertly held her hands up and pushed herself up onto her toes that resembled someone lifting a limp puppet. Twirling around a few more times before she blinked and held her head up to the light. Pretending to just now notice the light shining down on her. Reaching a hand up towards the spot light before she flinched and curled in on herself head down in fake shame. The four dancer had now stopped twirling and were facing her, the for gracefully ran up to her and held their arms above her as if metiphorically holding her down- Before she suddenly snapped back up. The four smaller dancers recoiled and treated back to their circle. This time running back to their circle, but instead of their twirling from earlier, they gracefully lept and ran around in a giant circle as the middle tallest dancer twirled a few more times before stoppong in the middle and striking a proud pose of her chest out, arms back and head held high. Rouxls smiled excitedly next to him.

"This is thine best part, the next steps represent her tossing the stress and thinges away from her and crumbling in sweet defeat and rising to thine goals!" He sighed. "Such beauty tis a work of art.~"

He had to agree. She stood in that pose for the longest time as the four others encircled her before she suddenly pirouletted and pivioted to the middle of said circle of ballerinas before stilling. One ballerina suddenly breaking the circle the circle and running towards her gracefully, the taller woman easily caught her and held her up in the air, the two doing a graceful pose before she let go mid spun and the smaller ballerina expertly 'fell' to her knees and slid a little away, hand to her forhead before 'falling' to the floor in defeat. Followed one by one of the other three who slid away and laid down in similar defeated poses which the audeience awed at and even Seam had to confess the ladies' were experts at their job. Leaving the spotlight on just the tall one and watching as the depressing and exciting music from earlier suddenly became more happy sounding and she prirouletted and spun in other dance moves he couldn't name as the song came to an end spinning happily and doing the same proud pose from before with her head and arms pointed backwards as the happy music finally ended and left. There was silence for just a few seconds before cheers and applause came from the audeince watching all around the stage and the other four ballerinas stood from their position on the floor to go stand next to their leader as they all curtsied to their audience. Seam found himself clapping along and smiling at the performances the ladies did for them. One by one they jumped off the stage and gracefully leaped back to where they came from. The balloroom still quite dark other than the two spotlights on the bandstand and huge stage. He almost did hear the announcer shout the next performers.

"UP NEXT!! THE JACK BROTHERS AND THEIR AMAZING BALANCE ACT!!"

The same four jacks from before all flipped and jumped from different parts of the audience onto the stage and struck a pose. Everyone clapping excitedly for the next act. Except for Seam. He recognized these old jacks and already knew their whole routine, if he remembered right they would start out with two of them standing on top of each other balancing on a ball and two others throwing juggling pins over the two flipping on the ball. And wouldn't you know it, one made a giant green ball appear, so Seam busied himself by turning around and grabbing one of these lancer cookies as the four performed, the audience including Rouxls watched captivated. Upon eating the cookie, he discovered it was just a regular sugar cookie with icing. He still didn't watch the performance when the audience gasped when one of the jugglers suddenly jumped onto the ball with the other two while still juggling back and forth with the one on the ground before they jumped, and was suspended onone of the bottom jack's held out arms, the entire time two jack's still juggling but now they were rolling the ball around moving around on the stage as they rolled around and juggled with expert balance, making the audience awe in disbeleif and he had finally turned around to look around at the crowd. It was dark but he was used to seeing everything in the dark besides lanturn light or his fireplace. He was looking for one small purple gremlin dressed in black ang gold in particular but he didn't see him anywhere. Now where could that little rascal have run off too this time? He was wondering if Jevil was planning some kind of grand entrance to the act, most likely. He always liked showing off to others around him. The four jacks was bouncing on the ball now, up and down a few times before one by one they jumped off the ball and the two juggling caught the pins and did poses with the other two. The audience roared again with excitement at the second performance as the four bowed to the watching crowd. Seam did too, more out of politefulness of the situation than actually watching the performance, but the four hopped off the stage and disappeared somewhere within the crowd not to be seen again for the rest of the night.

"NOW FOR OUR FINAL PERFORMANCE!! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! PLEASE WELCOME THEE ROYAL COURT JESTER SIR JEVIL!!"

The crowd both gave a mix of excited and unsure faces but all that changed once a giant puff of smoke exploded on the stage and Rouxls's and his smiles became wider. A small BOOM! noise also went off and gold confetti shot out everywhere. Some landed on the stage but some fell over the crowd, shining thanks to the spotlight. Happy cackling was heard as the dust cleared and there was the purple jester in all his glory, he giggled to the crowd and bowed. The bells on his hat jiggling to his movements, the gold parts of his outsit shining in the light. Here we go. They were in for quite a treat.

"Ahehehehehe!~ Welcome, welcome!! Let there be chaos, chaos!! Fun, fun!! But a word of warning, warning!" His held up his hands. "Please, please do not try to do what my chaos, chaos brings at home, home! They are quite dangerous, quite dangerous!!" He snapped his fingers and suddenly the band started playing some kind of upbeat circus music and the audience's main focus was on the clown as he Suddenly whipped out a metal hula hoop. He sucked a deep breath and his cheeks puffed out, Rouxls recognized it as the face he made before he blew fire. And sure enough flames came forth from the fool's mouth and the hoop caught fire. The iron circle was tossed away from him quickly after that and they guessed he must've been using magic to make it suspended in mid air on the other side of him, before he yet again reach behind him and summoned more devilsknives, around five. He was floating now and stood on the stage. Really showing how small he was compared to Seam and Rouxls. Without so much as a warning he began to easily juggle the sharp looking weapons as the flaming hot hoop came shooting at him. While STILL juggling, he easily jumped up a foot and jumped right threw the flaming hoop's middle, the hoop stopped before it could even reach the other side of the stage and they guessed Jevil must've been using his magic to make it go back and forth as he still jumped threw it whenever it got close enough and still juggled those devilsknives, cackling and happy all around at everyone marvaling at his skills. Bells jiggling wildly. "This is fun, fun!! But more excitement should be expected, expected!!" Without warning the devilknives were all grabbed by him one by one and shoved back into his black cloak disappearing while he still jumped through that flaming hoop, when the last devilsknife disappeared, he reached a clawed hand out and caught the flaming circle. Giving it a few shakes until it was completely put out and he held it up, showing it off with a smile.

Everyone clapped again including them and Seam chuckled. "An old but classic. I wonder if he shall do his famous No-throat sword swallowing trick or fire images."

Before Rouxls could answer, Jevil had already bounded to the other side of the stage before reaching over into the dark real quick as someone (one of the jacks most likely) handed him what looked liked a couple of long rods wrapped in an old cloth, he nodded to whoever handed him the thing before he made his way back to center stage, the audeince watching in silent anticipation. With his back towards the half of the audience that his two soulmates were and only stood back up when he unwrapped said cloth on the floor, a metal SHING!! sounded off as Jevil produced a shiny average looking sword in his hands and showed it off to the audience. "Again, again! Please do not recreate what you are about to see at home, home! Sword swallowing and playing with fire is a very, very dangerous skill even for me, me." The sword was tossed up without another word and it was suspended in mid air by his magic. One person in the band gave a drum roll as it slowly desceneded dowwards and to everyone's shock, the fool's head sprung off his shoulder with a spring and he opened those jaws wide. Rouxls's jaw dropped to the floor as his mousetrap jaws opened and the sword continued it's decent down and THROUGH IT!! The audience gasped when the sword seemingly disappeard into the void of his mouth until the handle was left and his spring neck wobbled. WHERE WAS THAT THING EVEN DISAPPEARING TOO?! Seam chuckled. He knew, Jevil was using teleprtation magic to give the illusion it was going down his none-existant-for-the-moment throat and instead most likely making it appear under the stage where the audeince couldn't see it, but it was still amusing to see their surprised faces. Especially Rouxls who looked at him bulged eyes. The drum still played when Jevil's hand flicked it back up and the sword began to retreat out of his opened jaws. As soon as the last few inches of shiny metal left his teeth, there was a crashed of symbols from the band stand and his neck sprung back down to his shoulder. Instantly like it never happened and he did another pose as the audienc roared again in applause, the sword dropping and being caught in his hand as he presented it back to his fans. Before setting it back down to his feet when another long metal thing was picked up by him. This time it was a long metal rod with some kind of giant fuse at the end. Like a long torch. The same hissing breath and puffed out cheeks signaled the flames before it erupted from his throat, blowing onto the end of the rod and catching it on fire just like a torch. He smiled and giggled at his handywork, holding it up and he looked around to the darkened audeience! "Hehehehe!~ Forms and shapes I make with flames, flames. But helpers I need to pick, pick what to form and dazzle you all!!"

Seam leaned closer to Rouxls. "He means he's going to pick a few people from the audeince to choose what magic picture he'll make with fire."

Rouxls gave a small oh and watched as Jevil tapped his chin and looked over the watching crowd. "Now, now! Who shall I pick to choose the first picture-"

"DO ME!! DO ME!!" Jevil's head snapped to the right and Rouxls suddenly groaned as Lancer was jumping and waving his arms a few feet away from the crowd in a very unkingly manor. "PLEASE! DO ME!!"

Jevil chuckled and bowed in the boy's direction. "But how could I refuse, refuse a request from our beloved King, King?" Everyone watched as Jevil turned his face and the flaming rod up towards the stone ceiling and sucked in another hissing breath, though this one seemed to take longer as his chest expanded at well- Before it all broke loose!! A large stream of flames shot out from his mouth and hit the rod as the flames' path widened and a HUGE wall of flames shot out above the audeince and spread out into lines forming the shape that was similar to the Lancer Cookies clearly intending to be the small boy. The audeince's eyes sparkled as the flames fizzled into nothing after a few seconds and immediately applauded the clown as he bowed his head, Lancer giggled and clapping his hands together from seeing his flame protrait. "Hehehe!~ Thank you, thank you!! As tradition I shall take four more requests, requests to equal five!! Who shall, shall request next?!" This time a lot more people raised their hands and shouted requests to the purple imp! And he slowly did them one by one. A rabbick for a Noble. Another flame portrait for Mr. Society. A lovely flower for King Hearts dedicated to Queen Amory, Rouxls awed at the romantic gesture King Hearts made towards his wife who herself gushed at the sweet thought. And lastly a diamond shape after Queen Diamond ordered it of him. Well...He couldn't disobey the Queens but King Diamonds looked rather embarrased as he held a hand over his face when it all happened. The rod was put out when Jevil stuck the entire flaming end in his mouth- Before removing it quickly and a fire giant stream of hot flame was shot over one part of the audeince who leaned away and gasped before applauding his efforts again. "Now for some old classics! But first please, please welcome by adorable asistant, asistant!!" He snapped his fingers and another bang and small explosion of smoke appeared something purple and grey shot out of the smoke cloud. It slid up to him in the form of Mak wearing those sunglasses and a kazoo in their mouth, blowing on it before posing and a poof of confetti went off behind them. "Now we shall begin, begin the fun!!''

The rest of Jevil's tricks were pretty basic tricks, He would summon props he needed or someone would hand him what he needed from the audience, and Seam watched as it went as followed. The disappearing box. The classic (fake) sawing someone in half. And the classic having Mak stand against a wooden wall while he threw small show daggers at them, expertly missing. And at the end the two did a pose at the end as everyone clapped for them and Jevil looked to the two soulmates standing to the side by the table. Giggling and-.. blowing kiss in their direction. Rouxls froze with a small squeak sound, immediately turning a darker blue and Seam chuckled at both their reactions as he and Mak bounced off the stage. The candles were relit and staff quickly rushed over to grabbed at the stage, pulling the puzzle peices apart and beginning to pushing them towards the front door the dancers had run through before, making more room in the large ballroom for one obvious reason. But they would get to that in a moment, right now everyone was starting to chatter to each other excitedly about the performances that had just been shown to them while others made their way for the food table. Seam felt sorry for all the folks drinking the punch, and the band started up with the calm ballroom music again. And Rouxls turned back to him with a wide smile.

"Thine Jester's performance waseth astounding!!" His wide grin and excited tone made Seam chuckle.

"I told you. Jevil's magical abilities are quite impressive."

A stream of maniac giggled from behind Rouxls made the worm jumped and whirl around and blink at the side of Jevil smiling, sitting in mid air, tail wagging behind him happily. "Really, really?!" He giggled more at the worm's slightly spooked face. Dark purple rushing to his cheeks as his head fell to his hands staring at the two of them lovingly. "Thank you, thank you. You both l-l-look so lovely, so lovely.~"

Rouxls cleared his throat and gave a polite smile and bow. "Thank thee. Thou art looking splendid as well. Thine performance waseth wonderful!!"

Seam nodded. "I agree. You're performances were just as magical as I remember old friend."

Jevil giggled even more and if Seam didn't know better, he would say he was flustered in the presence of both him and Rouxls dressed up in fancy clothing. More purple coming to his cheeks at the compliments, but what perked the old cat's attention was the sudden start up of exciting violins and the excited gasp King Hearts made. He watched as the giant hathy pushed himself off from his throne and turned to the other giant than average hathy bowing and offering one of his giant tentacles to her. She giggled and of course accepted his offer to her. His one good eyes watched as the two intertwined hathys made their way down the small steps of the throne and into the crowd of the ballroom. Seam knew exactly what was about to start happening and sure enough, a whole bunch of other darkners were bowing or asking their partners to dance and the dancefloor area was soon filled with the dancing forms of couples as they laughed and made googoo eyes at each other under the candlelights and pink and red decorations. Jevil watched them all for a moment before looking back towards Seam and Rouxls with expectance- Rouxls jumped in surprise when a soft hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him against an equally soft body.

