#Canteen Spirits

[jimvasta]

Humans and their pets

The sentient races of the universe have just about started to get their heads, or approximate similar in function body parts, around the odd nature of humans but only recently have humans begun to bring other Earth creatures into space with them.

“Don't worry about Fluffy, he's totally ship trained.” the human designated Bradley spoke with frightening casualness about the creature sat at his side. It's muzzle was level with his hips and it's forward facing eyes showed it had predator history just as much as humans did.

“It has fangs.” Captain Mota'tog was unimpressed. The permissions were correctly stamped on the file and yet such a creature hardly appeared inoffensive.

“He does not, he's not poisonous. Of course some of his teeth are sharp, he's an omnivore.”

“He's a hunter.”

“He mostly hunts biscuits. He'll scavenge in the canteen from anyone soft enough to feed him. He's a certified well-being dog. People stroke him, he's got really soft fur, it makes them feel better. Look, he's wagging his tail, it means he likes you.”

Mota-tog whistled uncertainly.

“Oh wow!” One of the human engineers arrived at the airlock and dropped her bag as she stared at the dog. “So cute!”

Fluffy jumped round, tail wagging furiously, nuzzling in as the woman buried her hands in his warm soft fur.

“You are totally gorgeous. You're so fluffy and beautiful, you're like a little polar bear. You're here to stay, yes you are.” the woman happily baby talked to the dog who was more than half her size.

Bradley looked at the Captain and indicated. “See. Dogs make us happy.”

“You do all the care for it.”

“Of course.”

There were some false starts with the rest of the crew who were not so trusting of the huge pack hunter in their midst, but over the next few months they slowly learned to trust that the worst he would do was beg for food off their plates at meal times. Some of the braver aliens even began to pet him.

Then an alarm sounded.

Everyone raced to their emergency stations.

Bradley was in the cargo hold, his duty was to check the cargo was safe and secure.

He had quickly trained Fluffy to sit in a corner out of the way. It kept him safe in case anything shifted. The last thing he wanted was for his pet to get hurt by moving cargo.

The clang of magnetic grabs was deafening.

The alert was for a boarding raid.

Pirates.

Bradley cracked his knuckles and picked up a pry bar.

Through the rest of the ship there were varying degrees of panic.

A few of the other species could fight but most looked to the humans, having learned the way they fought when cornered and knowing their best hope to survive was to stay back and wait for the screaming to stop.

“What the fuck is that?!” the shout was shock and outrage. More anger than fear in the moment.

Crouching as it came through the main airlock was a creature taller and broader than anything else on the ship.

“Star spirits preserve us,” Mota'tog whistled. “A Batath.”

“It's a bloody troll is what it is.” Martins snapped.

Everyone froze as they heard the snarling and growling.

It was not coming from the Batath.

Fluffy arrived at speed and leapt, not caring can his opponent was huge. His fur was already matted with the blood of pirates and this was just another opponent.

The humans charged.

The Batath could only concentrate on one enemy at a time, it was used to picking off creatures as they ran, not fighting them off as something had its teeth deep around a knee trying to rip it apart.

The pirates ran when the Batath fell and the gore covered humans turned to face them.

Bradley let himself drop to the deck. “Don't worry, I'm fine. Good boy, Fluffy.”

Mota'tog shook his feathers as he watched the dog go back from snarling killing machine to placid fuss receiver. “I swear to the spirits, all Earth creatures are insane.”

[enwoso]

blurb request of reader being too hyper/boisterous or getting way too competitive and taking things too far so having to constantly be warned of told to play nice by her older teammates?

WIN OR LOSE — reader x engwnt

masterlist

“t’was stupid anyway! i should have won!” you sulked walking back into the canteen with grace who was boasting about her win in the little game you were playing with the media team for the england tiktok.

the rest of the england girls watched on at your two polar opposite moods, grace’s being a big grin from ear to ear while yours was a scowl as your eyebrows deepened.

“oh shush y/n, just admit your a sore loser!” grace teased bumping your shoulder into hers as you gave her your signature death stare.

everyone who you played with knew how much you hated to loose and that came down to both football matches and silly little games that meant absolutely nothing like the one you had just done hence your mood.

your mood usually being happy, giggly as well as winding everyone up on the team being know as the pest of the team, but put you in a losing position and your attitude and mood will change quicker than you can blink.

you constantly being reminded by the older player at both club and country about your competitiveness sometimes taking it a little two far when trying to win. but in your mind why wouldn’t you want to win, losing is boring!

“i’m not a sore loser, you literally were cheating!” you voice was starting to sound a little harsher and a little louder as you were just about to open your mouth to retaliate you were being pulled by the arm by leah who pulled you into a seat next to her, millie and beth.

“get off me!” you huffed, your arms folded across you chest. your scowl still being present and probably deepening. the three looking at you with the same look, you knew what was coming.

“oi huffy pants, quit with the attitude!” millie quipped back as you rolled your eyes earning you a slap on the arm from leah, the perks of being the youngest on the team!

“ow! what was that for?” you questioned rubbing your hand over where the captain had just slapped you, the three still giving you the same stern look.

“right kid, we aren’t here to dampen your spirits cause we love that you want to win everything-” mille started as you sighed knowing there was a but, there always was.

“-but not every little silly challenge matter, yeah?” leah continued after milke your stone face still there as you were unsure what their point was.

“we know you know, but just don’t take it too far. okay?” beth smiled at you, a small shrug came from you “would rather win though, wouldn’t i” you mumble as you hear the three sigh.

“yeah but you never really lose” beth said as you looked at her as if she had just told you that grass was purple. your eyes wide at what you he’d just heard the girl say urging for her to continue with her explanation

“well the saying goes, you never lose cause you either win or your learn”

“i think i’ll stick to my way” you smiled while leah gave you a pointed look. unsure of beth’s inspiration quote she most definitely just plucked out of thin air. both leah and mille looking confused at the blondes attempt.

“but i’ll remember not to take it too far!” you grinned as the three jumped up celebrating and high fiving each other as you rolled your eyes playfully at their silly antics.

“right race you to the changing rooms!” you called out over the top of the three, jumping out of your seat as the three sat back in theirs.

“that lasted for all of three seconds!”

[belovedmuichiro]

I saw a post once that entertained the idea of Tsutako being in the background of Sanemi’s hometown in the anime, and it got me thinking about a sanegiyuu childhood meet cute.

…

- When Giyuu was 13, he took a trip with Tsutako to a neighboring city where her fiancé had come from

- Though Giyuu was a much friendlier person as a child, he was still quiet, reserved and nervous. As a result, being in a bigger city was overwhelming and he struggled to keep up with Tsutako as they walked

- Before they could reach her fiancé’s home, Giyuu was separated from her in a crowd

- Without any people skills to speak of or the confidence to ask for help, Giyuu let the crowd swallow him up until he found a small spot he could cower in

- He ended up hiding under the stairs of a shrine where nobody could see him. He cried so quietly, nobody could possibly hear him either, but a boy did miraculously find him

- The boy was strikingly beautiful with stark white hair and piercing eyes. His presence made Giyuu stop crying almost immediately, but only because he was mesmerized.

- When the boy spoke, he was blunt and sort of rude but Giyuu hung onto every word he said as if he was a kind spirit come to save him

- “You cry like my little siblings,” he observed. It was a simple, random sort of thing to say but it perplexed Giyuu so much that he didn’t cry any longer

- Giyuu learned that this particular shrine is where the boy would find one of his brothers hiding, so when he saw Giyuu curled up, he thought something might’ve happened to him

- Giyuu reluctantly explained he was separated from Tsutako while visiting. In truth, he wasn’t sure if he should trust a stranger but they were clearly of a similar age and that put him at ease compared to an adult

- The boy gave Giyuu a small canteen of water before they could continue because the crying had obviously overwhelmed him. He then asked for the fiancé’s name, which he scowled upon hearing, surprisingly knowing the person

- “Is that bad?” Giyuu nervously asked

- “He’s one of the sons of our landlord,” the boy explained, “He’s fine. His family’s a buncha dicks.”

- Profanities aside, Giyuu asked if he could lead him there, and the boy agreed

- “What did his family do?” Giyuu asked on the way

- “Their kid brother said some shit about my family bein’ too big and my brother got into a fight with him about it.”

- “How big is your family?”

- “Nine of us. I have six siblings.”

- Giyuu learned that his mother had just given birth, which prompted the rude comment from their landlord’s son. He also had a father who he didn’t want to talk about on account of him angering some violent people

- Though the boy didn’t seem terribly interested in prying into Giyuu’s life, he still asked, “What about you?”

- “I just have my sister. My parents died when I was young.”

- “Lucky you have a sister.”

- “Yes… I’m Giyuu, by the way.”

- For a moment, the boy looked hesitant to give anymore details about himself, but must’ve decided he doesn’t have much to lose.

- “Sanemi.”

- On the way to the landlord’s home, it began to rain so Sanemi pulled Giyuu aside near a food stall to wait it out.

- Giyuu, as luck would have it, did have a small amount of money on him and suggested they share a meal.

- Sanemi agreed, not letting on that he rarely has enough money to ever eat out. However, Giyuu became curious when Sanemi awkwardly held his food at his side and wouldn’t take a bite.

- He didnt want to admit it, but his plan was to pocket whatever Giyuu bought him to bring home to his family. He wasn’t going to tell Giyuu, but the boy’s earnest, honest face pulled it out of him

- In response, Giyuu bought him another and asked that he feed himself as well

- When Sanemi finally did eat, Giyuu smiled for the first time. It flustered Sanemi, who quickly learned he couldn’t handle a pretty face

- When the rain ended, people came flooding to the streets in overwhelming numbers that scared Giyuu again

- To reassure him, Sanemi grabbed his hand and returned his earlier smile, promising he’ll be okay as long as they stick together

- Giyuu took to Sanemi with awe. The crowd was still scary, but Giyuu grounded himself in the feeling of his companion’s hand and trusted his word.

- Eventually they did find themselves at the landlord’s house. Most of the family was out looking for Giyuu, but luckily Tsutako stayed and was there to greet him.

- This was also a relief to Sanemi, who wasn’t sure he would be able to resist driving his fist into the face of the boy who fought with Genya

- Sanemi intended to leave with no commotion, just an odd empty feeling at the notion of leaving his new acquaintance, but Giyuu stopped him

- “Thank you for helping me,” he said with much more confidence than the first time he spoke. “You’re very kind, Sanemi.”

- Sanemi, flustered, shrugged and promised it was no problem. “Couldn’t just leave ya there…”

- “Maybe we’ll see each other again.”

- When Giyuu said this, he held onto the hope that because Tsutako new husband had close ties to Sanemi’s, they would surely meet again one day

- It was hard to explain but Giyuu felt drawn to Sanemi, like he was a special person he was meant to meet

- Of course, he couldn’t predict the tragedy that would befall both of them

- Years later, long after Tsutako and the Shinazugawa family were murdered, Sanemi was welcomed into the Hashira and finally met Giyuu again

- Only this time, he was quiet and cold. He didn’t give any indication that he remembered Sanemi and didn’t have any of the kindness he was full of as a child. Sanemi decided that he must’ve turned into a conceited ass with no time for the little people, he probably didn’t even remember him.

- But it was impossible for Giyuu to forget who Sanemi was. Even under all the scars and curses, he was still the boy who saved him that day. But Giyuu knew they had fundamentally changed as people, and clearly Sanemi wanted nothing to do with him any longer

- Unfortunately for them, the draw remains there no matter how far apart they try to drift.

[soullessdianthus]

Could we get some pervy soap or ghost 👀👀

You got me hooked on pervy Konig 🥵

A/N: Your wish has been granted. (≖⌣≖)

Warnings: cocky, playboy MacTavish who is possessive af (he has no shame), nsfw (choking?, ass slapping, exhibitionism, shower sex, masturbation, creampie, rough sex as punishment)

My requests are open for I don’t know how long (as I have a lot of work lately)! ٩(^ᗜ^)و Just please read the disclaimer (pinned post)! Send requests HERE ✉︎

✧°. John was a pretty popular guy in his school years. And he knew he was quite handsome too, so he never really complained about the lack of girl’s attention. Things got a little different when he enrolled in the British military. 

✧°. As he reached his twenties, Johnny wasn’t satisfied with teasing all these other recruits in a hall or a canteen. Especially, because it rarely ended with sex, almost never. He was a busy man with loads of obligations around the base. It could be certainly said that he changed a little and grew out of the playboy phase. 

✧°. For a while at least.

✧°. But the lack of previously mentioned intimacy almost drove him nuts. Perv!Soap was a simple man, he just needed to blow off some steam, you know?

✧°. Then one lucky day, a group of new recruits came into the training grounds and you certainly got his attention. A pretty thing that smiled to him as you walked by Sergeant MacTavish. 

✧°. Johnny felt like his veins were flooding with testosterone again, the mere sight of your curves, made his cock throb. None of the other women soldiers intrigued him so much. it had to be that innocent smile of yours.

✧°. So naturally, Perv!Soap offered you a little tour around the base, while keeping his hand on your lower back. He was just trying to be nice and give you a warm welcome, right? He seemed like a spark of joy!

