#bepoets

[frozenprocedural]

Storms

A very, very happy birthday to the one and only @bepoets! I hope it’s a great one!

This is set in @patricia-von-arundel‘s Shardsverse. Alarik and Jenny belong to her. This is just pure fluffiness.

Storms

Rating: K

The first time Alarik witnessed Elsa's fear was during her visit to Leisalla. 

They were eating together- Knut, Beata, Elsa and himself- when lightning lit the hall so bright it seemed to be mid-day. Less than a second later, thunder roared, shaking the windowpanes and causing them all to jump in their seats. 

Alarik laughed with Beata and Knut, but after a few seconds, he noticed that Elsa had not joined them. Instead, she stared at the windows with wide eyes, and Alarik thought he could see her shaking. As soon as she noticed his gaze, however, Elsa schooled her features, carefully placing her fork by her plate and excusing herself, stating exhaustion. 

Alarik almost rose to follow her, but then remembered Elsa's rebuke from after the trial. He didn't know her. 

He remained where he was, hating the helpless feeling in his gut as he watched her disappear down the hallway. 

……….

The second time was during Alarik's early visits to Arendelle- still a stranger then, but somewhat more familiar with Elsa than he'd been in Leisalla.

He was coming back from the library, so focused on his studies that he almost ran into Elsa in the hallway. He opened his mouth to apologize, but was interrupted by a rumble of thunder. Elsa leapt back, and he saw a coating of frost encase the paper she was holding. 

"Elsa? Are you…"

She stepped back, eyes wide as she shook her head. Frantic, jerky movements that made him think of a trapped prey animal, terrified and ready to run. He took a step back of his own, giving her space, trying to find the right words to say, something that may provide her with a measure of comfort. 

He could find nothing. 

"Elsa? I'm here."

Anna stood beside Alarik, giving him a meaningful jerk of her head. He caught the hint, leaving the pair as Anna continued to talk to Elsa in tones too low for him to hear. 

Hours later, Anna found him in the library. He couldn't sleep, still replaying the event in his head, Elsa's terrified face haunting him. He hated how he couldn't help her, couldn't provide even the smallest amount of comfort.

"How is Elsa doing?" Perhaps it was far too familiar of a question, but he needed to know. 

Anna took a seat on the couch beside him, running a hand over her face. There was exhaustion there, and a look of profound sadness. 

"As well as to be expected, I suppose. The worst of the storm's over at least. Still, I doubt she'll sleep much tonight."

Silence stretched between them, but Alarik once more lacked the ability to come up with something to say. He didn't have to, as Anna broke the silence.

"Neither of us do well with storms. Not since our parents died." She cast a sidelong glance in Alarik's direction, and he nodded in understanding. 

"I think it's something Elsa's never been able to come to peace with. I remember her asking them if they…" Anna's voice broke, and Alarik saw a tear running down her cheek. Taking a chance, he offered a hand and she took it, squeezing hard. 

"She asked them if they had to go. And… they never came back. Elsa… I'm sure she thinks it's her fault, no matter how ridiculous that is. But she… well.."

Anna looked away, and Alarik could hear her quiet sobs. He patted his pockets, wishing he had a handkerchief to offer.

"I'm so sorry…" What more was there to say?

Anna sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve, giving a rueful chuckle. "Don't tell Elsa- she hates when I do that."

She sighed, standing up and clasping her free hand over his. "Thank you. For caring." 

He only wished he could do something more. 

………..

The third was a decade later, when he faced his truth and admitted what needed to be admitted. When he and Elsa both finally accepted that the feelings between them were something far more than just a friendship. 

Anna, Kristoff and Neta had taken a trip to the summer lodge, while he and Elsa remained behind to finish various projects. Alarik was in his lab when he heard the first clap of thunder. He was deep in his work, hardly able to be distracted by the weather, but something kept niggling at his mind. 

When another thunderclap shook the windows, he remembered instantly. 

Elsa!

He was out the door in seconds, leaving his notes behind, rushing as fast as his feet could carry him. He heard a few startled cries from the servants as he dashed past them, but he didn't stop- not until he reached the door to her study.

Only then did he pause, making himself take several deep, steadying breaths. He needed to be calm. For her. 

Once his heart rate and breathing slowed, Alarik tapped on the door with his knuckles. 

"Elsa, it's me. May I come in?"

"I'm f-" Her voice cut off at another roll of thunder, and he could hold back no more. Alarik pushed the door open and felt an immediate drop in temperature. What he saw inside made his heart sink.

Elsa was still sitting at her desk, but she was curled in on herself, flinching with each flash of lightning. Her desk was coated in a thick rime, and a small pool of ice sat at her feet. She was shaking- not from the cold, he knew well.

"Elsa." Even his gentle tone was enough to make her start, spikes of ice forming on the desk. She shook her head, scrambling off the chair, putting more distance between them, and he stopped. Another boom of thunder, and she yelped. 

"Elsa," he tried again. "I'm here." Repeating those words Anna had spoken so long ago. "I won't come any closer. Not until you're ready. But I'm right here. You're not alone. I'm right here."

Elsa watched him with wide eyes, but after a moment, she nodded her permission. He stepped in- slowly, gauging her reaction- and held his hands out. He kept up a stream of murmured reassurances, and when lightning flashed again, Elsa let loose a sob and collapsed into his arms. He pulled her close, running a hand through her hair. 

