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greetings-and-salutations · 2 years

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“That’s the Big Dipper.”

Steve Harrington x Reader

Finale of the Stranger Things Summer Write-a-Thon!!!

Masterlist

(Gif not mine)

Requested? No

Summary: (Y/n) saw the good in everyone. It’s just who she was. So, when she started dating Billy Hargrove, Steve couldn’t help but try and be her voice of reason, and persuade her to rethink the decision. This, certainly, had nothing to do with his own blossoming feelings for the girl, of course not. But, looking back on it now, she really should have listened to him…

Warnings: starred out swear words, Billy Hargrove, teenage drinking, references to sexual activities, cheating, not really a happy ending

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

“Well, this definitely isn’t the bathroom...”

(Y/n)’s heart was beating loudly in her ears, the drinks finally hitting her at possibly the worst moment imaginable, but it was too late to rethink that decision now.

“Sh*t, (Y/n), I can explain!”

But really, what was there to explain? How many reasons could there be for being caught literally with your pants down with another girl?

“I’m just… gonna go…”

The room was spinning. (Y/n) didn’t remember making it out of the bedroom and down the stairs, her brain all fuzzy and her vision blurred, but the sudden sea of bodies, all moving far too fast for her brain to comprehend, was plenty enough to inform her of her new location.

He hadn’t followed her. (Y/n) didn’t know why she thought he would. It was quickly beginning to dawn on the girl what she had just walked in on. Her boyfriend was cheating on her. And she knew. And he knew she knew. It was clear that whatever they’d had was over. She would be an idiot to think otherwise. But, quite frankly, she didn’t have it in her to care about that either. Everything was giving her a headache, and, honestly, she just wanted to go home.

For the second time that night, (Y/n) was moving through the party without realizing it, stumbling past drunk teenagers, all the while trying to make her way to the front door. Her mind wandered through all the reasons she could have deserved the treatment she was receiving from a guy who was supposed to love her. Had she done something wrong? She didn’t think so. But she must have, as the other options were far too depressing to consider in her current state.

Suddenly something knocked her from her thoughts, or rather, someone, the girl stumbling towards the floor with wide eyes, before strong arms caught her around the middle, and she looked up to put a name to her savior…

+ + +

“(Y/n)? Woah, hey… you okay?” Steve’s hands came up to catch her as she stumbled towards him, clearly drunk off her a*s. When she didn’t immediately respond, his eyes scanned the area around them for her boyfriend, who definitely should not have left her alone like this. Coming up empty, Steve’s concerned frown deepened.

“Where’s Billy?” He asked, receiving a shrug from the girl.

“Probably still with Tina, but, you never know. Could’ve gotten through half the cheer squad by now. Depends on-“ Steve cut her off, shock covering his face.

“Wait, he…” He couldn’t even bring himself to say it. There was no way even someone as terrible as Billy would do that to a girl like (Y/n). She was literally perfect. What kind of idiot would screw that up?

“Cheated on me.” (Y/n) finished for him, Steve actually flinching at the words. Though, (Y/n) seemed relatively unbothered, as she waved it off. “But it’s fine. I’m not mad…” She trailed off, before pulling Steve closer to whisper in his ear. “But that could just be cause of the alcohol. Ask me again in the morning.” She giggled causing Steve’s concern to return. How much had she had to drink?

“Hey, how bout I take you home so you can get some sleep?” Steve offered, hoping she’d say yes, as he didn’t really feel like kidnapping her, and he sure as he*l wasn’t just gonna leave her here. (Y/n) pouted a little and shook her head.

“I can’t go home, my mom thinks I’m at Chrissy’s for a sleepover.” Well, sh*t…

Steve searched his brain for an alternative, still he*l bent on getting her out of this house, but running out of options that the drunk girl would agree to. Finally, he was struck with a thought:

“Okay… I got a place we can go so you can sober up. How’s that sound? Wanna go on a drive with your old pal Steve?” Her eyes lit up and Steve almost sighed in relief when she nodded her head.

“Okay!” He laughed a little at how excited she was, as his arm circled her waist, to start pulling her towards his car.

“Okay, then. Let’s get outta here…”

+ + +

“Here we are.”

(Y/n) had slept through most of the ride over, but Steve didn’t mind one bit. She looked terrible after the events of the evening, and, if a nap could be of some assistance? Go for it.

He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, however, as the peacefully dozing girl began to stir, a soft whine of complaint leaving her body, as Steve’s hand moved to caress her shoulder comfortingly.

“Where…?” The girl mumbled, looking through tired eyes at their dark surroundings. Steve watched her apologetically, though he still couldn’t hide his fond smile at her sleepy body language, before realizing that she’d asked him a question that he had yet to answer.

“Lovers Lake… I hope that’s okay?” The boy hadn’t even thought about the implications of bringing her to such a place, especially in her current state, but it was too late to turn back now. Besides, she didn’t even know about the little crush, which had been growing bit by bit since they day they’d met. And she was still fairly out of it. The odds of her putting two and two together based off his subconscious decision to bring her here of all places were slim to none. But still…

“Ooooooooooh, pretty…” Steve turned to the girl and was shocked to discover that at some point during his inner turmoil (Y/n) had opened the passengers side door and was now staring straight up, neck strained so far back that Steve was worried she would to fall over if she tilted just an inch more. He moved to join her, eyes trailing up to see what she was looking at and found only the vast expanse of stars that always looked over Hawkins. They were pretty, he supposed, but didn’t hold a candle to the girl next to him.

“Yeah, pretty…”

+ + +

“That’s the Big Dipper.” (Y/n) pointed towards a cluster of stars, the pair laid back on the hood of his car, having been that way for a while now. Their chatter had gone from everything under the sun, and was now landed on the constellations in the sky. Steve’s eyes followed her extended finger towards the sky and chuckled at its placement.

“No it’s not.” He responded, laughing again when she pouted in response.

“It could be.” She mumbled, but left it at that, clearly too tired to argue further as she rested her head on his shoulder.

They were silent for a moment, Steve’s arm wrapped around (Y/n) and her head tucked under his chin, when Steve finally spoke up.

“Hey, (Y/n)?” She hummed for him to continue. Here goes… “I know this is probably bad timing, and you’re still technically with Billy, but, I wanted to tell you… you deserve so much better. You deserve someone who loves you no matter what. Like I do… I love you, (Y/n). And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I’m telling you now…” Steve has no idea what has possessed him to reveal such things all of a sudden. He’d pretty much contented himself with the idea that he’d take this crush to the grave. But, he supposed it was too late now. “So?…” He asked, the girl having been silent for a moment. He hoped she wasn’t trying to come up with a way to lower him down easy. That would seriously suck all things considered. “(Y/n)?” Steve turned to look down at the girl, the best he could in their current position, and realized why she wasn’t responding. (Y/n) (Y/l/n) was completely passed out asleep on his shoulder. He let out a sigh, though he wasn’t entirely sure whether it was dejected or relieved, as he softly ran his hand over her arm.