✧°. He would find himself daydreaming about you, about what position he would put you in or what would he do to pull the sweetest screams out of your tight throat. 

✧°. His imagination was wild – you were just sweeping the dust to the tray while kneeling? John already was imagining you on your knees in front of him, begging for his cock, drool dripping from the corners of your mouth. 

✧°. Perv!Soap would be a bold type of man, whose intentions were crystal clear. He wanted to mark you as his as soon as possible. MacTavish couldn't bear the thought of other men laying their disgusting hands on you. He had to claim you first.

✧°. The perfect opportunity happened, when you came into the gym for a sparring session. Of course your good friend was there to train with you! Johnny invited you into a ring, before giving some advice. 

✧°. Being bigger and stronger than you, Soap made you stumble and fall more times than a fingers hand has. Yet, you kept standing up, willing to continue the sparring session. Perv!Soap enjoyed each minute he had your body within his firm grip, your front or back rubbing against him. It really riled him up.

✧°. So when he had you on the ground, laying atop of him and between his thighs in a tight chokehold, Johnny threw a couple of inappropriate jokes towards his friends who were watching the ring. They laughed and you tried to wiggle away once again.

✧°. “Hope yer gonna keep the spirit, bonnie. I like ‘em feisty.” He whispered into your ear, when your throat was being suffocated with his bicep. You struggled again, letting out a whine and a huff. Such an innocent sound, however it got John’s cock almost hard. You felt it digging into your lower back. 

✧°. Perv!Soap would make clear that you already belong to him. If some unfortunate soul dared to look at you in the wrong way, MacTavish would pin them to the wall and threaten them. Or, in a worse case scenario, he would just punch the wretch’s jaw or nose. Hard. 

✧°. Furthermore, when crossing him in the hallway, Soap wouldn’t bother with decency. If he had a desire to smack your plump ass, he wouldn’t hesitate. John would smile to himself, if he managed to pull a loud gasp out of you, when his strong palm struck your bum.

✧°. Perv!Soap’s confidence would only boost if he ever made you flustered. Which was often. With previously mentioned slaps or dirty words whispered into your ear. 

✧°. “Oh, bonnie. Let me fuck yer pretty tits, eh?”

✧°. “Good lass, learnin’ fast, aren’t we? Got me wonderin’, what else can I teach ya?” 

✧°. When it came to drinking outside the base, after a successful mission let’s say, Soap would rather sooner than later pull you into his lap. His thighs were more comfortable than a cheap chair and this way he could watch over you. 

✧°. Because he was a good friend and didn’t want anybody to throw a pill into your drink, right? Johnny called it a “scary dog privilege” when you sat at his thighs. But to be honest, for him it was a power move. Everyone else from your group acknowledged how protective Soap was over his girl.

✧°. Perv!Soap would sneak into your shower cabin and shush your loud gasp, before anyone could hear. He placed his big palm against your lower jaw and placed a finger over his lips. You were so cute, when you tried to cover your modesty, even now when both of you were completely naked. 

✧°. “Ya gotta help me, bonnie. I’ve got a problem.” John said to you, pointing at his painfully hard cock. Your face turned bright red.

✧°. “Now? Someone might hear us!” You yelled at him, keeping the whispering tone. Slowly your hand that was covering your breasts, loosened up and rested at the side of your body. Fuck it, he already seen enough. 

✧°. “Sh, sh, sh. Don’t ya worry, I’ll be quiet, eh?” 

✧°. Petrified or willingly, you allowed him to guide your smaller hand over his throbbing length. Soap stood close to you, his chest brushing against your perky nipples as the stream of warm water ran down your curves and his toned muscles. 

✧°. Perv!Soap showed you how to stroke him and where to squeeze him. As he predicted you were in fact a fast learner. Quickly you understood how he wanted to receive a handjob and you complied, encouraged by his hand sneaking to the side of your face. The other one was playing with your nipples. 

✧°. Sergeant was breathing heavily, huffing into your face just below his. He was getting closer, faster than ever before. You made him this soft, it was your hand that drove him into sweet like honey delirium. 

✧°. When he came, his cum spurted onto your palm and some landed on your stomach. Soap moaned, holding onto the shower stall on his left. 

✧°. However, the warm and thick liquid was washed away by the trickle of water. 

✧°. “That’s a good girl.” Johnny would be so cute and sweet on you, when you did whatever he asked you to.

✧°. But when you misbehaved or even unwittingly flirted with another soldier, Perv!Soap would be rather rough and tough with you, shoving you into the closest, empty storage in the base.

✧°. Johnny would push your face against the wall, tightly gripping your wrists behind your back. He didn’t care when you scowled and whined at him. Soap kicked your feet further apart, before he started to grind against your ass. 

✧°. “You belong to me, remember? Only I can fuck your tight cunny, lass.” 

✧°. Perv!Soap didn’t care that you mumbled out an apology, he wanted to make a point here – to show you were his little fucktoy. 

✧°. So he pushed his way between your puffy folds without any preparations, John knew you would take him anyways. He wasn’t so sweet and gentle about the intercourse, not at all.

✧°. Soap set a fast and rough pace that made each of his powerful thrust borderline painful. Balancing between the soreness and pleasure. One of his hands kept your wrists restrained, while the other hand grabbed a fist full of your hair, forcing you to arch your back for him.

✧°. Your slightly suppressed moans and whines were music to his ears, only encouraging him to keep thrusting into your tight cunt.

✧°. And just before his actions made you and him orgasm, he pulled out of you and nestled his cock between your puffy folds. Ropes of thick cum covered your pussy and instantly began dripping onto your underwear.

✧°. Perv!Soap would pull your panties back up to their place, clinging tightly against your wet sex. Somehow you were conflicted and couldn’t decide if you were disgusted by the feeling of his semen smearing across your labia or were you aroused. 

✧°. “Go on, now.” Johnny told you, slapping your clothed ass in a gentler manner. 

✧°. “But–”

✧°. “If any bastard would try to sneak their hand into your panties, they’ll know, who this cunny belongs to, yes? I marked it.”

[miserable-wanker]

July 10, 1778; picnic at the Great Falls

"After viewing these falls we seated ourselves round the General under a large spreading oak within view of the spray and in hearing of the noise. A fine cool spring bubbled out most charmingly from the bottom of the tree. The travelling canteens were immediately emptied and a modest repast spread before us, of cold ham, ox tongue and some biscuit. With the assistance of a little spirit we composed some excellent grog. Then we chatted away a very cheerful half hour — and then took our leave of the friendly oak — its refreshing spring."

[lilacxquartz]

TO SAVE A BROKEN SOUL • suguru geto cursed spirit fem!reader

ao3 • masterlist • mdni < previous chapter • next chapter >

summary: fighting with his own feelings and in an attempt to save face, suguru battles between letting you go or absorbing you into his collection.

warnings: disturbing thoughts, referenced non-con

Chapter 5: Concealment

An unwelcome visitor greeted Suguru right at his doorstep, seemingly a recent follower who was still new, barely settled into his growing found family. The man was still new to the ways of life here, but Suguru tended to accept sorcerers as they came, as long as they clearly understood his ideology.

Continuing to play into his relaxed and calm persona, he went ahead and gave the man the light of day. Given the slight look of disgust that the follower wore however, it was nightly likely that the man had likely seen something that he shouldn’t have.

Suguru couldn’t help it in that split second, his demeanour crumbling away at an instant.

He had to get rid of him before he talked.

At the verge of just barely maintaining his crumbling facade, he smiled at the man, telling him that he simply wanted to show him something special to really get him integrated into the family.

The guy, who he didn’t even know the name of yet properly, followed him with a sense of trust all the while Suguru’s face couldn’t help but darken. As he led him off into a lesser treaded area, he subtly channeled one of his curses, intending to silence the man before he had a chance to speak about something he shouldn’t.

Making up an excuse was easy enough for Suguru. The guy was new, came alone and didn’t quite know anybody too well just yet. He would cast him off as a traitor, when all he had done was quietly give a hint that he might have seen something he shouldn’t have.

Correct, Suguru didn’t even know if this guy knew.

(But a risk was a risk.)

It was only when he returned back to the canteen to reunite with Nanako that he realised that he hadn’t completely washed the blood of his hands just yet, but luckily, his daughters knew better than to ask questions about matters that didn’t concern them.

“Where’s your sister?” he asked Nanako, watching as she did something on her phone, wondering why Mimiko wasn’t with her. Those girls were always connected at each other's side like glue.

“Getting breakfast,” she casually replied, “they made pancakes today.”

“Pancakes, huh?” Suguru spoke, his gaze softening at long last. The air outside was cold, his wound still feeling sensitive from where you bit him. Luckily his robes covered the evidence, but the pain was still quite strong.

“Yeah,” she nodded.

“And why aren’t you there, getting pancakes with her?” he asked in an endearing tone.

“I had something else, but I gave her my portion,” she said before lowering her hand, finally pulling the phone away from her face, “…when can we come home?”

Suguru tilted his head off to the side, understanding fully well why they both wanted to come back. It didn’t matter how comfortable the other house was; it didn’t feel right to be separated. This sort of thought only seemed to fuel his conflicting thoughts further, daring him to think about something that he didn’t even want to entertain.

“Soon,” he assured, albeit in an unconvincing tone. He smiled at her, walking her back to the dining area and sitting himself down next to Mimiko who looked a little too happy about all of those pancakes.

He pulled up a plate of something different and tried to distract himself, despite his mind still going crazy with ideas. He wondered if he should just utilise you like the rest of the spirits and maybe absorb you, because then you couldn’t stir trouble from just existing.

He didn’t want to release you back outside though, even though that had been on his mind too. There was something uncomfortable about the thought of you just freely roaming the forest, doing who knows what and where. Instead, he wanted to contain you—to keep you—to never let you go and yet he couldn’t do either, at least not in a way that worked in both of your favours.

Returning back to the thought prior, he however felt his stomach churn at the thought of exorcising you. He didn’t like that idea at all and could barely imagine it; the idea of not only killing you, but packing your soul into a compressed form and then swallowing the core of your very essence.

It disgusted him.

“I’ll be… back later,” he said, looking visibly troubled. Suguru tried to hide such feelings away from the watching eyes of everyone, ruffling the girls hair with a weak smile. “I’ll be back later and then I’ll do something nice with you tomorrow. I promise.”

The sisters nodded, full from their plates and watched him leave in silence as his mind continued to churn, as his instincts continued to pull and prod at him, challenging him, maybe even begging—daring him—to take you in, to possess you in the most brutal form.

Maybe absorption was the answer.

Oh, how he longed to have you in such a forbidden way.

In a way that challenged the grounds of your very existence.

In a way you couldn’t even begin to understand.

~~~

Yet, just as he committed himself to the very thought, his demeanour faltered from the very second he locked eyes with you. That’s when he found himself staring at something that resembled a human again and all of a sudden, he found himself feeling lost again.

Stopping himself from doing anything he was sure to regret, he balled his hands into fists that turned almost ached from such strained anger—how dare you look so afraid, so vulnerable—so much like somebody that he could possibly even love(?).

Not that much time had passed at all and yet it felt like something so painfully right.

Why did it have to be you though?

Someone who didn’t even reciprocate a single thing back? Someone who didn’t even cry after he hurt them? You were barely human and yet…

“Stop making this… more difficult than it has to be,” he gritted through his teeth, doing his best to avoid your gaze.

You however wanted to live too, though. That’s why you were reacting the way that you did. Regardless of whatever lifeform you were, self preservation and instinct would always attempt to override any sort of logic.

And just as he tried to talk himself into committing to the part yet again, he once again stopped. He wasn’t able to do it at all, unable to kill you because of a lust that swarmed over him like a disease; eating away at his mind as he lost himself in wanting you, craving you, in—

…Wait, what was he doing?

He pulled back slightly, casting his gaze over your confined form. Your front side was facing the wall with your clothes piling up to rest just above your hips again. His cock was hard, driven into your sex, realising that he was already right in the process of taking something from you yet again.

Suguru gritted his teeth as he bruised his hips against your ass, his skin slapping what was effectively stone as he succumbed to an almost otherworldly desire. He hated himself for doing this, for wanting to hurt you, for wanting to even kill you—but he also hated you all the same—for letting him go that far, this far, for not even trying to stop him.

Something wet dripped over your neck, droplets of something that smelled like salt rolling down your body. Tears? Hushed whispers could be heard as grunted cries soon followed—feverish growls escaping his lips as he wept into you—the malleable clay that he sought to ruin, that he longed to redesign now manifested as a deep sadness as he cried into your skin, painting you with his own regret.

Suguru finished into you yet another time, shuddering as he thrust another powerful rut yet again.

He melted against you, still crying into your neck.

If cursed spirits were a mirror to human negativity, then what could that have possibly made you with him and him with you…?

Pulling himself out with bloodshot red eyes still blurring his vision, he presented you with his other arm, pressing it against your lips and almost demanding that you feed on him—silently begging for you to punish him for having such thoughts—for almost doing the unthinkable, because what was he doing, when he sought to obliterate you from an existence you didn’t ask to be born into?

Suguru wept as you gave in again, shuddering as he let you suckle on his wounded flesh, like scarlet ink dampening an organic canvas, marble mixing with paper; two works of art from different mediums that collided against each other through divine will.

His blood continued to spill as you fed, staining the once white bed into vivid red, soon settling maroon.

Tears spilled from his eyes again without a single stop as his body quietly settled into yours, his demeanour seeming a little softer this time.

Suguru stared at you as you finished up and pulled his arm away from you, seeming kinder and almost even… broken.

Now all that was left was to figure out what to actually do, because nothing seemed to make sense anymore.

