#I actually came up with this explanation during a call with Shadow

[epochofbelief]

Strictly Confidential: Chapter Four

A Feysand Modern AU

She’s a law student turned confidential informant. He’s a federal prosecutor with one goal: bringing down her boyfriend for his white collar crimes. What could go wrong?

Author's Note: I finally did it! Shoutout to SZA's song "Saturn" for helping me finish this chapter. I'm so excited for where this is going, everyone. Please let me know if you would like to be tagged. No promises on the editing.

Strictly Confidential Masterlist

My Other Feysand AU Fic (Completed)

Chapter Four

Feyre cursed herself for a fool from where she hid, deep in a supply closet on the fifth floor of Tamlin’s environmental empire, Spring Solutions.

She wasn’t supposed to be here. It had taken days for her to convince Tamlin to finally show him around her work. Only after she assured him she wouldn’t leave his side while there had he agreed to let her accompany him to the office on the following Friday morning.

Feyre forced her breaths to remain steady as another person passed by the door, the band of light between the door and the floor guttering with the motion.

“Where the hell is she?” A muffled, angry voice filtered through the walls around her.

But then the sound of the footsteps, along with the angry voice, receded.

Feyre took a deep breath. It was now or never.

She placed her hand on the cool metal of the door handle and pushed.

Three Days Earlier

The newfound knowledge of Tamlin’s alleged crimes slowly ate away at Feyre over the next several days. She couldn’t focus on her schoolwork. She missed a cold call in class. Her father called twice and she actually managed to ignore him.

When Tamlin returned on the following Monday, Feyre had to force herself to act as if nothing had changed. She let him touch her, kiss her, wax poetic about how much he had missed her.

Before he proceeded directly into his study to get back to work.

Feyre was on pins and needles for the hours he sat at his computer. She waited for the moment he somehow discovered she had accessed his computer and came to demand an explanation.

But he never did.

And so Feyre began to execute the next part of her plan.

When she came home from school on Tuesday, she gushed about how much she was enjoying her environmental law class. Tamlin listened intently, sitting forward on the couch as she paced in front of him, declaring her newfound intentions to pursue a career in environmental law. Lucien, who had been present for Feyre’s little performance, leaned against the kitchen counter behind Tamlin, eyebrows creeping higher and higher as Feyre delivered her monologue.

“That’s great, honey. I’m so glad you love this stuff as much as I do,” Tamlin said, eyes shining with sincerity. Feyre bit back her disgust.

“I really do,” Feyre said. “Which is why I wanted to ask if you would be open to me shadowing you at work. I would love to talk to some of your in-house counsel, just get a feel for what environmental law looks like in the real world.”

Tamlin sat straight up.

“Oh. Really?”

Feyre nodded, ignoring Lucien as he folded his arms at her words, his eyes tracking her every movement.

“Let me think about it,” was all Tamlin said. Feyre didn’t want to risk pressing harder, so she dropped the subject for the night.

But the next day, she resumed her prodding. Asked Tamlin if he had had time to think about it. After receiving a similar response, she waited until Thursday to ask once more.

In the intervals in between, Feyre found herself looking over her shoulder everywhere she went. On the train to and from the law school, during her walks in the park, while she was at the gym. She knew the FBI had to be on her trail, but never once did she catch a glimpse of Special Agents Claret or Lapis. And though she knew there was no possibility that Rhysand was the one observing her, she couldn’t help but wonder what he would think of her life if he was watching. Her quiet, appallingly small life. If he was watching, he would see her utter lack of a social circle, the disgusting amount of hours she spent hunched over her books, snacking on chips from the vending machine and whatever form of caffeine was closest.

It was probably better that Rhysand wasn’t the one watching.

On Thursday, Tamlin at last relented. He offered to meet Feyre at his office the next morning, for an hour before his lunch meeting.

And Feyre had duly accepted.

After her Friday morning class, she took the train back downtown, getting off at a stop about a block away from the enormous high-rise building that housed Spring Solutions. The receptionist, a young woman who looked to be a few years older than Feyre, struck up a conversation with her as they waited for Tamlin to emerge from the elevators that led up to his floor.

“I’m Ianthe,” the receptionist said, long blonde hair cascading over narrow shoulders, her sky-blue dress making her eyes pop. “You must be Feyre.”

Feyre gave Ianthe a nervous grin, shaking her perfectly manicured hand. This woman must spend hours on her makeup every morning. Her skin was absolutely flawless, lower eyelids lined with white, black mascara only further emphasizing those piercing blue eyes.

“Sorry,” Ianthe beamed. “Tamlin’s mentioned you a few times. I feel like I practically know you already.”

