#(thankfully her father stayed at the village-)

[aridis]

Oof-

[kryptznnn]

♡- Let Me Know [III]

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➸ INTERESTS; -atwow!neteyam x fem!metkayina reader

➸ BACKGROUND; -As the omatikayan family takes refuge within your clan, it seems sparks begin to fly when tension rises with the oldest brother and yourself over a shared family dinner. The question isn't what'll happen between you two, it's what'll you do to prevent things from getting further.

➸ WARNINGS; - wc.3.3k, angst kinda sorta, injury mention, blood mentions, open wound care, romantic tension, seizure mentions, care, scar mention, nearly kissing, romantic confessions kinda sorta

➸a.i; - hello omg im so sorry im late i was being followed by some random in a grocery store 😓, anyways im back love u guys, working on the jjk fic now should be posted within a few hours or tmrw morning!!

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♡- Let Me Know [II]

♡-Let Me Know Masterlist

You sighed as you drew another mark on the wall, that’s a total of 15 marks. It had been 15 days since you had stayed within the village or even seen the Sully family. You knew you needed a break, but honestly guilt was eating you up inside, you missed everyone.

You had seen your family occasionally, stopping by for meals or rest at certain times. You had also been within the village for small periods of time, mainly for the children, and unfortunately haven’t come across any of the other Sully members other than Tuk.

You had really wanted to see Neteyam more than anyone else, deciding it was a proper timing to talk things out with him to see where you two really stand. Now of all times during your break was probably one of the worst times though, thankfully your family was understanding. They had explained they already told the others of your break and to take your time through it all.

If anything, when you did get back Neteyam wouldn’t even be part of what you had in store. You had to speak to your brother and clear the air, the way things ended weren’t for the best. Even on your day-to-day occurrence of stopping by your mauri pod he wouldn’t be there, and apparently always asked for you.

It made your stomach twist slightly, your head felt like it was splitting in half, and you didn’t know what to do. You were too hurt to even think of any-

“Y/n?” You heard a familiar voice asking from behind you, you whipped your head around quickly to see A’tan. Surprise was plastered on your face, then quickly turning into confusion.

“How did you know I was here?” You asked him, turning back around as you watched him walk in further, sitting beside you and looking at the chart you carved into the wall. He smiled at you softly, then handed you a small blue conch shell which you immediately recognized.

“My sister told me you’d be here, she said you took her here before, wanted me to give you this.” He spoke as you took the shell into your hands with a soft smile, remembering Riti.

You thanked him and you two began small conversation. He soon led towards the point of what had happened two weeks ago and asked what had happened for your outburst. Apparently everyone that was there did spread the news onto the entire clan, and no one was willing to tell him what happened to you, you only sighed and huddled your knees to your chest.

“A couple of years ago, I was with Ao’nung, as he wanted to show me something special he had found with his friends. I went along with him of course, but we only went with my ilu. He stupidly went beyond the reefs and I chased after him, unfortunately we cross paths with a pxazang.” You paused, remembering that day as it was the only thing that would replay in your head over and over.

“I was able to distract it, calling back for my ilu and telling Ao’nung to go back home and get our father to help, knowing if we both left it would've followed after us. The most damage I did when he was away was cut its eye, but that only made him more aggressive… and he gave me this as a souvenir." You paused, pointing to your back as you moved your hair to the side slightly before speaking again.

"It’s funny because I had passed out from the injury and floated to the top of the ocean and my father kept mentioning how he was only able to locate me because my blood left a trail in the ocean to direct him towards me.” You spoke, shaking your head and smiling awkwardly to the idea of it all.

“I don’t know I want to get over it, but it feels impossible honestly, like-“ You stopped, thinking to yourself for a moment as A’tan spoke, not listening to a single word he said when an idea clicked in your mind.

All you had to do was face your problem head on, right? Then things would be easier for you. Yeah, they would be easier, you just had to find the pxazang and get all of this energy out. It was years ago and even so you damaged its eye, it couldn’t be that hard.

You quickly shot up, grabbing your equipment and weapons before thanking A’tan. He looked at you in confusion and asked you numerous questions, you only shooed him off and made him exit, as you did soon behind him.

Hopefully you wouldn’t die.

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Your breath was ragged as you made your way back inside of your cave after petting your new animal goodbye. You held your side as you limped inside slowly, sitting down in front of your bedding and pulling out your herbal mixtures you had taken from home days ago.

You placed the paste on your side, your thigh, and upper arm. The cool sensation relieving the pain from your body and prior warm blood that trickled down it. You smiled to yourself, thinking back to your victorious moment, you were alive, and you had also bonded with the pxazang.

You thought to yourself how your family would’ve taken the news, definitely not well. You would’ve been scolded and seen as crazy for doing such a thing, but it bought a sort of comfort towards you. If you could beat such a creature there was no doubt you could do anything, especially speaking with your brother and the eldest Sully son.

You soon picked up your large shawl, placing your arms through the holes you had cut and placed the large hoodie over your head, now covering your body. You dug into your small pouch tied to your side and picked out the tooth of the pxazang.

You smiled softly as you got a small cord and wrapped it around tightly, securing it in place before tying it behind your neck and wearing it as a necklace. You looked over to the side, looking at the reflective surface on your wall and smiled looking at the necklace before hearing multiple people rushing into your cave.

You whipped your head around to see A’tan rushing inside alongside with your siblings and Roxto, you quickly stood up once you saw them all. A confused expression was worn on your face as you placed your hands to your side, before your sister immediately jumped into your arms hugging you tightly.

You smiled softly and hugged her back, biting your bottom lip as you winced and held in the pain from her pressing on your arms and sides. The two of you shared no words with one another, you looked past her shoulder to see your brother looking at the two of you, hurt in his eyes.

“Ao’nung” you said softly, your voice fairly hoarse. You motioned for him to come to you as you frowned at him, you sister let you go and you placed both hands on each side of his cheeks, cupping them.

You brought his head down to yours and pressed your forehead against his, as you two would do all the time when you were little and hugged him. Tears in your eyes and he only buried his head on your shoulder. You apologized to him profusely, over and over without fail, as he did to you, saying it wasn’t your fault and that he deserved it.

You soon shared your hugs with everyone inside, and they ushered you out as something terrible had happened to one of the Sully children. Before they could even go into detail about the seizure or how it started you darted out, calling for your ilu and speeding your way towards the shore of your family's mauri pod.

“Mama! Mama!” You shouted, pushing past all of the foreign objects and devices outside that made such loud noises as you made your way inside. Quickly flipping the beaded entrance to the side, you saw your mother who kneeled beside a body, Kiri’s body.

You greeted her quickly with a hug and walked around on the opposite side of her body. Placing a hand on her forehead, then her lower stomach. Her body was freezing, you frowned slightly taking in her unconscious expression and removed your shawl as your mother grabbed her needles to use on her torso.

You placed your shawl over her legs, and grabbing another cloth near you, rolling it up into a spiral like figure and placing it underneath her head to keep it elevated. Wincing as your body wouldn’t let you make that many movements as fast as you wanted from your wounds.

You took a deep breath and focused on your mother’s movements, mimicking her and keeping your hands over Kiri, praying for her. Honestly through your rush and prayers you hadn’t even realized everyone’s eyes on you.

Especially Neteyam, whose eyes hadn’t left your figure as he saw you sprint across the sandy beaches and into your pod. It wasn’t surprising for them to be shocked by your presence before them, it was the fact your body had suffered significant injuries.

Of course, your mother had taken note of this, her eyes not leaving your body nor Kiri’s. She took a good look at the necklace around your neck before huffing, to which you opened your eyes and asked if she was alright. She looked down at Kiri as she pointed a finger at your collarbone to where the necklace had rested against your skin.

“Where did you get that?” She asked, now placing her hand down and slightly poking Kiri again, a feeling of nervousness washed over you. You looked down at your hands and the bandaging on your left thigh, playing at it for a little.

“I made it from a tooth I found” you replied honestly. You weren’t lying, you did make the necklace, and you did find the tooth. Only in the palm of your hand after you had tied the mouth of the pxazang shut so you could climb atop it.

She only shook her head, before she could say or accuse you of anything else further and finding out the truth you only changed the topic, saying it was more important to focus on Kiri as of now.

And the two of you did.

Well,

Both families did, they all waited for her awakening. The children all sat together, Riti was accompanied by Tuk and A’tan, while Lo’ak sat with Tsireya, as you sat alone with your mother and Neytiri with Kiri. You only looked over your shoulder occasionally to catch Neteyam catching glimpses of you, then soon turning in the opposite direction and looking back at sea.

You stood up and excused yourself, watching as the colors were drained from the sky as night arose again. You walked over to him and took a seat beside him, hudding your knees to your chest.

You looked over at him briefly, placing one hand over your legs and another in the sand. He locked eyes with you, looking at you with a frown before wetting his lips and parting them.

“I’ve missed you” he spoke, looking out into the sea yet again, you only frowned and did the same. You felt your fingers bristle against one another for a brief moment, but you felt comfort for a while and didn’t move it.

His hand was warm, really warm. It clashed against your own cool skin as you had come from the water not too long ago, not even having time to properly dry your body off. The wind blew against the two of you for a moment before you spoke.

“I’m sorry, and I’m sorry about your sister also. I should’ve been here.” You said, hurt in your voice as you spoke to him, he only shook his head and smiled at you. Admiring your attitude and compassion towards the situation, and with your aid alongside your mother.

“It’s alright, your sister said you were taking a break because you weren’t feeling well.” He said with a pause, looking at your body before turning back and speaking again. “But it seems that you returned more beaten than you left” he joked, you chuckled at his response as he motioned towards your bandages.

After a moment of silence and short glances and bashful eyes towards one another you cleared your throat. Sitting with your legs crossed as you took a deep breath and turned, now sitting and facing his side.

He only raised a brow but copied your movement. Now sitting across from you and looking into your eyes, trying to find something. Whatever it was he was looking for was soon shut down as you closed your eyes and lowered your head before opening them again, looking into your lap.

“We need to talk” you said softly, looking up at him as you fidgeted with your fingers. He hadn’t seemed nervous at all, still keeping a confused expression on his face before he spoke.

“We’re talking now aren’t we?” He said, pointing between the two of you, making you smile softly as you shook your head at him.

“I mean we have to talk about us, or whatever is going between us. More importantly what you feel for me or for how long it’s been happening...” You lingered on, he made an expression saying he understood what you meant and smiled at you.

“You’re very beautiful, I’ve told you that since we first properly met. Your attitude and determination is also beautiful, how you care for my siblings as if they’re your own or the others of the village is admirable.” He spoke honestly, looking into your eyes as he muttered each word.

As you looked at him in shock you turned your head to the side, feeling a heat creep up poke at your face as you twisted your lips. You had only felt this issue out of embarrassment at certain times, so why now? In the corner of your eye, you caught onto Neteyam playing with the sand before speaking again.

“Over the time you were away I was able to think about you or more of how I saw you. I saw you as more of a friend, and my siblings even bullied me about it for a while.” He laughed, his eyes now glued to the sand as you turned back and listened to him speak.

“Even though we don’t personally know each other as well as I’d like us too, I feel like I’ve known you forever. My entire being longs for yours whenever you’re away, and even just seeing you makes me happy, we don’t even have to speak.” He smiled to himself as he spoke, your heartbeat quickened at his words. Unaware of what to say or do, shock now completely overwhelming you.

Truth be told you did feel the same way towards Neteyam, towards a certain extent at least, his emotions seeming more extreme than yours. Out of embarrassment and lack of understanding of course you kept it under wraps and never wished to explore it further, but as he sat here and said all of this it only made you question yourself.

Between the short time you two had spent together you compared it to what your mother had told you about how she felt for your father. Mentioning to you that these are things you should look for within a man in the future you wish to pursue a life with.

Someone who is attractive, and without a doubt Neteyam Sully was a fine man. A man who could make you laugh or bring a sense of comfort or happiness whenever you’re with him. You quickly thought back to the feeling the pit of your stomach would make whenever he would simply touch you or speak to you, let alone look at you the way he does.

You smiled at him, strongly as he lifted his head up. You quickly took your hand into his and only nodded softly. He soon pulled you into a hug, both of his hands on your lower back. It was soothing and also terrifying, his strength was unbelievable, and yet he was so gentle with you as you hugged him back. You closed your eyes, still wincing through the pain and grunting softly as you patted him softly.

It seemed to him without even opening your lips to say a word he was able to understand everything you were telling him by just looking into his eyes. That’s what he had been trying to do for so long, read you.

Now that he had read your true intentions and the messages you were sending him, he was beyond happy. Honestly, he had practiced alone how he would speak to you when the day came, now it’s happy to see his work paid off.

As you two pulled apart from the hug your eyes or hands never left one another. Just as your heartbeat had settled it was risen again, the tension between the two of you was thick, now it seemed as if he wasn’t looking into your eyes for a response, but permission.

You placed a hand on his cheek, cupping it as you placed the other one past his ear, your fingers grazing against the back of his head. He placed a hand on your lower jaw, one of his fingers dangling down underneath it. As he rested his other hand by the side of your neck, careful to not grab you throat as he leaned in.

You nodded softly, to which he grinned from ear to ear as his fangs poked out from his mouth slightly. He kissed you on your forehead as you pressed your eyes shut, only to open them again. Looking at him as he smiled cheerfully at you, you only rolled your eyes and sat up straight, now ready to start the first kiss between you two.

He smirked at you, already seeing what position you were taking as he placed one hand now on your lower waist. As your lips grazed against one another before pressing you heard cheering and cries from the children inside. Quickly you pulled back from Neteyam, pushing him off of you and falling back first in the sand with a thud.

Without haste both Riti and Tuk came outside towards the two of you and jumped up and down screaming. Startling you as you now rolled over to stand up, looking back at Neteyam who was rested back on his elbows with his legs stretched out, shooting you a cocky smirk as you rolled your eyes.

“Kiri’s awake she’s awake!” They shouted in unison as they jumped hand in hand, you and Neteyam both darted towards the entrance of your mauri pod. You led a front while he stayed right behind you, his breathing heavy on your skin as you shivered.

As the two of you walked inside he placed a hand on your lower waist yet again, to push past you to get to his sister as you took a spot by your mother. As everyone said their hellos and hugged Kiri, you kept sudden glances and smiles back and forth between Neteyam, as he did you.

Realization hit you slowly, the two of you had nearly kissed, let alone had been nearly caught. It wasn’t just any kiss for you either, your first kiss. Your first kiss would’ve been him.

You covered your mouth and placed your face in your hands as you felt the same heat as before creep up to your cheeks yet again.

So long to saying you’d prevent anything happening between the two of you.

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✴🕷 please do not copy, plagiarize, edit, or translate any works submitted by me. all works are originated and all other pictures used within those works are online images. thank you!! @kryptznnn 🌸my main navigation

[zombiecheri]

A Girl And A Samurai

Pairing: Mizu x Fem!reader

Tags: mizu kills a man, you get to know her. there's nothing more in first chapter at least

A/N: haven't written anything in ages so excuse me if there are some errors. had to get this out of my system. next chapter will be more spicy!

Chapter 1

"you drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it" - Paulo Coelho

It wasn't supposed to happen like that. The man, your father entrusted to accompany you back to the village, simply haven't showed up and you sat in the small inn pondering what to do next. It was foolish to even consider going back alone. With autumn season nearing it's end, cold winter air was creeping from the north rattling against the old wooden walls of the inn. Not to talk about groups of men wandering around and waiting for an opportunity to rob, rape and kill women on the road.

road, which would take at least a week.

you were brave and reckless but far from stupid, you wouldn't even last 3 days on the road. but you had to.

had to

With winter nearing, you couldn't get stuck in an inn where you hardly knew anyone with no food and barely any money left. Waiting for your family to send another person to accompany you back would also take too long. It seemed like an impossible situation and you were about to start panicking until a solution presented itself.

Big hat. That was the first thing you noticed about the stranger. Then you saw a scabbard that glistened in the morning light and the weird tinted glasses that hid their stare. Accidentally overhearing the conversation between him and the innkeeper got your hopes back up. Coincidentally strange samurai also happened to be headed to your village. It seemed that you haven't run out of luck completely. Convincing the samurai to let you accompany him to the village took a lot of effort and begging on your part but the very next day you both were headed to your home, walking out from an old inn into the road surrounded by fallen leaves.

The air was crisp and fresh brushing against your skin and twirling colourful leaves around you. Samurai was quiet but you didn't mind the silence that much. You noticed even back in the inn that he didn't like to waste time on small talk so you silently followed him on the road enjoying the scenery around you.

The first night you spent out in the woods surrounded by trees looming around you, the temperature dropping significantly but thankfully samurai made a fire so the cold late autumn weather didn't bother you much. Both of you ate quietly and you settled to sleep near fire while samurai took watch. The fire cast shadows that swirled with each flicker. It was hard to fall asleep when you could feel his gaze on the back of your head and the anxiousness seeped into your skin sending warn signals to your mind about the whole situation. You barely knew the stranger and while he agreed to let you tag along with him, you were too quick to trust him. Who knew what he'd do? You two were completely alone in woods. Even if you wanted you couldn't shout for help because there wasn't a soul who could hear you.

It seemed that while your mind was racing, your body was having other problems and soon exhaustion took over making you fall into a troubled slumber. It didn't last long. You awoke with a jolt, clutching your hand against your chest, nightmare slowly fading away as you took in your surroundings eyes searching for a tall form of a samurai except he was nowhere to be seen. Panic seeped into your skin and settled heavily in your stomach. You glanced around frantically searching for him, the fire long gone, late autumn chill creeping up and leaving goosebumps on your skin.

He left you. That was your first thought and in the blind panic you stood up, walking in a random direction hoping to catch up to him. You wouldn't survive alone in woods. At least it seemed that your belongings were not touched at all but what good it would do if you ended up dying anyways?

You walked around blindly for a while until you heard a strange sound and slowly, with careful steps went to the direction where you heard it from, light coming down from above helping you lead the way. It appeared there was a small river deep into the woods, you could hear the sound of water rushing down disappearing in the darkness down the way where faint light from the moon couldn't reach it. That's when you noticed the samurai. It appeared that your panic was short-lived and suddenly you felt foolish. He didn't abandon you, he just simply cleaned himself in the water while you were sleeping. He was dressing up when your eyes zeroed in on his chest. Rather, on a strange fabric covering the area. bindings? why would a man need bindings around his chest you wondered before realization hit you and you let out a quiet gasp, taking slow steps backwards.

He, or rather, she was on you before you even managed to blink. The tip of the sword brushed against your neck and you finally let out a loud gasp falling on the cold ground scrambling on your feet to get away from the samurai. She pulled her sword away, grabbing your kimono and bringing her face closer until you could feel her cold breath against your skin. Eyes, icy like the river, bore into you seemingly trying to pierce you with the gaze alone and all you could do was stare back at her gaping like a fish out of water.

If looks could kill

Another shiver took a hold of your body and then you heard it, her voice, almost as cold and deadly as her eyes, whispering against your ear,

"If you tell anyone about this I will kill you"

And brave and reckless you were, but mindless you were not for you believed her every word and managed a tiny, shaky nod not trusting your voice to speak. She let go of you then, dropping you unceremoniously on the ground and going back to finish dressing up as you sat there wondering if luck was at your side or you were truly foolish to believe so.

Next morning you both continued your walk again. You quietly gathered your supplies after eating and followed her on the road not missing the stare which now you knew hid eyes colour of a chilly winter sky. The silence once welcoming now hung in the air threatening to deafen you. Tension so thick you could almost taste it on your tongue. Walk was short lived because not even an hour in, your luck decided to test you again.

Three men, seemingly out of nowhere appeared right in front of you two their gazes dark, their eyes even darker and you cursed in your head noticing their ugly stares fixed on your body. Your samurai just stood there staring down at them without saying a word before slowly tilting her head to the side and whispering for only you to hear,

"stand back"

You did as you were told and watched as the three men laughed at your companion.

"You think you can take us?" Said one of them, voice raspy filled with amusement and mockery as he took out the small blade and dangled it in front of the samurai while other two laughed. "Give us the girl and maybe we'll let you walk away"

You heard it then. A faint chuckle, melodic and deep so unlike the laugh coming out of awful men in front of you and a part of you, mistrustful and weak and so, so foolish, wondered if she'd actually give you to them. It seemed that you didn't have to wonder long because she unsheathed the sword and before you even managed to blink, her sword was slicing the hand dangling a rusty blade.

It felt like time slowed down, hand fell on the ground blood oozing out from the wound painting everything red and you felt like you were underwater, your ears filled with cotton. You didn't even notice your shaky legs giving out as you fell on the ground yet again.

It ended as fast at it started and soon one man lay dead on the ground, blood pooling around him, his sliced hand laying next to him clutching that rusty metal as other two were running away with panicked gasps and curses. There wasn't a drop of blood on the samurai as she turned around putting the sword back into the scabbard. She noticed your fallen form and tilted her head an unkind smile appearing on her face as she took slow steps towards you, like an animal stalking it's prey.

"are you scared?" Her voice held a hint of mockery, tone almost bored. You realized then that she expected you to run. To cry. A demon, an onryō wearing a mask of a human with mixed blood and eyes so unlike anything you've ever seen before. She expected you to be scared or disgusted and while you were shocked and maybe scared a little bit, there was a hint of something deep inside you, something that made you walk all those miles away from home, made you brave and made you reckless.

