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blackdagger456 · 1 year

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Happy Birthday

(God this is late)

Fandom: She-Ra and The Princesses of Power

Summary: Happy Birthday. These words should bring joy to the person they're said too, it's a word that implies a celebration. Friends coming over, presents being given out. It was supposed to be a happy occasion to celebrate ones birth. So forgive Angella for being worried about Adora when she grows increasingly uncomfortable every time the subject is brought up in relation to her.

Word Count: 5,636

FF Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14197910/1/Happy-Birthday

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44399635

(Story under the cut for those who don’t want to read on AO3 or FF)

Angella had been through quite a lot in her life.

Even before the Horde and the war she’d had many trials coming up as a princess and even more as a queen for Brightmoon. She’d lost many people she considered friends and family alike. In fact, among the names on that list, only two were left in the form of Princess Netossa and Princess Spinerella.

But through those years she’d gained things as well. Perspective, patience and a headstrong daughter that challenged both. It’s because of those things that she had noticed exactly how Adora reacted when the subject of her birthday came up.

It was at the end of one of their strategy meetings that it was brought up the first time. The former force captain had been a boon to the Alliance when it came to stopping the Horde. No longer were they reactive or defensive but taking the fight to them. She had never expected their savior to come from the enemy, but she supposed irony could be useful at times.

Even still, it ached her to know that she had to rely on a child to help win her war.

It’s why even she perked up when Glimmer made her announcement.

“Now that the boring stuff is out of the way we can discuss something important. Adora’s birthday!”

Angella couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Glimmer had inherited more of her father than she would ever know. She cared deeply for those she loved, which only fueled her desire to win against the Horde. As queen, Angella couldn’t simply sideline her daughter from her place in it. It’d not only be hypocritical but a sign of weakness.

After losing Micah, Angella couldn’t be seen as weak again. Couldn’t afford to be.

Plus, Glimmer was seen as a part of She-Ra’s unit at this point. It wouldn’t do good for morale if the princess and commander of Brightmoon were to suddenly stop fighting alongside their living legend.

Speaking of that legend.

“It’s not that big a deal guys.” Adora chuckled even as everyone clamored around. “Really, we have more important things to worry about.”

“But it’s your birthday!” Bow exclaimed. “We have to have a party!”

The other princess agreed, most of them beginning to talk about plans and who to invite and Angella would have sat back in silent enjoyment of it…but then she took stock in Adoras reaction. Normally something like would be a rare opportunity for Angella to simply relax and move her thoughts away from the war effort, it was so rare to find enjoyment nowadays. She was so focused on defending, on preserving her forces and her citizens' lives day in and out that something like Princess Prom or a Princess birthday was an enticing distraction.

However through the years Angella had developed a keen eye…and it noticed how the girl in question seemed nonplussed at the idea of an entire party in her honor.

Even a year after living with her Angella found herself discovering new things about the girl. Her tells for example, she didn’t show it often but when the blonde was uncomfortable she got tense, her fingers twitched along with her eyebrow and her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Angella frowned. “I think that this conversation can be tabled for a different time.”

“But mom—”

“Another time Glimmah.” Angella said a bit more sternly causing her daughter to deflate and grumble.

But Adora relaxed, her smile becoming a bit less strained as everyone got up to leave. Angella felt herself do the same. She had enough on her shoulders when she was out there fighting. She didn’t need to feel pressured while she was inside her halls.

Still…she couldn’t help but be worried.

(LINE BREAK)

That worry increased only a week later.

“Glimmer—”

“Nope!”

“Glimmer seriously quit it!”

“Nope! Your birthday is in four days, Adora. That means no work.” Her daughter said cutting Adora off again. “Relax, we’ll be fine without you.”

Angella didn’t miss the way Adora deflated at the news, moresoe at how Glimmer had ended that sentence. Even from her spot around the corner she could see the girls fight flicker out and unfortunately it wasn’t the first time this had happened. Adora had been fighting against Glimmer’s suggestions to be taken out of field work and usually she succeeded, but it seemed that today she was at the end of her rope. She was not happy with what Glimmer was trying to do. Glimmer, oblivious to her friends change in attitude, seemed happy she’d gotten her friend to listen but Adora seemed anything but.

When her daughter left Angella watched as Adora crossed her arms and leaned her head against the nearby wall. She frowned when she saw her begin to tap her foot, her hands clutching at her sleeves.

It was this moment that Angella decided to approach.

“Adora?”

“A-Angella! I mean your majesty! Ma’am!”

Angella frowned as Adora floundered into a salute. She thought they’d be past this by now.

“You can call me Angella, Adora, I think we’re past the formalities at this point.” She said, causing the younger girl to blush.

“Right ma--, Angella.”

The angelic Etherian gave her a small smile. “Would you mind walking with me? I require your help with something.”