Feyre sucked on the inside of her cheek. “Ah.” Tamlin had never mentioned his gorgeous receptionist Ianthe. And yet he had been talking to Ianthe about Feyre so much that Ianthe already felt like she knew her?

Feyre reminded herself that jealousy was not a productive emotion. Especially when her boyfriend was in all likelihood a white collar criminal.

As Ianthe asked her about law school, Feyre wondered whether the receptionist knew about what went on behind the scenes at Spring Solutions. If there was indeed a “behind-the-scenes” to be spoken of.

Feyre answered Ianthe's questions with the shortest answers possible. But after the basic What practice areas are you considering pursuing? What led you to law school? What did you study in undergrad? questions, Ianthe launched into a monologue about how hard she had worked to decorate the atrium of Tamlin’s business.

Which was even more boring than the Administrative Law class Feyre had taken during her second semester of 2L.

To Feyre’s relief, the elevator to the left of Ianthe’s desk emitted a faint but elegant ding, and Tamlin emerged in his usual crisp, dark suit, his blonde hair perfectly arranged. Feyre pasted a smile onto her face, words sour in her mouth. “Hi, babe.”

Game time, Feyre thought. No matter how hard this would be, perhaps finding evidence of Tamlin's illegal activity would give her a stronger reason to break things off with him.

But hadn’t Rhysand said that Tamlin’s illegal activity would make it even more difficult for Feyre to leave him? Even dangerous?

Feyre shook her head, giving Ianthe a wave over her shoulder as Tamlin guided her into the elevator, a possessive hand on her lower back. Feyre turned to face him in the elevator, casually stepping out of his grip and leaning against the mirrored wall.

“How’s your day?” She asked. “Stressful?”

Tamlin stepped closer, one hand caressing her neck. “Much better now that you’re here.”

Feyre tried not to flinch away.

Gods, one second she was letting him pull her into bed and the next she couldn’t stand the feeling of his touch against her skin.

If she was honest with herself, discovering that he really was a criminal mastermind would probably make her life much less confusing.

Unfortunately, Feyre had to put up with Tamlin’s hands all over her as he toured her around the four floors of the high-rise that his company occupied. She met several accountants, a myriad of consultants, a plethora of assistants. Lucien joined them about halfway through the tour. He greeted Feyre as usual, but kept close behind her as they walked. Feyre couldn’t tell if his green eyes were tracking her every move or if she was just being paranoid.

At last, they reached the top floor—where both Tamlin and Lucien had their offices, and where the in-house legal department resided. Tamlin guided her into a large conference room, where several attorneys were gathered on one side of a long table, a lunchtime feast of sandwiches, chips, and coffee spread before them. It looked like a lunch break in all aspects except one: each attorney had a laptop propped in front of him or her, not even speaking to each other.

So this was what Feyre had to look forward to—work above all things. A twenty-minute lunch break to get to know one’s coworkers? Forget about it.

She knew in-house was different than big law, but if anything, big law firms like Hybern & Night were much more notorious for their bill or die mentality. These in-house attorneys were either unprecedented workhorses, or they were working on something important.

Feyre wondered if it was something illicit.

Feyre shook the three attorneys’ hands, smiling as they introduced themselves. Tamlin, Lucien, and Feyre joined them at the table, and Tamlin plated Feyre a ham-and-cheese sandwich, forgetting once again that she much preferred turkey.

But she smiled, ever the gracious and perfect girlfriend, launching into a stream of pre-prepared questions as the attorneys gave her their full attention. About halfway through the discussion, a secretary of some sort stuck her head into the conference room, telling Tamlin that he had an important phone call on line one. Tamlin excused himself, gesturing for Lucien to accompany him. Feyre waved them off, listening intently to one of the male attorneys—Hart—as he explained the benefits of taking “Tax Accounting for Lawyers” in law school. This rivaled Ianthe’s interior design diatribe in terms of how well it piqued Feyre's interest.

Feyre made herself wait two minutes before she excused herself to use the restroom.

As soon as she was clear of the conference room windows, she had to resist the urge to run. There must be cameras all around, and if she looked like she had a purpose, rather than lost on the way to the bathroom, this whole thing would be over before it began.

So, instead of rushing through the halls, she meandered, looking around herself, eyebrows scrunched together. She really should have pursued acting, rather than law.

At last, she passed what looked like an empty office. She shut herself inside, and almost giggled in nervous relief when she saw a phone on the desk. She picked it up, knowing the chances of it connecting to Tamlin’s line were close to zero—but—

She dialed one.

Tamlin’s voice erupted through the speaker the second her finger hit the button:

“What do you mean they’re not ready?” Tamlin growled.

