multi fandom drabbles
A while ago I wrote a buncha drabbles before I started the bingo crazy and my other super-secret project (which will not be so super secret soon, nothin' special. fandom stuffs). I forgot to post them. So here they are!
Fics for Glee, True Blood, Merlin, SGA/Stonehenge Apocalypse Cross, and Bleach
Title: Stains
Fandom: Glee
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: Mercedes, Kurt, Kurt/OC
Summary: A little shopping bonding, friendship reflection, and a little bit of love.
Length: 501
Mercedes loves Kurt. Not in the same crazy out of her mind in denial way that had tricked her once. No, she’s learned that Kurt is pretty much the most awesome person on the planet the better way. I mean, who else in a town like theirs find digs that just WORK on her curves. Now don’t get her wrong, she had style to spare. But that boy certainly knows what he’s doing. And he doesn’t flip when she gasps and spazzes over the PERFECT accessory. No, in fact, he probably was the one to spot it and point it out to him.
Kurt just gets things like that. It’s not just fashion. He knows what it’s like to be singled out on sight. He knows what it’s like to try to fit in an environment that is so anti-him. Ohio isn’t exactly the black capital of the world. But she manages with some attitude to spare. Kurt isn’t as strong.
Oh he’s mighty tough, but she knows that words hurt him easier then herself. She had been taught at birth to shrug things off. Which is probably why she tries to protect him in her own way. It’s also why she loves seeing him so happy. Which is probably why she’s ecstatic at the moment. It’s not about the new earrings or the perfect scarf they’ve found. No, it’s because of a milkshake. A spilled milkshake to be exact.
They had been walking along chatting about a horrible display when an equally distracted guy ran directly into her lithe friend, the contents of his cup spilling over Kurt’s new vest. The perpetrator fumbles with words, all full of apologies and reaching for the closest napkin he can find - his friend’s - to help him pat off the desert.
Normally Kurt would be blue with worry over the fabric but it doesn’t take Mercedes long to see why he’s chattering about quick soaks and secret tricks. The spiller is all blonde hair, blue eyes, and southern accent with an apologetic smile that could make a Crest commercial. And he’s smiling at Kurt’s fumbling. She looks to the guy’s companion, a woman a few years their senior who’s rolling her eyes amused.
The exchange is short but when each keep blabbering over each other nervously the woman bursts out laughing and starts fishing through her purse for a receipt a pen already in her hand. Mercedes grins and beats her to the action. Quickly she passes the southern gent her proof of purchase with a cell number that isn’t hers on it.
“You. Call him. Within Two days. Or you might be getting a bill for a very pricy piece of clothing.” The stranger blinks at her.
“Oh…you’re good.” The woman grins, offering her hand. Mercedes beams proudly, and shakes it before looping her arm around Kurt’s and dragging him off. Both boys are slack jawed in confusion over the whirlwind that had just occurred. Both girls seem incredibly proud.
Title: Disney Diddies
Fandom: Glee
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: the Gleeks, Mr. Schue
Summary: The newest assignment is a little bit fun, a little bit bitter, for them all.
Length: 320 words
Disney songs. Seriously? What did Mr. Shuester think they were, in middle school? Could they really find anything remotely connectable with those silly songs? Or was this another way to make the girls squeal? None of them expected to like this at all. Well, none except for maybe Rachael who immediately burst into a rant about how many famous people had been a part of the company’s productions for years. Not to mention, of course, the Broadway talent.
Except… it was fun. Like, really fun.
Jesse, a full time convert now, had belted out “Why Should I Worry” with an ease Joel would be proud of. Puck was rather childishly animated when he belted out “One Jump Ahead.” Santana and Britney split up “Perfect isn’t Easy” making it into a rather competitive tune.
Quinn’s turn brought “I Won’t Say It” with backup from the female members. Rachael decided to express her frustration with her current state in life with “Just Around the River Bend.” After a few eye rolls, they all found a little fun in “Hakuna Matata. ”
But the grand finale brought them all close to tears when Mike, who rarely spoke out of turn or stepped up to the plate when it came to music, started with “I can go the distance.” By the end, everyone had worked in a part. Will had never been so proud.
Title: Future; with and without me
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: True Blood
Characters/Pairing: Eric/Sookie, Sookie/Sam
Summary: He lets her go, hoping she’ll return. He was never patient.
Length: 741
In the eyes of the vampire world, she was his wife. But she was not a part of that world. He knew her better then to pretend that this was the life she wanted. At least, at the moment. He had let her go, with a promise of a welcome return. He may seem conceited, and he was, but he would not ignore her want for a touch of normalcy. Or, at least, as normal as her life would ever get.
She’s tired of the murder and death. She’s sick of her heart bouncing between the two undead men in her life. And he knows that part of her wants to run. But she’s too strong for that. She needs a break. Much to his dismay she finds this break in her boss’ arms. There are worst people she could have gone to, he tries to remind himself. The two had come to a mutual understanding of one another. Understanding, not approval.
But the break lasts longer then he had ever anticipated. Before he knows it she’s come to tell him something he never wanted to hear. The wedding of her own choosing occurs. He ignores the obligatory invitation she sends him. He keeps in touch, though just barely. Just looking at her hurts more then he’d ever even think of admitting.
