#Direct Air Capture Market

[poojagblog-blog]

The global Direct Air Capture Market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 62 million in 2023 to USD 1,727 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 60.9% during the 2023–2030 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. Direct Air Capture provides a pathway to offset emissions that cannot be entirely eliminated. Direct air capture technology is known for its unique technology which directly captures CO2 from the ambient air, which is poised to play a pivotal role in the carbon removal process. Countries across the globe are putting efforts to reduce their carbon emission to meet the net-zero emission goals. Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems exhibit adaptability in their deployment, capable of being implemented across diverse scales and geographical locations. This inherent flexibility contributes to the versatility of DAC technology, allowing for customization to suit the specific magnitude of emissions and regional needs.

[futuretonext]

According to MarkNtel Advisors’ research report, “Global Direct Air Carbon Capture Technology Market Analysis, 2021”, the market is likely to grow at a significant CAGR during 2021-26F due to the increasing inclination of governments worldwide to curb GHG and CO2 emissions. The technology captures and stores CO2, which can be well-used to enhance oil recovery or make products, such as chemicals, fuels, and cement. The adoption of carbon-neutral targets by countries to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the adoption of technology for customers across industries has propelled the market growth.

[littlefireball]

ʜᴊ|ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ (ᴍ)

ᴘɪʀᴀᴛᴇ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ ʜᴏɴɢᴊᴏᴏɴɢ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ꜰᴋ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪɴ ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ꜱᴍᴜᴛ|ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴇᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴋɪᴅɴᴀᴘᴘɪɴɢ, ʀᴏʙʙᴇʀʏ|ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴇx|ᴘᴇʀɪᴏᴅ ꜱᴇx|ꜱʟɪɢʜᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀꜱᴛ ᴘʟᴀʏ|ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴏᴜᴛ|ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴄᴀᴜɢʜᴛ(?)|ᴄᴏɴꜰᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 3.9ᴋ

Summary: The tranquil existence was shattered today by the merciless pirates. You surrendered to the overwhelming tide of despair, letting it engulf you. Yet, in that moment of darkness, a figure emerged to rescue you. But is this hero a beacon of hope or a harbinger of doom?

The golden rays of the morning sun filter through the window, warming your face as you rise. Just like every other day, you gather your belongings and step outside, exchanging friendly greetings with the neighbors before unlocking the door to the café right on schedule.

All is as it should be.

"Good morning, Y/N!" called out a familiar voice. It was a middle-aged man, a loyal customer who always ordered the same sandwich without fail.

"Morning!" you replied, already moving with practiced ease to prepare his breakfast.

"How're you doing?" 

"Fine I guess." 

"It's good to hear." He sighed. "Did you hear the news? Pirates have been causing quite a stir lately.

"Yeah… all we can do is hope they steer clear of our town."

"Let's hope so." He smirked helplessly. "Maybe I should just pack up and find a new place."

"Pack up? Where?"

"I'm not sure, just anywhere that feels safe." He shrugged. "What about you? Aren't you thinking of moving?"

"I wish I could. But, you know… my funds are pretty tight."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Here's your sandwich."

"Thanks." He settled the bill and walked out, leaving you alone in the café.

Just as you turned around to tidy up the table, a loud shock caught you off guard. 

"Run!!" The once tranquil town erupted into chaos, and you peered out the window, heart racing with dread. Tons of men wielding a machete swung their weapons menacingly, demanding that the terrified residents surrender their belongings. The air was filled with desperate cries and frantic screams as people scattered in every direction. 

Without a moment's hesitation, you dashed to the door, but just as you reached for the lock, a group of men burst in, kicking the door wide open. You stumbled to the floor, mortified, and before you could regain your footing to fight back, one of the men seized you roughly.

"Let go of me, you scoundrel!" you shouted, thrashing against his grip, but the pirate's hand clamped down on your wrist like a vice.  

"Shut your mouth, you wench!" he barked. The ship rocked violently beneath you as you were dragged onto the deck, your struggles futile against the chains that bound you. The laughter of the pirates echoed around you as they shoved you aside. Helpless, you watched in horror as the small shop you had poured your heart into was ransacked, the townsfolk fleeing in terror, and the once vibrant community fell into an eerie stillness.

"Hey, see this baby girl~how cute you are!" " "Leave me alone, you filthy scum!" Your voice quivered with a mix of fear and defiance as you glared at the pirate who had captured you. 

One of them, should be the captain, a cruel smirk playing on his lips, approached you with a lecherous gleam in his eyes. "A feisty one, aren't you? We'll see how long that lasts," he sneered, his breath reeking of rum and malice. "Set sail!"  

As the boat glides farther into the distance, the town gradually fades from view. The lively chatter of vendors hawking their wares in the bustling market is replaced by the lingering echoes of laughter that grate on your nerves.The salty sea air stung your eyes as you struggled against the chains that bound you to the wooden post. 

Tsk…

The crashing waves echoed around you, a constant reminder of your precarious situation. 

Frantic escape ideas raced through your mind. Yet, you were a land dweller, and diving into the ocean means dying. What options do you have? Can you really call out for someone to rescue you? Here you are, in the heart of the sea—who could—

"Turn left!!!!!It's ATEEZ's ship!!" A loud cry jolted you from your thoughts. Just as you were about to grasp the situation, everything unfolded before your eyes. A deafening roar erupted from the left side of the ship, causing it to lurch violently and sending terror through the crew. The sturdy vessel splintered, hurling pirates overboard, and you tumbled into the frigid sea.

The icy water enveloped you, and you fought to break the surface, but the ocean constricted your breath and drained your strength. As despair set in, you surrendered to the darkness. Just then, strong arms seized you, pulling you upward. Your vision blurred, obscuring your savior's identity, and consciousness slipped away.

—---

Coughing violently, you expelled the salty seawater that had filled your mouth. Your breaths came in rapid gasps, a primal instinct driving you to inhale as if the very air might slip away. As clarity returned, you realized that you were still aboard the vessel... but the faces of the crew surrounding you seemed unfamiliar.

"Are you awake?" A gentle voice broke through the haze, and you turned to see a man clad in a flowing white robe, his expression warm and reassuring.  

"Where... am I?" you managed to whisper, your voice barely above a breath.  

"A ship, obviously," Yunho replied. "You fell into the sea and Jongho saved you." 

The vivid image of the recent attack flickered on the screen, and a wave of dread washed over you as you gazed at the man standing before you. ATEEZ, you recalled, infamous for their ruthless piracy. What would they do? Would they end your life? But then again, why would they bother to rescue you?

"It's perfectly normal to feel a bit disoriented right now. It's a common reaction after being submerged in water..." The man's voice, surprisingly calm, began to ease the tension in your chest. Perhaps they weren't as terrifying as the tales suggested? Still, you knew better than to let your guard down.

"Is she alright?" At that moment, Hongjoong gently knocked and opened the door. His striking features made your heart race. Despite your reluctance to admit it, he was undeniably handsome, far from the "demon" the stories painted him to be.

"Yah, she is just a bit frightened," Yunho said as he rose to his feet, and Hongjoong nodded, his gaze remained fixed on you.

"What's your name, lady?"

"Y/N..."

"I'm Hongjoong, the captain. This is Yunho, our doctor." You nodded as he continued, "I'm sorry for your fall into the sea. It was indeed our attack that caused the ship you were on to sink."

"No... I owe you my gratitude. You were the ones who saved me."

He shrugged with a warm smile. "Just take some time to rest, and we'll arrange for you to be taken to the nearest town."

You nodded, and they stepped out, leaving you to gather your thoughts. You stumbled out of bed, your feet heavy as you made your way to the door, only to be met with the murmur of several men outside.

You stumbled out of bed, your feet heavy as you made your way to the door, only to be met with the murmur of several men outside.

"What is the captain thinking? Bringing a woman aboard?"

"Exactly! This is bound to bring us misfortune!"

"Or maybe he plans to trade her? She's not too shabby, after all..."

"But I heard she's being sent to other towns."

"Is it really that straightforward?"

You clamped a hand over your mouth, panic rising within you, tears welling in your eyes as your heart raced. They were clearly not good men. But what could you do? Escape? That was out of the question. How could you prove to them that you wouldn't bring them bad luck? It was easy to say, but how could you actually do it? Just as your mind spiraled into chaos, loud voices broke through your thoughts.

"Why are we having abura soba again?" Hongjoong grumbled.

"Because they're delicious," Yunho replied.

"That's excessive, don't you think?" Hongjoong shot back. "I eat abura soba five days a week!"

"Is that a problem? The crew loves it," Wooyoung chimed in as he knocked on your door. When you opened it, he stood there with a steaming bowl of noodles.

"Hey there, Y/N, right? Here, if you don't mind, I made this for you," Wooyoung said, placing the bowl on your table. "I'm Wooyoung, by the way."

"Thank you," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. Though you were wary of possible poison, your hunger overpowered your caution. You took a bite, and to your surprise, it was delicious. Before long, the bowl was empty, and you watched as the others busied themselves with cleaning up.

"Hey, Y/N," Wooyoung approached you, balancing several bowls in his hands. "Are you done? You can hand the bowl back to me."

"Oh, it's fine. Let me help you. You look a bit worn out."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." You joined him in gathering bowls and chopsticks, following him to the kitchen. As you walked, you took in your surroundings, contemplating your next move... perhaps earning their trust was the best strategy for survival, at least for now.

As you stepped into the kitchen, you noticed Hongjoong frantically working on something, clearly in a rush.

"Hey, hyung. Just try not to shatter the bowl again," Wooyoung remarked, already scrubbing the dishes.

"I won't," Hongjoong replied, but his next words nearly sent the bowl tumbling.

"Um… are you going to lend him a hand?" you whispered to Wooyoung.

"Nope. I'm busy. Maybe you should go see what he's up to."  

With that, you approached Hongjoong cautiously. This could be a perfect chance to earn his trust.

"Hongjoong?"

"Yah?"

"Do you need any help?" You glanced at the mess on the table, where he was clumsily beating eggs.

"No, I'm good. Oh no!"

You quickly caught the bowls and chopsticks as they teetered, relieved they didn't break.

"Hmm… if you're okay with it, I could cook something up for you."

"Really?"

"I actually work as a cook."

"Ah, so you're just like Wooyoung."

"I guess so. What do you feel like eating?"

"Just not abura soba, please." You grinned and nodded. "And I'm not a fan of vegetables."

"Got it."

You set to work with the ingredients spread out on the table, whipping up the dishes you know best while ensuring the table remains neat. Before long, your masterpiece was complete. You entered the dining hall, cradling a bowl of fragrant soup. Hongjoong stood tall, his eyes widening at the sight of you.

"Oh wow! That smells so good!" he exclaimed, quickly blowing on the noodles before digging in. "This is absolutely delicious!" A sense of pride swelled within you as you witnessed his joy, a reminder of why you chose the culinary path.

"Perhaps you should be my personal chef," he joked, a playful smirk on his lips. You smile back, taking his words lightly, fully aware that you won't be staying long here. 

Hongjoong seemed to relax a bit, his shoulders dropping slightly as he savored each bite, his eyes closed in blissful contentment.

"I can't believe I've never had anything like this before," he said, opening his eyes to meet yours with a newfound appreciation. "You really are talented."

You blushed slightly, grateful for the compliment. "Thank you, Hongjoong. It's just something I enjoy doing."

As you sat down across from him, Wooyoung wandered in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, what's going on here? Did I miss the party?"

"Just having a nice meal," Hongjoong replied, gesturing to the now half-empty bowl in front of him.

Wooyoung's expression softened, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "Can I have a taste?"

"Nope. That's mine." 

Hongjoong immediately finished them all, not letting Wooyoung eat. 

"Yah!Hyung!" "Who told you not to help me?" 

You chuckled, watching them quarreling playfully. It appeared that this was part of their everyday life. From this viewpoint, they were completely disconnected from any notion of evil. 

In the days that followed, it felt as if you had stepped into the role of Hongjoong's personal chef. Initially, he continued to enjoy Wooyoung's meals, but he would occasionally drop hints that your cooking was just as delightful. Eventually, you took the plunge and prepared a dish just for him, hoping to win his trust. The joy on his face was infectious; he began to request your cook regularly, and soon, even some of the crew members were intrigued by your skills. 

Cooking for them brought you immense joy, as their satisfaction filled you with happiness. Over time, your initial apprehension faded, and the thought of leaving began to slip from your mind. The idea of visiting the nearby town seemed to vanish. Yet, in recent days, Hongjoong's demeanor shifted, making you reconsider your plans.

Did you do something to upset him? How could you make up for him? You worried about whether you would be killed for this? No. What you were concerned about was what if Hongjoong didn't like you?

He had grown somewhat distant, his warmth replaced by a chill that left you unsettled. This was especially evident when you were in the kitchen with Wooyoung; his coldness bordered on anger. Today was no different.

"Are you alright, Y/N? You look a bit pale," Wooyoung asked, concern etched on his face.

"Just feeling a little under the weather..." you replied with a bittersweet smile, though the cramping in your abdomen made it hard to stand. You suspected the long days at sea and the cold had taken a toll on your body. "Hiss..."

"Maybe you should take a break?" "But I want to make some food for Hongjoong…" You winced, wanting to refuse and continue helping in the kitchen, but the pain rendered your limbs weak, making cooking impossible.

"Nah. You should go back to your room." 

"But what if he didn't like me?" 

"Huh?"

"I mean…he may hate me if I don't cook for him." 

"He wouldn't think so.

"But…"

"No. Just go take a rest, okay? I can handle." Wooyoung stopped you. "Can you walk?"

"I think so?" In reality, each step felt like a monumental challenge.  

"Let me help you." Wooyoung took your hand and supported your shoulders, a moment that caught Hongjoong's eye.

"What are you doing?" he approached, anger flashing in his eyes, but as he noticed the pain etched on your face, his expression shifted. "What's wrong? Are you okay, Y/N?"

"She's sick." Wooyoung said. 

"I'm not asking you." 

Wooyoung rolled his eyes playfully, knowing Hongjoong was jealous. 

"So now I will send her to her room." 

"No." Hongjoong pulled you to his arms carefully. "I will send her and you cook." 

"Okay, okay." 

—----

"Do you need any medicine?" Hongjoong inquired as he gently laid you down on the bed. "Or should I call Yunho for assistance?"

"Actually..." you winced, the pain making your words slow. "It's just period cramps."

"Oh... umm... would something warm help? Maybe hot water?"