“Get some sleep, (Y/n)…”

Steve decided it was probably for the best. Who’s to say she would even remember this conversation the next day? No, his initial thoughts had to be correct. He was much better off being her friend and keeping his mouth shut. That way he wouldn’t get hurt. Right?

Part 2?

This has been the most stressful two weeks of my life, but I am honestly really proud of the vast majority of these Stranger Things one shots. Thank you all for coming along with me on this journey of 80s vibes and cutie pies, and I hope to see you around still as I continue to post, far less frequently, but with probably much more care XD (I've got many Part 2s to get to... 👀) MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL!!! 😘

Tag lists are open!!!

Tags: @electriclcvewp @kaqua @m-rae23 @yellenabelovaa @peachycupotea

#Stranger Things Summer Write-a-Thon #steve harrington #stranger things #stranger things 4 #billy stranger things #stranger things 3 #stranger things fanfic #stranger things fic #stranger things x reader #steve stranger things #steve harrington x you #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fic

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st4gg3r-mc-j4gg3r · 11 months

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Blood Payment (MDNI)

Included Characters: Thor, Kratos, Mimir (Mentions of Atreus & Angrboda)

§Summary§

(Atreus and Angrboda are a few years older and are now a married couple. Atreus moved into Angrbodas treehouse shortly after the wedding & they are both used to frequent visits from Kratos & Mimir. Kratos had just returned to Midgard from an Ironwood visit yet again, but unlike the last time Mimir had decided to stay home and paint.

Being the thoughtful brother he was to Mimir, Kratos had placed him on his favorite pillow (for those who are un-aware Mimir is a talking head) nicknamed "Throne of Creation" by none other than Mimir himself. Kratos was nearing close to home when a familiar yet soul piercing sound left him frozen in his tracks...)

~Narrative P.O.V~

Kratos instinctively reached for his axe and scanned his surroundings. He couldn't believe what he was hearing & he definitely was NOT prepared for what was to happen next. "NOT POSSIBLE!" He thought as the rumbling got louder & adrenaline coarsed through his veins. "YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!" He yelled aloud as the sound of thunder roared over him. In front of Kratos stood someone all too familiar, someone who usually brought trouble with them wherever they went. This someone was also the reason he had a current hole in the roof of his home.

In front of Kratos stood Thor the almighty God of Thunder & his intentions were anything but pure.

$Thor P.O.V$

"You reek of mead, Thor are you drunk?"

Aaaah I couldn't help but chuckle when I heard that question because it was pretty obvious I was fucked up in my opinion. "Yea, what's it to ya?"

Finding any way to be a sarcastic asshole is to be expected when I'm drunk. He wasn't fond of it hehe he ended up grunting at me, but I find him cute when he's annoyed. "What is it you want? I don't think he was ready for the answer to that question.

¥Kratos P.O.V¥

I knew he was drunk off his ass. I want no quarrel with him, he should be aware of such things. I do not like how hesitant he was to answer my question..."Lets have a drink, old friend!" He said to me smiling with a bottle of mead in hand. I had no intention of sharing drink with this...brute of a god, but something told me to at least humor him.

*NSFW FROM THIS POINT ONWARD*

~Narrative P.O.V~

Kratos started a small bonfire with his blades knowing how much and how long Thor can drink. After "camp" was set up neither god held back on getting so drunk that rationality was out of the picture. They talked, laughed & spoke of who would win if they ever fought again. Thor was loving the moment so much he didn't want it to end. He wanted to make a move on Kratos while the opportunity had presented itself. More importantly he wanted more than just his time.😉 Just as the intrusive thought arose in Thor's mind, Kratos was gathering his things. "Mimir will worry if I do not return home, I enjoyed your company tonight." He stated happily with his back turned ready to leave. Thor wasn't having that because Thor always gets his way. "Remember that...Blood Payment I took from you?" He asked as he slowly approaches Kratos from behind ready to grab him. "What of i-?" Before he could even finish his sentence Thor grabbed him up. Kratos tried to squirm and kick to throw Thor off balance but to no avail. Thor puts a hand over Kratos' mouth, as a shitty grin forms on his face he leans in and whispers in to his ear "A new payment is due! This time I'll take your body instead of your blood sweetheart.😈" What had just come out of Thor's mouth had Kratos paralyzed & speechless. All he could hear was the pace of his own heart practically beating out of his chest. Still heavily influenced by the Mead-o-thon they just had Kratos couldn't think of anything to say. "What's wrong baby? Cat got your tongue?" Thor teased as he started leaving kisses on his neck.

Poor Kratos was in a current state of confusion. "Why is he doing this?" "Why am I not stopping him?" "Am I enjoying this?" It didn't help that on top of being drunk his body was giving him the "yes!" signal while his brain was telling him "no?"

All Kratos could muster in response was "Wasn't the first Payment enough?"

$Thor P.O.V$

He was crumbling under me like a fucking cookie and I loved EVERY second of it. To my surprise the so called "God Of War" is very submissive. He's not trying to take my head off so I'll take that as sign he likes it and have my fun.😏

¥Kratos P.O.V¥

I am still...undecided on if I should let this happen. He is...persistent & grabby but for some reason I am more comfortable with his presence than I was before.

~Narrative P.O.V~

Thor wastes no time prepping Kratos as his throbbing erection wasn't going anywhere without some help. Thor attentively lays his cloak on the ground for him to lay on then proceeds to lay him down by the fire and slowly strip his armor off peice by peice maintaining a lustful eye contact with him the entire time. Now naked and vulnerable by the warmth of the bonfire with his eyes closed, Kratos starts mentally preparing himself. Thor sucked on his first and middle finger to lubricate them, then immediately began stretching Kratos out before he got the chance to prepare for anything. He tensed up from the girth of Thor's fingers suddenly entering him. "Aaahh w-what are you d-doinggg?"

He moaned as he clenched his fists full of Thor's hair. "Aw a big boy like you can take it.😈" Thor replied, quickening his pace he payed close attention to Kratos' face & his moans. He loves how Kratos is in this state so vulnerable squirming beneath him unable to escape from his grasp. "Ngh aahaaa T-Thorr!" The heat he was feeling was more than enough evidence that Kratos had unsurfaced emotions for Thor, realizing this he tries to relax his body to give Thor more ease of access.