She comes to work with him when the waters start heating up again. They need each other. He plays with a fantasy of an affair, but he isn’t stupid enough to think that is the kind of person she’d be. He wouldn’t admire her if she were just another slut. Then one day she’s glowing, and he finds out why all too soon.
Neither of them inherits their mother’s telepathy. Though the second born of the twins is far too intuitive then is healthy. They both have a crazy shaggy red-brown-gold mane of hair from their father. He suspects from their scent they’re likely to have some shifting ability when they mature- that thought makes him sick. But their other features are completely their mother’s. Perhaps that is why he finds them to be somewhat adorable. Or, perhaps, it’s a hint of jealousy knowing that this is the one thing he could have never provided her with. Still he tolerates the ‘Uncle Eric’ nickname they have given him. He doesn’t sneer when the youngest flings herself at him, sobbing, when she’s taunted at school. He lets her cry and promptly gives her a fighting lesson and permission to use him as a threat to them.
Her mother is called into the office the next day for terrifying her attackers. He doesn’t see any of them for two weeks.
The candles burn into the cake on the twins’ tenth birthday. Sam’s body is found mangled. It takes many years for them to celebrate that date again.
She comes back to him on the night of her husband’s funeral. He holds her close, whispering words of revenge into her ear. Not for him, but for her. Always for her. He doesn’t press her, but rather observes her. Time has worn her. But even at the end of her thirties she is radiant, he thinks.
It takes them another year to find Sam’s killer. They spare him no mercy. She is a mask of determination. Something has hardened in her. He recognizes it as resolve. They’re at the heart of an underground plot against her. And when the girls become the latest victims, being stolen while they’re away hunting the murderer, she’s had enough. So has he.
The outcome is harsh, a battlefield of all its own. They take on several elders of various supernatural factions. The casualties are many. They had been separated. When he finds her she is laying broken and bloody on the ground. The very sight freezes him. He knows the scent of death all too well, and it is cripplingly close to her. Her eldest is holding her younger sister back, both sobbing horribly. They plead with him. It’s not something they had to ask.
He makes the offer to her, fearing her wrath should she awaken against her will. Though she can barely twitch she manages a nod; he doesn’t care if it’s for him, or for her children. She had agreed. He brings her back from the edges of the other world and into a new life. In this she becomes his in every way.
Title: In the Muck
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Gauis, Uther, Morgana
Summary: The Meaning of Friendship Is….
Length: 365 words
Real friendship, Merlin thinks, is not measured by grand tokens presented as gestures of affection. It’s not coming to your rescue when you are in a precarious state. Nor is it putting yourself in harm’s way. No, real friendship is mucking out stables for someone…even after the spell wears off.
For 24 hours, a rather ambitious spell Merlin had preformed to rid Camelot of it’s latest pest, had left everyone a little…confused. It seemed that almost everyone was instantly persuaded that they were not who they thought to be. Gwen had become Camelot’s heir and leader, being the adopted daughter of Gauis. They had been reporting the progress against the creature that was wrecking havoc to Uther and Morgana who had been at his side at the time, when Merlin had defeated the lizard-bird thing.
Which, of course, left taking the crown from his head and offering it in a humble kneel to Guias, stating he wasn’t sure why he was in such an attire and begged for his majesty’s forgiveness. Morgana, who had been less effected, believed herself to be Gwen’s lady-in-waiting and immediately began tending to her.
But then there was Arthur who had been assisting Merlin in the hunt. Much to the wizard’s delight, it was he who was able to play Prince-visiting Camelot in hopes to woe the princess and therefore become king, he had told Arthur. Ecstatic, Merlin decided to have a little fun and give Arthur a taste of his own medicine. Which was exactly how he had ended up supervising Arthur’s job when the side effects wore off.
Arthur had stared at the pitchfork, then at Merlin. As the incredible headache subsided, and Merlin quickly explained that it must be a last effect from the creature, Arthur simply sighed. And continued doing his job.
“Well I’m already filthy as it is!” He snapped. “Now grab one of these and help me get this done so we can go. God I hope there’s some servant left able to prepare a bath.”
Well, all good things must come to an end, Merlin mused and promptly picked up his instrument.
It was he who ended up drawing the bath.
Title: Never mine, Always
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Merlin
Characters/Pairing: Uther, Morgana, others, past Ygrain/Uther, one-sided(?)Uther/Morgana
Summary: He knows she is not her, but the reflection is disturbingly familiar
Length: 392
She is not Ygrain; of this he is painfully aware. But she is every bit a queen, it occurs to him as he catches sight of her at the banquet table to his right. Her posture is straight, commanding. She looks at those around her with poise. While her gaze and head are not held above others she has strength about her. No one would question her seating or her speech to those representatives other women would not be allowed around. She doesn’t give them a chance to.
Just as she is authoritative, she is captivating. She has the neighboring Lords enamored with her words, her wits, and her beauty. A smile tugs at his mouth as he raises his goblet to his mouth. She glances at him out of the corner of her eye coyly. She is smart, and she knows him well. Too well, he thinks. She knows he is delighting in how she has the entire company wrapped around her finger.