You nodded, and he quickly dashed out to fetch a cup of steaming water.

"Here, be careful." He supported your back as you sat up, handing you the warm cup.

"Thank you." You took a sip, feeling the soothing warmth spread through you. It wasn't just the hot water; it was Hongjoong's tender care that made your heart flutter. You couldn't deny the twinge of sadness when he seemed distant. You longed for his smile and the sweet words he used to share. Unbeknownst to you, your feelings for him were already blossoming.

"Do you need more?" As you lifted your gaze, you noticed how close he was, causing a blush to creep onto your cheeks. "No, it's okay."

Hongjoong smiled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he noticed your embarrassment. "Alright, but let me know if you need anything else. I'm here for you." 

"Thank you," you replied with a nod. "But Wooyoung really needs to step up; he's in charge of everyone's lunch."

Hongjoong feigned a cough as he plopped down beside you, irritation evident in his voice. "It's no big deal; he's used to it. You shouldn't worry about him." You stifled a laugh—wasn't he just a tad envious?

"Nope. Everyone seems to be eating a lot more these days," you teased, enjoying the playful banter as his jealousy was unmistakable.

"Why are you so concerned about him? Do you have a crush on him?" His question took you by surprise, and it seemed to catch him off guard too. "Ugh, forget it."

"Does it bother you who I like?" You asked. His cheeks flushed a deep red, and he quickly averted his gaze.

"No, it's not that," Hongjoong stammered, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape route. "It's just…I didn't expect you to be interested in him. He's always been so…carefree and unpredictable." 

I once had a crush, but it wasn't on Wooyoung. A soft chuckle escaped your lips as a warm sensation blossomed in your chest. After inhaling deeply, you were prepared to share your truth. "Hongjoong… there's something special about what I feel… when you're near, my heart starts to race. I think I might be falling for you."

"Seriously?" Your confession surprised him, and a shy yet joyful smile spread across his face. "Were you just teasing me?"

"Not at all. I would never lie about how I feel."

He leaned in closer, his eyes searching yours for any sign of jest. The sincerity in your tone echoed through the room, and the tension between you seemed to dissolve. Hongjoong's hand, which had been resting on the bedsheets, gently brushed against yours, and you didn't pull away.

"I never thought... I mean, I've always been there for you, but I never expected..." He trailed off, searching for the right words.

"Expected what?" You prompted, a hint of vulnerability creeping into your voice.

Hongjoong looked down, his fingers entwining with yours. "I never imagined that you would see me as more than just a friend. I've always admired you, from afar, but I never dared to dream that you felt the same way."

A smile tugged at the corners of your lips, and you leaned in, closing the small gap between you. 

"I think I like you, too." Hongjoong's expression softened, and he pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you. It was a gentle, comforting embrace that spoke volumes of the feelings he had been holding back.

"Thank you," he whispered, his breath warm against your ear. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long. I'm glad you feel the same way."

Smiling, you gave him a nod after a gazing. Without hesitation, he leaned in, pressing his lips against yours, catching you by surprise, but you quickly melted into the kiss. 

As you lay back on the bed, he hovered over you, the kiss unbroken. He was tender and cautious, as if he feared making you uneasy.

"I have a good way to reduce the period pain." He settled your hand on his cheek, giving a peck on that. "Do you wanna give it a try?"

You knew what he meant and what he wanted to do. Of course, you wanted to, too. 

"Please." 

"Wait for a while." He pecked at you after leaving for a towel and condom. Placing the towel under your thighs, he then lifted up your dress to slide down your panties. 

"I love you, y/n." He towered you, pulling out his cock from his panties. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the contours of your cheek, as if committing your beauty to memory. You closed your eyes, a soft sigh escaping your lips, inviting him closer.

Their lips met in a kiss that was at once tender and passionate, filled with a longing that had been building for what felt like an eternity. He guided his member to your entrance, which was already wrapped up in a condom, then slowly eased into you. 

You moaned out as you broke the kiss, the sensation of being filled up was weird you could say. Hongjoong, same as you, felt a little bit uneasy because of your sticky blood. 

"It hurts…" A deep frown creased your forehead as the familiar grip of menstrual pain returned. Watching you suffer, Hongjoong's heart ached with sorrow. He lingered, allowing your pain to fade gradually, before he began to move in and out. His rhythm matched the tenderness of his kisses, a blend of softness and intensity.

You wrapped your arms around his shoulder, allowing him to go deeper. His cock could easily reach your sensitive spot thanks to your blood. Settling your legs around his waist, he rolled his hips at a steady pace. 

"Shit, it feels good." "Hongjoong…" "It's okay, love." His head landed in your neck, dropping a broken kiss on that. It began with a gentle brush of lips against the warm, smooth skin, a tentative exploration that sent shivers down your spine. He deepened his kiss as he started to rush, his lips lingering softly on the curve of the neck as well as his thick cock─grazing your hot wall deliciously as he moved back and forth. 

"Joong…it's…fuck…"His hard tip suddenly hit your sweet spot, making you whole body squirm and let out a shy moan. "Here?" He hit it again, you couldn't help but tighten your wall. The wave of excitement rushed throughout your body each time he collided with it. You loved it. 

"Please, joong. I need more." "As you wish,  baby girl." He lifted up his hips, withdrawing his cock until only his tip inside you, then shoving back with a great force. You arched your back, opening your mouth for better breathing. The crash he made caused you to run out of oxygen. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" He fucked you so fast and hit the same spot dead on. All the heat gathered in your lower core and formed a knot. Pain?It was already faded away and instead by your climax. Your wall clenched his cock, urging him to bring you to the edge. He picked up his pace, panting heavily and letting out a throaty moan. 

Your legs were placed on his shoulder, oh, he went so deep. He sat up straight, grabbing your knees and pushed into your wetness. The noise from outside faded away, leaving only the rapid thumping of your heart and the skin slapping sound, drowning out the chaos beyond. His ball hit your ass each time his tip reached the deepest, making you groan without care. 

His hand found his way to your collar, pulling it down to explode your fine chest. He pushed up your bra, squeezing your breast hard while teasing your nipple, earning a shy chuckle from your lips. "Gotta taste you." He leaned down to suck your nipple, his tongue licked everywhere he could reach. 

The double excitement made you spin. There was nothing left but only the kissing sound and the skin slapping sound bouncing off the wall. 

"I'm so close." He huffed, his thrust lost its rhythm as he found the way to peak. You, too. After a few thrust and a long throaty moan, both of you came. "Goodness." Your embrace tightened as you two didn't want to leave. Catching his breath, he pecked at your cheek before removing. 

"Am I right?Does it hurt now?" He asked, a grin played on his lips. 

"No." You shook your head. "Thank you." You gazed into each other's eyes, their faces flushed with the aftermath of their intimacy.

"Hey, I made lunch." Wooyoung suddenly knocked on your door, giving you two shocks. "But I think you two are full now?"

"No…ugh…we'll eat later." Hongjoong stammered. 

"Alright. You two will be hungry for sure especially after an intense team sport!" Wooyoung teased. 

"Shut up!Wooyoung!Leave!" 

"Okay, okay~Call me if you need more condoms." 

"I'll just kill you, you asshole!" 

Ah…it was so embarrassing.

tag list:@angelsaway, @yeosangcutie0615

[sinkovia]

Yes, Lieutenant: I

Simon Riley x Fem!Reader

Violence, suggestive themes.

Yes, Lieutenant Masterlist

Under the scorching sun, the team gathered in a huddle as Price provided the final briefing for the mission in Al Mazrah. Intelligence had pinpointed the location of Iván Espiga, Valeria's new right-hand man.

The stakes were high – capturing him was crucial for extracting any information about Valeria's potential hideout following her escape from Alejandro's prison.

As you move swiftly through the labyrinthine streets of Al Mazrah, your eyes flicker over to Alejandro, engaged in small talk with a local vendor.

Vigilant, you keep a watchful eye on his back, prepared for any indication of trouble. The urgency to find Ivan before he slips away from the city fuels every step.

Navigating through the bustling market, you seamlessly blend in with the local populace, your senses attuned to the surroundings. The air is thick with the scents of spices and the murmur of haggling voices.

Alejandro and you find a momentary refuge under an overpass, your eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of Ivan's presence. Amid the ambient sounds, your radio crackles to life, interrupting the tension.

"Bravo 1-1, this is Echo 3-1, how copy?" Alex's voice crackles over the comms, and you glance at Alejandro, your silent communication understanding the urgency in the situation.

"Alex, talk to me. You pick anything up?" Alejandro queries.

"Affirmative. You see that big tower with the bell. It's south, about half a click away from our entry point." you and Alejandro began to move.

"I see it. We are down the street from it. Two minutes. How far are you and Farah?"

"About five minutes. Do not engage, wait for Ghost and Soap to rendezvous."

"Copy, out."

As you approached Ivan's supposed safe house, the atmosphere grew tense. Guards were everywhere, and infiltrating without being seen would be a challenge. Taking cover behind crumbling walls and rusty vehicles on the side of the safe house, you instinctively took the safety off your weapon, ready for any unexpected confrontation. 

In the distance, a faint whistle caught your attention, and you saw Soap with Ghost following closely behind, both crouched behind some barrels. Glancing around the perimeter, you signaled to them that it was safe to cross over and join you.

Soap approached your side, speaking softly. "Aye there, lass. Are Alex and Farah here yet?" 

You turned to Soap and nodded your head. "They mentioned they were slightly behind the rest of us. They're probably still making their way over," you replied, noticing Ghost crouched behind you, his gaze fixed upon you. 

Despite his hunched position, his dominating presence was evident, his towering figure, broad shoulders, and muscular frame drawing your attention. As you held Ghost's gaze, his brown eyes burned a hole through you. Even in the midst of tension, he exuded a calm demeanor that caught you off guard.

A deafening explosion rocked the air, ripping you from your thoughts. Peering over the wall, you witnessed the front gate of the safehouse blown up, and men in civilian clothing rushing through the debris. The chaotic scene sparked questions – was the safe house under attack by a rival gang?

Gunfire erupted from every direction as bullets whizzed past, kicking up dust and debris. The team ran for better cover behind the safe house, adrenaline surging through your veins. Ghost turned around, and all attention focused on him.

"This is our only chance to infiltrate while we still can before Ivan catches wind and leaves. Soap, I want you to breach the back door so we have a way in. Alejandro and I will clear the first floor, Y/N and Soap will find the stairs and clear the second."

Soap quickly planted and detonated the door, the team moving in unison. Bullets found their marks, dropping cartel members one by one. With the path clear, you and Soap advanced towards the stairs, leaving Ghost and Alejandro to handle their assignments.

Slowly ascending the stairs, you and Soap took out a few enemies, clearing each room systematically. As you opened another door, a man lunged from behind, slicing your arm. Reacting quickly, you slammed the door against him, sending him sprawling back into the room. Soap entered from the room across, pointing his gun at Ivan.

"It's over, Ivan, we have you like a cornered rat," Soap's Scottish accent cut through the tense atmosphere.

While Soap remained oblivious, you noticed Ivan's hand slowly reaching for something next to him. Your eyes zeroed in on a small pocket knife, just inches from his grasp.

Acting swiftly, you grabbed a throwing knife and aimed for his hand. The knife went through his hand and embedded itself in the floorboard below, incapacitating him from reaching the weapon. Ivan screamed in pain, unleashing a string of curses.

"Ahora sabes cómo se siente, perra. Mira lo que le hiciste a mi brazo" (Now you know how it feels, bitch. Look at what you did to my arm). You turned your arm to show him the small cut he had inflicted, and he sneered through the pain.

"Eso no es nada comparado con mi maldita mano. Te voy a matar, perra" (That's nothing compared to my fucking hand. I'll fucking kill you, bitch). You laughed as you retrieved handcuffs from your vest and secured them on his wrists. Rendezvousing with Ghost and Alejandro downstairs, Ghost noticed your arm.

"You alright sergeant?" you look at him a bit confused before you realize he's talking about your arm.

"Oh yeah, it's just a graze L.t I'm good" You hold eye contact for a couple of seconds before breaking away to walk outside through the back door you breached. You all made it back safely to the exfil where Price was waiting.

The mission in Las Almas spanned three days, and you are eagerly anticipating a much-needed shower. After checking your weapons back in, you make your way to your room to get a change of clothes and your shower bag. You head towards your personal shower, turning the knob you wait for it to warm up. However, after running cold water for about five minutes, you curse to yourself.

"The hot water probably isn't working on this side of the base"

For fucks sake. With a sigh, you collect your belongings and navigate your way toward the communal showers. It's 3 am, so fortunately, the area is pretty empty with everyone else heading to bed or watching the interrogation with Ivan. As you turn on the water, you shed your clothes, allowing the warm cascade to envelop your body. The sensation of scrubbing and lathering your hair fills your senses, the fragrance of your shampoo adding a refreshing touch.

Lost in your own thoughts, your peace is abruptly interrupted by the sound of someone entering the shower area. The walls dividing each shower stall aren't particularly tall, granting you a clear view over the top. Curiosity piques, and you cautiously peek your head over the wall, spotting the familiar sight of a Ghost mask.

"Im guessing your shower was cold too huh?" you remark, turning back around to rinse the shampoo from your head.

"Shit was colder than the motherland" he states in his brooding voice, eliciting a laugh from you. Ghost's rare sense of humor always brought a welcome respite from his typically solemn demeanor.

"How's the arm?"

"It was nothing, won't even leave a scar" he hums in response. Both of you shower in silence, and as you turn off the water, Ghost does the same. Reaching out to grab your towel, you realize with a mental curse that you left it behind in your bathroom.

Frustrated, you turn to Ghost, "Hey, Ghost, could you do me a favor? I left my towel in my bathroom. Would you mind getting one for me from the cabinet?"

He steps out of his shower stall, only in a towel that dangerously hangs low around his waist. The alluring sight of water droplets cascading down his chiseled chest captures the soft glow of ambient light. Each droplet follows its own path, delicately tracing the contours of his well-defined muscles, only to vanish upon reaching the edge of the towel.

You watch the subtle movement of his muscles beneath his skin as he reaches into the cabinet to grab a towel. Before you can register the intensity of your gaze fixed on his exposed torso, he stands in front of your shower stall, towel in hand.

"And here I thought I was the one with a staring problem," he teases, a blush heating your face as you hastily take the towel without uttering a word.