The immediate mood change could be seen by the densest of people. The way Adora brightened and nodded excitedly at the thought of helping her was both heartwarming and worrying. The heel change was too abrupt but it wasn’t something Angella would talk to her about, not now anyway.

“What exactly do you need help with? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“I’ve been putting off reordering some things in the Royal Library.” Angella explained. “I could do it myself, but I feel it would go better with your help.”

Adora beamed in response, her steps becoming both eager and just a little bit faster as they approached their destination.

‘Adorable.’ Angella thought with a smile.

They spent about two hours in the library. Angella had never seen someone be so excited to organize books correctly. Adora was meticulous in her work, going over every book section like a fine comb to adjust and replace them all. She even began to go above what Angella had assigned her, just moving on without prompt or her say so.

When Angella asked her to hand her books she did so without question, when she asked Adora to go and move the shelves she did it in half the time it would take a normal person.

By the time they were done they were finished an hour earlier than planned. When she told Adora that she’d never seen someone look so prideful at a job well done.

“Thank you Adora.” Angella praised, smiling slightly at the shorter girl. “I couldn’t have done that in such a timely manner without you. Normally this task is droll and endless. You were a big help, both in getting it done, and keeping it entertaining.”

“Of course your majesty!” Adora beamed before wincing at her slip up. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright Adora.” Angella smiled.

It was instinctual really.

She used to do it to Glimmer all the time when she was younger, whenever she did a good job on something Angella would always pat her back or ruffle her hair. She would laugh, feigning annoyance but never actually pulling away until she was much older. So, she shouldn’t have been surprised when Adora did the same…but she was.

Because once again Adora reacted differently than the norm.

When Angella reached her hand out Adora didn’t lean into it or look at her surprised, no…no Adora flinched. She flinched and went stock still. Her eyes went wide with an emotion that Angella heartbreakingly recognized as fear.

It was silent between the two for a long time, the more it stretched on the more Angella could see that Adora was getting more and more afraid. Afraid of her.

Why? What had Angella done that could warrant this sudden display of fear? The apprehension in her gaze?

She waited for Adora to tell her but soon realized that wasn’t a possibility. Not with how she was locking up.

“Adora?”

The blonde gulped. “I—I’m sorry your majesty I—”

“Don’t apologize.” Angella spoke softly. “I’m the one at fault here, I shouldn’t have done that without asking first.”

“I-it’s fine really!” Adora exclaimed. “It just shocked me, that’s all, if you really wanted to you could touch me if you wanted. Totally cool.”

Adora was many things, a good liar she was not.

“Adora. If you don’t want me to do something all you need to do is ask me not to.” The queen said. “It does not extend to this either, if anything here makes you uncomfortable I want you to tell me.”

Adoras’ blue eyes went wide, as if she couldn’t fathom that type of freedom given to her. Angella realized that train of thought was probably correct. She may not talk about her time in the Horde but Adora did grow up there. Angella had no idea what it was like only that it had raised Adora to be a soldier.

She wasn’t inducted into the army. She didn’t have a life before the military. Her life was the military. Angella knew that with that life, freedom wasn’t exactly a commodity.

Especially in wartime.

“I---thank you, your majesty.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiled, Adora returned the gesture. Her body relaxed as Angella took a step back. “You know…I do have other tasks to do today, I wouldn’t mind some help.”

She had to struggle to keep down her chuckle at the excitement on Adoras face.

(LINE BREAK)

It went on like this for the next two days.

Adora would find herself being left out of missions or simple recon and Angella would swoop in and give her something to do. Whether it was simple reorganization, taking stock of supplies or helping Angella with diplomatic letters and responses as she was doing now.

“The Star Sisters are requisitioning more support. The Horde sent more reinforcements to their front.” Adora frowned. “We can spare a platoon for them, but I think sending them some Cavalry would do them better than foot soldiers.”

“How so?”

“With the terrain there the Horde will have difficulty getting their reinforcements in and prepared.” Adora continued, unfurling a map of Etheria and pointing at the mountains in the Star Kingdom. “Using Cavalry should get us there in time to set up an ambush.”

“What of the robots?” Angella asked, steepling her fingers. “They’ve caused their fair share of destruction lately.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem, even with Entraptas modifications the natural terrain should encumber them. They’ll take the back paths as to not be obvious but going that way’ll have them lose at least half of the machines to the cliff falls or rockslides.”

Angella let out a low hum. “I agree. You’ve been studying, well done Adora.”

The girl blushed and kept her eyes down but Angella could see the smile that graced her face.

“Thank you your majesty, I—”

“ADORA!”

The girl in question let out a surprised yelp and Angella sighed as Glimmer teleported into the room. In her hands was a large white cardboard box wrapped up in red wrapping paper.

“Look what came in the mail!” Glimmer exclaimed, excitedly shoving the gift forward. “Perfuma sent you an early birthday gift!”

“Oh that’s…nice...?” Adora asked, confusion written on her face as she took the gift. “Um, why is it wrapped up in a box?”