Feyre almost gasped at the anger, the vitriol, in her boyfriend’s voice.

A muffled voice responded, so quietly Feyre almost missed it in her surprise at the harshness of her partner's tone. “They need another week.”

“We don’t have a week.” That was Lucien. Quieter, but just as tense as Tamlin.

“There’s no way they’ll be ready for you in time.”

“I don’t give two shits whether they’re ready. We’ll be there on the established date, and they better be ready to implement the recommendations we have already provided.”

The muffled voice didn’t respond.

“Brannagh?” Lucien’s voice cut through the silence.

“We’ll see you in a week.”

“Good.”

The receiver clicked. Feyre bit her lip.

This didn’t mean anything. It proved nothing.

But if it didn’t matter, why was Tamlin so angry? And what did “we’ll be there mean? He hadn’t mentioned going out of town again. . . Was this a local job?

Feyre bit her lip, carefully hanging up the phone before easing back out into the hallway, replaying the conversation she had just heard in her head. What did it mean? Was it innocuous or incriminating? Was it enough to bring to Rhysand?

Feyre wandered down the hallway, now truly on the lookout for the restroom. She had just spotted the signs when a man emerged from a conference room down the hall and to her left, clad in a much less expensive looking suit than the one Tamlin had worn, earbuds firmly fixed in his ears.

Feyre froze, but it was too late. He had seen her.

“What the hell are you doing down here?” The man demanded, striding purposefully toward Feyre.

Feyre swallowed, giving a little shrug and a sheepish smile before she turned down another hall, hopeful the man would conclude that she was the lost girlfriend of one of the many men who occupied the Spring Solutions Tower. Because that was at least one thing Feyre had learned about her partner’s business: very few women were employed there, and if they were, they were secretaries or Ianthe.

Unfortunately, Feyre heard the thundering of heavy footsteps behind her as she rushed down the hallway. Shit.

Feyre ducked into another hallway and threw open the first door she saw, breathing a sigh of relief when the sight of a dim janitorial closet greeted her, complete with mop bucket, broom, and shelves full of various cleaning products. Feyre slipped inside, standing where the door would hide her from view if opened, trying not to remember the few times she had convinced her older sisters to play hide-and-seek with her when they were kids.

Nesta rarely agreed, but Elain had played with her on several occasions, humoring her years-younger sister out of the goodness of her heart.

Feyre shook her head, clutching the hem of her suit jacket as heavy footsteps thudded by.

“Where the hell is she, Belfort?” A voice—this one different from the man with the earbuds—sounded from somewhere to her left.

“Do I look like I know?” The earbud man's voice responded.

Feyre swallowed, grateful when the footsteps faded away. Were these men unfamiliar with the layout of the building? Perhaps they were new . . . Or perhaps they didn’t usually work here. Because if Feyre were searching for a potential intruder, the broom closet would be the first place she checked.

She slid out into the hall, relief coursing through her at the sight of the empty hallway. She rushed back the way she came, looking over her shoulder as she turned back into the hallway where she had met the in-house attorneys—

Her chest collided with a wall of muscle, sweaty hands wrapping themselves around her upper arms in a grip that was just a little too tight.

Feyre turned to face her captor, catching a glimpse of hard dark eyes and a tight jaw, downturned lips and a forehead creased with anger, before a voice from behind the man had him straightening up and releasing Feyre.

“Is there a reason you’re manhandling my girlfriend, Belfort?”

Feyre stumbled backward, craning her neck to catch a glimpse of Tamlin, followed by Lucien and several members of what appeared to be the security team.

“Your girlfriend, sir?” Belfort asked, glaring at Feyre one last time before he turned to face Tamlin. “But—”

Feyre cut him off, striding toward Tamlin and setting a hand on his shoulder. “I got lost on my way to the bathroom. I think they must have thought I was an intruder or something,” she said with a laugh, leaning into her boyfriend’s side.

“Belfort?”

Feyre stared at Belfort and hoped his desire to avoid a disagreement with his boss would win the day.

Evidently it did, because Belfort held up his hands. “My mistake, sir. Please, return to your lunch.”

Tamlin nodded, turning so quickly that he missed the look Feyre caught on Belfort’s face—

It was a look that said, I’m watching you.

------

Feyre stopped at a coffee shop on her way home from Spring Solutions, even allowing herself the time to sit in a booth at the window to drink it. She pulled out her current read—Foster, by Claire Keegan—but the book sat abandoned on the table in front of her as she stared out the wide windows at the streets of Prythian, mulling over the events of the morning.

Tamlin’s anger during his phone call. The man on the other line—Brannagh’s—response. Belfort stalking her through the shiny bright hallways of Spring Solutions just because she had walked down the wrong hallway.