Oh god, what the fuck is wrong with you. Ghost just caught you staring at him like some hungry ass dog. You mentally let out a string of curses as you begin to dry yourself off. Quickly changing into the fresh clothes you brought; a pair of black sweatpants and a short-sleeved black shirt.

Slipping on your slippers, you step out from the shower stall. You make your way towards the counter adorned with a small mirror. Ghost emerges from his own shower stall, now dressed in a combination of sweatpants and a form-fitting short-sleeved t-shirt.

"I'm sorry for staring earlier, it was rude and I shouldn't have done it" He halts his approach towards the door, diverting his path to stand directly in front of you, his imposing figure towering over your smaller frame. A sense of vulnerability washes over you as you instinctively try to retreat, only to find yourself trapped by the counter.

"Why were you staring?" he asks, taking another step towards you, his hands firmly planted on either side of the counter, effectively caging you. Caught off guard by his question, you struggle to find the right words.

"I, um, I-I don't..." you stumble over your words, flustered by how close he is and the intensity in his gaze as his head tilts slightly to the side, his eyes land on your lips.

"Come on, Sergeant, use your words," he urges, his tone laced with a hint of teasing, igniting a rush of heat to your face. You find yourself at a loss for words, paralyzed by the way Ghost is addressing you.

"I don't know what to say, Lieutenant," you finally exhale, almost in a whisper, lifting your gaze to meet his eyes that meet yours with unwavering intensity.

In a daring move, he raises his hand, his fingertips brushing against your jawline, trailing down to your chin. With gentle yet deliberate force, he cups your chin, his thumb grazing over your bottom lip.

"Should I help you then sergeant?" he mutters, causing your heart to race within your chest, and your knees threaten to buckle beneath you. 

"Yes," you breathe out, releasing a shaky breath you hadn't realized you were holding.

"Yes, what, Sergeant?" Ghost's grip on your chin tightens slightly, not enough to cause pain, but enough to assert his dominance in the moment.

"Yes, Lieutenant," you mutter, your cheeks growing warmer at the closeness between the two of you, acutely aware that anyone could enter the showers and catch you in this compromising position.

"Good girl," he utters, his free hand lifting his baklava to rest atop his nose. Before you can fully absorb his features, his lips press against yours. On instinct, your hands rise, one resting on his shoulder and the other on the back of his neck to let you deepen the kiss. Bodies entwined in a heated exchange, you both press closer, driven by a ravenous desire for one another.

His hand trails down from your jaw to your throat, giving a gentle pressure that elicits a breathy moan of pleasure. With a sense of urgency, he hoists you up and settles you on the edge of the counter, stepping into the space between your legs, you felt him press against you. 

Whose horse is that?

The friction between you causes a low moan to escape your lips as desire courses through your veins. You've never had sex with anyone before but you know if this is where it's heading, you would let ghost be your first. Your tongues melt together in a frenzied embrace, exchanging kisses that leave you both breathless, gasping for air.

As you part, gazing up at Ghost through hazy eyes, he looks down at you, his gaze shifting from your eyes to your lips, down to your body, and back up again.

Something changes in his expression, his lustful look morphing into the cold, distant gaze he always carries. He releases his hold on you and abruptly pushes himself away from you, turning and leaving the showers without explanation, disappearing into the unknown, and leaving you alone.

[totalswag]

family time charleston — DREW STARKEY

authors note dad!drew content is BACCCKK!!! after seeing all the photos with drew with his family in charleston, it gave me this cute dad!drew idea. i hope you lovies enjoy this. i tried my best on this to fit everyone in this and tried to get dad!drew moments too.

summary walking around charleston with family enjoying the sunny day.

warnings just a whole lotta cuteness for y'all

It was a pleasant day in Charleston. The sun was out, and the breeze felt amazing on your skin. A perfect day to wear a dress or tank top with shorts. Summer is right around the corner and weather is getting warmer.

Tatum and you are dressed in matching blue jean overalls. She has her hair in two pigtails with her hair curled. Drew and Leo were wearing matching white shirts. Leo is three months old and wearing his white onesie.

Drew’s mom, Jodi, younger sister Mackayla and her eight month old daughter, Liliana, came down to visit for a few days. It’s been amazing having them with you guys.

The plan for the day is to eat lunch, wander around town, buy a few things, visit the flea market, and have dessert before heading home.

You were in downtown Charleston having lunch together. The check was taken by the waitress two minutes ago. In the meantime, conversations were made. Tatum was playing peek-a-boo with Liliana, sitting on Mackayla's lap. Leo was nestled in Jodi's arms.

Sitting underneath the shade felt great, the breeze hitting your skin just right.

“Leo is starting look so much like Drew” Jodi softly speaks, "He also has your eyes, Y/N." Just the ideal mix between you both."

You and Drew take a quick glance at each other smiling. He places his hand on your thigh, giving it a soft pat.

You've taken Leo out in public a few times in the three months since his birth. If you're going out alone with Tatum and Leo, make sure to cover Leo with a thin blanket in case someone takes a picture.

After lunch, you guys decided to walk around and look through shops around town. There were plenty of things open and a flea market down the road too.

"Daddy, I want to go into this store," Tatum says, pointing to the store across the street that has a number of toys on display. 

Drew looks around as he kneels down to face Tatum's vision: "Over there? "Of course, princess," Tatum exclaims, taking his hand.

"Drew becoming a father happened at the right time in his life," Mackayla exclaimed, grasping Liliana's tiny hands and enjoying her older brother's interaction with her niece.

"Completely agree and he's so good with his little babies" Jodi smiled with her hand over her heart.

Tatum gazed around the store, hoping she'd want something to take home. She looked about and didn't see anything that drew her interest.

"What is it you want princess?" Drew asked following behind Tatum.

"I want Olaf" throwing her hands in the air with frustration. Drew quickly stopped her before she got overwhelmed.

Kneeling on one knee, both arms wrapped around her arms, "Please listen to me carefully. Take deep breaths for Daddy and convince yourself you are calm and comfortable," demonstrating how Tatum can calm herself down.

Tatum has recently expressed interest in an Olaf toy or anything Olaf-related. She just adores Olaf. You and Drew have taught her to take deep breaths and talk herself down when she is feeling overwhelmed since she started to express emotions.

Drew is so good with Tatum. Always has been since she was born.

The rest of you went around the store finding Olaf. You found a stuffed Olaf in the corner of the Disney section. Tatum jumped with joy when she held him in her arms.

Leo's small feet began kicking against the thin covering blanket, signaling that he wanted it down. Jodi takes notice and pulls the blanket down to Leo, who smiles as his grandmother peeks through.

Liliana looked over in Leo's direction, and the two cousins made eye contact before smiling. Fortunately, you were capturing the brief moment between the two.

They've noticed each other a few times now and seeing them interact with each other warms everyone's heart. Wish they didn't have to grow up so fast.

"Can you say to your cousin Liliana?" Mackayla cooed as she pointed to Leo, who was kicking his feet and wiggling his arms with delight.

Having two babies now is definitely a blessing. The babies are the center of attention on every family outing. It's also fantastic that they are so close in age because it allows them to grow up together.

Leo had his back against Drew's, his pacifier in his mouth, and was toying with Drew's gold ring on his finger. You took out your phone from your pocket and took a couple photos to share later on your story.

"You like playing with my ring huh?" Drew chuckled gleefully, hopping up and down, making Leo laugh with his movements.

Tatum walked over to see what the chatter was all about. She skipped over, pausing in front of Drew. She raises her hand to Leo, "I want to see brother, Daddy," with begging eyes.

"Hi baby Leo" Tatum squints her noise, dragging the o.

Leo smiles at his big sister through his pacifier, which slides out of his mouth and lands on Tatum's palm. She hands it to you before focusing on her brother.

Their bond grows stronger every day. Tatum wants to be close Leo all the time. She treats him with so much affection. She's been a wonderful big sister.

"Tatum can you stand infront of the flowers with mommy for me?" You asked her, indicating where you wanted her to stand. Before she got distracted by Leo, she wanted to look at the flowers.

Tatum posed for the camera. Drew's mother also came over to take a few pictures with her. Everyone ended up getting pictures with Tatum.

"How about we sit outside while we eat our ice cream?" Jodi suggested to Tatum, pointing to the outdoor tables in the shade.

"Yes!"

You guys finished going to the flee market. You spent the day walking around Charleston going into shops, grabbing fruit, etc. It was getting closer to the end of the day and time to head back home. To end the day off, ice cream.

A few hours ago, you ran into a couple fans who had the cutest puppy. Drew took a few photos with the dog and fans.

Tatum sits on Jodi's lap while they share their ice cream. Mackayla ordered mint chocolate chip, while Drew and you shared a banana split.

Music was playing through the speakers from the post lights. Sun was starting to set, the sky looked beautiful with a hint of pink and orange. Tatum started humming to the music, dancing on her grandmas lap.

You turn your head to the side, a group of girls are walking over talking, they look like fans of Drew's. One of them takes a double take before realizing Drew is a few feet from them.

Drew had Leo on his lap and stuck his finger in the vanilla ice cream, allowing Leo to taste it. Leo bites the ice cream and makes a face that makes Drew giggle.

"Hi, sorry to bother you guys, we were wondering if you would like to take a couple pictures?" The young girl questioned with hesitancy in her voice, as if she didn't want to interrupt.

"You aren't bothering us," Drew assures the group of girls, "we can definitely take pictures," as he places Leo in your hands. You give him a delicate kiss on the forehead before placing him on your lap. 

After taking the pictures, the girls say hello to the rest of you sitting down. Tatum scoots off her grandmas lap, walking over to the group of girls, "My name is Tatum and this is my baby brother, Leo"

The girls let out an awe.

He's so adorable

He has so much hair

The cutest baby ever

All the compliments given to Leo made him smile when he saw how the girls reacted seeing him.

The girls eventually said their goodbyes and went on with their day. They were exceedingly respectful and made no one feel uncomfortable. interacted with everyone.

"You are so good with your fans, I love it baby" you tell Drew, wrapping your arm around him, kissing his cheek.

"I love you" he responds.

"I love you more," you remark, nudging his side.

When you guys arrived home, Tatum, Leo, and Liliana were knocked out in their carseats. Making sure to not wake them up was a must because they immediately knocked out when they mad it to their carseats.

Tatum groaned slightly as Drew carefully unbuckled her from her carseat; she had been pulled out by arms. "It's okay, princess, daddy's got you," Drew whispers to her as he hugs her, arms around his neck and legs wrapped around his waist. He kisses the side of her head before closing the car door.

Today was spent with family and enjoying each other's company. The times you get to spend together, you cherish every moment. Going around Charleston was definitely a good idea.

You and Mackayla set up the fire pit on the terrace while Drew and his mother bathed the kids inside. 

After the kids had freshened up, you all returned to the cushion seats. Leo fell asleep on Drew's chest, Tatum dozed off on your lap with her blanket wrapped around her, and Liliana slept soundly in Jodi's arms.

You adults had conversations with multiple topics coming up. Drew spoke about filming season four and going to Maraco with the cast.

Today was a great day.

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[threewaywithdelusion]

Alec Lightwood Not Giving a Single Fuck About the Law

(Spoilers! So many spoilers! For everything except Secrets of Blackthorn Hall, because I haven't read it yet)

I'm not too clear on what the Accords say about Shadowhunters policing Downworlders/what Downworlders are not allowed to do. But I'm pretty sure all of these must be illegal (or at least frowned upon):

Not reporting that Magnus started a joke cult that turned in a real cult that was killing people and worshiping a Greater Demon

Letting the person actually running said evil cult go free after they had captured her because he knew the Clave would execute her and even though Shinyun was literally responsible for several murders, he thought she deserved a second chance (and Magnus related to her, and Alec wanted to spare Magnus pain)

Never reporting Elliott of the New York Vampire Clan for literally everything he has done, including biting several Downworlders at a party, having multiple incidents with faerie fruit, "accidentally" biting 17 mundanes while under the influence (including at least one time where Lily had to stop him from killing the mundane in question), and cheating on two Selkies who then caused property damage in a fight with each other

relatedly, not reporting Mordecai, the faerie fruit dealer

(I just love this entire exchange: "As the current head of the New York Institute," Maryse said, with an attempt at firmness, "if there is illegal Downworlder activity happening, it should be reported to me." "I do not talk to Nephilim about Downworlder business," Lily said severely. The Lightwood parents stared at her, and then swung their heads in sync to stare at their son. Lily waved a dismissed hand in their direction. "Except for Alec, he's a special case.")

Watching Juliette, Werewolf Queen of the Buenos Aires Shadow Market, kill a Shadowhunter and just lightly suggest she try to take the Shadowhunters alive (and then not punish her in any way for killing that one guy)

Not reporting that Ragnor Fell had found a realm for the Greater Demon Sammael and also worked for him for a period of time (I don't think the Clave would care that Ragnor didn't had a choice because of the sventhorn)

Suggested in the final battle in Queen of Air and Darkness that an effective way to render opposing Shadowhunters unconscious would be to have vampires bite them and drink enough of their blood that they passed out

Protecting Marcy, the werewolf who transformed at a club during a full moon, and never reporting her for almost revealing the shadow world to Mundanes and injuring several of them

Breaking the Cold Peace several times by visiting several Shadow Markets, interacting with faeries, and pretending not to know about multiple illegal Shadowhunter-faerie relationships (Tian/Jinfeng and Mark/Kieran/Cristina)

Not illegal but probably seen as outrageous by other Shadowhunters:

marrying Magnus in Shadowhunter gold

traipsing into a hell dimension to save Downworlders

letting a vampire (Simon) drink his blood

offering his blood to a different vampire (Lily)

raising a Downworlder child as his own (and also training that child like a Shadowhunter)

raising a Shadowhunter child that has a Downworlder parent

Basically, Alec Lightwood is a badass and the fact that he went from the type of guy who said "sed lex, dura lex" to the man who did all of this is the reason he is one of my favorite characters ever

[seoulzie]

though his lens

WHEREIN: yeonjun sees a little bit of you through everything

彡 pairing: yeonjun x gn!reader 彡 genre: fluff 彡 warnings: none ><

SEUL SPEAKS! not that proud of this one :( lowk just a long ass drabble + not even proofread 💀

yeonjun wakes up to a rare day off, sunlight spilling through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. he stretches, a lazy smile spreading across his face as he thinks about how he’ll spend his day. his camera rests on the bedside table. today, he decides, he’ll immerse himself in his photography.

he starts his journey in a nearby park, the greenery a perfect canvas for his lens. the early morning air is crisp, and he captures the dew-kissed petals of a sunflower. as he frames the shot, he thinks of you—how sunflowers are your favorite. the image freezes in time.

wandering further into the city, he finds himself amidst the bustling streets of seoul. a market comes alive with colors and sounds, vendors calling out and people moving in every direction. he lifts his camera and snaps a shot of the crowd. it’s a bit blurry, the motion captured in a flurry of shapes and hues. yet, in the midst of the chaos, he sees a silhouette that reminds him of you. it’s as if you’re always there, a constant presence in his world.

as the day progresses, yeonjun meanders through narrow alleys and busy boulevards. he photographs everything that catches his eye—an old man feeding pigeons, a child chasing bubbles, the play of light and shadow on walls. each click of the shutter is a heartbeat.

by the time the sun begins to set, he finds himself at the han river. the golden hour bathes the city in a dreamy light, and he takes a moment to soak in the beauty. he captures the waters reflecting the pastel sky, the scene infused with a tranquil energy. it’s a peaceful end to his day, and he feels a deep sense of contentment.

returning home, he reviews the photos he took, each one a piece of his day, a piece of his thoughts. the sunflower, the crowd, the serene river—they’re all fragments of his love for you, woven into the fabric of his art. without uttering a word, he has chronicled a story of his day and his feelings for you.

as he prepares for bed, he places his camera back on the table, a gentle smile playing on his lips. he knows that tomorrow, and every day after, he’ll continue to find you in the world around him. you are, and always will be, his muse.