Now on top of Kratos, Thor embraces him into a drunken passionate kiss. His hands slowly traced down Kratos' body until they reached his ass firmly gripping him in place.

¥Kratos P.O.V¥

I was on the fence about all of this at first but Thor being so gentle with me took me off guard. "I think you're enjoying this as much as I am😏" His words...the way this man toys with me..it's like he can read my mind.

$Thor P.O.V$

Oohh I have him right where I want him & it's perfect. Little does he know I plan on breeding him until the sun rises.😈 He needs to know who he belongs to. He is MY little prize and I'm here for the claiming.

~Narrative P.O.V~

Holding Kratos in such a way, and kissing him like this was enough to send Thor into Feral mode. He could no longer hold back the urges he'd been fighting up to this point. Taking his fingers out then hastily pulling Kratos onto his length a groan of relief escaped his lips "fuucck, finally" he teased as he began forcefully railing into Kratos. "AAH s-so b-big!!" Kratos exclaimed as he stuffed his face into Thor's neck. Thor on the other hand was in heaven, the only two things on his mind were "when and how am I gonna cum?" & "Dam his ass fits around me like a glove". He continued pumping in and out of Kratos hyperfocused on his release at this point "your so tight baby, be a good boy and hold on a lil longer mkay?" Unable to focus on anything but the mind numbing orgasms Thor was giving him Kratos was a screaming, moaning mess. He was screaming loud enough for more than half of Midgard to hear. "Fuuck Thor you feel s-so good"

Hearing those words sent Thor into overdrive. Like the flip of a switch he grabbed Kratos by the hips and flipped him into doggy position. By this point Kratos was doubting that he'd be able to even make the walk home being so fucked out. "P-please Thor Mercyy!" He screamed one last time. Thor wasn't done with him just yet. 😏😏 He kept going at a steady pace until he felt heat building up in his stomach. Chasing his release Thor concentrated on his moans, the sound or his ass clapping & how sensational he felt. "F-FUCK KRATOS!" He roared in pleasure bucking his pelvis into Kratos one last time releasing all of his cum into him. With both gods so fucked out and exhausted they lay in each other's arms until sunrise, then part was to head home. Boy would Kratos have a story for Mimir THIS time.😉

@harley627 @loversquarrels

#god of war ragnarok #thor god of war smut #thor god of war #kratos #first time #new at this

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keys2thefalcon · 1 year

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Lost and Found

This is my contribution to the 2022 Han/Leia Trick or Treat Prompt-a-Thon. @hanleiacelebration I've always wanted to write something about a seance so a BIG thank you to the moderators for this prompt!

Prompt: Treat/seance/Force ghosts

(Also, posted on AO3)

Lost and Found

She didn’t know why he had come. He spent almost the entire trip over claiming he knew all the tricks. He worked with scammers as a kid and nothing got past him.

“People will believe anything when they’re desperate.”

Luke said it was something that he wanted to do. He didn’t sound irritated. He was used to Han’s grumbling and didn’t take any of it as a personal insult. Insisted there was no harm in trying and maybe something would come of it.

“Yeah, something will come of it all right. But nothing good for you.” Han barely looked at them as he spoke. He was scanning the streets as they walked. Making sure every being kept their distance. “Used to pick the pockets of the poor saps caught up the mystic.”

Leia didn’t react as well as Luke. She argued with Han, telling him he wasn’t needed on this excursion. They were fine on their own. She was there to support Luke and Han’s negativity wasn’t going to help anyone.

The fight then slipped into a back and forth, spoken in harsh whispers so they didn’t attract too much attention. He stuck close to her side, occasionally leaning down to emphasize his point. Thinking anyone could reach the dearly departed, as he put it, was bunk. Questioning if she was gullible enough to fall for it.

“I don’t know!” She said that louder than intended. Luke turned around to check on her and she nodded to let him know she was fine. “But not knowing isn’t the same as not true.”

She noticed Han’s eyes moving between her and Luke, noting their quick exchange.

“Thought you’d have more sense, Princess.” He put a hand on her back to steer her around some debris on the street. “There’s plenty of truth but it’s what you see in front of you. No mystery. Anyone tells you they can see beyond this is looking in your wallet and that’s it.”

He was such an ass. She hated his I’ve seen some shit, Princess routine. She knew he’d had a hard life and she couldn’t imagine what his childhood was like but that was because he didn’t reveal anything. Just occasionally dropped lines like I used to pick pockets while street psychics scammed the grief-stricken. He thought he was being enigmatic but he was fucking annoying.

“Why is it so impossible for you to consider there might be more to this universe than what you see?” She kept her voice regulated, trying not to sound too angry. But her diction, every syllable capped with a crisp click of her tongue, gave her away. “Your inability to see beyond your own severe limitations should surprise me. However, there’s very little about you that is surprising.”

“Listen, Sweetheart.” He was so close their arms brushed against each other as they walked. “Some of us don’t got the time to wonder about the other realms. We got enough trouble getting through this one.”

“And some of us prefer to believe that not everyone is lost. Whatever realm they may or may not be in.”

She saw the flash in his eyes. The regret. Knowing he went too far. But he didn’t say anything. Didn’t apologize. So she didn’t feel the need to start playing nice either.

“Though I could stand it if a few others managed to get lost.”

“Guys.” Luke stopped short in front of them and turned around. “I really don’t need either of you to come with me.”

Leia felt her cheeks flush red. She hated it when Luke acted like the responsible adult. She hated it even more that he felt the need to act like that around her and Han a lot lately. To be fair, though, she had been more stressed than usual as they prepared to move to a base on Hoth. A planet that promised isolation but also hypothermia.

“I’m doing this because Dobbs said this woman had a lot of Force talk in her reading. Maybe she can contact my father or Ben. Maybe it’s a scam, But I want to try and I don’t need this energy going in.”

“I’m sorry.” See? She could apologize. Even if she wasn’t the one causing the problem. “I’m here to support you.”

They all started moving again. She felt certain Han would mock her saying I’m here to support you so she didn’t look at him. She could ignore plenty if she had to.

The shop smelled strongly of incense and herbs that Leia didn’t recognize. The shelves were crowded with stones and crystals. Tinctures promising good health and a calm mind. Luke talked to the young woman behind the counter, who then slipped through a curtain into the back, as Leia walked around the store.

Han stayed near the door, getting a sense of the room. She knew he was assessing exits and places to hide if blasters started firing. He took stock of everyone there, if they were carrying weapons, if they were also taking stock of him.