To a court of law, none of this had any meaning.

But that feeling in the pit of Feyre’s stomach, the flash of fear she had felt when Belfort had caught her, the small bruises already forming on her biceps from his grip. . .

Feyre’s instincts told her something was wrong, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to rest until she discovered exactly why.

She took a sip of her coffee, sighing through her nose, resolving to give herself ten minutes to collect her thoughts before she walked the rest of the way home to resume studying.

But any chance to calm herself flew out the window when a man slid into the booth across from her.

Feyre jumped a mile high before she registered the hazel eyes, the classically beautiful features, and the scarred hands.

“Agent Lapis,” she breathed.

The SA held up a hand, his lips pursed. “Please, call me Azriel.”

Feyre glanced around her, as if she hoped to catch a glance of Cassian—or Rhysand—hovering somewhere nearby. But the rest of the cafe was occupied by innocuous coffee drinkers and several students with books and laptops spread across the tables in front of them.

“Azriel,” Feyre said, forcing herself to take another drink from her coffee.

“I’m here for your answer,” he said, eyes scanning the room even as he spoke to her.

When Feyre didn’t respond, his gaze snapped to hers. Whatever he saw there put a frown on his face.

“Are you alright?”

Feyre shifted in her seat, and couldn’t resist the reflexive look she gave the bruises on her biceps.

Azriel’s eyes darkened, his hand tightening on the mug of coffee on the table between them. “What happened,” he breathed, his voice soft, but so lethal it sent goosebumps erupting over the back of Feyre’s neck.

“I got into Spring Solutions today,” Feyre started, but Azriel was already shaking his head.

“We know. What happened inside?” He asked, giving her upper left arm a pointed glance.

Feyre quickly and succinctly relayed the events of her time in Spring Solutions to Azriel, whose stoic expression didn’t waver as he listened.

“None of it means anything,” Feyre finished, running her hands through her hair. “But—I can’t explain it. Something just felt . . . wrong.”

Azriel shook his head. “It might not seem important or groundbreaking to you now, Feyre. But Rome wasn’t built in a day. Any detail learned now could always be useful later. And while none of what you told me today is enough for an indictment. . . It certainly could be if we learned more information.”

Feyre nodded, staying quiet. It was clear Azriel had more to say.

“You did a good thing, today, getting inside Spring Solutions. But if you agree to work with us, we’ll have to establish some ground rules. For your safety, and the good of the investigation.”

“My safety?”

Azriel nodded. “Rhys almost marched into that high-rise after you as soon as we sent him word you had gone there to meet Tamlin.”

Feyre blinked. “Rhys—Rhys knows I got inside?”

Azriel lifted a brow. “He’s the one leading this investigation. We keep him apprised of all notable updates.”

“Ah,” Feyre said, ignoring the cascade of confusing emotions that had unfurled inside her chest and stomach as soon as Azriel had said the words Rhys almost marched in after you.

“But the protocols will come later. What I came here to ask you today was whether you had decided.”

Feyre didn’t ask for further explanation. She knew what the SA meant.

She also knew her answer.

“Yes,” she said, her eyes meeting Azriel’s. “I’ll do it.”

-----

Author's Note: More Rhys is coming, I swear :)

Taglist:

@rhysiedarling @shedoessoshedoes @popjunkie42 @adreamof-spring @that-little-red-head @witch-and-her-witcher @cinnamonmelody @azrielover @1islessthan3books @jenahid @toporecall @martzja @marinated-fish @muaddib-iswriting @queenofdivas

[azzieshd]

Azriel: Pillowtalk

Mates bond

Warnings: War, injuries, NSFW content, Bad words

Words counting: +/-2100

Requested by: @agdas3214

Sequel: No

*English it not my mother language, there could be grammatical errors and typos. Please warn me if you find them, I'll do my best trying to get better.

---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---x---

You’ve known each other for years, centuries actually. Azriel has always been one of your most cherished friend among the Inner Circle, you talked about everything when spending time together and he was the only person you could trust blindfolded.

Unfortunately, things didn't stay just as friendly as you first wanted, and you fell in love.

You always knew about his passion for Mor, and – before catching feelings for him – tried to help to put them two together as a couple. It was hard for you to keep hearing about his love declarations about another while you could barely stay by his side without sighting.

It took years and more years, and as he was still into Mor, you were still into him.

And then came the War. And you almost died.

The calderon almost got you with all the rest of the army, you also stopped with Cassian when Nesta’s scream was heard, but you didn't stop too fast and part of that awful power hit you strongly.

