Giles needed information on a specific magic and it was for once so specialized that he knew of only one person who had ever even dabbled in it. Ethan but as far as he knew the man was still locked up somewhere, safe, secure and where he couldn't cause any harm.
He knew because he'd put him there.
Giles had always felt right in his decision to hand Ethan over to the Initiative. Ethan had proven himself dangerous time and time again and with no end of his bad behavior in sight he hadn't really given him any other option but that had been nearly a decade ago now and since then the world had changed. Whether Ethan Rayne changed with it or not hardly mattered any more.
Giles had spent the years since Sunnydale helping Buffy build a network of Slayers across the globe. It was massive now and the sheer scope of their reach gave him some time off once in a while where he could almost pretend he was close to retirement. He had come to accept however, that winters in Spain and a fat pension weren't in his future as they might once have been. Evil didn't retire and so he probably never would either.
Today was no exception. When even their coven connections couldn't help them he called in a favor from the Initiative and of all people they sent him Riley Finn, older and more lined than he should have yet been but still wide eyed and quintessentially all American. He couldn't fight the stab of contempt he felt for the boy he had been and the man he was now. People seldom changed and Riley might have been older but he had never left his commandos, never learned to think for himself. Never been good enough for Buffy if he was honest. He hadn't been a bad kid but he hadn't impressed him either.
He forced a smile however when he met the man at the airport outside Reno. Being state side again was somehow jarring. So close to where Sunnydale had been and yet knowing it wasn't.
Riley's smile was tight too. "Took me a while to track him down." He said. "Your guy got moved around a little over the years."
Giles glanced at him. "Was he trouble?" He asked.
Riley shrugged. "Don't know. File I got said he didn't do well in the rehabilitation facility. They moved him here for keeping."
"Didn't do well?" Giles felt a pit form in his stomach. Didn't do well. . .
"Its rehab." Riley said, leading him to an unmarked government van. "You have to want it. He didn't."
Right.
Ethan wouldn't have wanted it.
They got in and Giles glanced out the window and back at the airport. He could see Ethan not doing well in rehab.
"You'll be trusted to keep the facility's location a secret. We normally wouldn't allow anyone inside but you arent exactly a stranger and we owe your people a few favors." Riley said.
Giles nodded, thinking of Ethan and remembering Adam and Walsh and the rest of the boys in Kevlar. He had really handed his old friend over to these people. "How long has he been at this facility?" He found himself asking.
"About six years now. He wasn't very forthcoming in Sunnydale as I remember. They got what they could oit of him and sent him to the rehab building but. . ." Riley trailed off and the pit in Giles's guts opened wider, taunting him.
He wondered what they'd wanted from Ethan at all and had a flicker if doubt. The Initiative didn't deal in magic, they dealt with demons. Take his magic away and Ethan was just a man.
He felt his palms sweat as they were engulfed by the darkness and the desert. The stars above. The hum of the engine.
There was no other way. Ethan wasn't an ordinary man and an ordinary prison couldn't hold him, although he didn't doubt that there was ample evidence across the Atlantic to put him in one. No, this was the only place and sooner than he'd thought they came across a small building in the middle of nowhere, only one guard on duty as far as he could see.
Giles raised an eyebrow and Riley pointed to their feet. "Down there." He said, cleared by the guard.
Of course it was and down they went, into the bleeding belly of the beast and her fluorescent lights and locks. . . her secrets.
They passed nameless white walls and ugly, tiled floors, the lights humming above and the only sound their feet slapping the ground beneath them.
Giles thought for some reason he would be seeing Ethan in his cell and it was almost a disappointment when he was lead into an interrogation room. He looked at Riley expectantly and the boy. . . the grown boy cleared his throat.
"They should be bringing him." He said, gesturing at the table he should sit at. "Are you sure he'll help you?"
He wasn't and he didn't answer. Nothing was certain with Ethan. That was why he was better off here.
Riley hung his head and nodded. He'd never been a stupid lad.
Giles nodded, wondering what he was asking for and not liking it that he was at all.
Riley nodded too. "Its been nearly ten years." He said. "He may be different."
It was insightful and Giles resented him for his insight. He knew how long it had been and yet Riley's words still made him twist inside, his sweaty palms still sticking and his throat drier than it had been before. "I'll keep that in mind." He said.
Riley nodded and then the door opened and two men entered with a figure between them. Ethan Rayne, looking every bit of ten years older than he had the last time Giles had seen him. He looked haggard too and Giles didn't miss it but the moment their eyes met he saw an old light go on in Ethan's and his eyebrows rose. He was still the same man.
The man was so busy looking at him that he stumbled when directed into the chair across the table.
The door shut and the two soldiers remained outside. It was just the three of them in the cement room. Ethan's eyes bright. "Ripper." He heard him breath and he sounded older too. Giles watched as he placed his hands in the desk between them and he heard the clink of handcuffs. It was almost fascinating to see Ethan of all people in chains like this. Satisfying in a way.
"How are you, Ethan?" He asked, taking in the changes on the man. He was thinner, greyer. Older than he'd thought either of them would ever be but he was still Ethan.
"Peachy." Ethan said, voice dark. His eyes raked over Giles appraisingly. "What about you, Ripper? What brings you down to my humble abode?"
"I need some information." Giles said, lacing his own fingers opposite Ethan and looking at the difference in their hands. His were not as thin and there was no metallic clink or shine around his wrists.
Ethan gave him an amused look but it wasn't anything like the looks he remembered from the past. This one was weaker, tired. "Well I'm afraid im not very on top of the up and about of today's gossip."
"I think you'll know about this." Giles said. "I need to know about the father of all chaos gods. The primordial demon Anthellen. One if his children is causing mayhem beyond his own ability."
Ethan looked delighted. "And you think I know of this?"
"Know of or know him." Giles said. "You served the god Janus. I don't imagine he was the only one you payed homage to."
A dryer look this time, not so amused. "I know of Anthellen but he's not father of all chaos." He sounded read on the subject and Giles sighed, glad he was being so forthcoming. "Only one pantheon of chaos gods."
Giles leaned forward and in the dim fluorescent light he had to strain his eyes. "And of his children?" He asked.
Ethan withdrew his arms from the table. "And why would I know anything about them?" He asked.
Giles frowned. "If anyone would it would be you."
Ethan cocked his head but nodded. "And if I tell you?" He asked.
A harder frown. "You want to know what's in it for you." Of course he did. How typical of Ethan. Always working an angle.
Ethan nodded, eyebrows raised expectantly but he had his arms crossed over himself and looked weary.
"Well what do you want then?" Giles asked, sitting back. "It's not as if I can give you your freedom."
A slightly sour look crossed Ethan's face. "No, but he can give me things." He said, pointing at Riley.