“It’s supposed to be a surprise!” Glimmer explained her brows knitting in her own state of confusion. “What’s the point of giving a gift without a little mystery? You guys didn’t have stuff like this in the Horde?”

“Not really?” Adora winced. “When it was someone’s birthday their squad usually celebrated with a bunch of rations and a few things. If we had gifts we just—gave them you know?”

She smiled as she talked, the memories she was expressing making her lax and…happy. Angella didn’t think anything about the Horde could make anybody happy but there was the evidence right in her face. Seventeen years in that cruel place she called home and Adora had memories of it being just that. Home.

“I remember this one time Catra and Lonnie—”

“Well, that sucks.”

Adora frowned as Glimmer crossed her arms, her own frown marring her face. “Birthdays are supposed to be fun and big. People coming to celebrate you with you.”

“Wait big? Glimmer how many people are coming over?”

“You remember Princess Prom? It’s gonna be like that.”

Angella sat up straighter at the look on Adoras face, the calm there now being replaced with shock and a tinge of horror at the news.

“Wait Glimmer I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’ve been meaning to tell you but I’d really rather it just be you, me, Bow and Angella I don’t need everyone coming here and—”

“Nonsense!” Glimmer cut Adora off, slinging her arm around her shoulder unbidden to her friend’s growing uncomfortableness. “It needs to be big, Adora! Your first birthday party! Your first real one! People coming over to celebrate She-Ra!”

Adora wilted and Angella narrowed her eyes, they went to Perfuma’s gift quickly finding the tag that read ‘To: The She-Ra, from Princess Perfuma.’

She-Ra.

Not Adora.

Angella felt a pit begin to form in her stomach.

“Glimmer, Adora and I were in the middle of important matters.” She said firmly, drawing her daughter’s attention. “I’m sure you have much to talk about, but it can be done at a later time.”

Glimmer blinked and looked down, for the first time noticing the scattered documents and maps along the table. She frowned, narrowing her eyes as she turned to Adora.

“I thought I told you not to work Adora! You got to rest!”

“Well, yeah but Angella asked me for help and—”

“Nope!” The purple haired girl cut her off. “You can do all this boring stuff later! If you’re gonna work then I can tell you how your party is going to go.”

“Glimmah!” Angellas yell surprised all in the room, she was stern most of the time sure but yelling? Angella didn’t yell. “Adora is helping me out of her own free will, I understand your excitement and wanting her to rest but I require her aid now. If you want to hinder that, then you can leave the room.”

Her child seemed…no, she was hurt by the harsh tone Angella used. However, the queen pushed down the feeling of guilt that wanted to crawl up from her chest. She couldn’t allow this to continue. Not when it looked like Adora was growing weary with each passing word Glimmer was hammering in. Angella knows that Glimmer didn’t mean anything by it, she knows her intentions were pure---but she couldn’t see past herself.

Past her wants. It was a good trait Glimmer had that she cared for her friends…but she was also blinded by it. Blinded by the good she thought and was doing that she couldn’t or wouldn’t hear the opinions of anyone else.

“Mom but—”

“Clear the room Commander Glimmer.”

“You can’t just—”

“Now.”

Glimmer teleported away, leaving the room in stunned silence. Adora looked at Angella as she sat down with a sigh, her hands covering her face as she picked up another document.

“I—you didn’t have too—”

“You were uncomfortable.”

It was a statement. Not a question.

“You were uncomfortable, my daughter was making it worse. I think—I think that of all our talk of hating and fighting the Horde we forget that you grew up there. That it was your home and…we shouldn’t disregard that. We shouldn’t disregard you.”

Angella looked up at Adora with a tired smile, the girl looking back at with confusion…and gratefulness.

“Your opinion matters Adora…now, what were you going to say earlier?”

Adora smiled.

(LINE BREAK)

January Nineteenth. Adoras birthday.

Angella should be mingling with the guests, she should be paying more attention to talking to the dignitaries and her other allies but she couldn’t. Not when her attention was focused on what should be the most important thing of the night.

Adora was surrounded by people.

She couldn’t walk one or two steps without someone coming up to congratulate her and wish her a happy birthday. Normally that would have been fine but…they weren’t wishing Adora a happy birthday were they?

“Happy birthday She-Ra.”

“May you have many more days She-Ra. Happy Birthday.”

“May you live long and have many other days of birth She-Ra!”

She-Ra, She-Ra, She-Ra, She-Ra. That’s all anyone was saying all throughout the day, aside from the other princesses everyone referred to Adora as her title and not…well, Adora!

It was admittedly grating to her nerves, this was supposed to be about celebrating a young girl who chose to break free from the only home she knew. They were not supposed to use this day to celebrate a legend come to life and establish political relationships.