~~~

this is part 2 of lilac’s bite sized jjk yandere nightmares

[probablyasocialecologist]

In 1940s Britain, at a time before fast food and ready meals were staples of the British high street and in a country struggling to deal with the ramifications of war, a popular new restaurant chain was established. It served high-quality meals at reasonable prices, attracted customers from the full spectrum of British society, and grew at a rate of 10 new sites a week at its most popular. The brains behind the operation? The British government, led by the prime minister, Winston Churchill. Churchill’s British Restaurants, a chain of government-funded canteens offering nutritious price-capped meals, were intended to counter inflation in food and fuel prices related to the war, as well as to boost community spirit. At their peak, there were more British Restaurants across the UK than there are branches of McDonald’s or Wetherspoons today. Now a new report is calling for the return of a “national restaurant service” in some form, as a way to tackle contemporary issues such as health inequality, food insecurity and even climate change in the UK. A forthcoming report entitled Public diners: the idea whose time has come, by food policy NGO Nourish Scotland, marks the beginning of a campaign to introduce restaurants as a new piece of national infrastructure, a call backed by politicians and experts. A public diner, according to the report, is a state-subsidised eatery serving quality and ethically produced food at affordable prices. Crucially, says Nourish Scotland, they are neither charity nor a treat, but rather everyday eating places for entire communities to access.

[...]

Last year hospital data showed the number of patients in England and Wales being treated for nutritional deficiencies had tripled in a decade while a January 2024 survey by the Food Foundation found 20% of UK households with children reported experiencing food insecurity. And, Nourish Scotland says, ingredients could be sourced from organic farms, reducing unsustainable food production practices and food waste, and stimulating local economies. Public diners have already been realised elsewhere in the world. In Poland, government-funded “milk bars” (bar mleczny) gained popularity in the communist era as a way to serve traditional home-cooked food at low prices, and remain numerous today. Singapore’s “hawker centres”, market-style community dining rooms, emerged as part of the nation’s urban redevelopment following independence, and bring an array of street sellers under one roof to ensure vendors’ access to ingredients and space, as well as food hygiene standards and choice for consumers. The call for state-subsidised dining in the UK comes amid a growing international movement for public restaurants as key infrastructure.

31 August 2024

See also I Dream of Canteens, by Rebecca May Johnson

[lvnleah]

— America, baby! V

this is a little short five part series about Beth and Rory's time in America and the struggles that come with it as they're away from Viv :)

series masterlist can be found here

August 29th 2024

You loved media day last year but this year you absolutely hated it. You had only been back in England for a couple of days and you were so tired, Beth had told you it was something called Jet Lag but you didn’t really understand it. 

You were currently set up beside Beth on a bean bag with your iPad and a blanket while she took some pictures in her kit. You had your own little kit that you were currently wearing. 

“Roo, do you wanna come take a photo with Mummy?” Beth asked you, holding out her hand. 

You were feeling grumpy, the kind of grumpy that makes you want to curl up in a ball and not talk to anyone. You didn’t like feeling like this, but the tiredness made everything seem hard. It was like your brain was all foggy, and all you wanted was to be back home, snuggled under your favourite blanket with Beth and Viv.

You glanced up from your iPad when you heard Beth’s voice. She was smiling at you, her hand stretched out, waiting for you to take it. Normally, you would have jumped up right away to take a photo with her. You loved it when people said how cute you looked in your little Arsenal kit, just like your Mummy’s. But today, you just couldn’t find the energy to be excited.

“I don’t wanna,” you mumbled, pulling Twix closer to you. 

Beth didn’t get upset, though. She never did when you were like this. Instead, she knelt down beside you, her kit rustling as she moved. She brushed a strand of hair out of your face and nodded. 

“That’s okay, Roo,” she said, her voice gentle. “You don’t have to if you’re too tired. Mummy won’t be long, and then maybe we can get a snack?”

A snack did sound nice, but the idea of moving from your bean bag felt like too much work. You shook your head, staring down at your little football socks. They matched Beth’s exactly, but even that didn’t cheer you up like it usually did.

“I know it’s been a long few days,” she said softly. “Travelling all the way from America is a lot, even Mummy is tired! I’ll finish these photos then we’ll get a quick snack yeah?”

You nodded your head and Beth carried on with her media day duties. She took a few more photos, a little giggle escaping when you thought she looked funny. After a while, Beth was done taking photos and had a little break before she was due to do a video with Leah. 

“All done!” She announced, crouching down in front of you, “How about we go get a snack? I heard there’s cake in the canteen!”

“Cake?!” You gasped, quickly forgetting your tiredness as you stood up and threw your iPad down on the bean bag. “I wan’ cake!” 

Beth chuckled at your sudden burst of energy and stood up, holding out her hand once more. This time, you eagerly grabbed it, your little fingers wrapping around hers as you practically dragged her towards the door.

"Alright, alright!" Beth laughed, letting you lead the way. "We’ll go find that cake."

As you walked through the hallway, you started to feel a little better. The idea of cake had lifted your spirits. The tiredness was still there, but it was easier to push it aside when you were excited about something.

When you reached the canteen, you saw Leah sitting at a table with a cup of tea while Monkey sat with her eating her own portion of cake. Monkey’s leg was propped up on a chair with a cushion below it, she still had a big cast from her big ouchie that she’d got while in America. Leah looked up and smiled when she saw you enter the room, giving you a little wave.

“Hey, Roo! Did you hear about the cake?!” Leah gasped, “Better be careful Monkey doesn’t eat it all!”

You nodded enthusiastically, already scanning the room for the promised treat, “Yeah! Mummy says I can get cake because I was patient!”

Beth guided you over to the counter, and there it was—a delicious-looking chocolate cake with thick frosting. Your eyes went wide as you stared at it.

“Can we have some, Mummy? Please?” you asked, bouncing on your toes.

Beth smiled as she took two slices out of the cake container. You quickly pulled yourself up onto a chair once Beth had two slices of cake on a plate. The cake was soon placed in front of you, and you dug in with enthusiasm, a big smile spreading across your face munched away at the cake. 

“Is it good?” she asked, wiping a bit of chocolate frosting off your cheek.

“Mhm!” you mumbled around a mouthful, making both Beth and Leah laugh. 

You got carried away eating your cake in your own little world. Beth leaned against the chair, her tiredness catching up to her now that she knew you were happy. Leah noticed and nudged her with her elbow. "You okay?"

Beth nodded, "Yeah, just tired. It's been a lot, you know?"

Leah gave her a sympathetic smile. "I get it, I’m knackered. Toddlers and jet lag don’t go well, eh? But hey, you’re doing great. Roo’s happy, and that’s what matters, right?"

Beth smiled at that. "Yeah, that's what matters. I just can’t wait for Viv to be back. We’re both missing her a lot now, it was hard enough with her being in Manchester and only being together on the weekends but I think it’s been too long for Roo.”

“She’ll be so happy to see Viv when she's home,” Leah laughed, “Don’t think you’ll get a chance alone with Viv!”

Beth chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I don't stand a chance. Viv’s gonna have a little koala attached to her" she said with a laugh. "But I wouldn’t have it any other way."

As you finished the last of your cake, you looked up at Beth and Leah. Beth watched you with a smile as you devoured your cake. After you finished, Beth took your plate and handed you a napkin before helping you clean your hands.

“Feeling better, Roo?" She asked you as she wiped your face. 

You nodded enthusiastically, “Mhm! Cake makes everythingggg better.” You said dramatically. 

Beth nodded in agreement, laughing at your excitement, “Yeah it doesn’t, doesn’t it?”

After getting you all clean, Beth cleared up your plate before you made your way back to where the media bits were being done. The indoor pitch had been converted into what felt like a studio. Photoshoots were going on everywhere and videos were being filmed all around you.  

You noticed Vic, getting her photo taken, with her shirt back to front. “Vic looks funny!” You laughed as you pointed at Vic. 

“She does, doesn't she?” Beth agreed, your little hand wrapped around hers. 

As you and Beth watched Vic pose for her photo, you couldn't help but giggle louder. Vic noticed you pointing at her and grinned. She struck a silly pose, making you laugh even more.

"Hey, Roo!" Vic called out. "Do you like my new style? Think I should play like this?”

You shook your head, still giggling as you ran over to Vic. "You look silly, Vic! You're wearing your shirt wrong!"

Vic pretended to look down at her shirt in shock. "What? You mean this isn't how it's supposed to go? Oh no!" 

“Nooo!” You giggled, “It’s backwards! Up please?” You asked, holding your arms up to Vic. 

“Shall we get a photo?” Vic asked you as she hoisted you up onto her hip. 

You nodded eagerly as Vic held you close, the two of you grinning from ear to ear. The photographer, noticing the moment, quickly adjusted the camera to capture your playful interaction.

You took a few quick silly photos before going off with Beth to her next media duty, this time it was filming a video. Beth set you up with your iPad, a few snacks, a colouring book and Twix on a comfy bean bag. 

It kept you entertained for a bit but after a while, you grew bored. Your little legs carried you over to Beth who was doing a media video with Leah. You gently tugged on her hand. 

“You okay, Roo?” Beth asked you as she lifted you up onto her lap. “Mummy won’t be long, okay?”

“I’m so bored!” You sighed, resting your head on her chest, “I want to go home to Myle! I miss Mamma too. When she gonna be home?” You asked with a pout. 

“She’ll be home soon bubs, just a few more days,” Beth told you as she placed a kiss on your forehead. 

“But…but that’s so long!” You sighed, “How many days?”

“Four days,” 

“That’s too many!” You whined, “That’s like…forever!”

Lotte, who was standing nearby, overheard your whining and made her way over. “Hey Roo, I have a break now! If it’s okay with your Mummy, why don’t we make a countdown calendar?”

Your eyes lit up at Lotte's suggestion, the idea of making something sounded fun. You looked up at Beth hopefully, tugging on her shirt.

“Can I, Mummy? Please?”

Beth chuckled softly, smoothing down your hair. “Of course, Roo. That sounds like a great idea. Why don’t you make a countdown with Lotte so you can see exactly how many days are left, and it won’t feel like forever anymore.”

Lotte crouched down beside you, giving you a big smile. “Alright, we’ll need some paper and colours. What do you say, should we go find some supplies?”

You nodded eagerly, the grumpiness from earlier fading away as you got excited about your new project. Beth helped you down from her lap, and you rushed over to grab some paper and crayons.

“Got it!” you announced, holding up your supplies.

“Perfect,” Lotte said, taking your hand. “Let’s go sit in the canteen and get started.”

The two of you found an empty table and Lotte helped you tear out a few blank pages from your book. She handed you a crayon, and together, you started drawing squares—one for each day until Viv would be home.

“How many days again?” you asked, furrowing your brow as you carefully tried to count the squares.

“Four,” Lotte reminded you with a laugh. “One, two, three, four! We’ll make a square for each day, and you can cross them off every morning.”

You scribbled a big number “1” in the first square, feeling proud of yourself. “This is today!” you declared.

“That’s right,” Lotte said, drawing a little heart in one of the squares. “And when all the squares are crossed off, Mamma will be back!”

You kept scribbling in the squares, carefully numbering them while Lotte drew little decorations around the edges. The countdown was starting to look colourful, and you were excited to show Beth.

“I wanna make the last square special!” you said suddenly, grabbing a bright red crayon. “'Cause that’s when Mamma comes home!”

“Great idea!” Lotte nodded. “What do you want to draw?”

You thought for a moment, then started drawing a little stick figure family. “This is Mummy, and this is Mamma, and this is me!” you said, pointing to each one. “And Myle, too!” You added a tiny dog beside the figures.

Lotte grinned, impressed by your work. “That’s perfect, Roo! Viv is going to love it.”

Beth had been watching from a distance while filming the video with Leah, and when they finished, she came over to see what you and Lotte had been working on.

“What do we have here?” she asked, crouching down beside you.

You held up the countdown, beaming. “Look, Mummy! This is our calendar! When all the squares are gone, Mamma will be home!”

Beth’s face softened as she looked over your artwork, her smile growing as she spotted the little stick figure family. “You did such a good job, Roo. I love it. Mamma’s going to be so happy to see this!”

You bounced on your toes, filled with excitement. “I can’t wait for her to come home!”

Beth wrapped an arm around your shoulders and gave you a squeeze. “I know, bubs. It won’t be long now. We just have to be patient a little longer.”

Lotte stood up. “Well, I’d say we did a pretty good job here, huh?”