She realized how often she relied on Han to perform this task. She could focus on other things while he ensured they had an escape route when everything went to hell. He drove her insane much of the time but they were a good team.

The young woman stepped back into the shop and waved a hand toward them.

“She said all of you should come back.”

Luke shrugged, smiling at her and Han before passing through the curtain. He had forgotten they were irritating him. He had already moved on. Han held a hand out, indicating she should go first. His hand went to his blaster as he followed.

She didn’t know what she expected from a storefront psychic, or medium, or whatever she called herself, but Leia didn’t guess she would look like a grandmother pulled from her kitchen duties. The older woman was short and plump and wore a headscarf covering her grey hair. She took off her apron, placing it on the back of her chair, as she sat down at the table. Luke sat across from her and Leia took a chair a little to the side. Han, once again, stayed close to the door, leaning up against the wall.

Luke was about to speak but the woman held up a hand indicating silence. She closed her eyes and remained perfectly still. They all ignored Han’s snicker. When the woman’s eyes shot open again, Leia almost jumped.

“Much has come into the room with you.” She didn’t look at any of them but kept her gaze toward the ceiling. “Many voices and spirits cling to you.”

Leia took a deep breath to stifle her own snicker. This was perhaps more than she expected. She glanced at Luke to see his reaction. He was almost squirming in his chair, anxious to speak.

“Your aura is strong.” She nodded at Luke this time then turned to Leia. “And yours.”

It was Alderaan. She carried that shadow with her everywhere she went. And all the beings lost during the Rebellion. Beings she essentially sent to their death. She lowered her eyes because she didn’t want to risk the woman looking at her directly.

But she felt eyes on her. Turned back to see Han watching her. His gaze was soft, concerned, and she gave him the smallest of nods.

“Do you have any questions?” The woman placed her hands palm down on the table in front of her. Kept her eyes closed and head tilted back. “Anything you want to ask the spirit world?”

“I’m wondering about my father.” The words spilled out of Luke’s mouth in a rush. “Is it possible to contact him? He should be… He should be easy to contact.”

He glanced quickly at Leia. They had a long conversation before leaving the ship about him not mentioning the Force until the woman did.

“Your father?” She opened her eyes to stare at Luke. “No. He’s not here.”

“Oh, okay.” Luke shifted in his chair again. “There’s also a friend I was wondering about.”

“No.” Her voice was sharp. “They’re not here. It’s not time.”

“Not time for what?” Luke looked at Leia then back at the woman. “To talk to them?”

“What do you want?” The woman looked behind Luke. Locked eyes with Han. “Why are you here?”

Han didn’t move an inch, didn’t look surprised or startled that she was addressing him directly, but Leia knew that look. He was ready to spring.

“Just watching out for a friend.”

Leia thought the woman gave a small smile, an almost challenge accepted expression, before closing her eyes again.

There was a sudden chill in the room. Leia suspected a vent was opened, something to provide more atmosphere for the reading. She hated that Han might be right about this one. It seemed very unlikely they would encounter a genuine window to dead Jedi or loved ones here. Not that she would admit it, of course. She would never give the Captain that satisfaction. Besides she wanted Luke to find what he needed and knew that might include unconventional means. Han simply wanted to prove himself right.

Leia jumped at the sound of a loud rap. They all did. Strangely, though, she noticed they all looked in different directions. Like they all heard a different point of origin. The woman remained perfectly still, eyes closed, hands on table.

“She’s here.”

“Who?” Luke’s hands were on his knees. He was listening, waiting for a signal.

A second rap sounded.

“She never left.”

“Left where? Left who?”

Leia noticed the slight smile again. Wondered if the woman knew she was being closely observed or assumed they were too busy reacting to the raps and looking around the room.

Another rap, louder, from the opposite side. The woman definitely smiled with that one. Nodded.

“It took her some time to find you. You were lost for some time.”

Luke looked at Leia with wide eyes. She shrugged in reply, admitting she had no idea.

A series of raps followed. They were moving around the room. She couldn’t interpret a pattern, the volume was up and down. They sounded like someone checking a wall, knocking and listening for a hollow or solid sound.

The room was getting chillier. Leia realized there was no breeze so no vent. It was coming in from all sides.

“You move around too much.” The woman laughed. “But a mother will always find you.”

“Mother?” Luke sat up straighter. “My mother was a Jedi, too?”

The woman scowled, still refusing to open her eyes.

“Not everything is about the Force, boy.” She moved her hands over the table in circles. “Already told you they said you aren’t ready yet.”

“For the Force? But I’ve already started training.”

“Luke!” Leia hissed. He was excited, and confused, but he needed to be careful. They didn’t know if this woman reported anything to the Imperials.

There was something else in the room. Someone. Leia was sure if it. She remembered when she was about four and a great-uncle died. The family had gathered for the funeral and Leia was surprised when her uncle sat down beside her. Her parents said he was gone, never coming back, but there he was smiling at her.

Tell everyone I am okay, Little Leia. He looked younger than the last time she saw him. Happier. They will believe it if it comes from you.

When she told her mother, Breha said it was an honor he appeared to her and she shouldn’t be afraid. She wasn’t. It was a warm experience, welcoming, and she was disappointed that he never visited her again. No one else did either. And after a few years she forgot all about it. Until now.

“You need patience.” The woman was irritated by Luke’s distractions. “Your time will come.”

“But my mother is here? Can you ask her name?”

The rapping found its rhythm. A beat that bounced from one side to the other. Whatever was in the room stopped beside Leia. Whoever. She needed to admit it was a person. Or was at one point. She could sense a shape, human, standing next to her.

Whoever it was leaned in. Leia felt a breath she knew wasn’t there. A hand brushed down her cheek and along her jaw.

“She’s curious about you.”

Leia felt the hand graze past her shoulder and down her upper arm. Despite the temperature in the room, the touch was warm.

“How are you doing this?”

The woman grinned, assuming Leia was talking to her.

“Spirits need a vessel.” Her hands were still moving in circles on the table top. “It’s not about being Force-sensitive. It’s not the energy that surrounds us.” Leia realized the woman’s hands were moving in time with the knocking. “Specific beings want to make contact and they can’t do it on their own.”

Leia didn’t know why but she wasn’t afraid. She knew this being, entity, spirit, meant no harm. Knew it was somehow trying to introduce itself. She tried focusing her eyes, hoping the spirit would materialize. She wanted to see a face. Make eye contact. The spirit wasn’t familiar—she knew it wasn’t Breha—but also not a stranger. If it was Luke’s mother, maybe that was the connection. Perhaps she recognized Luke in it.