Riley looked at Giles who shrugged. "What do you want, Ethan?" He asked. It seemed harmless enough to ask and they already had all of the power. Ethan didn't have a lot of room to negotiate.
"I want my books back and I don't want them taken again." He sounded almost petulant there was an odd timber in his voice.
"Why were your books taken?" Riley asked, arms crossed.
Ethan gave him a look of distaste. "Their drugs aren't perfect, you know." He said. "Sometimes they can't stop all of the magic. Sometimes I get lucky."
"Which is why you're still in here." Riley said.
Giles nodded and Ethan gave him a resentful look. "Give them back or I'll say nothing." He said. "I don't have anything else to bargain with and you won't give me anything else I want."
"Youre sure right about that." Riley said dryly but Giles wasn't interested in petty squabbling.
"Oh just give him the bloody books back." Giles snapped.
"Do you know what they gave me to read in here?" Ethan asked suddenly, looking at him then over the table. "Anne of Green Gables. The whole set! When I'd read it, I asked for more and they gave me Little House on the Prairie. Can you imagine? This is condescension I wouldn't stoop to!"
Giles looked at him dryly. This was getting him nowhere. "You've got your books back now what do you know, Ethan?" He asked.
Ethan leaned forward. "I know your tin soldiers haven't stopped all of their cutting." He hissed.
That was something to consider but it wasn't what he'd asked and Giles had a time frame to worry about.
"You know, you look older, Rupert." Ethan said, diverting to another topic. He sounded almost sad and it was getting pathetic.
"So do you." He whispered.
There was silence and then he cleared his throat and Ethan winced. "I need to know." Giles said. He couldn't play these games forever. Ethan had all of the time in the world but he didn't.
And for a moment Ethan looked like an old man. Far older than he was. "Your god was eaten by his children. The child that ate his head was Callenth. If you're looking for anyone it'll be him and there'll be writing on him. I know you probably didn't find much on Anthellen." He sniffed. "He became the most powerful and practiced the darkest chaos. Its was always a trip calling upon him. He might kill you for it. The rush is incredible. You should try it, I know it nearly killed me."
"And yet you somehow survived."
Ethan smiled slightly. "He's arrogant."
Giles didn't point out that he was the last person who should have been calling names. "Thank you, Ethan." He said, rising then.
Bound hands reached out and grabbed at his arm tightly, fingers cold and hard. "Not yet." He whispered. "You take my time I take your's." Ethan's voice was low and shakey then.
Giles almost snorted. "And why would I do that?" He asked.
Ethan looked troubled, nearly angry. "Why not?" He asked. "What have you got to loose?" He snapped.
Giles almost pitied him but this was the man who had upended the people he cared about's lives and nearly killed them. This was a man who caused chaos and problems wherever he went. This was the man who wouldn't leave him alone.
"Do you know where they keep me?" Ethan asked. "Underground, forever. I haven't seen the sky in years. You took that from me." He nodded slightly as if Giles should agree with him and he did even if he didn't nod. He had taken that away from him but Ethan had taken it away from himself too. He couldn't pretend he was repercussion's victim.
"You caused nothing but trouble."
"There are far worse people than me." Ethan said, voice thin and scathing.
"And yet my life has been much more enjoyable devoid of your escapades." Giles said, trying to hurt. Trying to make the churning in his guts stop.
Ethan chewed on his cheek for a moment. Something he didn't think he'd seen him do before.
"These boys forget that I'm not a demon." He whispered. "Can't take the beatings they can." He sounded short and forceful.
Giles winced and looked at Riley who looked guilty.
"That's the trouble with all of the on campus recruiting and little soldier training in schools. You get kids with weapons." Ethan whispered and Giles realized he had sat back down. He couldn't remember doing so.
"I'll talk to someone." Riley muttered. "I didn't know."
He never did and Giles looked at Ethan, feeling something close to guilt in his chest. He had done this but Ethan had hurt so many people in his life. He didn't have a choice.
"I don't know what's worse." Ethan said. "The demons or the soldiers. All monsters, great and small, you know?" He grinned almost haplessly and there was just the faintest glimmer of his old self. "They're all down here."
"And what are you?" Giles found himself asking. He felt numb.
"In here? With all of the drugs they give me? I'm rather small." He laughed softly, apologetically.
Giles nodded. "I think that might be good for you, Ethan."
And the man stopped smiling and leaned across the table again. "It was only a joke, Rupert." He whispered. "You didn't have to do this to me."
"You never would have stopped."
Ethan nodded. "That's right but even you must realize this is a bit much, even for me." His eyes crinkled as if he were trying to convey how helpless he was now.
Giles swallowed hard and forced himself to remain resolute. "And if we let you go? What would you do? How long before you went back to your old ways?" He asked.
"And my old ways were so much worse than what these people have done. They may not slice you up here but it's not a picnic."
"You had a chance to rehabilitate."
"No I had a chance to do what they called rehabilitate and I'll be damned before I get lectured on this from you. You're the reason I'm here." He sounded angry now, upset.
"Perhaps if you had stayed in England. . ." Giles said, hackles up.
Ethan snorted and Riley shifted uncomfortably.
"You have no idea what you've done and your horse is getting so high you're loosing oxygen."
Giles glared at him and knew it was true. He didn't know what he had done. "Ethan if you cooperated. . ." He said, struggling to find a way Ethan couldn't twist his words.
"If I got my mind right?" Ethan asked, sharp and biting.
He shrugged, knowing that was just it. "Yes." He whispered.
"Oh, I've got my mind right." Ethan whispered. "And I'm going to get out one day."
"Well it's good to see you haven't lost hope." Riley said dryly.
Ethan gave him another look of dislike. "You were one of the soldier boys who brought me in." He said. "Arrested me. Isn't it nice we're all back together?"
"Not the word I'd pick." Riley said flatly, arms crossed again.
Giles felt as if a brick had settled in his stomach and he looked at Ethan who was angry and backed into a corner. He didn't have anything to bargin with and no powers if he was telling the truth.
He was just a a man and this was no place for a man.
Yet there was nowhere else for him and he had to stay because Ethan Rayne wasn't just a man and he wasn't going to stop.
"I'm sorry you haven't changed your mind." He said, looking at the table between them.
Ethan looked up, looking almost startled. He looked old and Giles didn't like seeing it. Didn't like seeing him this way. It was naked and frightened him of what he himself was aging into. Who ever thought of themselves as old? When he had first met Ethan he had never imagined being this old. Knowing this much. He thought he'd known everything when he was young. He hadn't known a bloody thing.
"Thank you for your help and. . . perhaps we can get him something other than Little House on the Prairie?" He found himself saying. "I think that's a little condescending of the warden." He was done here.