© 2024 seoulzie

[bejeweledblondie]

Nightingale

Simon “Ghost” Riley x F! Reader

Summary: Y/N is a aid worker with UNICEF, while helping treat innocent children from preventable viruses the encampment is taken over by terrorists, the video of her an American being held hostage goes viral & it’s up to Task Force 141 to rescue her & the others

Warnings: mentions of beatings, death, war crimes, murder, it’s kinda heavy

Ever since you saw Audrey Hepburn walking with the sick, & hungry children with UNICEF you knew exactly that’s what you wanted to do. Help the most innocent & vulnerable children on the planet. You had gone to nursing school already & graduated. Once you graduated you immediately had made it imperative to volunteer your skills to help UNICEF. So now here you sat in the hot African heat & sun. It was absolutely sweltering, but the line of mother’s seeking out proper care for the babies, was extremely long. Your colleagues were offering them water, food rations, anything they needed while you helped administer vaccines. There had been a huge polio outbreak in the region due to contaminated water, & your team decided to administer that vaccine first.

A small frail toddler sat on her mother’s lap while you prepared the vaccine. Her wide eyes looked around the blue tent that was overhead. She looked malnourished, & was clinging to her mother. You had been administering her vaccines for the past couple of weeks now, & started to create a friendship with her mother. It was incredibly important to you to build trust with the little ones mothers, & you wanted them to know how much you genuinely cared for them.

Once the vaccines were ready you went to go & administer the first vaccine into the young child’s thigh when screaming was heard in the distance. The deafening sound of machine gun fire was heard in the distance. The woman in front you immediately picked up her child & ran in the opposite direction. A colleague of yours sprinted in your direction alerting you that one of the terrorist groups in the country had captured the nearby city, & were now taking over the camp. You immediately dropped the syringe in your hand & started to sprint.

Two pick up trucks pulled in front of her. Machine guns were bolted down into the their beds & multiple heavily armed terrorists occupied them. They jumped out, shouting in a language you didn’t fill understand. Shaking now in fear you threw your hands up surrendering yourself. Immediately their hands where on your shoulders dragging you to the truck. They zipped tied your hands behind your back & threw you in the back of one.

“Please you don’t understand I’m not a soldier!” You sobbed out. “I’m a aid worker.” Over the past few hours that felt like an eternity they grabbed civilians, & colleagues of yours. Soon the trucks were driving into the nearby city, cheers & gun fire rang out into the air in celebration. The trucks came to a halt & you along with the other hostages were dragged into one of the many buildings in the city. You could see people holding camera phones trying to get into your face, documenting the kidnapping of western aid workers.

The inside of the building was fairly clean, but lacking in any furniture. All that lay there was a area rug & some cushions. They plopped each one of you on the rug. A man who was somewhat well dressed walked in, a rifle was slung across his chest.

“Which one of you is American?” He asked. Everyone says silent then he loaded a bullet into the chamber of his rifle.

“M-me.” You squeaked out not looking up. He chucked to himself & two of the guards immediately brought you to your feet.

“Don’t worry we won’t kill you.” The man said. “Yet.” He chucked. “Americans, especially American women go for a pretty penny on the black market but I think you’d be best suited for ransom.” He explained. The guards dragged you into a room off of to the side & there sat a chair with a video camera facing it. They forced you to sit down & tied you to the chair. A table was to your left, all laid out were different knives, hardware tools, & other tools that could be used to torture a human being. Then it all hit you, you were going to be tortured on camera. The video would probably broadcasted across every major news network, for all to see. The idea of your family & friends having to bear witness to your bloodshed on television started to cause you to wonder if death was a better fate.

A taller man came up to you & bent down to look at your face. His grimy hands pulled your hair back punched you square in the face. A blood curdling scream escaped your lips as you heard the crack of your nose. The metallic smell of blood filled the air.

“Shut up!” One of them yelled. Your head hung weakly in defeat & pain. One of the men started the camera, & the other stood next to you with a large machete in his hand.

“To the people of the west, we declare war on you. The bloodshed that had spilled on our soil will continue, & it’s time for us to take revenge.” He said in near perfect English. The bastard had a damn American accent. “We have captured one of your own, & it is up to you to make sure she stays alive.” You lifted your head & looked into the camera intently. You reminded yourself of the importance to make sure you could be identified for rescuing. “You have 72 hours to respond.” The man said menacingly as he put the machete close to your neck. Your breathing increased by the presence of the large blade. The camera was then stopped & he removed the machete from your neck. You were soon untied & brought back into the room where the other hostages are. A colleague of yours gasped at the sight of your blooded & bruised face. They threw you to the ground, & you started to sob even more. Your vision kept going in & out from the pain.

“All I wanted to do was help people.” You whispered as you gave into the darkness.

Simon along with the rest of Task Force 141 sat in a briefing room awaiting what their next mission was to be. Price had a bit of a hunch as his wife texted him a news article mentioning the aid workers taken hostage. Laswell came in looking absolutely stressed.

“Afternoon.” She mumbled & put her laptop down on the table. The air suddenly felt incredibly tense by her presence which wasn’t abnormal but something felt off. She flipped open her laptop & started to brief them. “As some of you may know a group of terrorists invaded a city that was once held by rebel fighters. A UNICEF camp was based on the outskirts, a bunch of foreign nationals were there administering medicine to the locals. They attacked, & took an American aid worker hostage along with nationals from other countries.” Kate sighed. “There’s a video they released.”

Everyone looked around the room at each other. “It’s dark.” She simply stated. “This poor woman.” She hit play & the video started. As soon as they all saw the young woman blooded with her head down they sat up. The more the video played Simon grew more angry. Then once the terrorist had pulled her head up Kate looked down. Her eyes where blood shot, nose was already broken, & her whole face was covered in blood. The man held a machete to her neck & they all watched her body tense up.

Simon was pumped full of adrenaline & wanted to snap the neck of the man who held the machete. He was furious.

“Holy Fuck.” Gaz said & shook his head.

“Yeah I know.” Kate said. “The United States has reached out to us, they want us to rescue her. Their Special Forces are conducting other operations. The woman in the video her name is Y/N L/N, & it’s believed her colleague Paul Kessler is also in the compound. Their lives are at extreme risk & we need to extract them immediately. So hop to it.”

They went over the rescue plan, & walked out to the airstrip where a C-130 aircraft awaited them. Their gear was put on board by the crew & they boarded the plane. Simon couldn’t help but wonder about the young woman in the video. She looked so defeated & was on deaths doorstep. It angered him. These were his least favorite type of missions, he hated the idea of innocent people who just wanted to help others be subjected to the worst kind of violence. He had seen so many innocent people throughout his childhood, & adulthood fall victim that he was fueled with anger for this mission.

The plane landed safely at a airbase in one of the neighboring countries. They got off & did a full gear lay out to assure everyone had the correct equipment. Simon took apart his rifle & cleaned it a few times before putting it back together. Everyone could tell from his demeanor that he was going to be ruthless. Both Soap & Price exchanged a glance of worry before looking at Simon again. When they knew he was doing a deep clean of his rifle he wasn’t going to hold back once they landed. Two Blackhawk Helicopters landed on the Tarmac at 02000 (8pm) ready for the Task Force to board.

Simon pulled his iconic skull faced mask over his head, transforming from a man into a force to be reckoned with. Ghost had now taken over, & it was time for him to board the helicopter. Ghost & Soap took one helicopter while Price & Gaz went to the other. Night had fallen & it was perfect for them to be stealthy enough to fly under enemy radar. They lifted off of the ground & headed off to their target.

“Gentlemen, we are now over the border.” One of the pilots said over the radio. “Wheels down in ten.” They were flying so incredibly low that they just barley touched the tips of the trees they flew over. Soon they had reach a now pitch black city & the helicopters started to approach the house were their target was.

“Eyes on target.” Price said into his radio, alerting the task force. A fighter on of the roofs started to fire as the approaching helicopters & was quickly taken out by Price. Soon they were hovering over the roof of the building & repelling down. Once his boots hit the roof of the building his combat mode was switched on. Looking through his night vision goggles he was able to eliminate all of the hostiles on the surrounding roofs. Soap located the door that lead down the stairs & immediately kicked it open. He eliminated one of the terrorists behind the doorway & motioned for them to follow him.

With ease they cleared the stairway & upper floor of the house. It certainly helped that the terrorists were completely unorganized & didn’t know how to properly fight. Soap grabbed one of them & dragged him to where they were holding the hostages.

You kept going in & out of consciousness due to the pain. Your captors had beaten you with every possible way they could. It was a direct attempt to break your spirits & make you ultimately give up hope for a rescue. Your eyes were so bloodshot & after a blow of a rifle butt to the head you couldn’t even fully see anymore. One of your colleagues had to explain what was happening around you. After you slipped out of consciousness again you felt someone’s knee trying to awake you. A overwhelming feeling of dread filled your body thinking it was one of your captors.

“Y/N! Y/N!” The voice screamed, it was one your colleagues Paul. “Wake up they’re here to rescue us.” He said attempting to wake you up. You opened your eyes only to see blurred figures. Hearing gun fire up the stairs you tried to sit up more. Stomping came down the stairs & more shots rang out. You felt a bright light shining on your face & then hands on you. Your bound hands were cut free & your body was lifted from the ground into a fireman’s carry.

“Captain I’ve acquired the target,” A deep British accent said. “Ready for extraction.”

“Affirmative.” A muffle voice said over the radio. Mentally you were thanking whatever higher power that sent them here to rescue you. You let our little squeaks & moans of pain as the two of you made it up the stairs. Your head was beyond pounding now.

“I know love, but I promise we’ll get you treatment as soon as possible.” The voice replied to your small noises. The two of you made it to the roof & the helicopter that was hovering turned around to extract the whole Task Force. You could hear Paul thanking whoever he was in front of at the moment for rescuing him.

“How’s she doing? A voice yelled over the sound of the helicopter approaching. “Okay, not great but we gotta get her immediate care.” The wind of the helicopter blades indicated that it was right above. You felt yourself being strapped to a gurney & lifted into the air. Once in the helicopter & moving you could feel them stabilize your head. A IV was started to replenish your body of it’s fluids. One of the men aboard with a thick Scottish accent kept asking you a series of different questions. You could only respond with hand signals. A bulky piece of fabric was placed in your arms. Your hands felt around the folded fabric only to realize it was an American flag. Small sob escaped your lips as you clutched onto the fabric tighter.

Ghost looked down at the poor woman who was strapped to the gurney. Soap had taken an American flag that was aboard the helicopter & placed it in her arms. They both watched as she sobbed clutching the fabric at the realization that she was actually safe.

“You’re safe love,” Soap assured her. Once they had landed back at the airbase the young woman was handed off to the team of advanced medics on the airbase to be stabilized for transport. Ghost watched from a distance as she was being boarded onto a airplane to be sent to Germany for proper care. He removed his mask revealing Simon. Price walked up to him & clapped him on the back.

“Job well done son,” Price said. “Cmon let’s get some sleep & then we’ll be headed back.”

A few weeks later you were somewhat healed. The doctors were able to place your nose back together properly & you regained your eyesight somewhat. The most difficult part was hearing your speech might be slurred due to the blow you took to your head. You were also told you’d have to relearn to write again. During your entire treatment you refused to let go of the American flag one of the rescuers put in your arms. The doctors had to pry your arms open to gain access to your abdomen.

It sat on the bed side table of your hospital room. You were sat up in bed holding a pencil tracing letters. Your doctor recommended you do so in order to regain the ability you once had. It hadn’t been this difficult since kindergarten. You were so focused on your writing that you hadn’t even noticed the handsome soldier at your door. A soft knock on the side of the door frame alerted you of his presence. You looked up, somewhat embarrassed at your appearance in front of the handsome stranger. The bruising under your eyes was yellowing now from the rhinoplasty.

“I’m sorry for startling you.” He said, & your mind immediately flashed back to that night. That voice. “You may not remember me but-“

“N-no I d-do.” You replied through slurred words. He gave you a soft smiled & walked into the room.

“May I sit?” He asked & you nodded. He pulled up a chair & sat down next to your bed. “I’m Simon.” He introduced himself.

“Y/N.” You managed to get out. He looked down at what you were doing. Embarrassed you tried to flip the paper over but he stopped you.

“What are you doing?” He asked & flipped the paper. “Ah I see. Let me help.” He said. His large hand eclipsed yours as he helped you hold the pencil correctly. He helped you trace one of the lowercase letters properly by guiding your hand.

“T-thank you.” You said & looked at him. He brushed your hair out of your face & then looked at the American flag on your bed side table. One of his large hands ran over it & then placed it in your lap. You reached out for his hand & give it a squeeze. His flesh was calloused but made you feel warm & safe. Those same hands that rescued you would be the ones to have & to hold you for your entire life.

[dantenyhpmir]

Reunion

Pairing; Simon "Ghost" Riley x F!Reader

Plot; You've been discharged for over a year and Ghost has finally found you

Warnings; Literal Fluff, you're fine.