A hint of curiosity.

You were curious about her. A lone samurai, a woman, something completely unheard of, walking around for a purpose you didn't know and killing with such precision and skill that left you speechless. That intrigued you, that pulled you in and made you want to understand, to unravel the mystery that was the woman standing in front of you. So really, how could you help it? How could you stop the curiosity taking over your body and how could you stop the words that stumbled out of your mouth catching both of you by surprise.

"What's your name?"

Such a simple, innocuous question. There was a dead man laying in his own blood and there was a samurai in front of you who killed him in mere seconds and you wanted to know her name?

She let out a laugh then. A real laugh, throwing her head back and wrapping arms around herself all hints of mockery and distrust disappearing from her face. The sound pulled you in, mesmerized you and took you by surprise so sudden you felt foolish. foolish for the way your cheeks warmed and foolish for the way your treacherous heart speed up it's rhythmic beating against your chest.

"It's mizu" was all she said after she calmed down and oh, you were such a foolish girl after all.

The walk afterwards wasn't as unpleasant anymore. Tension hanging in the air disappeared and took the silence with it. For some unknown but quite welcoming reasons she even indulged in small talk with you. You got to know about her purpose and in return she got to know about your life in village.

Mizu. Set on a path towards killing four white men in japan. Mizu, whose blue eyes lost it's icy edge and reminded you more of a warm summer sky instead, of clear ocean - wild, untamed but beautiful and deadly. And you wondered, if you tested your luck once more, could you drown in them or drift above.

[crisiscutie]

Inside Out AU

Inside Out has been on my mind lately, and I thought to myself, why not do an Inside Out AU featuring Fluffy Sephiroth from my Domestic AU? I think this makes sense as within the Domestic AU, Sephiroth is not only exploring fatherhood as a major faucet of his life but also exploring new parts of himself that he never had the chance to do when he was Shinra's ultimate weapon. So for this, it's a great thing that his emotions are prepared to navigate him in this new life!

So, here's an introduction to Sephiroth's emotions!

Joy: Sephiroth's joy represents the happiness he feels, particularly from his family and the happiness he gets from doing what he loves. Joy is incredibly protective of Sephiroth's happiness since he didn't get very much (honestly, hardly anything) during his time in SOLDIER, which can lead to her making rather questionable decisions and go out of line against the other emotions. Joy always tries to make the best out of anything, even during Sephiroth's darkest moments.

Anger: Sephiroth's anger manages his sense of justice (which is carefully watched by other emotions so it doesn't become vengeance). He also shares the disciplinary father role with Pride and his protective instincts with Fear. You can always expect anger to step up to the console whenever Sephiroth's family is threatened in some way, old enemies making themselves known to him, or the triplets being wild and overbearing. Sometimes Anger goes overboard, but thankfully, he's usually tempered by Sephiroth's Joy and/or Love.

Sadness: Sephiroth's sadness helps him empathize/sympathize with others and also reflects on his past. This is incredibly important for Sephiroth as he had little opportunities to be vulnerable before his time with Domestic Darling. Sadness also ensures that Sephiroth stays grounded and true to himself. Once he was a weapon, but now, he's a free man and a loving father. Also, she is necessary to remind Sephiroth to make the most of the good moments by reminding him of what he didn't have before.

Fear: Sephiroth's fear is responsible for his survival instincts and vigilance. He makes sure that Sephiroth is always aware of the ways to protect himself, his family and their peace. If Sephiroth overhears a conversation between villagers about Shinra sending a survey team to the nearby reactor, fear is immediately hitting a button on the control panel to make Sephiroth look around and order the children to get going on their way home. Fear is usually right in knowing what's best for Sephiroth's safety: because you could never know when Shinra will raid the village looking for two of their First Class SOLDIERS or one of the kids opening a door to see the turks before them.

He keeps Sephiroth's anger in check (which may or may not fail) whenever his territorial or protective tendencies get provoked, often reminding him of what could happen if he goes too far.

Disgust: Sephiroth's disgust is responsible for filtering anything that could threaten Sephiroth's collected exterior and also, along with Pride, helps Sephiroth maintain his gracefulness. If his triplet boys are causing total messes in their rooms or the kitchen, you can always expect Disgust to know what exactly needs to be cleaned and how, all while making Sephiroth express disdain for it. She also tries to prevent from Sephiroth from engaging in antics that are far beneath him.

Pride: The purpose of Sephiroth's pride is that he is proud of his accomplishments and achievements, whether they are past and present. He keeps sadness in check to ensure that Sephiroth doesn't dwell too much on the past and doesn't have low self-esteem.

A good way to describe his outfit is to imagine Sephiroth's military ball outfit. He also makes sure Sephiroth is a stern but fair teacher to his children and also shares the protector of the family role with anger. He often guides Sephiroth's actions during sparring times or helps anger when Sephiroth is fighting a threat (with some guidance from fear.)

Love: The last but not least. Sephiroth's Love was once his weakest emotion, starting off as a fragile and sickly girl who was mostly in Joy's shadow, but as Sephiroth bonded more and more with Domestic Darling, she became stronger. Now, as a tall and powerful woman, perhaps one can argue in that she is the lead emotion in Sephiroth's mind. After all, he only ran away with Darling in the first place out of love for her.

Love handles Sephiroth's connection to darling and his children, nurturing those connections at any opportunity. She guides every move of Sephiroth during intimate moments with darling as well, though other emotions certainly try to get in on it as well at times! 😂

An important difference from Joy is that Love is more tender and reserved, but still every bit of confident and strong.

Any ideas, thoughts or questions? Let me know! Next, maybe I could share his Islands of Personality and other emotions!

[queenpiranhadon]

Number one rule with you? Don't be underestimated.

Ever since you were a child, growing up in your village, everyone knew not to treat you like the ditzy girl society tended to paint all women at the time.

To them, they were all the same - just means to an end, raise them well enough, provide a sufficient dowry and get them married off somewhere else where they have more children, and repeat the process.

But with you, it was different.

For starters, there was no one to 'raise you well enough' because you parents had died when you were young. To be fair, you didn't really care, because contrary to popular belief, you were the sweetest girl anyone has ever laid their eyes on.

No one was sure how - considering you never grew up with anyone to each you these morals - your kindness seemed straight out of a Cinderella story, a girl who had nothing but gave everything.

However, you didn't truly have nothing, no.

You had Ejirou.

A charming boy, only a year older than you, and have befriended you when you were only four and he was five.

It was raining, and you were cold. And so, so tired.

You were too exhausted to move, stopping your tumultuous trek to the alley where you normally slept and instead sat down next to some building, feeling dizzy all of a sudden. And then he came along.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Wh...huh?"

Contrary to what you'd always thought happened in those born in a life where money wasn't an issue, there were other problems that arose.

For one, Ejirou's parents were in a loveless marriage. Mr. Kirishima would always come home angry, yelling profanities that you didn't know but you always flinched when he did, Ejirou's hands coming to cover your ears as if to shield you from the harsh words.

Though, thankfully, the wasn't home much, to the point where he didn't realize you were living in his house until you were probably 12 years old.

Mrs. Kirishima on the other hand, was kind, making sure that you and her son were always fed - but when she wasn't busy taking care of the two of you, she was off spending time with a woman out in the village when her husband was away. Though it was never confirmed, you always suspecting their relationship was romantic.

However, you never got the opportunity to confirm.

Because they came.

Pirates.

Men of the sea, known to make their life on the waters, and earn a living by kidnapping and raiding villages while sleeping around and drinking rum.

It was a filthy life, they always told you. In the stories they spoke of dirty men who would come to snatch you up in your sleep, with crooked teeth, missing limbs and rusted cutlasses.

Never would you have ever thought those stories would become a reality.

The day they came, you awoke in the middle of the night, Ejirou urgently shaking you awake in a panic.

"Get up, get up! I can't find Mum and Father isn't home...we need to leave, quick!"

Out of all the years you've known Ejirou, he's never sounded so...scared.

Immediately, you bolt out of the room with him, and out the back door, eyes widen in horror as you witness the village ablaze all around you.

"C'mon, we can't stay here....we need to keep goi-mmph!"

Suddenly, Ejirou's wrist in yanked away from you and before you and turn to him, a large hand covers over your mouth.

And then, everything goes black.

A/N: Should I do a part two? I probably will - since this is really only an exposition for what I plan on writing heheh

[theolivetree123]

◇ Constance's Intro ◇

More info below !

◇ Basic Info ◇

Age: 17

Height: 172cm

Birthday: October 31st

Sexuality: Omnisexual, Demisexual

Nicknames: Miss Dolphin (Floyd), mademoiselle sorcière (Rook)

Dominant Hand: Right

Dorm: Diasomnia

Grade: 1st Year

Favorite Food: Cream Puffs

Least Favorite Food: Coffee without sugar

Likes: Black cats, perfumes, playing pranks, homemade gifts, lilies, purple roses

Dislikes: bitter foods, following rules, octopuses, christmas

Best Subject: Potiontology

Club: Spelldrive

Hobbies: Dancing, cosmetology, working out

Homeland: Briar Valley

Family: unnamed biological mother and father, Camella and Damien (adoptive parents), Silas and Victor (cousins)

◇ Signature Spell ◇

I Put a Spell on You...~

Constance, Silas, and Victor all share the same signature spell. When they sing together, they can control people and force them to do anything they want. The spell usually wears off after an hour.

◇ Before NRC ◇

Warning for death, abuse, and toxic relationships !

Constance was always a very... wild girl. As a child, she always seemed to get herself into trouble in her old village, and her mother would have to take the brunt of the blame, leaving Constance to be slightly resentful of her neighbors. Except for Silas and Victor; her cousins. The three were inseparable, always hanging out together and helping each other with their magical studies.

Once Constance grew into a tween, her mother suddenly grew ill. Even though Constance wanted to help, she unfortunately couldn't due to her not having enough magical experience yet, and due to her family and their village being very poor. During the winter months, Constance's mother grew sicker and sicker until she passed away in early January. Constance had nowhere to go after that. Not to mention, Silas and Victor were homeless too, due to them also living with Constance at the time. Their village had been abandoned as their people moved on to greener pastures, except for Constance, Silas, and Victor.

The three spent almost two months without a home, until they met the Esqueletos; Camella and Damien. The couple took Constance, Silas, and Victor in and claimed them as their children. Though, if they wanted to stay, they'd have to commit to the Esqueleto's sacred religion. As such, the cousins were "branded" by the Esqueletos. Constance got it on her hip. Though the first few months were awkward and strained, Constance did warm up to her new parents. They even showed her how to create potions! After a couple of weeks, Constance decided to open her own potion shop as a way to make sure her family wouldn't run out of money ever again.

One day, Constance met a fine, young man in her town. The two hit it off at a cafe, and they started dating a week after. It started out fine, but after two months, Constance started seeing cracks in her boyfriend's facade. He started being more and more condescending and rude to Constance, complaining about her weight and height. He would touch her and blame it on her clothing she would wear. Even though Constance tried to ignore the red flags, she just couldn't take it any longer, and she broke up with him. But he wasn't done just yet. Before Constance could walk away, her ex hit her in the face with a glass vase, deeply injuring her eye. Thankfully, Silas and Victor heard the crash and kicked the guy out of their house. Though, Constance's eyes couldn't be saved.

A few years later, Constance and her cousins came to NRC for the first time. They'd been told by their step-parents that they'd been chosen to go, but oddly never got their black carriage. As retaliation for being "not good enough", the three decided to play tricks on the NRC students all day and wrecked the school halls. The next day, Crowely talked to them and apologized for not letting them into NRC. He decided to let the three attend, but they had to clean up their mess as payment. A few hours later, Crowely received 600,000 thaumarks in the mail. I guess Constance had told her parents about her new school.

◇ Relationships ◇

♡ Sebek: Constance and Sebek first met the day Constance and her cousins trashed NRC. After that, Sebek disliked and almost hated Constance. And even when they became dormmates, Sebek couldn't stop giving Constance glares any time she was around him. That was.... until Halloween. That was the day Sebek fell in love with Constance, as she had gotten out of her way to protect not only Malleus but a few other students from the ghosts. Constance wasn't a snarky, entitled rich girl like Sebek thought, but she was heroic and kind. And that fact frustratedly Sebek's heart melt.

Silas: As one of her cousins, Constance obviously loves Silas. He protects her and makes sure her and Victor don't get into trouble, but sometimes.... he can be a little too protective. Constance knows Silas cares, yet she still gets frustrated with his persistence to keep her safe.

Victor: As Constance's other cousin, she adores Victor. They have a lot in common, and Constance even helped Victor discover their sexuality, as she would buy Victor dresses to see if he liked them.

Malleus: After Halloween, Malleus discovered that there was much more to Constance than what met the eye. As such, he came to respect her and be very fond of her. The two are good friends now, and Constance sometimes surprises Malleus with new gargoyles made by her family.

Ruggie: Constance and Ruggie became (somewhat) friends during Constance's first few spelldrive practices. Ruggie enjoyed Constance's strategies and even considered her as team captain. The two also love pulling pranks on other students together, always coming up with new ideas to screw them over.

◇ Relationship Chart ◇

◇ Gallery ◇

◇ Miscellaneous Facts ◇

Though Constance is confident in her body, she still gets extremely uncomfortable when men touch her. (Unless it's Silas, Victor, or a s/o)

Constance, Silas, and Victor's last names are technically "Esqueleto," though they use "Sanderson" as a cover-up for their real identities.

Constance has trypophobia and is deeply afraid of octopuses. Even seeing things like calamari make her sick to her stomach.

Even though Constance dresses in purple most of the time, her all-time favorite color is actually pink.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

(FE3H Crossover Fanfic) House Isekai

Primer AO3 Link

Prologue: An Inevitable Encounter

After having a surreal dream, Byleth Eisner finds his father alongside his mysterious companion that only he can see waiting for him. Little does he know that his fate is about to dramatically change mere moments after he awakens.

Word Count: 5.5k Content: Action, swearing, crack, and a useless blue thing Characters: Byleth, Sothis, Jeralt, Edelgard, Claude, Dimitri, Satou Kazuma, Megumin, Aqua, Darkness, Makoto Yuki, Aigis, Yukari Takeba, Junpei Iori

=========

"Hey, time to wake up."

Byleth's eyes slowly opened up, sitting up to see his father, Jeralt, standing on the other side of the door. He was already in his full gear, his armor clinking as he walked closer to the bed, one eyebrow of curiosity raised at his son.

(Jeralt) "Were you having that dream again?"

(Byleth) "I was. It was that young girl."

Byleth nodded in response, his voice barely going above monotone as he began equipping the rest of his gear that was sitting on a nearby table.

(Jeralt) "You've described her to me before, I don't think I've ever met anyone like that."

Jeralt handed Byleth his sword and continued.

(Jeralt) "In any case, put that out of your mind for now. The battlefield is no place for idle thoughts-"

As if on cue, immediately behind Jeralt materialized a familiar face to Byleth, the young girl in question floating over to him, barely containing a yawn as his father continued the lecture.

(Young Green-haired Girl) "My, it's this early and he's already going off on you."

Byleth's eyes subtly shifted over to her, responding in his head.

(Byleth) No thanks to you, Sothis. That dream you had kept us both awake.

Sothis scoffed, hovering in front of Jeralt despite the fact he was still speaking, with no indication that he was even aware Byleth was having an entirely separate conversation.

(Sothis) "As if I can control them! I've always been bewildered by their timing as much as you, child! Now, what in the world is Jeralt going on about still?"

Both of them turned their attention back to Jeralt, who seemed to be wrapping up his lecture towards Byleth, thankfully.

(Jeralt) "Our next job is in the kingdom. I told you before. It's far from here so we'll need to leave at dawn."

Byleth momentarily searched in his mind for any recollection of Jeralt mentioning this to him, but nothing was coming to mind much to his annoyance.

(Byleth) "Oh...Right."

Immediately, Jeralt sighed in annoyance as his eyes drifted over to the window, movement catching his attention. 

(Jeralt) "Hm? Oh, good grief. Everyone is already waiting for us outside."

Byleth shot one last glare at Sothis, who was smirking at him.

(Sothis) "My, and I thought I was the one with the bad sleeping habit-"

The door suddenly swung open with one of Jeralt's mercenaries rushing into the room and slightly out of breath. Though Byleth was the only one to see, Sothis had gotten startled by his sudden appearance as the door nearly hit her. Ever since he was a child, he figured that Sothis wasn't able to interact with anything regarding the physical world, yet she acted like she did. It was something that never failed to amuse him, despite the fact his expression did not change in the slightest. And yet, Sothis knew what he was thinking, giving him a glare of her own. Tuning back into the conversation, he knew that this was going to be something serious.

(Mercenary) "Jeralt, sir! Sorry to barge in, but your presence is needed!"

Jeralt and Byleth tensed up at his words, the gathering of the mercenary company outside suddenly taking on a whole new meaning. Jeralt shot one last glance at his son to finish preparing before turning his attention back to the mercenary.

(Jeralt) "What's happened?"

...

Byleth, Jeralt, and the other mercenaries went outside the inn they had been staying at, rushing to the middle of the open village square to see three colorful teenagers standing with other members of the company. Jeralt and Byleth shoved their way through the small crowd to talk to them, with the blue one in the middle quickly bowing in greeting.

(Blue-Colored Teenager) "Please, forgive our intrusion. We wouldn't bother you were the situation not dire."

Jeralt crossed his arms as his brows furrowed, noting just how unbothered these kids appeared to be despite the boy's words. All the while, Byleth and Sothis remained quiet to observe, though...Something was bothering Byleth the more he stared at the three. Sensing the unease Byleth was feeling, Sothis floated over to her friend, her eyes narrowing as her gaze bounced between the three.

(Sothis) "Do...you feel that too?"

(Byleth) I do, but we can't focus on that right now.

Heeding the words of his father that he was partially paying attention to previously, Byleth decided the mysterious feeling could wait for now.

(Jeralt) "What do a bunch of kids like you want at this hour?"

(Blue-Colored Teenager) "We're being pursued by a group of bandits. I can only hope that you will be so kind as to lend us your support."

Jeralt and Byleth were taken aback, giving each other a quick side glance.

(Jeralt) "Bandits? Here?"

(Byleth) "We've checked the area surrounding this village three times, and we saw no signs of any bandits."

The girl in red clothing stepped forward, interjecting in a polite tone not too dissimilar from her friend.

(Red-Colored Girl) "It's true. They attacked us while we were at rest in our camp."

(Yellow-Colored Boy) "We've been separated from our companions and we're outnumbered. They're after our lives, not to mention our gold."

All three of them sounded relatively unaffected despite the severity of the situation. Their tone was more akin to being annoyed that a meal was taking longer than usual, or if someone was not moving out the way. That small detail not escaping either of the mercenaries, or the hidden floating girl.

(Jeralt) "I'm impressed you're staying so calm considering the situation. I-...Wait, that uniform...!"

Just before Jeralt could put a name to the clothes he was staring at, one of the mercenaries came rushing back to the group, the three teenagers stepping out of the way for him to report.

(Mercenary) "Bandits spotted just outside of the village! Damn...There are a lot of them!"

Jeralt turned back to the kids with a small sigh, gesturing to the other mercenaries with his head nodding. They all rushed to defensive positions while Jeralt and Byleth finished their conversation with the teenagers.

(Jeralt) "I guess they followed you all the way out here. We can't abandon this village now."

Byleth straightened his back as his hand immediately clenched his sword's hilt.

(Byleth) "Are we taking the lead?"

Jeralt smirked at his son, a sense of pride swelling within his chest to see him immediately get ready to jump into the action.

(Jeralt) "Naturally."

Both of them moved through the teenagers, only to be interrupted as he saw them step forward.

(Blue-Colored Boy) "Please, allow us to help you as well, sir!"

The two mercenaries stopped in their tracks and spun around, with Jeralt failing to hide his surprise.

(Jeralt) "You...want to help?"

(Yellow-Colored Boy) "Before, we were outnumbered and the three of us alone couldn't handle them. With your help, I'd reckon we can send them packing in no time!"

The other two nodded in agreement, furthering Jeralt's surprise. Byleth simply shrugged at Jeralt when his father turned to him for a suggestion, making him chuckle.

(Jeralt) "You got some guts, kids. What are your names?"

"Dimitri, and once again thank you!"

"Name's Claude."

"I am Edelgard. A pleasure."

(Jeralt) "Just call me Jeralt, kid over here is Byleth."

With the greetings finished, they rushed to the front of the village. The other mercenaries covered the other entrances and prepared for an attack from other directions as they ushered the other villagers inside their home. Others rushed to protect the mercenary's caravan, and the last few closed the gate leading into the village, leaving Jeralt, Byleth, Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude to deal with the bandits.

...

Jeralt leapt onto his horse while grabbing a nearby lance, turning to his son.

(Jeralt) "I'll make sure no one gets near the entrance, then I'll be flanking around the sides. Take care of the ones in front for now so they can't overrun the village!"

Byleth nodded at Jeralt's orders before unsheathing his sword and rushing to the first three bandits emerging from the woods, the teenagers behind him following suit. Sothis hovered ahead of Byleth, floating around the trees elegantly as she looked back to him, frowning as the bandits ran and phased straight through her.

(Sothis) "No archers as of yet, finish this rabble off quickly!"