No snort or quip, Ethan looked hopeful and Riley nodded.
"Yeah, he kept his end but no spell books."
Giles nodded and stood, not stopped this time. "Thank you, Ethan." He said again.
Ethan looked surprised and then nodded back. He saw for a flash the boy he'd known, the boy who had captivated him and fascinated him, who had inspired all of his worst behavior and challenged him to do more and then he saw the old man in his drab uniform and grey hair. What the hell happened to you when you got old? You were young and holding the world one second and they you were grey and just helping. Helpless.
"You're going?" Ethan asked, voice quivering.
The pit in Giles's stomach yawned. "Yes." He said, voice dead in the stale room, under the fluorescent light and the electric buzzing, the dull corridors and white walls. . .the world with no sky.
Another faint nod. "Don't forget I'm in here." Ethan whispered and it wasn't snide or mocking. He sounded pitiful and small and Giles left him there, information in hand and guts twisted and raw.
He wasn't going to be forgetting this any time soon.
He looked at Riley and wondered what he would be like when he was their age. Maybe he'd learn to think for himself by then. Maybe he wouldn't make it at all. Too many didn't.
It was still night when they reached the surface and he thought of what Ethan had said.
All monsters, great and small.
Ethan was down there with them and one of them and he was above and under the stars.
Summary: Kaidan and Shepard spend a night at the Alenko family orchard. The Reaper invasion is finally over, but the scars, both physical and mental, are still alive and well.
Thank you @nightmarestudio606 for the beta 🧡
Kaidan laid motionless in bed. His posture was rigid and unmoving as he rested on his stomach, arms tucked under his head as he pressed his face into the pillow, desperate to find the sleep he craved.
The first night returning planetside was always a struggle. Trying to adjust his routine in the week prior in preparation for Vancouver was always of little use. The journey home left his body feeling drained, but his mind couldn’t find the rest he craved. And based on the amount of times the bed had shifted as Ruiz rolled over, it was clear he wasn’t alone.
The comforts of his parent’s orchard did little to lull him to sleep. Seeing his childhood bedroom fully untouched from the Reapers left an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He saw entire worlds collapse under Reaper forces, yet the room felt detached from time itself with all of his childhood trophies still sitting on the shelf, in the same condition he left them, as if nothing had happened.
He pressed his face deeper into the pillow, holding back an irritated grumble that he felt rising in his chest. The bed felt almost too soft compared to the mattress he and Shepard shared on the Normandy.
His fugue was broken by a gentle poke to his side. Kaidan readjusted himself just enough to turn his head towards Ruiz, seeing his warm amber eyes crinkle affectionately as they met his own. He watched Shepard silently, awaiting a response, a question. Anything really. Except Ruiz only poked him again in the same spot with a crooked grin that reached his eyes.
Keep Reading on AO3:
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Some outside reactions to Mabel and Dipper post canon?
The two haven’t changed much in body and style. Dippers still the same skinny dork with a new hat this time, and Mabel’s still the same sunshine girl with an array of rainbow sweaters. But they seem more confident. More site of themselves. They walk with purpose and a sense of self esteem. They suddenly have the aura of the coolest kids on campus and nobody knows how.
In the end, when it matters, Ellie doesn't come through. She doesn't kill Abby. Ellie unclenches, consciously, each of her fingers and throws her weight backwards, falling back onto the water and unlatching from Abby's throat. She puts her elbows in her knees and hangs her head and tells Abby to go and Abby does. Abby gets on a boat, turns her back to Ellie and leaves.
Ellie figures she should do the same. She doesn't.
Ellie sits on the cold water for an undetermined stretch of time, relieving that one night, that one memory, Joel's presence burning through her mind, burning through her anger and leaving only ashes in its wake.
She sits there long enough for Abby and her boat to disappear in the horizon; for the night to get even darker around her; for the water to turn freezing; for her wounds to stop bleeding all on their own and the pain turn from the piercing kind into the throbbing kind.
But that is all that changes. It isn't long enough for Ellie to feel anything but pain, emotional and physical. Ellie stares into the horizon, feels water lapping against her waist, holds her left hand close to her body and feels nothing but pain. There's no relief, no respite, no solace, no exemption. Ellie left her life behind, left Dina and their kid and their house and sun-soaked mornings and baby-giggles-filled nights, for something. She needed answers, she needed revenge, she needed something that would make her hands stop shaking and would rip the guilt that consumed her insides. Ellie needed closure. Ellie needed more time with Joel. Ellie needed.
And she finds nothing. Ellie killed more people in two months than most would in their whole lives—even during this apocalyptic world they lived in. Went through infected and clickers and fireflies and hunters the same, stabbed and shot her way through Santa Barbara, put a knife in a kid's throat, almost killed Abby, didn't kill Abby. And still, nothing. It's like someone spooned her insides out, like her heart isn't in her body anymore, it's like pain is the only thing she can feel.
So, I ended up writing the thing. Honestly, I hope it came out okay. I feel so nervous about posting this since I haven’t written anything but class notes for that past 4 years. Enjoy!
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Warning: This story has themes and acts of rape. This story is also heavily NSFW. Please read at your own discretion.
Then Came the Knight
The day had started like any other. Well, as any other day should have started when you travel back in time 500 years in order to continue the rest of your life with the one you love.
The elegant priestess in training was accompanying her teacher in order to help the delivery of a baby in a nearby village. Her rough n’ tough lover, not too ecstatic about her leaving his line of sight, had definitely shared his thoughts on the matter with her that same morning when she announced her departure.
“What do you mean, it’s going to be fine? You’re with Kaede. That ol’ hag ain’t able to fight off a mouse,” he sputtered while his ears pinned back in annoyance.
Kagome sighed. She understood where he came from. It hadn’t even been two weeks since the young couple had been reunited with one another. Both the young priestess along with her silver-haired hanyou simply couldn’t get enough of each other. Inuyasha refused to let her out of his sight, always watching her, brushing up against her, being her shadow wherever she went. It also didn’t help that their marriage was only a week away, leaving the half-demon extremely protective of his soon-to-be wife.
“Look, Inuyasha, I don’t want to be separated from you either. Besides, you have to go exorcise a demon with Miroku today, so I figured I should at least keep myself occupied. They practically begged you to go save their village,” she answered with an exasperated tone.
“Keh.”