She’s born for this, he decides. Even when she had come to them when in the balance between childhood and womanhood, she had known her place. She had taken the position before he had a chance. She fought his decisions. She balanced and grounded him. She questioned him when no other would. And while she and his son got along like siblings she had also taken to being tender to him in a way only a woman could- an influence he had never received from an absent mother.
His heart fell slightly. His pensive mood must have showed as her hand is on his shoulder. The touch awakens him as he automatically jests about something he cannot recall moments later. She laughs politely and plays off it as an introduction.
Yes, she is fit in every way for this position. He has every confidence in that matter. He would have no fear in leaving her partially in charge of this kingdom when he’s gone. As his son’s wife, of course. That is precisely the fact that troubles him.
Arthur’s wife.
The spark of jealousy that floods over him is simultaneously vile and shocking. He takes comfort in his wine, concentrating on only blocking out a very specific voice. IT helps little. Her comforting smile that of understanding causes a greater ache then the ale will in the morrow.
Title: Who I Am
Rating: PG
Fandom: SGA/Stonehenge Apocalypse X-over
Characters/Pairing: Casey, Sheppard, McKay
Summary: The new face takes some adjusting
Length: 266 words
She sat there patiently listening to the general's debriefing, wondering just how much more of the military she could take. Except they had all been almost too welcoming to her. They apparently had the fortune of appreciating their scientist -- something the more public branches should consider. Except one soldier, who stood an ever-gloomy cloud hovering in the corner, staring through her like she was vile.
"Excuse me?" She approached him when the room emptied of the others, scattering off to other business. "Have I offended you somehow? I apologize; I'm not as familiar with protocol as I probably should be. I'm normally not involved in this sort of thing, you see." her British accent and tone nearly made her seem shy. Well, no. She had worked with the military before. But she’d hardly call the pending doom of the world ‘normal.’
"No! Uh...no." The man cleared his throat, snapping out of his look and plastering on what she thought must be a well-rehearsed smile. "You just...uh... You have one of those faces, you know?"
"No, I can't say I do. As 'those faces' doesn't generally imply the world's greatest enemy."
"Hey, John I----oh my god." A voice interrupted them; it's level tone jumping up two octaves. "Elizabeth? How--wh---HOW? Is it...oh my GOD."
"Excuse me?" She asked, quite puzzled.
"Wait... why are you talking all funny?" fingers wriggled.
"Funny?"
"Rodney." The soldier snapped. "Rodney, this is Dr. Leeds. Dr. Casey Leeds."
"L---uh...oh...um...sorry." His accent seemed Canadian. "You just, uh... have one of those kinds of faces."
“.... Apparently." She muttered, shaking the offered hand.
Title: Insights
Rating: PG
Fandom: SGA/SA
Characters/Pairing: Sheppard, Casey, Sparky(Sheppard/Weir)
Summary: She realizes something about him, and maybe a little bit about who he wishes she were.
Length: 365 words
“Escaped the suits?” Sheppard flinched when he heard the feminine voice behind him. He was used to uniforms. It was a different person he was avoiding.
“I don’t know how you manage.” She settled beside him, leaning over the edge of the overhang. He caught her image in his peripheral vision and cringed slightly inside. How many times did he have to remind himself that this was an entirely different person?
She had similarities outside of the appearance. She quickly picked up his mood and cleared her throat. She excused herself. But before he knew what he was doing he had grabbed her wrist to still her.
“No. I’m sorry. Stay. I just-“ he found his own words jumbled.
She settled back against the railing.
“I look that much like her?” She asked. “I mean, Dr. McKay’s reaction was severe but…it wasn’t the only one I’ve received.”
“You could be twins.” He looked back out across the empty hall below them. More like a mirror, but he wouldn’t mention that. He could feel her eyes studying him, but he couldn’t bring himself to look at her.
“You cared about her.” She said, softly, considerately.
“We all did.” He straightened out the slouch he had fallen into, his walls instantly going up. He was used to putting on this shield.
“You love her.” He lost his grip for a moment and snapped his head towards her. The present tense had been used. She instantly looked guilty, chewing on her bottom lip as she realized how far out of bounds she had stepped.
“I guess so…” He whispered at it occurred to him that she wasn’t so off the mark. Sending someone off to their all-but death doesn’t give someone a lot of room for closure. “Probably should have told her that…” He muttered resisting the urge to scrub his eyes with his hand.
“She knew.” This time, when he looked over, Dr. Leeds was looking out into the emptiness.
“I mean…I didn’t know her. But if you were that close…and if I can read that without knowing you more then a day…she knew.”
Somehow, he thought that only made whatever this gnawing feeling was worse.
Title: Spur
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing: HitsuMatsu
Summary: Matsumoto has a hard time with her captain’s growth
Length: 1145 words
Hitsuguya was not the most observant person when it came to interpersonal socialization. However, he was very concerned about his lieutenant. There was something terribly wrong with her. She hadn't, after all, mentioned her frequently problematic chest for an entire week.