Not needing her to tell him that, Byleth stood his ground as the first one rushed him, an axe swinging up into the air and ready to plunge itself into his torso. The axe fell fast, but Byleth's hand was faster as he parried his attacker effortlessly. The stagger sending him backwards for only a second was all that Byleth needed, as the mercenary made a single slash across the bandit's chest, taking him down instantly. With his body crumpling onto the floor, Byleth immediately dodged backwards from the next attack, an axe trying to swipe him from the side as the other two rushed his flank. Before they could motion to attack again, they frantically raised their weapon to block Dimitri and Edelgard's weapons, forcing them back into a defensive stance.

For the brief few seconds Byleth watched the two match the bandits blow for blow, he was impressed. Dimitri's lance kept his opponent desperately trying to avoid his brutal thrusts while Edelgard's own axe easily overpowered the strength of the bandit. As much as he would like to see their skills in their entirety, he promptly chose his next target, that being Edelgard's attacker. Forgoing any kind of flashy move, he simply slashed at the bandit's leg, stunning him for Edelgard. She finished him off with a final blow that sent him flying into the air for a few seconds, armor, leather, and blood accompanying him.

An arrow whizzed past his head, though it came from behind as it landed in the shoulder of Dimitri's attacker, causing him to scream before it was cut abruptly, Dimitri's lance shattering upon smashing into the bandit.

(Dimitri) "Tch, these lances truly are brittle..."

(Claude) "What? You're not even gonna acknowledge how clean that shot was?"

Dimitri rolled his eyes as Jeralt ran by, tossing another lance into his hands and disappearing into the treeline.

(Edelgard) "We'll acknowledge it once the fighting has ceased, Claude."

Byleth followed after Jeralt, with the others following suit. After another brief skirmish, the group had taken out a few more bandits with ease, cutting their way further into the attackers, eventually catching sight of their leader.

(Bandit Leader) "Damn, why are there mercenaries in the village?! Guess we'll have to deal with them too...!"

The bandit leader and his group were quickly closing in on Byleth's position, though he noticed that he appeared to be hurtling towards the kids in an almost single-minded manner. Jeralt was too busy protecting their left flank, and the three were occupied handling the ones in front of them, meaning Byleth had to deal with them alone. His expression subtly growing more determined, he stepped directly into the bandit leader's path, sword at the ready, eyeing the other two bandits at their leader's side.

(Bandit Leader) "Hey, you with the blank stare! Outta my way!"

Saying nothing in response, Byleth swiftly hopped to the side as the bandit leader's axe crashed onto the ground where he was previously standing. Blocking Byleth's sword as it came swinging from the side, the mercenary was forced to back off before parrying the next attack from his lackey, promptly dispatching him with another slash. The other one nearly barreled into Byleth, barely jumping out the way in time of another axe that grazed his gauntlet.

(Sothis) "Child, he's going for the others!"

Byleth grit his teeth as his elbow slammed into the bandit's chest, shoving him away as he sprinted towards their leader. Hearing the mercenary's footsteps rapidly approaching from behind, the bandit leader spun his axe around, only to have his attack easily deflected with a slash followed up by a second that sent him and his weapon into the air. Both came crashing down with a loud thud, Byleth nodding and his attention turning back to the continued fighting behind him. Dimitri and Claude were finishing off their targets, alongside Jeralt and Edelgard. Sothis hovered over and began examining the ongoing skirmish with him, the two of them failing to acknowledge the quickly recovering bandit leader. 

Edelgard's eyes flickered over to the sudden movement near Byleth, her eyes going wide as she realized what was about to happen.

(Edelgard) "BEHIND YOU!"

Thanks to her scream the duo realized that he had gotten up again, but it was too late. The mercenary's eyes shot wide open, raising his sword arm in a vain attempt to parry the oncoming axe about to plunge into his chest, knowing that it would not save him in time. Just as he clenched his teeth and prepared to feel searing pain throughout his body, only for the world around him to come to a screeching halt.

...

In an instant, his vision was clouded in a black abyss, the only thing he was able to see now being himself in this endless void. Looking around his side, Byleth lowered his sword, puzzled by what had just occurred. It was only when he heard his companion's voice did he start to get an idea.

(Sothis) "Tch! Honestly, I cannot believe that you let your guard down like that! Are you trying to get us both killed?!" 

Sothis was now sitting upon a throne across from him, the only two things he could see in the void. Though, the sight was not exactly new to Byleth at this point, letting him sheathe his sword with somewhat peace of mind, other than the lecture that was incoming.

(Byleth) "He was stronger than I expected."

(Sothis) "Oh! And I'm sure your father will accept that excuse as your lifeless body is bleeding on the dirt! Phooey, and you call yourself a mercenary! Simply turn your back on an enemy without checking he was down properly, a splendid idea, child!"

Clicking her tongue after emphasizing the last word, she shook her head and let her chin lean against her hand, rolling her eyes.

(Sothis) "It's as if you don't know the value of your own life, including mine!"

(Byleth) "Enough already, I get it."

Exhaling deeply through his nose, Byleth remained silent for a moment before turning back to his friend.

(Byleth) "Thank you. But where are we?"

Sothis scoffed at his half-hearted gratitude, but sat upright to answer him.

(Sothis) "The same location. I have just stalled the flow of time, albeit temporarily."

She noticed his brows furrow ever so slightly, only noticing the difference due to the time spent with him since birth.

(Byleth) "...You can do that?"

WIth a sudden realization for his expression, Sothis's eyes widened at his question as her mouth hung slightly open.

(Sothis) "I...However did I manage that?"

Her finger tapped against the side of her cheek trying to find an answer, yet could find no response. 

(Sothis) "Hmph. It doesn't matter for now. However, our current predicament that you have put us in is our priority. Once time resumes, you will surely meet your end."

Ignoring her comment, Byleth crossed his arms trying to think of a solution. He wasn't sure just how long they could remain like this.

(Byleth) "...If you can stop time, can you reverse it?"

Though it took a second for Sothis to register his suggestion, her eyes suddenly lit up, alongside the tone of her voice.

(Sothis) "I can! Hmph, how troublesome you are that I must manipulate reality like this...!"

The smile on her face betrayed her relief, as a circle with magical symbols materialized in front of her, spinning in place with the world shaking around the two. Byleth clenched his sword's hilt again with his eyes remaining on his companion as she floated towards him.

(Sothis) "It does not look like we can wind time back too far, however we are aware of what's to come."

(Byleth) "Good enough for me."

Byleth rolled his neck side to side, his expression steeling itself for the jarring effect that was about to happen. All the while, Sothis crossed her arms and gave him another smug grin.

(Sothis) "You should thank me again, child. I will be the only one to know of your embarrassment today.-"

(Byleth) "Please be quiet so I can concentrate."

With his last request, the world slowly faded back into view and resumed.

...

(Bandit Leader) "Hey, you with the blank stare! Outta my way!"

Byleth blinked and he was back in position, the bandit leader and the two at his side rushing forward again. Byleth stood his ground, ready to deflect the leader and cut him down with one fell swoop.

At least, he was before the sound of glass shattering above him caused everyone to pause their engagement, turning to the source of the sound. He thought bandits somehow broke into the village but realized that was impossible, given time was only supposed to be reversed and not changed. However, that thought also came to an abrupt halt once Byleth noticed the light directly above him, alongside a literal tear in the air above him, the sound of glass breaking intensifying.

(Byleth) "Sothis...?!"

Sothis appeared next to him once more, just as confused as he was, beginning to motion Byleth to stand back.

(Sothis) "I played no part in whatever is transpiring!...I-I think!"

For the first time in his life, Byleth's stoic expression broke into something resembling genuine shock as everyone, including the bandits, backed away in fear. Before anyone could muster the courage to continue the fight or even run, the glass shattered for a final time, sending a violent shockwave across the field and everyone tumbling across the ground by the sheer force. Dimitri, Claude, and Edelgard attempted to brace themselves but found themselves flung back into the trees. Jeralt and his horse staggered backwards, struggling to keep their footing. The bandits, alongside Byleth and Sothis, flew the furthest back since they were the closest, the mercenary and his companion's backs slamming against the tree knocking the wind out of them.

As the rift in reality tore open, it sent four figures hurtling down, screaming all the while until they landed on top of each other with an audible thud. Byleth blinked the pain away, his vision starting to unblur itself as he stared at the strangers who had emerged from the rift. From what her could gather upon first glance, they were about the same age as the other three kids. The shortest one wielding a staff was wearing a red dress adorned with a cape and a comically large hat hiding her brunette hair. The tallest blonde one meanwhile appeared to be wearing some kind of yellow knight armor, a winged pauldron on her right shoulder. Lastly, a brown-haired boy with a green mantle and simple shirt stood up, jamming a finger into the chest of a blue haired girl, yelling at the top of his lungs.

(Boy) "Oh, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! Where did you get us stuck now?!"

The blue girl stood up startlingly fast, faster than she should have considering they fell from the sky. She looked more annoyed by the boy rather than any potential injury.

(Blue Girl) "Why are you blaming me?! You're the one who wouldn't let go of the relic, Kazuma!-"

(Kazuma) "SHUT YOUR TRAP YOU USELESS GODDESS! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO BROKE THE DAMN THING! We were going to get an entire month's rent from that, and you just HAD TO-"

As the two continued their argument, only the other two girls realized the predicament they had interrupted, making direct eye contact with Byleth. No one said anything, or even dared to move, time seemingly paused once again without the interference of Sothis. Their argument only continued for a few more seconds before the red dressed girl spotted the bandits, pointing at them as she directed her voice to Kazuma and the other girl.

(Red Girl) "KAZUMA! AQUA!"

Both of them, though greatly agitated, redirected their anger and shouted in unison at the girl.

(Kazuma/Aqua) "WHAT!?"

(Yellow Girl) "BANDITS!"

Though the tone of her voice appeared to be alarmed, her flushed face and subsequent heavy breathing indicated something far worse. Upon the girl's shout, time abruptly resumed, everyone quickly remembering that they were in a life and death battle with each other. Byleth rushed to his feet and grabbed his sword, rushing to defend the newcomers as the bandits rushed the blonde. Much to his confusion, instead of fighting the boy named Kazuma physically tackled the red girl as she tried to cast magic, the blue girl named Aqua also rushing to restrain her. As if being able to read his thoughts, Sothis appeared next to Byleth failing to contain her utter bewilderment.

(Sothis) "Why on earth are they leaving their friend alone?! She can't take on those three without-!"

The blonde swung her sword in a comically wide arc, somehow missing the bandits entirely but cleaving the trees next to her completely apart, their weight crashing into the rest of the forest with everyone diving out of the way. The bandits were completely distracted by her fumble and failed to duck out of her follow-up punch. The first bandit's face made contact with her fist, causing him to soar at impossible speeds and crash into the other bandit, directly towards Byleth and Sothis.

(Sothis) "-HELP?!"

Byleth dove for the ground while Sothis arms raised and flinched as the bandits phased through her, and flew over him. He could feel the rush of air left in their wake as they crashed into the trees, also causing another chain of trees to collapse on top of each other. Had he been any slower, Byleth had zero doubts in his mind he would've been killed yet again. Kazuma meanwhile lifted his head, looking in Sothis's direction.

(Kazuma) "H-Hang on, little girl! We're coming to he-"

(Red Girl) "MY EXPLOSION CAN WIPE OUT THE BANDITS, COME ON-"

(Kazuma) "MEGUMIN, NOT NOW! Aqua, reign Darkness in before the trees crush us!"

(Aqua) "You want me to restrain her?!"

(Kazuma) "JUST DO SOMETHING!"

Dimitri, Claude, Edelgard, and Jeralt rushed over to Byleth's side and doing their best to avoid the collapsing trees as "Darkness" kept missing her swings, somehow missing the bandit leader everytime while almost decapitating them by mistake. Jeralt grabbed his son by the arm and helped lift him off the ground. Sothis hovered behind Byleth, looking over his shoulder, the six of them watching in horror as this party of four was both somehow protecting the village and doing absolutely nothing. Though they knew the former being accomplished was also by mistake.

(Edelgard) "How can so few people be loud enough to wake everyone in the village better than the sound of combat?!"

(Jeralt) "At this rate, that girl will destroy the village herself!"

(Kazuma) "I'M SO SORRY FOR HER, SIR!"

Kazuma restrained Megumin's arms as she flailed, kicked, and screamed with Aqua raising her rod at the bandit leader.

(Aqua) "TAKE THIS! CREATE WATER-"

A stream of water burst out from the tip of her rod, jetting forward and hitting the bandit leader in the face, causing him to stagger backwards. Though it seemed to annoy him more than anything, with him continuing to dodge Darkness's attacks with surprising ease.

(Bandit Leader) "I didn't sign up for this crap! GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU BRAT!-"

He raised his fist and slammed it against the side of Darkness's face, only to recoil frantically in pain and shocking everyone who was watching, the exception being her own party.

(Bandit Leader) "GAAAAAH!"

(Darkness) "HARDER!"

(Jeralt/Byleth/Sothis) "WHAT?!"

(Claude) "Was that a clang I just heard?!"

(Dimitri) "S-So I wasn't imagining that either!"

(Edelgard) "What in the world is happening?!-"

Kazuma's face appeared that it was ready to burst several veins as he began shouting out into the sky.

(Kazuma) "Can this crap get any worse?!"

The sound of glass shattering answered his question, everyone pausing yet again as a light shone across the sky.

(Aqua) "H-Hey! That's the same light we saw!"

Upon hearing Aqua's words, Jeralt immediately turned to the kids in his care, his voice loud and clear above the chaos ensuing.

(Jeralt) "GET BEHIND THE TREES, NOW!"

Not needing further instruction, everyone rushed behind cover with the exception of Kazuma and his friends. The bandit leader was now running away at full speed as the glass shattering grew louder and louder.

(Megumin) "Can we use it to get back home?!"

(Darkness) "GET BACK HERE! I NEED YOU TO HIT ME AGAIN-"

(Kazuma) "NO, DARKNESS! STAY HERE GOD DAMN IT!-"

Suddenly, the skies above them turned into a pale sickly green, the full moon above growing even brighter than before with the tear in reality growing bigger. Kazuma and his friends now took a step back, unaware of what was to follow.

(Dimitri) "P-PLEASE! ALL OF YOU FIND COVER!"

Dimitri poked his head around the corner before promptly hitting the floor upon seeing the tear ready to burst.

Kazuma suddenly froze up, yanking Megumin by the collar and kicking Aqua directly behind Darkness as he curled up into a ball, the final tear splitting reality apart again and causing another shockwave. Darkness used her body to shield her party, with everyone doing their best to ignore the very happy noises she was making. With the trees as cover, the six were able to mitigate the worst of the damage, only poking their head out to realize instead of people falling through, black blobs were.

Byleth opened his mouth to say something, only to see a blue mask shift around the first blob staring directly at him. The rest of the blobs did the same, before shifting their attention to Kazuma's group, suddenly growing arms and clawing their way towards them.

Kazuma lifted his head and screamed in terror, quickly joined by Megumin and Aqua who all held each other in unison, tears in all of their eyes.

(Kazuma) "AAAAAAGH! I'M SORRY FOR COMING INTO THIS WORLD! SOMEONE SAVE MEEEEEE!-"

Byleth vaulted over the log he was hiding behind, unsheathing his sword and running as fast as he could with Sothis right behind him. 

(Sothis) "I don't know if we can make it!"

Even though he didn't know these kids, the last thing he wanted to see was them getting torn apart by these creatures.

(Byleth) "Can you reverse time again?!"

(Sothis) "I-I'm not sure! I-"

Several fireballs cut off the small distance between the monsters and Kazuma's group, the monsters suddenly swiveled toward the still present rift. Byleth froze in place as four humanoid figures dropped down with far more elegance than their present company, landing and instantly ready for combat. The one in front had dark blue hair with his bangs covering his right eye, sword and some strange device Byleth couldn't recognize in his hands. The uniform he was wearing was extremely similar to the other boy in their party, a black uniform with a red armband on their side, though his friend had a claymore in his hands and a foreign hat. A brown-haired pink girl wielding a bow had the same armband and jacket, the other blonde girl standing completely out with steel adorning her limbs and a pink ribbon in the center of her neck. As far as Byleth could see, she had no weapons at all.

Wiping away the tears in her eyes, Aqua smiled widely at the appearance of the newcomers.

(Aqua) "OH! WE'RE SAVED! THEY'RE-"

Everyone except the blonde pointed a device at their head as other creatures appeared behind them, all focus directed to them. Though, it appeared Kazuma was the only one who knew what they were doing.

(Kazuma) "They're PUTTING A GUN TO THEIR HEADS?!"

"PERSONA!"

Blue flames surrounded the four as they shouted in unison and pulled the trigger, massive ghastly figures emerging behind them as they quickly struck down the creatures in a flurry of spells and swings. Everyone could only watch in awe as they dispatched their enemies faster than they could process. Firing an arrow, the pink-dressed girl rushed over to the group and pointed towards everyone else.

(Pink Girl) "Get to safety, we'll handle this from here!-"

Kazuma shoved Darkness aside as he ugly cried holding her hands, snot and tears running down his face with his words barely comprehensible.

(Kazuma) "THANK YOOUUUU!"

The pink girl recoiled at Kazuma's reaction, instinctually rubbing her hand on her jacket trying to rub off Kazuma in disgust.

(Pink Girl) "Uhh...Y-Yeah. Just get-!"

(Boy with Hat) "YUKARI! BEHIND YOU!"

Immediately her expression steeled itself once again as another creature barreled its way past her comrades, quickly grabbing her "gun" and putting it against her forehead.

(Yukari) "IO!"

Byleth saw one of the ghosts in clearer detail, someone resembling a girl in the center of a giant cow-like skull, the figure summoning a violent gust of wind to blow away the creature, the dark blue-haired boy slashing his sword as it flew by, killing it instantly. He gave a single nod of thanks to Yukari before effortlessly going back to holding off the others. Shaking off his own shock, he ran over to the group and picked Kazuma up by the arm, letting the rest of his group run ahead of him before retreating, everyone watching as the group destroyed the rest of the creatures with seemingly zero effort. 

...

At last, the tear in the sky finally repaired itself as a gust of air shook the leaves of the remaining trees, the green skies reverting back to normal slowly to its original dark purple color as dawn approached. Their leader took a deep breath, as the rest of his team did the same with varying levels of expression.

(Boy with Cap) "Woo! Damn, are we good, or what?!"

(Yukari) "Give it a rest, Junpei..."

(Blonde Girl) "Leader. All threats neutralized."

(Dark Blue-Haired Boy) "Keep scanning the area for shadows, we still might not be alone."

Their leader motioned with his head to follow, all four of them making their way to Byleth and the others.

(Dark Blue-Haired Boy) "Hey, is everyone alright?"

(Jeralt) "Yeah, thanks. And you guys deserve my thanks too for he-"

Jeralt and the others turned to Kazuma, only to find him still sniffling and sucking his thumb as Aqua rubbed his hair sympathetically. Megumin and Darkness on the other hand looked completely fine if not a little surprised.

(Edelgard) "Are they...?-"

(Megumin) "Yes, they're fine, just give them a few minutes."

Darkness stepped in, any signs of her masochistic tendencies completely absent, which startled the ones who were there to witness it.

(Darkness) "It is my duty as a paladin, and our pleasure to assist, sir...?"

(Jeralt) "Jeralt. But enough of that, where the hell did you all come from?!"

Right before anyone else could answer, several knights emerged from the trees triumphantly, led by a man with a mustache in the middle.

(Knight Leader) "The Knights of Seiros are here! We'll cut you down for terrorizing our students! They're gone...? Ah, the students appear to be unharmed and...Who are those people?"

Kazuma and Aqua finally stood up as the knights approached, everyone giving each other an awkward glance, save for Jeralt, Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude.

(Jeralt) "Ugh, why him...?"

Sothis floated over to Byleth, crossing her arms.

(Sothis) "I wonder, did my winding back of time cause this?"

Byleth glanced over to Sothis, about to speak in his head before Aqua spoke up.

(Aqua) "Wait, you can wind back time?"

Everyone turned to Aqua, though everyone except Makoto and Yuki appeared to be confused.

(Dimitri) "I beg your pardon?"

Aqua directly faced Sothis, crossing her arms.

(Aqua) "Are you the deity of this world?"

Sothis physically recoiled when she realized that Makoto and Kazuma were also looking directly at her, Byleth's eyes becoming as wide as hers.

(Kazuma) "I mean, she looks the part...Wait, does that mean she dragged us into this?!"

(Makoto) "I'd put money on it."

(Edelgard) "I apologize, who are you speaking about?"

Sothis floated behind Byleth on instinct, only three pairs of eyes following her.

(Sothis) "You can see me?!"

(Aqua) "Duh! Why else would I be talking to you?-"

Makoto and Kazuma quickly realized the expression on everyone else, leading to Kazuma clearing his throat obnoxiously to get Aqua's attention.

(Kazuma) "Must be some side effect-ANYWAYS!...What's your name?"

Both new parties turned to Byleth, Sothis floating over to his side as they exchanged one last uneasy glance. First were those three kids, now suddenly there was eight more to handle, most of which came falling out of the sky. No mercenary training in Fodlan could have ever possibly prepared him for what he witnessed this morning. And the duo had a terrible feeling these people were here because of them.

What mess were they about to get themselves into...?

[PROLOGUE: END]

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 20/?