"Sorry old friend." Rouxls eeped when he looked up and found himself leaning against Seam as the giant stuffed cat gave Jevil a patient smile. "I know we agreed to be equals but you had your date, so please allow me to have mine. But I assure you, you can come to talk to us when we're not busy dancing or whatever it is people do on dates."

Jevil blinked, clearly not expecting that but gave a smile at them anyways, "Fair enough, fair enough. I was feeling a little hungry anyways. " He looked back to the table just as the Royal Clubs couple walked by talking loudly to themselves and making a line for the roasted tree and sports section of the table. And Seam chuckled again before tilting his head down to Rouxls.

"I know I don't know how to ballroom dance, but I suppose I Should ask you if you would care to dance anyways."

Rouxls blinked flustered up at him and cleared his throat, looking down. "W-W-Wellst if t-thou c-can't dance I shant make thee dance if thou are nay comfortable with it-"

"Oh, I'm comfortable with it. I just don't know how to do the fancy dances they're doing." He gestured to all the fancy waltzes and ballroom dances the nobles and court members were clearly doing. Chuckling when he saw the Prince Ralsei trying to dance with Princess CLover but she was so bigger than him she just stood on her back legs as Ralsei nervously held her front paws and sort of rocked with her. Clover wasn't complaining though as her faces were a dark blue and Lancer was sitting on the floor next to him and playing with the teddy bear he had given him hours ago now.

Rouxls reached a hand up to nervously grip his braid and still didn't look at Seam even as the cat let go. "W-W-Well..I-I-If thou insists- " He blinked nervously when Seam bowed and offered a paw then.

"Well then Mr. Kaard. Would you like to dance?"

Roucxls could only stand there with a deep blue blush and Jevil chuckled behind him. He opened and closed his mouth a few times like a goldfish before clearling his throat trying to look perfessional before shakily reaching a hand out and grabbing the soft paw. It closed around his smaller hand and Seam leaned back up before gently tugging him and pulling him towards the dancefloor with everyone else. Rouxls looked nervous and gave a look to Jevil behinde him only to see Jevil waving him good bye. The fancy shining light and jewelry everyone was wearing was almost blinding as he was lead into the crowd and stopped. Pulled against another figure suddenly as Seam put them into the tradional ballroom dance pose, but instead of the fancy waltzing around them, he just gently made them start swaying in small circles. Which he was releived at. He didn't know if he could handle any real fast and fancy dancing with his legs feeling like jello. He looked up to Seam's face for a moment as he smiled back, his heart skipping a beat before he cleared his throat and looked away nervously again. The silence still going on for a moment before he tried to speak and break the awkward silence.

"T-T-Thou art a b-better dancer than thou thinkest."

"Well thank you. I'm sorry if I hadn't said anything yet. But I wanted to be sure you were just as comfortable speaking." there it was, the patience and consideration of the cat he always loved.

Rouxls chuckled bashfully and fluttered his lashed up at him. "W-Well thank thou. I appreciate thou's concerns for mineself."

"But of course. Why wouldn't I? You and Jevil mean a lot to me." He chuckled. "It's been so long since anything really mattered to me as much as this."

Rouxls blinked up at him lovingly and in surprise as they still circled around. The taller form almost blocked out the light making it bounce around him and make it almost like the cat was glowing, a being of light similar to himself. Which is why his brain possibly wasn't really thinking and he suddenly stood on his tip toes and pressed a kiss to his nose tip. Seam stopped completely surprised and Rouxls suddenly pulled away. Blinking up at Seam's frozen form and a sudden feeling of guilt came over him.

"O-Oh. S-Sorry! I didst not mean to makest thou uncomfortable-"

He chuckled. "No, no. It's alright. In fact I would say it was the best part of my night."

He blinked up surprised again. "R-Really?"

Seam nodded and Rouxls sighed, releived he didn't do anything wrong by his sudden boldness but he would make sure to ask first before he did anything else like that. He wasn't sure how long they stood there dancing in each other arms, Rouxls giggling if Seam's made a small joke towards him and still smiling. But the two were soon interrupted when a white paw pulled at rouxls's cape and the worm turned around curious and came face to face with Prince Ralsei. The goat darkner looks at him with a slightly guilty face, Rouxls stared down in his arms and noticed he held a sleeping spade pup. Lancer was lightly snoring in Ralsei's arms and cutely clutching the small teddy bear in his arms, the crown lopsided on his head and that spade hole in his face closed. He shifted a little in the goat prince's arms and gave a cute puppy yawn before curling into his warmth like any cute child would.

"Uh. S-So sorry to bother you Mr. Kaard. But Lancer fell asleep and I didn't know what to do." He held the child up to him and Rouxls smiled and reached for him. Lancer's face blinked open for a second and his mind woke up just enough to recognize Rouxls so when the worm picked him up, the pup wrapped his arms around his neck and laid his head on his shoulder still clutching the bear.

He grunted as he shimmied him into his hold. "Tis quite alright. Tis rather late after all, tis only natural Lancer fell asleep." He patted Lancer's back and looked back up to Seam. "Mine apologies but I must get Lancer to bed."

He held up his paws. "No, no. It's understandable. ...*sigh* I think I better find my small one too. They're most likely tuckered out after the exciting night they just had."

The two men and sleeping child excited the dancing crowd and spotted Mak pretty easily. Jevil was hovering beside them as they snored and laid on one of the chairs placed out for the guests. The imp chuckled and waved at the trio as they arrived and Seam sighed, reaching over to take the sleeping bat in his arms and looking over them. The sunglasses were crooked on their face, and they were all wet and sticky from the punch, but he soon found the extra weight to be a whole bunch of shiny jewelry stuffed in their pockets. He didn't say or question it and instead turned and started making their way towards the exit with Jevil shrugging and the two men followed after, neither saying a word to each other in fear of waking either children until they got to the giant doors that were pushed open by servants and closed behind them as the trio made their way out. Rouxls watched the doors closed behind him before turning around to the other two smiling men.

"I...I Hadst a great time tonight. I thank thee and apologise for thine trouble."

"No apologies needed. We might as well get going anyways." He held Mak up. "Plus Jevil is my lift back, these old stitches don't feel like walking all the way back home in the middle of the night." Jevil giggled next to him and nodded.

"Doth thou need me to showest thou where the door is?"

"No worries, no worries. I can teleport anywhere!" Jevil proudly proclaimed and Rouxls smiled even more before bowing his head.

"Then I bid thee both a good night..I shall seest thoust two tomorrow.~"

The two watched as Rouxls turned and made his way down a hallway and what they presumed to be the young king's bedroom...Before Seam turn also and began walking, leaving the sounds of music and laughter behind him, but could feel Jevil right behind him floating. The two went in silence for a moment before Seam finally stopped and inhaled deeply, letting it out slowly and turned to Jevil with a smile. And the imp smiling back the two sharing the same loving thoughts of each other and a certain snow haired duke. He shifted Mak into one arm and held out his paw to the jester. Jevil happily took the paw with a giggle and flush of purple. In a second both were suck up into the void, on their way home after such a loving night.

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ssunsxt · 4 years

Text

Sciset week day 2 - Prom.

“Twilight, I don’t-... I don’t think he’s coming.”

The six other girls stood behind the scientist, alternating between playing with their hands, flattening out dresses, or toying with the clasps of purses. Twilight Sparkle’s eyes were trained, focused solely on the stretch of road that separated Canterlot High from the rows of houses across the street. She’d arrived early with the girls, escorted via limo at the request- nay, demand- of Rarity, who did her best to touch up their makeup as best she could on the drive over. As it stood now, the fashionista reserved herself to cling to Applejack’s arm, squeezing the other girl with anxious fingers.

Even Pinkie Pie had left the rest of the Prom committee to take care of escorting their senior class to the busses that would take them to the hall Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna had reserved for the evening. No party in the world was more important than being there to support her friends, even if it was the biggest night of their lives. That just made it all the more important.

“No, no. He’s probably just late.” Twilight nodded to herself, playing with the fabric of her gown, “Camp Everfree is a long drive away. He’s probably just stuck in traffic or something.”

The other teens looked amongst themselves, chewing on lips and sharing sympathetic glances. And of course, when situations like these would arise, they looked to their leader for some sort of guidance.

Sunset Shimmer curled a hand over her chest and let out a steadying breath, as if summoning the strength to take those few steps over to where Twilight had her planted herself for the last 20 minutes. Her frown quirked into a half-smile as she rubbed the smaller girl’s arm, brows twitching upward in sympathy. “Yeah. Maybe he knew he’d be late and he’s already waiting for you at the hall. Let’s just… let’s head to the busses, okay?”

Twilight’s eyes sparkled, wetted with desperate hope. She nodded and whispered out a small “Yeah,” before stepping back towards the school, hugging herself all the while.

Sunset kept pace with her, wrapping an arm over her shoulder as she rubbed at Twilight’s forearm with her other hand. She shared a look with Applejack, who dipped her hat in understanding and motioned for the rest of the group to follow after them. They stayed silent, no one daring to say a word-- less they finally pushed Twilight over the edge, ruining the absolutely astonishing job that Rarity had done with her eye makeup. That would have been a tragedy all on it’s own.

“I’m sure he just wanted to be fashionably late,” Sunset attempted at a joke, allowing herself to smile once she felt Twilight’s tense frame relax under her arm. She gave her a gentle shake, “Or maybe his hand finally got stuck to his hair, with all the hairspray he uses.”

Twilight allowed herself to let out a small giggle, and rested her hand atop the one Sunset had on her shoulder. She gave a squeeze and spared the taller girl a flash of a smile. It was a wordless way of saying thank you, when the scientist couldn’t find it within herself to speak; something Sunset had become accustomed to over the years.

As they all filed onto the busses, splitting off into whatever groups had been designated via the school register, Twilight kept a tight grip on Sunset’s hand; even when the redhead had dropped her arm from Twilight’s shoulder. Sunset had never been so grateful to have a surname so close to the other girl’s. She could only imagine Twilight trying to hold herself together, alone, listening to the excited chatter of her peers, and trying so desperately not to focus on the blatant truth: that Timber had stood her up.

Sunset’s stomach churned at the thought.

Once they’d arrived, Sunset helped Twilight down onto the gravel path and over to the grass to regroup with the girls. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous, and it was evident that Principal Celestia had saved no expense for this year’s venue. It was startling, to say the least, once Sunset had learned that this world had a Canterlot castle, too. However, rather than housing royal equine princesses of the sun and moon— or being populated by countless guards that roamed the halls, and residing upon a valiant cliff face, this world’s Canterlot castle operated as a venue for weddings and, in this evening’s case, their high school senior prom. Sunset had almost eaten her leather jacket when that had been announced.

Despite the floor lights that illuminated the path up to the castle, or the rows of well-tended hedges, shaped into grand displays of flowers and figures, or even the eloquent architecture of the castle itself, it still had nothing on the one back in Equestria. Sunset could only offer up an amused smile at the human world’s attempt at grandeur. Not that she was one to pass judgement on landscaping though! She just thought there was irony in the fact a world full of creatures without hands had managed to carve the land into such a dramatisation. She supposed there was a kind of theatrics that came with magic. What other explanation was there?

“It’s really pretty.” Twilight finally spoke in a quiet voice.

Sunset hummed, “Yeah.” Taking one last look at the building, she lowered her head to meet Twilight’s eyes. “It’s got nothing on the one in Equestria though.”

Twilight hid her chuckle behind her hand, her smile finally meeting her eyes as she arched a brow. “I was talking about your dress.”

“O-oh!” Sunset felt her cheeks pink and she rubbed the back of her head with her free hand, careful not to mess up her hair. Rarity would have killed her. “T-thanks.” She dropped her eyes to inspect Twilight’s dress: lavender, with a plethora of blues and purples shimmering over the fabric depending on whichever light the other girl stood in. It wasn’t that Sunset hadn’t seen her in it before, she just needed a refresher on how good the other girl looked in it. “You look really nice too.”

Twilight raised her hand to toy with the strands of hair beside her face and averted her eyes a bit, her own sheepish smile warming her cheeks as she gave Sunset’s hand another squeeze. They stayed like that for a while; neither of them saying anything; just hand in hand, and content with the way their palms felt against each other. When the other girls finally found them, none of them seemed to notice. Or if they did, no one mentioned it, simply happy enough with the way Twilight’s smile finally reached her eyes.

They’d followed after their class as they were escorted towards the castle, through the foyer, and finally to stand on the back staircase that would lead up into the large hedge-maze that took up the majority of the castle’s rear grounds. On either side of the large, slabbed stairway, stood two grand fountains, and Rarity simply swooned— mumbling nonsensically about how absolutely wonderful their class photo was going to be in this year’s yearbook, and how Sunset absolutely must allow her to assist with this year’s layout.

Sunset stumbled as Rainbow Dash threw her arms around both hers and Applejack’s shoulders, the farm girl chuckling and joining in with the rough housing, as she ruffled Rainbow Dash’s hair. Not enough to send Rarity into another one of her prom-induced tirades, but to still make it obvious that her hair wasn’t sitting the way it should be.

Sunset slipped out of Rainbow Dash’s grip with a chuckle as the other girl took her position on the stairs near the front— Photo Finish insisted on having the tallest members of their class towards the back. Sunset flashed Twilight a smile and led her up the stairs to take their own position beside Rarity. Once more that evening Sunset was humbled by the way the universe seemed to work in her favor. Maybe she should take Rarity aside and thank her personally for ensuring she was just ever-so-slightly taller than Twilight in her heels. Maybe.

Sunset smoothed out her dress as best she could with one hand. She spared a glance at Twilight for a moment who, she only now noticed, had been staring at her. The scientist snapped her eyes away once they’d met and Sunset felt a tightness in her chest at the way Twilight’s face darkened in hue. She smiled and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before she slipped her own from Twilight’s grip to tuck a stray lock of hair behind the other girl’s ear.