It took you weeks to recover, days just to wake up and find an Illyrian warrior seated by your side. While you stayed unconscious for 72 hours, Azriel seemed to be awake during this time. His eyes were red and if you didn't know him, you would say he had been crying. He looked tired, exhausted in truth. His hands were in his head while he stayed arched in a chair that didn't look so comfortable.

You don't know if you called by his name or if the shadows told him that you were awake, but it took just two seconds for him to put himself by your side in the bed, close, too close.

"How are you feeling? Any pain?" he asked rapidly, putting his hand in your forehead to feel your temperature.

"Good, just thirsty."

Azriel didn't take too long to hand you a glass of water. You didn't take too long to drink it.

"Did we win?" you asked, eyes pleading for an affirmative answer. He nodded.

"We’ve lost a lot of people and it was hard, but yes, we won. Hybern was defeated"

"That's good. Is a shame that I spent all the time here while everyone was fighting."

"You're alive. That's the only thing that matters" his eyes darkened, just as remembering you almost dying was enough for him. And it was, you just didn't know that.

Azriel told after that Cassian was the one who found your body, your life slipping through. He didn't think twice before grabbing you and going straight to the healers. Azriel just knew about you because Rhys – mind to mind – told him. So he rushed himself out of the combat scene and went to the tent where you stood. His heart broke at the sight of you, covered in blood, wounds open and fainted because of the pain.

It was in that moment, when you were between life and death that the bond snapped, the spymaster felt that gold line that connected you both and as a blink of an eye, he forgot about the war and everything became you, just you. He didn't leave his mate during the next few days.

And so here you are. Listening to everything while trying to bake a cake, Azriel’s favorite cake. You felt the bond yesterday, while looking up to the starfall by his side. He was already looking at you when you turned around to face him. Apparently, the bond wasn't new for him, so you wanted some explanations since there are months that the war ended, hence, months he knows you were made for each other.

Of course you weren't crazy to say “no” for the mate's bond, especially since your mate is the male you are completely in love with. But you have to admit that it is kinda funny to see him desperate as he talks about everything.

The cake is ready. You hand it to your mate. He eats it. Now is the part that he fucks you.

- - - - -

Azriel is famous among the females, he is tall, strong, pretty handsome and his serious face is that kind that makes you wonder if he keeps a concentrated frown while invading you with his cock.

After eating the cake, devouring it actually, he kissed you. A desperate kiss, just as if he couldn't control himself for one more minute. His hands went straight to your waist, then to your tights. He grabbed you in his arms just like you had no weight. It took seconds to get to your room since you were at your city apartment.

Your bed was made. Not a single wrinkle on the sheets. Azriel threw you in the mattress. You had no time to breathe, he already was above you.

First, he left kisses on your neck, then he lifted just inches of your shirt, just to have access to your abdomen. You wanted him to go a little more down. He didn't.

"You drive me crazy (Y/N)" his voice was lower, deeper. You almost heard his control cracking.

He kissed you once more before taking your shirt out completely. It would be a lie if you say that you haven't imagined where things would go between you two after asking for explanations about the mates bond, you made sure to be wearing your favorite bra.

Azriel gasped. His shadows making their way through your body, it was cold, just as if someone was blowing your skin. You loved that feeling. His hands made their way to unbutton the black laced bra, the Shadowsinger gasped once more to your now naked torso.

"So beautiful" said while leading the hands softly to your breasts "And all mine"

Your mate then substituted the hands for his mouth, kissing and leaking your too sensitive tidies, you moaned lowly and hazel eyes immediately went to your face, his mouth doing that one more time, you moaned again, Azriel closed his eyes just as appreciating the sound.

It was taking too long, you needed Azriel more than ever, you could barely remember a time where you needed somebody as much as you needed at that moment. You felt like you could explode if he didn't take all your clothes out with his and take you in that bed. Fuck, you needed that so much that you started pleading.

"Oh, darling, don't be so rushed. We have all the time in the world" his voice was so low, a grim face while he started to lower your pants slowly.

Your panties matched the bra, it gave your body all the credit for highlighting your curves. Azriel didn't take that piece off, not yet.

Tired of waiting that long, you led your hands to his leathers. You had already seen the spymaster shirtless while training with the warlord, but having him with his nude torso right in front of you with you allowed to touch every part of that shaped abs – and more –, was a completely different feeling.

You saw a little smile on your mate's face while you kept yourself busy touching the tattooed skin. He was responsible for taking his own pants out, letting you have a glimpse of his underwear, his cock making an appearance at the black cloth. Your mouth dried. It seems that the wingspan theory was real and you had no idea how that would fit you.

"Like what you see?" He asked while getting closer again.