Some tiny part of his mind brought forth the idea that this wouldn't be proper- him holding her in what could be considered an intimate manner before their marriage, but just as quickly as it arrived, he mentally swept it away. Propriety be damned- Elsa needed him. 

So he held her tight, heedless of the cold, hoping that his own warmth would help. He lost track of how long they sat there- certainly long enough for his back and joints to start aching. But he made no effort to ease the pain.

Eventually, as the storm quieted, so did Elsa. She sniffed and shifted, and he released his hold enough that she could sit back, although he remained close enough their legs still touched. Elsa pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes and nose. Alarik couldn't hold back a small smile, remembering how Anna had used her sleeve those many years ago. It dropped when he saw how exhausted Elsa looked.

Elsa glanced around the room and sighed, closing her eyes. The ice around her desk began to recede, dripping onto the floor, but she clearly lacked the strength to dissipate it fully.

"There go the last three hours of work. At least they were documents I was writing." Elsa's voice was more resigned than upset.

"I'm sorry." Alarik got to his feet, wincing at his sore muscles, then offered Elsa a hand and helped her to her feet. She wouldn't meet his eyes.

"No, I'm sorry you had to… deal with that. It's not fair to you."

"Elsa, no." He took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "There's no 'fair' in this. And it's nothing I have to 'deal' with either. I love you, and I am here for you. No matter what."

She finally looked up at him, and he used his thumb to brush away the tears at the corner of her eyes. After a moment, she nodded, and rested her head against his chest. He could just barely hear her whispered "Thank you."

Alarik pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I'll walk you to your room, if that's alright."

They left the study hand in hand.

……….

When Jenny was three years old, everything changed. 

Alarik was jarred awake by a roar of thunder that rattled thr windows. He blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings, and recognized the drumbeat pattern of heavy rain. 

And something else.

A whimper, so soft he almost missed it. But it drove away the last vestiges of sleep more effectively than the thunder had.

"Elsa."

She was still asleep, but her face was tight with fear, her body jerking with small, sharp movements. He could see small semicircles of frost surrounding the tips of her fingers. He stroked a finger down her shoulder, trying to wake her carefully so as not to cause more panic. 

It didn't matter, because that moment, the loudest crack of thunder caused her to jolt awake, her hands clutching the sheets that had frozen beneath them, and scream. 

"Elsa! It's alright! I'm right here. You're safe." Alarik kept his hand on her arm, hoping the contact would help calm her down. Elsa cast a wild glance around the room before her eyes landed on him. She whimpered, curling away from him, but before he could speak, another scream sounded. But not from Elsa.

"MAAAAMMMAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! PAAAAAAAPPAAAAAA!!!!!!!!"

Elsa straightened and leapt out of the bed, dashing to the door and throwing it open. Jenny stood there, clutching her stuffed rabbit and bawling. Elsa scooped her up into her arms, holding her close. Jenny buried her head in Elsa's shoulder, and even from where he was, Alarik could see she was shaking. 

"Shhhh, little one, shhhh. It's alright. We're here, and you're safe."

Elsa carried Jenny back to their bed and climbed in, nestling her between the two of them. Alarik reached out and smoothed a stray curl away from Jenny's face, and used his thumb to brush away a tear. 

"Did the storm scare you, Eldig?"

Jenny nodded, then ducked her head with a muffled shriek when lightning flashed yet again. When thunder followed it, Alarik snuck a quick glance at Elsa, expecting to see signs of fear. To his surprise, while he did see lines of worry on her face, it was clearly due to Jenny's distress rather than the storm. She pulled Jenny closer, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

"Storms can be scary, little one. Even to me."

At that, Jenny's head shot up. "You're scared too?"

Elsa's eyes flicked to the window, then back to Jenny. "Yes, little one. But I am surrounded by people who love me and are brave. Your Papa, of course. And Aunt Anna and Uncle Kristoff."

"And Neta! Neta's very brave."

Elsa chuckled. "That she is. And there is one other very important person who helps me."

Jenny wrinkled her nose in confusion. Alarik noticed that neither she nor Elsa flinched with the next flash of lightning. 

"Who?"

Elsa kissed Jenny's forehead. "You, Jenny. You help me so much."

Jenny's face lit up, then fell a bit. "But I'm still scared!"

"And that's alright. Just being here helps me."

"Oh." Jenny yawned, laying her head down on Elsa's pillow. "Okay. Love you Mama." Her voice was thick with sleep. Within moments, she was snoring softly, one hand clutching a handful of Elsa's night shirt. 

Alarik tucked a blanket around Jenny, even though he knew it wouldn't stay on her for long. Catching Elsa's questioning look, he nodded and wrapped an arm around the both of them, feeling his own drowsiness grow. 

"Let's let her sleep here tonight. It will be good for all of us."

Elsa turned her head to kiss his fingers. "Thank you," she whispered, so softly he almost missed it. 

"You're welcome, min älskling. Sleep well."

He fell asleep, happy to know that Elsa's fear was abated. 

[roseapothecary]

Anastasia AU?????👀👀

This is an extended Alexis/Stevie project!

tw: mention of underage drinking

Everyone knows the cautionary tale of Alexis Rose.