He didn’t wait for a second longer. Inuyasha grabbed her wrist loosely and pulled the beautiful woman to his chest. She softly crashed against the hard muscles as she was taking in the scent of her man. Pine. Powerful arms wrapped around her tightly, squeezing her as if to fear she’d blow away in the wind and never reappear. Kagome’s head nestled in the crook of his neck, which caused the hanyou to let out a soft rumble similar to that of a dog getting pet just in the right spot. The young priestess’s heart raced and she was certain her face was several shades darker. Regardless of how many times the two had embraced since her return, the man she’d been patiently waiting to see never failed to make her heart flutter. Neither of them had a made a move beyond simple caresses and soft kisses. Both of them two nervous about upsetting the other, it was like walking on eggshells when it came to taking the relationship a step further.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Inuyasha whispered softly in her ear.
“Don’t worry, I promise I’ll stay safe.”
It simply astounded the black-haired woman how much more mature and open her best friend had become. She never even fathomed the day where the man would admit his own feelings in such a straightforward manner. A few years ago, he would have simply sulked and sputtered a few insults, which she knew he never really meant.
A few minutes passed until Miroku arrived at their humble abode in order to collect her fiancé to go slay some demons. Some things never changed.
The couple said their goodbyes, Inuyasha pretending to be unaffected by the separation as he knew the lecherous monk was watching them closely. His ears told a different story, drooping ever so slightly. The miko gave him a reassuring smile in return and waved the two off.
Without wasting another minute, Kagome quickly hurried off to meet Kaede in the village after having packed a few herbs and other belongings she figured she might need for their little excursion. The village was only a few hours away by walk, meaning she would be able to return that same day if everything went well, or in a few days at the most. It had simply been so long since she was able to get back on the road again in feudal Japan.
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The older woman in red and white robes smiled when she noticed her apprentice had entered the hut, “Bright and early this morning I see”.
“Early bird gets the worm!” Kagome replied, returning her smile.
“Kagome-sama! How are you this morning? Rin has made you breakfast with the help of Kaede-sama,” a young voice piped up from by the door as the mat that was draped across it was pushed out of the way.
“Rin! My morning has been splendid, how about yours?” the miko replied to the over-joyous girl.
“Great!”
The older priestess handed Rin a filled bowl of soup and gestured for the young apprentice to take a seat around the fire as she brought her over her breakfast.
“Now child, not too difficult to convince Inuyasha to let ‘ye leave this m’orning?” the older woman asked, arching an eyebrow.
“It took some convincing, but I got through to him. He’s just so worried. I mean, I am too,” she trailed as she simply stared at the bowl of hot soup resting in her lap.
Her mind flashed back to all of those terrible nights alone at home. All those nights she spent staring at her ceiling wishing it was a sky blanketed with twinkling stars, her companion at her side. Kagome had spent three entire years turning around at the sight of fast moving red objects, only to be deceived that it wasn’t the man she loved. Everything had worked out according to plan after defeating Naraku, especially for her original wish to return to a normal life. Little did she know, that was her head’s wish and not her heart’s. Then, that day had finally arrived. The day of her high school graduation. It was a day she simply knew she would never forget for the rest of her life. She was even willing to bet that it was going to be the happiest memory of her life. Kagome loved her own family enormously and was relieved that her mother understood that she simply had to leave when the Bone Eater’s well had opened back up. One thing lead to another, and she was finally able to hold those clawed hands, get lost in those amber eyes, touch the soft protruding puppy ears on top of his head once more.
“Child, ye’ know that he visited the well every three days?” the older woman said, a tiny smile tugging at her lips.
Kagome didn’t answer as she clutched the bowl of soup tighter and a blush started to form on her cheeks.
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As they walked towards their destination, several hours passed by and the trip to the smaller excluded village was uneventful, much to Kagome’s relief. The miko had brought her bow and arrows in order to defend herself, but she knew they didn’t compare to the Tessaiga in their level of protection.
As the pair passed through the front gates of the village, they were greeted by a gaggle of children playing about. Several dogs attached to the huts barked to greet the two unknown ladies. Needless to say, they didn’t have to wait long before being greeted by the village headman.
“Kaede-sama, thank goodness you’ve come! And this must be your priestess in training,” a man no older than 40 cheerfully exclaimed as he made his way towards them.
“Ye’, I am Kaede. This is Kagome. She is very skilled in the ways of healing and she will be helping me deliver the baby today.”
A younger man, about Kagome’s age, appeared from around the corner of one of the larger huts. He wore a dark blue kosode and towered in height in comparison to the women. Even for Kagome’s time, he was considered tall, most likely around 6’3”.
“That is wonderful! Ah, here comes my son now. This is Taisei,” the village head continued as he gestured towards the lanky figure that had just appeared.
That’s when Taisei’s eyes fell on Kagome’s. He couldn’t stop staring at the younger miko, completely enticed by her appearance. Her soft chocolate eyes, her long black hair that rested just below her shoulders, her slim waist, and fair skin. Something then just ticked in his head. The woman simply made his heart race. Even if she was a priestess, he needed her all for himself. He needed to convince her to stay.
“Y… yes, nice to meet you,” Taisei stuttered.
“Now that everyone’s met each other, right this way. My wife is waiting in the hut, ready to get this over with,” the older man chuckled slightly as he brought the two priestesses towards his large home.
The delivery had been successful and for the most part, uneventful. Due to the delivery having spanned for much longer than anticipated, Kaede and Kagome decided it was wiser if they spent the night in the village. They had been kindly accommodated by the village head, having an extra room for his guests.
Kagome shrugged off her robes and remained in her under clothes. Two futons had been rolled out and the younger girl slipped under one of them. She sighed, knowing that sleep tonight wouldn’t come easy.
“What troubling ye’ child?” Kaede asked her, concerned clearly painted across her face as she also started making her way to the adjacent empty futon.
“This is the first night. The first night since I’ve returned and he’s not with me,” tinged sadness was apparent in her words as she replied to the older woman.
It’s not like the two had even tried anything. Both too nervous about overstepping each other’s boundaries, they simply laid in each other’s embrace, enjoying the time they spent cuddling.
Kaede didn’t reply but simply sent a pained smiled to her young companion. Those two have had a rough go at it, the older woman thought silently praying that things would eventually work out for the two of them.
The night had stilled. Both women’s breathing had eventually steadied, a clear sign that sleep had overtaken both of them. That’s when the door to their room slowly opened, allowing there to be just a crack. The man simply sat there, observing the young miko sleep. He tried to breathe in her scent from the room, not able to get enough of her. That’s when the idea came to him. The man slowly got up, closed the door and returned the same way he had arrived
The next morning, as the two of them were breaking their fast, panicked shuffling and mumbling could be heard. Soon enough, the village headman knocked at their door.
“Lady Kaede, my wife doesn’t have the strength to stay awake!”
The old woman got up as fast as her advanced age allowed her to. She turned to face Kagome, “I should have this under control. Rest a bit and I’ll come get ye’ if I need ye’. If I’m not done in a few hours, ye’ should return to the village without me to explain the situation to Inuyasha. The boy won’t let me live if I keep you away from him for too long.”