"A lot…"

Your voice was mere sight, if you both weren't blessed with the hearing of High Fae and Illyrian, you were sure that the confirmation couldn't be heard.

After kissing one more, you felt Azriel's finger inside your panties, searching for your clit, which didn't take too long to be found. Azriel gasped as he found you already wet for him, needless to say that he loved it.

Your breath started to get louder as he started to round his finger in your too sensible spot. You wished to keep this sensation forever, but you needed more. You needed him. Fast.

"Azriel, please" your legs were already shaking "Please, I need you. Please, please, please…"

"Oh baby, calm down. I want to prove every part of you..."

His hazel eyes darkened a bit, he removed his hands of your lingerie, taking it to his own mouth, proving your taste. A sound of approval came out of his throat. After leaking the finger he used to estimulate you, he ripped your underwear out.

"Hey! It was my favorite one!" You complained, but your speech was cut off by feeling the Shadowsinger opening your legs more than it already was.

"I can buy you another."

And that was his last phrase before putting his head between your tights and proving you. His tongue doing an excellent job, leaking and sucking perfectly, leading you to ecstasy, now screaming your lungs out because of the extreme pleasure you felt burning inside of you.

Your tights getting marked because of the pressure he was doing with his big hands. You couldn't keep your own hands to yourself and grabbed his dark hair, pressuring his head a little more close to your intimacy. You didn't make it any longer after he inserted two of his fingers inside of you. It was all too much: his tongue and after his fingers, the phantasmagoric feeling of his hands holding your legs. And when you were too close to come, he stopped.

A moaning of denial came out of you. Your mate was smiling wildly, loving to see how submissive you were in his hands. He didn't say a word when approaching to tour naked and sweaty body, he took one of your hands and led it to his hardness. You felt how big it was, how much he needed you. His underpants were wet by precum. With no time, you started setting his cock free, throwing the undergarment someplace. All of his size came to you sight, but before you could approach yourself to him, he stopped you, his voice even more low and husky:

"Let me come inside of you first" He begged. He was sure that if he had your pretty mouth surrounding his dick, he wouldn't make it too long.

Nodding with your head because you weren't sure your voice would be stable, you silently watched your own body be covered by his toned and wonderful structure. His dick slightly touches your pussy making you feel at the paradise and hell at the same time. First he just played with you, rubbing against your surface, but then he came with all, not giving you time to breathe as he slided all his length into you. A scream came out of your mouth as a surprise. Oh Gods, he was big, huge actually.

A growl came out of him as he was all inside of you. It seemed so perfect that even with all of his size, it didn't take you too much to get costumed, and you were soon filled with the necessity of him moving, which he didn't wait for.

His pace was naturally hard, a loud sound reverberating as his groin hit yours. His movements were getting faster and faster, your hands on his back, scratching right in the middle of the wings, those he kept open and stretched in pleasure, tensed by the wonderful feeling of your tight walls, those ones that you were unconsciously punpering, extending the pleasure for both.

By this time Azriel was wild as an animal, fucking you with all his strength. His mouth opened as curse words were spoken. You couldn't keep yourself quiet, calling out his name, and when you felt too close, your hands slid to his enormous wings, touching that one spot that you knew could make any Illyrian get to their knees. And with a last groan, Azriel and you came together, his semen filling you gorgeously.

You felt empty when he got out of you, making a low last sound make its way out of your throat. Azriel laid by your side in the bed, getting you closer to his chest, where your head rested for a moment before your body started to claim for him again.

The desperation to have Azriel inside of you one more time was almost self-destruction. The frenzy was nonsense, it seemed like you weren't allowed to breathe. You needed your mate, now. Fortunately, he needed you as much as you needed him.

It was needed 3 times in a row for you to fall asleep. You were sure that this would be a long week…

[sicknessbysalem]

and now it’s not letting me answer properly so… post time!

@lisupanddowntown asked: Since you asked for a request, would you do Novak, the first time he gets sick in front of Yuliya? Does he try to hide it or is he open about not feeling well? And how is she as a caretaker, when she doesn't know him well? I'd say either something he eats doesn't agree with him or maybe motion sickness? Or whatever you want!! Please and thank you!

so allegedly this had been in my ask box since February but I’ve never seen it before today. so i new i had to get this out ASAP because Lis is one of my favorite people ever. (You should peep her fics)

I’ ve wrote a similar fic, which you can find here.

also you’ll see Yuliya is actually Evangeline in this fic. You can find the explanation here (tldr: Evangeline is the final canon girlfriend. Yuliya was the blueprint)

But I love this concept. So here we go! I actually decided on something different since I already did the food not agreeing with him and Novak doesn’t get super motion sick.

if you have any more questions/requests/comments/etc, send them my way!

tw emeto, semi sudden illness (heat induced)

-

The stadium roared with the sound of the crowd as Novak and his team secured the win. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the field, the heat still near suffocating even as the game came to an end.