Word Count; 986

Dante Nyhpmir Masterlist

Part 2(NSFW)

You were walking through your local farmers market on a Saturday morning. Picking up some of the freshest bread you'd ever had and grabbing some breakfast. You knew a couple of the vendors as you walked through the crowd checking off one of the errands you had in your list.

The air felt different though. More so than just the changing of fall. Like someone was watching you. Training never really goes away, especially not that feeling. It always hit you like a train, even after being discharged. You couldn't just unlearn everyday of training you were brought up with in special forces. It had been a year since leaving it behind but that didn't change your lack of relaxation. You thought time would help but it hadn't. Still the same time every morning, the same nightmares, the same yearning for him with no word to speak of. The scars still aparrent on your body from when they took you. From when he couldn't find you.

But he did find you.

Simon didn't mind going out in public as much as anymore. It sounded selfish to say out loud, he would never admit anything good came from COVID but he did enjoy being able to wear half a mask as he went about the civilian world. Still feeling the level of personal protection from hiding his face that he had in combat.

He'd lie to himself and say he wasn't there for you. "He just so happened to be in the area" he'd say to help him sleep at night but his head turned every direction hoping you'd be there. No one was supposed to know where you'd been placed, for your own protection. Even the people closest to you on the team. No one on task force 141 were ever told directly that you and Ghost had been seeing each other but they also didn't need to. Every chance you had be next to each other on missions, you both took. Laughing too hard at each other's jokes but mostly what confirmed it was how feral he had gotten when you were captured. When you were in danger.

He knew Price was right not to tell anyone where you were but he was still angry about it. Enough that Price gave him leave to cool off for a few months. He wasn't focused when he was working, which wasn't like him. He could always switch it off and get back to work but not since you had gone. With no goodbye. It wasn't up to you though. Some things were out of your control. And his.

He promised himself if he found you he wouldn't get close but as you moved through the crowd his feet moved on their own. You were good at disappearing into people, he knew that but, he needed to be there. To look at you a little longer. It wasn't enough of a glance to satisfy the longing he had been doing for over a year now. He couldn't lose you again.

You moved swifty to the edge of the crowd, not running but conscious enough to make a decent pace without a panicked energy about you. You knew someone was following you. Your mind always went to the worst possible answer, especially after you had been captured. It may have seemed over the top to be scared of those kind of things happening but you didn't expect them to happen the first time and so you kept moving. And he kept following.

At the edge of the market you turn to face the crowd, looking around at one last table. Ghost finally catches up, slowly walking over next to you. Not acknowledging you. He wouldn't. He didn't want to bring any attention your way. He just wanted to see you. It was odd seeing you in civilian clothes, your hair down. He could smell your shampoo.

You knew you weren't in danger as he stood next to you. Both looking at the table, facing the vendor. Pretending the other didn't exist. Price would've never told him where you were, he had to have gone through the records himself. He could be terminated for that kind of defiance but here he was.

You had never really seen his face. Through every exchange, all of them, you two ever had, even the private ones, he wore the mask. You never saw him without the skull dawning his face. Part of that was what made him comfortable with the idea of finding you. He could follow you without it and you wouldn't know, except….

"Simon" you say in a low breath, your face turning towards him

His head turns to face you but he says nothing, only getting lost in your eyes. Finally being able to look down at you again.

The vendor comes over, you order for the both of you some quick baked goods and make your way down the bike path. His eyes trained on you.

"How did you find me?"

"Can't say"

"How much protocol did you break Simon"

"Worth it"

"You didn't answer my question"

"I'm not going too"

You look at him. Both stopping for a moment, taking in finally seeing one another again. You both had missed each other so much your bodies ached each night before bed. Wishing the others presence could be there as you fall asleep and find the next morning.

"Y/N"

"Yes?"

"How did you recognize me?"

There were lots of ways. The skull mask was certainly a defining statement in the task force but it was nothing compared to his cologne. It would slowly fade in as he stood next to you. The unmistakable feeling of when his body would loom over you. Trying not to be too close but you could feel his tension to edge next to you. The biggest one was palpable.

"I could never forget how it felt when your eyes were on me."

Part 2 (NSFW)

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

July 6, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUL 7, 2023

The payroll processing firm ADP said today that private sector jobs jumped by 497,000 in June, far higher than the Dow Jones consensus estimate predicted. The big gains were in leisure and hospitality, which added 232,000 new hires; construction with 97,000; and trade, transportation and utilities with 90,000. Annual pay rose at a rate of 6.4%. Most of the jobs came from companies with fewer than 50 employees. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is a way to measure the stock market by aggregating certain stocks, dropped 372 points as the strong labor market made traders afraid that the Fed would raise interest rates again to cool the economy. Higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive, slowing investment. 

Today, as the Washington Post’s climate reporter Scott Dance warned that the sudden surge of broken heat records around the globe is raising alarm among scientists, Bloomberg’s Cailley LaPara reported that the incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act for emerging technologies to address climate change have long-term as well as short-term benefits. 

Dance noted that temperatures in the North Atlantic are already close to their typical annual peak although we are early in the season, sea ice levels around Antarctica are terribly low, and Monday was the Earth’s hottest day in at least 125,000 years and Tuesday was hotter. LaPara noted that while much attention has been paid to the short-term solar, EV, and wind industries in the U.S., emerging technologies for industries that can’t be electrified—technologies like sustainable aviation fuel, clean hydrogen, and direct air capture, which pulls carbon dioxide out of the air—offer huge potential to reduce emissions by 2030. 

This news was the backdrop today as President Biden was in South Carolina to talk about Bidenomics. After touting the huge investments of both public and private capital that are bringing new businesses and repaired infrastructure to that state, Biden noted that analysts have said that the new laws Democrats have passed will do more for Republican-dominated states than for Democratic ones. “Well, that’s okay with me,” Biden said, “because we’re all Americans. Because my view is: Wherever the need is most, that’s the place we should be helping. And that’s what we’re doing. Because the way I look at it, the progress we’re making is good for all Americans, all of America.”

On Air Force One on the way to the event, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates began his remarks to the press: “President Biden promised that he would be a president for all Americans, regardless of where they live and regardless of whether they voted for him or not. He also promised to rebuild the middle class. The fact that Bidenomics has now galvanized over $500 billion in job-creating private sector investment is the newest testament to how seriously he takes fulfilling those promises.”

Bates listed all the economic accomplishments of the administration and then added: “the most powerful endorsement of Bidenomics is this: Every signature economic law this President has signed, congressional Republicans who voted “no” and attacked it on Fox News then went home to their district and hailed its benefits.” He noted that “Senator Lindsey Graham called the Inflation Reduction Act ‘a nightmare for South Carolina,’” then, “[j]ust two months later, he called BMW’s electric vehicles announcement ‘one of the most consequential announcements in the history of the state of South Carolina.’” “Representative Joe Wilson blasted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law but later announced, ‘I welcome Scout Motors’ plans to invest $2 billion and create up to 4,000 jobs in South Carolina.’ Nancy Mace called Bidenomics legislation a…‘disaster,’ then welcomed a RAISE grant to Charleston.” 

“[W]hat could speak to the effectiveness of Bidenomics more than these conversions?” Bates asked.

While Biden is trying to sell Americans on an economic vision for the future, the Republican leadership is doubling down on dislike of President Biden and the Democrats. Early on the morning of July 2, Trump, who remains the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, shared a meme of President Biden that included a flag reading: “F*CK BIDEN AND F*CK YOU FOR VOTING FOR HIM!” The next morning, in all caps, he railed against what he called “massive prosecutorial conduct” and “the weaponization of law enforcement,” asking: “Do the people of this once great nation even have a choice but to protest the potential doom of the United States of America??? 2024!!!”

Prosecutors have told U.S. district judge Aileen Cannon that they want to begin Trump’s trial on 37 federal charges for keeping and hiding classified national security documents, and as his legal trouble heats up, Trump appears to be calling for violence against Democrats. On June 29 he posted what he claimed was the address of former president Barack Obama, inspiring a man who had been at the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol to repost the address and to warn, “We got these losers surrounded! See you in hell,…Obama’s [sic].” Taylor Tarranto then headed there with firearms and ammunition, as well as a machete, in his van. Secret Service agents arrested him. 

Indeed, those crossing the law for the former president are not faring well. More than 1,000 people have been arrested for their participation in the events of January 6, and those higher up the ladder are starting to feel the heat as well. Trump lawyer Lin Wood, who pushed Trump’s 2020 election lies, was permitted to “retire” his law license on Tuesday rather than be disbarred. Trump lawyer John Eastman is facing disbarment in California for trying to overturn the 2020 election with his “fake elector” scheme, a ploy whose legitimacy the Supreme Court rejected last week. And today, Trump aide Walt Nauta pleaded not guilty to federal charges of withholding documents and conspiring to obstruct justice for allegedly helping Trump hide the classified documents he had at Mar-a-Lago. 

Trump Republicans—MAGA Republicans—are cementing their identity by fanning fears based on cultural issues, but it is becoming clear those are no longer as powerful as they used to be as the reality of Republican extremism becomes clear. 

Yesterday the man who raped and impregnated a then-9-year-old Ohio girl was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison. Last year, after the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion, President Biden used her case to argue for the need for abortion access. Republican lawmakers, who had criminalized all abortions after 6 weeks, before most people know they’re pregnant, publicly doubted that the case was real (Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost told the Fox News Channel there was “not a damn scintilla of evidence” to support the story). Unable to receive an abortion in Ohio, the girl, who had since turned 10, had to travel to Indiana, where Dr. Caitlin Bernard performed the procedure.

Republican Indiana attorney general Todd Rokita complained—inaccurately—that Bernard had not reported child abuse and that she had violated privacy laws by talking to a reporter, although she did not identify the patient and her employer said she acted properly. Bernard was nonetheless reprimanded for her handling of privacy issues and fined by the Indiana licensing board. Her employer disagreed.

As Republican-dominated states have dramatically restricted abortion, they have fueled such a backlash that party members are either trying to avoid talking about it or are now replacing the phrase “national ban” with “national consensus” or “national standard,” although as feminist writer Jessica Valenti, who studies this language, notes, they still mean strict antiabortion measures. In the House, some newly-elected and swing-district Republicans have blocked abortion measures from coming to a vote out of concern they will lose their seats in 2024. 

But it is not at all clear the issue will go away. Yesterday, those committed to protecting abortion rights in Ohio turned in 70% more signatures than they needed to get a measure amending the constitution to protect that access on the ballot this November. In August, though, antiabortion forces will use a special election to try to change the threshold for constitutional amendments, requiring 60% of voters rather than a majority.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[poojagblog-blog]

The global Direct Air Capture Market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 62 million in 2023 to USD 1,727 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 60.9% during the 2023–2030 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. 

[futuretonext]

According to MarkNtel Advisors’ research report, “Global Direct Air Carbon Capture Technology Market Analysis, 2021”, the market is likely to grow at a significant CAGR during 2021-26F due to the increasing inclination of governments worldwide to curb GHG and CO2 emissions. The technology captures and stores CO2, which can be well-used to enhance oil recovery or make products, such as chemicals, fuels, and cement. The adoption of carbon-neutral targets by countries to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and the adoption of technology for customers across industries has propelled the market growth.

[dinums]

The Unexpected Visit

Thomas Shelby x Reader

This is part 2, by the way! Check out part 1 first!

Part 3

Summary: Ada gets married, Thomas takes a Barmaid to a Derby, Thomas, and (Y/N) gets closer.

Word counter: 2,056 words

"Should I be crying? You look like an angel, Ada," I said wholeheartedly, helping her with the veil as I admired her through the reflection in the mirror. My words brought a chuckle from her, filling the room with a lightness.

"Do you think he'll like it? Freddie, I mean," she asked, seeking reassurance.

"Of course he will. Ang ganda mo kaya," I replied

"Ganda mo kaya?" Ada questioned, curious about the meaning. I explained, "It means 'you're beautiful.'' With her heart full of love, she left the house early in the morning.

Later that day, Pol asked me to run some errands around town, buy a few things at the market, though I knew she wanted me to take a breather from everything that's been happening, that I was thankful for. As I walked, the mud stained my shoes, and the smoke filled the sky, reminding me that this environment was vastly different from what I was accustomed to. I veered towards a less crowded section of town, continuing my walk, when suddenly, the sound of a gunshot pierced the air. My body froze, and my head snapped in the direction of the noise. In the distance, I spotted two figures—a man and a woman. Without daring to investigate further, I swiftly turned and ran, paying no mind to the mud splattering on my skirt. At that moment, running was the only important thing, outfit be damned.

"Jusko po..." I gasped, leaning my back against a wall once I deemed myself far enough from the commotion. I panted heavily, resting my hands on my knees to catch my breath. People cast strange glances in my direction, but I paid them no mind. No one could know what I had witnessed.

After calming myself down for a while, I realized I couldn't simply return home. Walking down the familiar streets, I made my way to the market and purchased the items on my list. Once back home, I placed them on the kitchen table before heading upstairs to change. Convincing myself that the gunshot from earlier were just friendly fire, that utbjust happened on accident.

As I descended the stairs, I overheard the boys conversing amongst themselves. Arthur now owned the Garrison, and Tommy had made an attempt on Ada's husband. They were planning to attend a Derby.

"So, you're taking the pretty barmaid, eh mate?" John asked. I paused for a moment at the bottom of the stairs, realizing that Tommy had a date.

Peeking my head around the corner, I caught sight of John and Arthur snickering to themselves.

"Whoa, Thomas has a date?" I exclaimed, capturing the attention of the three men. John was the first to respond, saying, "Of course he does."

"And she's a pretty one too, works at the Garrison!" Arthur chimed in. Unbeknownst to me, Thomas had been watching me the entire time, and as our eyes met, I gave him a thumbs-up.

"Good luck, treat her right," I said, my smile turning into a more serious expression. I was well aware of how women were often treated by men during these times.

"It's just business," Tommy replied dismissively.

"Everything is always business to you, Tommy," Arthur groaned, earning a glare from Thomas.

"It'd be nice if you take yourself a woman, eh?" John teased his brother, getting him a smack in the back of his head by Thomas which made me chuckle.

"Well, I heard you own the Garrison now, Arthur!" I interjected, walking over to join them.

"Been eavesdropping, eh, love?" Arthur said with a toothy grin, causing me to blush in embarrassment. When I tried to explain myself, he waved a hand in the air, assuring me it was alright, and mentioned that they would be celebrating at the Garrison. He then began pulling John along with him, leaving me alone with Thomas.