A smile danced on the younger girl’s lips. She could see Inuyasha in a few more hours. She was aware that the older priestess knew what she was doing with years of experience under her belt, so she knew that the headman’s wife was in good hands.
A few minutes after the exchange, Kagome got up to take a stroll outside the village in order to go kill some time. She felt bad about not being able to help, but she knew that Kaede had her reasons and had asked her not to join her.
Colours and shapes slowly started to morph and become fuzzy. Had she not slept enough last night? Kagome knew that she didn’t sleep as long as she normally did, but that shouldn’t have been enough for her to start hallucinating. The strength in her legs gave way and she buckled under her own weight. Trying to grasp a nearby tree in order to hoist herself back up, she found that it was simply impossible. Her vision started to grow cloudy and her eyes shut on their own accord. “Inu…yasha,” was the last thing her lips muttered before sleep overtook her and her world went black.
»»———————————————- ♡ ———————————————-««
He had arrived that same day they left. The half-demon and the monk had managed to do quick work of the demon that was pestering the village. The entirety of the time, the monk had pestered his friend about the sudden return of his soulmate. Had the two of them finally danced the lover’s dance?
Needless to say, Inuyasha was glad to have arrived back home. The idea of a home was still a concept foreign to him, but he’d welcome it with open arms.
As he arrived at his own doorway, he pushed back the mat and peeked his head through, expecting to be greeted with that warm smile he had missed for so long. The silver-haired man was quickly aware that his significant other hadn’t been home since her departure that morning. Her sweet smell that usually hung in the air was stale and there was no smell of delicious food cooking over the fire.
His ears drooped slightly as he realized that she wouldn’t be back that night. Inuyasha knew she wouldn’t be an idiot and travel at night without him as she was aware of the dangers that lurked when the moon was present. Sure, she was stupid sometimes, but he knew she knew better than that. The man let out a soft growl of displeasure as he entered their hut and set his Tessaiga against the wall that was closest to their futon.
Guess I’ll make some rice and cook the fish alone. His heart felt heavy, empty, like it had so many times before her return. He was resisting every urge not to run after her and make sure she was alright. He wanted her to know that he trusted her, that he knew she could make decisions on her own. Despite every instinct at his core screaming for him to smother her and protect her with every ounce of his body, he knew this was just another part of growing up. I’m able to protect her like this, he tried to convince himself.
After his quick dinner, he knew he wouldn’t be able to fight off his urges. He simply wanted to hold her again, to have her back pressed against his chest as they lay in bed together. Sleep wouldn’t come at all, so he figured he should go check up on her regardless of his previous resolve. I’m weak. I need you Kagome. His heart felt like it would burst into a million pieces. All these emotions were foreign to him and the boy simply didn’t know how to handle them.
I’ll be there by morning at least. I’ll surprise her by picking her up, he told himself.
»»———————————————- ♡ ———————————————-««
He had arrived when the sun had arisen for a few hours. His soft canine ears perked up at the sound of the village awakening. The chickens clucked every so often, the dogs barking as they sensed his arrival, wives sending off their husbands to go work in the fields.
Inuyasha’s eyes subconsciously scanned his vicinity for his mate. He could smell her sweet aroma in the air and knew that she would be close. His ear suddenly tracked the sound of heavy footsteps approaching him.
“Inuyasha, what are ye’ doing here?” asked the older priestess.
“What does it look like I’m doing, baba?” Inuyasha retorted, annoyed that someone would even ask him such dumb a question.
“If ye’ lookin’ for Kagome, I sent her home a few hours ago. She should have arrived already,” she responded unfazed by the attitude the hanyou was giving her.
“That makes no sense baba! I would've smelled her on my way here if she went home!”
Fear gripped him suddenly. Where was his Kagome? Why had she not been on her way home like she was supposed to? Something must have happened for her not to be there. A sudden guttural growl erupted from the pit of his stomach, Inuyasha unaware himself of the sound he was producing. Several passersby cowered away from him at his sudden display of aggression. His ears perked up, trying to detect any familiar sounds of his mate. He retracted his claws, ready to attack whomever or whatever had caused her to be in potential danger.
“Calm down boy. Maybe one of the villagers asked ‘er for something,” Kaede said, knowing that the poor half-demon would easily be willing to terrorize the entirety of Japan if it meant he could be reunited with his dark-haired priestess.
Regardless of what anyone would tell him, he wouldn’t back down until his girl returned to his arms. A million thoughts were racing in his mind. If she even asks me to leave my side again, the wench can dream cause I ain’t going to let her.
»»———————————————- ♡ ———————————————-««
When she awoke, panic overcame her. It was like being stuck in the jewel for three days again. He hasn’t arrived yet. There’s still darkness. I’m still stuck inside this damned jewel. It was something she tried desperately to forget, but the memories had resurfaced and clung to the forefront of her mind. Her body screamed for her to tremble and cry, but she found that she couldn’t. The only thing she seemed to be able to control and was her neck and head movements.
The priestess eased her breathing when she had been able to open her eyes and notice that there was light around her. That’s right. I’m out of the jewel.
Yet, she wasn’t in an easier situation. Her petite body was propped up against a man’s, who was touching her greedily. Kagome desperately tried to scream, but nothing would come out, her throat dry and tight. The unknown man was traveling his arms down her sides and rested upon her breast, caressing them softly. She felt the press of his erection against her lower back.
Fuck. Inuyasha’s not going to let me live this one down. Fuck. I need to get myself out of this situation or I’m about to get raped. Fuck.
It took her a few more seconds again to realize who her assailant was. Taisei. That fucker. That pervert. The miko desperately tried to wriggle out of his grasp, but none of her limbs allowed her to move. She was paralyzed. The only explanation her panicked brain could come up with was that someone had drugged her during breakfast that morning. It seemed like regardless of whether she was in feudal Japan or modern times, there would always be men like that.
“Good morning my little kitten, it seems you’ve awoken,” the sly and breathy voice resonated against the walls of the small room.
The girl still couldn’t talk, her panic overfilling her and incapacitating her from any form of speech. She whimpered a few times, trying to trash her head in hopes to hit him and make him loose her grasp of her.
He slowly moved his hands, one towards her opulent hips and another towards her mouth, “Oh now, that’s not being a good girl. I’m sorry it had to turn out that way darling. I’ve wanted you since you walked through those gates. Since you’re a miko, I knew I couldn’t get you any other way. So, I’m sorry sweetie, I hope you’ll forgive me.”