Novak could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the familiar rush of victory settling into his bones. His muscles ached from the exertion, but the high of the win made it all worth it.

As he jogged off the field with his teammates, Novak couldn’t help but glance toward the stands, searching for Evangeline. He knew she’d been there, cheering him on, and the thought of seeing her after the game made his heart skip a beat. They hadn’t been together long, quite honestly it had only been a few weeks, but Novak already knew there was something special about her.

Evangeline spotted him first, waving excitedly from the stands. Her bright smile was like a beacon, and Novak felt a surge of warmth that had nothing to do with the lingering heat of the day. Evangeline was gorgeous, inside and out. With her Ukranian accent, her beautiful emerald eyes, her blonde curls that framed her face just right, her pinkish red lipstick that, respectfully, Novak wondered what it would be like to have marked on his cheek or his own lips or even his hand, a small signal that she was his and he was hers, to her warm personality and loving disposition.

He waved back, grinning, before heading toward the locker room to clean up.

“Great game, man!” Landon called out, clapping him on the back as they made their way inside.

“Thanks,” Novak replied, though his thoughts were already on the evening ahead, “All because of the best quarterback in the league.

“Nah, team effort buddy,” Landon chuckled. Landon never really did take to compliments well.

Novak was ready to get out of there, though. He and Evangeline had plans for dinner and a movie, a perfect way to unwind after the intensity of the game.

But as he walked, a slight dizziness hit him, and he had to steady himself against the wall for a moment. The world seemed to tilt just a bit, and Novak frowned, trying to shake off the feeling.

He chalked it up to the heat and the adrenaline, the combination of both making him feel off-kilter. After all, it had been a tough game, and the September sun had been relentless. Maybe some water would help, he didn’t think he drank any during the game.

Still, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered that something wasn’t quite right. But he quickly silenced it, not wanting to ruin the evening with worry. He wasn’t about to cancel his plans with Evangeline over a little dizziness and fatigue that would probably level out once he got some water and maybe something to eat.

In the locker room, Novak cleaned up and changed into something more presentable for their date. As he splashed water on his face, he took a moment to study his reflection in the mirror.

His skin was flushed, more so than usual, and there was a faint throbbing at his temples. He shook his head, dismissing the symptoms as lingering effects of the game. He’d be fine once they were out of the stadium and into the cool of the evening.

After getting dressed, Novak grabbed his bag and headed out to meet Evangeline. She was waiting for him near the exit, her face lighting up when she saw him.

“There’s the star of the game,” she teased, stepping forward and standing on her toes to give him a quick kiss with that beautiful lipstick of hers. She was over a foot shorter than him but damn, did she make do. Novak would lift her if she wanted, but he didn’t want to overstep.

Novak smiled, the unease he’d felt earlier melting away in her presence. “Only because you were cheering me on,” he replied, his tone playful.

Evangeline laughed, the sound like music to his ears. “Ready for the best night of your life?”

“Definitely,” Novak said, though a part of him still felt slightly off. But he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the fact that he was about to spend the evening with her. “Let’s get out of here.”

As they walked out of the stadium together, Novak couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern when his legs felt heavier than they should. But he kept his arm around Evangeline, determined to enjoy their date and not let anything spoil the night.

-

Novak and Evangeline arrived at the restaurant, a cozy place they’d both heard great things about.

The evening air was warm, but a cool breeze helped take the edge off the lingering heat of the day. As they approached the hostess stand, Novak could see the line of people waiting to be seated stretching out the door.

“Looks like we picked a popular spot,” Evangeline remarked, glancing at the crowd. “I hope we don’t have to wait too long.”

The hostess greeted them with a polite smile, but her expression turned apologetic when Novak asked about a table.

“Unfortunately, we’re fully booked inside for the next hour or so,” she explained. “But we do have some seating available outside if you don’t want to wait too long.”

Novak glanced at Evangeline, noting the slight frown of concern on her face.

“Is that alright Evie?” Novak asked her, tilting his head.

“Outside?” she repeated, her eyes flicking to Novak. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? You just played a whole game in the heat.”

Novak felt a pang of guilt, knowing she was right to be concerned, but he didn’t want to ruin their evening over something he kept telling himself was minor.

“It’s fine, really,” he insisted with a reassuring smile. “There’s a breeze, and it’s not as hot now. Besides, I’m starving, and I don’t want to wait an hour to eat if we don’t have to.”