Prev | Next

Have some fluff from Jason's family

Jason didn’t want another situation like Talia to happen, so he asked Raven for help. She was happy to help.

“The spell I put around the house will help cloak it from prying eyes. Even if someone finds out the address and tries to find it, they’ll always end up back in the village. It has an added bonus; you’ll know if someone is looking for your house.”

“Thanks, Raven, I owe you one.”

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m glad to help keep my little niece and nephew safe.”

Jason smiled. He was quickly looking at Raven as an older sister and Roy as an older brother. 

(Is this how it could’ve been with his old family?)

“Still, I want to thank you. How about I make you some waffles since it’s still morning? It’s one of my specialties.”

Raven smiled, “Well, I never turn down free food.”

“Ohh, can I help, daddy?”

“Of course, lad.”

They ended up covered in flour. Danny’s hair was almost as white as his ghost half.

“So, Jason, tell me, how’s it going with your new powers,” Raven asked after breakfast.

Jason sighed, “It’s a bit tough, but I’m getting there. I’m no longer going intangible at random times. I’m flying better, and Danny is teaching me how to make shields and ectoblasts. The ectoblasts are easier. I only have to call some up, point, and blast. It’s almost like a gun.”

“Daddy is really good at paying attention and learning—hey, stop that daddy!”

Jason laughed as he wiped the syrup from his little boy’s mouth. Jazz smiled fondly while she fed Ellie. Ellie giggled, her two little teeth on display.

That’s when it hit Jason like a freight train. He was happy. It felt like it was overwhelming him and going to overflow from his body. He knew everyone around the table could feel his happiness and didn’t care.

Raven gave him a warm smile.

“I’m glad you found this, Jason. You deserve it,” Raven said. She meant every word of it.

He didn’t know if he deserved it, but unlike a certain emotionally constipated billionaire, he knew Jason wouldn’t question it. He would hold on to this happiness with both hands and never let go.  

Danny hugged Jason with still sticky hands.

Jason owed his happiness to his little boy.

____

Bruce woke up feeling miserable.

What else was new?

The night before had been tough. There had been an Arkham breakout. Thankfully, the Joker hadn’t escaped. Bruce didn’t know what he would’ve done to the clown if he had.

(Where was his son? He was alive. He was away from the protection of Bruce’s cape.)

They had found Crane and Victor Fries but had yet to find Killer Croc.

(Was Jason dealing with villains and rogues alone?)

Bruce stretched. He bypassed the curtains and left them closed. The sunlight would hurt his eyes. He went to eat breakfast. Alfred put a plate and a cup of coffee in front of him. Bruce ignored the food and went straight for the cup of joe.

“Have you heard from Jason,” Bruce asked the older man.

(He thought Jason would always stay close by; stay in Gotham.)

“No, Master Bruce,” the butler answered with a hint of disapproval.

Bruce frowned.

“He’s my son, Alfred.”

“Hmm, well, your actions speak louder than your words, sir.”

Bruce frowned after his surrogate father as he left Bruce alone at the dining room table. A phantom chill went through the silent room.

(Jason wasn’t supposed to leave.)

The silence damned him.

I hope you guys liked this chapter. Special thanks to BatPeg and Jozette_Rosewood_125. One of them gave me the prompt for waffles, and the other person gave me a prompt for cooking time with Jason.

@itsberrydreemurstuff @idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68 @d4ydr34min9 @overtherose @fandomwandererer @vipower001 @thordottir45 @blackrabbitt3t @rosecinnamonbun @bianca-hooks123 @epilepticnerd @dat1angel @consouling @flamingenchiladadragon @all-mights-asscheeks

[luv-kakashi]

One of us is dead

chapter twelve - sleepover

chapter eleven | chapter thirteen

Sumire, why are you in Konoha?" I asked, my head resting on her lap as she played with my hair.

Her fingers froze for a moment, then slowly resumed, smoothing out my strands. She traced my cheek softly before giving it a playful pinch. "Why else?" she replied, "I'm here for you."

"That's not what I meant," I said as I raised my head to meet her gaze, "How are you physically here? How did you leave the Hidden Rivers Village? Why did you leave?"

"My, that was a lot of questions, little one," she chuckled softly, "Let's make this more fun—how about a game? A question for a question, and I promise I'll tell you everything."

Her playful smile marked a thin veil disguising unreadable memories that have hardened with time.

"Okay, I'll ask first," Sumire said point-blank, her tone suddenly sombre.

Her gaze locked onto mine, unwavering, as the playful air between us dissolved, "Two years ago after mother's death, where did you go?"

The silence between us was palpable, as each tick of the clock heightened the dense tension between us.

Telling her the truth will be too much for her to handle. Telling her the truth will only cause her to worry. Telling her the truth could shatter the delicate, fragile peace that we have now.

"I was doing missions in Kirigakure, I was still technically a chunin of the Hidden Mist Village so one of my old teachers took me back," I said, lying through my teeth.

I stare down at my palms, swallowing the truth of my lie. I'm disgusting. These hands and blood of mine have killed—relentlessly, brutally, and violently. Shinobi, civilians, criminals. But at the end of the day, they were all human. Each life, a soul lost because of me. I've been reaping lives on the orders of others as if life itself had no value, no meaning.

And on a selfish whim, I don't want Sumire to see me as a cold-hearted murderer. I don't want her to look at me and see a monster where her little sister used to be—the same sister who once dreamed of simpler times in our cramped attic, making up stories of a brighter future.

"So that Lady who was there the day mom died was a teacher of yours?" she asked.

"Hey! It's my turn to ask a question," I remarked, "So how did you, a person whose legs don't work, end up in Konoha, many, many miles away from the Hidden Rivers Village?"

"Ah," Sumire said faintly, her fingers stilling in my hair, "It wasn't easy, but when you're determined, the distance becomes irrelevant."

"Sumire, I'm being serious. Stop avoiding my question," I said, my tone firm as I sat up to face her directly.

She sighed, the glint in her eyes fading. "You're too inquisitive for your own good, little one. After mother's death, father wasn't very kind to me... In a way, we lost both you and mother when you left." She glanced away, placing her hands in her lap.

"He started drinking more... It was a nightmare," she continued, her voice trembling. "He turned the house upside down, searching for more money to drink away. And one day, he decided that I was too much of a burden for him to look after. After all, I'm disabled and unable to work. I bring nothing to the family but trouble," she sniffled, wiping away her tears.

"It wasn't long before he kicked me out of the house. Thankfully, some of the clan members took me in but I just couldn't bring myself to accept their help," she continued, her voice heavy with pain.

"I just couldn't bring myself to burden them... it would have been far too cruel. So, I just left, but I didn't get very far because well I'm disabled," she laughed dryly, "A shinobi found me and helped me get away from father, from the clan and he let me stay here... he said that I'll be safe here and did some sort of jutsu and said that traces of chakra energy will be hidden from other shinobi."

My eyes start to sting as I listen to her story. The pain and the loneliness she endured flooded over me like a wave.

"I'm so sorry Sumire," I cried, "I didn't know that leaving you caused you this much pain. I'm so so sorry."

"It's not your fault, little one. You had a duty to do," Sumire said, her voice softening. "I'm sure at some point, father would have kicked me out anyway. He never truly cared for either of us."

The tears wash over me, and I can't help but pull Sumire into a hug. Her frame is fragile against mine, and I hold her tightly, hoping to offer some comfort.

But wait.

I pull back slightly, my confusion and panic evident in my expression as my thoughts scramble to piece together the details of her story. Something doesn't add up. Why would a shinobi house a fugitive and conceal her trace?

"What do you mean that a shinobi helped you escape? A shinobi led you to this dingy shack and said that you could stay here?" I asked.

"Little one, you're terrible at this game—it's my turn to ask a question," Sumire chuckled, wiping away the last of her tears. "So, why did you cut your hair so short?"

I stared at her, frustration mounting. "Here you are, worrying about my hair when a so-called 'shinobi' takes you to this cabin, installs you in here erasing all traces of your chakra. Sumire, who is this man?"

"Nuh uh, answer me first."

"Fine, when I was doing my missions, my long hair stuck out like a sore thumb. It's just so bright and red. It didn't take much for enemy shinobi to recognise me as an Uzumaki. So, I cut it," I said, "Tell me, who is this man?"

"I... I can't seem to remember his name; he said that if I followed him, I'd meet up with you. So, without thinking twice I went with him."

"You're telling me you followed some random stranger, who for Kami knows why, knew who I am, and promised you could meet me?" I snapped, my voice rising in disbelief. The last threads of my composure had finally given way.

Sumire's eyes widened slightly, her fingers fidgeting nervously in her lap. "I didn't think it was dangerous," she whispered. "I was desperate to see you again."

The panic inside me bubbled over. "But that's just it, Sumire. You don't know who this man is or what his intentions are! What if he's already watching us? What if we've been played this whole time? What if he's related to someone I've killed in a mission and has installed you here to take vengeance by hurting you?" I stood up, pacing, my mind racing with every possible worst-case scenario, "If we try to leave Konoha, Kami knows if he will follow us..."

"I didn't think it would be like that," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just... I thought I was doing the right thing by coming here. I didn't mean to put you in danger, Y/N, I swear."

She lowered her head, guilt etching itself into every line of her expression. "I'm sorry... I just wanted us to be together again, away from all the danger."

I stopped pacing across the room as my thoughts tried to piece together who this 'shinobi' was.

"Sumire... what did this person look like?"

"I couldn't really see what he looked like, he wore a mask and he had a really deep voice."

Sumire's words sent a chill down my spine. "A mask and a deep voice?" I echoed, my mind flashing to the masked man who followed me from The Byakuya to the Hidden Rivers Village.

"Yeah... He always kept his face hidden. He said it was for my protection," Sumire continued, her voice trembling slightly. "Actually... I don't think he ever told me his name either, but he seemed to know everything about me—and about you."

Shit, shit, shit. It must be him. It must be the same masked man who burned down the village. The same masked man who wants me to spy on Kushina.

My heart pounded in my chest like a drum as my breathing became erratic and shallow as the realisation sank in. Shit, the masked man had gotten to Sumire long before he hunted me down. He must have been watching us from the shadows for who knows how long, always lurking just out of sight. He must have been. My chest tightened as every worst-case scenario ran through my mind.

"Y/N are you okay? Is there somet-"

"This man, we can't trust him," I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. Without waiting for a response, I rushed to the shelves, pulling open each drawer and shelf. My hands trembled as they fumbled through the scattered paper and clutter, desperately searching for an empty scroll.

"Y/N... are you in trouble?"

My mind doesn't register the question Sumire asked as it hangs in the air. I tear open the empty scroll with trembling hands, biting down on my finger until blood wells up. The urgency gnawed at me. I need to do something, anything to save Sumire.

"Y/N... what are you doing?" Sumire's voice wavers behind me, but my focus stays locked. I can't afford to lose control now as I draw out a jutsu on the scroll before inscribing the last few symbols.

"Sumire, this scroll contains a sealing jutsu," I explained, my voice trembling slightly as I rolled up the scroll. "It's a specific type of sealing jutsu... when you open the scroll, it will release my chakra, a signal that only I can feel. If that same masked man or someone who works with him shows up here, open the scroll and I'll know and I'll come to you."

Sumire's eyes widened as she watched me, her hands holding the scroll tensely.

"But... why do I need something like this?"

I couldn't bring myself to meet her gaze, "I don't know... I'm sorry. But we can't trust this masked man. We need to be prepared."

After handing her the scroll, I say my goodbye to her before making my way out of the dingy cabin and through the densely packed forest.

He must have anticipated my departure from The Byakuya long before I even made my decision. Had he been watching from the shadows all this time, pulling the strings without me knowing? It was the only explanation. It must be.

My thoughts were soon interrupted by a grappling vine emerging from the earth as it wrapped around my leg, stopping me in my tracks as I stumbled to gain my balance.

Kami, why does the floor love me so much?

"Long time no see Kunoichi Thirteen!" a voice chirped from above me.

"Oh, it's you, Zetsu," I said, anxiety coiling around my chest.

"Leader-sama wants updates on the Nine tails Jinchuriki," Zetsu said, as his tree branch wrapped around my leg tightened.

"What about her?"

"Cmon Princess, you know better than to play dumb with me."

"I have nothing to report about Kushina Uzumaki," I said, my voice unwavering as I refused to give up information about Kushina sensei.

Zetsu's grip on my leg loosens as he steps towards me, kunai in hand. His eyes glint with and a sinister smirk painted across his face.

"Dear Y/N, you're making me angry," Zetsu chuckles. Without skipping a beat, he drives a kunai through my arm, dragging the sharp blade down my arm. The metal rips through my deltoid muscle, relentlessly tearing away at my flesh as he twists the kunai over and over again.

I bite down hard on my tongue, trying to stifle the scream that threatens to leave my throat. If I scream now, the shinobi guarding the village gates will hear and will undoubtedly find out about Sumire and then my identity.

Besides, I can't give Zetsu the satisfaction of hearing my pain.

"Don't cross me again. The next time we meet I expect a full report on Kushina Uzumaki," Zetsu spat, as he pulled the kunai out of my arm. "Bye bye Y/N!" he cheered before seeping back into the earth.

My knees give in to the pain, causing me to collapse to the floor. I clutch my bleeding arm, teeth clenched tightly to suppress any sound. My mind races with fear and dread—how long will it be before Zetsu finds me again and demands answers about Kushina Sensei? What if he goes after Sumire?

My grip on my arm tightens as I try to stop the bleeding. Blood Manipulation: Blood bind. The blood which poured out slowly came to a halt as a thick mesh formed over the wound. The intense pain started to subside, replaced by a thick clot over the surface of my skin. The barrier of blood continued to pulse faintly, a constant reminder that this was my life now.

The thought of betraying Kushina sensei to the masked man at the cost of Sumire's life. Both their lives hung in the balance, suspended by a thread of my own making. The pressure of the situation, the looming threat of Zetsu and the masked man and the constant fear for both of their safety created a churning storm within me.

But for now, all I can do is play the role of the orphaned Y/N Uzumaki who has been taken in by the Leaf Village. I pick myself up from the ground, and after having scouted my surroundings, I make my way to the village towards Rin's house.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Making my way through the village at this hour has become clockwork. I slip through quiet side streets that are hardly occupied by civilians, much less by shinobi. The narrow alleys and corners provide me with respite from the ever-present watchful eye of any shinobi tailing me. Each step is methodical, each turn a familiar path in my nightly routine. The dim streetlamps cast long shadows, and the occasional rustle of the night breeze is the only sound that accompanies my careful movements.

I stand in front of Rin's door, contemplating knocking on her door as uncertainty shakes through me. Rin somehow convinced me that a sleepover is just what I need to assimilate into Konoha better and to make new friends. But my run-in with Zetsu shook me to my core, reminding me of why I am even here in the first place.

My very existence in Konoha is temporary, with Kushina sensei's life hung in the balance as well as the hope of a future with Sumire.

There's no point in turning back now, Rin is a shinobi I'm sure she has picked up on my chakra outside her door.

I lift my hand and knock gently, each tap quiet but deliberate. Moments later, I hear a hurried shuffle of footsteps approaching from within. The door creaks open, and Rin's face emerges, her eyes widening as they meet mine.

"You made it!" she cheered as she held my hands, ushering me inside her home, "For a second, I thought you wouldn't come."

She takes me into her quaint living room, decorated with soft, warm fairy lights which twinkled on the walls. Knitted quilts and blankets were scattered across the floor in front of the TV, as a movie mindlessly played. Rin gestured me to sit down as she handed me a warm cup of green tea.

"Y/N, I want you to meet my friend Kurenai," Rin said, introducing me to her friend with long dark hair that falls straight down her back and deep crimson eyes.

"It's nice to meet you Y/N! Rin's said so much about you," she chirped as Kurenai took a seat next to me.

"Thank you for letting me join your sleepover," I chuckled. "I've never really done this before. I'm not too sure what I'm meant to do. Was I supposed to bring something?" I said nervously before darting my gaze between the two girls.

"You've never been to a sleepover?!" Rin shouted in shock, "The pressure is high Kurenai, we need to make her first a good one!"

"You're gonna love it Y/N!," Kurenai chuckled, "Except, we're missing just one other person."

"I wonder if she'll ever show, you never know with Anko," Rin sighed as the two girls settled next to me on the couch as we sat and watched the movie that played on the TV.

"Were you guys in the same class back in the Academy?" I asked inquisitively.

"Yeah, all of us in our class are pretty close," Rin answered, "There's a whole bunch of us. Even though we're on separate teams we still meet up from time to time."

"What about you? Are you close with anyone from the Academy?" Kurenai asked as her soft crimson eyes glanced towards me.

"I wasn't in the Academy for long, but I get on well with my teammates," I replied, tucking my hair behind my ear reminiscing the times I've spent with my teammates so far. Kushina... Shisui... and Akira hold a dear place in my heart. It's something I never planned to happen in all my time here.

"Kurenai, did you know Y/N is on the same team as Shisui?" Rin exclaimed

"Really?! Tell me, what's it like being on the same team as Shisui of the body flicker?"

"I mean he's a really formidable shinobi, I even knew of him when I was in Kirigakure and he cares a lot for our team, always looking out for us and sensei."

"Yeah, we knew he's strong, but what I mean is that don't you find his friendly nature charming? That and the fact that he's a skilled shinobi." Kurenai continued, her tone light and teasing.

"W-what do you mean?" I stuttered as a blush painted my cheeks.

Kurenai's teasing smile widened as she noticed my reaction. "Oh, nothing much! But I think that reaction says a lot, Y/N"

"You should have seen Y/N and Shisui at the picnic a few days ago," Rin chuckled, adding fuel to the fire. "They were stealing glances, whispering to each other, and giggling nonstop!"

"W-what?!" I stammer. "No, we aren't like that! I mean he's a huge dork and he can be funny at times... But there's no way we are like that, right?!"

I remembered how he always had a way of making me feel seen and heard, even when I tried to hide what was really bothering me. The way he'd look at me with those warm, understanding eyes, like he could see right through the facade I put up. And the way he smiled—Kami, that smile—so genuine, so infectious. It made the weight of the world seem a little lighter, even if just for a moment.

My cheeks grew warmer as I recalled the way he'd ruffle my hair or flick my forehead when I was lost in thought, his touch lingering longer than it needed to. How sometimes, when he thought no one was looking, his gaze would linger on me, soft and thoughtful, like he was trying to figure out what was going on in my head.

Wait, was I... was I really thinking about him like this?

Rin's laughter pulled me out of my thoughts, and I blinked, realizing I had been silent for too long. "See? She's already off in delulu land thinking about him," she teased, nudging me with her elbow.

"N-no, I was just... I mean, we're just teammates!" I tried to protest, but even I could hear how weak it sounded.

Kurenai leaned in, her smile gentle now. "It's okay, Y/N. You don't have to pretend with us. It's obvious you care about him, maybe more than just as a teammate."

I bit my lip, looking down at my hands. Could they be right? I'd always admired Shisui as a shinobi, as a friend, but was it more than that? Did I... like him?

A small, tentative smile tugged at my lips. Maybe, just maybe, there was something there. Something that went beyond the battlefield, beyond our roles as shinobi. And as terrifying as that thought was, it was also strangely comforting. Because if there was anyone who could make me feel this way, who could make me believe in something more, it would be him.

"We're only playing with you Y/N," Kurenai reassured, "Well, it's good to see you settling in we..."

"Bitches, today we become women!" a voice screams, interrupting Kurenai. The sound of the front door being kicked open echoed through Rin's house as a kunoichi dressed in a mesh scanty top and shorts walked in.

"Anko, you know you could have just rung the bell, and I would have opened the door for you," Rin sighed as she welcomed Anko in.

"You know I like to make a flashy entrance Rin," Anko said as she made her way to the couch. She marked her territory on the couch, manspreading between me and Kurenai.

Anko's enthusiastic approach caught me off guard. "You must be the gorgeous, new Uzumaki girl," she exclaimed, her hands gripping mine firmly. In one swift motion, she pulled me closer and tilted my chin up so I had no choice but to meet her gaze. "Are you single by chance? And into women?"

If I wasn't as red as my hair before, I certainly was now. I quickly pulled my hands away from her grip, hiding my face between my palms, my brain short-circuiting from her unexpected comment.

"Anko don't assault her! Besides she's younger than us!" Kurenai sighed as she stood between me and Anko.

"Sorry no I'm not into women," I whispered, as words returned to my mind, "And yes I am single." [Author note: justice for the gays!]

"Better luck next time Anko," Rin laughed, as Anko's mood deflated as she slouched back onto the couch. "Anyways what's up with the 'Bitches we become women' comment?"

"Oh! Here," Anko said, jumping up from the couch as she pulled out a DVD from her pocket, "This movie will teach us everything we need to know about being women. About using our bodies to get what we want!"

"You're gonna make us watch porn?!" Kurenai asked horrified as she watched Anko dance around the living room.

"No... technically no," Anko argued as she watched Kurenai and Rin roll their eyes, "Hear me out! Imagine this... we are sent out on an espionage mission and our only weapon on our hands are our best ass'n'tits."

"Our what?" I questioned.

"Our assets," Anko coughed out. "Cmon, it'll be fun and maybe you two could take some notes. Maybe you'll be left inspired... Rin might even grow some balls to ask out Kakashi! And you Kurenai, maybe you'll stop running away from Asuma each time he comes to talk to you," Anko argued, calling out each of her friends before her gaze settled on me.