“There we go. Don’t want that ruining the picture.”

Twilight gave a shy smile and reached up to adjust the necklace around Sunset’s neck, so that the golden sun pendant sat dead centre across her chest. “You too.”

They both shared a small giggle, beaming warmly at each other before they slipped their fingers together once again.

“Everyone say: Wondercolts!”

With an absolutely deplorable drone from the crowd of teens and one final “Whoop!” from Rainbow Dash, Photo Finish snapped their picture. It was one instant, forever captured in a frame, that their senior class would share. One final show of comradery— to prove that despite everything, they were here, together. Despite the pain; the hard work; the tears— they’d made it.

And however true that this moment would be shared with each other, for years to come, through misty eyes filled with nostalgia. There was a smaller moment— a secret in the holding of hidden hands that the camera couldn’t see— that Sunset wouldn’t ever forget.

#sunset shimmer #scitwi #equestria girls #eqg #mlp eqg #sciset #sciset week #I MISSED YESTERDAY #ITLL BE DONE SOON #maggie writes #maggie drabbles

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fletchermundungus · 3 years

Text

At Home in Hackney

LOCATION: Hackney, London DATE: March 23rd, 1982 CHARACTERS: Mundungus, Cleometra and Calypso Fletcher

It was no cold spectral hand passing through him, or poking fork that woke Mundungus up, but an heavy weight settling on his chest and meowing right into his ear.

“Oi!” he shouted at the stray, a half-kneazle half-cat. It was both the usual reaction to any of creature’s antics and the short form of its full name Oi, watcha doing ya cursed beast.

Yet, for all of Mundungus’ attempts to get the cat off his chest, it was the banging on the door that managed to have it leap back onto the windowsill and then out the window. As if the little fellow had also recognised to whom that heavy hand belonged to.

“Get up, I ain’t keeping ye breakfast warm,” Mundungus’ grandmother shouted. “And wash up before ya come in the kitchen, ya don’t want yer mum seeing ya like that.”

A grunting noise was his only reply as he turned on the other side, blanket shifted to cover him completely, but he knew better than stay underneath it no matter how warm and comfortable it was there. He was still in a daze, more asleep than awake, as he got up from the bed in his childhood bedroom and walked to the bathroom. It was his face reflected back at him to fully wake him up, on it proof that there were things he couldn’t simply shrug or laugh off. And as any good thief, Mundungus made sure to get rid of it before anyone else could catch him with it. The cold water and lavender soap helped with that, erasing most traces of the previous night from it. Yet, they couldn’t erase everything. His eyes were still a bit red and his muscles felt sore, but he could lie to himself that this wasn’t different than any other morning after a wild night at the pub.

With a cigarette already lit between his lips, and old but clean clothes on him, Mundungus joined his grandmother in the small kitchen of the house he and his mother had both grown up in.

“Goodmorning, nan,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“Yea, yea, all sweet now,” she lamented, even though she did not push him away, “after coming here a mess. What if yer mum had seen ya? Ya would’ve scared her and she would be fussing it about all night.”

“While ya only fuss about in the morning,” he teased her, grabbing the slice of bagel as it came out from the toaster.

“Don’t be cheeky with me, now, and sit. Why are ya always standing up?” She pulled out a chair for him and pushed him to sit down. Taller than him by three inches and even more willful, Cleometra knew how to boss her grandson around. “Don’t try running away before ya tell me what’s going on and why ya came home looking like that.” Her hand patted his shoulder, in a small gesture of reassurance, but underneath it Mundungus tensed as he was reminded of the face he had seen in the mirror only moments before.

“Nothing...” he said, sheepishly, and tried to focus all his attention and energy on putting butter on the bagel.

The cigarette was snatched from his lips and it found itself between her fingers.

“Speak up. I can never understand a word ya say when you mumble like that,” she scolded him.

A pout appeared on his face immediately. A childish yet vulnerable look on him. “I said.. it’s nothing,” he repeated, making sure not to fall into the temptation of mumbling each word as it came out of his mouth. But his grandmother didn’t seem convinced, and he only had to dare a quick glance her way to see the sceptical expression on her face even through the thin veil of the cigarette smoke now that she was the one smoking it.

“I.. I had this big job lined up..” so far so good, yet his voice broke again into a mumble as he went on, “..and.. it kinda.. fell.. through..” It was embarrassing to admit this to her. She wasn’t simply his grandmother. She was his mentor and the person he aspired to be when it came to his career as a thief and con-man. There had been moments when he had wanted to show off to her what he had been able to achieve with Lu’s help, having a muggleborn roaming around the British pureblood society like one of them. How even those that would be horrified to know the truth, nay especially them, were so in love with Lu and would do anything for a scrap of their time.

But Mundungus never had the chance to tell her. It was meant to be a secret, and then most of the work had been Lu, innit? They were the one with the charisma and the talent to keep the ruse up and have everyone drinking from the palm of their muggleborn hand. He hadn’t done much. Forged the papers and coached them on who was who, making sure there wouldn’t be any big blunders.

“Well, so?” Cleometra asked, once the silence between them had stretched for far too long. “Did the mark make ya? Are the minnies after ya?”

Chewing his breakfast, Mundungus shook his head. No one was after him and all that had been done to him the night before, he had been the one to do it to himself.

“Did ya have a partner and they ran out with the score?”

The bagel almost choked him. Or at least, that’s what Mundungus would say it happened. Just bad timing.

“Ah,” Cleometra said, with the tone of someone who had figured out the problem.

Mundungus didn’t know what would be worse, if she were to be disappointed in him or simply pitying him. He only knew that he did not have the courage to face either, feeling already ashamed to have made his way back here looking the way he had, after being left behind by another wix and having nothing to show for it, so like the coward he was he didn’t dare to look at her.

“Mundus!” His mother called him with genuine cheer in her voice. Her arms embraced him without restraint and engulfed him into a warm hug. “My baby is here,” she sang, as her lips peppered his cheeks with kisses.

“Mum. Mum... Mum! I can’t breathe,” he protested, but he wasn’t pushing her away with conviction. “I’m also thirty.. I think it’s been some time since I’ve stopped being a baby.”

“Nonsense,” she said, cleaning his cheeks from a little rogue her kisses had left on them. “Right, mum?”

“Just sit down and eat breakfast without making so much noise, Callie,” Cleometra replied, gentle despite the roughness of her words. She passed around the food, while Calypso, having finally let go of Mundungus, started to pour the tea. “Mun,” she then called him, sharply, “ya should go visit Mrs Moskovitz and help her grandson out.”

"Whut?” The bagel fell off from Mundungus’ mouth. “Not Mrs Moskovitz. Ugh, why?”

“Oh, that would be so nice, wouldn’t it, Mundus,” Calypso commented, adding the milk to their teas. “Which grandson is this? The solicitor or the healer?”

“You know why,” his grandmother gave him a determined look, “and this one is the healer. The solicitor married and moved to Banchory.”

“Hadn’t he gone to America? New Jersey or something like that?”

“That’s her sister, mum,” Mundungus kept his gaze on his grandmother, having gone back to a pout, “and I don’t want to be involved in your feud with Mrs Moskovitz. Plus, she’ll know right away what I’m there for.”

“Nonsense, why would she know?” Cleometra scoffed at the idea. “That woman has the brain of a drunken chicken. And even if she did, ya know how to get around her and get me that recipe.”

“Mum, that’s not very nice,” Calypso pouted as she scolded her own mother. “And are you still fighting with Mrs Moskovitz? It’s been years.. And it can’t be the sister, didn’t she marry a MacFusty?”

“Well that drunken chicken is gonna bore me to death detailing all her grandchildren’s accomplishments. No, that was Miss Lee.”

"Well, it’s very true, dear, and I don’t care how long it has been: that woman stole me recipe and I want it back. And her sister eloped with that Italian, her brother married a MacFusty, and Mrs Lee moved to New Jersey,” she said, ending that discussion with a knock on the table. “Now, Mun, once you’re in that hag’s house...”

“That can’t be, mum,” Calypso protested, refusing to end it there. “And Mundus, honey, you can still go and just spend time with our neighbours.”

Mundungus joined in, only in part because he wanted to have his grandmother forget everything about her plans to send him to spy on Mrs Moskovitz. “No, no, it was the brother that eloped with the Italian... and I don’t want to spend time with the neighbours. The neighbours are boring.”

All throughout their conversation, his grandmother kept stealing his cigarettes every time he lit one and his mother kept running her fingers through his hair. By the end of the morning, Mundungus’ presence at Mrs Moskovitz had been secured with an owl, a plan had been formed for him to search the witch’s house to look for the stolen recipe, and they had figured out who had moved to New Jersey, who had eloped with an Italian wix, and who had married a MacFusty.

As he put down the last word for that day The Daily Prophet’s crossword, Mundungus knew that in that small moment spent in that small kitchen, he was truly happy even if he was not completely fine.

#books from the forbidden section ( self paras )#npc: cleometra fletcher #npc: calypso fletcher

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arsnovacadenza · 4 years

Text

Day 6- Home

Characters: Napoleon, Isaac, Sebastian, Isaac, Jean (with others’ cameo)

Pairings : none, Gen

Ao3 Link : Here

Warning : mentions of suicide

home

Thick black clouds rose high into the night sky as the mansion was burning.

Among the rubble stood Napoleon, holding his rapier limply. His chest heaved laborious breaths, a human weakness his demi-vampire status couldn't remove.

He tried making sense of his surroundings. It was a futile act, with fire and smoke obscuring his vision. Vapor invaded his lungs as Napoleon forced himself to walk.

Why did everything turn out this way?

Napoleon didn't even question "how" as the former emperor himself had been unaware that a fire had broken out. Even the quick and capable Sebastian was reduced to a panicked mess as the inferno began to spread over various parts of the mansion.

"Monsieur Napoleon," the butler stammered apologetically, tears forming in the corner of his eyes. "I'm sorry. I tried, but there —there's nothing else I could do."

Meanwhile, Leonardo and the Count were rushing in all directions to find the other residents one-by-one and drag them out. Napoleon saw Theo carrying his brother out, shouting something along the lines of "Broer, forget about the paintings. We can't save them!"

Napoleon had barged through the fire with Arthur to look for Dazai, whom they found gazing at the embers around him with dissonant tranquility.

(Both men argued for a good long while until Napoleon forced the sullen novelist on Arthur and commanded him to make a run for it).

But now, Napoleon found himself trapped in the fire.

It was ridiculous, knowing that some of the men —himself included —had a sliver of death wish despite all the benefits their second life offered. Yet in the face of a deadly situation such as this, their first instinct was to flee. Napoleon thought back to Vincent and how the painter must have suffered, knowing he failed to protect the very things he'd been living for.

And then, there's that one person who'd been claiming he had no desire to live at all.

Where is he now?

Napoleon banished the mental image of the man's possible reaction to finding himself encircled by the blaze.

In desperation, he scrambled to every direction, getting more and more lost by the critical seconds. He had crossed the (now crumbling) stairs and reached the ground floor, that he was positive. But the growing panic debilitated his chances of finding any possible exit.

His emerald eyes fell on one of the paintings on the wall. Comte told him that his old friend produced it ages ago, during one of his brighter moods.

That's right, this mansion had long seen Leonardo's worst and best days. It had been home to all of them, bearing witness to times when they were at their most vulnerable as well as their most joyous.

Napoleon wanted to shut his eyes and let his memories away from this moment. Just yesterday, Isaac had been babbling to him about his pet hedgehog's recovery after not eating for two days. Meanwhile, this afternoon, Mozart handed him an invitation to some socialite's banquet, saying that he'd be presenting a new piece inspired by tales of his imperial army.

After this, he will no longer hear the composer play his most celebrated tunes nor watch as new pieces were brought to life. The music room must be ablaze right this very moment; the sterling piano reduced to ashes and the precious sheets consumed by the bonfire.

Napoleon supposed he was lucky that he'd been in the bedroom when the whole commotion started and not in the attic. It'd be more difficult to escape, then. Still, he lamented the loss of those nights when he gazed down at Paris from the window. The warm city lights, a grand sign of civilization and progress, assured him that his arduous efforts for the nation weren't for naught.

Napoleon's thoughts immediately flew to his bedroom upstairs. Regret welled as he realized that the warm bed was no more. There went his sanctuary, his cocoon where he spent lazy afternoons banishing away murky thoughts and lingering dreams of the past. That room was his temporary shelter in this life that felt even more fleeting than his mortal one.

His chest constricted as he thought of the sparring arena and the man he spent his time with dueling and examining each other's weapons. They talked about horses as well —and what of them? What about Ange? In his befuddled state of mind, Napoleon pictured Jean barreling towards the stages, freeing the alarmed horses and setting them free, including his beloved Ange.

It didn't take long for Napoleon's mind to dart towards the kitchen. Did the fire start there? Did anyone see it happen? Nonsense, Sebastian must have been around the dining room and kitchen. After all, it was close to dinnertime when Leonardo alerted them about the fire—

Ah, he just remembered that he'd promised Sebastian to help him prepare dinner this afternoon. But instead, he forgot and went to the thermae instead with Isaac and Jean. The enigmatic Japanese would never confront him about it, but Napoleon still felt guilty nonetheless.

Well, none of that matters now, does it?

So Napoleon let his weapon fall to the ground unceremoniously. Idly, he wondered why his cape still hadn't caught fire by now. The old (yes, he was old and weary alright) Frenchman toyed with the thought of perishing together with this godforsaken building.

His first life had been long and tumultuous. This one was so short and surreal, it felt like a dream.

It is sweet and proper to die for one's country. To die like this, confused and grieving, was a farce. Then again, this was a hundred times better than succumbing to his end on that faraway island, lonely and in pain.