"I heard you tried to shoot Ada's husband. Did you apologize?" I asked, concerned.

"He's not dead."

"Did you apologize?" I repeated, but was only met with silence, I let out a sigh.

"Well, you should. If you're going on a date, you need to show respect to your sister before other women—"

"It's just business."

"Even so, Thomas. When's the date?" I inquired.

Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing, as I continued referring to his "business" as a date.

"Tomorrow"

"Since you guys will be busy, I'll go out and find a library. Maybe they'll have something that can help me go back. I'll finish my work today and even do some extra to make up for it," I declared, informing him, knowing he won't stop me. When he only nodded, I took that as my cue to leave. Going inside the betting shop to officially start the day.

///

When tomorrow finally came, I went down to find out the boys have left already. I didn't see where Polly was but Finn was in the kitchen, he threw something in the fireplace.

I walked over to him, my curiosity peaked. "Hey, what was that, hm?" When I crouched down, it was a cigarette.

"Finn?" I held it out, wanting him to explain but were just met with a guilty look. I was aware enough that children from these times smoke and drank alcohol, Finn himself wouldn't be an exception, it shouldn't have had surprised me, especially since Thomas and the others smoked quite often.

"You're still young"

"I'd turn 11 soon,"

"Well, you're still 10. Do it when you're old enough to make decisions for yourself, I've got to go somewhere, but no more of this, okay?" He nodded, which made me smile, patting his head.

"Good, if Pol asks where I am, I'm off to the library"

To my surprised, when I left there was a Peaky Boy by the door, when he approached me, he said that Thomas asked him to escort me to the library since it was far away.

///

"Seriously? Still nothing?"

It has been hours and I still haven't found anything concerning time travel. Though this was expected, it still quite annoyed me. I felt hopeless, feeling tears start to make their way to fall down my cheeks.

"Ma'am, shall I take you home? Its getting quite dark." The Peaky Boy said which stopped my train of thoughts. Quickly wiping my eyes, I looked up at him and forced a smile.

"Yeah, sure." After finishing up, we began to walk our way towards town, it was quite silent so I tried to make conversation with the guy.

"So, what's your name?"

"Charles, Ma'am." I nodded in acknowledgment by his answer, chuckling a bit.

"You don't have to be so stiff, call me (Y/N)," he smiled at that and after we continued to walk with comfortable silence around us, letting me forget my frustration for a moment.

"Thanks for escorting me, by the way"

I bid him goodbye before walking inside the house. Once inside, no one was there, guess everyone's out. I went to Thomas' room, which can be considered mine for the time being.

Feeling a sense of boredom, I picked up a sketchbook and some pencils that Arthur had given me. The pages were already filled with a few sketches done by both me and him. Reflecting on the events of the day, I attempted to draw my brother, trying my best to capture his face. I couldn't help but worry that if I stayed here any longer, I would forget—forget my friends, my family, and the cherished memories we shared. It dawned on me that while I'm here they're probably looking for me.

Deciding to create a comic strip depicting my memories and descriptions of my family, I couldn't help but tear up a little. I had already forgotten my mother and brother's voice.

"Ma, miss kona kayo ni kuya... Mama..."

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I quickly composed myself before inviting the visitor in. It was Polly.

"Pol..."

"The boys are at the Garrison, celebrating. I came to pick you up. Are you alright, love?"

I smiled and nodded. "I'm alright, Pol. It's nothing, just a bit of homesickness. I'll stay here for the night. Do tell them I said congratulations." She nodded, relieved that she didn't pry any further, and left, bidding me goodnight.

///

Unable to sleep that night, I found some peace in my drawings. I kept a candle by my bedside to provide light, sitting with my knees drawn close to my chest and my back against the wall, facing the door with the notebook resting on my thigh.

After a while, I could hear the sound of people talking downstairs. It seemed like Arthur had indulged in a few drinks as he kept yelling, something about a man called Kimber. When the commotion subsided, there was another knock on my door, followed by Thomas' voice asking if I was still awake. I replied affirmatively, and he took it as his cue to enter. Closing the door behind him, he remained silent, prompting me to break the silence.

"So, how was the date? Did it go well?"

"I told you, it's business, eh?" he chuckled, walking over to sit beside me.

"What brings you here?"

"It's my room."

"Fair enough. But why are you here?" I asked. However, instead of responding directly, he asked a question of his own.

"How did your visit to the library go?" I sighed, playing with my hands as I slumped my shoulders.

"Terrible. I feel like I'm trapped here forever. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be with you all, but I had a life back there, you know? If I stay here any longer, I'm afraid... i just miss my mother, brother, and my friends."

"You have a brother?" he asked, glancing back at me. I nodded, slightly distracted by his question.

"Yeah, he's annoying but caring. We used to play games together."

"Oh, really? What kind?" he inquired. I smiled and lightly punched him on the shoulder.

"Are you just trying to distract me?" I teased. He shrugged, pursing his lips in an attempt to suppress a smile, though I could see it in his eyes.

We continued our conversation, and somehow, before we knew it, we found ourselves lying in bed, facing each other. I kept talking, and he listened.

"Are you sure I'm not bleeding your ears?" I asked, squinting my eyes at him.

He shook his head and encouraged me to keep talking by gesturing to the side.

"Where was I again?" I questioned, testing if he was genuinely paying attention.

"You were talking about your dog named 'Dog,'" he replied.

"Ah, right."

As I was drifting off to sleep, I noticed him getting up, trying not to disturb me.

"Hey, Thomas..."

"Hm?"

"If I met you in my time, siguro nahulog nako sayo"

///

Those were the words that left (Y/N)'s lips. Thomas, though not fully understanding the context, couldn't help but smile nonetheless. He bid her goodnight before leaving to sleep downstairs.

Only he knew the true reason why he had sought her out after returning from the Garrison. Somehow, being with her made him feel like his former self, the boy he was before the war. She brought a genuine warmth to his life, treated him like a normal person and not something broken, not someone without a heart, and not someone that killed so many in the name of war. When she looked at him, he feels like she sees the boy he was, coaxing him to come out little by little, and that comforted him because she sees him, sees someone he thought he can never be again. What began as fascination had blossomed into something deeper. He yearned to know more about her, to delve into the stories and memories she shared. Her voice brought him a sense of comfort. In his own way he wanted her to feel heard, wanted her to know he was there, with her, with everything she will do while she's here.

But deep down, he knew she didn't belong here, and that she would eventually have to leave. So, as much as he wanted to make her stay as memorable as possible, if he could be selfish with her, he hoped against hope that she would choose to stay.

[daughter-lilith]

✧When Two Seas Collide✧

"Sometimes it is difficult to love you."

Halsin x Fem!OC | Part 1 of 2

Halsin's quote that spurred this idea! I find it interesting that no matter how much you toy with Halsin by teasing a break up, though he is reasonably upset, he never cuts the thread. This piece sort of drives from that. With that being said, I was going to make this a xReader fic but reader is a liiittle bit villainy in this, so I made them an OC instead, calling her Ro. Not a lot of detailed physical features other than fem biology and having hair long enough to…grip.

Mature

Explicit 18+ (part 2)

Word Count: 7.9k

CW: Conflicting feelings, love/hate, angst, manipulation, bad habits, mood swings, p in v sex, rough sex, vengeful sex?

One year this time. One year since she once again deserted their thriving community, The community she and Halsin shared a home in. One year since Halsin had awoken from their large divan, his outstretched arm resting on empty sheets, a space she had occupied only the night before. He had hoped maybe she was just getting a head start to the day. Perhaps she was in the garden; or out by the falls deep in the forest, maybe at the neighboring town shopping at the markets.

But as the hours went on, and the sun began its lazy descent behind the horizon, his hope for her presence waned. A full day passed, then another.

Halsin hoped to find her asleep in their shared bed, resting on his broad chest or snuggled into his side. But she was not there. She left without a word, once again.

⋆

The first time Ro disappeared, Halsin searched for her endlessly. Fear gripped him like a vice day and night as the massive druid stormed throughout the town questioning everyone if they had an idea of her whereabouts. When that failed, he turned to more primitive ways, concentrating on her scent as he shifted into his bear. But it was almost impossible to follow her path. Her scent was unsurprisingly stronger in their home, and it was clear she left through the front door, but from there it was chaos. Her aroma sailed through the air sporadically, flowing in no single direction which made it nearly impossible to track.

Some pockets of her scent were slightly stronger in some areas than others, leading Halsin’s bear to a wide clearing deep in the thick foliage. But frustration gnawed in the bear’s mind as her scent fizzled, drifting away until it was almost lost entirely. She had gone much farther away than he thought, to Halsin’s bafflement. It was strange of her not to say anything, to not leave a single message behind.

Halsin had noticed a change in her mood for several weeks; some days she’d shower him with floods of love and affection, his heart swelling with more love and devotion for her. But other days, no matter how bright the sun shined and how melodic the birds sang, it was like a storm cloud hovered when she was near… she was distant, colder, and practically seemed annoyed by his presence. This worried Halsin beyond measure, to feel that the one who held his heart so dearly was potentially slipping away.

Was he boring her? Was there another who captured her affections? He would never try and trap her, but he was still worthy of communication, was he not?

“Tell me,” Halsin muttered to Ro one night, his heart beating so fiercely in his chest, stomach twisted and tight. “Are you still happy with the life we tread together?”

She was facing away from him, her back snuggled close to his front as he embraced her. Not long before, she was calling out his name while her nails dug mercilessly into his back. With his face buried in her neck, he had crooned a deep and sincere “I love you, Ro” as he reached his peak, spending himself in her, lost in the clouds of lust and overwhelming love.

But for the first time, she did not say it back.

Even as her breathing started to level, and the pleasurable shivers in her body began to ease, those beautiful words never left her lips. She always said it back. She had said it so many times before.

Instead, she kissed him, a deep, passionate dance before she gently patted his chest to signal him to withdraw from her. With a sleepy smile, she turned over and lazily grabbed one of his arms to proceed into a cuddling position.

Halsin felt her body shift slightly, adjusting her cheek on his arm that she used as a pillow as he waited for a response.

“Hmm?” the sleepy sound drifted from her mouth.

He stared down at her bare shoulders, still glistening with fading sweat as they both came down from their high. She was so warm against him, her naked skin so smooth, slotting into his hold so wonderfully. Selûne’s moonlight filtered in through the large window, illuminating the lovers’ embrace.

But Halsin’s heart still thundered in anticipation of her answer. He knew Ro was still awake but drifting rather fast, and he didn’t think he could go another night without facing this question.

“With me?” Halsin whispered, his voice a bit more withdrawn. But his lips were so close to her ear, that unless sleep had fully claimed her, there was no doubt she couldn’t hear. “Are you happy with me, I mean?”

There was a light chuckle that gently vibrated against his chest. Halsin leaned over and noticed Ro smiling, her eyes blissfully closed. His arm was draped around her waist, holding her close. She reached up and tapped her fingers over the back of his hand, snuggling closer to him.

“Don’t be silly, Halsin,” she hummed through a sleepy voice. She lowered her head and brushed a soft kiss on his fingers before submitting into the lull of sleep.

Her lips felt warm on his skin, a sweet gesture. But her words did little to reassure him. Instead, Halsin huffed a quiet, nervous laugh, contemplating his concerns. Perhaps he was being silly to wonder such a thing. Of course she was happy, why else would she still be there with him?

Two years after defeating the Absolute, Ro was still by his side. She still laughed at his jokes and timely bear puns. She still lingered by his side for at least half of the day before their duties pulled them elsewhere. She still moaned and whimpered his name with ease, each and every time he carried her body to new pleasurable heights. And still, he was not fully satisfied by her response. He couldn’t dismiss the enduring flame of doubt that hovered over his heart.

But as the sound of her breathing slowed, he knew he would be getting no further word tonight. So he put it from his mind for that night, hoping their lives would just continue on as normal together.

And things were normal, they were happy… until she began to change. Distancing herself, speaking to him like she had a personal vendetta, only to apologize when Halsin would give her enough space for a time. She’d remind him of how much she loved him, that she was sorry she was hard on him sometimes, and that he was still her favorite druid.

Halsin, so madly in love with the one who saved his life, was all too eager to pull her into his arms again. He’d kiss her temple and tell her he understood that everyone goes through inner challenges. But he would not leave her side, so long as she didn’t want him to.

But then she disappeared.

And during that first time, Halsin, going mad with worry finally shed his bear form and turned to magic. He called on Gale to help him with a searching spell; all it required was something of hers, Halsin’s close connection to her, and her desire to not be hidden. If Ro had conjured any sort of magic that kept her location a secret, the spell Gale acquired would be useless.

But by the Oak Father’s grace, it was a success, and Halsin found her location over a hundred miles away, deep inland. When he arrived at the populated town, heart thundering at her well-being, he used his might to break down the doors that held her inside. Immediately, all eyes darted to the towering elf. Cheers waned, chatter seized, and instruments halted.

His focused eyes found her swiftly, locking on her as she was coming out of a dancing twirl. Eyes widening, Ro stumbled, nearly losing her balance as their eyes met.

Halsin ignored the stares- and after a few large strides, he closed the distance between him and Ro, taking her face in his hands. With the gentleness of a doting mother, he scanned her face and front of her body for any harm done.

But a faint cloud of irritation twisted her face. “Halsin, what the hells are you—"

“My heart, are you hurt?”

“No, Halsin.” Ro sighed, bringing her hands over his, trying to urge him to release her.

His brows were furrowed, hazel eyes nearly glowing, laced with concern as he examined her. Murmured voices and frustrated mumbles dispersed around the tavern, and a sharp breeze blew in from the scattered doors.

“Oi! Elf! You canna’ just charge in here like you own the place! And what about ma door? Who the hells’ gonna—

Halsin snapped his head towards the halfling with a flare of gold in his eyes as his teeth began to descend, sharpening. A low growl rumbled from the furthest pit of his throat.

The halfling raised his hands, stepping backward. “E-easy, big man.”

“We’ll take care of it, I promise,” Ro’s voice passed between them, an underlying frustration that she was trying to conceal with peace.

Halsin felt Ro’s soft touch caressing his cheeks, guiding him back to look at her. When their eyes met again, the glimmer in his eyes dimmed, and he relaxed his angered glare into a somber frown.

“Let’s go outside,” she said, already sliding her hands down his chest, giving a soft nudge. Then she swept her gaze over the curious crowd, smiling wide. “Carry on all! My big man here just had a few too many of these.” She made a drinking motion with her hand and the patrons bellowed into a burst of genuine laughter, cheering and whistling.