"And you, Y/N I'm sure that this movie will teach you just how to seduce... guys help me out here, who is she into?" Anko muttered as she looked at Kurenai and Rin.

"Shisui." The pair of them replied without sparing a second.

"What, oh Kami help me," I whispered as I realised I was playing a losing game.

"That's it. Our very own Y/N will be the one to seduce Shisui Uchiha!" Anko exclaimed as a light bulb went off in her mind, "And I can sit back and watch as you make me proud!"

"So should we just kick Anko out right now?" Kurenai asked deadpanned as all three of us held up our hands in agreement.

"You guys! You're so mean! What if this is a dream of mine?"

"You should dream bigger, Anko," I giggled, as we watched Anko collapse on the couch giving us all the silent treatment.

"It's okay she'll get over it soon," Kurenai reassured me as she took a seat next to me.

"Okay let's just watch a movie. I'll go put some rice in the cooker for us to eat," Rin said as she walked off into the kitchen.

"My movie?" Anko muttered, giving me and Kurenai a pair of shit-eating puppy dog eyes.

"No!" we said simultaneously, as Anko stuffed her head between pillows, refusing to make eye contact.

All four of us settled on the couch as we watched the movie. It wasn't long before soft snores filled the air as we watched Anko drool away on her pillow. Kurenai and Rin gently draped a blanket over her sleeping figure as I adjusted her pillows.

"I'm so happy you came today," Rin whispered to me, "I know that Konoha could never replace your family and your real home."

"We want you to one day call us your family," Kurenai added as they snuggled up to me.

My heart clenched. How could they, these people I barely knew, offer me something so precious when I am only here to betray their very trust.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Y/N has been providing for Sumire for years now, after their deadbeat father drank away his money. Not very slay of him. The masked man still has his monopoly over Y/N as the clock continues to tick, Y/N's time is slowly running out

But you guys this chapter was so fun to write! That little spark in Y/Ns head which burns for Shisui has spread like wildfire, no thanks to Kurenai, Rin and Anko. 

I love writing these 4 characters together (there is another chapter later where you will find yourself in the company of these three girls PS it might be my favourite chapter so far hehe) 

Also, I'm going away in a few days so I probably won't update until November-ish. I will be sat at the beach sipping away at cocktails, living life stress free until I come back (and realise I'm drowning in deadlines again). 

Loving you always, 

Suri

[chocochurrozz]

Time to yap @coolboynick I present to you my redeemed Smurfette au

So basically, in this au, Smurfette still served the same purpose she did when she was created, but when the others started avoiding her, she started to have second thoughts infact she was actually scared to flood the village but she wanted to please her father. Once the others found her from the water, she immediately started crying, thinking that they'd hate her for trying to kill them and that Gargamel would hate her for failing. Thankfully for her, Papa and Hefty saw some good in her, so they decided to let her stay, but they had her do tasks around the village to prove herself. Unfortunately for her, the others were pretty skeptical of her, knowing how she acted previously

To make it short, Smurfette wasn't turned into a real Smurf, but she still gets to live with the other Smurfs and some of them don't trust her after how she acted (also they don't know she was created by Gargamel)

[diazsdimples]

Keeping with the fairytale theme from the sleeping beauty ask ..

buddie + beauty & the beast 🌹

Fun fact: I played Chip in my school's production of this! Anyways.

Buck is Belle and Eddie is the beast. Buck was adopted by Bobby, and lives in a tiny village, and he loves it there. Mostly. It's a little small and everyone knows him but he's got loads of books to read and some good friends too. Only problem is, he's being incessantly chased by Natalia, some lady who's decided she's going to marry him, and no matter how hard he tries, he can't shake her.

Eddie, meanwhile, is the beast, cursed because of [insert tragic backstory here]. He lives in this big castle, mostly because it's a convenient place to hide himself and Christopher from the rest of the world. When he was cursed, his household staff (including Hen & Chim as Cogsworth and Lumiere) were turned into furniture. Very annoying, meddlesome furniture. And then, imagine his shock when a very handsome, very sweet young man seeks shelter in his castle because he's looking for his father (who Eddie might have accidentally imprisoned 😬). He's moved by this young man's pleas for his father's release, and honestly he'd like a bit more company around the place that isn't his son or his staff, so he negotiates. Buck stays. Bobby leaves.

Naturally, Eddie doesn't tell Buck about the curse, or about how he has to learn to love someone (and himself) for it to be lifted. He tries to make Buck's time there as pleasant as possible, whilst also reminding the man that he is a prisoner. He tries to keep Christopher away from Buck, but the kid has this irritating way of getting into places he doesn't belong and Buck finds him in the library one day. The two immediately strike up a friendship, and that's ultimately his way to Eddie's heart (and Eddie's way to Buck's)

Not easily deterred, Natalia and a bunch of thugs from the village storm the castle. Buck get caught up in the fight and, terrified that he's going to get hurt, Eddie flings himself in front of him and takes a pitchfork to the side. Buck pulls him away from the battlefield (its okay cause their magic furniture is badass af) and patches Eddie's wounds in his room. And that's when Eddie realises he's falling in love (and so is Buck). They fall asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, Eddie sees that his enchanted rose is back in full bloom, and he's shocked to find himself in human form. And so is Buck cause he fell asleep in this massive creature's furry arms and has woken up in the arms of someone that's frankly as hot as sin. Eddie realises what's happened and tells Buck about the curse, revealing that it could only have been broken by him falling in love. Buck, thankfully, puts two and two together and they sleep together. Chris is delighted to see his dad back as his dad and they live happily ever after (and Bobby moves in to the castle where he meets Athena and they live happily ever after too)

[petalouda85]

Chase

Fandom: Blades of Light and Shadow 2

Pairings: Tyril x f!human!MC (Kassandra)

Word count: 1.0k

Concept: Tyril encounters his worst enemy.

Tags: @mikaelsrose, @dutifullynuttywitch, @megas-choices, @starlight-starfury, @thosehallowedhalls, @choicesficwriterscreations , @lilyoffandoms

AO3 link: x

A/N: this started as a joke and I just ran with it. Something a bit more lighthearted than what I'd normally write and I think is much needed with everything going on. Hope you all like it

It was a lovely morning in the village. The blue skies were clear, and the afternoon summer sun was thankfully not too hot as Tyril and Kaya headed into Riverbend for their usual supply run, the toddler wrapped and strapped snuggly to her father’s back, babbling happily as they traversed the path into town. 

As they entered and headed to the various destinations on their errand run, the elf nodded greetings to all who he encountered, many of them also stopping to wave to the child on his back, the girl squealing with delight each time. In the few times he stopped to chat, usually at a stall, he caught up on the happenings in the small village.

On the forefront of everyone’s mind was a kerfuffle in the town earlier in the day; somehow, a pen of geese had gotten loose, and the creatures had ended up terrorizing and chasing some unfortunate folks around as they had traversed through town. Thankfully, by the time the elf had entered the village, almost all had been corralled back into their pen. 

Tyril went about his usual business, getting the items he needed, chatting to a few of the villagers before heading back to the sanctuary in the woods. Kaya had been babbling throughout most of the errands, ready to be set down and let out her energy. 

When they entered the homestead, Tyril gave the area a quick glance over, finding Kassandra nowhere in sight. Nothing to worry about; she’d probably just gone back into the house to take care of something. He knelt in the grass, putting his basket of goods down next to him, and he began to work away at the knots of the sling. Once loose, he carefully worked and moved the fabric and the child to the front. 

“Here you go.” He muttered as he placed her down on her usual spot in the grass, turning away slightly to continue with his unpacking but turning often to check on the child; last thing he needed was for her to wander off and he wasn’t about to have her close to the treeline again.  

The peaceful bliss of the homestead continued, the day progressing much as it always did, Tyril keeping a close eye on the little girl, at one point running to keep her from crawling too far away. 

The girl seemed highly entertained by her little attempted escape, laughing and giggling as her father carried her back. After he placed her down, Tyril watched her for a while ensuring she was staying in her spot before he turned back to his task. He cluttered around a bit more when there was a faint rustling sound of grass behind him. He smirked as he turned, expecting his little escape artist to be halfway to the treeline again. Instead, he froze in place, finding himself face to face with the creature he despised so much: a goose. Kaya was silent in her spot as she too looked to the bird, though it paid her no mind. It stared at him with those empty, beady eyes and he stared back, trying to deny the slight knot forming in his stomach. The goose stared a little longer, giving a small hiss before lowering its neck, picking up speed. 

“Oh no.”

He dashed towards the nearest thing to him that offered some height: a shut storage barrel. Quickly, he jumped up, stomach sinking when he noticed the goose still charging at him. Without a thought, he grabbed onto the edge of the roof and yanked himself up even higher. Once seated, he looked down, eyes widening when he saw Kaya still sitting in the grass with a cheeky smile on her face while the goose continued to hiss and squawk at him, angrily flapping its wings as it tried to reach him. It honked, making Kaya laugh. 

“Not helping, Kaya!” He said through gritted teeth, the child continuing to laugh. The noise drew the goose’s attention, making Tyril’s stomach drop. “Hey!” He shouted, the goose immediately looking back at him. “Eyes on me, you little devil!” It hissed at him again, still flapping its wings menacingly; he didn’t feel so brave anymore. 

“What in the hells is that noise?” He heard shouted from the door before Kassandra appeared around the corner, immediately stunned to silence. Her eyes met his before shooting towards the goose and then towards the still laughing toddler in the grass. She repeated the sequence again before her hand shot up to her mouth, covering up a laugh. 

“This is humiliating enough as it is!” Tyril shouted back, kicking towards the goose. He heard her burst out a laugh while the goose honked again. “Kassandra!” 

“Oh alright!” She laughed, shaking her head. She carefully walked towards the angry creature, hands held out in front of her at the ready.

In a flash, she grabbed onto the neck of the creature, just below the head and, in a quick maneuver, she chucked the creature high and far, back towards the treeline; in any other situation, he would’ve complimented her aim. As the creature frantically flapped its wings to slow the fall, Kassandra ran and grabbed Kaya.

“Time to head inside.” Tyril didn’t need to be told twice. He jumped down from his perch and ran after Kassandra into the cabin, locking the door behind them once they were both indoors. Both made a dash for the window, where they watched the goose land and ruffle its feathers. It honked grumpily before waddling back into the forest. 

As the creature disappeared, Kassandra burst out laughing again, Kaya joining her. 

“Very funny.” Tyril said, trying his best to look grumpy despite a hint of a smile at his lips. 

“It was for me.” Kassandra said while looking at their giggling toddler. “Daddy was being silly, running away from that mean goose.” Kaya giggled a little longer before she made a honking noise, the imitation rather poor though it made Kassandra laugh. Tyril took the little girl from her mother, giving her a little poke in her stomach. 

“Why do you do this to me, Kaya?” The girl simply honked again. The smile finally crept through his grumpy expression. He turned to Kassandra. 

“Not a word about this to Mal.” She teasingly smiled. 

“Not a peep.”

[one-of-many-journeys]

Day 75

Meridian

After my very late arrival to Meridian in the morning, I slept until noon. I'll need the rest. Out to trade fabrics and parts for my armour, then I set to work. The local weapons merchant was more than willing to lend me his space and tools.

I sewed the shield components into the fabric of my old Nora skirt, the one Teb gave to me, and reinforced an undershirt with ribs of machine tubing and plating along the back, tough leather at the front, to which I affixed the ancient armour. The sleeves are full-length, separate leather pieces, lined with fur and stacked with more shield generators. Threaded a ribbon through the headpiece to finish the set. Hooked it all up to a miniature force loader of my own design, synced the system into my Focus, and there it was. A sturdy shield.

Back in Olin's apartment, thinking. A dangerous thing with what might be my final battle just over the horizon. I thought of Rost, mostly. If he'd survived, maybe he would have joined me here, on this battlefield. What's a second exile for a soulless man? I haven't accepted defeat, far from it. I know exactly what Rost would say to that.

I applied his paint. All those years, all those symbols he tried to teach me, which I always ignored, and he never explained the one writ on his own face. Death-Seeker. The Nora believe the machines of the ancients were faithless, soulless things, after all, and that's where I came from. My soul has always belonged to the mountain.

This is my only mission—not just this battle, but all those to come as I forge ahead and repair Gaia, chasing her scattered, conscious subordinates. Chasing who or whatever made them so in the first place.

I was starting to get too deep in my head about it. Stopped by the lodge for a meal, and to show off my armour. Obviously. Then I rode the elevator down to the ridge to see who else had arrived over the past day.

The first I met, impossible to pass by on account of his enthusiastic greeting, was Teb. So he came after all. A little behind the rest, due to his injuries, but here nonetheless. Not fighting on the front, thankfully, but helping stock supply caches around the village and the path to the Alight. I'm glad he's here, despite my telling him to stay away. He was the first person besides Rost to show me any kindness that I can remember.

The next new arrival I met, to my surprise, was Elida. I was glad to see her doing so much better, and she'll likely be safer here than in Brightmarket. Both she and her father made the journey; she was stocking supplies along with Teb, and gave me something of my own. Just in case.

Vanasha and Uthid were making preparations too. I'm glad Uthid decided to join her in Meridian after all. The pair seem to be getting along well; Vanasha a woman of many words and teasing jokes, and Uthid enduring them in gruff silence, not without fondness.

Uthid thanked me again for stopping him throwing his life into the hands of a few greedy mercenaries. He didn't even come here just to seek a glorious death in battle. Not that he wouldn't cherish one if it came his way, I'd wager.

Vanasha actually bared her heart to me, a little. All those years as a spy, it must be novel being allowed to tell the truth she's kept inside. She endured Jiran's reign, the whips of his soldiers, cruelty of its priests and poverty of his people. Then she went west with them, all in service of stopping his legacy once and for all. The cult now marching on the city are the final remnants of the mad king's legacy. She's been waiting for this day for a very long time.

Petra was there too, but I knew she wouldn't miss this fight for anything. Her cannons—which inspired my own Behemoth force loader modifications—would now defend Meridian instead of breaking down its walls. I gave them another test run on a couple of training dummies across the river. She's had them mass-produced; four of them on the ridge and more up on the city walls, along with huge bowls full of bombs for ammunition.

Next I met Nakoa. Still scarred and sun-burnt, but looking much stronger and happier. She found the Nora's new title for me pretty amusing, but expressed her joy that the Matriachs have now opened the border to outcasts. She can return home to her brother and aunt once the battle is over. This fight against the Eclipse was personal to her too. The only raider feared more than Zaid in the Sacred Lands was Helis himself.

Next I spoke to Janeva, here along with his guards and the former prisoners of Sunstone rock, pardoned by Avad in exchange for their service. The king really is wasting no potential ally. Once this is over, there'll be no one left for Janeva to guard. Unless he decides to take prisoners, that is. Maybe his preferred, archaic manner of punishment would be the way to go for them.

By the riverbank, standing apart from the rest—or perhaps just hoping to avoid his former warden—was Nil. I worried for him after I made my departure at our intended arena, but he seemed to be doing as well as ever. Which is to say, not especially. He expressed his usual excitement at the chance to kill without recourse. Whatever happened to staying apolitical? Uncomfortable as his relish makes me, he's a formidable warrior. I'm glad he's here. If he survives the battle, which he's likely hoping he won't, I wonder what accepted enemy he'll turn his blade to next.

Further on, at the foot of the Alight, I met Inatut. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised, given he'd proclaimed his intentions to strike out as a Werak of one, but here he was, in the city of the man who challenged the honour of his tribe. The challenge Inatut almost died for. He was still wearing the clothes from a Carja corpse, but seemed more comfortable in them now. Better suited for the climate too. All his life he'd been a fighter, a bringer of brute force. What better way to test himself than in a great battle against a demon just like the one that plagued the Cut?

Closeby was Aratak, here for similar reasons. He'd brought half his Werak with him, all willing to join their former Cheiftain to repay her victory against the Daemon. I know it can't have been easy for them to make the journey—not just because of its length, but because they still bear the scars earned protecting their lands from the Carja. Aratak told me more of Cyan as well, that slowly, he was introducing hunters and Shamans of many Weraks to her and her knowledge. He's come a long way. I know Ourea would be proud of him, though she already held so much pride for her brother.

I made sure to let him know I beat his time at the Hunting Grounds too. He was already well aware.

Aluki was nearby as well, the overeager huntress I met at the Banuk encampment. She believed that I was responsible for restoring the machines' aggression in the grove, and though I tried to explain what had really happened, she thanked me for the service. She's about as Banuk as they come, living only to fight and fight another day. She came for the tall rumours of the Shadow Carja's death machines, as I'd hoped she would. I'm sure she won't be disappointed.

I headed back to the village, eating at the tavern. The village will be cleared out by nightfall, as it has been these past few days in expectation of the attack. Even if we can defend the city and the Spire, I doubt the village and surrounding farmlands will weather the force. And it's such a beautiful place.

Riding the elevator back up to the mesa, I stopped by the palace to check in with Avad and Marad one more time, rain starting up in a light fall as I walked over. Erend was there, looking out over the city. Nervous, I could tell, but he put on a smile and a jovial laugh when he spoke to me. Pressure's getting to him—the Vanguard, the soldiers, the city...Well, try the world.

Avad said preparations were all but complete. Marad's scouts in the west had spotted signs of activity and passed word back from the previous night. Ranks forming, carts of blaze being dragged out of the ravine in the Jewel. They estimated an attack very soon, maybe even as early as tonight. Lucky I returned when I did.

It must be difficult for Avad, here in the palace—and I don't mean any sarcasm in that. He may be safe and in luxury, but to watch the battle raging from his vantage, unable to intervene...He'll just have to trust that all his preparations have been enough. I know he's done all he can to defend the Spire, despite his earlier misgivings. I'm grateful. Of course, the whole world should be too, they just don't know it.

Back in the city square, by the defaced statue of Avad's father, damn cause of this whole mess, the soldiers and Vanguardsmen sat together, eager for my attention, for further news. They'd been instructed by Marad not to let news spread that the attack could occur this very night, but spread it had regardless. It was a tall order; they have families here. The city was swept up in panic, even more feverish than it had been these last few days. People carting their goods back to their homes, calling out for friends and family, whispering their private fears. We have to make sure the fighting doesn't make it this far.

By the memorial in the old Sun Ring, the priests led a hymn to the setting sun, just as beautiful and mournful as the first time I heard it, that first evening overwhelmed in Meridian as the stars came out. When I arrived in this place, its scale felt impassable, something I could barely wrap my head around—and a couple of weeks earlier Mother's Heart had instilled the same feeling of scale and relative smallness. Then I saw the world, that map of landmasses so large neither place was even an impression on its surface. And there are other worlds, or at least other planets. A long time ago, the Odyssey tried to make it to one. All of it, impossibly large, so nearly dead for good. Nearly so again, unless we win.

But what I kept thinking as I listened to the priests, looked around at the altars dressed with the affects of each tribe, with their own strange symbols and stories, was Apollo. If humanity had been given its knowledge as intended, would this mesa still stand empty, just a rock in the desert? What stands on it now, and in so many other niches carved into the new lands, could never be worth the suffering brought on by utter ignorance, but still, there is value in it. There's something here that wouldn't have been otherwise. All tribal myth ever did was hurt me; I thought that was all it was capable of, but what I felt inside the ring was like that brief warmth brought on by the Blessing in Mother's Heart. A part of something, more than I ever could have guessed. What I am is embedded deep into the metal bones of this world.

I wandered off to the temple overlooking the Spire. I watched the city's forces milling around up there, making ready. My forces.

Back in Olin's apartment just after dark. Exhausted, but restless too. It wasn't just nerves—I hadn't killed a machine all day. That's a first in a very long while, especially if you don't count the days I was unconscious in All-Mother mountain. I'm sure I'll more than make up for it once the Eclipse make their move.

I stripped off my armour and once again settled down to sleep in the bed of a man I killed. I kept thinking of Elisabet. More of her journals had been restored, and through them I learnt more about her life at Zero Dawn and Gaia Prime. The constant stress, the overwhelming guilt at the fate she'd consigned all of humanity to—a suicidal battle against an unbeatable enemy. My odds feel almost as slim, and here I've roped in all my allies with me. I would do it alone if I thought I could win.

Elisabet wrote of the Lightkeeper protocol, how 'creepy' it would have been to raise and train a clone of herself. I guess she'd be freaked out by the fact that I exist. I wish she could see me.

I spoke to Sylens through my Focus in a last ditch effort to gain even the coldest of comforts. No response. I wonder if he's still listening. Surely he'll be watching the battle from afar—he knows how crucial my victory will be. Is he closeby, ready to take my place if I fall? Somehow I think not. He has more in mind for himself than saving the planet.

No, I'll face the night alone. Could be I wake up to another peaceful morning—as peaceful as preparations for war can be. Could be I'm dead by sunrise. Less chance of that if I get some rest.

[crisiscutie]

Hi!! I love your work. I was wondering if you could write anything for Domestic Sephy where Darling actually gives birth to their children and it’s just a really sweet and tender moment? ❤️❤️🍼

-Anon

No problem~! Distant sequel to this fic/scenario..

Pairing: 🐈Fluffy Sephiroth/Domestic Darling🍳

Content Warning: None, besides focus on pregnancy/birth (not graphic)

Beads of sweat dripped down your forehead while your chest rose and fell, your breaths growing heavy by the moment. Sephiroth held you in a protective embrace, giving you a sweet kiss on your neck as you entered labor.