Her young face, plastered on television screens for most of the late 1990s, has become a symbol of lost innocence shown to children like a Russian bedtime story. Once upon a time, an heiress snuck out of her bedroom at boarding school and was never seen again… Her family, already in the public eye, had their grief turned into a spectacle — from her mother ripping into a journalist, to her father selling his multi-million dollar business, to her teenage brother spinning out and getting his first DUI at seventeen years old. The Roses, as a whole, have become an admonition: a tragic analogy for how wealth and spotlight can destroy just about anything.

And yet, even twenty years later, everyone also knows about the spectacular reward that’s waiting for whoever finally brings their lost daughter home.

… Not that any of them are holding their breath.

[frozenprocedural]

Diamond

Hunt

Elated

Happy birthday!!!!!!! Sorry it's a bit late.

Jenny, Dag and Alarik belong to @patricia-von-arundel. This is based off of your Mermaid AU here and @couragedontdesertme's TDOE story here.

Rating: K+

"Where are you going?"

Jenny winced. She thought Dag would be too engrossed in his books to notice her leave. So much for that. 

"Swimming." 

Dag huffed, crossing his arms. "Why do you have a bag and a flashlight? You don't need those to swim."

Jenny rolled her eyes. "No duh. Why do you care? Go back to your books. I'll be back before Mama and Papa get home. I'm just doing some exploring." 

Before Dag could say anything else, Jenny dove off the dock. 

As soon as she hit the water, she could feel herself change. Membranes closed to protect her ears, while another slid into place in her throat, allowing her to breathe. She flipped around to watch her favorite part, her legs fusing together, green-blue scales growing up and down, while her feet elongated and spread to form two flukes. 

The transformation complete, Jenny flicked her tail and started off towards her destination, elation filling her. That was until she heard the unmistakable whistling trill of her underwater name, along with a tug on her fluke. 

She spun to find Dag directly behind her, his hand movements frantic. 

"Mama and Aunt Anna said to never go into the cave alone!"

Jenny shrilled a sound that would have brought her a scolding from Mama, her hands cutting sharply through the water. 

"Make me stop." 

She flicked her tail and took off, refusing to look back as Dag whistle-shrieked in frustration. But she knew he wouldn't follow her- he wouldn't risk breaking the rules.

His loss, then. 

Shortly beyond the dock, the shore grew steep, and she found the cave's entrance. It was a dark hole in the rock, just large enough for one person to pass through. Only the top showed at low tide- by high tide, it disappeared. 

Once past the entrance, the cave widened drastically, forming a large cavern at least ten feet across. Even though it was underwater, the light from the outside reflected across the space, casting an ethereal blue glow and making the walls above the waterline sparkle like diamonds. 

But Jenny had no interest in the cavern, beautiful as it was. Her attention went to the dark spot near the rear- the entrance to the rest of the cave system. This hole was wider than the one leading back outside, and only faintly illuminated. 

Jenny swam up to the hole, and paused. Mama and Aunt Anna had taken them to the cave before, but, as Dag had said, they'd been told to never go alone. And they'd only ever been allowed to swim about the main cavern, never any further.

Mama never said anything beyond the back tunnels being dangerously confusing and often small. But late one night while Aunt Anna was visiting, Jenny overheard them talking in hushed voices. She couldn't catch everything, but she did hear two words clearly.

"...the secret…"

Jenny knew of her mother's task- to protect and guard the great secrets of the world. And perhaps, one such secret was hidden away in the depths of an underwater cave. 

Today, Jenny would find out. 

As long as she made sure she was back before Mama and Papa returned- and made Dag swear to keep quiet- she was certain she'd be just fine. Checking once more that her bag and flashlight were in place, she swam into the hole, feeling a rush of elation.

For several minutes, Jenny swam without the flashlight, her dark vision allowing her to see clearly. As the tunnel began to curve and twist away from the main cavern, she was eventually forced to turn it on as the light fully receded. 

She took her time, marveling at the strange formations and making sure she marked each turn with a colored piece of string stored in her bag that she could follow on her way back, the way Uncle Kristoff had taught her. With the exception of some tiny fish she didn't know the name of, she swam alone. 

But as time wore on and her string began to run out, Jenny realized that she would need to turn back, or risk getting caught. She tamped down the feeling of disappointment, and turned around, following the path she marked. 

Perhaps in her earlier excitement, Jenny had failed to notice just how treacherous the tunnels were. With silt kicked up from earlier, it was difficult to see, and more than once she cut herself on sharp ridges, or ran into the walls. And how had she not noticed the numerous tight passages she had to wriggle through?

It was in one such passage, as she struggled to fit her shoulders through, that Jenny's tail knocked a stone loose. There was a shudder, and in the space of a breath, the rock fell onto her tail, just before her flukes. 

Jenny screamed.

The flashlight fell from her fingers as she thrashed, trying to back out of the hole, but failing to budge an inch, and eventually gave up as the pain in her tail grew overwhelming. Grey crept into the edges of her vision, and she sagged, whimpering softly. The flashlight had rolled further down the passage, providing only the faintest light, and leaving her section in complete darkness.

"Mama…" 

…………..

"Jenny, Dag, we're home! Please come help with the groceries!" 

Elsa placed the tote bags on the table next to the ones Alarik had placed there and rubbed her legs- she would need to transform soon. Long car rides made them ache. She heard rapidly approaching footsteps, and then Dag came around the corner, his eyes wide and worried. 