She also seemed to drag about the office even more sluggishly. He had barely managed to shout her to an alert state before her head dropped into an inkwell. He had scolded her about drinking on work nights. After a brief investigation that involved dodging Ukitake-taicho to ask Shunsui a question, he had discovered that she hadn’t been to see any of her usual drinking partners for a few weeks now. The following day a representative from one of the soul society’s premier beauty shops had shown up at the division’s quarters to leave product samples for her, assuming she had been ill, as she had not visited them recently. The tenth division captain was becoming increasingly troubled.
He had approached Unohana to ask if she had received a visit from the strawberry-blonde. The soft-spoken captain refused to give out information due to confidentiality clauses, but managed to discreetly let him know she had no. Yet his lieutenant practically jumped out of her skin at every little motion while in his presence.
This was a problem.
When he returned to the office, it was already lunch time. He had slipped out under the excuse of errands. Matsumoto would have usually pried, and whined to tag along. When he had left she had simply nodded and tried to turn back to, horror of all horrors, her paperwork. When he opened the door he half expected to see her with her head on the desk.
He was slightly off. She was, instead, curled up on the couch. She shifted restlessly in her sleep. She seemed distressed. The captain crossed his arms thoughtfully. Was an old war trauma plaguing her? Did she have a personal problem she was afraid to ask help with? He looked towards her desk to see a neat pile of papers in the completed position. He never thought he would be disappointed to see her actually do her job.
“Taicho!” The shout of his name dragged his attention instantly back to the woman on the couch. Her mane of hair was just settling around her, signaling her abrupt awakening. A thin line of perspiration covered her forehead. Her fair complexion was somewhat rosy.
In a frenzy she jumped to her feet, quickly wobbling. Instinctively the captain stepped to her side, reaching out to balance her before she fell backwards back onto the piece of furniture. His actions sent her pressing against him. One hand fell to her hip, the other stabilizing her shoulder as his foot firmly held his own weight and half of hers.
“Are you alright?” He asked, his voice settling a little lower then even its new register.
He hadn’t given it much thought until now. One doesn’t generally notice their own natural progressions. Once he would have drowned in cleavage if he had attempted to catch her. But his chin now rested just below her own. He assumed that within the next decade he might even be up to her own height. His voice had settled into a musky tone, though far from the growly levels of Kenpachi or even the rough drawl of Shunsui’s. He had let his hair go as well. It’s spikes becoming longer, looser.
He blinked and she was shaking her head at his question. A ball of worry pitted his stomach. She looked flushed, down right dizzy.
“I’ll call for the fourth-“
“No.” She snapped, catching his wrist before he could move away. A clearly fake smile plastered across her face. “No. I'm fine.” She closed her eyes as she grinned. “Really!”
“Matsumoto. What’s wrong?” He demanded. He wouldn’t have her play these games. Yet she looked terrified at the question. He sighed out heavily. He wasn’t good at this. “Please? Tell me?” He tried to sound gentle, even if it was not his forte.
Sobering she moved away from his touch. She turned her back to him, her head sinking slightly. This was not the Matsumoto he knew. She was brash, blunt, and energetic. Frowning approached her, reaching out to touch her arm. Her breath hitched in surprise. Carefully he nudged her into turning. She was chewing on her bottom lip. The captain found himself swallowing with some difficulty.
“I can’t sleep.” She choked out. “The dreams won’t stop.”
“Dreams?” he asked. “The war?”
She shook her head again. This was puzzling. She seemed to be calculating something.
“…I don’t want to transfer.”
“Transfer? Why would you-“ His question was interrupted when she lunged towards him, throwing her arms around the slightly shorter man. His eyes shot widely when he felt her lips, dry from the lack of usual gloss, pressed into his own.
He froze for a moment; his temperature may have even actually dropped from the shock. But she was persistent in her efforts, very warm, and for a moment he thought he might understand his gender’s obsession with women’s chests, as she was also wonderfully soft. It was all rather intoxicating. Within moments he had let his limp hand crawled up her other arm. She shivered against him, her mouth leaving his as gasped.
“You’ve been growing up, Taicho.” She whispered, her voice as dark as her shadow-cast eyes.
“This is what you’ve been dreaming of?” He asked, his hand settling on her neck.
“Among other things…” a hint of her old spark traveled through her voice, her hands circling around his waist to cross onto his hips leaving very little room between them. A causing moment of clarity caused the captain’s cheeks to redden. He could swear he almost her hear giggle at him.
“Tch.” He closed his eyes. “Why would THAT, of all things, scare you?” He tried to sound annoyed but when his lieutenant cocked her head at him just slightly with a look of childish innocence, it was hard to stay mad.
“You…aren’t disgusted?”
“…Matsumoto.” Her grumbled, glaring up at her. “Have I yelled at you yet?”
“No.”
“Have I made any motion to move away?”
“No.”
As embarrassing as the motion was, he raised himself on his toes to become more even with her. She gasped slightly as he leaned in so hat his words brushed up against her skin. “Then shut up and let me kiss you.”
“Just kiss?” She pouted mockingly.
“…I will not ruin the paperwork t hat I will never see done again.” She opened her mouth to protest. “And my desk is not an option.”
“Meanie.” Her protest was killed when he buried his face into her neck, nipping lightly the way back up.