"I-I won't let you go..." His slit eyes were shut tight, as a singular tear trailed down his face. You forced a smile, attempting to reassure him as much as you were trying to reassure yourself. This wasn't your first time going through this, having experienced it four times already, but the discomfort and pain became no easier. Unlike the last times you two went to the clinic in the village, you and Sephiroth had chosen a home birth for the final part of your ten-year vow renewal.

"If this isn't a girl like you promised, you owe me big time," you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm certain of it," Sephiroth replied, attempting to force his own chuckle. While he appreciated your attempt to comfort him, his sole concern was your wellbeing. He had never enjoyed this part of your pregnancies, even with the assurance that nothing would go wrong. In his mind, something always could. When your whimpering started, he tightened his grip on you, hating to see and hear you in pain. Your midwife urged you to push more, prepared to catch your baby.

Your eldest children, especially Angelica, were watching your labor process closely and quietly. Sharing her father's love for science, Angelica in particular, was excited to witness this special moment and gain more knowledge. You gave her and the boys the opportunity to witness this moment, as long as they felt they could handle it. And thankfully, things had been going well mostly so far.

"Don't you want to see this part, Loz?" Angealica said, placing a soothing hand on her brother's shoulder. Loz had his hands covering his eyes, desperately trying to stay calm. He wanted to be supportive, like his siblings, but it seems even the star player of his school sports team had his limits.

"I can't look! You can just tell me what it looks like!" He croaked.

"...You ever seen a chocobo blink its eye?" Yazoo said to him. A piercing scream suddenly escaped your lips as you got closer to getting your child out. Even more tears trailed down Sephiroth's cheeks as he nuzzled into your neck. Oh, how much he wanted to relieve your burden of pain, or at least bear it alongside you. It's only right for him to do so as your soulmate. You screamed for so long, you lost track of time, silently praying for this agony to be over.

"Mother, Father. It's all over now!" Kadaj said, excited to see his newborn sibling now brought into the world, cradled in the midwife's arms. Both you and Sephiroth opened your eyes, beholding the crying baby before you. Once the baby was carefully attended to, the midwife swathed her in a gentle blanket and placed her into your trembling arms. Sephiroth's arms supported yours, allowing you to continue holding your pride and joy.

"Baby Lucrecia..." You whispered, holding her close to your chest for skin-to-skin. Sephiroth's hands caressed yours gently, as he rested his head on top of yours. "You were right, Sephiroth..." You murmured. A mixture of a heartfelt chuckle and a cry escaped him in response.

"I'm only glad that you're both here, my love..." He said. As you two took a moment to recover from the intense moment, Loz finally removed his hands and opened his eyes. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he saw on his newborn sibling for the first time. Meanwhile, the other three engaged in a lively debate over the perfect nickname for their little sister.

"Lulu should be her nickname," Angealica declared confidently. "because I'm the eldest and that's my decree."

"You may be our big sister, but I'm the one who leads us!" Kadaj retorted at her.

"Lucy sounds better. Much more dignified." Yazoo remarked in his usual monotonous voice.

You quickly shushed your eldest children while Sephiroth gave them a wary glance, conveying the same message to them. You two were in no rush for this beautiful moment to end so quickly...

Definitely didn't steal some of the dialogue from this clip, xD

[absurdthirst]

A Life Together {Pero Tovar x F!Reader}

Rating: Explict

Word Count: 13.5k

Warnings: First love, mentions of childbirth, mentions of death during childbirth, fear of childbirth, anxiety, handjobs, loss of virginity, mentions of brothels/prostitution, oral sex (female receiving), vaginal sex, threats of death, promise of forced breeding, non-con due to no protection, forced pregnancy, anger, vomiting, blood, childbirth

Comments: You have waited for Pero Tovar to come home since you were 17 years old. Now that he is back, your father has a demand. A grandchild to live off his land - despite knowing your very real fear of childbirth.

🚨🚨 DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT - This story contains elements of forced pregnancy, non-con elements due to that. Do not proceed if you object 🚨🚨

Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers

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|| MasterList || Pero Tovar MasterList ||

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says 'creator chooses not to use warnings'. You also agree that you're the right age to be consuming anything here.

“You’ve waited long enough, the boy is either dead or moved on.” Your father doesn’t rage at you, doesn’t raise his voice, but his eyes are flat - far used to beating this dead horse with you. “It’s time you do the same. It is your duty to marry, have children who can inherit my lands.”

Swallowing down the fear, you shake your head. Knowing that it would do no good to tell your father you had no intention of ever having children. You would not die screaming in childbirth from exhaustion like your mother. Having no desire to nurse a babe at your breast or waddle like a fat cow as one grows under your skirts. “Pero Tovar is the only man I have ever considered being my husband.” You remind him like you have countless times before. “You promised my mother that I could choose who I wed.” Thankfully, your father had loved your mother and would never risk her wrath in the afterlife to go against her wishes, leaving you free to pine for the boy who had left so many years ago to sell his sword in hopes of have the coin to properly pay the dowry that is now considerably less than it had been when you were seventeen.

**** 

“Pero!” You gasp when he kisses along your neck, fumbling like a seventeen year old does from lack of experience. 

“Mi amor.” Pero murmurs, caressing your waist. It’s more than he should be able to touch but you are in the woods, hidden from view, and he finds himself struggling to control his need for you. 

“Pero. Stop. We need to wait until the wedding!” You remind him and his hands fall from your waist. 

“There will be no wedding.” He declares and you spin around to face him, a frown on your beautiful face. 

“Wh-why?” You ask, lower lip trembling and he reaches out to caress it with his thumb. 

“I have no coin. My parents…they left me with nothing when they died. I am unworthy of you, hermosa. I must leave the village, earn enough coin to pay your dowry. I won’t be gone long, just long enough to be able to provide for you.” He promises and you shake your head. 

“I do not care about the coin. My father will waive the dowry. Please do not go. I love you.” You beg, gripping his tunic but he gently pries your fingers from him. 

“I must. What man would I be if I remained and was unable to provide for my wife?” He knows about you not wanting children and he’s content to grow old with you. Just you. 

“You’d be my husband.” You counter and he smiles, “one day soon.” His promise makes you surge forward to press your lips to his, who knows how long he would be gone for, you want to give him something to return to. You want him to take your innocence before he goes.

Pero groans when you reach down and cup his aching cock through the thin layer of his breeches, straining at them because of your beauty and his love for you. “Amor- no, I-” 

“Touch me, Pero.” You beg quietly. “I want to know what it feels like to have the man I love touch my bare skin, to - to deflower me.” The women in the village had taken it upon themselves to talk about what you would expect when you are married since your own mother is long gone. Some of it had horrified you, especially the part of them spilling their seed inside you. “Just- just do not spill inside me.” You beg. “I do not wish to - to grow a child.” 

“I can’t. I can’t take your innocence before I leave. I cannot leave your soul tarnished in case I do not return.” He murmurs, caressing your arms. “It would be more than I could handle to leave you here, deflowered, and reputation tarnished. Do not ask this of me. I would be the devil himself, amor. I will return to you.” He promises, leaning in to press his lips to yours again.

You whimper, pressing your lips to his but you know he will not change his mind. “I will wait for you, amor.” You promise breathlessly. “Until you return. I am yours, always.” There is no one else for you beyond Pero. You have loved him since you were children playing together. “Father will not force me to marry another, but please hurry. I wish to be your wife.”

****

Pero is exhausted. Fifteen years later and he's finally returning to the village he lived in as a child. He finally has enough coins after traveling east and he is tired. He prays to God that you are here but he doubts you waited for him. He would understand if you were married and have forgotten him. He has taken too long to return to you.

Washing clothes is never an easy chore but the cool breeze and bright sunshine makes for a happier time spent at the scrub board. The kettle boils over the outside fire, smoke curling up and you hear a horse neigh in the distance, making you look up from where you are stirring the dresses and shirts mixed with lye. Frowning when you see a large man on an even larger war horse. A soldier. Making you put down the paddle and warily watch as he makes his way down the lane towards your father’s home.

Pero sees you outside of your home and he inhales deeply. Fifteen years later and you’re still the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. “Amor.” He shouts out, kicking the horse’s side to speed up until he’s in front of the cottage. Once he’s near you, he’s swinging his leg over his stead in an effort to get closer to you and he rushes towards you, abandoning the horse. “Amor!” He shouts and pants as he stands in front of you, dragging you into his arms.

“P-Pero!” You cry out, astonished that the man in front of you is the same boy who had left your village fifteen years ago. You don’t recognize him, his features are hard, dark hair covering his face and there is a large, ugly scar that covers his left eye and cheek. You grasp his arms as he pulls you to him and tears slide down your cheeks. “You are alive! You are home!” You cry out, nearly sobbing with happiness that he is not dead like you had secretly feared. 

He feels like he’s home, finally. After so many years of fighting for his life and for coins, he has finally returned home to you. “I’m sorry I took so long to return to you. Are you- have you been wed?” He asks, terrified of the answer but he had already told himself that if you were married, he would leave and find another settlement.

Shaking your head, you don’t care that he is filthy from the road or that it’s been years since you’ve kissed him - fifteen to be exact - you lunge forward and press your lips to his quickly. “No, no I am not.” You promise breathlessly between kisses. “I said I would marry no other than you. Now father will be happy.” You giggle, tears still falling and your arms are around his neck and holding him close as if you are afraid he will slip away. 

His hands cup your cheeks, pulling back to look at you, and he shifts to kneel, fumbling for his coin purse. He takes out the gold ring he had crafted and kneels in front of you, reaching for your hand. “I have traveled to the far east and back and no one could compare to you, mi amor. Will you marry me?” He asks, knowing he isn’t one for grand gestures but this has been fifteen years in the making, the gold ring in his hand.

“Yes! Yes!” You cry out, launching yourself at him again and it’s only because of Pero’s strength that you don’t knock both of you down to the ground. Kissing him excitedly as you imagine marrying him and finally having the man you love touch you like you have dreamed of for years. “You -  you need to talk to my father. He will be happy that you have come back to take me off his hands.” 

He grins, “I’m sure he will be.” Pero pulls back so he can slide the ring onto your finger, thanking God that everything had worked out despite taking fourteen years too long. He’s killed, he’s fucked, he’s no longer innocent and he knows he needs to disclose that prior to your union. “Let me stable my horse and I would like to speak to your father. I have your dowry and enough to provide for our life together.”

You nod. “I will get some food for you and father while you talk.” You know that he must be weary, it looks like he has traveled a long way and after you get some bread, meat and cheese together, you will start heating water for him to bathe. Your chores have most likely doubled, but you can’t stop grinning as you kiss him again once more and rush off to tell your father that Pero has come home. 

**** 

Your father chews the bread as he stares at Pero. “You’re back.” He states the obvious and Pero nods, “señor, it took me too long to return to your daughter. I understand if you are angry but I still love her and wish to marry her.” 

Your father snorts, “she refused to marry anyone else and she is now an old maid so I pray you are prepared to marry her.” Your father leans closer, watching you through the window as you gather the water for a bath. “I have one condition.” Your father says and Pero nods, “name it.” 

Your father sighs, “I have no other children. Her mother, bless her soul, died during childbirth and I could never marry again. I wish for my daughter to have a family to raise on this land. That once I am dead, the land will pass to you and then onto your son. I do not want to end the family line.” Pero hesitates, knowing that you did not wish to have a child. Unless your opinion has changed. 

“She does not wish to have a child.” Pero answers and your father shakes his head, “it’s required. You cannot marry her unless you promise me she will bear a child.” He says and Pero nods, “very well.” He will have to speak to you and he will stand by his wife, no matter what your father says.

Leaning back, your father’s eyes narrow, knowing that the younger man has given in too easily. “If she is not carrying a child within months of you bedding her, I will make sure that she remarries someone who will plant a child in her belly.” 

Pero frowns, “but we will be married.” He argues, knowing the church would never allow you to marry another. 

Your father shrugs, “You will be met with an unfortunate hunting accident in the woods. She will mourn and then I will have her married to a man who will fulfill my wishes to have our family remain on this land.” He threatens softly. 

Pero stares at his soon to be father in law, knowing that the man isn’t bluffing. He would have Pero killed if it meant protecting his bloodline. He nods, “very well. Give me six months and if she is not with child….” He trails off, not letting the older man break his gaze.

Your father nods after a moment and picks up his mug of ale. “We understand each other then.” He grunts before he takes a long drink from his cup. “After you eat, bathe.” He huffs. “You stink and I am sure that my daughter would prefer you to be sweet smelling when you bed her tonight.” He glances over at the boy he had known who is now a man. “You didn’t get the rot, did you? Cock still works?” He knows there is no way the boy saved himself for his daughter, it’s not the way that world worked for men. 

Pero snorts, staring at your father for a moment, “it still works.” He promises and your father nods, pleased that Pero had taken care of himself. 

“I will order the priest to come here to wed you tonight. No time to lose, my daughter has spent too long yearning for you.” Your father stands, readying himself to head into the village to fetch the priest. 

Pero watches him go and sees you struggling with the pail of hot water. “Amor.” He tuts, taking the bucket to pour it into the tub you have sitting in the main area of the cottage. He pours the water in and follows you to fill it from the fire you set up outside for boiling water. “I shall do this.” He tells you, working fast to fill the tub and he has no qualms about stripping down in front of you to sink into the tub. You are to be married, you shall see him naked at some point.

Your soft gasp isn’t because you are shocked that Pero stripped down in front of you. It’s due to the fact that you are seeing every inch of his skin for the first time. You see every scar and mole, freckle and imperfection. His cock is flaccid, hanging between his legs as he walks over to climb into the tub and you wonder if it grows larger or just gets hard. You’ve been privy to many conversations with the other women to not know that cocks are different. “Let me…” you rush over to grab the crock of soap and a rag, as well as another bucket to rinse him off. 

Pero feels your eyes on him and he sinks down into the warm water, groaning after so many days on horseback. “Do you have any scissors, hermosa? I need to cut my hair.” He gestures to the long locks he was unable to cut prior to arriving on your doorstep. He would’ve stopped off to clean up but he was too eager to finish the journey home.

“I do.” You nod and set down the items next to the tub before you rush off to get your shears. It’s thrilling to have him home again and you have butterflies in your stomach. Plucking them out of the basket and hurrying back over to the tub and Pero. “What did my father say? Did he thank God you were home so his daughter will no longer be a spinster?”

Pero chuckles as he uses the soap to clean off the dirt. “He is fetching the priest for us now. I think he is eager to have you married off, mi amor.” Pero looks up at you as you kneel beside him. He stays still so you can start to cut his tangled locks. “Te amo.” Pero murmurs, watching you with awe, unable to believe he gets to have you after so many years away.

“I love you.” You promise, using your fingers to comb through his hair. “I- I have not let another touch me.” You reveal, wanting him to know you had kept your word and waited for him. “But I - I think that you will have experience, yes?” You ask softly. “That is the way of men. To learn how to please their woman in the beds of others?”

Pero nods, reaching for your hand, “I will not pretend that I have not spent a night in a woman’s bed but I want you to know that no one else has possessed my heart. Even if a woman had my body, for one night, it has always been you who owns my heart, my soul. I was always planning to return to you and if I returned to find you with another, you would have kept my heart in your hands.” He vows, caressing your hand with his thumb.

You bite your lip, knowing that you are luckier than most, he returned to you. His dark gaze bores into yours and you nod. “I would never have married another.” You kneel down next to the tub and your hand slides out of his to drift over your chest. “I want-“ your hand slides down, eager to learn your betrothed’s body. Slipping under the water to touch his cock like you had when you were seventeen, except this time there is no cloth between your hand and his manhood.

Pero hisses when your fingers wrap around his cock. He immediately starts to harden and he is well versed in intimacy now. He doesn’t need to push you away, but he still feels guilty about seeking pleasure before you are wed. “Amor. You don’t - I don’t require you to do this.” He promises you, groaning when you squeeze him and he tilts his head back against the tub. It’s been so long since he’s been touched, not wanting to spend his coins, wanting to come home with as much as possible for you.

“I want to touch you.” You promise him breathlessly, marveling at how he is growing your hand. Wanting to give him pleasure since he kept his word to you. “Wanted to since I was fifteen. Let your wife pleasure you.”

He groans when you squeeze him again and how can he possibly deny you after you’ve waited so long for him? He reaches down to cover your hand with his, slowly squeezing and he starts to pump, his cock hardening fully in your grip. Hearing you call yourself his wife has him on edge already and he hisses when you squeeze and start to pump him. “That’s it, amor. That feels so good.”

Your brows knit together, watching his face as you stroke him just like he’s directing you too. Moaning softly when his cock pulses in your hand and you realize he’s enjoying this. “I want you to fuck me tonight.” Your language is much coarser over the years, few believing you are pure and not holding their tongue around you like they would a younger maiden. “Take my innocence and show me pleasure.”

He groans, letting go of your hand so you can explore his cock. He wants you to touch his body and get to know it as well as your own. Pero grunts when you twist your wrist and your blouse gets wet from the way the water splashes. “I’m going to make you feel good, hermosa.” He promises, “I will make it worth the years you’ve waited for me.”

“I touch myself some nights.” You confess, eyes sliding away so you don’t see his surprise or disapproval. “In the dark and under the covers, thinking of you.” He is still as handsome as you remember, maybe more so with age. You look back down at your hand. “It’s so big now.” You murmur. “You grew even more.”

Pero’s stomach twists at your words, “you will need to show me how you touch yourself, hermosa. I want to know how to pleasure you, to make sure you enjoy yourself.” He reaches up to cup your cheek, bringing your gaze back to his. Your hand squeezes his cock and he groans softly, “this cock is yours now. Yours until I die.”

“Mine.” You love the sound of that and you twist your wrist, pumping his cock faster. “Pero, I love you.” Leaning in, you press your lips to his, wanting him to reach his peak as you work his pulsing length in your hand.

He pants into your mouth, sliding his tongue against yours as you twist your wrist just right and it sends him over the edge. “Fuck. Fuck. Amor. Fuck.” He groans against your chin as his cock starts to pulse in your hand, spurts of hot seed mixing with the water and he presses his lips to yours.

You hum, the lips of your sex dripping with arousal as you watch your fiancé cum. Slowing your hand down to let him bask in the pleasure and letting him go when he starts to soften. “Now.” You peck his lips again and smirk. “It’s time to finish cleaning you up so we can get married.” You murmur.

Pero chuckles, realizing how much he’s missed your bossy nature, remembering the way you’d order him around as children. “Sí, señora.” He winks and he allows you to finish cutting his hair. After he’s washed, he cuts the scruffy beard to shave into a neat mustache. “Am I suitable for marriage?” He asks you once he’s dressed.

“You look….different.” You admit softly. “More handsome, but fierce.” Your fingers brush over his scar and you lean in to kiss the marred skin. “I will be happy to exchange vows with you, but….” You sigh softly. “I still never wish to have children, Pero. I know you were agreeable to that when we were children, but if you have decided that you need sons..” you step away. “I will understand if you choose not to marry me.”

Pero stares at you, your father’s warning in his mind, but he reaches for your hands, taking your hands in his. “Amor. I am not marrying you for children. I am marrying you because I love you. I love you. I have fought tooth and nail to return to you. I would have crawled back if I had to. I love you. For you. I’m marrying you.” He says, squeezing your hands.

Sighing in relief, you smile at him. “Thank you.” You close your eyes and take a deep breath. You had been a little worried that he had changed over the past fifteen years, wanting things that you weren’t going to give him. It would be better to know that now than to find out after he was bound to you and there was nothing to be done to free yourselves. You won’t die like your mother and countless other women in your village. “I should bathe and get ready for the priest as well.”

“I shall leave you to get ready, mi amor.” Pero murmurs, kissing the back of your hands, one after the other. He lets go of you and steps away, deciding to go for a walk so he can reacquaint himself with your father’s land. He must consider his actions. Your father is demanding children, you do not wish to have children. He is torn, wishing he could honor your wishes but he hasn’t come this far to die at the hands of some farmers. When he sees your father walking down the path with the priest, he walks up to greet the priest, glad to see it’s the same man who baptized him as a babe.

“Pero Tovar.” The priest smiles as he comes close, reaching out to clasp the younger man on the shoulders. “You have returned home to your love.” He hums, aware of your stubbornness to move on from your childhood love. While some would have concern about the willfulness of a woman, the priest had borne witness to the love between the two youths before Pero had left to sell his sword and earn coin to be worthy of marrying you. “Do you need to have confession before you wed your bride?” He asks, knowing that Pero might not have spoken to a priest on the road home. 

Pero knows he would spend a week telling the priest all of the sins he’s committed prior to marrying you, but he cannot tell the priest that. “I already visited a church on my way home, wanting to offload my soul prior to marrying.” He adds another sin to the list but he will confess privately, his relationship with God is still intact. 

“Very well. Is your bride ready?” The priest asks and your father slaps Pero on the shoulder, “I shall fetch her.” Pero nods and guides the priest over to the tree that Pero used to spend hours underneath with you, talking of your future together. A future that is finally happening.

Your hands are shaking when your father comes into the house, staring at you for a moment. “your Pero is waiting.” He tells you gruffly, reaching out and brushing your cheek with the back of his knuckles in a rare moment of gentleness. “You look like your mother.” He praises, patting your shoulder and turning to walk out of the house, knowing you will follow him. Your steps are quick, and you nearly rush forward when you see Pero and the priest standing under the tree. 