Angella watched Adora like a hawk, whether the girl knew it or not she was letting people lead her around. Shaking hands and accepting hugs that she was very clearly against, she didn’t know these people and more importantly she didn’t want them here.

She didn’t want this at all.

But she bottled her emotions and simply went with the flow, plastering on a grin Angella could recognize as fake as she talked and played the political game.

“Your majesty I must say it is quite impressive how you’ve started to push back the Horde this past year.”

Then there was her reaction to that word. Happy Birthday, Everytime someone said that to her the blonde seemed to wilt more and more. Even now she saw her shoulders drop as another Plumerian walked off. It was brief as Glimmer came over to drag her to a table with the others, but it was there.

Adora didn’t want to be here. She had tried to tell Glimmer that this wasn’t what she wanted, that she wanted a small gathering, but the girl had just barreled on anyway. Even Bow had latched onto Adoras mood but by the time he did it was much too late.

“Your recent victory in working with the Star Kingdom was a stroke of genius, She-Ra continues to be a boon for the Rebellion.”

“Adora.” Angella said absentmindedly, not even sparing the person she was talking to the dignity of eye contact. “Adora has been a great boon to us, yes. Her battle strategies have managed to pull off many victories in our favor.”

Angella felt her eyes roll at the woman’s cough. “Yes, well I would like to talk about the future of Sh—of Adora.”

Of course she did, everyone she’d met tonight wanted to offer something to get She-Ra to relocate or focus her efforts. Wanted to take her away from Brightmoon and maybe Angella would consider it if she was a younger ruler.

But she wasn’t younger, she wasn’t naive enough to think that these people wanted Adora for anything other than a political sword. Angella would sooner die than use her as a bargaining chip and that went for her Glimmer as well.

So imagine Angellas shock at the words spoken next.

“If possible as your ward I wonder if it would be appropriate to set up a marriage between her and one of my children.”

Angella’s attention was suddenly fully focused on the woman in front of her, her eyes blown wide as she was caught off guard.

“Excuse me?”

“With all due respect your majesty with the Princess Alliance in full swing I believe it is time to put forth these types of talks.” The woman, Angella recalled as she spoke, was the queen of the Star Kingdom. Ignorant to her rudeness, the aforementioned Star Queen crossed her arms as she spoke, confident in her words. “Strengthening that alliance is all the more prudent now, after all it is how you got Mystacor to send people supplies and join Brightmoon.”

Angella felt her wings ruffle before she schooled her features. “I’m afraid Adora has more pressing concerns than marriage Queen Aurelia.”

The woman gave her a nod but did not move away nor change the subject. “I’m sure she does, which is why it is fortunate that these matters are for us to discuss. As much as I wish it weren’t true, my children are both princesses and soldiers. They will continue to fight but they know what is expected of them and since you refuse to allow your daughter to take part in these talks, I believe this would be the best option.”

The best option was it? Was it truly? Was saving their lives not enough? Turning the tides of this accursed war wasn’t enough?

Angella refused to use her daughter as a bargaining chip, both because Glimmer would most likely refuse in the most vehement way possible but more so because she loved her daughter. She loved her and despite her role she wanted Glimmer to have as much childhood freedom as Angella could allow. So yes, she supposed from an outside standpoint Adora would be the better option.

From an outsider’s point of view. Not Angellas.

They weren’t the ones here in this castle, watching Adora go through her trials on and off the battlefield. They didn’t see her willingly sleeping on a hard bed. Didn’t see how she seemed to bend the knee whenever others got excited to do something with or without her permission.

They didn’t see how she would light up when given a task or order be it one for war or as simple as helping with library books.

Angella knew that if she asked her too Adora would go forward with this political arrangement. It would be the easiest thing to simply walk over and ask her to bear the burden.

So really, it was a simple decision for her.

“If you’ll excuse me Queen Aurelia.” Angella said, backing up slightly and placing her drink on a passing tray. “But I believe that I have other business to attend to.”

She ignored her fellow queen’s call for her name as she made her way over to Adora, she was being crowded again. This time not just by her friends but by the very princesses she had just been attempted to be sold too. Aurelia was right, they did know their duties and maybe in another time Angella would respect that.

But despite that blush on her face Angella could see the signs again, the clenching of her hands. Drawn in shoulders that shook from being touched, a stiff posture that her nervous tone of voice drew attention from and the creasing of a brow.

Uncomfortable didn’t even begin to describe the state Adora was in and from the teasing looks she was getting from her friends they weren’t going to be of much help.

“Excuse me ladies.”

“Oh mom! Come and meet—”

“I know who they are Glimmer.” Her frosty tone cut through the mirth of the table. Eyes drawn to her as she sent a glare that made the Star Sister freeze in place. “Adora. If you would be so kind as to join me for a few minutes, I’d like to have a conversation with you.”

Her tone left no room for any argument and even the mentally challenged could see that, Adora quickly excused herself and followed Angella as she walked away.