"Dagn what-"

"Jennywenttothecave." He was breathing heavily, his words coming out in an unintelligible rush.

Alarik knelt down in front of Dag, placing his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Dag, deep breaths. Slow down. What's going on?"

Dag took several steadying breaths, although his hands still twitched nervously. "Jenny went into the caves by herself. And she's not back yet." 

Elsa gasped, and rushed to the back door. She heard Alarik instruct Dag to stay put, and then he was by her side, placing a gentle hand on her arm. 

"Elsa, wait, we should-"

Elsa shrugged his arm off, shaking her head. "No. I am not waiting. That cave holds a secret for a reason. I'm going to find her." She didn't wait for his response, but instead broke into a run, reaching the end of the dock in seconds. 

Elsa dove cleanly into the water, and as the transformation took hold, she called out in a long tone, magic carrying her voice further than it naturally would go. Minutes later, she received a response.  

I'm on my way.

Elsa wasted no time waiting. She sped to the cave, calling Jenny's name even before she entered. She swam into the cavern, praying to every great force she knew that Jenny would be there, looking guilty, but okay.

Her heart sank when she beheld nothing but water and stone. She could feel the trace of her daughter's passage in the water-magic and their family connection allowed that much- but it clearly led into the tunnel she avoided looking at. 

Jenny had gone in. She hadn't come out. 

She heard the clicks and whistles of her name, and turned to see Anna enter the cave. Just as she had, her sister scanned the area before her eyes landed on the dark entrance in the rear. 

"Let's find her." Anna's hands moved with quick confidence, and she took Elsa's hand before leading her to the entrance.

Anna pulled out glowing stone from the pouch at her waist and lifted it, illuminating their path as they made their way through the tunnel. At the first junction, she pointed to a bright green string tied around a rock.

"She marked her path- she's using Kristoff's knots. I recognize them- we need to go this way." Anna signed.

Despite the situation, Elsa felt a small glow of pride in Jenny's thinking. If only she hadn't done it here. 

They followed the strings, pausing occasionally to call out Jenny's name. As they traveled further and further in, with no response, Elsa's worry grew. Was Jenny injured? Was that why she couldn't respond? Or was she-

"Elsa!" Anna whistle-clicked her name, and when Elsa looked where she pointed, and off a small branch from where they swam, she caught sight of a faint beam of light. 

Almost simultaneously, she and Anna called out Jenny's name as loud as they could.

There was an agonizingly long moment of silence.

"Mama? Aunt Anna?"

The relief of hearing her daughter's voice felt like a blow to the chest. But Elsa could hear a clear note of pain there as well. 

"We're coming!" Elsa called out, and followed the small passage, her eyes fixed on the light, heedless of any danger. The light grew brighter and brighter, only to reveal a fallen flashlight. Elsa panicked for a moment, before Jenny called out again.

"I'm over here Mama! Over here!" 

Elsa picked up the flashlight and aimed it down the tunnel. 

"Jenny!"

She swam up to her daughter, biting her lip when she saw the scratches covering her shoulders and arms. Jenny started forward from the tiny hole she was in, but stopped suddenly with a cry of pain.

"I'm stuck! A rock fell on my tail, and I can't back up at all! It hurts! Mama, it hurts so much!" Jenny's face contorted, and Elsa bit her lip, trying to keep from crying out herself. Instead, she took Jenny's face in her hands, brushing a thumb across her cheek. Once Jenny's breathing was slower, Elsa moved her hands away.

"I know it's hard, but try to stay calm. We're here now, and we're going to get you out."

Jenny nodded, and Elsa pressed her hands to the rock, letting her power rise to the surface of her skin. The stone creaked and cracked, expanding enough until Jenny was able to push backward, her eyes wide with amazement. Elsa and Anna followed her to find a massive rock pinning Jenny's tail to the cave floor. Even if she had been able to back up, she wouldn't have been able to push a stone that size from the angle it landed. 

Once more, Elsa's powers came into play. With a sheet of ice beneath the rock, and her and Anna's combined strength, they were able to free Jenny. As soon as they did, Elsa felt bile rise in her throat. Jenny's tail was swollen and bent out of shape. She wouldn't be able to move it, let alone swim out. 

"Jenny, I'm going to put ice around the injury to keep it from moving, alright? Then we'll get you out of here."  

Jenny whimpered and nodded, turning away as her tail was encased in a thin layer of rigid ice. Once it was done, she rested her head on Elsa's chest, face contorted in pain.

"I'm sorry Mama, I'm so sorry."

Elsa ran her hands through her daughter's hair, fighting back her own anguish. "Shhhh, I know little one. Let's just get you home."

………..

The soft brush of waves against the sand was almost as soothing as the feel of the cool water against her aching tail. Jenny slumped against the inflatable raft that Papa had brought out for her, feeling exhaustion overtake her. 

It had taken Mama and Aunt Anna over an hour to get her through the tunnel- with Jenny unable to do more than push with her arms, they had to work her through the tight passages and turns. By the time they'd made it back to the dock, evening had fallen and the moon was rising. 

Aunt Anna left them there to fetch Yelena. After examining Jenny's tail, the old healer had determined that she'd likely broken several bones and would need to remain in the water until her tail healed. 

That would take at least a week. Mermaids healed fast, but not overnight. And transforming back would only make the injury worse.