He slowly pushed one of his fingers into her mouth, prying it open as he did so. The vile creature was now moaning as he was grinding his hips against her rear, yielding pleasure from his acts. Tears started to stream down Kagome’s face as she felt utterly useless and incapable of doing anything. Why am I so weak? Do something Kagome!
She bit down on his finger and he yelped in return, slapping her cheek with violent force.
“Bitch, you’ll pay for what you’ve done!”
»»———————————————- ♡ ———————————————-««
The hanyou tracked the scent of his lover within the village. The stupid place reeked of so many humans that it was hard to make out the individual smells. After a few more minutes of sniffing the ground intensely and a few too many looks from the villagers, he pounced and ran in the direction of his soon-to-be wife.
When he arrived at the front of the large hut, he smelled more than just Kagome’s regular smell. It was tinged with panic and salt. Tears. Fuck. What the hell’s going on here? He wasted no time to politely ask to gain entry to the house. He figured he’d just apologize for it later if the opportunity arose. Right now, he was focused on reuniting himself with his raven-haired, chocolate eyed maiden.
His heart reverberated in his chest when he found himself stopped in front of two large doors. Kagome’s scent was fresh, mixed with fear, salt and something else sour. There was also a male smell that was equally as present in the air. He shifted his hip to gain easy access to his sword and rested one hand on its hilt.
What he heard next had him kicking down the doors in an instant.
It was the softest whimper he’d ever heard. But he’d heard it.
The sight greeted him with was not a pleasant one. There was this fucker holding his crying girlfriend in his lap, his hands on her at places where they shouldn’t be. The vile man’s eyes had snapped up and grew three sizes larger as he realized he was no longer alone in the room. That mother fucker. He has no goddamned idea what I’m about to do to him. Wait, why isn’t Kagome running away?
A million thoughts ran through his mind at once, bombarding and clouding his judgment. Had she gone there on her own accord? Had she sought out the comfort of another man while he was away? Was she even ready for such things? Realizing that he was just being stupid and his mind was playing tricks on him, he unsheathed his sword and roared, “What in the hell is the meaning of this?”
Taisei’s hands quickly let go of his prized possession and he scrambled away, keeping his eyes on the hanyou until his back hit the wall and he couldn’t go any further.
“Who… who are you?” he asked, the previous lecherous tone turned into that of a panicked one.
“Your worst nightmare, dick,” the canine-eared man half-barked while barring his teeth.
He slowly made his way towards the two and blocked the path between the human man and his mate, “Don’t you ever fucking touch her again, do you understand me?”
The man nodded a few times and Inuyasha could smell the rancid scent of pee in the air coming from the pervert’s vicinity. Not knowing if he should physically hurt the man or if he should check up on Kagome, Inuyasha was torn between the two. He decided he’d scared the human enough, so he slowly padded towards his still girlfriend.
“Kagome, honey, are you alright?” he asked, his eyes searching her body for any sight of injury.
He mentally noted that the man had struck her cheek, still red from the blow. Other than that, he couldn’t smell any more bruising or blood. Just the stench of the lecherous fucker all over her miko garbs. Why is she not moving?
“Kagome? Why aren’t you getting up?” Inuyasha pressed, panic rising in his voice as one of his hands cupped her face delicately.
“I….. can’t…. paralyzed” she finally managed to utter, voice dry and raspy.
He gave her one of the most pained looks she had ever seen. He had let her down. Failed to protect her once again, just like he had made her wait those long three days within the jewel. His heart shattered at the thought.
“Can I pick you up Kagome?” the half-demon asked her, wondering if the woman would rather be left untouched after what she had just gone through.
Unable to utter another sound as it took too much energy out of her, she nodded. The silver-haired man wasted no time to envelop his arms around her limp body and support her head with his chest. He let out a soft rumble in his chest in hope to help her calm down. She buried her head into his chest, letting out a few more heavy tears and hiccups.
“Shh, shh, it’ll be okay. I’m here now. I’m always here for you. I’m so sorry it took me so long to get here. Shh shh,” Inuyasha attempted to reassure the fragile woman in his arms, rocking her gently against him.
“What’s the meaning of this? Why is the miko letting you defile her such, you filthy demon?” the squealing voice coming from Taisei rung and bounced off the walls of the room.
“You’re the actual demon here. Next time you touch my woman, I’ll tear your eyes out and you won’t even get a chance to say boo.” Inuyasha answered, spitting in front of the headman’s son.
The hanyou left the room while clutching and carrying his mate protectively against his chest. Nothing would touch her now. He had her. The silver-haired man had to go consult Kaede. He knew that she could fix his Kagome. She always knew how, right? What if it’s my fault and she can’t move anymore?
Having heard the commotion, the older healer stood in front of the headman’s house. She was unsure of what had happened, but she figured it wouldn’t be good as she had heard her younger companion let out a string of angry snapping and colourful insults.
What she saw next broke her heart. Inuyasha held the limp body of his soon-to-be wife in his arms and he padded towards her, ears drooping down, face wrenched in pain. The boy holding onto her, probably even too tightly she figured.
“What happened Inuyasha?”
“The lech had his hands all over her. Must ‘of drugged her or something. She’s paralyzed and I ain’t got no idea how to fix her,” The half-demon replied, the last string of words muttered almost as soft as a murmur.
“Come now Inuyasha. Let’s make it back to the village and I’ll give her a brew. She’ll also need some food in her to regain her strength. Think you can help me with that?” she asked, hoping to comfort the lost boy.
The couple had already gone through so much. Kaede figured she should try to involve the half-demon. He’d be up to no good otherwise and she genuinely cared about those two as if they were her own children. Exasperating children, yes, but her children none the less.
»»———————————————- ♡ ———————————————-««
The sun had gone down by the time she managed to open her eyes again. She lifted a hand to rub the sleepiness out of her eyes when she felt a warm and comforting arm draped against her stomach. She looked down at the dozing face holding the soft features she loved tenderly. He saved me yet again.
Glancing at her own body, an overpowerful feeling of disgust overcame her. Disgust that such a man had tried to touch her without her consent. Disgust because she was still wearing those clothes he had nearly tried to rip off her body, or, not? After a second look, she noticed she was wearing her under-kosode and a familiar red haori. Thank you, Inuyasha.
Feeling the woman in his arms stir, Inuyasha started to wake up. He propped himself up on one of his elbows before glancing down at the beautiful form of his girlfriend laying in front of him, “Good morning sleeping beauty.”
“Good morning Inuyasha. Thank you… thank you for saving me again,” she said trying not to break down crying.
“Hush wench, you know I’ll always come for you no matter what. That’s why we’re getting married, stupid. For better or for worse, till death do us part.”