You nodded eagerly, “Yeah! Thank you, Lotts!” 

“No problem, Roo,” she said, ruffling your hair with a smile as you hugged her legs. “Anytime.”

As the day went on, you kept your new countdown calendar close, showing it off to anyone who’d stop long enough to listen. You were so proud of it, and the thought of crossing off another square tomorrow made the wait for Viv’s return just a little bit easier.

Soon, it was time for the last bit of media day, and you were starting to feel sleepy again. Beth noticed you rubbing your eyes and picked you up before settling you down on a beanbag. 

“How about a quick rest before we head home, Roo?” she suggested, brushing her fingers through your hair.

You nodded sleepily, clutching your calendar and Twix. Beth settled you down onto the bean bag and draped your favourite blanket over you. You snuggled into it, feeling the comforting weight of it and the familiar scent of home.

Beth sat beside you, her fingers still combing gently through your hair. “You did such a good job today, bubs. I’m so proud of you.”

You mumbled something incoherent, already half-asleep. Beth leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, her heart swelling with love for you. She knew how much you missed Viv, and she wished she could make the days pass faster for you.

As you drifted off, Beth stayed by your side, her hand resting lightly on your back. She watched as you slept, your little face peaceful and relaxed. Even with the long day, the travel, and the tiredness, you were still her brave little Roo, trying so hard to be patient.

Eventually, Leah came over, her voice soft so as not to wake you. “She out?”

Beth nodded, a tired smile on her face. “Yeah, finally. Poor thing’s exhausted.”

Leah glanced down at you, “You both are. Why don’t you get home and rest? I’ll tell Jonas she wasn’t feeling well.” 

Beth hesitated, glancing around the busy room. “You sure?”

“Positive,” Leah said with a firm nod. “Go home, get some sleep. Both of you.”

Beth sighed, feeling the exhaustion in her bones. “Thanks, Le.”

She carefully scooped you up into her arms, holding you close as you nuzzled into her shoulder. You barely stirred, your little body warm and heavy against hers. Beth grabbed your things and made her way out, murmuring a quick goodbye to everyone before heading to the car.

The drive home was quiet, you were still fast asleep in your car seat. When you finally reached home, Beth carried you inside, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she stepped into the familiar space.

She took you straight to your room, gently laying you down on your bed and tucking you in with Twix beside you before hanging up the countdown beside your bed. You shifted slightly, mumbling something in your sleep, and Beth smiled as she watched you settle back down.

She leaned over, pressing another kiss to your forehead. “Sleep tight, little Roo,” she whispered.

The next few days flew by. You woke up each morning with the first thing on your mind being the countdown. Every day, after you brushed your teeth and got dressed, you ran over to the calendar, grabbed a bright red marker, and crossed off another square with a proud grin. The anticipation of Viv’s return made you giddy with excitement.

Beth made sure to keep you busy over the next few days. She took you to the park, you went on a little shopping trip to get some snacks you knew Viv liked, and you even went to the cinema with Vic and Laura. But no matter what you did, you were always counting down the hours until Viv would be back.

Finally, the day of Viv’s return arrived. You woke up even earlier than usual, a ball of energy and excitement. You scrambled out of bed and dashed to your calendar, taking your time as you drew a big, careful “X” over the last square, the one you’d decorated with so much love.

“Mamma’s coming home today!” you yelled, your voice echoing through the house.

Beth poked her head around the door, her hair still wet from the shower. “She sure is, bubs,” she said, smiling at your excitement. “Are you ready to go pick her up from the airport?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” you chanted, jumping up and down on your bed. “I’m ready, Mummy!”

“Alright let’s slow down, let’s get you some breakfast first, then we’ll head out,” she said, just as excited as you were. She knew how much you’d been waiting for this moment.

You practically bounced through breakfast, too excited to sit still. You kept asking Beth every five minutes if it was time to go yet, your little legs swinging back and forth under the table as you picked at your cereal.

Finally, after what felt like forever, it was time to leave. You grabbed Twix and the little sign you’d made for Viv, the words “Welcome Home, Mamma!” written in your best handwriting with drawings of hearts and stars all around it.

The drive to the airport seemed to take ages, even though Beth kept reassuring you that it wouldn’t be long. When you finally arrived at the airport, your excitement reached a whole new level. You could barely stay still as you waited near the arrivals gate, your eyes scanning every person who walked through the doors, looking for that familiar face.

Then, there she was. Viv walked through the gate, pulling her suitcases behind her, and the moment you spotted her, you let out a loud squeal.

“MAMMA!”

Viv’s face lit up as she spotted you, and she dropped her suitcase to scoop you up into her arms. You clung to her, your arms tight around her neck as she spun you around, laughing.

“Hi, Roo!” she said, her voice full of happiness. “I missed you so much!”

“I missed you too, Mamma!” you said, your words muffled as you buried your face in her shoulder. “I made a countdown calendar, and I waited and waited, and now you’re finally home!”

Viv kissed your cheek, her eyes misty as she held you close. “I’m so proud of you, Roo. You were such a brave girl being away for all that time!”

Beth joined the two of you, a warm smile on her face as she wrapped an arm around Viv and you. “Welcome home, love.”

Viv leaned in, giving Beth a kiss. “It’s good to be back.”

The three of you made your way to the car, you still holding onto Viv like a little koala. You couldn’t stop talking, telling her everything you’d done while she was away, about the cinema, the park, the countdown calendar.

When you finally got home, Viv barely had time to put down her bags before you were tugging her towards your room to show her the calendar you’d made.

“Look, Mamma!” you said, pointing at it proudly. “See? I crossed off all the days, and now you’re here!”

Viv crouched down beside you, looking at the calendar with a big smile. “It’s beautiful, Roo. I love it so much.”

You smiled, “I’m so happy you’re home, Mamma. Can we cuddle on the couch with Myle now?”

“Of course, klein meisje,” she said, scooping you up again and carrying you into the living room. You curled up on the couch, Viv on one side, Beth on the other, and Myle sprawled out across your legs.

You sighed happily, your head resting on Viv’s shoulder as you looked up at her with a sleepy smile. “Love you, Mamma.”

Viv kissed the top of your head, her heart full. “I love you too, Roo. So, so much.”

You glanced over at Beth, your eyelids growing heavy. “Love you, Mummy.”

Beth leaned over, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Love you too, bubs.”

And as you drifted off to sleep, safe and warm between the two people you loved most in the world, you knew that no matter how long the wait, no matter how hard it was, having your family together again made it all worth it.

[tenderleavesbob]

"No, I am fine. I don't need it."

Twilight loved all of his brothers dearly. Despite the exhaustion of going on a second quest, he was grateful to the Goddesses and Spirits for letting him meet the other heroes. They were amazing people, and he felt blessed for having known them.

It would be out of that love that Twilight was going to shove this pain potion down Warriors's stubborn gullet. He gritted his teeth. "You're in pain. This here is a pain potion. Drink it."

Warriors scowled at him and went to cross his arms. Of course, the idiot couldn't, but Twilight felt no satisfaction when Warriors flinched and lowered his arms again. "I'll be fine. I just need to sleep it off."

Twilight had pulled them away from the Chain's camp for some privacy, but he knew it was only a matter of time before someone came to find them. He wouldn't be surprised if one or two heroes started creeping their way soon to eavesdrop. This should have been quick and easy, but of course his brother was being stubborn.

"You aren't gonna be able to sleep with your arm all busted," Twilight pointed out. Before Warriors could protest that he wasn't hurt, Twilight added, "And before you say scars don't count, you might wanna 'member what you told Wild last week."

Warriors's mouth clamped shut, but he still looked as stubborn and ornery as any of Ordon's goats. He looked pale, too, like the pain of his old wounds was leeching something out of him. Twilight hated it. Stubborn arse.

His brother had almost dropped his dinner earlier and after, he had to hold his canteen with his right hand. When Wind grabbed him in a surprise hug, Warriors had flinched like Wind had hit him.

Wait. Wind.

"And Wind worships the ground you walk on, y'know. What do ya think he would do if he saw ya not taking your potion? What will he do next time he's in pain?"

Warriors scowled at Twilight, thunderous as anything, but he still reached out with his right hand for the pain potion. His expression promised retribution later, but Twilight sat back on his heels, content.

His brother might be an ornery old goat, but Twilight wasn't a goat herder for nothin'.

[lex-the-flex]

Infectious Defenses

Las Plagas! Leon S. Kennedy x reader

Summary: Trapped by Lord Saddler, the man believes he has the best weapon at his fingertips. Unbeknownst to him, nothing can break the alliance between two of the greatest D.S.O Agents.

Word Count: 1.2k

Warning(s): HEAVY ANGST, brief action and violence, descriptions of injuries, Las Plagas nearly takes control of Leon, mentions of brainwashing, the reader being a badass, and MEGA FLUFF!

A/N: I’M SO HYPED FOR THIS GAME!! And the new trailer made me loose my mind!! I hope you enjoy and feedback is appreciated!

The heavy rainfall made seeing the pathway to the cathedral nearly impossible in the dead of night. Hoisting Leon closer to you, there was no room to breathe, and your muscles started to ache from carrying his weight against your tired body.

Coughing more frequently, Leon tried his best to cover his mouth, but he couldn't. Letting his left arm dangle, the only thing he could do was trudge his feet along the gravel trail to the church's entrance.

"Come on, Leon. It's just a little further." You shouted against the rain, hoping he'd hear you.

"I'm trying, Y/N..." Leon mumbled in between another coughing fit.

Reaching the cathedral's front steps, you pushed the door open with your hip, hoping the barrel of your submachine gun tied to your back would provide a little help. With the large wooden doors swinging open, the force alone made you and Leon fall to the floor.

Breaking your fall, Leon held you in his muscular arms, not wanting you to collide with the stone flooring. Heaving past your shoulder, Leon gasped for a rush of cold air, begging for anything to enter his collapsing lungs.

Even when he's dying, Leon is ever the gentleman.

Moving to your knees, you carefully held a hand on Leon's chest, hoping to keep him still. Grabbing your wrist, the young man wheezed for any kind of saving grace. Taking a few herbs from your hip pouch, you held the medicinal mixture to Leon's chapped lips, he swallowed the remedy with a few sips of water out of a spare canteen from Luis.

Laying back, Leon slowly released his grip on your wrist, the agent's breathing returned to normal. Focusing on continuing the flow from in through his nose and out the mouth, Leon balances on his elbows.

"Y/N? You okay?" Leon asked and a crease formed in between his dark brows.

Motioning for your barely bleeding shoulder, a small quiet giggle escapes from your lips, and a quick smile fills the corners of Leon's dull pinkish lips.

"What?" He asks, returning to his normal self.

But before you can respond, an echo of vile laughter fills the cathedral's empty hall, and your face drops. Turning to the altar, Leon subconsciously clutched your arm in his hand as he rose from his spot on the ground.

"So the lambs decided to return to their Shepard after all. But don't worry, you'll soon become one of us, Mr. Kennedy. Then your partner shall fall in line right behind you." Lord Saddler explained as the two of you stood to your feet.

“You're wrong. I don't carry the same blood as you and your men." Leon said, pacing to the foot of the altar.

“Ah but you do, my boy. Once the egg hatches, you will see the true path.” Saddler snickered, waving his hand towards his infested staff.

"Leon, what's he talking about?" You ask, standing at his side.

"Ah, so you don't know, Ms. L/N. You were more than fortunate enough to escape my grasp. It'll be a miracle once you accept this wondrous gift!" Saddler projects, with a smirk lighting up his eerie face.

The Lord's spine-tingling eyes try to break your spirit, but you stand strong beside Leon. Unclipping your own modified handgun, you aim the barrel toward the sadistic leader.

"Nah ah ah. I wouldn't do that if I were you." Saddler mocks you, wagging his finger in your direction.

Your pointer finger barely begins to squeeze the trigger just as Leon begins to heavily wheeze. Reaching for the base of his neck, Leon descends to his knees, as if he can no longer stand up straight.

"Leon, are you alright? Here, take my hand." You instruct never letting go of your gun.

Rejecting your hand, Leon pushes you back causing you to stumble towards a pillar.

"Don't come near me, Y/N! I can't... I can't--" Leon replies, staggering in place.

Beneath his olive skin, a series of dark crimson veins begin to emerge on top of his own. Clasping his hands on his chest, Leon takes in a few uneven gasps out of desperation, hoping, praying for this to just be a bad dream.

"Ah yes, the time has come!" Saddler praises, praising the power before him.

Switching targets, you can't decide whether to aim at Saddler or Leon, you choose the latter. With a firm stance, you begin to march toward Saddler with your gun held high. But before you can reach the foot of the altar, the sight of Leon taking hold of your gun startles you.

Swiping the gun from your hands, the D.S.O. Agent tosses your piece of artillery across the room. Your hands start to shake uncontrollably as you try to cover the gasp that sneaks from your mouth. Gazing over the man who now stood before you, it was as if Leon became a different person in a matter of seconds.

"Exult all! And let it be so!!" Saddler shouts, witnessing the true marvel before him.