Pero wipes his hands on his breeches, watching you as you walk towards him, the sun shining down on you and you’re like a gift from God. Despite the blood on his hands, he has returned home to find you waiting for him. A wish he doubted would come true. He takes your hand in his, squeezing as you come to stand beside him.

You can barely hear a word the priest is saying, your heart is pounding so hard. The blood rushing through your ears and unable to do anything else but sneak glances at Pero as he stands tall beside you. You are finally marrying your love, becoming Pero’s wife. Something you have dreamed of since you were a child. 

He squeezes your hands, watching you and barely listening to what the priest says, words about the sanctity of marriage. Pero knows he has waited his entire life for this moment. He knows the weight of becoming your husband, and he knows he is ready to be by your side until the day he dies. After repeating the vows, he leans in to kiss you. It’s soft and sweet in front of the priest and your father who looks relieved that you are finally wed.

Melting against Pero, you sigh into the kiss and close your eyes. Happy that you have not been proclaimed to be Pero’s wife. You smile happily when you pull away and stare at him with stars in your eyes. “Husband.” You murmur softly, squeezing your husband’s hand. You turn to your father and grin at him. “I told you I would marry Pero.” 

Your father chuckles, “you did.” His eyes drift over to Pero who nods his silent thanks to your father for letting him marry you. 

“Mi esposa.” He murmurs, caressing your cheek, and the priest smiles, “congratulations.” He tells you and Pero who thanks him. 

“Come on, father. I’ll be spending the night at the inn to give them some privacy. Let us walk back.” He pats the father on the shoulder and guides him down the path back to the village after telling Pero “look after her.” 

He nods and watches the older men walk away before he turns to look at you, “come, mi amor. Let’s go home.” He takes your hand to guide you back to the cottage.

You know you shouldn’t be nervous, you know what to expect and Pero would never hurt you. Still, your stomach jitters and your skin is covered with goosebumps as he leads you back to the cottage. Back to the bed that had been yours alone for so long but now that you would be sharing with your husband.

Pero is nervous, not nervous for sex. He’s had sex plenty of times, but he’s never had sex with you. With his wife. He exhales shakily and reaches for you, pulling you close so he can softly kiss you. He takes his time, in no rush, and he pecks your lips several times before deepening the kiss, his hands trailing over your body. “Hermosa, you are - you are exquisite.” He declares, kissing down your neck.

Panting slightly, you close your eyes and let him touch you however he wants. While you wish you had both lost your innocence together, you trust him with everything you are. Knowing that he would never hurt you. “I want you.” You whimper. “More than I did fifteen years ago.”

“I have always wanted you. Even when I was sleeping on the hard ground, when I was in an inn, when I was beside another woman…you were on my mind. I’ve missed you.” He admits, gently turning you around so he can work on untying your bodice. He desperately wants to see you bare before him for the first time. “Te amo.” He murmurs, kissing your back as he makes quick work of your clothes.

“Te amo.” You moan softly, shivering despite the warm fire in the grate of the hearth. One the laces are loose, you feel him start to pull up your dress to remove it. Happy you had bathed quickly after he had left earlier, you know you are ready to spend your wedding night in your husband’s arms.

Pero kneels down to remove your shoes, placing them on the side and he stands up when the dress falls from your body to let his eyes drink in the sight of your form figure. “Fuck. Hermosa. Mi esposa.” He groans, leaning down to take a nipple into his mouth after he cups your breasts.

“Pero!” You cry out, knowing that you will never experience this again. Not like the first time. The exquisite feeling of his mouth suckling at your breast. “Oh god, husband, it’s so good.” You moan, tangling your fingers into his hair.

He loves your praise, sucking on your breast and biting down on your nipple. He’s determined to make this good for you. “Fuck, hermosa.” He hisses when you reach down to squeeze his cock but he doesn’t want you to touch him yet. This is all about you. He groans your name and switches over to your other tit, biting and sucking.

You whimper his name again and tug on his hair. Loving how he is making you feel bursts of pleasure as he toys with your breasts. “I want-“ you whine, not sure what you want. You just know you need him. The ache between your thighs grows stronger as every minute passes.

He knows what you want, what you need, and he’s going to give it to you. He lets go of your breast and grips your waist, guiding you backwards towards your bed until the back of your knees hit it. He lays you down and when you fall back, he kneels at the foot of the bed. “I want to see you.” He orders and caresses your calf, his thumb rubbing your skin until he’s spreading your legs to expose your cunt to his hungry gaze. “Bonita.” He gasps softly, shifting to lay on his stomach and he presses kisses along your inner thighs.

“Pero.” You whimper, having been told this type of pleasure is extremely rare, most men not wanting to put their mouths on a woman’s mound because of her monthly. Instinctively, your legs try to close, preventing him from doing anything he would regret.

He tuts and grabs your thighs, pushing them open again and he shakes his head at you. “I want to taste my wife’s cunt. Do not deny me.” He demands and leans in to slide his tongue through your folds with a groan when your slick hits his taste buds.

You cry out, squeezing your eyes closed in embarrassment and arousal. Unable to believe that the same tongue that had been in your month is now licking your cunt like he was trying to learn how you taste from the inside. Making you gasp as you wonder if he had done this to all the women he had been with while he was selling his sword.

He learned about oral pleasure from a whore he paid for the night. For some reason, he told her about his quest to return back to you and she taught him how to properly pleasure with his tongue, making him promise to do it to you upon his return. He recalls every move, sliding his tongue up to flick over your bundle of nerves and licking deep inside of you.

Gasping, your hips jerk up but your husband throws his arm over your hips to keep you pinned to the bed. Making you stay still so he can continue his delicious assault on your cunt, especially the little button that you rub when you touch yourself in the dark. It feels so much better when he flicks his tongue against it and you babble his name repeatedly with calls to God, unable to stop yourself from getting louder the more pleasure builds in your stomach. 

Pero is aching, cock pressed against the bedding despite you touching him prior to the wedding. He’s waited fifteen years to have you and the need is steadily rising. He needs to stretch you out, prepare you, so he pushes two fingers inside of you slowly while he sucks on your clit with a groan.

You whimper, eyes closing and your fingers twist in the sheets of your bed. Feeling fuller than you ever could with the one finger you had slipped inside of you in shame as you imagined your Pero taking you. “Oh, oh Pero.” You whine, unconsciously rolling your hips down. “I don’t- what is happening?” This is more than anything you had ever managed to make yourself feel. 

“You’re going to cum for me, hermosa.” He says, continuing to push his fingers deep and he watches you writhe with pleasure he’s giving you. “I want you to soak my fingers and then I’m going to take what’s mine. My beautiful esposa. Mi amor. It’s been too long. Cum for me.” He orders, resuming his licks over your clit while he curls his fingers deep inside of you.

It takes some time, the pressure abating before coming back and making your entire body lock up. Your cunt bottoms out around his fingers, sucking them in tight and washing them with a flood of your juices. Making you lurch up off the bed when you scream his name. “Perooooooo!”

He groans into your flesh, loving the way you clamp down on his digits, and he works you through your orgasm with small, kitten licks to your clit, and he scissors his fingers to try and stretch you out. He withdraws them after a few moments and shifts off of the bed to begin pulling his tunic off.

There is zero shame in your eyes as you watch your husband strip. You’ve seen him naked and are eager to feel his body against yours. Biting your lip as he shucks his breeches, you watch the heavy swaying of his hard cock. “That’s what it looks like when you’re standing?” Your eyes widen and you giggle slightly. “It looks painful.”

Pero chuckles at your wide eyes and he shakes his head, “it’s painful when it’s left too long. It aches. Like I have a deep need to be inside of you.” He explains, shifting to kneel on the bed, and he watches you as he grips his cock. “Do you wish to have me inside of you?” He asks, wanting you to be sure even though you are bound by marriage.

You moan, spreading your legs wider. “I’ve wanted you inside me since I was fifteen.” You promise him. “Please, take me. Claim your wife and show me how it feels to have my innocence taken by the man I love.” You beg, reaching for him.

Hearing you announce that you want him inside of you, has Pero twitching in anticipation of being inside of you. “Amor.” He murmurs, shifting closer and he caresses your thigh before he moves to his elbows so he can press his lips to yours. Shifting his weight, he grips his cock and positions it at your entrance, his eyes open and on your face as he starts to push inside of you.

It doesn’t hurt like you had imagined it. All the young brides talked about the pain that felt like they were being ripped apart. It’s different, you’ve never felt like this before, but it doesn’t hurt that bad. More of a dull ache as he pushes into the hilt. “Pero.” You moan, lifting a leg and wrapping it around his waist on instinct. “God, amor, you fill me up.” You pant quietly.

He slides his arms underneath you, pulling you closer as he is fully inside of you. Kissing along your jaw, he’s struggling to control himself after so many years of yearning, dreaming of this moment. “So good.” He murmurs, loving how wet and hot and tight you are. The fact that you’re the woman he loves makes it even sweeter. “Are you okay, amor?” He asks, wanting to check before he starts to move inside of you.

“Yes.” You whine softly, smiling even though your eyes are closed. “So good.” It feels perfect, like you are finally completed. When Pero pulls his hips back, you huff, wanting him to stay buried in you the entire time but you know he cannot. Not if you want to experience more pleasure. “Please, Pero.” You beg, opening your eyes and looking up at him hovering over you. “Make love to your wife.”

He can’t deny you anymore, he has to move. Slowly rocking his hips, he pushes inside of you again and withdraws. Slow, unhurried thrusts that have him pushing deep and your moans make his stomach clench. There were times that he didn’t think he’d get to have this, that he wouldn’t return to you, that you wouldn’t have waited for him. It’s intoxicating to know that you sacrificed so much time to wait for his return, not even knowing if he would. “Te amo, amor. Te amo.” He groans, kissing along your neck to your lips.

You don’t know when the tears start, but they slide down your temples as he works himself in and out of your body. Joyous tears because you are finally experiencing Pero’s touch. As your husband. There had been times where you wondered if he had died, that he was never coming home to you. But now he is here, putting down his sword and you can spend the rest of your lives together.

Pero frowns when he sees your tears, “are you okay, amor? Am I hurting you?” He asks, caressing your cheek to wipe away your tears and when you shake your head, he’s relieved. 

“I am so happy you’re here.” You admit and he smiles, stopping his movement inside of you so he can bring your gaze to his. 

“Me too. I thought of you every damn day I was away from your side. I dreamed of you, of being with you. I would’ve crawled back on my knees to be with you.” He vows, kissing your cheek when another tear falls.

You don’t think that it could be any more perfect, Pero takes his time and slowly builds up a rhythm that takes your breath away and makes you hold him tight. “I- I feel- it’s so good.” You babble quietly. “More- I just- I need-“ you aren’t sure what you need but you know he will take care of you, like he always had before he left.

He knows what you need. He rocks into you a little faster, groaning your name and he lifts your leg up onto his hip so he can sink deeper inside of you. “Amor. So - so - perfecta.” He murmurs, shifting his weight so he can rub your clit. It’s been too long since he was inside of a woman and he can feel his balls pulling up. He wants you to cum first.

“Pero!” The pressure against your clit is perfect, giving you exactly what you need to fall over the edge. Your body shakes and your hoarse cry fills the room as your walls clench down around him.

The way you clench down around his cock and soak him has him gritting his teeth to control himself. He knows he should cum inside of you, fulfill your father’s request, but he can’t betray you like that. He pumps inside of you three more times until he’s pulling out, gripping his cock and jerking himself before his hot seed paints your belly.

“Oh….oh god.” You pant, watching him fall apart is the sexiest thing you’ve ever seen. “That’s so good. So good.” You give a happy little giggle. “Can we do that again?”

Pero chuckles breathlessly, chest heaving as he looks down at you covered in his seed. “You’ll have to wait, amor. I’m not a young man anymore. I - it takes time for my cock to harden again but we have all night. I want you to be worn out with pleasure come sunrise.” He promises, reaching for his tunic to clean his cum off of you before he lays down beside you, pulling you into his arms. “Sleep and I’ll wake you up once I’m ready for you.”

****

“Oh Pero.” You moan softly, eyes closed and fingers tangled into his hair. It’s been a month since he has returned to you and your world is nothing but complete bliss. Tangled up in his arms every morning and night, you have gotten to know how good love making is. Even if you don’t know what it feels like to have your husband finish inside you, always pulling out to spend his seed on your belly due to your wishes. Now his tongue flutters over your cunt before the cock even crows outside. “Make me cum before I must start breakfast.” You beg breathlessly.

He smiles against your folds, loving how eager you are for him. Not a day goes by without you wanting him to give you pleasure. He has been working on building a cottage for you, a wedding gift he keeps secret when he leaves the home to go tend to the land with your father. Your father has been boarding in the nearly complete cottage to afford you privacy as a newly married couple but Pero can feel the pressure from your father to breed you. Especially when you announced your monthly bleed, Pero felt the weight growing heavier. “Amor. I want you to cum on my tongue.” He demands, sliding his tongue inside of you and curling it deep, his nose pressed against your clit.

It’s so easy to give in, especially when he orders you to in that sexy, gruff manner of his. His voice is even more gravelly with sleep. His tongue flicks and you fall over the edge, legs shamelessly draped over his shoulders and your hips lifting to push his tongue even deeper into your gushing cunt.

When you clamp down on his tongue, he groans and works you through your orgasm, loving how you whine his name into the dawn. “Fuck.” You curse and Pero grins, kissing your thighs as your chest heaves. 

“I have a surprise for you today, amor.” He murmurs, his dark eyes focusing on you.

“What?” You grin as you imagine some new position or trick in bed. It has been an experience learning everything Pero knows from the brothels he had spent time in. He had told you about some of it, not wanting to hide it from you and while you wish he had never had to seek out pleasure elsewhere, you are grateful to the women who had taught him about pleasure. “Do I have to get dressed?”

Pero nods, shifting to lay down beside you. “Yes. You have to get dressed. It’s outside.” He strokes your arm, taking your hand in his and kissing the back of it until he presses his lips on the gold band on your finger. “Get dressed. Put your shoes on.” He demands and shuffles off of the bed so he can get dressed and wash up quickly.

It must be exciting if Pero isn’t going to fuck you. Sliding out of the bed, you grab the shift that you had stopped wearing altogether. Every night when you tried to put it on, Pero would just strip you out of it. It was easier, and cooler, to just sleep naked. Washing up quickly, you dress and smile when he is done. “Do you want to have breakfast or wait until after your surprise?”

"Let's take it with us." He says, knowing you can gather some bread and cheese and jams to take on your journey. You nod and work fast to put together a basket. Once you're ready, you walk hand in hand, Pero guiding you through the woods to the cottage he has lovingly built for you. Your father is there, smiling at you and he is proud of the work Pero has put in.

“Pero-“ the scent of fresh wood shavings and the plaster between the stones fills the small clearing. The new cottage is shining like a diamond and you gasp when you see glass in the windows. “You- you built this?” You demand, unable to believe it, although you know these woods and it was not here the last time you were out here. “This is for us? We are not living with father?”

Pero nods, squeezing your hand. "I still need to finish making some pieces of furniture but I thought you would like to see our home. Your father deserves his privacy and this way, he's close but not too close." Pero tells you and your father nods, "plus I would still like to be close to see my grandchildren."

You swallow harshly, panicked at the thought and shake your head. “No- grandchildren? No, I’m sorry, we aren’t having-“ you let go of Pero’s hand, your breathing suddenly shakes and your heart pounds. “No children. I won’t be like them.”

Your father glares at Pero who avoids his gaze and wraps his arm around you. “Amor. Let me show you the inside.” He guides you over to the door, opening it to show you the interior of the cottage he lovingly built, avoiding the glare of your father.

“I can’t, Pero I can’t have children.” You panic, shaking your head as you look at him frantically. “I can’t, I - I can’t.” You beg him to understand as you turn towards him in the little living space of the cottage. “I thought you understood, that you accepted that.” Tears start falling down your cheeks.

Pero looks over at your father who is standing at the door, “can we have a moment?” Your father nods and leaves the cottage, shutting the door behind him. “Amor. I- I have never asked you for a child. I wouldn’t - I know you did not wish to have children and I will honor that wish. Your father…he has his own idea of our future. Let’s indulge him and know that between us, the decision has been made.” He grips your arms, a little frantic at the way you are panicking.

It takes a few moments for you to calm down, sucking in heavy breaths. Watching his eyes and finding comfort in the assurance you find in their dark depths. “I- yes.” You nod finally. “We will say we will try for a child,” you murmur softly, stepping closer and curling up against his chest. “We- I just don’t want to - Pero, it’s so terrifying.” You sob. “My friend, Awone, she passed in childbirth two years ago. It was slow. She lingered in pain for two days. Her and the babe died.”

Pero pulls you close, seeing how traumatized you are. “Mi amor. I would never force you. If you do not wish to have a baby, then we won’t have children. I would never require It of you. I married you. Only you. Not for a child.” He caresses your back while you sob, the guilt weighing heavily on him.

It takes a few minutes, but you eventually calm down, sighing softly and pulling away from him. “Thank you, amor.” You lean in and kiss his cheek. “If- if you ever found out that you had sired a bastard and needed to raise the child, I wouldn’t have any issue.” You promise him.

He shakes his head, knowing that he was so careful for so many years to not breed a bastard, wanting to dedicate himself wholly to you. “We shall spend our lives together.” He vows, kissing your forehead. “Set up the breakfast, mi amor. I need to speak with your father.” He murmurs, stepping out of the cottage to find your father pacing. 

“She is still not with child.” He hisses, “and now I hear that she does not want one at all. You have failed, Tovar. If she bleeds again, I shall have your head.” He promises.

Pero growls, “can you not see she is terrified? How could I force her? She will be devastated. She is terrified of ending up like her mother. The mother she never met.” Pero growls, annoyed that your father would be so selfish.

“Women have been birthing babies since Adam and Eve.” Your father huffs, shaking his head. “It’s nothing more than childish fears. My blood will work this land.” He vows, narrowing his eyes as his son by marriage. “If you will not do what is necessary to see it so, I will find a man who will.” He promises. “Your precious wife will bear children who are not yours from her womb and raise them in the cottage you built.

Pero knows your father is not messing around and he thinks of himself as capable to defend himself until your father says “there are many men in the village who would wed even an old maid like her to ensure they inherit this land. Do not waste another moment. She must be with child as soon as possible…otherwise I’ll have you killed.” Your father promises and Pero knows he isn’t just threatening, the unhinged look in his eyes makes him certain that he will follow through. Pero is a gifted fighter but against a village of men? He’d be killed in seconds and leaving you to an unknown fate. He cannot allow that. 

“Very well. It will be done.” He vows and your father nods, “I’ll leave you be. Do not disappoint me, boy.”  He orders and stomps off to his own cottage - the one he has vacated during your early months of marriage. 

“Amor.” Pero sighs as he walks back into the cottage to find you waiting for him.

You frown and look past him to see if your father is coming in. “Is he not hungry?” You ask and Pero just shakes his head, “no, he wanted to go back to his cottage and let us enjoy this time together.” You nod, knowing that your father will be irritable later on so you will plan a hearty meal for dinner. “I love that you have built this for us.” You grin and spin around the large space. “There is even a bedroom for us and another if your friend William comes to visit.”

Pero smiles, although it’s a little tight. He listens to you ramble about what you want to add to the cottage but all he can think about is your father’s threat. “Amor.” He reaches for the piece of bread you have in your hand and he tosses it aside, reaching up to cup your cheek so he can press his lips to yours. “Hermosa, I want to have you in our new home.”

“That is why you did not slide into me earlier.” You giggle happily as you pull away from him and move over to the door to set the bar. Despite knowing your father was going back to the main house, you wanted to ensure privacy for you and Pero in your new home. “Fuck me.” You challenge him with a smirk. “Work up an appetite filling me with your cock and then we will eat.”

He’s nervous but eager to have you in the home he has poured his blood, sweat, and tears into. He groans and pulls you into his arms, pressing his lips to yours and he’s immediately sliding his tongue between your lips. He’s half hard from tasting you earlier and he desperately wants you to cum again before he does what he’s certain God will punish him for.

Your response to your husband is just like it always is, immediate. Relaxing against him and reaching for the laces of his breeches. He had taught you that there is no shame in wanting him, always eager for you to touch him and you waste no time now. “Pull out to spill your seed.” You caution him again, still shaken from the idea of having children before. It is not necessary because you know Pero will honor your wishes.

Pero nods, not wanting to say anything else. This is your future on the line. His life is on the line. He lets you push his breeches down to expose his hard cock and he pulls his tunic over his head. He reaches for your dress, pulling it over your head to expose your body. “Hermosa.” He groans, pulling you up against his body.

“Te amo, I love you.” You murmur, wanting to show him how grateful you are that he has come home to you, providing you with the life that you have always dreamed of. “Do you wish for me to suck your cock?” You ask, pressing kissing along a scar on his shoulder. He had told you that a sword had nearly taken his head but he had managed to deflect it with his ax so it had just sliced along the length of his shoulder.

Pero shakes his head, not wanting you to pleasure him with your mouth. He gently lays you down on the blanket you had brought and he shifts to kneel between your thighs, “are you ready for me, amor?” He asks and leans in to kiss along your neck.