Footsteps in the sand brought Jenny's attention back to shore, and Mama appeared, carrying an inflatable raft. She anchored it next to Jenny's, then sat in the water, her tail's brilliant blue scales reflecting the fading light. 

"Papa and Dag are finishing dinner. But I wanted to have a chance to talk to you before they came out."

Jenny looked away, feeling her cheeks flush. "I know you're mad at me. I'm sorry."

"I'm upset, yes. But mostly because I was so scared I would lose you."

Mama's voice hitched, and Jenny fought the urge to whimper. Because in that moment, Mama's words brought to life her own similar fear- that she would never see her family again. 

"That cave… there's a reason a secret is hidden there. Not just because no one notices it. The cave itself is enchanted to protect it."

"On the way back… the tunnels got smaller, didn't they?" Jenny braved a look, and she could see tear tracks on Mama's cheeks. Acting on instinct, she reached out, and Mama took her hand, squeezing firmly. 

"Yes. The falling rock as well. You were lucky because you're half mermaid. You wouldn't have made it as far as you did otherwise. Anna and I can pass because we are guardians, and that's why I was able to get the passage to open again. If we hadn't been there…"

This time, Jenny couldn't hold her whimper back. She moved closer to Mama, and when her arms wrapped around her, Jenny let the tears fall, clinging to her mother tightly. 

"Shhhhhh, there, there little one. You're safe now." Jenny's shoulder was suspiciously wet, but she didn't care. All that mattered was she was safe. 

When they pulled apart, Mama stroked the hair back from Jenny's face, a wry smile on her face. "I assume that you will not travel back to the tunnel alone again?"

Jenny shook her head vehemently. 

Mama's smile grew. "Hmmmm. Some day, when you are older, I will show you what is in there. But for now…" Mama nodded towards the shore, and Jenny could see Papa and Dag approaching with a wagon, the aroma of dinner wafting out over the water.Jenny grinned and snuggled close to Mama. She was home, she was safe, she was loved.

[frozenprocedural]

Jenny’s Tail

A very, VERY happy birthday to @bepoets! Based on her Mermaid!AU, I decided to write the day Jenny actually grows her tail.

As always, thanks to @patricia-von-arundel for her characters of Jenny, Dag and Alarik. And thanks to @bepoets for letting me play in her AU.

Rating: K. This is all the fluff

Jenny’s Tail

When Jenny woke up, her legs were on fire. 

Or, at least, they felt that way. She'd once run through a patch of stinging nettle by accident. This itchy, hot pain was even worse. 

She sat bolt upright, pulling the blankets aside to see that her legs were red, covered in small bumps. She whimpered and scratched at them, but it did little to alleviate the irritation. 

"Jenny, it's time to- what happened!?"

Mama was at her side in an instant, pulling away the rest of the blankets. Jenny bit back a whimper, refusing to cry. 

"I don't know, Mama! I didn't do anything! I promise!" Despite her best efforts, Jenny could hear the tremor in her voice. Mama smoothed back her hair.

"Oh, little one, I'm not mad at you. Why don't we get you dressed, and I'll have Papa take you to Doctor Hadrigsen."

Normally Jenny would have complained- Dr. Hadrigsen was nice, but visits to him meant poking and prodding. 

But he was a good doctor, and Jenny just wanted to feel better. 

Mama got her dressed quickly, and helped her downstairs. Papa was already at the table feeding Dag his breakfast, but when he saw them, he leapt up, his face concerned. 

"Elsa, what-" His voice was replaced by a sudden intake of breath. 

"You need to bring Jenny to the doctor's. Something's wrong with her legs."

……….

By the time they returned from the house, Papa had to carry her- mostly to keep her from scratching at her legs, which were covered in a smelly cream. Mama met them at the door, her face tight.

"Dr. Hadrigsen thinks it's a bad allergic reaction. He gave Jenny antihistamines and hydrocortisone for the itching, but she's still fighting to scratch her legs, and says it's getting worse." Papa set Jenny down on the couch, catching her hand when she tried to reach her leg. "I know it itches, Eldig, but you have to keep from scratching, okay?"

Jenny squirmed, feeling tears stinging her eyes. "It hurts! Make it stop!"

Mama was at her side in an instant, scooping her up, and starting towards the door. Jenny whimpered and buried her face in her mother's chest.

"Elsa, what-"

"I'm taking her to the ocean." Mama's voice was thick and choked. "I can't… I'm taking her to the ocean."

Papa nodded, going over to open the back door. 

Mama crossed the back garden in quick sure steps, following the stone path that led to the dock. As she walked, she hummed a soft tune Jenny had heard many times before bed- a soothing lullaby meant for calming and sleep. Had she not been in so much pain, Jenny would have objected, stated she wasn't a baby. But the song, Mama's cool skin and the refreshing sea breeze kept her quiet and cuddling close. 

Mama came to the edge of the dock and sat, sliding gracefully into the water. Even though Jenny couldn't see it, she knew what was happening below the surface- Mama's feet would grow long and thin, sprouting flukes, while ice-blue scales would surge up her legs as they fused together to create a powerful tail. 

Her mermaid tail. 

Mama leaned back, resting Jenny on her chest, humming the lullaby once again. She'd done this many times before when Jenny was younger, and there was a wonderful comfort to it.

The sea water must have done something- for the first time that day, Jenny felt relief as her legs cooled and the itching subsided. She let out a soft sigh, settling close to Mama's chest. 