Angella could feel Adora’s eyes on her as they walked through the hall, she didn’t allow her to stop and receive thanks for people that wanted to wish her a happy Birthday. Hell, she didn’t even stop for the people who tried to walk up to greet her. She met each and everyone of them with a flap of her wings, a universal signal to either shut up or back away.

She may not be on the front lines anymore, but her reputation still preceded her.

“Um, your majesty?’ Adora asked once they’d gotten through the crowd and exited the banquet hall. It was just her and an upset queen now, Angella couldn’t blame her for being nervous. “We’re going pretty far away from the others? Is this important? Did something happen?”

“Yes, something I feel I should have stopped long before today.”

“Ma’am?”

“Adora…I’m sorry.”

Adoras eyes blew open at the sudden apology, Angella would have found her subsequent floundering amusing if it were any other situation.

“Adora, please.” Angella sighed, putting up a hand to stop the girl’s ramblings. “The fault isn’t yours. It’s mine. Mine and Glimmer’s and everyone else but yours.”

Adora frowned, her hand going to grip her arm as she looked up at the queen. It was as if those words didn’t make sense to the poor girl.

“I—I don’t understand…”

“You were uncomfortable back there.” Angella said. “You were surrounded by people singing your praises, congratulating She-Ra on her accomplishments and wishing you a good day….and you were uncomfortable. You didn’t want to be there.”

She moved over to the girl then, kneeling down to get on eye level and trying to give a gentle smile to the shocked blonde. Angella could tell she wasn’t expecting anyone to notice her mood, Angella took some sad pride that in the past few days she’s been able to decipher a part of the mystery that was Adora.

“I—it’s fine.” Adora eventually said. “Glimmer and the others worked really hard to put this together. Everyone showed up and—”

“This isn’t about them Adora, this is about you.” Angella cut her off before she could continue. “This day isn’t supposed to be about them, it’s not supposed to be about She-Ra. It’s supposed to be about you, Adora. Just you, and it’s been turned into something that seems to be the antithesis of that.”

Angella shook her head. “My daughter means well, she loves you. But her nature makes her blind to what other people want, to their own opinions. You didn’t want a big party Adora, you wanted a small gathering didn’t you?”

Adora stayed silent, but after a moment nodded in agreement. Angella felt relief rush through her, she was worried that she’d simply try to dash the concerns away again. But admission was a step in the right direction even if it was a small one.

“You’re a good person Adora. Not just a soldier, not just a hero but a person. This is supposed to be a safe place for you, a place where you are supposed to be a home for you…but it hasn’t felt that way has it? Not completely.”

Adora wilted, a strangled sound coming from her throat as she took a step back. “I—I’m sorry. It’s just---I know that we’re the good guys and fighting the Horde is the right thing to do but---”

“But it’s still your home, isn’t it?” Angella finished for her.

“I—I’m sorry….”

“It’s not something to be ashamed of Adora.”

Adora looked at her in shock, her hands quickly going up to rub at her eyes as she felt them beginning to water. “But—they’ve taken so much from everyone, from you! The Horde!”

“Is not you.” Angella stated firmly. “You aren’t responsible for their actions, especially actions that happened before you were even born.”

Adora looked down, she didn’t answer but Angella could tell she didn’t believe a word of what Angella had said. It was something that Angella was realizing was par for the course, how many times had Adora put herself in the front? Allowed herself to take hits? Take or force the blame onto herself?

How bad was it while she was in the Horde? How worse has it gotten since she became She-Ra?

This wasn’t something that could be fixed in one conversation and it certainly wasn’t one to be had today. Adora was already pressured enough as is.

“Adora, if you’re comfortable…I’d like to know more about what you did before. You had friends in the Horde, yes?” Angella questioned. “I know about Catra, but you mentioned someone else. Lonnie, I believe their name was?”

Adora let out a sniffle, she looked at Angella and saw something she’d rarely been shown by the adults in her life.

Veritable kindness.

No plans to use her words against her, no secret test to decipher in their eyes. She didn’t get a sense of impending failure that was always her fault. Just---just kindness, a genuine interest in what she had to say.

It was…it was a weird feeling…but she found that she didn’t mind it.

“Lonnie was---she was part of my squad. Like Catra, we grew up together in the Horde and—Lonnie and I got along great.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” Adora smiled. “Catra was my best friend but if I didn’t meet her I—I think Lonnie would have taken that spot. She was just as competitive as me and Catra. Whenever we were training she was always right behind me, trying to get the others to follow my lead and push through training. We got along almost as well as me and Catra.”

“She sounds strong.”

Adora nodded. “She was, she and Catra fought all the time. Then there was Rogelio, he was a Lizardman and we couldn’t always understand him but---he was nice. Calm, in a lot of ways he was like Bow. Always trying to get Catra and Lonnie to calm down whenever it got too heated.”

Adora chuckled. “Then there was Kyle. He---he doesn’t belong in the Horde.”