The former— nay, an emperor he shall forever remain —The emperor stared ahead past the screen of fumes. He took in the scenery before him one last time and sighed deeply.

Napoleon closed his eyes.

It was a great run, but even the best of times all come to an end.

Isaac struggled to break free from Sebastian's iron hold as he watched the mansion collapse.

"Let me go, you bastard! Napoleon's still in there!" Isaac thrashed about. "What are you all standing around for? If you don't go after him, I will—"

But Sebastian only embraced him tighter, his eyes red and his face stripped of its usual composure. "There is no use, sir. We can't risk going in there and getting ourselves trapped. Besides, this is Monsieur Napoleon. Of course, he'll return—"

"He doted on you like a son, you idiot!" Isaac screamed at the butler. "Are you REALLY that much of a coward to save the man you said you admired? Piss off—"

"I'll go." A deep voice rang amidst the chaos.

Isaac and Sebastian directed their attention towards the man walking in the direction of the mansion, his cape billowing in the wind.

"Jean!" Isaac called out to the soldier. "Can you go and save him?"

Sebastian winced at the thought of Jean d'Arc, braving through the fire to save another man. He can't even light a matchstick on his own, how is this even possible?

But Jean wordlessly unclipped his cape and let it fall to the ground. He adjusted the sword belt on his hip as Sebastian and Isaac watched.

Done with his preparations, he turned towards the men.

"I'm going inside." He declared. "No need to worry about us, for we are soldiers."

"We know! But—" the butler cried. He wasn't about to lose another great man to this catastrophe. "Are you certain about this?!"

Jean stared back at him through unreadable, iolite-colored eyes. Sebastian wanted to imagine that he was seeing something other than sorrow.

"I am certain," Jean replied. "Please wait for us here."

With one final nod, he made his way towards the ravaged building, the fire raging more violently than even the pyre.

Jean tightened his grip on the basket hilt of his sword.

There were not many things I could save from back then, he braced himself against the heat. There's probably not much I can save now.

But if it's for a friend, then maybe...

Jean broke into a run.

Then maybe I can reach out for it, just this once.

Made for @kissmetwicekissmedeadly‘s Napoleon Birthday Prompt 2020. The prompt was “home”.

“But Riri! Why are you hurting your readers like this? This is supposed to be Napoleon’s birthday! You should be celebrating!” Naw, I haven’t been doing angst in a while and I gotta practice.

Tagging @kisara-16 @thedollarstoresatan @delicateikemenmemes @ikesensrandomninjagirl24 @ashavazesa @hokkaido-fox @nuclearwinterexe @lulu-the-hedgehog @longingkisses @weird-profiterole @napoleonstan @scummy-writes @an-otome-cally-correct @nafeary

#ikevam fanfic #ikemen vampire #ikevam napoleon bonaparte #ikevam jean d'arc #ikevam sebastian #riri tries ikevam

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losille2000 · 4 years

Text

Hoot and Howl, Chapter 3

TITLE: Hoot and Howl CHAPTER NUMBER: 3/? AUTHOR: Losille2000 CHARACTERS: Actor!Chris Evans/OFC GENRE: Paranormal Romance (more on the magical realism side?) FIC SUMMARY: Chris goes on a camping trip to calm the noisy anxiety in his head, but it ends up leading him into his own messed up version of a Disney movie. When he said he wanted to be a Disney prince as a boy, this was absolutely not what he meant. Especially considering that the princess is also, well… about that… RATING: M (sex, language) WARNINGS: Nothing. AUTHORS NOTES: Sorry for the wait... and thank you all for reading!

Previous Chapter - Also available on Archive of Our Own!

Chapter 3

A hand on Chris’ shoulder shook him awake. It took a few seconds to fully come to, but once he did, he immediately noted how dark the room was. The dying embers in the fireplace barely illuminated the silent woman hovering over him from her spot standing behind the couch. She smiled silently, like the Cheshire cat, and stood back while he tried to pull himself into a sitting position. However, a heavy Navajo blanket of woven rust red wool impeded his movement.

He remembered, vaguely, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders after Dr. Bird had shown him back into her house. Not only had it immediately warmed his shivering body, but any remaining tension in his muscles loosened. Somewhat—and almost deliriously—he remembered thinking that it felt like a hug. And not like any old hug. This was like a mom hug. The type of hug his mom gave him every time he got on a plane for work, like she’d never see him again and wanted to fill him with all the love she possessed in case something happened.

It made him feel completely and utterly at peace.

So at peace, in fact, he’d passed out.

It was unlike him. He was always on alert, always dealing with the persistent worry rippling through his head. He took pills and did some hard core meditation to find this kind of relaxation at night, unless he was so physically exhausted he couldn’t keep his eyes open. Otherwise, he suffered extreme insomnia from the need to be on guard.

“Hi,” said the woman softly, her alto voice soothing.

Chris blinked a few more times, forcing himself to pay attention to the hypnotic black eyes that stared back at him. He finally succeeded in shifting to a sitting position, rubbing his face, waiting for the blood flow to return. He yawned. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I passed out like that. How long—”

“Three hours,” she replied.

“Why did you let me sleep?”

The strange, beautiful woman shrugged. “The storm blew in off the mountain and it wasn’t a good idea for you to leave when I finished with Dodger, so I let you sleep. I’m not surprised you fell asleep—you were pretty keyed up earlier. That takes a lot of energy out of you.”

“Where is Dodger?”

On cue, the canine hobbled around the couch and limped over to him, awkwardly jumping into his lap. The bandage—purple in color—encased the paw and most of the leg. Dodger threw himself against Chris’ chest and released a long-suffering sigh. Chris hugged him close, burying his nose in the dog’s fur. He smelled terrible from the ordeal, but it still somehow smelled like Dodger, and that was all he wanted. Everything was right with the world.

“The leg will be fine, by the way,” Dr. Bird said, coming around the back of the couch and finding a seat on a lumpy armchair. She reached over and flicked on a lamp, flooding the room in light. “The staples need to come out in a few weeks, and he’ll take a course of antibiotics and have a pill for pain management.”

“So I freaked out over nothing?”

Dr. Bird shook her head. “It wasn’t nothing, and you did need to bring him in quickly. You’re just a concerned dog parent.”

“Do they teach you how to handle crazy people in veterinary school?” he asked.

She let out a whooping laugh. “I learned that particular skill on the job.”

Chris looked down at Dodger, who was half asleep. “He’s sleepy.”

“It’s the drugs. I gave him the good stuff,” Dr. Bird replied. “He’ll be a little drowsy when you give it to him, as needed. Also, you need to keep the bandage dry. Going back out to your campsite probably isn’t the best idea, especially as the nor’easter is finally here.”

“Nor’easter?” he asked.

She cocked her head to the side like an inquisitive bird. “The one they’ve been forecasting for the past three days?”

Because of course something else would have to go wrong on this ill-fated camping trip. Clearly, he and Dodger were headed home after they got done here and packed up camp. The weather had been unusually cold and rainy since they made camp, but there hadn’t been anything in the forecast when they left Boston days before this.

No… wait. Had he even looked at the forecast? If he did, he hadn’t paid attention as he hastily packed his gear and hightailed it out of town to get away from a nagging girlfriend.

“You mean to tell me you went out into the wilderness without having some way to check the weather?” she asked. “What kind of idiot does that?”

“This idiot, apparently,” he mused dryly. “Let’s just say I had other things on my mind when I left Boston. And people have been camping for eons in the middle of blizzards. This will just be a little cold rain.”

“Those people were prepared for it, though. Did you bring gear for a nor’easter?”

Chris pursed his lips. “Well, no…”

“My point?”

“True.”

“I’m not letting you go tonight,” she said. “And I don’t mean that in a creepy psycho killer type way. I don’t want you to go out there and have something happen to you or Dodger. I like Dodger too much.”

He appreciated her no-nonsense attitude. Most strangers changed their entire demeanor around him, though it wasn’t always because of his celebrity. Sometimes it was simply because they thought he was a somewhat attractive guy. He was so tired of being forced to read the situation and between the lines to understand the other person he was talking to. It was utterly exhausting. She was a breath of fresh air. What’s more, he agreed with her. He usually liked Dodger better than himself most of the time, too.

“Normally, I would object, but I would appreciate it,” he said.

“Good,” she replied and stood up from the chair. “I don’t mean to be an ungrateful host, but you need a shower. You’re a mess.”

He lifted his arms and looked down at himself. Yep, nothing had changed since he’d arrived. Except the blood and mud had dried completely and began cracking and peeling off all over her couch. “Do you have something for me to wear?”

“I can find something,” she said. “Let me show you to the bathroom.”

Chris followed her obediently after moving Dodger to another couch cushion, wondering why he was following behind her like this. He certainly liked meeting new people, though staying in a strange person’s home was something else altogether. Dr. Bird’s no-nonsense attitude or not, he’d seen enough horror movies to know it probably wasn’t wise to accept an invitation to stay in an isolated farmhouse in the middle of a nor’easter without any ability to contact the outside world. He didn’t even know where he put the keys to his truck—they were probably still in the ignition, but he couldn’t say for sure. No matter how upstanding she seemed as a veterinarian, he couldn’t ignore the fact that everything about this place was strange to him, from the cat receptionist to the hugging blanket.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as she stopped in front of a door down a long hallway.

“I was just thinking that this is a set up for some sort of horror movie,” he said. “You’re not going to fatten me up and eat me, are you?”

She threw her head back in laughter, but even with the mirth, he sensed a bit of tension in the tone of it. “I’m a terrible cook. So unless you can be fattened up with a frozen pizza, you’re in the clear.”

“Frozen pizza?” he asked.

“Pepperoni,” she said. “And a beer?”

He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until that moment, and his rumbling belly let them both know that. “Sounds amazing.”

“Good. Now, the towels are in the cupboard in the bathroom,” she explained. “Use any of the soaps. I’ll find some clothes and leave them out here by the door while I pull dinner together.”

“Thank you, Dr. Bird,” he said.

She grinned. “It’s Nascha.”

Nascha… Nay-shaw. He repeated the name a few times in his head; he’d never heard a name like it. Somehow, though, it fit her. Strange and unique, like everything else he’d encountered.

“You can lock the door if you’re worried about me turning into Norman Bates,” she teased, nodding at the door and turning on her heels to head the other direction.

“I am locking it!” He called back, “But not because I think you’re going to murder me.”

Nascha laughed. “I’m not going to jump your bones, either. You’re safe.”

He couldn’t help but wonder, as he shut the door and flipped the lock, if he was safe. But, surprisingly, the anxiety that would usually be clawing its way out, stayed locked in its cage.

----

Nascha puttered around the kitchen, wondering what in the actual hell she was doing with a strange guy in her house. And not just any strange guy. A strange guy who was a very real temptation in so many ways. She could so easily reach out and take what she wanted from him. The energy and vitality coming off him was a beacon—a strong magnet—and resisting its pull was exhausting. It was too easy to slip; she barely held on during her daily clinic appointments with her clients. Spending a whole night alone with someone under her roof? That was another story entirely.

It wasn’t like she could just run off to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting when she felt the urge to consume. They didn’t have SEA—soul eater’s anonymous—even though she wasn’t technically one of those, anyway. The old medicine woman who took her in as an orphan was the closest thing she had to a sponsor, and she had long since departed her earthly existence. Since then, she’d hidden out here in the woods and made friends with the local community of the magically-minded, but their magic operated differently than hers.

And when someone must kill humans to survive, it tends to make that someone an outcast.

The other magical folk in this town were all perfectly capable of horrible outcomes in their own practices, but none of them were forced to take human lives just to live their own. Even though they accepted her into the community, they still regarded her with suspicion. There were no open arms here. Going to one of them for help would yield nothing but a cold shoulder.

Sometimes she wondered if staying on the reservation wouldn’t have been the better idea in the long run; at least there, she was an accepted part of the tribe. A feared part, sure, but still a part of it. And there were others like her.

Nascha, the bear and his cub are here. I heard them arguing outside.

Nascha startled at the intrusion to her thoughts, popping her head up to look at Ash. The cat sat on the kitchen counter in front of her, flicking her fluffy tail in agitation. Nascha patted her pockets for her cell phone, wondering why the motion sensor hadn’t detected the new visitors, but it wasn’t on her.

See! Called the Southern-drawling dog from his spot on the couch on the other side of the large great room. There was a bear!

She certainly did not need a visit from this bear, either. Not with her houseguest. The houseguest for whom she had not yet found clean clothes because she’d been so caught up stressing about him.

Her front door burst open with a force too great for the wind. In stomped a boy of thirteen, dark shaggy hair hanging in his eyes and a curled, angry lip. The boy threw his backpack on the floor with a flourish that sent it skidding to a halt across the room against a wall. He kicked off his Vans and promptly went to the couches in front of the television. Once there, he threw himself down next to Dodger with an overly dramatic flop of teenage angst.

Then he said, “Alexa, turn television on.”

The television glowed to life.

“Nice to see you, too, Adam,” Nascha called out to him as she stepped from the kitchen into the living room, hands on her hips. “Where’s your dad?”

Adam didn’t bother to look at her. “Alexa, find Twitch.”

“Adam!” growled the new male voice at the front door. “Turn the damn television off.”

Adam ignored his father. Said father was a giant of six-foot-five and a wall of solid muscle with a mean look on his face and a gun on his hip; such a visage was nothing in the face of Adam’s bad attitude.

Adam’s father walked over to the television and pulled the electrical cord from the wall. Adam let out the most epic groan and rolled his eyes. He sounded like Gollum freaking out over Sam Gamgee’s cooking. “Just let me watch TV!”