“She thinks you should cut your hair.” The woman laughed like she and the spirit shared a good joke. “She remembers it when you were young. It was lighter. Soft.”

Leia reached out and took Luke’s hand. She wondered if Luke could feel the spirit, too. He never met his mother but maybe he remembered that ghostly touch through his hair when he was little. She had vague memories of her own birth mother, a feeling of intense love and sadness, and it was possible Luke remembered something similar.

“She’s sorry.” The woman’s head fell back. “She’s sorry that she left you with him.”

The rapping increased and Leia sensed a rising panic around her. The woman let out a low moan. Guttural and pain filled.

“She didn’t know.” The woman’s hands moved faster across the tabletop. “It was already too late. She couldn’t do anything.”

Leia looked at Luke when he squeezed her hand and he mouthed, what’s happening. She didn’t acknowledge his question, turning back to the woman. Ten minutes ago she would’ve been hard-pressed to admit any of this was real and now she wished she knew some way to sooth a restless spirit.

Nothing in the room changed. The holos on the wall stayed in place. The woman’s apron still hung from the back of a chair. But Leia could sense things swirling around her.

“She tried to contact you but you couldn’t hear.” The woman was speaking quickly. Leia could see her eyes moving, darting from side to side, behind closed lids. “You wouldn’t listen. Then she lost you.”

Leia thought she heard another voice, a muffled moan or crying. She didn’t know if it was coming from the woman or inside her own head.

“It’s okay.” It was a whisper. Barely a breath passing Leia’s lips. She didn’t know where to direct her voice and hoped the spirit could hear her. “Everything is okay. I swear. He’s okay.”

For a brief second, Leia thought the wind was knocked out of her. A warmth, like stepping into sunlight from the shade, passed through her body. A rush from back to front. It was exhilarating and slightly scary. She thought she could smell a perfume, or maybe it was spices. She let out her breath, slowly, not wanting to lose the sensation too quickly.

She turned quickly to look at Luke, who was craning his neck from one side to the other. He was trying to catch whatever had passed by.

“You see her, too.”

The woman’s eyes were open and she was staring at Han. She had a look of pride and triumph. His eyes were locked on something behind the woman. When he realized everyone in the room was looking at him, he shook his head and growled.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You know.” The woman stopped moving her hands. The knocking ceased. “She wants you to listen.”

“This is bullshit.” He was trying to not look behind the woman but couldn’t resist, though Leia felt certain the spirit was gone. “Don’t know what you’re up to but this is bullshit.”

“You said.” The woman leaned back in her chair.

Han turned to Leia. His eyes were searching, wanting to know what she experienced, maybe trying to validate or understand what just happened. When he saw her and Luke’s hands still clasped together his eyes went dark. He pushed himself off the wall and pointed at the woman.

“You’re just throwing shit at people and hoping something sticks.”

“I don’t know.” Luke turned in his chair to look at him as Leia pulled her hand back. “Some of that felt very specific.”

“Great! The farm boy’s now an expert in seances, too.”

“C’mon, you have to admit…”

“She’s messing with your head. Knows you’re desperate for info so deflects to something else. Probably about to reel you back in with a message from your father any second now.”

“Han, I felt something, too.” She was trying to be gentle because she knew he was upset.

“Oh, yeah? What exactly were you feeling, Sweetheart? Getting some haunted house scares so you can snuggle with your boyfriend?”

She jumped up and spun toward him. “This is what I get for trying to be nice.”

“Not sure where the being nice to me part fits in but I’m done here.”

He was gone, the door swinging shut behind him, and Luke and Leia were left staring at each other, confused by everything that had just happened.

“I’m still going to charge you for the full half-hour.” The woman stood up. She straightened the scarf on her head with both hands. “You can pay my granddaughter on your way out.”

She picked her apron up and disappeared through another door.

He was waiting for them outside. Even though he was angry, maybe embarrassed, Han refused to leave them in a neighborhood he considered dangerous. He watched her approach, trying for a neutral expression but couldn’t completely hide his hurt.

“Luke’s paying.”

She knew he wasn’t mad at her but he was angry. Confused and stuck.

“I could feel her in there.” She stood close in front of him. Told herself they needed to make room on the crowded street. She didn’t want to be overheard. “Your mother.”

He looked down at her and didn’t break his gaze. Didn’t speak. Didn’t call the woman a fraud again. Or accuse Leia of being gullible.

“I could feel her close. I swear she touched my cheek.”

Han listened to her. Knew she had no reason to lie. She wasn’t trying to trick him. He shifted his gaze to her hands, then neck and ears, taking her in inch-by-inch. He grazed the back of his hand down her cheek and along her jaw barely making contact, following the same pattern as the ghostly entity.

She wanted to ask him if he had seen it happen. If his mother had done the same thing to him. But she couldn’t. She didn’t have the breath to push the words out as his hand moved along her neck and shoulder, down her arm. The smallest of smiles raised the corners of his mouth and Leia felt that stepping into sunlight warmth throughout her body again.

“So, what did you think?”

Luke was suddenly beside them. He was ready to talk it all out. Go through every detail.

“I’m not sure what to think.” She stepped away from Han. Felt her cheeks flush again. “It was lot to take in.”

“We need to get moving.” Han nodded down the street. “We’re easy targets just standing here.”

This time, it was her and Luke in front as Han walked a few paces behind. She nodded politely as Luke talked but her mind was elsewhere. Wondering how many other spirits might be keeping pace with them as they walked. Knowing Han was watching her every move. Remembering the warmth of his touch along her arm. An entity she had yet to identify.

#hanleiatrickortreat2022 #Han Solo #Leia Organa #han x leia #hanleia

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twig---verginix · 1 year

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oh my god

oh my god nobody look at me. fuck okay this is from one of the results in archive.org here’s the link [x] I think it should work though you might have to make an account to see it because I just borrowed it (’95 copy of Stormchaser) to look at something specific and ohhh my god. Skate-A-Thon 2001. Emily Fisher are you out there? Did you digitize this book? Or did you leave your bookmark inside and passed it along to somebody else who chose, purposefully, to scan your forgotten pencil art pressed between the pages

#the edge chronicles #god. god.

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sablewick · 3 months

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Roughhousing

Roughhousing (1247 words) by Sablewick Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Universe Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Cameron Mitchell/John Sheppard Characters: Cameron Mitchell (Stargate), John Sheppard Additional Tags: Pre-Relationship, Roughhousing, Miscommunication Summary: Cam drags John to the homestead for Thanksgiving during their academy days. John Cam Thing-a-thon (ages ago) Prompt: Play fighting For ninja_hamsters

The Mitchell household seemed to hold more people than any other building John had ever been in. Immediate family, extended family, distant relatives and, like him, random friends who'd been roped into the road trip back to the homestead for the weekend.