Sinking to the very mold of the pillar, your fingers grip the old stone, hoping the cold will soothe your sweaty palms. Watching the dark mass inch its way up Leon's neck, he faces the ceiling. Gritting his teeth together, a terrifying scream escapes Leon's lips, and it shakes you to your very core.

You've never heard Leon scream. Let alone in pain. This man was not your partner, friend, or the man who shared the same infatuation with.

This was not your Leon.

Making eye contact with your gun, you bolt towards it, ducking under Leon's attack. Switching the safety off, you aim the gun at Saddler and shoot. The bullet makes contact with Saddler's shoulder and he falls through a hidden trap door behind the waist-high flat table.

The moment Saddler disappears, Leon collapses to the ground, and the terror that once controlled him is gone. Rushing to his side, the crimson colored veins vanished.

"Leon?" You question, nudging his exposed skin with the butt of your gun.

Jerking awake, Leon held up his hand to see the sight of your gun aimed at him. Wiping his sweaty face, he looks around the cathedral.

"What happened?" He innocently asks, trying to process what had just occurred.

Just like that, it was like a dam opened, and a rush of tears flowed down your face. Standing before you, Leon takes your shoulders in his hands, and leans his forehead against yours.

"You, you lost control, Leon. It's like you... became a different person." You tried to explain through a series of sobs.

"But I didn't, Y/N. I won't let that virus take me. I'm here and I don't plan on going anywhere." Leon whispered to ease your sobs, taking you closer in his arms.

re taglist ~

@dreamliners

@iraot

@beautifuljellyfishqueen

@balach-cadalach

@murrdxcks

@fetaneecole

@odaschopsticks

@macabrecakes

@tiredsurvivoronmain

@thecodeisveronica

@andyacklesspn

@kanzukikarin

@cloudybakery

@swimninhoney

@ashiemochi

@kennedysharper

@highball66

@jinlintai

@onewinged-sephiroth

@scariusaquarius

@momma-vi

@cilantro24 

@shions-new-blog-of-stuff 

@thatdummy-girl

@acupnoodle

@slaughtrx

@rpd-rookie

@oreo-leon

@xxresi-rotxx

@ashrillvenheim 

@knifefightandchill

@tradgothprompto

@lottathoughts

@brittlecakes92

@mnjxs

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[igriswholove]

I think about Johnny.

Below there may be partial descriptions of violence, unpleasant moments in life, and mentions of hospitals.

About MacTavish, who in an extra quiet moment decides to find his notebook - to draw something or someone. But his hand trembles - a wound that has touched something important leaves a tremor in his fingers, and he has to really try. The drawing comes out careless - the lines do not go as usual, they slide off, they go in a small wave. He's angry. But he simply don’t have the strength to do it. He can learn again. He learns quickly.

About Soap, who hates hospitals. The feeling of an IV or catheter in his hand creates an itching under his skin, a desire to wriggle out, to rip the meat out. But he endures. That's why he's often grouchy and sarcastic. The hospital food does not disgust him - it is not particularly different from the food in their canteen... but the air, saturated with a special, hospital smell, makes him lose his appetite - it turns him inside out. That's what operating rooms smelled like - a pungent smell of cleanliness and something he couldn't quite put his finger on. This is what the intensive care unit smelled like. This is how the beds in the wards smelled. This is what the medicine smelled like. Their Infirmary at the base is closer to him - in spirit, in smell, in furnishings, even though there are not as many conditions there as in the next hospital, where he ended up by the will of fate, or rather, because a shell on a mission that almost turned his side out. But he doesn’t like to be there either. Lesser of two evils.

Johnny, who, when the instructions are too vague, too ragged, when the feeling of Total wrongness in everything is breathing hot breath into the back of his neck, goes to figure it out and demand at least some answers. Price only wearily and patiently, with restraint that even Goust would envy, only reports what he has already reported and expresses understanding. Johnny, who then leaves, almost slamming the door - sometimes like a child, well, honestly.

Johnny, who after this is all on edge, rolls towards the hall in, looks like bundle of nerves, just to relieve the aching muscles - anxiety, squeezing and crushing his body in spasm.

I think about the name McTavish coming out of Ghost's mouth in that thick British accent when he's challenged to spar.

Johnny, who smiles while his body burns with bruises, the sites of particularly successful blows from Ghost - scream, demand rest. But the fight is on, and Johnny is almost having fun. Both are letting off steam, mostly playing by the rules that never work in real combat, rather than trying to cause harm.

Afterwards, Johnny listens with displeasure to the nurse, and then to Price, that this is NOT the best thing he could do - he must be ready for the mission and be as fresh as a cucumber. Considering the recent incidents, the amount of medicines consumed and other things in just half a year, he is rather a pickled. Perhaps he should take a vacation?...

Johnny, who jerks his leg when he’s nervous, creating a rhythmic, barely audible sound - a heavy gloved hand falls sharply on his knee, squeezing, reminding him, firstly, of the bruise, and secondly, that it’s time for him to calm down, otherwise the mission will go to hell. A panicking soldier is a dead soldier.

Johnny, who loves breakfast cereals and, despite the teasing from the know-it-all Gaz, who reminds that this is almost one hundred percent sugar, easily devours a pack, eating away the stress.

McTavish, who sits at the table late at night, poring over textbooks and new information on the creation of explosive devices and their operation, thoughtfully drawing out convenient combinations for occasions, and simply as a training session.

Johnny, who loves puddings and fights with an unknown person who steals them from the refrigerator. Literally or not, he hasn’t decided yet, but he won’t forgive this “someone” for strawberry pudding. (This is Goust, by the way)

Johnny, who gets mad when his hair grows too long and falls in his face. Several times, when on a mission he did not have time to cut his hair, he managed to grow his hair to shoulder length, upon returning he decided to only shave the sides, tying his hair in a ponytail - fortunately, the length allowed.

Johnny, who has a toothache and waits as long as he can before he is pushed into the dentist's office, from where he emerges gloomy and angry, and the terrified doctor only silently asks for payment. No, he takes care of his health - a soldier, after all, but still. They have mutual hostility with the doctors.

Johnny, who has a 'subtitled face'. Sometimes subtitles lie.

[ideasarestuckinmyhead]

*pulls up to the window* hi may I get the motherfucking uhhhh middle ground trio but they're camp counselors?? With some tooth rotting fluff headcanons on the side??

Middle Ground as Camp Counselor's

Hii mootie! I was wondering if you were gonna request middle ground things! Ngl excited for this one!! I yapped so much omg-

For this one since Darling was with Finn first, it was Auron hiring them to make them meet.

Finn is a beloved camp counselor by all the kids, they love his flower facts and the nature walks he does for them.

They think he's some type of forest spirit bc how d o you know so much about the flora and fauna of the forest?? Calls the kids seedlings.

Darling is one of the adult that will correct how your acting like another parent. If someone needs a trusted adult its them for some reason?

The kids say their mean but mean like a older sibling that's looking over you. Snitching to your parents that you did something dangerous that could get you killed.

No you can't take the canoe out in the middle of the lake at night. What if you drown? Then why? Calls the kids lil shits.

Auron lowkey scares the kids with how serious he looks. So Finn and Darling help the kids see how he's a silly guy too.

The kids love showing him art they did of him, getting a small smile and the kids want to get more of his smiles.

Steps in as a last resort if the kids aren't listening. He lightly scolds them saying they need to listen to the adults bc they are here to protect them. Call the kids children.

They share a cabin, but Darling and Finn are around the kids more than Auron bc he's in the office of the cabin doing things.

Inside the cabin is a perfect mixture of all three of them. A kid one time said it's like walking through a portal to another world.

Auron when seeing Bigs when he first appeared went in front of his partners.

Darling was about to throw something at him, but Finn told them all to calm down.

During nature walks you can see all three of them. Auron always makes time to go on the nature walks with his partner's.

The kids giggle as they see him give goo goo eyes at them. Darling tells them to leave him be, Finn tells them that he just really loves the two of them.

Bc their counselor's and owner of the camp the three have to get up early.

Darling in leaning against Auron as he's making coffee. But when Finn comes in Darling goes to the blonde and asks if he can do their hair.

Finn does your hair routine or just puts it up and then starts doing his. Auron gives you two your drinks you drink in the morning. Tea for Finn and whatever for you.

Darling wakes up fully and puts Auron's long hair up in a clip as he reads what's planned for today.

Kisses are shared before they go into the canteen and greet all the kids.

Sometimes Darling needs to leave Finn and help another counselor. SO they give him a quick kiss and walk away. The kids say they gave him cooties. Finn hushes them as he continues to teach them how to make flower crowns.

Sometimes when everyone is about to go to sleep you can see Auron checking on all the cabins. Peaking in before sighing and saying good night lowly.

Darling doesn't like going to sleep unless all the kids are counted for. So their next to Auron counting kids before giving him a nod so they can go to the next cabin.

Finn places a protection runes on the cabins to ease his mind during the night. Every night before bed he checks on them as his partner's look over the kids.

The middle ground trio are a very interesting combo the kids say. But they love them bc you can see how well they complement each other when something happens.

Once time one of them got lost during nature walk and Darling was sprinting through the woods. They learned the paths bc of Finn, Auron was the one to call the other counselors to find the kid. Finn was comforting the kids who were crying for their friend.

Darling found the kid crying under a tree, mumbling breathing exercises Finn taught the kids. The two walked to camp as Darling talked about things the kid liked, the kid was thankful for this as they told Darling about the different dinosaurs people for get about.

Auron quickly went to the kid looking over them before sighing and hugging them. Afterwards all the kids were lectured to stay by the group, Finn tried blaming himself but Darling cut that down immediately telling him kids get curious and the kid probably saw something and wanted to see it.

Auron for the camp is def very strict about security, wanting to make sure all the kids are safe. Darling has to tell him hey, kids are dipshits don't be too strict on them. Finn also had to scold Auron saying if we give kids trust they'll be good for us.

In all the middle ground trio are so silly i love them <33

[ghostking-nico-diangelo]

The battle ended for me, when I passed out. I woke up a few minutes later, Percy was bending over me, in his hand was a canteen. "Nico, what happened? Can you talk?" My mouth tasted like my favourite sweets. I nodded, I still felt pretty weak. He helped me to sit up, the grass around me died and the ground cracked at some spots. "Never tried to summon so many before. I-I'll be fine"

I blinked and then I focused on something, someone behind Percy. "Daedelus." I croaked. "Yes, my boy," he said "I made a very bad mistake. I came to correct it" He had a few scratches that were bleeding golden oil, but he looked better then the most demigods around me. Percy, Annabeth Daedelus and I talked for quite a bit. Percy got Daedelus' Hellhound Mrs O'leary. And Daedelus himself offered me to take his soul, as ranson for my sisters. But I refused "I will help you release your spirit. But Bianca has passed. She must stay where she is" "Well done, son of Hades. You are becoming wise"

I smirked a little. I held up my hand and said "Your time is long since come. Be released and rest"

Daedelus smiled while he became transparent and then turned to grey ash and disintergrated.

[leonstoenailunderhisbed]

Insurgency: The Uprising

Summary: A totalitarian regime reigns over a South American country in which the virus is being distributed to its citizens at the pretense of a “cure.” Leon was sent to retrieve a sample of the virus mutation when he stumbled upon a group of anti-government activists whose main goal is to overthrow their government. Will Leon help the cause or will he fall down with the government as well?

Warning: Mentions of mature themes. Read at your own discretion. Slow burn. Age gap (Leon is 38 and reader is 21+). Reader is female.

Word count: 4,750

A/N: this is an idea I had for a book I wanted to write. I love dystopian books and movies so I really wanted to write something like this. This will be a series lol.

[part one][part two][part three][part four][part five][part six][part seven][part eight][bonus]

“The relief of giving in to destruction.” - Franz Kafka, Diaries.

“This is an urgent message from the president. This is an urgent message from the president. This is an ur-“

“Hello citizens of Pruye,” the TV warning got interrupted by the screening of a middle aged woman sitting down on a desk. Her suit was black as a flag stood behind her. The colors blue and green with a crest on the far left corner- a serpent. The woman had a brown bob with a few grey hairs. Her eyes were deep brown as her lips remained a bright pink. Her rosy cheeks puffed out the look of exhaustion as she embodied the feeling of a confident and strong leader,

“Today is an important day that all must remember. Tonight, we will launch the cure of all illnesses. The immunity to life. We shall bring peace and harmony all throughout the globe. A change never seen in history… until now.”

“Membario will become the new pharmaceutical phenomena. Our people worked hard for this cure and we shall be the first ones to prove to the world that we, too, can make history. Tonight, you all will be receiving a sample of this cure. Tonight, we will boast in the celebrations of what it feels to be victors! We are proud Pruyanians!”

The TV got turned off by someone, your coworker, “What a bunch of mierda,” Your coworker was an old man, a veteran who served in the war and now worked at where you worked. A canteen right in the middle of downtown Pruye. The streets were made of cement but had plot holes from previous battles.

The Pruyanian government, right before the current president won the election, was peaceful and harmonious in which it allowed citizens to have a voice. After President Mendez took charge, she changed everything.