As Ro guided Halsin towards the now broken exit, the jaunty tunes resumed, filling the tavern with a pleasant atmosphere once again. Once outside, she led Halsin a short distance down the road, tucking into a nearby alley to get away from prying eyes.

“My heart, what are you—”

Ro threw her hand up. “Halsin, what the hells was that? Why did you storm in there like you were on some path of vengeance?”

Halsin glanced away for a moment, a faint shadow of shame lingering in the back of his mind. “I thought something happened to you, I thought you were in danger.”

Ro pressed her lips together, bringing her hands to her head like she was suffering a headache. When she opened her eyes, she breathed lightly. “Well as you can see, I’m very much okay.”

Halsin looked down at her, scanning her face, her body. He closed his eyes and raised his hand, calling forth his magic. A warmth spread across his chest, down his arm, as a golden light hovered over Ro. Halsin searched for any sort of off feeling, any affliction that could be hurting the one he loved. When he sensed nothing amiss, he withdrew his call on the Weave and opened his eyes to find Ro's arms crossed, looking impatient.

“You must’ve risen before the sun,” he said, soft. “It is unlike you to stir before me. You gave no warning of your departure, you left no note. Can you fault me for worrying?” His brows pulled together, his tone almost dejected.

Ro regarded him closely, the frustration in her brows melting away the longer she took in the druid. She released a quiet sigh, lowering her arms. “Look, I was just taking a brief trip. I wasn’t aware I had to inform you of my every move. You never asked me to dedicate myself to you, remember?”

Halsin felt a sting in his heart, and his shoulders slumped. “Of course. You have always been free to roam. I just thought that we…” he exhaled a deep breath, considering, “I just thought we were still on the same path together. That we… only desired one another.”

“We are on that path, Halsin. I just took a little time for some fresh surroundings, and I doubted you would’ve wanted to join anyway.”

He couldn’t help the rise of offense at her words. “You presumed without inquiring me first?”

Ro crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. “Oh, like you once presumed that I wouldn’t want to join you after we saved Baldur’s Gate? You had secured an entire plan without consulting with me.”

Halsin sighed, leaning back on his feet as he mulled over the truth of her words. After they began their new life together, she later expressed a sense of hurt that she wasn’t considered when planning the next steps after saving the city. It troubled her that he never asked her to go with him, rather, she had to propose the idea herself. This pained Halsin to learn how that bothered her, to learn it was his own ill actions that made her feel unwanted. But at the time, he was more afraid of her rejection than he was to leave on cordial terms.

“I understand,” Halsin said, resigned. “Perhaps we have both made errors.”

She hummed, pondering. “Perhaps… But you don’t need to come running for me, I can take care of myself, Halsin.”

Halsin nodded, the sweet lines on his face deepening as he gradually frowned. “I have no doubt. I just simply wish to know of your well-being.”

Ro half smiled, reaching to trace over the seams on his vest. “Hmm, my big softy,” she hummed, teasing. “But I love that about you. And I love our home. I was going to come back, you know.”

Halsin emitted a soft exhale, already warming at the comfort of her words. He searched her gaze, noting the prior frustration all but gone as her expression melted into a tender smile while she slowly stepped towards him. She snaked her hand up his chest, roaming over his pecs, causing a flurry of tingles in the wake of her touch.

His heart quickened as she lessened the distance between them, gazing up at him with eyes of such innocence as her other hand came to roam over his abdomen. “I’m sorry for not saying anything, I’ll be better at communicating… Won’t you forgive me?” she whispered, pouting with a slight tilt in her head.

Halsin felt his heart thundering, ignited by her touch. The innocent spark in her eyes only further fueled the tenderness he felt for her. How could he stay mad? She was safe and she had no plans of permanently leaving him.

“I already have.” He didn’t wait another moment before dipping down to capture those tantalizing lips.

Using his mass, he pushed her back against the building’s wall with ease, quick to throw his hand up to stop her from hitting her head. Ro brought her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss as his other arm curled snuggly around her waist. He leaned his whole body into her, securing her under his warmth. She moaned lightly, the sweet sound stoking a fire deep in his gut. Her nails found his hair, grasping and clawing at his scalp. He groaned, a deep noise rising from his throat.

In between their rising passion, Ro’s lips momentarily left him, their breaths quick and heavy. “Now that you’re here,” she gasped between kisses, “you may as well stay with me a while, before heading home.”

Halsin held her tighter, having no plans to return home without her by his side. “Of course, my heart.”

⋆

Eventually, the pair had returned to what once was Reithwin, continuing with their lives for several months, even through Ro’s occasional slips in mood. They were persevering.

But then she left again. Not a word. That time, however, Halsin resisted searching for her, trusting that she needed the time. But it still wounded his heart that she could so easily abandon him without notice. That her word on improving her communication was not honored by her. But after almost a tenday, when Halsin’s patience had expired, he had set out to find her only to halt once he noticed a weary, but happy-looking elf strolling across the bridge into their town.

He was both relieved and notably upset. But again, she apologized. And like clockwork, he embraced her once again, accepting her back into his home, into their home.

Then Ro left again, for a few months this time. But she had enough care to send a few messages to assure Halsin she was alright and just visiting some of their old friends. When she finally returned, she did not greet him right away, rather she went straight to their home to crawl into their soft bed. She was too exhausted to chat, assuring Halsin they’d catch up in the morning.

Their relationship was a series of unpredictable waves from then on; at times the waters were calm and ever-flowing – other times, they were chaotic, thrashing and unstable, crashing over rocky surfaces.

It baffled Halsin, how the woman he loved so dearly could sometimes be so different from the warmth that he’d grown accustomed to. She could be harsh, cold even, to speak to him in ways as if he mattered little. And it wasn’t always Halsin, even some members of the community were on the receiving end of her moody ire. But Halsin seemed to take the brunt of it.

So one day, after spending several hours meditating and preparing his nerve, heart battering, he told Ro that this was the end. He could no longer be her partner. He had suspected Ro to be angry, furious, unleashing the darker parts of her. Instead, she was full of sorrow, breaking down before him in a puddle of self-pity and guilt. He had watched the tears flow so effortlessly, the tremble in her voice as she pleaded and apologized, swearing she would do better. Halsin found himself on his knees beside her, pulling her into him as he once again accepted her admission of faults and her consistent ‘I’m sorrys’.

His mind shouted at him to not fall for the trap, that her words though slick and smooth, satisfying to the ears, were birthed from a hidden poison. But when he looked into Ro’s eyes, he saw the woman he so easily fell for long ago. The woman he laughed with, opened up to – who despite her smaller frame, made him feel safer than the strongest armor.

Peace embraced them for a while, each day they drifted further from their darkest moments. Then one day she was yelling. He was yelling, something he scarcely ever did, especially towards her. Halsin slept deep in the forest that night, and when he returned to their home the next morning, Ro was gone.

And so one year since she left. One year Halsin had spent swaying between grieving their bitter parting, and accepting that it was for the best.

⋆

Now, Halsin found himself sauntering through the woods, each step mighty and precise as his large paws moved over familiar ground. After a long day of tending to any community concerns, with the aid of the other adults, and patrolling the massive perimeter of their town, he was heading back home.

The moon was bright tonight, lighting the path as the large bear made his way through the lively woods. Golden light flickered along his path as small fireflies danced around the bear, as though they were assisting him on his way home. He started to see a glimmer of light in the distance, a golden glow emitting from a window. He was almost home as the large cabin became clearer the more the thicket of trees lessened.

Halsin emerged from the tree line, stepping into a wide yard that housed a massive, two-story cabin at the center. He had preferred something smaller and modest, but Ro insisted on the space for more creative freedom. But it was still charming, and it helped that the ceilings were more than high enough for his comfort.

He ambled through the garden, his massive shoulders heavy and tired. Sometimes, he still half-expected to see a shadow moving about the house, or to find her lying beneath the stars, waiting for him. He knew it was likely better this way, that nature was insisting their time together was at an end, their paths diverging. Still, it didn’t stop Halsin from subconsciously watching the horizon near the main entry to the town, wondering if a familiar face would emerge from the hill.

Eventually, Halsin accepted he was better off. His heart would be better appreciated elsewhere when nature afforded him the chance once more. Until then, he had grown accustomed to nights spent alone, her scent long faded from their bed. He even took all that was left from her wardrobe and relocated it to a private, locked-away storage. He had plans to sell her things but had not found the time nor courage to do so just yet. But that was a matter for another time. Right now his muscles were tired and he—

A bright flash of light and a torrent of wind suddenly materialized right before him, effectively cutting him off the rest of his path to the cabin. He growled, lifting his weight back on two feet as he roared at the violet mass of crackling energy that reached several feet from the ground. He bounced down on all fours, glaring at the near-blinding spherical portal, claws extending as a shadow rushed forth from the white center. He sneered as a person fell through, perfectly rolling over into a crouched position. The bear’s growl seized, and his heart hammered behind his large ribcage.

The person tossed their head back, meeting his eyes, and grinned, huffing out a winded breath. “Is that you, love?” Ro’s familiar voice rang through his ears as she raked her eyes over Halsin’s bear.

Halsin was stunned, and he could feel his mouth hanging open, unable to will it closed. Ro was about to rise to her feet but a vicious screech echoed from beyond the portal. Almost immediately, a large shape came bursting forth and Ro spun with uncanny speed, throwing her hands up just as a massive, lanky arm and webbed claw came crashing down towards her. It collided with a translucent bubble that shuddered on impact, shielding Ro entirely from the crucial blow.

The magical shield fizzled, and the towering, screeching monstrosity reeled back for another lash, its glowing green eyes burning into Ro. But the bear was faster, slamming into the creature’s side and ruthlessly slashing his massive claws into its damp skin. A burning rage boiled in Halsin’s blood, his roars loud and ferocious, teeth dripping with saliva for a taste of its blood.

How dare this monster invade his home? How dare it attack her. And right in front of him! A loud wail echoed from the creature's wide mouth, stumbled and surprised by the bear’s assault. Halsin ripped and slashed at its sides without mercy. The creature made a loud, wailing screech at Halsin’s face, blowing the most rancid, bone-chilling air over his eyes. Halsin matched its fury with a bellowing roar of his own, so loud it silenced the surrounding forest, all wildlife seeking safety.

A flickering blue light flashed by his left vision, and Ro shouted a quick incantation. The palm of her hands, brimming with lightning, slammed against the creature’s shoulders, and it shrieked in agony as her fingers dug into its flesh, forcing the electric sparks to grasp its body, empowered by its damp skin. Halsin took this paralytic moment to curve his paw and slash it deep and swiftly across the creature’s throat. Dark, green blood spluttered from its long neck, and it croaked a few chittering sounds before slumping lifelessly to the ground.

Ro’s voice touched his ears again. “Can you do the honors?” Her arms were slightly raised and she nodded towards the portal that the creature had fallen directly in front of.

Understanding, Halsin used his strong paws, each muscle flexing beneath thick fur, and heaved the creature through the glimmering portal. She clamped her hands together and the portal swallowed into itself, vanishing.

Panting heavily, Halsin stepped back to analyze her, his heart still thundering.

“Well then,” Ro exhaled, brushing off her pants, “pardon the blood and viscera.” She grinned, winking at Halsin, a grin that quickly merged into a lighthearted chortle. “Remember that?”

I do. The bear puffed out a breath through his nostrils, some version of agreement and a quick laugh. But he quickly repressed any rising banter.

“Speaking of blood,” Ro hissed, pressing a hand against the side of her rib where three slashes tore into light armor. “Care to lend a hand?”

Halsin immediately called unto his elven form, dismissing the bear as a golden light burst over him. “Can you walk?” he inquired, already at her side but not wanting to cause more pain by lifting her.

She nodded, clutching her side. But he looped his hand around her waist anyway, careful to avoid the wound. Donned in a tight, sleeveless vest, it was easier to feel the heat from her touch, the familiarity of her body flooding back into him. With his other hand, he grabbed what he believed to be her bag that had been tossed on the grass. With the cabin being mere feet away, they were inside in little time.

Halsin led her to the nearest seat, kneeling at her side, and took a deep breath. Drawing from his essence, a warmth spread throughout his chest as ethereal, blue light emanated from his hands as he pressed lightly over her ribs. She flinched, only for a moment, before sighing in relief.

“It’s stable,” Halsin said, eyeing her armor. “But you’ll need to—

“I know.” She unclasped the buckles around her waist and reached for the bottom of the leather armor. It moved slowly over her skin due to the creature’s dampness and her blood.

Halsin clenched his teeth, trying to will his heart to slow as she revealed inch by inch of skin. Once the top was up and over her head, leaving her in her bralette, she tossed it aside and Halsin reverted his attention to her ribs. The three gashes were closed but still looked tender and parched, like they had burned her. Without the armor in the way, Halsin could more easily work his magic over her skin, healing her entirely.

“Thank you, Halsin.”

The sound of his name falling from her lips, and her satisfied sigh sparked something inside Halsin. A flicker of an ember before the flame died back down. A feeling he ignored, mentally shaking it away.

When her skin was smooth and blemish-free, he withdrew his light and took a deep breath. He could feel her warmth in this proximity, could feel her staring at him though he averted his gaze, unsure where to look now that her healing was complete.

“Thanks for your help out there, you were marvelous,” she said, her familiar voice bouncing off the walls.

Halsin spared a glance. “I only did what anyone else would.”

“Maybe. But no one else would have done it like you. No one else is as amazing as you are.” She grinned, shifting her leg towards his knee.

But he rose from his kneeling position and took the neighboring seat. “What happened, Ro? That creature looked to be from the high seas, why was it after you?”

She released a long sigh, then leaned back into the seat, emphasizing her chest. Halsin gritted his teeth, willing himself to only hold her eyes.

“Right, well… I was conversing with a few pirates one day and they told me of the rarest, valuable treasures from the deepest underwater cities, lost to those civilizations.” Her eyes were wide with fascination, the excitement in her voice palpable. “Sometimes those treasures make their way to the surface if they aren’t hoarded by those monstrosities first because of their shiny glint.”

She rolled her eyes like she was discussing a minor pet peeve. The more she spoke, the more Halsin did his damndest to steel his emotions, his thoughts, and focus more on her explanation and less on the lips it spilled from.