Angella blinked, surprise on her face at the accusation. “Oh? How so?”

“He just---he was the weakest of the cadets our age. I used to think he was a liability but looking back—I just think he was uncomfortable fighting. He tried though, everyday he tried to keep up with us to not drag us down. He failed…but I think I should have been less harsh on him.” Adora said, hanging her head a bit and biting her lip. “I wish I did a lot of things better before I left, I—I met them when we went to go save Glimmer…we fought and I basically told them they weren’t my friends.”

“Adora?”

“I just—I was so focused on saving Glimmer and getting everybody home! I wasn’t thinking about what I was saying and—I can’t believe I said that to them!”

The girl was shaking now, tears quickly welling up and falling as she clenched her fists. Angella could see the mask come apart as Adora struggled to talk.

“They’re my friends! The only ones I had! In the Horde it was just us! Me and Catra and Lonnie and Rogelio and Kyle! We were supposed to look out for each other and I left them and—and--!”

Angella wrapped her up in a hug, her arms and wings folding around Adora as she shushed her and rubbed her back.

“It’s okay Adora.” She whispered. “It’s okay.”

“Whenever it was my birthday they all—they all gathered all the ration bars they could. They put it together to make—I guess you guys would call it a cake? Every time we’d just get close and celebrate, we didn’t need any big parties or anything just us…just us and I---I know everyone means well but—”

“This wasn’t what you wanted—you wanted something small. Something to remind you of them.”

Adora didn’t say a word but nodded, mumbling out an apology as that Angella shook her head at.

“It’s not something to be ashamed of Adora.” Angella said, pulling back and placing a gentle hand on her cheek. “It’s not something you should have to hold in or be disappointed by. You---you have a will of your own, one that should be listened to especially on a day like today. There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

They sat there for who knows how long, the Queen of Brightmoon comforting the child soldier as she let the emotions that had been up for the past few days loose. Angella didn’t know how long she stayed with Adora that night but when the girl had managed to somewhat calm down she could hear Glimmer calling her name.

“Do you want to go back?” She asked.

Adora shook her head.

“Then tell me, what do you want to do Adora?”

“…When it was nighttime, me and Catra snuck out to look at the stars.”

Well, then look at the stars they shall. Together, they ignored the calls for Adora to return to her party and made the trek to the higher portions of the castle. Even then as they walked Adora could tell they would be going higher than that, to the highest peak of Brightmoon Castle.

To Brightmoons Runestone.

Angella guided Adora to the edge where they both sat, their gazes locked onto the twinkling stars in a silence that Angella found to be comforting. She looked down when she felt Adora lean into her, smiling as she saw the tension slowly leave her body. As her breathing became steady and her eyes shone with something other than forced happiness for the past two weeks.

“Glimmer is going to be upset.” Adora hums, small and worried.

“Well, then it’s a good thing this isn’t about her then isn’t it?” Angellas amusement was infectious and Adora couldn’t stop herself from laughing at such a childish response from someone so regal.

Angella hugged her closer. “Happy Birthday Adora.”

“…Thank you Angella.”

#My writing #fanfic #she-ra and the princesses of power #angella #adora #im so late #i blame my editor #and life #can't decide which one #hope ya'll enjoy it #She-Ra #she-ra 2018 #blackdagger 456

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blametheeditor · 1 year

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Reasons To Hate You

Prompt Roulette By Title

Five reasons Character A has wanted to drop contact with Character B and the one key reason why Character A has stayed.

NOT MEANT FOR EVERYONE

Content Warnings: Cursing. Mentions of murder. Mentions of child murder. Mentions of weapons. Being possessive. Uncaring and unsympathetic toward others. People being experimented on.

The Editor cheated and I got my prompt late

________________________________________

“It is what it is.”

“They’re people, Vince!”

“And?” shut Scott up effortlessly as the taller shot an annoyed look at him. “There’s nothing special about them. We’re doing the world a favor having anyone who takes the night shift go ‘missing’.”

“...you’ve changed, Vince.”

“Have I, Scotty?” felt like a slap in the face as his best friend turned to him. Seem to grow several feet taller as Scott felt his heart threaten to beat out of his chest. Watched as the shadows seemed to surround them as amber eyes hardened. “Look at me and say I’ve changed.”

He knew the man hadn’t meant physically. Even if he had, Vincent still looked like Vincent. His long hair tied back into a ponytail. The playful smiles and teasing smirks exactly like the ones he received years ago. The only thing that’s really different is that fact he’s purple from head to toe to match he discontinued Fazbear uniform.

Scott wanted to say Vincent did change. His best friend murdered five children. The man finds no problem with being experimented on. Acts as if no one’s life truly matters.

The Vincent he knew would never have done those things.

…or would he?

Because it was the one who immediately took a stuttering teenager under his wing on the first day who intentionally corrupted Foxy in order to cause a horrific accident.