“Besides…do you really want to risk being interrupted?”
She didn’t have a chance to answer.
Fics for Glee, True Blood, Merlin, SGA/Stonehenge Apocalypse Cross, and Bleach
Title: Stains
Fandom: Glee
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: Mercedes, Kurt, Kurt/OC
Summary: A little shopping bonding, friendship reflection, and a little bit of love.
Length: 501
Mercedes loves Kurt. Not in the same crazy out of her mind in denial way that had tricked her once. No, she’s learned that Kurt is pretty much the most awesome person on the planet the better way. I mean, who else in a town like theirs find digs that just WORK on her curves. Now don’t get her wrong, she had style to spare. But that boy certainly knows what he’s doing. And he doesn’t flip when she gasps and spazzes over the PERFECT accessory. No, in fact, he probably was the one to spot it and point it out to him.
Kurt just gets things like that. It’s not just fashion. He knows what it’s like to be singled out on sight. He knows what it’s like to try to fit in an environment that is so anti-him. Ohio isn’t exactly the black capital of the world. But she manages with some attitude to spare. Kurt isn’t as strong.
Oh he’s mighty tough, but she knows that words hurt him easier then herself. She had been taught at birth to shrug things off. Which is probably why she tries to protect him in her own way. It’s also why she loves seeing him so happy. Which is probably why she’s ecstatic at the moment. It’s not about the new earrings or the perfect scarf they’ve found. No, it’s because of a milkshake. A spilled milkshake to be exact.
They had been walking along chatting about a horrible display when an equally distracted guy ran directly into her lithe friend, the contents of his cup spilling over Kurt’s new vest. The perpetrator fumbles with words, all full of apologies and reaching for the closest napkin he can find - his friend’s - to help him pat off the desert.
Normally Kurt would be blue with worry over the fabric but it doesn’t take Mercedes long to see why he’s chattering about quick soaks and secret tricks. The spiller is all blonde hair, blue eyes, and southern accent with an apologetic smile that could make a Crest commercial. And he’s smiling at Kurt’s fumbling. She looks to the guy’s companion, a woman a few years their senior who’s rolling her eyes amused.
The exchange is short but when each keep blabbering over each other nervously the woman bursts out laughing and starts fishing through her purse for a receipt a pen already in her hand. Mercedes grins and beats her to the action. Quickly she passes the southern gent her proof of purchase with a cell number that isn’t hers on it.
“You. Call him. Within Two days. Or you might be getting a bill for a very pricy piece of clothing.” The stranger blinks at her.
“Oh…you’re good.” The woman grins, offering her hand. Mercedes beams proudly, and shakes it before looping her arm around Kurt’s and dragging him off. Both boys are slack jawed in confusion over the whirlwind that had just occurred. Both girls seem incredibly proud.
Title: Disney Diddies
Fandom: Glee
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: the Gleeks, Mr. Schue
Summary: The newest assignment is a little bit fun, a little bit bitter, for them all.
Length: 320 words
Disney songs. Seriously? What did Mr. Shuester think they were, in middle school? Could they really find anything remotely connectable with those silly songs? Or was this another way to make the girls squeal? None of them expected to like this at all. Well, none except for maybe Rachael who immediately burst into a rant about how many famous people had been a part of the company’s productions for years. Not to mention, of course, the Broadway talent.
Except… it was fun. Like, really fun.
Jesse, a full time convert now, had belted out “Why Should I Worry” with an ease Joel would be proud of. Puck was rather childishly animated when he belted out “One Jump Ahead.” Santana and Britney split up “Perfect isn’t Easy” making it into a rather competitive tune.
Quinn’s turn brought “I Won’t Say It” with backup from the female members. Rachael decided to express her frustration with her current state in life with “Just Around the River Bend.” After a few eye rolls, they all found a little fun in “Hakuna Matata. ”
But the grand finale brought them all close to tears when Mike, who rarely spoke out of turn or stepped up to the plate when it came to music, started with “I can go the distance.” By the end, everyone had worked in a part. Will had never been so proud.
Title: Future; with and without me
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: True Blood
Characters/Pairing: Eric/Sookie, Sookie/Sam
Summary: He lets her go, hoping she’ll return. He was never patient.
Length: 741
In the eyes of the vampire world, she was his wife. But she was not a part of that world. He knew her better then to pretend that this was the life she wanted. At least, at the moment. He had let her go, with a promise of a welcome return. He may seem conceited, and he was, but he would not ignore her want for a touch of normalcy. Or, at least, as normal as her life would ever get.
She’s tired of the murder and death. She’s sick of her heart bouncing between the two undead men in her life. And he knows that part of her wants to run. But she’s too strong for that. She needs a break. Much to his dismay she finds this break in her boss’ arms. There are worst people she could have gone to, he tries to remind himself. The two had come to a mutual understanding of one another. Understanding, not approval.
But the break lasts longer then he had ever anticipated. Before he knows it she’s come to tell him something he never wanted to hear. The wedding of her own choosing occurs. He ignores the obligatory invitation she sends him. He keeps in touch, though just barely. Just looking at her hurts more then he’d ever even think of admitting.