“Always.” You promise him, closing your eyes and moaning softly when his teeth nip your skin. Your hands roam over his warm back and you shift to drape your legs over his hips. “Make love to me, husband.” You beg, always loving how you get to call him that now.

He grips his cock, pushing inside of you, and he presses his lips to yours. “Te amo.” He murmurs against your mouth, letting you adjust to his cock before he starts to move inside of you.

Pero always makes you feel good but today it’s like he’s driven by some need to overwhelm you. His hips slap against yours and his thumb circles your clit as soon as he had built up a rhythm that took your breath away and makes your back arch every time he hits deep inside you.

He tries to lose himself inside of you, to not think about how he’s about to betray you, so he pushes deep and tries to make you cum before he does. “Hermosa, esposa, cum for me.” He begs, shifting closer to you and he pushes your leg further back with his shoulder so he can get deeper inside of you.

You’ve already cum twice, moaning as he pushes you towards another release. “Greedy.” You gasp out, grinning at him as your body starts to feel overwhelmed at all the pleasure and attention you are getting. Another few harsh thrusts and you are careening over the edge, crying out his name as your entire world explodes in pleasure.

Pero grits his teeth, working you through your orgasm and he knows he should pull out, you even remind him. “Amor. You have to - pull out. You need to pull out.” You say and he shakes his head, continuing to push inside of you as his balls pull tight. 

“I can’t.” He gasps and you shift beneath him, “you have to. Please. Pull out.” You beg and he shakes his head. You shriek, pushing on his chest, trying to get him off of you, but all he sees is you married to another from the village and he grabs your wrists, pinning you down with his body. 

“I have to.” He growls, thrusting two more times before he buries his cock and paints your walls with his hot seed.

Screaming, you thrash under him, hot, frantic tears pouring down your cheeks while you feel the wet stickiness of his seed fill you. “You bastard! You bastard!” One of your hands manages to wiggle free and you start to hit him, crying and screaming in horror as he grunts, still working his seed into your womb with a fierce scowl on his face, an expression you’ve never seen directed towards you.

Pero slumps over you, your hits to his chest not enough for what he deserves. He deserves to burn in hell for violating your trust like that. He knows you’ll never look at him the same way but he couldn’t let you go, he can’t give up what he fought so hard for. Not for something silly like spilling his seed inside of you. Your tears, each one is a knife to the heart, and he fumbles off of you, shifting to stand and you sob on the floor, pushing your fingers inside of you to try and get his cum out like the damage isn’t done. “Amor. I- I'm sorry. I had to.” He chokes out, knowing you won’t understand.

“Had to?” You shriek, panicking and trying to push the cum out of your cunt but all you are doing is getting it all over your fingers. “You know how - you bastard!” You start sobbing, crying so hard that you can’t breath as you kneel down on the blanket to grab your shift and start wiping at the cum dribbling out of your sex. “I-I, y-you p-p-promised m-me!” You stutter, gagging and starting to dry heave when you think about his seed taking root and you carrying a baby. A baby that makes you scream and cry and wear yourself out pushing them into the world only to bleed to death. Struggling to your feet, you rush over to a bucket and start to vomit in it.

Pero feels ill himself at your reaction, knowing that he has violated your body and your trust. He hates himself for it. He never wanted you to look at him with hate. “Hermosa. I- your father said he would kill me if I didn’t - he required a child - children. If I didn’t fulfill that, he was going to have me killed. You’d be married the next day to a villager who would violate you until his seed took. I- I couldn’t risk- I’ve waited so long for you. Mierda. Amor, please, forgive me. I did this to save us.” He kneels down beside you, eyes wide as he watches you dry heave.

What little is in your stomach ends up in the bucket, although you continue to heave until your stomach aches and you feel weak. “Fuck you.” You hiss, turning and glaring at him with bloodshot eyes, hating how he has betrayed you. Hating him for filling you with his seed. Hating that your father had made the man you love do such a horrible thing to you to survive. Pero reaches out and you jerk away from him. “Do not touch me!” You scream. “Do not touch me ever again!” 

Pero lowers his hand, his heart breaking at the way you're looking at him with utter detest. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He chokes, "lo siento, amor." He stumbles as he shifts away from you. "Amor. Forgive me. Please." He begs, sinking to his knees, eyes wide and shining with unshed tears. The guilt threatens to overwhelm him.

Grabbing your clothes, you start to redress, feeling betrayed and horrified by the fact that he had spent his seed inside you. Flinging open the door, you rush outside, running towards the river to bath and hopefully prevent his seed from taking root.

**** 

It's been four months since he spilled his seed inside of you. The day you found out you were with child, Pero was certain you were going to throw yourself off of a cliff. You were devastated, praying for your bleed and Pero wanted to hold you as you screamed in agony. He has slept on the floor since that fateful day, knowing that he needs to stay close to you as your husband despite you hating him. You barely talk to him, not unless it's necessary, and you've retreated into a shell of yourself.

The bump under your dress makes you nauseous, drains your energy and there are days you don’t even want to leave your bed. You can’t look at Pero, angry with him for planting his seed inside you and taking the anger you deal him with nothing but acceptance. Rolling over, you see him asleep next to the bed you had meant to share with him in the house he had built for you. Groaning as you struggle out of the bed to rush over to the chamber pot again, the child making you sick once more.

Pero wakes when he hears you vomiting again. The guilt he feels makes him want to find the nearest enemy to kill him but he can’t do that. He vowed to look after you, he vowed to be there for you. He cannot abandon you even if you haven’t said a word to him for days. He gets up, walking over to you and he wants to rub your back, ensure your hair isn’t getting in the way. “I’m so sorry, hermosa.” He murmurs, having long lost count of the amount of times he has apologized to you.

“Leave me.” You groan, wiping your mouth and looking up at him. Tears in your eyes from being sick and from the fear. Every day you worry about what this will do to you. Unable to shake the feeling that you are going to die screaming and not even hear your child’s cry of life. “Go spread your seed somewhere else, since you have no place in my bed.” You struggle to your feet and turn away from him. “I wish you had never come back.”

Pero stumbles back from you, your words like a knife to his heart, and even though he knows he deserves them, it kills him inside. “As you wish.” He murmurs, hurrying to get dressed so he can leave you be. He’s terrified of losing everything and he wants to kill your father for causing your unhappiness. Pulling his boots on, he leaves and stalks into the woods, no path in mind, and he’s hoping someone will put him out of his misery, self induced as it is.

****

You shouldn’t have said those words to Pero so many months ago. The silent pall over your cottage has continued. He remains, silent and helpful in any way he can but still, you cry yourself to sleep every night. Sobbing into your pillow as your time draws closer. Now you’re screaming, panicking as the pains have started and you know you’re going to die.

Pero watches you, his nails digging into his palm and he struggles with his need to comfort you and the knowledge that you want nothing to do with him right now. He sighs and shakes his head, “we need to call for a midwife.” He says, knowing you will need help with your pains as you prepare to give birth.

“No!” You cry out, eyes widening in horror. “Don’t leave me, please, please don’t leave me here alone!” You have been having dreams of dying alone while trying to birth the child and it could be a reality if he leaves. Lord knows you have done everything to push him away and he would be right to leave you. “Please Pero.” Tears stream down your face and you reach for him, laying in the bed where you will either give him a child or die trying.

He shifts to kneel on the bed, pulling you into his arms as much as he can now that you are begging him to stay. “Amor. I have to go. I have to get help. I cannot deliver the babe alone. You need a midwife. I promise you, I will return as soon as I can. I will not leave you from that moment onwards, I’ll be by your side as long as you’ll have me. Amor, I beg of you. Let me get help.” He pleads, cupping your cheeks so he can look into your eyes.

Your chin trembles and you are gasping for breath as the pain eases slightly. “Go.” You choke out, reaching up and covering his hands with your own. “Hurry, Pero. Something is wrong. I feel it.” Your panic is in your eyes and you search his face.

He nods, scrambling to pull his boots on so he can ride into the village to fetch the midwife, his heart pounding. He is terrified but he knows you have to have this child. He gets the midwife and rides back to the cottage, bursting in the door to find you on the bed screaming. “Amor. I'm back. She’s here. It’s going to be okay.” He vows, shifting to sit beside you and he pulls you back into his chest, wiping your sweaty forehead.

“Pero!” You are already exhausted, feeling yourself get weaker every time the pains rush over you. The blood has already started to leak from between your legs and yet the baby is not coming. “I’m scared.” You cry, grabbing onto his tunic and screaming against his bicep as another pain rips through you.

He turns to the midwife, “do something! She is bleeding!” He begs and the midwife rushes over to inspect you. 

“You need to push for me, dear.” She orders, knowing you are in danger and she needs to get the baby out of you before she can ensure your safety. 

“Push, amor.” Pero orders, letting you squeeze his hand.

“I-I’m trying!” You grit out between your teeth, bearing down as hard as you can as an inhuman cry comes out. Panting and slumping back against the sheet. “I can’t- Pero, it hurts so bad. I can’t.” You whimper, knowing that something is wrong and there is nothing you can do.

“You can. You can do this, hermosa. You’re so strong. I know you can do this. Just push for me. I love you, I love you so much. I will be here. Every second until the day I die for you and our child. Just push.” He pleads, kissing your sweaty forehead.

You try, again and again, to push with nothing happening, the hours ticking by and you’re so tired you can’t even be panicked anymore. Seeing the frantic way Pero clings to you, urging you on, you squeeze his hand limply. “I- it’s not as bad as I thought.” Your voice has gotten quieter over the hours, unable to scream anymore and you are drenched in sweat. “Dying.” You close your eyes and sniffle before you look at the midwife. “Cut the babe out.” You order her weakly. “Save one of us.”

Pero shakes his head, “no. No. This isn’t - Amor. You can do this. Is there nothing - you must save her!” He shouts at the midwife who is exhausted herself. 

“I’m sorry. She - the only way is the cut her open.” 

Pero shakes his head, tears stinging in his eyes. “No. No. I won’t allow it. You will continue pushing. Amor, please. Do not do this. You can survive. The babe will survive. I cannot live without you.” He chokes, pressing his forehead against yours.

“It is fate, amor.” You whisper quietly. “At least I will get to meet my mother.” Tears slip down your cheeks and you reach up to take his hand. “Hold me down so I do not hurt the babe from the pain.” You request, accepting your fate and trying to do what you need to for the child you had resented the entire time you carried them. The least you could do is make sure they lived.

“No. No. Mierda. No! You cannot do this. Please. I can’t lose you.” Pero sobs, burying his face in your neck and the midwife prepares her tools to cut you open. “Please, amor. I cannot be without you.” He sobs, holding you impossibly tight.

“It will be fine, amor.” You whisper. “I am sorry I was so angry with you. I wasted so much time.” Now that you are staring death in the face, you are calmer. Closing your eyes, you sigh softly. “I love you. Marry again. Give our child a good life.”

Pero shakes his head, hot tears falling but he knows how close to death you are. He’s seen it far too many times. He chokes and presses his forehead against yours, knowing that he will have to accept this fate. The fate he brought into reality. 

The midwife looks at him and he inhales shakily, nodding. When she grips the knife to make the cut, Pero strokes your hair. “The first time we met, I thought you were so annoying. Some silly girl following me around on my way to the barn but you started to ramble on about your father’s farm and how he does this or does that. I- I knew then that you were meant to be mine. That I was yours. Growing together, I wish I could go back and be with you, not wasted fifteen years away from you. I love you, mi esposa. It’s always been you.”

The scream at the first cut sounds like a wounded animal. Hoarse and probably the loudest you’ve been in hours. Agony rips through your stomach as Pero clings to you. “Perooooooooo!” You sob out, crying for your husband, for your fate, for the baby that was fighting to live. Gasping for air and screeching as another cut is made, you fall silent, eyes rolling back as you pass out from the pain.

Pero holds you down, tears streaming down his cheeks until you go limp and he hears the child cry. “No! No! No!” He screams, willing you to come back to him. 

“Amor! Amor!” He cries and sits up straight as his chest heaves. 

“Pero. It’s okay!” You promise, cupping his cheek as you lean over the bed to your husband who is sleeping on the floor. 

He scrambles to reach for your hand, gripping it like it’s a life line. “Amor. You- you’re okay.” He pants, dark eyes wide as he looks at you looking above him like an angel.

His eyes are haunted and you wonder what has tears streaming down his face like he had just had his entire world crumble. Did he have the same terrifying dreams you do? It’s been so long since Pero had touched you, by your own wishes, but you can’t push him away when he is climbing up into the bed and pulling you into his arms. “You are - oh God, amor.” Pero sighs and you gasp in pain again. The same pains that had awoken you an hour before Pero had started screaming. 

“Pero-“ you grunt, digging your nails into your husband’s arms. “The babe- it’s coming.”

“No. No. It can’t be.” He chokes, curling around you, pulling you close. “I can’t - it’s not time. Please. I can’t lose you, amor.” He chokes, burying his face in your neck. His vivid dream keeps replaying over and over and he can’t take it.

“Pero.” You whimper, the pain ebbing and you can finally take a breath again. “The midwife. I need the midwife here.” You beg, scared but you know you would be even more terrified if there was only Pero here for the birth. “Please, Pero, it hurts.”

He is terrified to let go of you in case you somehow disappear but he knows he must seek help. He kisses your forehead and quickly dresses, making his way out to the stable to saddle his horse. His hands shake as he mounts his stead and makes his way to the village to get the midwife. His heart pounds when he brings her back to the cottage, terrified that you’ve somehow disappeared.

You are out of the bed, pacing the floor of the cottage as the pains come, making you grab onto the bed post for support. Groaning in relief when the sounds of Pero and the midwife can be heard outside. “It’s okay.” You promise yourself, whimpering when you feel another pain start. “Ahhhhhhh!”

Pero is immediately by your side, helping you stand and the midwife is telling you to get on the bed, asking how long you’ve been having these pains for. “Amor.” Pero tuts when you reveal it’s been at least the eve and the night. “You should’ve told me.” He sighs and rubs your back as you settle on the bed.

“We-we weren’t talking.” You hiss, wincing in pain and sighing when the pain fades for a few moments. It’s your fault you’ve frozen him out, but you didn’t know how to breach the gap between you. Sure that he was only staying now for the child he had planted in your belly.

Pero shakes his head, "you might not have wanted to speak to me as your lover but you should've talked to me as your friend, your childhood friend who still wants the best for you." He tuts and the midwife checks you over. 

"Not long. You will be needing to push soon." The words make Pero choke and he remembers his vivid dream. 

"I am so sorry, amor. I know you did not want this but - but I am a bastard. I pursued your father's wish at the dismissal of yours and I - I am a monster for that." He murmurs, hating himself a little more.

You are still upset at him but it’s not as visceral as it had been in the beginning. “It is no matter now, it is done and the babe is coming.” You choke out, clinging to him. You are still scared but what happens will be in God’s hands now. “Stay with me.” You beg quietly.

"Always." Pero promises, squeezing your hand and the midwife gathers what she needs for the babe, boiling some water, and soon enough, it's time for you to push. Pero is almost shaking, terrified of losing you like he did in his dream. He has faced armies of men, of mythical beasts, but to face losing you is almost too much to bear.

There isn’t as much screaming as you thought there would be. The pain is incredible, but mostly it steals your breath and voice. Pero holding you close and allowing you to crush his hand when the pain is too intense and you do cry out, bathing the sweat from your face. For the first time since he had spilled his seed inside you, you aren’t worried about the baby coming.

Pero silently prays to God that you and the babe are okay. Despite your hatred of him getting you pregnant, he has allowed himself brief moments to imagine you as a mother and he knows you would be incredible. The fear of dying during childbirth preventing you from dreaming of a family. He lets you curse him while the midwife guides you through the pushes and breathing until a wail fills the air.

“Oh my god.” You gasp, hearing your baby’s cry for the first time and tears spill down your cheeks. Overwhelmed by the emotions and the relief that you’ve managed to give birth. You struggle to sit up, looking down at where the midwife is wrapping your baby up. “I- we have a child.” You look up at Pero and you can’t help but give a small laugh. “We have a child.”

Pero takes the babe from the woman’s arms, cradling the child and he hands them over to you, letting you see the babe you’ve carried in your body for 9 months. “Hermosa.” Pero chokes, kissing your forehead as the baby cries in your arms, angry at being forced into the world.

“Oh my god.” You can’t help but light up at the sight of the angry little baby. Howling and shaking it’s fist at the world. “I know, I know, baby.” Uncovering the child, you gasp. “A little boy.” You murmur in wonder, looking up at Pero. “You have a son.” You choke out, reaching for his hand as you stare back down at the child. 

“Put him to your breast.” The midwife orders, still working between your thighs. She needs to deliver the birthing sack and starts to push on your stomach, but you are too busy admiring your son to care. “Like your husband sucked on them.”

Pero flusters at her words but is soon in awe of your son taking root on your breast, sucking, and he leans in to rest his head against yours. His hand looks huge compared to the babe and he murmurs “thank you” over and over again. To you or to God, Pero hasn’t decided that yet. He’s just so thankful that you are okay. “Amor. He’s perfect. You did it. My brave, beautiful esposa.” He murmurs, kissing your hair.

“I- I’m sorry.” You whisper quietly, exhausted and ready to stop fighting with your husband. You have missed him beside you in bed and shift towards his body as you let your son suckle. “I- am glad you are here and that our son is here.” You choke out softly.

He leans in to softly kiss you, “I’m sorry for - for everything. I love you. I’ve missed you.” He admits and nudges his nose against yours. His hand caressing the dark locks of his son. The midwife announces you need to push and you do, wincing and grunting as you push out the afterbirth. “You are incredible.” Pero murmurs, kissing your forehead.

Once the afterbirth is expelled, you lean back, the baby asleep at your breast as you pant. “That was exhausting.” You admit sleepily. “I haven’t slept well without you beside me.” You roll your head over to look at Pero. “Will you come back to our bed?”

Pero nods, “of course, amor. As you wish.” He shifts to lay down beside you. “Sleep. I will take care of everything else.” He promises and kisses you softly. He knows you hated him for getting you pregnant but he is so happy at this moment. To have his family in his arms. 

****

“Pero, when are you coming to bed?” You call out to your husband. Thirty years later and you are tired, body aching. After two more children, you and Pero have lived a full and happy life together. 

“I’m coming, amor.” He promises, grunting as he hobbles into the bedroom, his back aching and he groans as he sits on the edge of the bed. “I was trying to fix something.” He tells you, knowing you’ve wondered why he’s been out in the barn all day. 

“What took all day?” You huff, looking at him and he smiles, telling you to hold out your hand and close your eyes. You follow his order and he smiles as he slides the gold hand he put on your finger all those years ago. You had grown thinner in your old age, the ring slipping off, and Pero had wanted to fix it for you.

“Thank you amor.” You whisper, smiling at him and slowly moving forward to press a soft kiss to his chapped lips. “I love you.” You promise him. “I will always love you.” Both of you are tired, bones ache, children grown and it won’t be long until you leave this earth. Your only hope is that you go together. “Lay down, husband.” You order, wanting to feel him next to you. Since the day your first son was born, there hasn't been a night where you’ve slept apart since.

Pero grunts as he lays down, curling his body around you and pulling you close. He kisses your neck and closes his eyes, “te amo, mi esposa. Buenas noches.” He murmurs, breathing you in, and he closes his eyes. 

“I love you.” You exhale, snuggling against him and you close your eyes. The next morning, your eldest son finds his parents holding each other close, both had passed during their sleep. A testament to their love that lasted a lifetime. The story of Tovar and his esposa is passed down through the generations, a love story that echoes through the years.

[kowwpow]

Yuna Handa’s Character Sheet

Name: Yuna Handa

Species: Human

Rank: Kinoe

Age: 19

Birthday: August 19th

Height: 5’6” (172 cm)

Weight: 113lbs (51.3 kg)

Personality: Bubbly, outgoing, empathetic, a little dumb, confrontational, motherly, non-violent, she will hit you with a chair if you don’t go to bed tho

Ship: Giyuu Tomioka (GiYuna)

Backstory: Yuna is the oldest of four children. She was raised in a small village very similar to the red lights district by her loving parents where unfortunately, your value was determined by your beauty. Yuna was one of the children to be dubbed “ugly” and was hence made fun of and mocked by other children. She pretended not to mind it though, since she didn’t want her parents to see their oldest daughter upset. This mockery was the origin of the small, crescent shaped scar under her eye. She was trying to avoid the usual group of children who like to tease her and slipped, hitting her face on a wood fence in the process. She almost lost her eye but was thankfully fine. The sight of a new “impurity” only egged the children on and the harassment got worse. Soon, as if her entire life came crashing down, Yuna’s father got sick. The family had already been greatly struggling with money, so her father getting so terribly ill was basically the end for her family. That was until she heard about demon slayer corps. Hearing that it could earn you a lot of money, Yuna decided to train with the first slayer she met that would accept her. That ended up being a young man who had been passing through town and stayed with her family for a night. The man known as Ryoto Shikoku then decided that he’d let her train under him. He did warn her that he was no hashira and was definitely not the best person to go for training, but she insisted. So, Yuna began her training at the age of sixteen. She was deemed okay enough to go to final selection by Ryoto and passed at the age of seventeen. - (Extra) Ryoto and Yuna went their separate ways and she later learned at the age of nineteen that he had passed away due to an encounter with a lower rank demon.

(@ta-ni-ya)