"Better, little one?"

Jenny nodded, but tensed a second later when a strange tingling sensation, beginning at her feet, began to migrate up and up, and her legs felt as if they'd been tied together. She moaned in frustration- couldn't she just feel better!?- and flipped around to look at her legs.

Except they weren't legs anymore. 

Her feet were now replaced with flukes, miniature replicas of her mother's, but greener in color. Scales of a similar hue, with lines of red, were finishing their journey up to her hips, completing the transformation of her tail.

Her tail!

Mama gasped behind her, and Jenny spun, feeling her grin stretch across her face. "My tail, Mama! It's my tail! I got my tail!"

Mama covered her mouth with one hand, tears trekking down her face. "Oh Jenny," she whispered, then pulled Jenny into a tight hug. "My wonderful, amazing Jenny."

Jenny clung to her mother just as tightly, laughing with joy and relief. Eventually, she pulled away to grasp Mama's hand, giving it a tug. 

"Let's go for a swim!"

Mama laughed as the two of them swam together into the open water. 

[roseapothecary]

4+1 patrick feels !!!!!! I love Patrick feels I need to know more!!!

this one is basically “four times Patrick thought about forever + the moment he decided to ask for it,” and goes through the moments in canon that he thought about his future with david. 

Patrick pulls open a dresser drawer to grab his Elmdale jacket on the way out. But, just as his fingertips touch the worn cotton, his eyes catch a flash of orange… and his breath catches.

Forgetting his own hoodie for a moment, Patrick moves an equally-worn crewneck to reveal the flawless Givenchy sweater tucked beneath; it’s black, with bright orange flames spread across it like a Rorschach on fire. He knows this one.

It’s the sweater David wore the night of the open mic event.

[...]

It’s not the first of David’s sweaters that he’s seen, neatly folded, in the apartment, but something about this one just… hits him.

[frozenprocedural]

Happy, happy birthday to @bepoets! Here's another story with your favorite gal Jenny! Jenny belongs to @patricia-von-arundel.

Disneybounding

"You've got mail!"

Jenny looked up from her computer screen just in time to catch sight of a small package being flung into her lap. She yelped and shot her roommate a mock glare.

"You know, normal people would just put that on my desk, or maybe just hand it to me."

"Are you calling me normal!?" Brooklyn put a hand to her chest dramatically. "Johanna Maria, I'm insulted."

"Call me that again, and I will stop watching 'West Wing'. You'll never get to know my favorite character then." Jenny flipped the package over to reveal her mother's neat handwriting, and tore away the top.

"I know you've passed five episodes. I want to hear it. C.J.? Josh? Oooh, I bet it's Charlie."

"I told you I need at least ten before I can say for sure." She grinned when Brooklyn stuck out her tongue. Jenny pulled out the contents- two small boxes and an envelope with her name on it.

"You didn't tell me you were going to Disneyworld!" Brooklyn exclaimed.

"Wait, what are you talking about?" 

"The Magic Bands! When did you plan that?"

"I didn't?" Now Jenny was thoroughly confused. She opened the envelope and pulled out the letter, scanning its contents. "Huh. I guess Dad got them for me and you when school lets out for the summer. He figures if I'm here, I should finally go see it."

"Wait, you haven't been to Disneyworld before?" Brooklyn looked horrified. Jenny shrugged.

"I mean, I went to Disneyland once with my aunt and uncle when I was really young, but other than that, no. My family did more of the outdoorsy stuff. Trips to national parks and such."

"This is awesome! I need to show you everything! How many days is it for? Oh, I have to make sure you try all the best foods, and the rides, and!" Brooklyn spun and slapped her hands on Jenny's shoulders. "We're Disneybounding!"

Jenny blinked, trying to process everything Brooklyn had just said. "Disneybounding? Now you're just making up words."

Brooklyn grinned and pulled out her phone. "Nope! It's when you dress up like a Disney character without dressing up in costume. Your clothes- the colors, the accessories- are used to reference the character. So, maybe a yellow blouse, blue skirt and red bow for Snow White. So, now we need to figure out what you're bounding as."

"No one."

"Jeeeeeny!"

"What? I was never into the princess thing, why would I want to dress up as one?"

“That’s the great thing- you don’t have to dress up as a princess! You can go as anyone or anything Disney- Star Wars, Marvel… you name it. Come on, humor me here.”

Jenny laid back in her bed, considering. She’d never much considered her favorite Disney movies- as she’d said, princess movies were not her deal- but, then, something came to mind.

“Merida.”

“What’s that?”

“Merida. From Brave.”

Brooklyn’s grin reminded Jenny of her father's, it was so big. "That is perfect! Hey, didn't you say your dad has a kilt?"

"Believe me, he won't give it to me anytime soon."

"Too bad. Well, we'll just have to see what we can come up with, won't we?"

Jenny wondered just what she'd gotten herself into.

…..

It turned out she'd gotten herself into something... well, actually really fun.

True to her word, Brooklyn had set everything up, and she did indeed know the best places to visit. Their five-day trip was a whirlwind of activities, sounds, sights and food.

It was their final day, and they were headed to Magic Kingdom in their Disneybounding outfits. Brooklyn, dressed as Mary Poppins- complete with a feathered red hat and parrot-headed umbrella- grinned ear-to-ear when she caught sight of Jenny.