Streets were patrolled by the Pruyanian soldiers who proved their loyalty to the country. Laws were changed and made to accommodate the president’s demands.

“I just don’t understand why it’s such a big deal, it’s just a drug like opium or morphine,” he continued with a grumpy voice.

“C’mon, Franco. Don’t be a buzzkill. Imagine how rich we can be if we were to sell it to other countries?” Another coworker said, a young woman in her early twenties with dyed hair. Red fiery hair covering what was a previous black raven shade.

Franco snorted as he stared at the TV and then back at the young woman, “Don’t tell me you actually believe her words? She’s manipulating us!”

You sighed and went to clean up a few tables, “You two fight like politicians.”

“Look- I’m just saying is that there are better ways to make a living. I don’t want to work here for the rest of my life,” the young woman replied as she too helped you clean around the canteen.

“Too bad, Esme,” Franco replied as he opened a newspaper and began to read, “Life’s a bitch and you can’t do anything about it.”

Esme raised her brow and looked at you for a brief moment, “He gets old but not his spirit, eh?” She nudged you with her elbow gently.

You stifled a chuckle and shook your head as you went back to the kitchen to clean the used dishes.

It’s always been you three working here. Esme, Franco and you were like family. After President Mendez delivered the order to kill all those who opposed her, your family became a target.

Your brother, around 16 years old, died right before a ceasefire was called. He was with his friends when a group of Pruyanian soldiers appeared and shot him. The cause for the shooting? He defied a soldier and showed insubordination.

Since then you’ve grown resentment to the government- specifically President Mendez.

The ground shook as you were cleaning the dishes. You slowly approached the open door entry along with Franco and Esme, watching as battle tanks drove through the city.

“Coño… what are they doing over here?” Esme asked faintly as she watched the tanks and army pass by. Their uniform blue with the serpent crest embedded on their arm. The red serpent you’ve seen all throughout the city.

“Must be presidential orders,” Franco pointed to a big screen on a tall tower. The tower stood right in the center of the city layout. Its purpose was to guide those who are lost- or maybe it was to show who the powerful ones really were.

You and Esme turned your attention to the big screen, watching as a countdown took place. They were about to distribute the cure to the citizens in 6 hours.

Esme huffed in annoyance and went back to stare at the soldiers pass by. Their boots echoing through the humid streets of Pruye as they held their weapons with a firm grip.

“They’re securing the area…” you whispered as you furrowed your brows. You turned back to look at the screen and listen to what the president had to say, “We will be patrolling the following areas- Pucalara, Miguén, San Jolonia, and San Bandero. Do not be alarmed, this is standard protocol.”

Currently, you were in San Bandero. The heart of Pruye. The soldiers all surrounded the city and held their rifles close to themselves. You watched as the tanks all moved inward, closer to the tower.

“They’re locking us in…” you spoke faintly as you quickly walked back inside the canteen. Esme and Franco exchanged a look as they followed behind you, seemingly confused.

“This isn’t protection like she claims- no. She’s locking us inside the city-“ you frantically said as you got your bag and jacket.

“Y/n, slow down. How do you even know that?” Franco put a hand on your shoulder to calm you down.

You shook your head as you swung your jacket around your shoulders, “I don’t. But knowing her… she’s hiding something and I don’t want to be here for that.”

You walked out of the canteen and walked down the sidewalk towards where the soldiers were blocking an exit. As you neared them, a soldier held out his rifle and aimed at you as he spoke through his helmet, “Turn back around. You cannot leave the area.”

You raised your hands in the air and took a step forward, resulting in the other soldiers pointing their guns at you, “I said- turn back around! Now!”

With a glare you slowly took steps back as you walked away from them. They weren’t letting people out which meant that they were also not letting people in.

As you walked back to the canteen, you noticed how people began to get out of their houses and grow confused at the soldiers. Why were they blocking the exits and entries of the city?

Right as you were about to walk inside the canteen, shots were fired. You crouched down to the floor and covered your head with your arms as you looked over your shoulder and saw soldiers shooting the civilians with weapons launching at them.

Your eyes widened at the sight of the people with machetes and guns fight each other. The sound of bodies falling down to the floor as well as the blood seeping through their lifeless bodies, staining the cement under them.

Rain began to pour down, making it hard for the soldiers to see through their helmets. You watched as a person stabbed a soldier from behind with their knife but then fall to the ground dead as the soldier behind them shot them in the head.

This was war.

-

Leon was called to the main office of the organization he was currently working at. Which was for the government. He found himself inside the White House again for some reason.

As he waited inside a room, he couldn’t help but notice how bright and sunny the weather had been lately. Which was a contrast to what he felt. Drained and exhausted.

The door opened gently and two men dressed in expensive suits stepped inside with a file in their hands. They approached where Leon had been sitting and sat on the couch across from him.

“Good news, your request for a getaway vacation has been approved,” one of the men, balding and tired, said as he laid the file on the coffee table between them. Leon leaned forward to pick it up and go through it.

“And the bad news?” Leon asked without glancing at them.

The other cleared his throat before speaking, “You’re being sent to another virus mission.”

Leon looked up from the file to stare at the two men. Another mission about the virus, when will it ever end?

He sighed as he closed the file and leaned back against the couch, “So another zombie apocalypse. Great, just what I fucking needed…” he whispered as he put the file back on the coffee table, “No.”

“No? What do you mean no? This is important, people’s lives are at risk and we can’t-“ Leon quickly interrupted the balding man.

“You can’t save everyone when it comes to this. I’ve seen it many times, why don’t you all just do what you did back in Raccoon City, huh? Bomb them until there’s no trace of the virus,” Leon got up and began to walk towards the door.

“This is different,” the other man said, causing Leon to stop in his tracks. “This isn’t like the virus you’ve seen before… this is much more dangerous.”

Leon turned around to look at the two of them before walking back to sit on the couch. “Go on.”

“Ahem-“ the man continued, “South America. The branch wants you to go over there and retrieve a sample of the virus. That’s all you have to do. Once you give us the sample, we’ll proceed from there and you’ll get your vacation.”

Leon narrowed his eyes at him, growing suspicious of how easy the mission sounds, “You aren’t telling me everything, are you?”

The balding man laughed nervously and readjusted his black tie, “Not per se-“

“There’s a revolution going on in the country of Pruye where you’re being sent to. They mutated the virus’s genetic code into something more dangerous and they’re using it as medicine- I believe you know where this is going,” the other man said.

Leon nodded and kept quiet as the man talked, “The government is planning on distributing this ‘medicine’ to other countries but we cannot let them. Your mission is not only to retrieve a sample but to also stop the spread and destroy the evidence of the virus ever existing. You will be given a team- both air and land to help you complete your mission. Your task is not let others know the real reason why you’re there. You are acting as a soldier proving aid to the government. Once you have retrieved the virus sample, we will pull you out of the country and bring you back.”

“This time I’m actually getting help. Nice,” Leon replied sarcastically. It was obvious that Leon wasn’t all too excited about this. He’s been used as a killing machine ever since Raccoon City. He’s been tossed around the globe with expectations of solving everyone’s issues. And he’s tired. He’s 38, he should be worrying about other things other than war and death.

His hands rested on his thighs as he began to stand up from the couch, “When do I leave?”

“First thing in the morning, you’ll be on a private plane provided by the government,” the balding man answered.

Leon nodded before finally walking towards the door and exiting the room. As he walked down the halls of the White House, he wondered what life would be like for him. Is this all he’s ever going to do? Was his life purpose about fighting and killing? He couldn’t wait to retire.

-

Smoke covered the entire block. Rain poured down harshly against your skin, causing your hair to stick to you like glue. The smell was of gunpowder and metallic blood infiltrated your nose. A vision full of haze as you stood up from being crouched down on the floor.

Blood.

A lot of blood.

They brought tanks and a helicopter. “¡Al suelo!” Someone yelled.

You got down on the floor as an incoming tank shot a building, causing it to crumble down just a few feet away from the canteen. Your eyes widened in horror at the sight.

People screamed- from pain and from the fight. You got up and ran to try and find Franco and Esme. You needed to get them out of here now.

You staggered as you ran towards the canteen. The debris that had fallen over from the building covering the road. You jumped and ducked as soldiers hid behind them and shot at anyone who they deemed a threat.

Panting through the bloodied streets, you had reached the canteen. You heard groaning and some yelling more up ahead.

You didn’t know what took over you but you found yourself running towards that sound. As you approached the yelling, you saw that Esme had been hit by a piece of debris from the collapsed building. Her leg had been squished and she desperately tried to pry the piece off of her. You kneeled down beside her and pushed the debris aside, watching in horror what had happened to her leg.

Her bone broke and penetrated her skin. Snapped in half like a twig. There was blood pooling down her leg. You froze, you didn’t know what to do. You weren’t a medic but you also weren’t heartless enough to leave her.

You took off your jacket and applied it to her wound, hoping you could at least stop the bleeding. She gripped your arm as she let out a bloody scream in pain.

“Estoy aquí- respira. Todo va estar bien-“ you tried to calm her down but she let out another yell, “y/n it hurts- grragh”

Of course it hurt, her bone was poking out of her skin.

“Where’s Franco?” You asked as you tried to get her distracted from the pain.

She didn’t respond and instead pointed to a mountain of rubble. Metal rods and pieces of cement fell down on top of people. You could see limb pieces- arm, legs. But you couldn’t recognize all of them.

Your eyes followed her finger as she pointed to the gore display.

“He’s under there…” she replied weakly and let out another pained scream.

You felt your breath catch in your throat as your heart rate quickened. Slowly standing up, you walked over to the mountain of rubble. “Franco?” You called out in a panicked tone.

Silence.

You hurriedly kneeled in front of the mountain and hastily moved the rubble away. Taking piece by piece as you denied the thoughts scurrying through your head.

Almost immediately, your heart dropped down to your stomach as you recognize the veteran necklace. With shaky hands, you reached for the necklace and took it.

Franco was dead.

Your vision blurred as you held the necklace on your chest. You let out a blood curdling scream as you trembled in horror.

The ground shook as more bombs blew off. Troops stampeded through the streets, their weapons aimed at the citizens of San Bandero.

You went back to Esme and tried to pick her up, “Come on,” you grunted as she leaned her weight on you.

Dragging her alongside you, you managed to walk further away from the city and towards the exit. The soldiers bordering the entry/exit road had been killed and now laid there lifeless. Their uniforms stained with the red tint of what could be assumed was their blood. Maybe it was also someone else’s.

As you managed to get her out of the city, you walked through the dense forest and laid her down on the ground as she leaned against a tree.

“I’m going to get help- stay here and don’t make a single sound-“

“Leave me,” Esme interrupted you. Her gaze defeated and weak as she looked up at you. “I’m only going to slow you down. You need to get out here…”

Your eyes softened at her, “I can’t leave you, Esme. You’re coming with me-“

“For fuck’s sake y/n! Just go!” She cut you off again. She sighed and closed her eyes. “Just go…”

You stared at her in silence, your feet frozen in place.

“Esme…”

“Just go. I’m not going to live, you saw what they were doing to us… please, Y/n… just go…” she rolled her head back against the tree and grunted softly in pain.

You stared at her in silence as you contemplated your next actions.

“Y/n, go to La Séten mountain…” she heaved as she tried to breathe, “There’s- there’s a group of people who can help you, give them this.”

She weakly handed you a piece of paper with writing on it. You took it and put it in your pocket as you nodded shortly.

“I will…” you whispered as you looked into her amber eyes, “I’m sorry, Esme…”

Esme gave you a weak and faint smile, “Don’t be sorry… promise you’ll live… for me…”

You nodded and held her hand as your eyes welled up in tears, “I will.”

You leaned closer to her and gave her forehead a gentle kiss. She closed her eyes and exhaled for the last time in her life.

You stifled a sob as you let go of her hand. You’ve lost Franco and now Esme too.

You walked through the forest, making your way to the mountain Esme mentioned.

-

“Madam President, the city states have been seized and are under troop surveillance.”

“Wonderful, let the Chief in Command proceed with the plan. We mustn’t delay the delivery.”

“Yes, Madam President,” the female assistant walked out of the President’s office, the same one when the announcement was first made. President Mendez let out a soft hum and stared down at the files in her hands.

“Tonight, we will change lives Doctor Ramirez,” she spoke as Doctor Ramirez walked closer to her desk.

“Yes, we will Madam President and it’s all thanks to your help. Without your sponsorship, we couldn’t have progressed so quickly with our research,” Doctor Ramirez was a tall and lanky man with glasses. His hair was neatly parted at the side and his white coat shielded the suit he was wearing underneath. He exuded wealth and power, much like the President herself.

President Mendez laughed and clapped her hands slowly, “Oh.. Doctor Ramirez, you are too humble.”

“Not all Madam President… not at all,” he replied with a quiet tone. His eyes unreadable.

-

The path to La Sénte Mountain was a rough one. It’s one of the biggest mountains in San Bandero that has been classified as unreachable. There was an abandoned trail that originally was used for horse riding but ever since the country got ruled over by President Mendez, everything turned industrial.