He lowered his head towards her, leaning in for a kiss. The black-haired girl hungrily replied, crashing her own lips against his. She brushed her tongue lightly against his lips in order to be allowed entry, which was quickly granted by her companion. They sat in silence, kissing and embracing for several long minutes.
She reluctantly broke apart from him and said, “He just took the liberty and touched me in a bunch of places. I feel… I feel so filthy.”
“Kagome, you’re not filthy. You didn’t do anything wrong. I... I was the one who let something happen to you,” Inuyasha replied as he rested his head against her forehead.
This was the closest they had managed to get to one another since her return. Much to her delight, the tip-toeing around what was acceptable in their relationship had simply disintegrated, just like that. Gone were the days where their young selves were too ashamed to notice or admit that they meant the world to one another. They were born for each other.
“Inuyasha, can I… can I touch you?” the young girl asked embarrassingly.
His ears perked up at the nature of her request. A deep shade of red painted itself on his cheeks, his enter body temperature feeling like it had risen several hundred degrees.
“Yeah, sure, if you want,” he clumsily replied while sitting straight up.
Her hands moved slowly but gently to his chest, where she started opening up the under-kosode. The material parted slightly and it allowed her hands to roam on the muscular flesh that peaked through the gap. This caused Inuyasha to inhale and hold his breath for a few seconds. Nervously, her hands made their way to the ties that were holding the garment in place. She fumbled with them, eventually managing to pry them loose along with the material that they were attached to. The silver-haired dog demon shrugged the piece of clothing off his shoulders. He sat there, unsure of how she’d react. Fuck he thought to himself as he felt his throbbing erection push against his hakama.
To his surprise, her hands slowly moved to his groin next. She applied a bit of pressure there and it caused him to groan slightly. Noticing what he had done, his ears drooped slightly with embarrassment as he refused to look up at the eyes of his soon-to-be-wife.
“It’s okay Inuyasha,” the girl softly replied with a contented smile tugging at her lips.
She’d be lying if she didn’t admit she was nervous as well. In order to help him fight his one-sided embarrassment, she removed the haori that was tied around her as well as her under-clothing. Following suit, Inuyasha removed his hakama. Both sat there, looking at each other’s bodies in awe and taking every inch in. It took several minutes before Kagome had the courage to extend her hand out to touch him. It was all it took before the hanyou grabbed it and pulled his mate flush against his chest, holding her tightly. Kagome let out an exhilarated sigh as the two hugged. Inuyasha’s well endowed, the raven-haired priestess thought to herself excitedly.
Feeling adventurous, she grabbed at the perky appendage that was pushing against her flat and toned stomach. This resulted in a slight gasp from her canine-eared friend who let go of her to look at her in amazement as she started to stroke his manhood. A moan escaped his lips as she slowly but tightly pumped it.
“Ka... Kagome,” was all he managed to say in between pants.
Realizing that he wasn’t doing anything for her, he gently grabbed her and pushed her down flat against their futon, his body towering above her. His hair draped around both of her shoulders. He gazed at her lovingly and all she could think of were two words – mighty and powerful. He crashed his lips against hers before slowly making his way down towards her chest. He nervously trailed his tongue to her breast and when he reached it, he licked around her areola. When his lips reached her nipple, he sucked and she let out a soft whimper. His male pride radiated off of him as he continued to please his mate, licking and nipping at the perky bundle of flesh in his mouth. She squirmed and moaned his name sensually. His left hand was preoccupied with fondling the other breast and running his thumb across her sensitive nipple. The hanyou’s erection throbbed against his stomach. She’s fucking beautiful, was the only thought the aroused half-demon could think of.
A thought popped into the half-demon’s head. Listening to Miroku all those years ago hadn’t been all that bad of an idea. Still a bit unsure about the reaction he’d received with what he was about to execute, he slowly made his way down her slim body, kissing every inch of her chest and her stomach until he reached her thighs. Kagome looked at him pleadingly, her slow release of sweet-scented fluid indicating she wanted him. Her scent of desire intoxicated him and crowded every corner of his mind. He groaned as he tried to stop himself from turning her over and simply pounding into her from behind as if he were a wild dog. Pushing the thoughts aside as he knew it was his mate’s first time, he wanted it to be a memorable experience for both of them. Not memorable in a way that made her want to shudder. He grabbed both of her thighs and nestled his head in front of her sweet folds, taking a hesitating lick. Shots of pleasure made their way up Kagome’s spine and added to the warm feeling of desire building in her stomach.
“More… please,” she pleaded as her center filled itself with more sweet-smelling liquid.
Eager to please, Inuyasha excitedly continued. He lapped furiously, running his tongue along her folds and pushing into her center even deeper. He made sure to suck on the small protruding bundle every so often as he’d get the most pleasant sounds out of his mate when he did so. The miko’s hands had instinctively reached for his hair where his small white appendages stood. She scratched behind them tenderly as he sucked and loved her.
“Inuyasha… stop,” the raven-haired girl pleaded.
Wasn’t she enjoying it? Why did she want him to stop? Had he hurt her? The canine-eared boy stopped dead in his tracks, ears pinned behind his head in defeat. Fear was evident in his eyes. He’d gone too far. Pushed her over the limit. Caused her to hate him forever.
Noticing his instant change in behaviour, the miko was perplexed. Why did he seem so upset?
“Inuyasha, if you continued what you were doing, I’d… I’d cum. That’s way too quick. You haven’t even been tended to yet,” she stammered embarrassingly.
His ears perked back up. Had he heard, right? Girls can cum?
“Girls can cum?” he asked as if it was the most natural question he could come up with.
“Of course they can, silly! I guess this is the feudal era after all. They say that women can feel even more pleasure than guys since we have more neurons in our clitoris,” she explained.
He wasn’t even going to try to understand that last part. He now knew what he had to do. Please his wench. The hanyou knew that if he tried to push himself in her, it would probably hurt. Yet another thing he had remembered from one of Miroku’s many topics of conversation involving women. Ease her into it, open her up gently, the monk’s voice rang in his head.
Being as gentle as he could, especially with how long his claws were, he gently prodded at the folds. Her body naturally opened itself up to him, engulfing his finger whole as he slipped it inside of her. What surprised him the most was when his girlfriend tilted her pelvis in order to take more of it in as she let out a small moan. Damn wench, havin’ all the fun. He tried adding a second finger into her burning and wet flesh. It went in just as easily. Feeling confident that she was open enough for him, he positioned himself at an angle that would ease his entry.
“Kagome?” he asked, wondering if she was mentally ready for him. He knew she was more than physically ready by the amount of liquid that had pooled around her.
“Just do it, please. I need you in me now,” she urged, biting her lower lip and tilting her pelvis forward.