“Anyway,” she continued, “I learned about that one’s lair where such wonders would be stored. Unfortunately, my stealth skills are not as polished as Astarion’s. I was made, it was angry, and rather than fight it solo head-on, I gave it a few bumps and fled. Had just the right scroll to open the portal and well, you know the rest.”

Halsin pressed his lips together, frowning. “So you risked your life for the chance of treasures at sea?”

“Not just treasures, but this…” She reached deep into her bag and pulled out a velvety black pouch.

Halsin watched her closely, noticing her fingers excitedly dipping inside the small bag. When her hand drew back, she revealed a deep blue, shimmering conch shell the size of his hand. Golden light emanated from inside the shell, as radiant as the Blood of Lathander. The outer layer looked almost metallic, but he could see the rough patterns from the shell. And though he wasn’t holding it, he could feel its energy, warm and powerful, something to bring the greatest comforts in the darkest waters.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Halsin found himself almost mesmerized by the intricate gem of the sea. And in her hands, the radiant light illuminated beautifully below her face. “It is beautiful, indeed,” he near-whispered.

“Yes. I haven’t learned much of it yet, as there’s little we know about the underwater worlds, but I think you’d discover more than me.” She extended it towards him, smiling. “It’s yours.”

Halsin eyed the glowing treasure he knew was laced with so much history. History of a world he knew less about as a being of the land. Magic lived in that shell, magic pulled from the Weave beneath the sand. But he knew what taking this gift might entail.

He looked at Ro, her eyes patient and waiting, smile never wavering. His heart staggered, she was beautiful. Still so beautiful. Halsin often led with heart, but he made a vow to himself to lead with his mind more often. His heart quivered at these thoughts, uncertain, but his mind was strong.

“Thank you, Ro. But I cannot accept this.” His voice nearly wavered, brows crinkling.

She half-laughed, nudging towards him. “Of course you can, love. And since when you do say my name this much?”

He sighed, cupping his much larger hand over hers and gently pushing it back towards her chest. “It is yours. I fear if I accept it, it might muddle our…situation.”

This time an exasperated breath left her lips but she quickly overpowered it with another sweet smile. “I’m not confused about anything. But you deserve nice things.” She tried to extend it back towards him, but his voice came out stern, halting her.

“One year,” he said, feeling his blood heating, his mind clearing. “One year since our most sour exchange, and you return intending to purchase me back?” He was half-sneering now, heart thundering, feeling the rising wave of a thousand words left unsaid. A thousand wounds left unhealed.

“Purchase? Gods, Halsin, sometimes when people are gone for a bit they return with gifts. Is this not a normal thing to do?”

“You left before we could officially settle things. So I had to take the step for us both. One year without your presence, without any word.” His lips began to quiver as he clenched his fists, feeling the grimace on his face.

Ro set the shell down and threw her hands up, simultaneously standing. “Ah yes, because one year is so dreadfully long for those of our lifespan. Hells, even for humans there’s nothing maddening about it.”

Halsin closed his eyes, sensing the boiling tension. His heart was beating so loudly in his ear, and he knew this night was heading down a path he all but wished to avoid. So he breathed, deep and sure, then opened his eyes to find Ro with her arms crossed, shaking her head. Halsin rose to his feet, towering over her before he strode towards the other end of the room.

“We are both weary,” his deep voice carried across the room as he faced away from her. “Let us seize this now before crossing harmful territory. You can take my bed for tonight, I will sleep down here or out in the garden.”

“For tonight? So it isn’t our bed anymore?”

He heard her soft footsteps moving towards him, but he threw his hand up to halt her. “Rest well, Ro.” He decided outside would be better, so he hurriedly retreated out the same door they came in, thanking Silvanus that she did not follow.

⋆

Rest did not come easy that night. Halsin’s mind raced, a million thoughts and images blinking in and out all at once. He was sitting on the soft bed of grass, resting on his knees and the length of his bottom legs. He desperately needed to meditate, to fall into a calmer trance and seek a brief reprieve from the havoc of emotions stirring his heart.

Inside, Ro must’ve been sleeping. She never came outside, and he never heard any main doors opening and shutting, she was still in there. And her scent, Halsin breathed deeply, remembering it fondly. When she had first arrived, beneath the musk of the sea and blood, her tantalizing spice lingered, calming and inviting.

And it would be all over his bed, his sheets, his room. It was their room once. The same scent he spent so long trying to forget, purge his home of. Try as he might, the druid’s arms flexed and bulged as his fists clenched, his mouth grimacing. Exhaustion tugged at him, the soreness from the day now doubled from the sudden battle with that monstrosity. There would be no trance tonight, but perhaps sleep would come easier. With a focused thought, Halsin shifted into his bear and nuzzled over the grass, curling into himself.

But it was worse. His senses heightened in this form, her scent suddenly so much stronger, wafting out of the cracked window from the bedroom. The bear stirred, a flash of heat searing across its bulky form. He wanted more of that sweet, alluring aroma, remembering it fondly. Halsin’s claws dug into the earth. No. He caged the bear’s desires, no matter how much it wanted to charge into the house and take back what was his. The bear cared little for petty differences; it only sought the deepest, primal bond. But Halsin was not just his bear.

He could sense her air of peace upstairs, could practically feel the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. She must’ve been deep in the world of dreams. He sneered at that thought, cut with resentment that she was blessed with the lull of sleep while he suffered for hours. So Halsin rose on all fours and turned away from the cabin, his massive paws prodding deeper and deeper into the forest. If he were to have any chance at getting even a sliver of rest tonight, he needed to get far enough away where he couldn’t hear nor smell her.

The next day, Halsin felt like he was swimming on the edge of a distant dream, stuck between plunging back into reality. He managed to get just a couple of hours before the sun illuminated the land once again, awakening the forest along with its light. He tried to sleep a little longer, to hold on to the warmth of his fur, but once he was pulled from the dream, it was fruitless. Halsin had trudged his way back home, the muscles in his shoulders and back still aching but bearable.

When he reached the edge of the trees that opened into his large yard, he paused as Ro’s familiar scent lingered in the air. There was a sudden realization that last night was not some wild dream. She had truly returned, and she had looked just as beautiful as the last he saw of her. Though she was upset, and he was upset, she was still a vision, eyes that he had so easily lost himself in over and over again. Then a knot formed in his belly, a flash of fear further increasing his heart.

What if she had left again? What if she took off into the night and abandoned him once more? It would be for the best. Their union was no more, and it would be for the better of them both if she did leave.

His fear thickened, clawing into his chest. But did he want her to leave?

Movement from the upper floor caught his attention, and the knot in his stomach unraveled, bursting with a surge of relief. There she stood, sweeping her gaze far into the distance, the sun glimmering down on her face. Halsin stood firm, caught in a mix of emotions – to turn back and flee into the forest, or to go back inside and saunter behind her as she stood waiting for him, yearning for him… He’d run his large hands over the front of her body, twitching at the sound of her gasp as he pulled her into him. He’d groan as he’d feel her strategically rubbing herself against his stiffening—

Ro locked eyes with him, severing his thoughts. He felt frozen, unable to decipher the kind of expression he wore as he held her stare from the edge of the tree line. He half-expected her to frown, to sneer and march away from the window, but instead, her lips curved into a warm smile.

His heart fluttered at the sight; a smile as bright as the sun itself. She lifted her hand, a small wave. Halsin’s fingers twitched, an uncertainty in returning the gesture. Instead, he swallowed and turned slowly, returning to the sanctuary of the woods. He could imagine the developing frown on her lovely face as he walked away from the cabin, away from her, a rejection. Good.

He would not fall for her honey-sweet facades once again, no matter what his primal instincts desired. No matter what his heart ached for. But he could not so easily suppress such thoughts while in her presence, he needed to be far away from her. So he trekked into the forest, towards a fresh body of water where he’d bathe for the morning.

Halsin spent the entirety of the day avoiding Ro like she was the embodiment of the shadow curse itself. He was constantly torn between facing her once and for all, reaffirming his boundaries, or staying in the comfort he made from the distant space. Whenever he’d sense her coming, smelling her first, he was eager to march in the opposite direction before she could get too close. He knew a part of him was acting far beneath his age, but it was the best course of action for the moment. She had returned so suddenly, without warning, and he needed time to figure things out again.

Eventually, it seemed that Ro had finally picked up on his desire to steer clear of her. She stopped trailing his route through the town and stopped trying to grab his attention from a distance. There was a moment during the day when he spotted her outside, chatting with a few merchants in front of their stand. They seemed to be engaged in friendly banter, many shared laughs here and there before she traded some coins for a variety of fresh fruits. His heart throbbed as he watched her, the smile on her face, so pure and delight. He wanted to be the cause of pulling such expressions from her.

There was an underlying air of guilt hovering in the back of his mind. Had he been too short with her yesterday? Perhaps he overstepped and should’ve given her more of a chance. She had been so kind to retrieve such a gift for him, more than kind, she had risked her very life for it. And he rejected it. He rejected her.

Halsin gripped the hilt of his whittling knife, anger and shame coursing through him. In his left hand, partially carved wood waited to be transformed, but in his right, he was still gripping the knife tighter than necessary.

The day would soon be ending in just a couple of hours, though daylight still clung to the skies. Halsin glanced up at the clouds in the distant east as thick, dark shadows loomed, floating closer. A storm was coming, less than half an hour away. He was sitting outside, just out back of Last Light Inn, finding a moment of rest among familiar spaces. Inside, overlapping voices of laughter and the sounds of glasses clashing bounced against the walls. Normally he’d join, but he couldn’t be sure Ro wouldn’t saunter in at any moment.

Maybe he should have given Ro a chance. Maybe they would’ve settled into an amicable connection. Maybe it needn’t be so sour between them…

Halsin huffed to himself, furrowing his brows as he proceeded to carve away at the wood. He did the right thing. There was no cordiality when it came to Ro, not for long anyway. With careful concentration, Halsin proceeded with his project, putting her from his mind. But fate seemed to have other plans.

The wind wafted in his direction, heavier from the impending storms and his heart lurched. With it came her scent, and his eyes darted toward the direction it flowed from. He froze, watching Ro some distance away as she sauntered down a dirt path. But she wasn’t heading towards him, she wasn’t even looking at him, her attention aimed at the forest. A long, deep violet cloak trailed behind her back, brushing against the ground.

He watched her intently, drawn to her graceful saunter, the way her hair gently bounced as she moved. Her steps were unhurried but still treading with purpose. Did she know he was there? She would have glanced this way by now, right? And where was she off to? The cabin was on the other side of the town.

“Your stare lingers like she will vanish in a moment’s notice.” A voice stirred him from his thoughts, his muscles briefly tensing. He huffed a breath, calming at the familiar presence of the High Harper.

“Given her track record, it would not surprise me.” Halsin only spared Jaheira a fleeting glance before returning to watch Ro, who was getting closer to the thicket of trees. “The night will be upon us soon.”

“Ah yes, the queen of fleeing.” Jaheira made herself comfortable in the empty chair beside him, resting her daggers on the small, wooden table. “But fear not, old druid, I see no bags in her hands and no boots on her feet. And she knows these woods just as well as you and I.”

Halsin narrowed his brow. “Old?”

“Ha! That is all you grasped from that?” She snickered, playfully slapping her knee. “Forgive me, but around you, I get to be the young one again.”

Halsin gave her a knowing smirk, signaling it was only a tease. When the moment of laughter faded, he watched Ro disappear beyond the trees, the brush swallowing her entirely.

“What are you making?” Jaheira asked.

“Oh, just another ornament for the children to choose from.” He observed his new project, suddenly finding himself losing the desire to focus on it. A heavy sigh dragged from his lips as he glanced up at the clouds again, feeling the change in the atmosphere, the tease of humidity.

“She should not be in this weather,” he said, frowning in concern.

Jaheria waved her hand in dismissal. “Bah, a little rain has never hurt anyone. But even if it did, would that be such a bad thing?”

Halsin glared at her, hands clenching.

“I see,” Jaheira breathed, raising her hands in surrender. “Too soon for such jests.”

Halsin rumbled a low sound in dismissal, glancing back at the last spot he watched Ro disappear. Though he did not like to hear it, he understood why the Harper would say such a thing. And as though she was reading his thoughts, she leaned in closer, her voice softening with the care a mother would have for a child.

“Listen, Halsin… it is no secret that things have been rather… turbulent with you and Ro for some time,” she paused, seemingly to gauge his reaction before continuing. When Halsin gave her no indication of arguing, she proceeded. “You and Ro are like opposing seas that meet at the center of the world; one with more salt than the other, warm and cold, two climates struggling to find balance. Sometimes it works, but sometimes the saltier sea gets bitter, sour, and rages without notice. I think the calmer sea should seek to thrive in its own waters. It deserves better but… well, I am no god of the seas so I cannot control them.”

Halsin remained still, taking a moment to let her words flow into him. His brain reached for her analogy, finding solace and recognition in the image. His mind understood the meaning well enough, better yet, it agreed. But his heart lapsed, turning away from the would-be truth. It cared little if there were any differences, those seas still had plenty of calm, peace, and passion between the temporary slips of conflict.

A thoughtful sigh left the Harper’s lips, and she rose to her feet. “Or perhaps the warmer sea takes pleasure in the cold the other brings, who am I to say?”

Jaheira picked up her daggers, sheathing them into their hilts along her waist. “This is the last night I’ll see you for a time. I leave for Baldur’s Gate in the morning, but I shall return.”

Halsin looked up at the graceful half-elf, regal and confident in her stance. He brought one arm across his chest. “Then may the Oak Father guide your journey.”

She nodded, a meek smile before placing her hand on his thick shoulder. “You deserve more, Halsin. But I am with you in whatever choice you make.” With a gentle squeeze, she didn’t linger long enough for the Archdruid to respond before walking around him towards the back entrance of Last Light.

For several minutes, Halsin’s mind wandered, his eyes still absentmindedly fixated on the same spot in the tree line. One year, he reminded himself. And every other time before that.

A light nick from his knife snapped him out of his thoughts. It was not enough to cut his skin, but upon observing the wooden piece, he realized he had whittled the would-be ornament into an indecipherable shape, far past the point he could save. Sighing, he set his tools down and rose on his boots, tall and sure. Eyeing where he saw Ro last, he began striding across the ground, his heart increasing with each step despite his mind telling him to turn around, to leave her be.

I just need to ensure she’s safe, he told himself, but even he was unconvinced of the reason being his sole objective. Still, he breached the tree line and vanished into the woods in pursuit of her.

Part 2!