Trees aligned the rail as the tall grass reached up your shins. It had gotten dark by the time the bombs and the shootings all faded in the background. As you took a step up, you turned back to look at the city that was once your home become occupied by soldiers. The helicopter flashed its light in search for citizens. There was smoke and fire coming out of the city from where you stood.

You couldn’t believe this was happening. With a sigh, you continued your trail up the mountain. Unknown to you that you were being watched by eyes hidden in the grass, trees, and bushes.

Hours passed and it was now some time past midnight. You took a break to catch your breath. Sitting down on a rock, you took out the piece of paper Esme gave you.

It was a small map with the word ‘Insurgents’ on it. The map was a layout of Pruye, it contained information about where each government and army building was located around the coast as well as the center of the country.

You tucked it back into your pocket not before hearing a twig snap. Anxiety quickly coursed through your veins and you got up to leave. Whatever was out there was probably not friendly given the current uprising in the country.

With a force against your feet, you kept climbing up the mountain. Climbing for what felt hours until you saw an orange light emitting from a cave.

Fire. Someone had lit up a camp inside a cave in the mountain.

You gripped the edge of the cave and pulled your body up. As you entered, you were immediately met with guns pointed at you. There were about four men pointing their rifles at you as you climbed up. A woman came up to you and dragged you up by your arm, helping you stand on your feet.

There was a table right in the center of the cave with a lantern. And behind that table stood a woman with a scar across her face. Her eye a different color as the scar ran right through it.

“Hold your weapons,” she raised her hand to stop the men from shooting you. The men took two steps back and slowly lowered their weapons. The woman who helped you up left your side and walked back to where the other woman was standing.

“I assume you were told about us,” she began as she went around the table and walked to stand in front of you. She was taller than you by at least two inches. Her hair was short and black. Her skin tanned and full of freckles.

You nodded and took out the note Esme gave you, “A friend of mine told me to come here.”

The woman took the note and inspected it before giving it to the woman who helped you up.

“Another recruit, Esme was really good at recruiting more people,” she said casually. Your eyes widened, she knew Esme?

“I don’t suppose you know what we do or who we are?” She walked back to the table and motioned for you to follow behind her.

As you neared the table, there were papers scattered around messily. Maps and files with important information. The woman turned to you and took out her hand for a handshake, “Name’s Yanira. Welcome to Insurgents.”

You took her hand and shook it with a firm grip, “Insurgents? What are you guys?”

She let go of your hand and focused back down on the table, “We are an organization looking to overthrow President Mendez from her position. She and her minions have been controlling our land far too long. It’s time we claim back what’s ours.”

An anti-government group. And they’re fighting the Pruyanian government for freedom. You furrowed your brows and stared down at the table as well as Yarina kept speaking, “We need as many people as possible if we want to make this happen. You’ve seen how they treat people back in the city states. Why don’t you join us?”

You looked at her with wide eyes, “What? Why would you want me to join? I don’t even know how to shoot a gun.”

Yarina chuckled softly, “You’ll learn. We’ve got plenty of people who can teach you different things,” she leaned closer to you, “We’ve been preparing for this moment. All we need is more help. And you- I have a feeling you can help us big time,” she whispered and then leaned away.

She focused back on the table and continued discussing whatever it was that she was talking to the other people.

Join them? You can help them? Up until now you were just a girl working in a canteen living paycheck to paycheck. And now everything turned upside down. The army has taken control of four city states and you’ve lost more people.

It was no lie that a war was coming but to actually partake in it was terrifying, at least to you. But witnessing how everyone seemed to have the spirit and the faith that everything will work out in their favor is beginning to persuade you.

What more do you have to lose? You’ve lost your family and now your friends. It’s time to fight back for what was once yours.

“Okay,” you nodded slowly and looked at Yarina.

“I’ll join you.”

Yarina smiled brightly and hung an arm around your shoulders, celebrating with the other insurgents.

It all felt so overwhelming yet so real. This was happening and there was no turning back.

“Okay, here’s everything you need to know so far,” Yarina pointed to the map.

“The coast has been guarded up by the navy army of Pruye. President Mendez sent out an order to not let anyone in or out of the country. The ports have been closed and the soldiers are patrolling the beach.”

She then pointed to the center of Pruye, right on San Bandero, “San Bandero has become the military center of the country and is where most of the soldiers have been patrolling. This is where their control comes from. If we can target and destroy their center from this point then we have a chance at liberating the other city states.”

You furrowed your brows, “It’s not easy. I’ve seen what they brought. Tanks and helicopters. Are you sure you want to target them first? What about the civilians?”

Yarina let out a soft exhale, “We can perform an underground evacuation- some of our soldiers will go in the sewers and take people out of the city towards the forest. Once the people have been evacuated, we will proceed and attack the main tower.” She then pointed to a tall building colored in red right in the middle of the map.

“This is where most of the military controls the country. If we can hijack and steal their data, then we can convince the rest of the country to join us. And we can also delay the soldiers from terrorizing other city states.”

She already had a plan for everything. No wonder Esme knew about this. If this group was this good then that means that there’s hope for liberation.

“Okay…” you began slowly, “What do you need me to do?”

“You, my friend, have a special mission,” she slid a piece of paper your way.

“The United States will send some troops over here to aid President Mendez. I want you to go back to San Bandero with a few of my people and infiltrate their meeting location,” her finger pointed to another building on the map, “This place is called La Fundación de Membario. It is heavily guarded by soldiers. The place is where President Mendez is currently staying at. She’s going to personally welcome the Americans and give them a run down of what Pruye has been up to. She’ll most likely tell them about us and knowing her-“ her tongue clicked against the roof of her mouth as she stared at you.

“She’ll want the Americans to target us.”

You pinched your brows together and looked back down at the files of the American soldiers that were expected to come, “But why is the U.S. sending their military over here?”

“Because President Mendez sent an emergency alert to their President. She declared her country was threatened by us and needed backup. So, the U.S. playing God in all wars- decided to send their people over here to control us.”

You looked up at her from the files as she spoke again, “But you know what I think? I think they don’t stand a chance against us. We know the country better than anyone. They’ll die right before they can touch land,” she replied quietly.

She sounded like she wasn’t lying. It was a promise to herself and to the people of Pruye.

“When do I start?” You asked after putting the files back down on the table.

“Tomorrow morning. You can stay at our camp and we’ll teach you the basics. For now, you should rest. We’ve a long day tomorrow,” she patted your shoulder and walked deeper into the cave. The other insurgents gave you a look and some gave you a firm nod as they followed their leader.

You exhaled shakily as you looked out the cave. From now on, you were a soldier. No longer the girl working in a canteen. That life was long gone.

You were now part of the Revolution.

[neverchecking]

That recent Sage fic u wrote was MUAH BELOVED But now we can't get enough 🧍‍♀️so if it isn't much of a hassle and u still have some room, may I request a oneshot (it can be HCs too if u want) exploring how much of a.. hawk Sage is guarding and protecting Reader? It's like a follow up fic of ur last one

Look. Look. Y'all are straight up feral for this man and I love feeding you guys.

It's no hassle at all darling, and I always have room! I went with HC's bc they're easier when it comes to spitballing like this.

Also, me and @eeveelutionqueen1995 have decided that Wild (Blue Nightshade), Calamity (Silent Princess) and Sage (Sundelion) are now the Flower Garden trio. The council has SPOKEN-

I was gonna wait to post this tomorrow, but y'all can thank @lovanmari because their art of Sage had me BARKING- so have this as a treat from me to you.

Sage, for those new here, is TotK Link! So spoilers below!

The 'last' one can be found here!

・❥・After resigning himself to your pitiful cause, Sage decides to get you to a stable first and foremost. He has no idea how old your injury is nor how well taken care of it, if at all, so he needed to get a grasp on that.

・❥・He couldn't risk losing his only support in this cruel world due to an infection caused by neglect by things far out of his control.

・❥・So, that was first. The stable hands greeted him with a smile-- shaky and unsure of his normally glowering features much less stiff as you babbled on about this group of yours.

・❥・They knew better than to push him though, simply giving you both a large berth after he snapped his glare at a stable boy that tried to offer you a water canteen.

・❥・He gave you his own while wordlessly daring anyone else to try that. He had no idea where that water came from. Whose to say this stablehand wasn't Yiga? What if it was poisoned?! He couldn't risk it.

・❥・He made sure your injury was wrapped and treated properly, before anything else, listening to you go on and on about something or another. He answered the questions you had ("What kind of flower is that?" "...Sundelion." "That's a huge Bokoblin! Do they all come that size?" "No, just the boss Bokoblins." "Those are thing? Are they tougher than regular Bokoblins?" "...Not anymore.") calmly and succinctly,

・❥・Just as he sat back to try and figure out the best route of action from this point on (His day to day life was so dangerous. He'd have to make some serious adjustments if he wanted to keep you within arms reach. There was no question after this that you were his- even if you didn't know it yet- and he couldn't very well just leave you at this stable. He did have a home on the outskirts of Tarrey town. No one would hear your screams or pleas for escape...) the sound of some sort of warbling caught his attention and yours.

・❥・He immediately jumped to action as he stepped in front of you, pulling out the Master Sword-- that he recently retrieved-- and holding out his shield. The Sage spirits echoed his stance as he allowed them to roam, your excited squeak making his ears twitch. He'd have to show them to you up close after the threat was disengaged.

・❥・In front of him, a portal of some sorts-- a dark purple with three straight edges--wavered in front of him, testing his patience as it remained frustratingly dormant.

・❥・"That's one of the portals I was talking about!" You called from behind him, running up to stand behind him with your hand, soft and free of blemishes, settling on his shoulder.

・❥・That meant either this supposed Dink (What a dumb name for a being of evil) or your damned group was making their grand (re)appearance.

・❥・He wasn't sure which option he loathed the idea of more.

・❥・The first one to pop through the portal was a tall blond adorned in armor and an eyesore of a scarf. Immediately, he could only see all of the weak points this...man showcased. (He had no protection anywhere near his thighs, nor his neck, meaning if he could fake a hit at either one he could quickly redirect a swipe at the other and hopefully nick an artery-)

・❥・He was just about to do just that when you stepped around him. "Wars!"

・❥・Ah. So you knew him. He was part of your disgraced group...Or was he?

・❥・Quickly grabbing your arm, he made sure you stayed close as you glanced back at him. He kept his gaze on the imposter. "Remember what I said about the puppets."

・❥・You thought for a second before frowning, stepping back behind him. He had warned you of Ganon being able to make lifelike puppets. So close to the real thing they almost fooled even him.

・❥・You took his warning in head even as the other turned to look at him. And you. Mostly you if the look of pure admiration written all over his features said anything.

・❥・"Oh, my precious Angel, you're safe!" He cried out, moving to step closer before Sidon's trident clanged noisily against Yunobo's Boulder breaker, creating an 'x' right in front of where he stood, pushing you behind him.

・❥・"Come no closer!" He barked at the startled man. "State your name and business, but come no further."

・❥・The man glowered at him, fingers twitching on the hilt of his weapon. The portal wavered behind him but it was forgotten as Link tightened his grip around the Master Sword.

・❥・"I am here for them. We were separated, but, as you can see, we've been reunited. Your...assistance is no longer needed." The other, Wars, growled out through ground teeth. "I'll take it from here."

・❥・"I'm sure you'd like that." He barked back, lowering his stance as his teeth bared themselves. He wasn't against charging teeth first and using his weapon as an afterthought.

・❥・Wars grimaced at the primal response. Then he seemed to remember himself, sending you a positively pitiful glance. "Angel, you have no idea how long we've been looking for you-"

・❥・"Y/n!" Another voice called, much younger and much closer than Link anticipated. A young boy, looking much like the other male-- same blond hair and blue eyes--ran right up to the Sage spirits. "It's me. Wind! You know me!" He cried, tears welling up in his wide eyes. "Don't tell me you forgot me!"

・❥・You broke free of his grasp before he could readjust it, running forward to cradle the youngest one to your chest. "I would never!"

・❥・Oh, this just wouldn't do at all.

・❥・"Y/n-" He hissed, stepping closer to retrieve you before a weapon was swung towards him. His own met it before it collided with his shoulder, pushing it off of him as he was met with an eerily familiar face. Riddled with scars and with hair too long to be practical, he realized he was met with another contender for your attention.

・❥・The scarred man snarled his own grimace, with his own teeth bared-- canines comparatively sharp to his own. His body language said everything he didn't. Back the fuck up.

・❥・He did not. He grew closer, getting up in the other's face. Not a chance in the fiery depths of hell.

・❥・"Move." Was all Link said, the other refusing to do so, before your hands were pushing against his chest. He followed the direction you pushed him in, as gentle and loving as you were with everything.

・❥・"They are not our enemies, Link." You whispered, eyes wide and pleading. He almost felt as if he had no choice but to listen.

・❥・And then there was a fucking small army behind you and he was on the offensive again. Who were these people, threatening to take you away from him?!

・❥・"Stand down!" A loud voice barked. The authority in it was present as he eyeballed the source. Tall. Blond haired and blue eyed with tattoos or markings of some sorts on his face. One eye was shut with a scar dragging over it with his own armor gleaming in the light. "We mean no harm." The gleam in his eye said otherwise.