In the ten minutes it took him to transfer his duffle from the car to the living room, he'd met 15 different people, two of which were babies. And more of them were appearing out of doorways and wandering off to the back yard. John suspected he could start opening cupboards and he'd find people stashed in there. Cam's estimate of ‘a few people' was clearly way off the mark. It was like a village was descending on the Mitchell House.

"So, who's sleeping in the barn?" John had muttered jokingly to Cam when they'd rocked up and immediately been roped into bonfire preparations with ten other guys.

He'd been somewhat bemused when Cam had replied: "I think it's Vick's turn this time around, or it might be Tommy's. Don't worry about it though, you'll be in my room."

Then they'd gone off to pitch tents on the front lawn.

Dinner was a massive affair with the ladies in the kitchen for hours and the men outside carefully cultivating the bonfire, setting up old plough discs and portable grates for steaks and sausages and, most importantly, a rotisserie with a couple of turkeys impaled on it. Everyone ate outside perched on garden furniture and camp chairs with paper plates and wooden cutlery that all went into the bonfire when people had finished eating.

By the time the smores were out and doing the rounds, they were half way through the evening and John had met so many new people that he was beginning to forget people's names; something that had never happened to him even at his father's function dinners (and at those he usually actively avoided people and made to run off half way through the night) He could feel the familiar panic setting in, that horrible social awkwardness that usually accompanied him in crowded environments and he scanned the faces lit up by the orange glow of the fire trying to find a reassuring smile from Cam.

He had no such luck though as Cam was engrossed in conversation with an elderly man that John had mistaken for Great Aunt Betty earlier in the night. (Honest to God, it was an easy mistake to make) And with both his bonfire neighbours occupied with other people, John, feeling somewhat overwhelmed and a little isolated, ducked away from the fire and wandered back towards the house, intending to find his car and sit in it.

Cam had apparently been waiting for this to happen, though, as when John was navigating his way across the back lawn trying not to trip over the hose or the children's toys that littered the grass, Cam came hurtling out of the darkness and tackled him to the ground.

John's first reaction was to fight back violently, but he froze when he heard Cam's familiar laughter.

"What the hell, Cam?" John punched him in the arm.

"Owe, you bastard." Cam leapt on top of him again, rolling him over in the grass. John made an aborted attempt to throw him off, trying to figure out what was going on. Cam clearly wasn't trying to hurt him, but he wasn't going to let him up, either. And he kept digging his fingers into John's ribs seeming especially pleased when John jerked away.

"C'mon, Shepard. Show me what you've got." Cam grinned down at him, tickling him again, and John's natural urge to compete took over and he started to fight back, still somewhat confused as to what this was supposed to mean.

They tussled for a couple of minutes, throwing harmless taunts back and forth. Pinning each other, breaking holds and tickling each other whenever they had a hand free.

It ended in a fit of pained laughter when John accidentally clipped Cam in the jaw with his elbow. Cam rolled onto his back, exhausted and panting, working his jaw up and down to test out the pain.

John propped himself up on an elbow, looking down at him in the dim light.

"Sorry," he grinned, clearly not meaning it. It was his own fault anyway, for jumping him in the dark.

Cam swung an arm out, trying to get him in a headlock, but John ducked away easily.

He refrained from retaliating though, looking down at Cam with a crooked smile instead.

"I win?"

Cam snorted. "I think I'm justified in calling foul play." He jerked away as John prodded him in the ribs.

A voice drifted out of the darkness, startling them. Then Cam's younger brother wandered into view along with a couple of cousins. "Who's playing foul?"

"Cam." John said immediately, then scooted out of the way as Cam was suddenly buried underneath a mountain of guys all crying stacks on. John laughed at Cam's muffled complaints, but it only took them a few moments to decide that John was worth punishing as well, rolling off a groaning Cam and leaping up to tear after John.

It turned into an impromptu game of what appeared to be football without the ball, but was actually a game of who could tackle who the most times. Of which neither Cam or John was the winner.

Later that night, lying on a mattress on Cam's floor, John contemplated the friendly bruising the roughhousing had caused. It seemed to be something that they were all familiar with, rolling around in the grass and messing with each other. Something that John could never imagine getting up to with his cousin's.

He'd found it unusual that they were all so happy afterwards, laughing and ribbing each other for failed attacks and boasting about spectacular tackles. He was especially confused when Cam had pulled him into a hug afterwards, grinning wildly and ruffling his hair. He'd thought that Cam was annoyed with him for trying to skip out on the party, hence the attack. But apparently this was some form of communication that his somewhat more posh upbringing hadn't deigned to educate him in.

It was something that John now realised that Cam had tentatively tried to start before, but John had never picked up on. Something which had confused John up until tonight. All the times Cam had randomly decided to shove John off the lounge, or tip him off the bed, pinched his blankets or snatched food directly off his plate, what John had thought was Cam being a bit of a bully, was, in actual fact, Cam trying to play. It was Cam's way of testing him and learning about him, and strangely enough, showing that he cared.

Which was why, years later, (after Cam had started chasing Ori and John was off trekking through another galaxy trying to avoid having his life sucked away by ugly looking space Vampires) John didn't take it too badly when his newly acquired, very angry Satedan friend insisted on hitting him with things, a lot.

He'd groaned about it to Cam, who'd just laughed at him and complained about the fact that he would never in his life be able to beat Teal'c. Then he'd teased John about getting old.

And just for that, next time John was on Earth, he was going to tackle Cam, and show him just how young he still was.

#cam mitchell #john sheppard #cam x john #roughhousing #fanfic

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atlanticcanada · 5 months

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#nova scotia #news #politics #canada #atlantic canada #CBCNS

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autobot2001 · 1 year

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March Troop-A-Thon: Day 1; Not As Planned

It’s about 11 pm here on the final day, so I’m not getting more than this one piece done tonight. Still going to work on these.

March Troop-A-Thon: Day 1 Environmental; Snowstorm, comf; in from the cold

The mission was supposed to be simple. Find any evidence of Decepticons in the area after a report of a military jet flying by the area daily. Which isn’t a typical scene the citizens of the town would see. Even though the suspected jet would be Starscream, or potentially the cons have a base near the town, Optimus approved allowing Crosshairs, Drift, and Jamie to investigate rather than a bigger team of Autobots and soldiers.