She comes to work with him when the waters start heating up again. They need each other. He plays with a fantasy of an affair, but he isn’t stupid enough to think that is the kind of person she’d be. He wouldn’t admire her if she were just another slut. Then one day she’s glowing, and he finds out why all too soon.
Neither of them inherits their mother’s telepathy. Though the second born of the twins is far too intuitive then is healthy. They both have a crazy shaggy red-brown-gold mane of hair from their father. He suspects from their scent they’re likely to have some shifting ability when they mature- that thought makes him sick. But their other features are completely their mother’s. Perhaps that is why he finds them to be somewhat adorable. Or, perhaps, it’s a hint of jealousy knowing that this is the one thing he could have never provided her with. Still he tolerates the ‘Uncle Eric’ nickname they have given him. He doesn’t sneer when the youngest flings herself at him, sobbing, when she’s taunted at school. He lets her cry and promptly gives her a fighting lesson and permission to use him as a threat to them.
Her mother is called into the office the next day for terrifying her attackers. He doesn’t see any of them for two weeks.
The candles burn into the cake on the twins’ tenth birthday. Sam’s body is found mangled. It takes many years for them to celebrate that date again.
She comes back to him on the night of her husband’s funeral. He holds her close, whispering words of revenge into her ear. Not for him, but for her. Always for her. He doesn’t press her, but rather observes her. Time has worn her. But even at the end of her thirties she is radiant, he thinks.
It takes them another year to find Sam’s killer. They spare him no mercy. She is a mask of determination. Something has hardened in her. He recognizes it as resolve. They’re at the heart of an underground plot against her. And when the girls become the latest victims, being stolen while they’re away hunting the murderer, she’s had enough. So has he.
The outcome is harsh, a battlefield of all its own. They take on several elders of various supernatural factions. The casualties are many. They had been separated. When he finds her she is laying broken and bloody on the ground. The very sight freezes him. He knows the scent of death all too well, and it is cripplingly close to her. Her eldest is holding her younger sister back, both sobbing horribly. They plead with him. It’s not something they had to ask.
He makes the offer to her, fearing her wrath should she awaken against her will. Though she can barely twitch she manages a nod; he doesn’t care if it’s for him, or for her children. She had agreed. He brings her back from the edges of the other world and into a new life. In this she becomes his in every way.
Title: In the Muck
Rating: PG
Characters/Pairing: Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Gauis, Uther, Morgana
Summary: The Meaning of Friendship Is….
Length: 365 words
Real friendship, Merlin thinks, is not measured by grand tokens presented as gestures of affection. It’s not coming to your rescue when you are in a precarious state. Nor is it putting yourself in harm’s way. No, real friendship is mucking out stables for someone…even after the spell wears off.
For 24 hours, a rather ambitious spell Merlin had preformed to rid Camelot of it’s latest pest, had left everyone a little…confused. It seemed that almost everyone was instantly persuaded that they were not who they thought to be. Gwen had become Camelot’s heir and leader, being the adopted daughter of Gauis. They had been reporting the progress against the creature that was wrecking havoc to Uther and Morgana who had been at his side at the time, when Merlin had defeated the lizard-bird thing.
Which, of course, left taking the crown from his head and offering it in a humble kneel to Guias, stating he wasn’t sure why he was in such an attire and begged for his majesty’s forgiveness. Morgana, who had been less effected, believed herself to be Gwen’s lady-in-waiting and immediately began tending to her.
But then there was Arthur who had been assisting Merlin in the hunt. Much to the wizard’s delight, it was he who was able to play Prince-visiting Camelot in hopes to woe the princess and therefore become king, he had told Arthur. Ecstatic, Merlin decided to have a little fun and give Arthur a taste of his own medicine. Which was exactly how he had ended up supervising Arthur’s job when the side effects wore off.
Arthur had stared at the pitchfork, then at Merlin. As the incredible headache subsided, and Merlin quickly explained that it must be a last effect from the creature, Arthur simply sighed. And continued doing his job.
“Well I’m already filthy as it is!” He snapped. “Now grab one of these and help me get this done so we can go. God I hope there’s some servant left able to prepare a bath.”
Well, all good things must come to an end, Merlin mused and promptly picked up his instrument.
It was he who ended up drawing the bath.
Title: Never mine, Always
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Merlin
Characters/Pairing: Uther, Morgana, others, past Ygrain/Uther, one-sided(?)Uther/Morgana
Summary: He knows she is not her, but the reflection is disturbingly familiar
Length: 392
She is not Ygrain; of this he is painfully aware. But she is every bit a queen, it occurs to him as he catches sight of her at the banquet table to his right. Her posture is straight, commanding. She looks at those around her with poise. While her gaze and head are not held above others she has strength about her. No one would question her seating or her speech to those representatives other women would not be allowed around. She doesn’t give them a chance to.
Just as she is authoritative, she is captivating. She has the neighboring Lords enamored with her words, her wits, and her beauty. A smile tugs at his mouth as he raises his goblet to his mouth. She glances at him out of the corner of her eye coyly. She is smart, and she knows him well. Too well, he thinks. She knows he is delighting in how she has the entire company wrapped around her finger.