Not having to be told twice, Inuyasha penetrated her slowly. She feels so fucking tight. A guttural growl left his lips as it took all of his willpower for him not to trust and pound himself into her. His instincts were slowly taking over and he wanted to suppress them so intensely. Stupid dog demon. He felt her walls adjust themselves to him and allowed him to enter her fully.
Inuyasha simply couldn’t believe it. After all those years of longing, mixed messages, and sexual tension, he was finally able to claim her. To show her how much she meant to him. He started easing out of her, then pushed back in, in repeated rocking motions. She moaned and begged him to increase his thrusting as she clutched the futon behind her. He noticed her back arching slightly, she looked like a begging bitch in heat. Fuck. This was going to be harder than he thought.
“Harder,” she squealed in between pants.
The heat building up at the bottom of his stomach was starting to be almost unbearable. He knew he wouldn’t last much longer, especially with all the excitement that they had built up. Three long years of yearning and desire. All those fantasies that were played out in their heads about each other during their separations now seemed possible. Both bodies edged closer and closer to ecstasy. With the screams of each other’s names, their grunts, and moans filled the air as if it was a practiced orchestral performance.
“INUYASHA,” she screamed one final time as she climaxed, her body writhing and thrashing against his. Kagome’s walls clenched down against him. Her arms shot up to hold his neck as she rode the waves of pleasure that made their way throughout every single muscle of her body.
At the same time, a large growl erupted from his throat seconds after as he spilled himself into her warm center. He thrust several times, milking his appendage until he was empty.
Both bodies crashed on the futon, Kagome underneath and Inuyasha snuggled beside her as he nuzzled her shoulder.
“Wench?”, the half-demon asked, pleasure and contentment clearly evident in his husky voice.
“Hmm?” she mumbled back, her eyes partially open as sleep was starting to overtake her.
“I love you,” he announced to her for the first time.
“I love you too, dog-boy”, she replied, turning to face him and to kiss him slightly before falling asleep in his arms.
»»———————————————- ♡ ———————————————-««
Author’s note: Thank you very much for reading this fic! This is, in fact, the first I’ve written in over 5 years, so I really apologize for my rustiness! Sorry about Inuyasha’s out-of-characterness, this is just how I imagined him after three full years of emotional constipation after missing Kagome so much.
I also know that this type of fanfiction has been done before, I just needed to write one with my own spin on it. I also like to imagine that those two’s first time would be something very soft and passionate.
It’s also the first time that I try writing something naughty.
Regardless, I’m open for requests but I have a few more fic ideas on the go. I’m going to get quite busy in the next little while since I have 3 midterms and 2 projects coming up, but I’ll do my best to upload before then.
Could we see Taako and/or Kravitz embarrassing Angus?
This was the day that Angus had been dreading. Parent and teacher night had begun. Some parents were dreaded already, like Susan, who was there to badger everyone about how brilliant her darling little Jason was and how it was discriminatory that he was kept from the halls of Miller Academy.
The other one they dreaded was Taako. Who could now blaze right through all the checks and barriers to stop him haranguing the teachers and just go off at everyone who he thought wasn’t doing their job. Angus was dreading that part.
What he hadn’t anticipated was Kravitz. Who turned up in a resplendently fancy suit, looking like he existed to be Taako’s arm candy. Angus thought he’d let Taako take the lead.
Kravitz, however, had his own concerns about modern education. “I don’t see any indicators in regards to penmanship or calligraphy in his report cards,” he said to every. Single. Teacher. “A good, neat hand is essential for everyone’s future.”
“Not since Miller Labs released the autodictator pen. Actually, since the book of transcription, handwriting has been less important.”
“When did that happen?”
“Three hundred years ago, sir,” Angus sighed.
“Yeah, I did like, half my first book with a book of transcription. The editing was hell, though,” said Taako. “Anyway, back to this bullshit alleged curriculum of yours...”
Then there was the issue of maths...
“The entire family worked on this piece of shit problem for five fucking hours...”
“You need to send more detailed instructions for parents helping their kids.”
“The Seven Birds literally couldn’t do that one, and we’re fucking legends.”
Angus was shocked. “You got Madam Director in on that one, sirs?”
“Hell yeah,” said Taako. “Delegate to the nerds, that’s how we do.”
Kravitz got their train of thought back onto the tracks. “Can you show us how this one is supposed to work?”
That took three hours, including the arguments about why it shouldn’t work.
The pinnacle of suck for Angus happened when they got to his music teacher.
“Why,” said Kravitz, edging into his Work Accent, “the fock, is Angus marked down for music? I’ve been teaching our boy everything ‘e knows.”
“Elementary music theory isn’t about improvisation,” said the luckless teacher. “It isn’t about influence... It’s about learning the rules.”
“Well, if he’s more advanced than this class,” said Kravitz, “move him up.”
The music teacher said what they said to parents like Susan. “It’s necessary to earn a passing grade at elementary music theory before moving on to more advanced classes. It isn’t me, it’s the rules of the academy. We have to be certain that students are qualified for the work.”
“Angus, sweetie, why don’t you play All For the Stars for this blatant ignoramus?”
“Sir...” Angus protested.
“Play for the man, Agnes. What’s to lose?”
My dignity, thought Angus. “This isn’t an audition, sir. It’s my fault for getting bored in class. It’s the school rules and all the playing I can do wouldn’t change anyone’s mind.”
“Your son has a firm grasp of the situation,” said the teacher, leaving the, Why don’t you? unspoken. “Playing anything wouldn’t change--”
“Play for the man,” Taako insisted. “We know you’re better than an entry-level class. Show everyone.”
“Sir--”
Great. Now everyone was looking. Taako had a piercing voice and knew how to pitch it to carry to the crowd.
“This is my boy and he can play up a storm.” Taako started a chant. “Play! Play! Play! Play...”
Angus wished he had Shape Earth so he could vanish into a hole into the ground. He shared a sympathetic moment with the music teacher who rolled their eyes; and eventually made a go-ahead gesture.
Angus, ears steaming from the heat of mortification, sighed and played. Not Kravtiz’s suggestion. Not March of the Forgotten, which was a hardy favourite, but a different composition from Johann. He’d called it, Even the Unworthy.
Angus had loved it. It was his favourite. It made him feel like he could be valued even when nobody could possibly appreciate him. It made him feel good about himself when it seemed like nobody else could harbour any kind feeling.
He sat back down when he was done, not listening to the applause or his adopted parents’ bragging. in between the hubbub, he managed. “I’m gonna try harder to stick to the rules, sir.”
“I’ll do what I can to get you bumped up as soon as possible.”
Deal struck, Angus did his best to survive the rest of the evening without spontaneously combusting from sheer embarrassment.
[TAZ Prompts Remaining: 3]
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