The three weren’t expecting a snowstorm in the middle of the day as they were miles from the cabin they’ve staying at. The two Autobots weren’t worried until Que told them the groundbridge is under maintenance. The mech regrets telling the team that it’ll be twenty-four hours before the groundbridge is usable. Even if the bots can handle the storm in their bipedal form. Jamie has powers to keep herself warm. “Unbelievable!” Crosshairs rages. “We can’t stay here,” Drift tells him, “there’s a cave close to our position. Closer than walking back to the cabin.” The two still worry about Jamie, no matter what powers she has, or her experience dealing with storms like this.

Jamie struggles to concentrate on her powers to keep herself warm while paying attention to her footing and where she’s going. The two mechs aren’t doing any better, seeing where they’re going with the poor visibility.

Once in the cave, the three find enough branches for a fire, but the fire won’t last long. Jamie can use her power to get a fire going. Not aware Drift is scanning her, detecting her body temperature is below normal. The mech knows Jamie isn’t dangerously cold, but still worries. Crosshairs worries as he uses his holoform to give Jamie his trench coat, and Jamie doesn’t argue she’s fine. Drift activates his holoform and the two mechs sit on the ground by the wall of the cave. Jamie sits on Drift’s lap, leaning on him.

“I’m an idiot,” Drift sighs, seeing Jamie is asleep. “We’re used to how she deals with situations like this,” Crosshairs argues, “and she said nothing about struggling to keep warm.” The two know they burnt more Energon than usual and should recharge. Both able to transform, Crosshairs putting Jamie in Drift’s alt mode before transforming.

Drift wakes up every two hours and scans Jamie, worried her temperature will keep decreasing. Even after her temperature returned to normal. The sun shines in the cave, waking all three up. Crosshairs and Drift activate their holoforms, and the three look out at how much snow fell overnight.

“Well, at least it’s not a lot of snow,” Crosshairs sighs not looking forward to the walk back to the cabin. “And we can leave now and don’t have to worry about being seen,” Drift adds. Both think about how they failed to have food and water. They could stop using their holoforms and be ok Energon level wise for ten days, but Jamie wouldn’t be ok. They begin the walk to the cabin, troubled by the mistakes made as Jamie’s guardians and friends.

#transformers #transformers fanfiction #transformers crosshairs #transformers drift #Jamie (OC)#snow storm #cave as shelter #overnight #regret #amow tropeathon 2023 #enviromental snowstorm #unprepared #simple mission

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longroadstonowhere · 1 year

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finished metroid prime 2! again, the random ‘collect invisible items’ thing at the end made the finale a little lackluster for me, but i had a pretty good time, and it feels good to finally have this one under my belt

the one thing i’m a little annoyed about is that i got, like, 96% of the creature logs i think? and i’m afraid that the one i missed was the boss that suddenly popped up when i thought i was just ascending a puzzle room, and it didn’t let me get out of morph ball to scan it (which is especially annoying cuz i scanned that room as much as possible before jumping into puzzle solving)

but hey, got a decent chunk of lore stuff (didn’t read any of it but, you know, i got it), got about three quarters of the item expansions and such, and i only used guides for like ten percent of the game i think (mostly boss strategies and that final search-a-thon)

dunno when i’ll start metroid prime 3, but it’ll hopefully go decently quick

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gioithieusachaz · 2 years

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Bút Dạ Quang Marvy 8000 Thân Cao Pastel Cam

Bút Dạ Quang Marvy 8000 Thân Cao Pastel Cam Sản phẩm có màu mực sáng, tone pastel thanh nhã, không bị đen khi photo hay scan. Thân bút thon gọn, vừa tay cầm mang lại sự thoải mái khi sử dụng. Đặc biệt, mực bút không thấm nước hạn chế tình trạng bị lem màu. Chất liệu mực cao cấp, không độc hại, an toàn cho sức khỏe. Sản phẩm phù hợp đánh dấu và trang trí. Giá sản phẩm trên Tiki đã bao gồm thuế…

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scarfeight8 · 2 years

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usnatarchives · 5 years

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Volunteers Digitize Buffalo Soldiers’ Records During Scan-a-thon

By Kyra Wilkins | National Archives News

Records related to Buffalo Soldiers, African Americans who served their nation on the western frontier following the Civil War, recently became more accessible thanks to the efforts of volunteers who participated in a “scan-a-thon” at the National Archives in Washington, DC.

Held in the National Archives Building's Innovation Hub on June 20, a group of 32 people, both citizen archivists and volunteers, scanned 2,055 pages from 19 pension files. The event was part of the Innovation Hub’s effort to digitize pension files of African American soldiers who served between 1866 and 1892.

The Innovation Hub provides a space for the public and groups to scan documents in the National Archives holdings and highlight the use of those records in innovative ways.

Read more of this story on National Archives News.

#National Archives #Buffalo Soldiers #Scan-a-thon #history

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melanoradrood · 3 years

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since you’ve fallen down the simon/daphne hole, can you do a drabble of their first meeting from simon’s pov? thank you! x

So because this is not really for my Prompt-A-Thon thing, I was going to put it on the back burner, but then I finished writing what was in my inbox, so I decided to go rewatch the first meeting scene, and then I watched the whole first episode again, because... because.

Also, I would not call it falling down into a hole... I would say more like there was this giant ocean and I thought it was a puddle and now I’m drowning in it send help and a support group.

Anyways.

Here’s the first meeting from Simon POV

NOW ALSO ON AO3

He would stay for once dance, which he would not partake in, one drink, which he would sip at politefully, and one conversation, which would be with absolutely no mothers. And then, he would give his Godmother, the rather terrifying Lady Danbery, a nod. And with that, he would disappear.

Just as he wished he could now, standing within the doorway and taking in the ball. He had always avoided such events, avoided the city as a whole during the Season, except his father had only just passed, and he was now required to attend to the duties that had fallen upon him. He could have pushed off all meetings with lawyers and bankers and even the Queen for a few months by citing that he was in mourning, however much that was a lie, but not for the entirety of the season.

Better to get this over with here and now before retreating to the country house, or anywhere else where there would be no mothers, wishing to make their daughters a Duchess.

Fortune was on his side at the fact that he had simply never attended a season before. He had never been introduced to society. He had never been to any balls. He had not been raised at his father’s side. While, yes, a number of gentlemen might recognize him from his school days, they were not trying to wed off their daughters. No, that would fall to their fathers. All of his schoolmates were likely in bars and brothels and clubs, which is exactly where he was going after this little endeavor had ended.

In and out. Lady Danberry could not say she had not seen him, however much the woman frightened him. He would even go so far as to greet her, if there were no older women around her. And then, he should disappear.