"Now that is a Disneybound Merida. Even if I'm still unhappy about the kilt."

Jenny chuckled- she'd been right about Papa's unwillingness to part with his beloved kilt. 

Instead, she'd ended up choosing a dark green shirt with a bear's paw in the center under a plaid overshirt and tan pants. A bow-and-arrow pin finished the ensemble, and she'd even managed to curl her hair even more than normal.

She was really enjoying herself.

Maybe enough to try it again sometime. 

Jenny followed Brooklyn to the bus with a grin of her own, ready for their next adventure.

[frozenprocedural]

The West Wing Jenny and Dag Part 2

A continuation of this story, which I said I would finish the following day.

Thaaaaaat... did not happen. Nor is this the ending. Because of course not.

Thanks, as always, to @patricia-von-arundel for Jenny, Dag and Alarik. And once more, it’s the faults of @bepoets and @couragedontdesertme. 

Again, this is mostly off-the-top-of-the-head, so no attempts at research. 

Part 2

Dag remembers the first time Jenny was shot, almost ten years previously. He and Eira were in Washington state when Sam called and spoke the three earth-shattering words. 

"Jenny's been shot."

By the time they'd gotten a flight back to D.C, Jenny was already in recovery and complaining about being in the hospital- "I was grazed! That's it!"

This time, he's there. Sitting in the crowded waiting room- between the Secret Service, his staff, and his family, there aren't any open chairs- he waits for any news, dreads the worst. Eira has her arm tight around him, letting him ground himself in her presence. 

There's movement at the entrance, and his parents rush in, followed closely by his aunt and uncle. It turns out that Sam is taking care of him once again.

When he sees his parents' faces, it's all Dag can do to keep from breaking down. He wraps his arms around both of them (when did his mother get so small? And has he always been taller than his father?), and just keeps repeating "I'm sorry". 

"No, Dag, no, it's not your fault." Mama's voice is so soft it's hard to hear her, and he can tell that she's just barely keeping herself together. At the same time, he can tell she won't accept any arguments from him either. So he stops. Staff clear the seats so the rest of his family can sit.

They've been sitting in silence for what seems to be forever when the surgeon finally comes in. She doesn't have to ask for the family of Jenny Geatland, because it's all too clear who's there for her. The surgeon explains what happened, all medical talk Dag can't follow. The only thing that matters is Jenny is alive. Critical, but alive. 

Only Dag, Elsa and Alarik are allowed to see her at first, although a group of agents follow them down the corridors as a nurse leads them to Jenny's heavily-guarded room. 

When they step inside, the first thing that comes to Dag's mind is that they've got the wrong room. Because the pale, bruised figure on the bed engulfed in tubes and wires can't be his sister. She's always been this vibrant part of his life, and to see her barely moving, attached to a ventilator, is sickening. 

He hears Papa make some wordless little noise, and Mama's grip on his hand tightens. 

Dag forces himself to move closer and take one of Jenny's hands in his- it's dry and too hot, and he wants to drop it because it feels so wrong. But he holds on, sinking into the chair next to the bed. Mama and Papa settle on the opposite side. 

Mama reaches out and smooths back Jenny's hair, and he can see that her hand is shaking. Papa takes Jenny's other hand and kisses it, whispering, "Come back to us, Eldig," in a broken voice. 

…..

Two evenings later, Dag is startled awake by the blaring alarm on Jenny's heart monitor. He stumbles aside as several nurses rush in, checking Jenny and her machines over and talking quickly. They're all but pushed out of the room, and he doesn't realize he's shaking until Papa wraps his arm around Dag's shoulders. 

Eventually a nurse comes out to explain that Jenny's waking up and fighting the ventilator. They're working to remove the breathing tube- "Trust me on this, it's not something you want to see," the nurse explains before going back into the room.

A few minutes later they're allowed back in. The breathing tube has been replaced by a nasal canula, and, most importantly, Jenny's eyes are open and watching them.

"Jenny." Mama's the first one back in the room, sinking into the nearest chair and taking Jenny's hand into both of her own. Papa's next, pulling a chair up next to Mama and resting his hand on Jenny's knee, rubbing it with his thumb. 

Dag can't move. He's struck, as been the case for two days, with an overwhelming sense of guilt. Jenny's here because of him. If she hadn't been with him, if he'd insisted on a place less in the open, if-

Jenny makes some strange, strangled noise, and he realizes she's glaring at him. When she sees she has his attention again, she jabs her finger at the remaining chair. Dag gets the hint and makes his way over, sinking down with a sigh.

"Jenny, I'm-"

"No."

The word is breathy and weak, and Jenny winces soon after it's spoken. She makes a half-hearted attempt to swat his arm. 

"No sorry." Jenny grimaces. 

Dag can tell she doesn't have much energy, and he certainly won't let her waste it on arguing with him. He nods, swallows, and takes her hand in his.

"It's good to see you, Jenny."

[frozenprocedural]

I blame @bepoets for making me write this. This comes from her The West Wing Elsarik crossover. Jenny belongs to @patricia-von-arundel. 

Reprimand

Antiseptic scent, everything starched and pressed, and air so dry she felt like she was training in the desert again. Drills in them were bad enough, but an extended stay was worse than tear gas training.

Jenny despised hospitals. 

Which made waking up in one all the worse.

Holding the cursing assailant by the ear, Jenny wasn't even aware something had gone wrong until something warm and sticky trickled down her side.