・❥・He did not back down, but he did allow you to step in front of him. Even if he quickly wrapped an arm around your hips. That earned him a few glares. Good.

・❥・"He doesn't either!" You quickly reassured. "This is another Link!"

・❥・...I'm sorry, did you say another? Were these all...him? He sincerely hoped not. It seemed the rest of them agreed as another one, seemingly younger than that Wind character if his height was anything to go by, stepped up, pushing against Sidon's Trident, even if it didn't move. "My jewel, you know I would never doubt you, but...are you sure?"

・❥・You hurriedly explained everything to them, even going as far as to raise his hand that clutched the Master sword in front of them. He eyed their cautious expressions before another was stepping forward. He had some sort of white cape wrapped around him and was holding another version of the Master Sword, supposedly, in front of him. She didn't quite gleam like his did, but he supposed that was because his was fresh from a ten thousand year power nap.

・❥・"Then he wouldn't mind putting what you say to the test, would he, songbird?" The sword was offered.

・❥・In an act of pure spite, his own was sheathed as he kept his hand around your waist, reaching forward and wrapping his fingers around the blade. The blade let out a chime before an echo rung in his head.

・❥・'Welcome, Hero of the Zonai.'

・❥・...He was going to kill Hylia.

[insanitybl00m]

Tales From Under The Wisteria Tree

Chapter 7 - Don't go near the water

When Missa woke up he noticed that it was still early hours of light. He didn’t want to wake Philza but if he could go get them fresh water from the stream he mentioned last night…

That would be helpful. And after everything Phil did for him he really wanted to do something nice in return. Even if it was just getting them fresh water. So he got up and grabbed their canteens. 

Yesterday Phil made his way west to the stream, so Missa would go west to find the same stream. Right? He sighed. He never was the best at navigation. 

Probably an hour later he stumbled upon the inlet. Where the stream he was looking for rushed into a loch. Or was it a lake? Missa was never good at telling the difference. But he filled up their canteens with the fresh water pouring into the lake.

When Missa looked up he was face to face with a horse. Not Cielo. If you could call her a horse since she was technically a unicorn.

No. This horse had a shimmery blue-black coat. Probably a magical horse. Missa was enthralled with its seemingly glowing eyes. 

“Hi there. Aren’t you pretty?”

It neighed. Showing off it’s mane a little. 

“Are you a water spirit? A water nymph maybe?”

No response, just the glowing eyes shining a bit brighter. But that was probably Missa’s imagination.

“Is there anything you want? I left my oats back at camp but otherwise I’d offer you some.” The horse bowed down, almost encouraging Missa to ride it. “Do you want–” A neigh, seemingly encouraging it. “Okay…” Missa sat on the horse’s back. It took off, straight into the river. What the hell was happening? He tried to get off to swim to the surface but he was stuck. He was stuck. Oh no. The horse was magical.

It was a Kelpie.

Phil woke up with a start. His chest was throbbing. Almost pulsing with pain. 

Missa.

He looked to his left. Gone. Fuck.

“Missa!” He yelled. Nothing. No response. All his stuff was still there, he couldn’t have gone far. Where would he have gone?

The stream? It was the only thing he could think of. He tried to make sure there was nothing else off with camp. Where was his water? He needed water. Missa must have gone to the stream to fill up their water. That was the only reason both their water and Missa would be missing. He needed to go.

So he transformed into a crow. His wings still stung with the harsh pain of pulled muscles but he continued flying, faster, faster. 

When he transformed back he noticed the canteens, water spilling out onto the ground. No Missa. “Missa!”

Again no response. His chest felt like a thousand stabbing knives. Magic. Magic was what was hurting Missa. 

Water. Water spirits. There must be water spirits in this water. He looked down. A serpent whipped its tail in his face. And so he dived into the water. A serpent-like horse bared its sharp teeth. 

Kelpie. Of course it was. Missa was the kindest soul he knew, of course a Kelpie would trick him.

“Let him be.” Stabbing pain again. His charm wouldn’t keep Missa safe for much longer. 

NO

Well. Phil should have assumed that would be the answer. He had no weapon. Everything was back at camp. He had to get Missa off the kelpie. Kelpies wouldn’t just let their prey go so easily. He spotted a shard of glass at the bottom of the river. Humans polluting the wild might just aid him for once.

He threw the shard of glass as hard as possible at the Kelpie. It stabbed it right in the eye, giving Phil enough time to grab Missa while the Kelpie was distracted. 

He swam as fast as possible up to the surface. Missa would live but how would he get the water out of his lungs? That would kill him right? He really should have learned more about how to save a human’s life. They were so easily killable, how was he supposed to know how to save a human from countless deaths? Luckily the charm he put on Missa yesterday would be enough. 

Human lungs were in the chest like fae’s, so if Phil was to push on his chest then maybe it would force the water out? 

He was rapidly trying to figure out how to get the water out of Missa’s lungs when all of a sudden he heard sputtering. Coughing. Missa was coughing up the water. 

Holy shit. Missa was safe.

He was safe.

Before he realized what he was doing he was kissing Missa. His anxiety rushed away as he felt Missa breathe before pulling him into another kiss.

Something happened. He fell unconscious in the water. And when he woke up he was on the surface. He took a gasp of air before soft lips were pressed against his. Desperate. He opened his eyes and saw Phil. Philza was kissing him. 

Philza was kissing him like he had nearly died, which I guess was true. He tried to sit up and Phil pulled away. That wasn’t happening. Missa pulled him back, continuing the kiss. 

A neigh distracted the two of them. Phil was ready to fight. Missa stared up at Cielo.

“Oh uh hi!”

Blood red poured over a deep blue flooded Missa’s brain.

“It will never stop being weird to see emotions, but is something wrong?”

More red. Phil had pulled himself off Missa and leaned against a tree.

“Danger?” A nod from the unicorn. “We’re fine. Trust me, Phil saved me.”

Green, sour green, mixed with the sweetness of a touch of pink. A mint green almost. Almost like…

“Concern? You’re concerned for me.”

“You’re getting better at reading her emotions.” Phil said, his voice was rough.

“I’m ok, Cielo. I promise you.” Missa stood up and reached out to pet her. He didn’t really notice Phil standing up behind him. 

So when Cielo nudged him hard enough to make him trip backwards he was not expecting to fall into Phil’s arms.

“Got you.” 

Despite the fact they were literally making out before Cielo showed up Missa’s face went red. If unicorns could laugh Cielo would be laughing. Instead it was just a neigh that mimicked a laughing sound. 

“Our clothes are soaking wet.” Missa said. Changing the subject when he was embarrassed was a habit of his.

“That does happen when you try to befriend a Kelpie.” Cielo whinnied and disappeared on the spot. “Huh, that’s weird. Did she say anything to you?”

“Nope, she must hate kelpies.”

“I do too, especially considering one tried to fucking kill you!” Missa looked away and scooped up the canteens. “Missa…”

“It’s fine.”

“I’m sorry I yelled, but I was terrified when I woke up and you were just gone. I could feel that something was wrong.”

“I was just trying to get us fresh water, do something simple to make up for the fact that you washed my hair yesterday.”

“I did it because I wanted to, not because I wanted something in return. Wisteria. I—“

“It was just meant to be something nice.”

“I know. I just want you to know that anything I do for you is never with any expectations of something in return.”

“We should probably get back to camp.”

Missa was silent the whole walk back. Man, Phil messed up. “Can you talk to me please?”

“Hi. Sorry. I was thinking.”

“You want to hear stories about my kids?”

“You have kids?”

“I never told you? I thought I did. I could have sworn I told you when you were telling me about your son.”

“I don’t remember that.”

“Oh. Well I have two kids. My son is probably about seven—“

“Probably?” Missa seemed horrified.

“He doesn’t really care about his birthday, if he did I’d start celebrating it the second he suggested it.”

“Oh, I guess that’s different.”

“My daughter is six. She really loves celebrating her birthday on the other hand. But she really only celebrates it for the gifts.” 

“You have a daughter as well? How do you manage?”

“Well my son is studying abroad right now so that makes it a bit easier for me.”

“Oh, but what about your daughter?”

“She’s staying with her godmother for a bit. She’s a witch and my daughter loves her garden. She’s always helping her grow flowers.”

“You know a witch?”

“She helped me out ages ago, got myself stuck in a situation with some creatures of the fae. She was nearby getting something for a potion she needed, got me to safety and we’ve been friends ever since.”

“Wow, I didn’t know witches were still around. I thought fae stopped blessing humans with magic after the war.”

“Fae still bless humans with magic. But to be a witch you have to be raised with magic infused in your blood from a young age, most new witches are still kids. And most older witches are gone. She’s the only living witch from before the war that I know.”

“Wow.” Missa paused as they were standing in the middle of their camp. “Should we pack up camp?”

“If you don’t mind then maybe we should stay here, our clothes are going to need to dry.”

Spending a whole day at camp with Phil. Oh boy. This was different. Phil was sketching something, leaning against a rock and letting his wings spread across it. He had changed to dry clothes but he said that he needed to wait for his wings to fully dry before putting on a shirt again. Which left Missa trying his hardest not to stare as he pretended to read the book on fae that Phil had left him.

Eventually Phil got up and made his way over to Missa. “What are you doing pretty boy?”

“Reading.”

“Mhm.” He said, almost with a knowing laugh. “What’s one thing you learned about nymphs then?” Missa looked down, oh. The page on nymphs was open. Well obviously he had been reading it right? 

“Their life force is tied to an element, like dryads and trees.”

Phil sat down next to Missa. “Yep.” He leaned his head on Missa’s shoulder. “You didn’t read, did you?”

Missa sighed. “I didn’t.” 

“Distracted by something?” Stars above, Phil was a shameless flirt. 

“No.”

“You’re a bad liar, you know that right?” He said with a laugh, leaning back so that he was spread out on the ground next to Missa.

He huffed before turning around to look at Phil. “You’re all grumpy.”

“I’m tired. Despite the fact I literally just woke up.”

“Yeah but you nearly drowned, that would make anyone tired.”

“I’m fine. I made a mistake again but it won’t happen again. I’m too trusting and it won’t happen again. I’m going to be stronger.”

“What do you mean M-Wisteria?”

“I wasn’t strong enough, I’ll be stronger.” Missa repeated the phrase in his brain, over and over.

“What makes you think you aren’t strong enough?” Phil had sat up and he took Missa’s hands into his own.

“I couldn’t fight off the Kelpie, I trusted it without a second thought. Without you I’d be dead at the bottom of the river. Actually scratch that I’d be dead in the dragon cave. I’m meant to be going on this elaborate quest but I’m really just doing nothing and you’re saving me every single time.”

“Oh Wisteria.” Phil pulled Missa into a tight hug. Missa wasn’t crying. He promised he’d be stronger. He had to be stronger. “You are so, so strong. You don’t need to change anything. Kelpies are notoriously good at tricking people and they aim for ones with pure souls. They aim for those who won’t doubt their intentions.”

“You keep telling me my soul is so pure but that’s bullshit. I’ve killed people phil. Hundreds. Not all by my own hand but nonetheless. I’ve killed people.”

“There’s a difference between killing people with malicious intent and killing those out of necessity.”

“People died.”

“And you lived. You kept those you loved safe, even the universe can’t fault you for that. It’s noble. And this quest? You’re risking your life to save your son. You doubt yourself but everyone around you can see that you are full of good. You are good.” Missa was officially crying at this point.

“Oh darling.” Phil murmured. He placed a light kiss on Missa's head. “It’s alright.” He couldn’t stop himself from crying a little bit too.

“Why are you crying?” Missa asked when he heard Phil sniffle. 

“God this is so cliche but seeing you sad makes me sad.”

“Clingy.” Missa muttered as he adjusted so he was still wrapped in Phil’s arms. 

“You should get some rest.”

“I’m not moving.” 

“Never said you had to, just that you should close your eyes and try to sleep.” 

“But then you’ll be stuck while I nap.”

“And get to hold you the whole time? Sounds great to me.”

“Of course you’d say that.” Phil kissed the top of his head again.

“Just sleep. When you wake up you’ll feel better.” Missa sighed but Phil could swear that he drifted to sleep in minutes. 

When Missa woke up he was groggy. He was warm though a soft blanket had been wrapped around him. Wait, those were wings. All the more reason to just go back to sleep.

“I know you’re awake Wisteria.”

“No I’m not.” Phil laughed. 

“Ok then, I’ll just go back to admiring you then.”

“Stop.” Missa hid his face in Phil’s shoulder. 

“So you are awake?”

“Yes idiot.” Phil started peppering him with little kisses.

Missa giggled and lightly shoved him away. He heard ruffling from a bush nearby. “What was that?”

“Probably a squirrel or something. Maybe Cielo.”

“No, I'd know if it was Cielo.”

Then like a blur a humanoid popped out of the bush. She pulled leaves out of her jet black hair before beaming at the pair. 

“Hi Papa Phil! Is he my new Apa?”

Papa. 

New Apa. 

WHAT?