“No. You need to do your Algebra homework!”

“When am I ever going to need that bullshit, anyway?!” Adam yelled.

Adam’s father took a step forward, his giant paws curling into fists. His square jaw tightened and a muscle just under the jagged scar by his left eye jumped. “You will do your homework, or so help me, you won’t see the light of day until you turn forty.”

Dodger, who had been sitting silently on the couch, ungracefully stood and walked the short distance over to the teenager and laid across Adam’s lap, as though to protect him. Then Dodger said, Aren’t you gonna do somethin’, Doc?

Nascha sighed heavily. She hated stepping between these two in family arguments. It wasn’t her place, no matter how much both men tried to insert her into their lives. But it needed to be done and Erik needed to leave.

“Alright, you two,” she said, finally. “You both need to calm down.”

“He started it!” Adam exclaimed.

Nascha shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. “What’s going on, Erik?” she asked the father, whose face had turned purple with rage.

“The storm,” Erik grunted, waving his arm toward the open front door. “I have to go set up the command center because our new recruits can’t handle it, apparently.”

“Okay…”

She let the word fade as though she expected him to elaborate about how that involved her, but she knew what he meant. Since she’d moved into town, Erik had been the most welcoming and accepting of her peculiar magic. Some might even call him a friend, insomuch that he came around every so often to say hello, brought her venison steaks from his latest hunting trip, or helped her clean out the rain gutters. Sometimes he brought in injured wildlife he encountered, though all the park rangers and the other emergency services in the area usually did. Erik, however, stuck around for more than she was ever willing to give him, and it evolved into her occasionally being a place where he could leave Adam with an unpaid babysitter. She didn’t mind it, much. Adam was a fun kid when not in the throes of hormones.

What Nascha didn’t like about the whole situation was Adam’s mother—the feeling was mutual between both women—and Erik’s complete disregard for that fact. Or that, just maybe, she wasn’t able to be an emergency mom when Erik’s ex-wife was too busy to take care of their son. Nascha did not relish facing the wrath of Brenna when she found out that Adam had spent another night at her house.

“He needs to do his homework and then he needs to go to bed,” Erik replied. “Will you please see that this happ—who the fuck is he?”

Nascha frowned. Behind her, a rather… damp… man stood in the hallway with a towel wrapped around his trim hips. For a minute, her brain short-circuited as her eyes traveled down the sculpted muscle of his torso to the cut of his hips that disappeared into the towel. She knew he was built; all she had to do was look at him to understand that. She had not expected this, or the fact that her feminine interest would be so strong.

“It’s a long story,” she said.

“Sorry,” he said. “You didn’t leave the clothes out for me and…”

“No, I’m sorry,” Nascha said to Chris, stepping away from Erik toward her guest.

Erik grumbled. “Nascha?”

“Just give me a minute!” It came out more testy than she had hoped; Erik was the last person she wanted angry at her, but in her defense, she was a little stressed and he’d just have to deal with it.

She scooted by Chris at the entrance to the hall, careful not to touch him, but would have been lying if she said she hadn’t readily inhaled the scent of cedarwood and sage that smelled heavenly on his clean skin. “I’ll bring you the clothes, you can wait in the bathroom.”

Chris nodded his head and turned to head down the same narrow hallway. He did so carelessly, his naked torso accidentally grazing her uncovered arm. Every hair on her body rose to attention, gooseflesh prickling her skin. The unforgiving sexual awareness tightened her breasts and her nipples pebbled into hard sensitive peaks against her bra.

This was the very last thing she needed.

She glanced to her side, seeing if he had any reaction, but he was already stepping back into the bathroom and shutting the door behind him. “Get your head on right, Nascha,” she muttered to herself. Focus. She needed to focus.

Inside one of her spare bedrooms was a trunk of old things she kept from the previous owner of the house; when the old doctor had asked her for her help and given her the house in repayment for it, he did so because he had no relationships with his family. Still, though, she had packed his clothes and personal belongings into some boxes and kept them in storage should someone show up one day.

It had been five years. No one had shown up.

Every time she thought about it, it made her morose. What was the point of suffering in this life if you didn’t have someone there at the end to mourn? Not that she’d ever have anyone like that, considering how her life had turned out, but it was still a shame for humans to not have a legacy.

She found an old cable knit sweater and a pair of sweatpants with a drawstring at the waist that still smelled reasonably fresh in the depths of the third box she hastily dug through. Perfect for a few hours, at least, while she threw his other clothes in the wash.

The torn flannel was going in the trash, though.

When she emerged, she heard Erik and Adam arguing again. It was time for Erik to go. Adam usually always did what she asked, but that was because she had patience. True to Erik’s ursine nature, he was quick to anger and once there, it took him ages to calm down.

“Chris?” she asked when she neared the bathroom door. He thrust an arm out through a barely opened door. She handed over the garments and walked back to the living room.

“Adam,” she said softly, “did you have dinner?”

“No,” he replied.

She nodded. “Go put the oven on to 425, please.”

“Nae...” he moaned.

“Go!” She pointed in the direction of the kitchen. “And you,” she turned to Erik, “outside.”

She thought for a minute that Erik wasn’t going to comply, however, after a few seconds of hesitation, he followed her out onto the front porch.

When the door was shut, she turned to Erik. “I thought we talked about this, Erik! You have to call me first to see if it’s alright.”

“I did call!” he snarled. “You weren’t answering your cell.”

“I was a little busy,” she said.

“Clearly.”

Nascha scoffed. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

“Like I didn’t just see a naked guy walk out of the bathroom?” One of Erik’s dark eyebrows rose in challenge. This brow had one of the other prominent and jagged scars that adorned his otherwise handsome face. He always looked menacing when it lifted.

“He came in with an emergency. His dog fell in the river,” she said. “He went after the dog, he was covered in blood, and I told him to take a shower. And I’m forcing him to stay here tonight instead of going back to his campsite because of the storm.”

Erik regarded her for a silent moment that stretched too far to be entirely comfortable. “What campsite?”

“I don’t know, the dog didn’t say. But he swears there was a bear out there,” she said. “Were you out patrolling this afternoon?”

His nonreply was enough of an answer.

“Well, I guess I owe Dodger an apology.” There certainly may have been one there in the trees, but it still wasn’t the thing that had ultimately caused Dodger’s injury.

“You need to be careful, Nascha,” Erik said. “You don’t know this guy. He could be bad news.”

Nascha snorted and shook her head. “Good thing I can protect myself.”

The front door burst open again, this time with Adam rushing out and shutting the door behind him. He was dancing around wildly to get her attention, like he was about to burst from pent up energy. “Nascha! Nascha, Nascha, Nascha…”

“What is it now, Adam?” she asked.

“The dude!”

“What dude?”

Adam gesticulated toward the door and inside the house. “That dude.”

“What did he do?” Erik growled, his hand on his gun holster in a millisecond, ready to take matters into his own hands. Never mind that he could rip any man limb from limb with little effort and bare hands.

“He didn’t do anything!” Adam said breathlessly. “Nascha, do you know who that is?”

Nascha pursed her lips, thinking for a moment. He had seemed familiar to her, but other than that��

He got close to her, leaning in to hiss-whisper, “That’s Chris Evans!”

“Who?” she asked. The name didn’t particularly ring a bell, but she supposed he was someone noteworthy out in the real world. Probably a Youtube gamer, if Adam knew him.

He was louder and exasperated. “Chris Evans!”

When that still didn’t elicit a reaction from her, he groaned and shoved his hands in his hair. This was clearly stressing him out. “What am I doing with all you old people?! I swear to god… you are useless!”

“Who is he?” Nascha asked calmly. She hadn’t realized that Erik had gone silent, and that the other man in question was now standing in the doorway; he was fresh, clean, and—this time—fully clothed. Pity, that.

With his hair slicked back, still damp from a shower, and really taking a good look at him, it hit her like a ton of bricks.

Well, shit.

#chris evans #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans fanfic #chris evans fan fic #chris evans fan fiction #hoot and howl #somseries

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hazelandglasz · 4 years

Note

I say this post that said "one time i was complaining about my shitty parents to a friend and he got frustrated and said “i’m gonna be your dad now. and your mom. you’re… dom. WAIT SHIT NO” and was wondering if you could write a Klaine AU with it, cause you're my favorite writer and it'd ba amaaaazing

AU where Original Songs didn’t happen (sob) and they never dated but they stayed close and went to New York together because none of that Junior nonsense, dammit

On AO3

Living with Blaine is even better than sharing a dorm at Dalton, Kurt muses as they sit upside down on the couch at 2 AM on a Friday, passing back and forth a pint of ice cream and telling each other things they can’t say during the day.

Their fears, their hopes, their random thoughts that make no sense at all and throw them into loops of giggle fits.

The only subject Kurt keeps completely out of their tradition is their romantic life.

Years have passed, but if anything, getting closer to Blaine has only increased his crush on the Warbler. And he may want to be a good friend, but Kurt doesn’t need a repeat of the Gap Attack, thank you very much.

He doesn’t need to hear about Blaine’s crushes or, God help him, his conquests.

Though, he has to admit, if Blaine has a romantic life to speak of, he’s remarkably discreet about it.

Blaine sighs, sticking his spoon in his mouth and handing the pint to Kurt. “My parents would be horrified to see us right now.”

“Hm? Why is that?”

Blaine turns his head to look at Kurt with the sad smile he often gets when the subject of his parents comes up.

“Oh, well. Ice cream for dinner. Two gay men living together. Not doing something considered productive. Studying to be a saltimbanque. Take your pick,” he concludes, shrugging as best he can given their position.

It’s not the first time Blaine has talked about how his parents are often—nay, always negative about him and his life and his choices, but it’s the first time that he sees his best friend trying to act so blasé about it.

Somehow, that is worse for Kurt than when Blaine shows his sadness at the situation.

“Fuck them,” he says, angrier than he has ever been on Blaine’s behalf. “You know what,” he adds, reaching to grip Blaine’s shoulder. “From now on, I’ll be your dad.” He pauses, considering everything he knows about Blaine. “And your mom. I’ll be…” He searches for the word, a good combination of both words would work. “I’ll be your dom.”

Blaine lets out a small hiccup sound and Kurt scrambles to stand, away from the couch as his words register.

“Wait.”

“My what?”

“Shit. No. I didn’t mean—”

“My dom?” Blaine repeats, rolling to the side to sit up properly, a smile slowly stretching his lips.

“Eurgh, no, stop, you know I didn’t mean…”

Blaine scoots closer to where Kurt stands nervously. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

Kurt scoffs and looks away.

Yes, he thinks angrily, I would love to be anything for you, anything more than your best friend, to be that person you go to when you seek comfort and love and if that involves telling you to love yourself as much as I love you and, maybe, yes, tying you up every now and then, well…

“Kurt?”

Kurt stubbornly keeps his eyes on the opposing wall, wrapping his arms around himself.

He can hear Blaine standing up, the couch groaning as he moves. “Kurt, I was joking. But, um…” Blaine reaches to brush his fingers against Kurt’s shoulder. The movement may be soft, but Kurt goes with it as if it were strong enough to pull the Earth. “...Maybe we need to have a conversation I have postponed for a long time.”

Kurt frowns. “A conversation you have postponed? Is there something you need to tell me?”

Blaine blushes, but he clenches his jaw in a way that is familiar for Kurt. It’s Blaine’s “I have made up my mind and I’m going through with it, damn the consequences” face. “I do.”

Kurt blindly reaches for his chair to sit down, before gesturing for Blaine to go on.

Blaine sits on the coffee table in front of Kurt and hesitantly reaches for Kurt’s hand.

“Now, before I go and tell you what I need to tell you, a quick clarification: I do not have fantasies about us in a BDSM relationship.”

“Thank you for the disclaimer.”

“You’re welcome. That being said…”

Blaine pauses, looking down at their joined hands for a long time. From Kurt’s point of view, it lasts a lifetime.

“Yes?” he says softly, rubbing his thumb comfortingly against Blaine’s hand.

Blaine looks up, and his eyes are shining. “That being said,” he repeats, “I have been thinking about us. In a—a—in a relationship.”

Kurt’s heart is beating in his ears, almost drowning the words he never thought he would hear tumbling from Blaine’s mouth.

“Kurt, there is a… a… a moment, when you say to yourself, oh.” His hand tightens around Kurt’s. “There you are.”

Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmy…

“I’ve been looking for you forever.”

Now hold on just one damn minute.

“But we’ve known each other for five years!” Kurt exclaims, not letting go of Blaine’s hand. “If you’ve been looking for, for me forever, newsflash, I was right here all along!”

Blaine winces. “I know. I was a coward, Kurt. I didn’t want to risk what we had. What if we broke up? What if I really was lousy at romance? What if your feelings for me were just some sort of hero-worship that would quickly fade away once you realized I was just…,” Blaine uses his free hand to gesture at himself, “me? And what if that wasn’t enough?”

“Oh, Blaine,” Kurt whispers, reaching to cup Blaine’s cheek.

“So I stomped on the idea of telling you how I felt, and I thought I could settle to being your best friend.”

“Umph.”

“And I really thought that time would, you know, put a lid on those feelings.”

“But it didn’t,” Kurt completes for him, familiar with how ‘well’ that tactic worked.

“But it didn’t.” Blaine smiles. “Does this mean that…”

“My turn, if you don’t mind,” Kurt says, covering their joined hands. “Living with you has only made me fall more in love with you, Blaine.” And boy is he proud for not faltering over the L word. “And that silly notion you have about not being enough? I’m going to do my best to eradicate it.” He pauses, scooting closer to the edge of his seat until his knees knock against Blaine’s. “If you’ll let me.”

Kurt reaches to make Blaine look at him. “Because you are wonderful, Blaine, and remarkable, and I—I like you very much, Blaine Anderson, just as you are.”