Because it was the one who nicknamed him Scotty who used his trust to go into the backroom and commit an unspeakable crime.

Because it was the one who saved him from getting killed despite having undergone Afton’s experiments.

“If they don’t matter, then why did you save me?”

It was a valid question. Because Scott was a night guard. He held the position among other things, but he had lost the game fair in square. Just like all the ones before him.

Just like the ones that would soon be killed by vengeful animatronics. All because of Vincent’s actions.

“Because you are special,” Vincent breathed. Backed down. No longer wanted to be upset with the man he had saved. And only barely.

“Special enough you’d use me?”

“I trusted you, Scotty. Mi-”

“No! I trusted you!” Scott snapped. Felt tears spilling. Flinched away when Vincent reached out to...what? Grab him? Hug him? Literally stab him in the back to complete the circle? “You used me!”

The taller only watched, carefully taking his hand back at seeing it clearly being unwanted. “I’m sorry.”

He hates Vincent for betraying him.

“You’re quiet today.”

Scott didn’t dare respond, knowing full well what would happen if he spoke and had any tone or words that suggested anything but a neutral attitude.

He learned long ago how to handle Afton. It came with the territory of being one of the sadistic man’s personal projects. And truthfully, he had no one but himself to blame for allowing it to happen.

The reason he stood there like a puppet who’s strings weren’t being pulled on was because he had agreed to be one.

It’s a decision he regretted, longed to go back in time and reverse, but it had still been his choice to live that hell.

And due to that acceptance, Scott was fairly good at ensuring there were no reasons to be unusually cruel during a session. Angry at the man who torments him with an amused smile on his face, but he could never be as upset with the one pressing the button or injecting the syringe as he was with himself.

It was a bad day, however. Curtesy of the lurking shadow standing in the corner.

“You’re upset with him.”

Scott swallowed down an angry shout. “Yes.”

Afton hummed in approval for his voice not wavering. “And why’s that?”

It took all his willpower not to glare at the glowing eyes peering at him from the darkness, Vincent all too interested in what his best friend had to say.

“He’s been alive all this time, and yet he never told me.”

He thought Vincent had been killed during the night shift years ago. After he murdered the five children, nearly claiming a six victim if it wasn’t for the poor boy to miraculously surviving after being bit by Foxy, the animatronics sought revenge. And while Vincent was many things with many talents, the ability to cheat death was not one of them.

At least, not the Vincent he knew. The ‘improved’ one could. Had a few times.

“Did he tell you why?” Afton questioned.

Scott’s jaw clenched. Unable to continue speaking less tears fall. He wasn’t demanded to answer.

He hates Vincent for lying to him.

“I took care of them, Scotty!”

Scott stared at the purple man. At the excited smile. The tone of pride as he waited for a response.

“What do you mean took care of them?”

He was looked at with an odd expression. “The couple of employees that were talking about you behind your back.”

The papers he had been holding fell to the floor, scattering across the hallway. Scott’s hand shot out to grab onto the wall, attempting to stay standing. He was glad the only thing he had that day was coffee.

“Why?”

Vincent was wise enough not to offer a hand for support, simply looking confused. As if having people killed for him wasn’t wanted. “You said you were getting annoyed constantly hearing them talk behind your back. Soooooo, I took care of it.”

Scott finally followed after the paperwork. Felt his knees give out as he crumpled to the ground.

His flinch from purple hands quickly catching him was so violent he’s immediately left alone, gasping for air as he stared at the ugly tiles beneath his fingers.

“N-No. No. I didn’t want you to kill them!”

“What else was I supposed to do?”

That was the last time Scott ever made the mistake of confiding in his best friend, even for the smallest things. Because that wasn’t what he wanted. That wasn’t what he thought would happen.

He hates Vincent for not being able to trust him.

“Hey, Mikey!”

Scott reacted as if he was electrocuted, all but sprinting toward the office when he realized Vincent was at the first location. At midnight. While Mike was working.

Dear God, not Mike, not Mike.

“Hey, Phone Guy,” was his first greeting as he skid to a stop right outside the office door in the east hallway. And while the night guard who had survived for nearly two months didn’t comment on his panicked expression, Vincent shot him a look of concern.

“Hey, Scotty, what’s going on?”

It was so visceral. Vincent sounded like himself again. Scott couldn’t put his finger on it, but his best friend seemed almost...happy. As if something he thought he lost had finally been found.

Which terrified Scott. Because the only thing that truly made the purple man happy anymore was killing. And there Mike was, the only other person in the restaurant, and only Scott had the promise of never getting killed.

He couldn’t let the young man die. Not when he was the first one to survive and stay. The first one to not despise Scott. The first one who followed his recording and actually looked in the suits for him.

It seemed like a lifetime, but it had only been a second before Vincent’s eyes suddenly widened, and he took a step back.