That's when she saw the bloodstain.

.....................

An enormous, bulky cast covered her torso, extending out to encase the entirety of her right arm. When she'd come out of anesthesia, disoriented and incoherent, she'd tried to tear the damned thing off, requiring restraint and sedation until she realized it wasn't coming off. Not easily at any rate. 

"How are you doing today, Johanna?" A new nurse- Destin, by the name he scrawled on her whiteboard. She bared her teeth.

"It's. Jenny. Don't they put that in there?" She jerked her chin towards the computer. "I'm fine. When do I leave?"

Destin gave her a wide smile, which only made her irritation grow. "Jenny, then. And it's a bit early to talk about leaving. You just got out of surgery yesterday. The doctor needs to have you monitored more, and you'll need to be seen by PT and OT at the very least before…"

"Then get them in here so I can get the hell out!" Jenny pounded her free fist on the railing, snarling when the movement set off an alarm on the IV pole. 

"That is quite enough, Johanna Maria!"

Jenny started, hissing when the movement sent pain jolting down her injured side. Destin actually jumped, knocking the computer station to the side as Aisnley Seaborn strode into the room. 

"Mrs. Seaborn, please, tell these people to release me- I'm just fi-"

"Do not finish that word, Johanna, or so help me, I'll make sure Gina puts you on desk duty after you're cleared." She turned to Destin, who watched the entire exchange with wide eyes and stuck out her hand.

"My most sincere apologies, Mr.?" 

"Destin Mattias, Ma'am."

"A pleasure, Mr. Mattias. By all means, please finish whatever you need to do."

When Destin finished- faster than any nurse or doctor so far- the snick of Ainsley shutting the door after his departure set Jenny's hairs on end. 

There were few things that truly terrified Jenny. 

The look Ainsley gave her was one of them.

"I got a call today. A call from your mother, letting me know that her daughter has spent almost the entire time since she woke from her seven-hour surgery to repair a gunshot wound trying to break out of the hospital."

Jenny opened her mouth, but Ainsely held up her hand. 

"Oh no. You do not get to speak until I am finished. You see, I found that concept confusing. Anyone who is in surgery for seven hours can't possibly believe they can just walk right out. But, I'm no medical expert, so I decided to consult one. I even had her break things down into terms I could understand."

Ainsley pulled over a chair, setting it down with a definitive thunk. Jenny unconsciously tried to move away, stopped by the cast almost immediately. Ainsley opened a file.

"So let's see what Abbey said, shall we? The medical report states that the bullet entered your right shoulder from behind, struck your shoulder blade, ricocheted up into your collarbone, shattered it, and exited, missing your subclavian artery- it's a rather large one, I was told- by a factor of millimeters."

She pulled out an x-ray, slamming it onto the pull-over table next to Jenny's bed. Ainsley's voice had been steadily rising throughout her speech, and showed no signs of stopping.

"You lost a massive amount of blood, not to mention the muscles in your shoulder resembled pulled pork. I'm told there's a good chance you will suffer either permanent pain or nerve damage as a result. Then, of course, there are the months of physical therapy that you most certainly will be doing if you want even half a chance of returning to active duty."

Ainsley closed the file with a snap, her voice having risen to a near shout. 

"And despite all of this- all of which I know your attending doctor explained to you- I come here to find you harassing your nurse, and demanding, of all things, to LEAVE! Do you understand how serious this is!? No, you do not," Ainsley growled when Jenny nodded, "You seem to believe this is some movie where you'll just get up and walk away, some test on how tough you can be. You don't get that there was a good chance you wouldn't have been able to call your mother that night. Just a few more millimeters, and we would be attending your funeral."

Ainsley sank back into her chair, rubbing her forehead. 

"Mom… Mom couldn't tell me this herself, could she?" 

"Yes, but that's not why I'm here. Not the only reason, at any rate. I was there when you were born, Jenny. You took your first steps in my office. I watched you grow into the brilliant, strong, bullheaded woman you are today. When I got that phone call that night…"

For the first time, Ainsley broke eye contact, turning to stare at the wall, and Jenny could see a tear make its way down her cheek. She herself could feel burning in her eyes.

"I had to keep telling myself you'd be alright. That you're too strong and stubborn to… There was a part of me that just kept thinking that night was the last time I'd see you alive."

Silence fell between them, Ainsley watching the wall, and Jenny watching her. She wanted to say something, but couldn't figure out what- 'sorry' didn't seem to be enough. 

Sometimes, it seemed Ainsley could read her mind.

"I don't want an apology. I just need you to understand. You are more to me, to all of us, than your job as an agent. No matter what, you have, and always will be, our Jenny." Ainsley looked back to Jenny.

"I understand, Mrs- Aunt Ainsley."

For the first time since she'd stormed in, a smile crept across Ainsley's face. Small and rueful, but a smile nonetheless.

"Good. Now, I have a meeting to get to, but don't you dare think this is the last time you're seeing me. When I get back, you better be listening to your medical team and resting."

"Yes, ma'am." 

Ainsley stood and squeezed Jenny's good shoulder. "I'll see you later, then."

As she watched Ainsely leave, Jenny suddenly realized just how exhausted she felt. She pulled the sheets up with a sigh.

Maybe, just maybe, Ainsley had a point about resting. 

Before she knew it, Jenny was asleep.