Blaine laughs wetly before wiping his eyes, just as his hold on Kurt’s hand tightens. “Oh, Kurt. You move me, Kurt, make me want to be a better man, a man worthy of your amazing everything. If I’ll let you? Please,” he adds with a scoff, before leaning forward, pressing a light yet firm kiss to Kurt’s lips.

Kurt takes a deep breath, deepening the kiss and reaching once again for Blaine’s cheek to tilt his head to the side, allowing him the room he needs to change that soft kiss to a mind-blowing one.

Blaine lets out a low sound, somewhere between a moan and a whine as he responds to the new energy of their kiss. The sound does more to light a fire in Kurt’s veins than anything else, even as intoxicating as the feel of Blaine may be.

They pull apart with a wet sound, both trying to find their breath, but reluctant to let go of each other.

“We should, um.”

“Yeah, we should,” Kurt says breathlessly before pulling Blaine back for another kiss, until they topple off the chair.

#theblacknightbird #sometimes i write #klaine au #roommates au #fluff #slightly cracky i'm afraid #beta read before posting

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sleepingfancies · 5 years

Text

We Need to Talk About SJM

I was recently anonymously asked what exactly my issue with Sarah Jane Maas is, and ended up writing what was essentially a thesis paper about it. Unfortunately, Tumblr pulled a Shitty Website move and deleted everything I wrote under the ‘read more’ tab, so I’m compiling my reasons here on a masterpost, for your reading leisure.

EDIT: Read more tab continues to not work for me, so I apologize to all of you who have to suffer through this. I’ll tag is as a long post accordingly.

Let’s get started

***********

Reason 1: She preaches messages that no young girl needs to (or should) hear.

Granted, I know the a lot of the YA genre are adults who are no strangers to smut and aren’t phased by toxic behavior in characters. But on the same token, a lot of the YA genre is fueled by young girls age 12-20. Now I’m not going to sit here and pretend like girls in that age range aren’t reading/writing smutty fanfiction or dating. I know they do, I did, most of my friends did. But at that age, young girls are still trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be, including in terms of relationships. That’s where my problem with Maas comes in.

Maas writes, almost exclusively, toxic relationships - at best. Straight up abusive at worst. At one point in ACOTAR, I had to put the book down because I was so disgusted by what happened. Rhysand assaulted Feyre. I’m not kidding. He kissed and groped her against her will, telepathically asked whether she was wet about it, and wondered aloud what she looked like naked. The entire goal of doing this was to piss Feyre’s then-boyfriend off, and for Rhysand to assert his dominance as a Fae lord or whatever the fuck (y’know, like rapists do). Feyre was left shaking, nauseated, and scared for her life. But the worst part? It was written like this was something sexy and desirable. Literal penetration was all that stopped this from being a horrifying rape scene, and I couldn’t believe Maas wrote about it like some hot erotica. It wasn’t romantic. It wasn’t cute. It was disgusting, violating, and I was furious when I read it (especially given Feyre actually ends up with Rhysand eventually. What the fuck).

In Throne of Glass - and subsequent sequels - there are couples (namely Rowan and Aelin) who quite literally spit on each other, punch each other, and bite each other. No, not “love nip” bite, I mean “I’m trying to tear your skin off” bite. But we’re meant to believe they’re endgame, meant to be, and a totally healthy relationship. Let’s not even get into emotional abuse and manipulation, because holy fuck does every single character in these books act like a goddamn villain if we were to go over that in detail. All you need to know is that “if you don’t do xyz then I’ll leave and never come back” “what made you think I cared about you? You’re nothing to me. Just kidding, I love you” and similar sentiments are rampant in these series.

While we’re here, what is up with this “mates” nonsense? Every character pairing we see by the end of the ToG series has a “mate,” and swears off everyone they’ve had before, claiming them to be “false mates.” This whole “mates” business sounds a lot like somebody desperately trying to reassure their insanely jealous partner that they don’t still have feelings for their ex. That’s not healthy! That’s not okay! Your exes helped you narrow down your search. They helped you understand yourself more and what you want (or don’t want). And y’know what? It’s okay to have happy memories with an ex. It’s okay to not hate your ex. Telling young girls that all that matters is their future husband (which erases LGBT+ girls, as well as straight women who don’t want to get married) is harmful as hell, and contributes to the idea that a girl is only “complete” when she finds her “soulmate.”

Girls 12-20 really do not need to be given the message that it’s normal - nay, romantic - for their partners to hit them, humiliate them, or assault them. You may be saying, “Clara, come on, girls know fiction isn’t reality and no girl is actually going to stand for that kind of thing in real life.” But I can’t tell you how horribly my own view of relationships was corrupted for several years after all the books I read as a tween where the protagonist had to defend her flirty boyfriend from the advances of other girls. I didn’t trust boys not to cheat on me. I didn’t trust my girl friends not to try and steal a boyfriend. I thought girls who dressed up and wore makeup and dated a lot were sluts. It took me years of conscious effort to unlearn those ideas. Fiction can and does influence the reader. So again I say: teaching girls that it’s “hot and sexy” when men literally abuse you is not a message a 12-20 year old should be hearing. Ever.

***************

Reason 2: What exactly does Maas want her readers to be?

Y’know, Maas thinks Caelena/Aelin is a role model for young girls. But here’s a brief list of things Celery/Alien has done throughout the Throne of Glass series:

1. Tried to smash a flower pot over a girl’s head for showing interest in courting Prince Dorian. Despite said girl literally being present at the castle for that purpose and Caelena was not.

2. Very nearly murdered Dorian for absolutely fuckall reason, and then she got mad at Chaol for trying to stop her (keep in mind: Chaol and Dorian are supposed to be best friends. So like... yeah, he’s gonna come to Dorian’s defense).

3. Straight up said, “if I get bored being queen I’ll just go and conquer more lands for my kingdom.” Imperialist there much, Aelin?

This is Maas’ role model material? Half the shit she does from Heir of Fire onward could be described as “war crime” and the other half could be described as “selfish.” Maas seems to think that a shit ton of half-baked “witty” lines and a few “badass” fight scenes completely makes up for having an amoral character as the protagonist you want to flaunt around as an icon for young girls.

It would be one thing if Maas said, “I don’t want anyone to be like Celery/Alien. She’s not a good person and I want my readers to be able to identify how and why she isn’t a good person. The moral is what not to be like.” But she does the opposite and claims time and time again that Celery/Alien is some kind of feminist warrior, when in fact Celery/Alien is the very epitome of white feminism and false feminism. She’ll be all kinds of gung-ho for herself, but as soon as another woman mentions her own unique problems or lifestyles, Celery/Alien thinks she’s a “whiny bitch,” “dumb slut,” or something similar. Celery/Alien ends up looking down her nose at basically every other female character. The lack of female friendships in Maas’ books is frankly astounding.

No girl needs to be Celery/Alien. Celery/Alien is not a role model, she is not a feminist, she is not a figurehead of a well developed female character or even a compelling antihero. She’s sexist, she’s misogynistic, she has serious anger issues, she’s manipulative, she’s abusive. This is not who young girls should be looking up to.

************

Reason 3: Maas has no place in the YA genre.

I’m not really sure I need to elaborate much on this. Let me give you a scenario:

Imagine you’re at a book signing for your fans. They’re mostly girls 15-20, so you kind of just sign their copies without thinking much about it. But then a smaller girl comes up to the table, you ask her age, and she says “I’m ten.” A 10 year old girl is standing in front of you, clutching her copy of your book where you wrote and published the scene, “he buried in to the hilt and roared. Over and over he spilled inside of her, the lightning outside flashing soft and lovely long after he stilled.”

Look me in the eye and tell me that shit is appropriate in the YA genre. At all. Ever.

You wanna write romance? Go for it. It can be cute! It can be healthy! It can be intriguing! But this? This? This is just... erotica. If you’re publishing stuff like this in the YA genre, in a book that isn’t even on the ‘tween/teen romance’ shelves, then you better be ready to take full responsibility for teaching 10 year olds what a blowjob is, what an orgasm is, what BDSM is, what a fucking foot fetish is.

I know JK Rowling isn’t the most popular right now, but even she did better than this. The first 3 Harry Potter books you can generally find on the children’s/middle grade shelves. They were cute, fun little adventures about wizards and magic and fantastic creatures. Books 4-7? Those are on the YA shelves. People are dying, magic is dangerous, fascist organizations are on the rise -- it isn’t fun for Harry anymore. It isn’t about the wonders of magic. It’s about life or death, war, and fear. So yeah, of course those book aren’t going to be on the children’s/middle grade shelves! They’re dark! They’re scary! That kind of material shouldn’t be advertised as appropriate for younger kids!

Maas never extended that courtesy. Maas took her books full of badly written erotica and plopped them down right where all the rest of the completely tame YA books went, because she wanted the sales. She didn’t care if she was exposing kids who were too young to explicit sex scenes. She never posted a disclaimer, she never posted any kind of warning on social media when the books came out. Nope. She just silently took advantage of the market knowing she’d get more sales in YA. But it has no place in YA. It’s not YA. And I don’t think I’m ever gonna be okay with that.

***********

Reason 4: Diversity? Never heard of it!

Maas’ books are so incredibly white and straight that it’s painful. Rowan and Aelin? White and straight. Feyre? Rhysand? Chaol? Dorian? Manon? Hey, you guessed it! They’re all white and straight (despite Chaol, Dorian, and Manon being heavily LGBT+ coded for like, the entire series till the last book)!

“He looked at his friend, perhaps for the last time, and said what he had always known, from the moment they met, ‘I love you.’” (Queen of Shadows)

Hello? Sarah Jane? I’m all for male friendships, but there’s male friendships and then there’s actual romance. Chaol and Dorian are about as gay-coded as they could fucking get. And this isn’t even the only time this happens! Check this out:

“Dorian surged from his chair and dropped to his knees beside the bed. He grabbed Chaol’s hand, squeezing it as he pressed his brow against his. ‘You were dead,’ the prince said, his voice breaking. ‘I thought you were dead.’” (Queen of Shadows)

But wait, there’s more!

“‘I’m not leaving you. Not again.’

Dorian’s mouth tightened. ‘You didn’t leave, Chaol.’ He shook his head once, sending tears slipping down his cheeks. ‘You never left me.’” (Queen of Shadows)

I mean come on, Sarah!

Also, Manon. My girl Manon hated men, pretty explicitly, for the entire series. In case you don’t believe me:

“There were few sounds Manon enjoyed more than the groans of dying men.” (Heir of Fire)

Oh, and other characters even imply Manon has never had a heterosexual relationship in her fucking life. See:

“‘That golden-haired witch, Asterin...’ Aelin said. ‘She screamed Manon’s name the way I screamed yours. How can I take away somebody who means the world to someone else? Even if she is my enemy.’” (Queen of Shadows)

Tell me that’s not gay as fuck. I dare you.

Manon had a whole lot of love to give women! She was always affectionate towards other women. Particularly Elide. This is a woman who was about as lesbian as you could get. Had no interest in men, every interest in women, rejected typically expected roles for women (getting married and having kids, etc.) but guess what happened? Guess what fucking happened?

This warrior who was friends with and rode on a big fuckoff wyvern completely and totally submits to Dorian as her lover. I don’t mean that metaphorically. They literally do some BDSM shit where he’s her “master” and she “kneels to him” or whatever the fucking fuck. This entire thing pissed me off more than Chaol and Dorian being all “no homo bro,” because Maas used every possible symbol and subtext for Manon being gay, and then said “just kidding!” Her relationship with Dorian came out of nowhere. All of a sudden she was just as thirsty for mediocre dick as Aelin.

At this point I honestly have to wonder if Maas is really this ignorant or if she’s - dare I say it? - taunting her readers who have complained about the lack of LGBT+ representation. Maas has, historically, not reacted well to people criticizing her work. I would not put it beyond her at all to intentionally queer-code characters only to turn around and rip the rug out from under her readers by pairing them up in heterosexual relationships. And not only is that shitty writing, but it’s... really malicious and rude.

Of course then there’s the issues with racial representation. Again, Maas doesn’t even try. She includes 13 characters of color only to immediately kill off all of them in a suicide pact. So there’s that. Not sure I need to say more than that.

Maas knows what diversity is, but as per her famous quote, “I just don’t want to force diversity into my books.” So. Y’know. Writing a black or gay character (or!! God forbid, both black and gay!!) is asking a little too much of her, apparently. She doesn’t want to force anything as unbelievable as someone who isn’t white or straight, don’tcha know? In these books about fae people and dragons and gods fighting mortals and explicit erotica, an LGBT+ character or a character of color is high fantasy, not YA. *Sarcasm*

************

Reason 5: The woman can’t write.

This is pretty straightforward. She cannot write. My proof? She plagiarizes the living fuck out of everything she can to avoid actually writing her own original work.

1. “You’re gonna rattle the stars.” - from Disney’s Treasure Planet

2. “The Queen Who Was Promised” - from GRRM’s ASOIAF, where Dany Targaryen is often toted as the exact same thing. Oh, and The Prince Who Was Promised prophecy in ASOIAF also mentions Azor Ahai being “the Heir of Fire” so, uh.... yeah.

3. Aelin basically being Aragorn. Lost royalty spends years as an outcast, denies their claim, teams up with elves (fae in Aelin’s case) to defeat a greater evil, becomes known as the people’s champion, falls in love with an elf (fae) and makes them their consort, crowned by the people, ends their coronation scene with a “you bow to no one” (I’m not kidding).

4. Nehemia dying for Aelin and it later being revealed that Nehemia was “grooming” Aelin to face great evil, and potentially give her life to stop it. How much you wanna bet Maas tried to give Aelin a name as close to “Harry Potter” as she could get?