Away from Mike. Hands held up to show there was no knife. “You remember Mikey, don’t you Scotty?”

...Mike was given a nickname.

“Uh.” Hazel eyes glanced between Vincent and a potential victim. “Not particularly.”

“Purple Guy said his ass watched mine when my shitty parents dropped me off at Fazfuck’s.”

Mikey. Mikey. Little Mikey who got bit.

Scott didn’t respond. He only walked toward where his best friend stood. Saw the silent promise the sole survivor from his selfish deed won’t be killed. Placed himself directly between Mike and Vincent in order to act as a shield.

He hates Vincent for not being able to believe him.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Scott sent a fierce glare toward the shadowed corner. “None of your business.”

He turned to leave, just needing a moment to clear his head, try and remember who he is.

He didn’t get the chance. Not with a hand grabbing his wrist. Getting tugged back toward the suffocating office he can’t be in there right now.

“It’s always my business when it comes to you, Scotty.”

The man bristled. Attempted to yank his arm away, only to hiss in pain when the grip as strong as steel didn’t so much as jostle from the movement.

“Vince, let me go!”

He should’ve expected it, but it was late, he hadn’t slept, and he was terrified.

It was just him and Vincent in the first location. The one he nearly died in. Was seconds away from being stuffed into a suit just like all the other guard he hired, played the tapes for, and yet never did everything he could to help them.

Because he’s a coward. Because he only wanted to ensure he didn’t get punished by Afton the next time he was summoned into the lab. Because Scott Cawthon was a name to be terrified of with anyone who dares question him vanishing just like all the other night guards.

He didn’t deserve to be the only one who was saved.

Scott felt tears fall as he was forcefully pulled back toward the office. The creature who used to be his best friend growling lowly whenever he tried to fruitlessly break away.

He wasn’t trying to run. He will never be able to run. He just needed five minutes.

“You’re staying with me.”

He hates Vincent for treating Scott like he’s his.

“Scotty?”

The man in question looks up from his mug of coffee already halfway gone. Scowls at the sight of Vincent wearing a giant smile he does not trust.

“What did you do?”

“Me?” the purple man purrs as he walks closer, failing to hide his amusement at the fact Scott doesn’t look amused in the slightest. “Do something? That doesn’t sound like me.”

“Out with it,” is all that’s growled as he turns back toward the paperwork Afton demanded be completed by 6am. Meaning he’s pulling yet another allnighter.

He’s not suspicious of the silence. If Vincent really had something important to say, I.E. yet another demand from the sadistic bastard of a boss, then he would spit it out. No, right now his best friend is enjoying the old game of trying to see if Scott will get concerned.

It used to work on a much, much younger him. But after being by the purple man’s side for over twenty years, he learned the name of it real quick.

“...Brayden got a scholarship.”

Scott nearly chokes on his coffee. Quickly sets the mug down before shoving it away. Clears his throat and rolling his eyes at the sight of a hopeful expression.

“Hockey?”

“Well it ain’t for bein’ an honor student,” Vincent snickers. “Ya know it’s for hockey.”

No, the older of his two sons was never good at getting his homework done. Admittedly never did good on his tests, either. He had nearly failed math last time they checked.

“Jayden’s still in his honor classes, though?”

His best friend snorts. “Can’t keep ‘im out of them.”

They both know that’s Karen’s doing. His ex-wife might’ve accepted the fact Brayden enjoyed athletics more than anything, but his younger son was being put through the ringer with the hope he’s a genius. Don’t get him wrong, Scott knows his sons aren’t stupid, but Jayden never screamed ‘valedictorian’ to him.

Of course, she left him when Brayden was five and Jayden was three and completely cut all contact with their ‘deadbeat father’ including something as simple as a monthly phone call.

He owes Vincent for keeping tabs on his boys without ever being asked to.

“I also wanted to tell ya,” his best friend murmurs. “Might’ve needed to save Jayden from gettin' murdered on his way back home a few nights ago.”

“Why is the God damn kid walking around at midnight-”

“He takes after his father!” leaves Scott sputtering.

“Do not blame that one me!”

Vincent only hums in thought. “I think I might. Especially considering he’s got a life saving shadow that follows him everywhere like his dad does.”

Scott doesn’t feel anything but relief from the statement. Because the one thing Vincent has never so much as teased about is hurting his sons. Not even Karen’s been threatened despite the fact she’s the one who left his best friend and broke his heart taking his sons away like she did.

As much as Vincent’s concerned, Scott’s sons are his nephews he’s promised to protect while their father is out of the picture.

They don’t know how long that’ll be. Possibly forever. But he’s thankful for the purple man.

“Thanks, Vince.”

“Anything for you, Scotty.”

#ya'll #my internet kept cutting in and out!#I had to pull a last minute story!#and I blame the Editor!!!!#prompt hostage!#FNAF bois #Prompt Roulette By Title #A1 #BTE writing #cw #content warning

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