She’s born for this, he decides. Even when she had come to them when in the balance between childhood and womanhood, she had known her place. She had taken the position before he had a chance. She fought his decisions. She balanced and grounded him. She questioned him when no other would. And while she and his son got along like siblings she had also taken to being tender to him in a way only a woman could- an influence he had never received from an absent mother.
His heart fell slightly. His pensive mood must have showed as her hand is on his shoulder. The touch awakens him as he automatically jests about something he cannot recall moments later. She laughs politely and plays off it as an introduction.
Yes, she is fit in every way for this position. He has every confidence in that matter. He would have no fear in leaving her partially in charge of this kingdom when he’s gone. As his son’s wife, of course. That is precisely the fact that troubles him.
Arthur’s wife.
The spark of jealousy that floods over him is simultaneously vile and shocking. He takes comfort in his wine, concentrating on only blocking out a very specific voice. IT helps little. Her comforting smile that of understanding causes a greater ache then the ale will in the morrow.
Title: Who I Am
Rating: PG
Fandom: SGA/Stonehenge Apocalypse X-over
Characters/Pairing: Casey, Sheppard, McKay
Summary: The new face takes some adjusting
Length: 266 words
She sat there patiently listening to the general's debriefing, wondering just how much more of the military she could take. Except they had all been almost too welcoming to her. They apparently had the fortune of appreciating their scientist -- something the more public branches should consider. Except one soldier, who stood an ever-gloomy cloud hovering in the corner, staring through her like she was vile.
"Excuse me?" She approached him when the room emptied of the others, scattering off to other business. "Have I offended you somehow? I apologize; I'm not as familiar with protocol as I probably should be. I'm normally not involved in this sort of thing, you see." her British accent and tone nearly made her seem shy. Well, no. She had worked with the military before. But she’d hardly call the pending doom of the world ‘normal.’
"No! Uh...no." The man cleared his throat, snapping out of his look and plastering on what she thought must be a well-rehearsed smile. "You just...uh... You have one of those faces, you know?"
"No, I can't say I do. As 'those faces' doesn't generally imply the world's greatest enemy."
"Hey, John I----oh my god." A voice interrupted them; it's level tone jumping up two octaves. "Elizabeth? How--wh---HOW? Is it...oh my GOD."
"Excuse me?" She asked, quite puzzled.
"Wait... why are you talking all funny?" fingers wriggled.
"Funny?"
"Rodney." The soldier snapped. "Rodney, this is Dr. Leeds. Dr. Casey Leeds."
"L---uh...oh...um...sorry." His accent seemed Canadian. "You just, uh... have one of those kinds of faces."
“.... Apparently." She muttered, shaking the offered hand.
Title: Insights
Rating: PG
Fandom: SGA/SA
Characters/Pairing: Sheppard, Casey, Sparky(Sheppard/Weir)
Summary: She realizes something about him, and maybe a little bit about who he wishes she were.
Length: 365 words
“Escaped the suits?” Sheppard flinched when he heard the feminine voice behind him. He was used to uniforms. It was a different person he was avoiding.
“I don’t know how you manage.” She settled beside him, leaning over the edge of the overhang. He caught her image in his peripheral vision and cringed slightly inside. How many times did he have to remind himself that this was an entirely different person?
She had similarities outside of the appearance. She quickly picked up his mood and cleared her throat. She excused herself. But before he knew what he was doing he had grabbed her wrist to still her.
“No. I’m sorry. Stay. I just-“ he found his own words jumbled.
She settled back against the railing.
“I look that much like her?” She asked. “I mean, Dr. McKay’s reaction was severe but…it wasn’t the only one I’ve received.”
“You could be twins.” He looked back out across the empty hall below them. More like a mirror, but he wouldn’t mention that. He could feel her eyes studying him, but he couldn’t bring himself to look at her.
“You cared about her.” She said, softly, considerately.
“We all did.” He straightened out the slouch he had fallen into, his walls instantly going up. He was used to putting on this shield.
“You love her.” He lost his grip for a moment and snapped his head towards her. The present tense had been used. She instantly looked guilty, chewing on her bottom lip as she realized how far out of bounds she had stepped.
“I guess so…” He whispered at it occurred to him that she wasn’t so off the mark. Sending someone off to their all-but death doesn’t give someone a lot of room for closure. “Probably should have told her that…” He muttered resisting the urge to scrub his eyes with his hand.
“She knew.” This time, when he looked over, Dr. Leeds was looking out into the emptiness.
“I mean…I didn’t know her. But if you were that close…and if I can read that without knowing you more then a day…she knew.”
Somehow, he thought that only made whatever this gnawing feeling was worse.
Title: Spur
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing: HitsuMatsu
Summary: Matsumoto has a hard time with her captain’s growth
Length: 1145 words
Hitsuguya was not the most observant person when it came to interpersonal socialization. However, he was very concerned about his lieutenant. There was something terribly wrong with her. She hadn't, after all, mentioned her frequently problematic chest for an entire week.