5. Manon lighting a series of beacons across a mountain range to call for aid during war. I mean seriously? This is one of the most iconic scenes in Peter Jackson’s rendition of Lord of the Rings. It’s moving, it’s powerful, it’s awe-inspiring. And Maas knew it. So she just... took it. I don’t have a lot of respect for writers who can’t write their own moving scenes.

6. Kingsflame blossoms, which only bloom when the rightful monarch is on the throne. So... the White Tree of Gondor. Got it.

7. The Hand of the King being a royal court position. Like... jesus. GRRM, come get ya world-building, SJ stole it again.

8. A paralyzed Chaol has a specialized saddle made for him, because he wants more than anything to ride a horse again. GRRM! Please! She’s taking Bran Stark’s story now!

And besides all of these horribly plagiarized points, there’s nothing even slightly compelling about these books. There’s literally zero substance, and the last few books in both the ACOTAR and ToG series have been nothing but a smut-fest. Plot who? We don’t know her.

Trauma, both physical and mental, is erased at the drop of a dime (Aelin lost physical scars, Chaol’s paralysis was basically cured, series of events that should’ve left characters absolutely fucked just... didn’t phase them). The battles are rushed and sloppily written, and Maas has a particularly nasty habit of focusing on exactly the wrong people in the middle of what should be an action packed scene. Instead of showing alliances forging and plots being made behind people’s backs, instead of showing us people gearing up for battle by saying tearful goodbyes to their infants and spouses, Maas shows us Rowan and Aelin banging on a beach, or a tree, or a ship, or wherever the fuck they happen to be at that moment.

None of these characters lose jack shit. There is no sense of urgency or stakes, because we knew since Heir of Fire that Aelin and her precious uwu fae “mate” would be just fine. Why? Because nobody shipped Rowaelin as hard as Sarah Jane Maas did. Consistently the only people who suffer in these books are background characters (who, coincidentally, are almost always the characters of color and LGBT+ characters). By the end of Kingdom of Ash, literally everyone is fine. And paired off to be married, too! Because a happy ending isn’t a true happy ending if it doesn’t end with Babies Ever After and everyone in a heterosexual relationship, of course, right?

***********

Reason 6: World-building doesn’t even go here! Sorry, she just wanted to be a part of something.

Maas’ world-building is... how do you say... shitty. New lore pops up in every book, having never been mentioned before, and is for some reason of utmost importance (but only for this book. It’ll be forgotten again as soon as it isn’t relevant). Religions who? Culture where? History what? None of these things exist in Maas’ world. None.

Now before anyone jumps down my throat with “but The World of Throne of Glass is coming out this year!!!1!1!!” let me gently establish something. Speaking as a fantasy author: if you do not have your most basic world-building - that being religion, culture, language, and history - already established, then you have no business making a “world of” book to cover all the bases your ass never bothered with in the original series.

I said what I said.

Tolkien and GRRM are masters of world-building because they spent decades working to forge their worlds before they ever put a pen to paper and wrote their stories. Not to toot my own horn, but my own fantasy series has been developing for almost 7 years now. What am I doing with it? I’m outlining governments in different societies, why people came to worship what they do, and I’m making a fucking world map on my bedroom floor (that now has cat paw prints on it, so it’s not exactly final product material anyway).

I give not a single hoot for Maas’ “The World of Throne of Glass.” She could be saying anything she wanted to and it would all just have to be canon, because she’s establishing what this world is after already finishing her series. Yes, it does piss me off, because it’s pretty obvious she didn’t have a clue what her world was, or who was who, or why things were the way they were. She made shit up as she went along, nothing more. There was no grand scheme. There was no planning, and it shows.

***********

TL;DR: I have a lot of issues with Sarah J Maas’ writing, including her world-building and handling of diversity. But most of all I despise the potential impact she has on the YA genre and on the young girls reading her work. They deserve better than this. They deserve better than Sarah Jane Maas.

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sabeia · 6 years

Text

Be it yesterday - (Gintae Fanfic)

Disclaimer: I do not own Gintama nor the characters either. Sorachi Hideaki is the rightful owner of Gintama. But, I do own the idea of this story!

Note: OMG! I know right! It’s been ages ago when I uploaded the previous part! I do wish; for those of you still supporting and waiting for my update. Don't lose hope guys! Finally, I was able to gather some inspiration to continue this fic. Thanks to a friend of mine. Here you go, guys! CHAPTER 8 is finally here!!

And I humbly apologize if you happen to see a grammatical error, typo and all. I don't have the time to proofread everything as my eyesight is beginning to blur and I want to upload this chapter. ASAP!

Anyhow, I hope you'll like this chapter :) ENJOY!

CHAPTER 8 - Conclusion

Night Past, now; it is already seven p.m. The two ex-comrades are still drinking, well technically its Gintoki who still wants to drink until drunk.

"Oi! Gintoki… You still want to drink?" A worried Katsura uttered, well technically his worried for his money more than anything. It is beginning to dig-a-hole.

Gintoki groaned and wave his glass towards Zura's face and uttered "Nani Zura" hiccups "You invited me to get a drink..." hiccups "Then I'm sure you know... this will happen" hiccups... "Ha...hahaha Zura... Teme... This is the happiest moment in my life you know!" Celebrating while holding his glass of alcohol.

"Yeah... yeah..." and nodded while deep in thought. Thinking of ways to end his suffering.

"Nani... Zura!! It's... Like your...e" hiccups "not interested to what I need" hiccups "to say..." he uttered.

Katsura spit all the alcohol he drunk and slam his hands on the table; annoyed at what his friend uttered "What do you mean by, I am not interested? You're the one who's been drinking all day and saying nonsense stuff that I don't really care about" then suddenly stopping halfway through his words and calmed his self-down. Because his beginning to feel what a straight-man character feel like. Taking a deep breath. He continued talking to his companion. Rationally if possible "You're not even telling me one-bit of your problem. Oh! And more thing, Zura ja nai, Katsura da!" eyes rolls and rest his palm on his chin and look at the Silver-haired boringly. But to Gintoki. He didn't even care what the raven-haired spouts. And that annoyed the latter even more.

Gintoki stared boringly at Katsura while playing his glass. "Ee!! Seriously! Gomen Zura!" hiccupped and made a puppy eyes. Zura shivered at the sight of his companion he felt like vomiting all the alcohol he drunk today.

"And also Zura ja nai Katsura da! That's just gross Gintoki, don't you ever do that again!" still shivering at the thought of it. After calming down, he suddenly noticed the seriousness in Gintoki's face.

"Well..." scratching his perm as he uttered.”There's nothing much I want to tell!" he quoted. While the long-haired man in front of him raised an eyebrow.

Gintoki look at him sighing in frustration "look Zura! Even though I- I..." again he sighed and took a deep breath "I know what's bugging me. Even I don't want to admit it. I know the answer to my own problems" he said between lines and drunk some alcohol. While the raven-haired guy attentively listening to every word he'll say.

"WHATS FRUSTRATING IS THAT!!! IT'S HER!!!" drinking his alcohol in one go!

"Her?" what his companion thought – staring at Gintoki intently. Confusion was written all over his face.

"Damn! Why did I even- “he stops midway when realizing what his about to reveal in front of his friend. He doesn't want that guy to tease him, knowing he knew the girl he was about to mention.

So, instead, he looks at Katsura; thinking if he lets out any information he can think off. But, the way he looks like, seems his confused. Sighing in contentment, Gintoki scratch his perm "A...haha...haha!" laughing awkwardly whilst the latter eyeing him strangely. Thinking that, if his friend gotten crazier!

"I am..." Rubbing his perm "I'm just... Drunk!" he stands up and starts to fix himself "don't mind me Zura!!!"

While Zura on the other hand – not convinced for the lack of information his friend shared. But then shrugging it off. Because knowing the Silver head, he knows better than anyone that he'll never spill his own shit whatever outcome may serve.

But then a sudden thought crossed his mind. "Gintoki!" He called his drunk friend and the Perm stared at him boringly. "This has been bugging me for a while now!" He states.

He hiccups then answer "Nani?" he asks, wondering if Zura guesses some of his worries.

"Well…" thinking hard about how he'll say it, "Look! I'm just wondering why we did not stop at Snack Smile?" stating the fact to his companion and as soon as he looks back at his drunk friend. Shock at his expression, wondering why he looks surprised. Thinking hard if there is something weird about what he asked that made him surprise? Then something struck his head. Grinning at the silver head teasingly.

His question caught him off guard. Coming back to his senses – seeing Katsura, grinning. Annoyed and vein popped on his head.

"Gintoki you –" a roar of laughter escape his mouth, Tears streamed down his cheeks.

Another vein popped on his head "OI! Don't think of any weird things, Damn Zura" threatening Zura but to no avail, it didn't work.

Trying to calm down, wiping the tears escaping from his eyes because of laughter. Clearing his throat. He uttered "Zura Ja nai Katsura da…" hands resting on his tummy as – he's controlling himself not to laugh. Gazing at his friend. Voice was shaking "Look Gintoki it's all crystal clear to – hmp-…"

"Crystal – what now?" Pressing his hands on Zura's cheeks, squeezing it hard.

Even with Gintoki squeezing his cheeks. Zura Uttered "Ha-.ha- ha- It's Cry-stal cl-clear Th-that you Like Ot-…mpppp"

Suddenly Katsura's mouth is full of ice. Gintoki spoon-feeds him some ice so that he'll stop spreading nonsense. Gintoki fixing himself. Looking serious all of a sudden as he sets his gaze on his companion, "Well I'm not suitable enough to love her anyway." Sighing in defeat. Rising on his chair leaving the raven-haired guy behind.

"Arrrg… I'm so sleepy!" Yawning while stretching his arms "Thanks for the drink Zura!" he didn't look back to see what kind of face his making but, he raised his hand and bid farewell.

With a serious look as he stared at Gintoki's leaving form in worries. He mumbles "Damn that Gintoki!"

_-o0o-_

Seeing all the cabaret girls – busy entertaining all their customer, whilst one brunette is spacing out. Some colleague and friends noticing her strange behavior but didn't bother nor question her as they are afraid of what she'll do when she's being disturbed. Though they're manager approach her. Calling her several times but, seems that voices are not reaching her ears. Their manager decided to poke her instead.

Poking her several times till it works. The last poke he made, made her flinch. It made her back to her senses and got startled as soon as she saw their manager grinning at her. A vein popped on his head. freaking her out in the process, she suddenly raised her voice, "Ten-Chou!" it confused her why he's in front of her so suddenly. Breathing out as her hands rest on her chest to calm her nerves. She faces her manager and asks "What's the problem!?" unaware of her surroundings.

The manager looked at her and sighed "Otae-chan? If you're not feeling well you can tell me about it!" is what he said. Whilst Otae, eyeing him confused to what he meant. Raising her eyebrow, questioning him what he meant by his statement.

No words were coming out in their manager's mouth. So, she decided to speak, "I'm feeling fine though!" she informs, whilst the manager's palm rested on his face. Sighing in frustration.

"Well... Why are you spacing out in the middle of your duty," He pointed out! That was more of a statement rather than a question, causing her to flinch.

"Wha..." before she even begins to open her mouth their manager pointed his finger at her customer and followed suit. Confused why his concern about her client. As soon as she saw him. It confused her still. So, she turns back her attention to their manager and eyed him strangely "So? What's the problem with him?" slightly raising her voice.

The Manager sighing in frustration at how clueless she is in what she was doing. Massaging his scalp "Look Otae-chan" he called and the Brunette look at him attentively. "Actually... You look like a mess!" after hearing that, Otae wants to retort back but, he cut her off. "And you look like a lifeless soul." Otae raised her brows and doesn't even understand the meaning of what his words. While the manager face-palm and sighed.

"Then may I ask you. What you and your client has been talking about these entire time?" he asked.

"We-well~ we're- his talking about..." she stared at her client and the guy smiled at him awkwardly. Then slowly facing their manager. "We-well... A-..." scratching her head. Thinking deeply "What the heck is he saying to me anyway? Why don't I remember any of it? Did I? Did I really space out? THE WHOLE FREAKING TIME?" screaming internally and decided to face their manager again. "Sp-sports~" she chimed and slowly look downwards to escape their manager's eyes.

"See! What a mess. Why would he converse a sports thing to a lady?" he quote,

"Well... I am a sports person you know!" She remark

A vein popped at the manager's head and everyone who heard that laugh together.

"Look Otae-chan you need to take a break. You may take an early leave today. Make your mind at peace. Okay?" is what he suggest! But, to Otae she has many reasons to disobey their manager but looking closely; even though she's on her job place – she can't even focus nor think straight! And so she decided to oblige. Rising up on her sit and vowed to their manager and vowed apologetically to her client for causing him trouble. Then she leaves the bar for good.

_-o0o-_

"Aaa... What a long tiring day!" she yawned and stretched her arms. Looking at the dark-gray sky "looking closely. I didn't even last an hour on my job!" cursing under her breath when suddenly someone called her.

"Anego?" Kagura called.

Otae, startled seeing- "Kagura-chan! What are you doing here? And it's already past 6, Gin-san might scold you for being late" worries evident on her tone, as she scolds Kagura.

"Nothing much. I don't have anything to do anyway. And… also, Gin-chan is out. He'll never know I'm still outside! Also, I'm walking Sadaharu" she bombarded her with an answer.

But looking closely, there is no Sadaharu anywhere near her. Eyebrows furrowed as she looks strangely at the young girl in front of her.

Kagura noticing her Anego. She giggles, even without her asking she knew what she was thinking. So, not wasting any more time she answered her thoughts, "Oh! If you're looking for him; he runs away. Well knowing Sadaharu he'll come back!" Otae Nodded to agree with her.