Except, that was not what was happening, because before he could even find a drink, before the next dance had even begun upon which he could set his own mental timer, he was being accosted by a mother and her daughters. And then, as soon as the words Your Grace had passed her lips, another mother and daughter were upon him, until he was surrounded by them.

His father choosing to die only weeks before the start of the Season was surely one last Fuck You.

With a round of apologies, he pulled himself away, citing that he was being called by his Godmother and simply must attend to her. That, of course, was met with a round of sighs at how gentlemanly he was, a truly good man in the heart of London. Honestly, it was the first excuse he could come up with, except now, he was forced to look for the old bat.

He thought he saw her cane, every present at her side, when he felt something rush into him, like a horse, or a demon. Jostled, he looked down to see it was instead a small girl, and was she even old enough to be out for her first Season?

He tried to not snap at her, tried to not insist she remove herself from his presence, except she was already apologizing, and how could he be rude to her when she was being polite. He bit his tongue instead, and gave her a slight nod. “Forgive me.”

Ah yes, now where had that woman gone - the group which she had been part of before had now dispersed, and-

“Tell me your name.”

It was the little girl again, and he raised his brow as he took her in, at how impertinent she was. As if she did not already know - the whole ton was already speaking his name, his rank, his holdings, likely even how many pounds a year he had come in. Still, he had to admit, it was a good enough attempt at getting him to speak to her, when he had no intention of doing so.

“Am I honestly to believe you do not already know my name?” he asked, no longer amused with her as she had just repeated her question. Perhaps not a little girl - perhaps a spinster he had misjudged, desperate to be wed off before her younger sisters were... or perhaps she was the younger sister, wanting to make a better match than the elder had made.

And now, the idiot girl was laughing, as though he had said something funny. And she had thought this might get his attention? False laughter? He should not have attended. He had no patience for such pathetic attempts at seducing him into a dance.

“If you desired an introduction, madam, I do believe accosting me to be the least civilized of ways,” he said with a sniff, no longer interested in entertaining whatever was occurring here. He needed an escape, some sort of way to get away from this child. “Truly, they will try anything.”

“Sir, that is not…” She seemed flustered for words, a clear sign that he was correct. She had known who he was, then, and had come seeking out his fortunes. Anything would be preferable to this. She would even be the sort of girl to chase him into the gardens, wanting to be caught alone with him. Well, he would certainly be avoiding all gardens for the near future. “What is your name?”

He heard it then, his last name, at least, called out from across the room - but thankfully, it was his savior, his hero, one of his oldest friends. Thank goodness. This one, as well, was without a wife, which meant he might foist the girl onto him instead.

“Bridgerton,” he called out, trying to dismiss the girl as he cut her off.

“Come here, old friend,” his school mate said, the two of them grasping hands. “I heard news of your father. Deuce take it, you are no longer Basset.”

Simon smiled a little to himself, trying to hide his inner rage. In truth, he hated what he was about to be called - it was his father’s title. If he were allowed, he would destroy the title itself, and the house with it. He did not want to be called such, and would not allow one of his few friends in the world to do so. “I shall…”

“Hastings! The Duke of Hastings, now known forevermore,” Bridgerton finished.

Simon could feel his words choked in his throat, and it was his worst fear, another of the reasons he avoided society. To stumble over his words now would be… everything his father had feared. It would make the old man right in his assessment, that Simon was… broken.

“The Duke of Hastings, is it?” he heard from the girl, who he had quite forgotten was there.

She looked amused, now, although he did not know why. In fact, the amusement, it was a better look on her than the one he had seen earlier, the way she had tried to trick him, as though… well, she seemed surprised by his name now. She was a better actress, suddenly.

“Right, Hastings, this is my sister.”

Sister. Sister.

Everything in his mind came whirling to a stop in his brain, every other thought about avoiding mothers and little girls and their pretending to not know who he was, or pretending to know exactly who he was, it all just disappeared, as he quickly repeated what Bridgerton had just said.

“Daphne, Hastings and I know each other from our days at Oxford, days we shall not soon forget.”

He was looking at her in a new light, now. There was certainly no way that her brother would ever allow her around him. Perhaps, he had read the situation wrong to begin with. She had been looking over her shoulder, as though afraid or nervous - had she truly not known who he was? Was it all a chance encounter?

“Yes. As I am well aware of the company you keep, brother, I am certain your days with His Grace were most civilized indeed, the girl, Daphne, Miss Bridgerton was saying.

Simon had tried to fake a smile at Bridgerton’s mention of their school days, but now, as he watched her speak of the company her brother kept, he could not help it - he suddenly found himself amused, in awe, in… well, he felt something. Perhaps it was even wonder, at the way that she quickly had a retort for her brother, insulting them both while making it sound as though it were a compliment.

She had no interest in marrying him, of that he could be certain. At least, not at this very moment.

And that suddenly made her intriguing. The look she gave him, he might even call it loathing, certainly judgemental. She had no interest in being his Duchess. Well then, the little girl was suddenly very interesting to him, and he had no idea what to do with that.

Bridgerton mentioned the club, which Simon had already planned on attending, but he needed to step away - he had already been here for far too long, had had a conversation, and now, he needed to kiss his Lady Godmother goodnight, and disappear with it.

Before he was trapped in another conversation.

“Indeed. Evening, Bridgerton.” He stopped, turning his attention to her fully, committing the look of her to memory. She had looked too young to him at first glance, but now that he was looking at her, she looked to be most lovely indeed. Bridgerton had mentioned his sister a few times, how she was the Diamond of the family… Far too pure for Simon to ever look at again, but she was indeed quite lovely. “Miss Bridgerton.”

The girl gave him a nod, then took her brother’s arm as they walked away. He could not help himself, then, could not stop himself as he turned in place, watching the pair walk away.

The girl, Daphne… very lovely. Her eyes, they spoke to him in some way, her features that he once thought too young were now something he could politely call dainty, and the way her eyes had thinned at him, upon realization as to who he was to her brother…

She looked back over her shoulder to him, and then her eyes lowered, as though scanning his form. He did not look away, simply held his place, watching her walk away.

Lovely. Very lovely indeed.

Away. He needed to be away from this place. A girl like Daphne Bridgerton was certainly not one that would arrive at the club, and most certainly would not warm his bed, which meant that she was of no consequence to him.

Ah, there she was - it was time to bid his guest good night, before he got into any more trouble.

Or did something foolish, like ask a lovely girl to dance.

#bridgerton #bridgerton fic #Ficlet Fridays #1111 Follower PromptAThon #Answered Ask #Anonymous #saphne #saphne fanfic #my bridgerton

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