She also seemed to drag about the office even more sluggishly. He had barely managed to shout her to an alert state before her head dropped into an inkwell. He had scolded her about drinking on work nights. After a brief investigation that involved dodging Ukitake-taicho to ask Shunsui a question, he had discovered that she hadn’t been to see any of her usual drinking partners for a few weeks now. The following day a representative from one of the soul society’s premier beauty shops had shown up at the division’s quarters to leave product samples for her, assuming she had been ill, as she had not visited them recently. The tenth division captain was becoming increasingly troubled.
He had approached Unohana to ask if she had received a visit from the strawberry-blonde. The soft-spoken captain refused to give out information due to confidentiality clauses, but managed to discreetly let him know she had no. Yet his lieutenant practically jumped out of her skin at every little motion while in his presence.
This was a problem.
When he returned to the office, it was already lunch time. He had slipped out under the excuse of errands. Matsumoto would have usually pried, and whined to tag along. When he had left she had simply nodded and tried to turn back to, horror of all horrors, her paperwork. When he opened the door he half expected to see her with her head on the desk.
He was slightly off. She was, instead, curled up on the couch. She shifted restlessly in her sleep. She seemed distressed. The captain crossed his arms thoughtfully. Was an old war trauma plaguing her? Did she have a personal problem she was afraid to ask help with? He looked towards her desk to see a neat pile of papers in the completed position. He never thought he would be disappointed to see her actually do her job.
“Taicho!” The shout of his name dragged his attention instantly back to the woman on the couch. Her mane of hair was just settling around her, signaling her abrupt awakening. A thin line of perspiration covered her forehead. Her fair complexion was somewhat rosy.
In a frenzy she jumped to her feet, quickly wobbling. Instinctively the captain stepped to her side, reaching out to balance her before she fell backwards back onto the piece of furniture. His actions sent her pressing against him. One hand fell to her hip, the other stabilizing her shoulder as his foot firmly held his own weight and half of hers.
“Are you alright?” He asked, his voice settling a little lower then even its new register.
He hadn’t given it much thought until now. One doesn’t generally notice their own natural progressions. Once he would have drowned in cleavage if he had attempted to catch her. But his chin now rested just below her own. He assumed that within the next decade he might even be up to her own height. His voice had settled into a musky tone, though far from the growly levels of Kenpachi or even the rough drawl of Shunsui’s. He had let his hair go as well. It’s spikes becoming longer, looser.
He blinked and she was shaking her head at his question. A ball of worry pitted his stomach. She looked flushed, down right dizzy.
“I’ll call for the fourth-“
“No.” She snapped, catching his wrist before he could move away. A clearly fake smile plastered across her face. “No. I'm fine.” She closed her eyes as she grinned. “Really!”
“Matsumoto. What’s wrong?” He demanded. He wouldn’t have her play these games. Yet she looked terrified at the question. He sighed out heavily. He wasn’t good at this. “Please? Tell me?” He tried to sound gentle, even if it was not his forte.
Sobering she moved away from his touch. She turned her back to him, her head sinking slightly. This was not the Matsumoto he knew. She was brash, blunt, and energetic. Frowning approached her, reaching out to touch her arm. Her breath hitched in surprise. Carefully he nudged her into turning. She was chewing on her bottom lip. The captain found himself swallowing with some difficulty.
“I can’t sleep.” She choked out. “The dreams won’t stop.”
“Dreams?” he asked. “The war?”
She shook her head again. This was puzzling. She seemed to be calculating something.
“…I don’t want to transfer.”
“Transfer? Why would you-“ His question was interrupted when she lunged towards him, throwing her arms around the slightly shorter man. His eyes shot widely when he felt her lips, dry from the lack of usual gloss, pressed into his own.
He froze for a moment; his temperature may have even actually dropped from the shock. But she was persistent in her efforts, very warm, and for a moment he thought he might understand his gender’s obsession with women’s chests, as she was also wonderfully soft. It was all rather intoxicating. Within moments he had let his limp hand crawled up her other arm. She shivered against him, her mouth leaving his as gasped.
“You’ve been growing up, Taicho.” She whispered, her voice as dark as her shadow-cast eyes.
“This is what you’ve been dreaming of?” He asked, his hand settling on her neck.
“Among other things…” a hint of her old spark traveled through her voice, her hands circling around his waist to cross onto his hips leaving very little room between them. A causing moment of clarity caused the captain’s cheeks to redden. He could swear he almost her hear giggle at him.
“Tch.” He closed his eyes. “Why would THAT, of all things, scare you?” He tried to sound annoyed but when his lieutenant cocked her head at him just slightly with a look of childish innocence, it was hard to stay mad.
“You…aren’t disgusted?”
“…Matsumoto.” Her grumbled, glaring up at her. “Have I yelled at you yet?”
“No.”
“Have I made any motion to move away?”
“No.”
As embarrassing as the motion was, he raised himself on his toes to become more even with her. She gasped slightly as he leaned in so hat his words brushed up against her skin. “Then shut up and let me kiss you.”
“Just kiss?” She pouted mockingly.
“…I will not ruin the paperwork t hat I will never see done again.” She opened her mouth to protest. “And my desk is not an option.”
“Meanie.” Her protest was killed when he buried his face into her neck, nipping lightly the way back up.
“Besides…do you really want to risk being interrupted?”
She didn’t have a chance to answer.