"By the way Anego!" called Kagura.

"Hmm... Nani Kagura-chan?" she asks. While gazing at the dark sky.

"Well... I just want to ask"

"Nani?"

"Well... Are you alright?" she asked worriedly and her sudden question confused her.

Asking herself do I really look like I'm in some kind of depression? Staring back at the young girl, eyes furrowed, "W-what do you mean?"

Rubbing her head, "W-well when I saw you. You look like you're in some kind of trouble?" seeing the brunette raised an eyebrow. "I meant is, you look like, you're in deep thought!"

Otae's eyes shot open "It seems these days I've been in a state of shock!" She thought. Then starring at her companion and smiled at her "Kagura-chan"

"Yes? Anego" opening a pack of sukombu

"I just want to ask you something! If that's alright with you?" Kagura's eyes glittered in joy. She nods to her excitedly.

"Yes, Aru! Of course, you can ask me anything!" she sang happily.

Otae took a deep breath, "Okay then! Well… I just want to ask if you fell in love before." Kagura's eyes widen in horror.

"Have you Kagura-chan?" She asked again. When she stared at Kagura, she thought – maybe asking her that made her confused.

Kagura cannot believe what her Anego ask. But she's glad that – at least, she chose her to open up something. Even though, her question confuse her. Not sure if she can give the best answer to help her in some way. So, coming back from her senses. She spoke "I'm not sure if I did fall in love - love? But, I do have some knowledge about that word – love!" she stated. Otae nod stating that she's listening to every word she'll say.

"If you say, love~ my Mommy once told me, you cannot foresee when you're actually falling in love. Because there will be a time when you will realize that your feelings for that certain someone will change!" Otae nodded but some part confused her. Raising her point finger "That's what Mommy said to me; though even up to now it's still confusing!" she adds.

Kagura stared at her "And to me, Love is a feeling of warmth and happiness towards someone – and if you're asking me who I love, then I'll say; I love Gin-chan, Shinpachi, and Anego, Sadaharu, Papi… and all our friends!" she stated.

Otae Smiled at her genuinely and thank the Yato. Patting her head softly. "Thanks for that advice Kagura-chan!"

Smiling back at her, wishing if she helps her some way. "No problem Anego! I do hope, that helps…" Scratching her cheeks, and stared at her. "Please let me know if I help you solve some of your worries, Anego?" Kagura pleaded.

Otae noticing her worried eyes. She smiled at her genuinely and uttered "Of course you help me, some were confusing me but still – you help me realize something. So, I'm thankful for that!" Again patting her head. Then suddenly Sadaharu came and they wave each other goodbye.

_-o0o-_

After her encounter with the youngest member of the Yorozuya. Otae decided to lie low. Though! She kind of knows some of the answers she wants, still don't want to agree to it and denying it. Wind hugs her warmth body as she's busy walking down the bridge at night time. Gazing at the now dark sky with stars scattering around. When she decided to go home and rest. She saw the Demon vice commander of the Shinsengumi. Smoking whilst his free palm resting on his chin, staring blankly at the waves of the river. The Brunette decided to go and accompanied the raven hair guy.

"Hijikata-san!" approaching him as she called his name.

The latter got startled at hearing his name being called. Looking at the speaker of the voice, seeing a young brunette with gorilla strength coming her way towards him. It saddens him a bit. "Sup!" greeting her. Sounding as normal as possible, "Oi' Oi'. I didn't check my horoscope today! For goodness sake" He wondered, sighing in frustration. Otae caught his uneasiness. And instead of feeling offended. She decided to smile at him genuinely. Genuinely? With a dark aura appearing on her back obviously. Hijikata startled and sweat starts running down his face and gulped "Y-yoh! What a surprise meeting you here, crazy woman!" mumbling the last sentence to himself.

"Yeah! Me too!" She answered back. Still smiling at him creepily.

Hijikata rubbing his hair not knowing what to say or do next, he sighed "A-a... Well, I have some errands to do so, I'll be of–"

"Can I borrow some of your time for a while?" the brunette suddenly queried. It startled the demon vice commander. But, looking at her; it seems that she does have a thing or two to say. But, the question is… why him?

He wondered if it has something to do with his commander. So, for the umpteenth time, sighing in frustration.

"Look... Whatever Kondo-san did-"

"Well it's not about him!" she cuts him off.

Scratching his hair "O...kay! Then what do you need from me?"

Otae took a deep breath and look at the handsome man beside her. Opening her mouth but, no words are coming out. She laughs awkwardly and apologizes. "Gomen!" she mumbled. Whilst the raven-haired guy raised an eyebrow.

Otae plays her finger non-stop then looking sideways or down. Which her companion wondered. Then again the brunette sighed and calm herself. Mustering enough courage to ask him her troubles; even if she looks weird and out of character to him.

Meanwhile, the raven-haired guy, fidgeting his feet out of boredom whilst waiting to what this crazy chick has to say. And when he saw her open her mouth. Again. Suddenly his eye lit up in excitement – in another way.

"Okay!" the brunette cheered herself. She took a deep breath and look at her companion that now for sure is impatiently waiting to her. "Well, you see... I know this is kind of weird for me to ask... But-"

"Okay! Shoot!" Calmly as possible he muttered under his breath. Though the Brunette in front of him looks unhappy at how the way he interrupted her thoughts.

"You see, this is hard for me to ask. But, Shin-chan once told me – that you help him once, regarding his love affairs." When Otae looks up to see Hijikata. It bewildered her why his looking at her with eyes wide open!

She looks at him with disgust "You're creeping me out!"

After she commented that Hijikata turns back to reality and cough to erase the awkwardness. Staring at the girl beside her, then return his gaze to the riverside.

He took out his cigarette and starts to smoke. Whilst Otae is unsettled waiting for his answer.

"Maybe that's shocking for him though?" informing herself.

"What do you mean by love affairs? Are you telling me you're in love?" Hijikata asks with amusement written all over his face.

Otae blushes at the remark and brushes it off. "Si-silly… not me though!" She defended herself but Hijikata eyed her.

"T-true! It's not for me! It's for a friend! You see, she's asking me about this matter but, as you see I'm not a love expert!" She explained and trying to convince him.

And as for Hijikata, even though he didn't buy her trying hard explanation; still, he let it slide and hear her out first. "Hai! Hai! Whatever you say!" he answered boringly "So! What is this love thing you're supposed to – I mean is, what love affairs do your Friend~ wants to know?" asked the brunette.

"W-well you see she told me that whenever she sees the guy, it makes her heart tremble!"

"Tremble? Why? I mean what kind of tremble?"

"Tremble! Means whenever I..." Before she even said the whole sentence she saw Hijikata raised an eyebrow at her. She cut herself off and cough. "What I meant is whenever SHE~ saw him her heart trembles in some kind of ways like, how do you pronounce it?" asking herself. Whilst the demon vice commander eyeing her every sentence.

Again she inhaled deeply "Hmm… Like her heart is trembling with joy, excitement, and anger? Like she feels delighted and somewhat uncomfortable whenever he's around!" not sure if her explanation went through to the raven-haired guy. As his just blankly looking at her.

"I don't know if I explain it properly. But, that's how I-… she felt…" Then laugh awkwardly.

Hijikata eyeing her, staring at her face like there's some kind of dirt hanging on her face the brunette look uneasy. So, she decided to stare anywhere but him. And when he realized what he's doing, he suddenly stops and cough to erase the awkwardness envelops them.

"Okay!" He starts then the girl beside her gaze back at him. "To summarize it, she's happy to see him but also felt uncomfortable, am I right?" asking the brunette. And she nods.

"Then – she's in love!"

After his quick analysis on the matter. Otae's facial feature is horrified; shock written all over her face. As if what the raven-haired guy uttered is a complete joke and nonsense.

Her reaction is somewhat a shock to the demon vice commander as well. Even though she informs him that it's only a friend who asks her that. But, seeing her reacting this way; it somehow shocks him also.

"Are you okay?" he asks the brunette who looks mortified and it seems like she didn't hear her. So he asks her again.

"Are you okay?" after his second attempt. Seems like he got her attention because she looks at him in dazed.

Otae looks up to him only to realize she's acting weird again. Fixing herself as if nothing happened and cough. "A…" is the word comes from her mouth. Hijikata sniggered and saw how red she was. He apologizes for his behavior.

Red steaming on her cheeks, embarrassed for herself. "OI! Why are you sniggering?" is what she manage to say in this situation befalling her.

After stopping his self not to laugh, a sudden roared of laughter heard from the police guy. Some teardrop escapes from his eyes and wiping it. "You see! Don't deny it; it's not for a friend that advice is actually for you. Am I right?

She was about to respond back but, her mouth betrayed her. Taking a deep breath, he calms himself and stared at the young girl beside her "What? It's not embarrassing to fall in love. Right?" asking her in a serious tone.

Otae looks at the dark sky whilst wind enveloping their warm bodies, she sighed. "Darn! Even your saying that!" sighing for the umpteenth time.

"What's wrong with that?" He asks. Curiosity wrote all over his face.

"Well… you see, I'm not even sure myself if that is what I feel!"

"You mention earlier that you like seeing hi-"

"Correction – I'm uncomfortable seeing his face." Defencing herself again. Hijikata blows his smoke and looks up at the sky.

"You're just confused, you ask me some advice and when I gave you what you need. Here yah go and denying all of it!" lecturing the brunette. Vein pop on her head but shrug it off.

"I'm not denying something, what I'm saying is… I don't know and I'm not sure what I feel!" she answered in an upbeat tone. She heard him Tsk… and mumbling something to himself.

"You really are annoying. Aren't you?" he muttered under his breath, feeling tired all of a sudden.

Otae's ears went wild after hearing him. And when she's about to scold him. He cuts her off, without knowing.

"Then if you're not denying it. Why do you feel delighted seeing him?" asking the angry girl a while ago.

"I'm not happy... argg… it's just complicated!" She growled. Taking a deep breath "Look! I feel happy because… it's like he is a family to me. So, when I see him it just feels right!" Hijikata nod telling her to continue. "And he's always there. Every time I'm outside, his always appearing out of nowhere." Again Hijikata nod and this time with enthusiast. And certain that she's talking about her gorilla commander and feeling happy for him. Even though earlier she said her question is not about her stalker commander. He thought that Otae is only shy to ask him directly about her feelings towards Kondo.

"How can you accuse me of falling in love, when I – for certain am not sure if that's really how I feel? And of all person in Edo, why do I feel strange seeing him?" quote Otae.

Hijikata massaging his chin whilst thinking of some good advice to give to her. After realizing her feelings towards his commander; sure it felt nice and wonderful now that she also feels the same way. And admitting to himself that she's cute and all.

Seconds past when she uttered something but, it seems that no response came into the demon vice commander; it confused her so she stared at him, seeing that his line of sight is in horizon she pats his shoulder to get his attention and it works.

Coming back to his senses. Gazing at the brunette beside him, nodding in understatement which confused the young girl. Staring at him in confusion until she saw him open his mouth to say something.

"You see, you just can't accept the fact that now, you're developing some deep feeling towards him. Because of his somewhat annoying in the past. But, when you look at him closely and being with him every time, you're harboring some kind of feelings without you noticing it." Hijikata answered her in confidence.

A shock was written all over her face as she heard all the things Hijikata uttered; as if he knew who she was talking about. Then it strikes her, feeling uncomfortable at the moment.

"You said all that as if you knew who I was talking about?" sweat run from her face as she asks. Feeling uneasy but, acting tough.

"Well! At first, I don't but, consider what you mentioned earlier I had a hunch. And I'm pretty sure who might be the guy you're talking about!" He answered surely.

Sighing in frustration, realizing how smart this guy is; it sure frightened her. "Then if you know who the guy is. Can you help me realize what I truly feel? If I really am in love or if; it's just a normal feeling when you consider him a family?" She asks in frustration.

"Then let me ask you, when did it start?" Seeing her vexed expression. He sighed and continued "I mean when you started harboring that feelings towards him?" explained Hijikata.

She looks at him blankly until it registered to her what he meant. She sniggers shyly and suddenly, cheeks are glowing red, "Well, it started after what happen that night!" the raven-haired guy choke after hearing her answer, that startled the brunette, asking him are you okay?

Hijikata, with the knowledge that Kondo his commander was the one this brunette are talking about; cannot believe the things Otae stated. Realizing that some nights Kondo where missing on their barracks. Then it hit him, this is the reasons why? Seconds passed he calm himself and stared at the brunette with wide eyes, grinning like a maniac. That creeps her out.

"Why the hell are you acting like that? Are you okay? Do you want me to punch you really hard? You're actually – you're creeping me out! Stop that!" Hijikata, lock in his dilemma, suddenly startled at the impact blown on his nose.

Otae punches him on the face. That brought him back to reality. Groaning in pain as he wipes his bloody nose, "The Hell bitch!" he growled.

"It's your fault, to begin with!" Grinning at his reaction!

While the two are busy arguing. Little did they know that someone was watching them not so far away? But, in his view, the two looks like they're enjoying each other's company. Seeing that smile plastered in Otae's face and with the knowledge that she's in the company of that bastard policeman made him tremble in anger.

True! Gintoki felt the urge to punch a certain policeman for keeping his woman genuine smile only to himself. Because that smile is only for him. He decided to ruin their happiness by starting to approach them – walking like a zombie he called-

"DAMN GORILLA WOMAN!"

– END OF CHAPTER –

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#gintama #gintama fanfictions #gintae #GintokixOtae #gintoki x otae #Sakata Gintoki x Shimura Otae #sakata gintoki #Shimura Tae #Kagura #Hijikata Toushiro #Katsura Kotarou

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