Evangeline hesitated, her eyes searching his face for any sign that he wasn’t being completely honest. But Novak kept his expression easygoing, not wanting to let on that he still felt off. After a moment, she nodded. “Okay, but if you start feeling worse, you tell me. Promise?”

“I promise,” Novak said, squeezing her hand. “Let’s get some food.”

They were led to a small table on the restaurant’s patio, where string lights hung above, casting a soft glow over the space. The sounds of the city buzzed around them, mixed with the quiet chatter of other diners. Novak sat down across from Evangeline, the evening air a welcome change from the stifling heat of the day.

As they looked over the menus, Novak could feel the warmth in his body still lingering, a stubborn heat that hadn’t dissipated with the end of the game. His skin felt too warm, and there was a faint pressure in his chest that he tried to ignore. He took a sip of water, hoping to cool down, but the liquid only seemed to add to the discomfort in his stomach.

Evangeline looked up from her menu, her eyes studying him. “Are you sure you’re okay, Novak? You still look a little flushed.”

Novak nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just need to cool off a bit more, I think. The game was intense.”

She didn’t seem entirely convinced but decided not to push it, instead shifting the conversation to lighter topics. They talked about the game, her upcoming comeptition, and what movie they were planning to see later.

Novak did his best to stay engaged, laughing at her jokes and responding to her stories, but the nagging discomfort in his body was hard to ignore.

The food arrived, and Novak found himself picking at his meal more than eating it. The rich flavors that would normally appeal to him felt heavy and unappealing, his appetite dulled by the persistent nausea.

But he didn’t want Evangeline to notice, so he took small bites, hoping she wouldn’t see how little he was actually eating. Thankfully, she also didn’t seem to be eating much.

He looked at her, slightly concerned. She giggled softly.

“It’s not what you think. I feel like we probably could’ve gotten away with appetizers since we’re probably going to eat at the theater,” She said, noting his worried look.

As the evening wore on, the heat that Novak had attributed to the lingering effects of the game didn’t seem to ease. If anything, it grew more oppressive, like a weight pressing down on him.

His shirt clung to his back with sweat, and his head began to ache with a dull throb that made it hard to focus on anything but getting through the rest of the meal.

Evangeline reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. “I’m really glad we’re doing this,” she said, her voice soft. “It’s nice to have time together, you know? With your schedule and everything…”

Novak squeezed her hand, feeling a wave of affection for her that cut through the haze of discomfort. “Me too,” he said, meaning it. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”

He turned her hand in his, letting them rest more comfortably, “Your nails are very pretty. Purple and green, nice choices.”

“Well, I had to support you,” Evangeline said, “I’m getting them redone next week for the competition, but I like these ones a lot.”

“I think any color would look good for you,” Novak said.

Despite the warmth in his words, Novak could feel his body growing weaker, the strain of the day finally catching up to him. But he was determined to push through, not wanting to ruin their evening together. He liked Evangeline too much to let this date go south, even if it meant pushing his own limits.

As they finished their meal and the waitress cleared their plates, Novak tried to ignore the way his hands trembled slightly, or the fact that his vision blurred at the edges when he looked up too quickly.

He kept telling himself he’d feel better once they were back in the cool darkness of the movie theater, where he could relax and let the discomfort fade away.

But deep down, Novak knew something wasn’t right. And as much as he wanted to push it aside, it was getting harder to ignore the warning signs his body was sending him.

Still, he wasn’t ready to admit defeat—not yet. Not when the night was supposed to be about them, about enjoying their time together.

-

After finishing dinner, Novak and Evangeline made their way to the nearby movie theater. The streets were busy with people enjoying the warm September night, but Novak’s focus was on keeping himself together.

The discomfort in his body had settled into a dull, persistent ache, his head pounding in time with his heartbeat. Still, he forced himself to smile and keep the conversation light as they walked.

When they reached the theater, Evangeline insisted on buying the snacks and drinks since Novak had taken care of dinner.

“What do you want?” she asked, glancing over the concession stand menu.

“Just a water and maybe some popcorn,” Novak replied, trying to keep his choices light. The idea of eating anything heavy made his stomach churn, but he didn’t want to draw attention to how off he felt.

Evangeline ordered the snacks while Novak went to get their tickets. The theater was packed, and he had to focus on not bumping into anyone as they made their way to their seats. The dim lighting was a relief, the cool air a welcome change from the warmth of the restaurant and the lingering heat of the day.

They found their seats near the middle of the theater, the perfect spot for watching the movie. Novak helped Evangeline get settled, handing her the snacks before sinking into his own seat.

The cushioned chair felt like a refuge, but even as he tried to relax, the tension in his body refused to ease.

Evangeline leaned over, handing him the water. “Here, you look like you could use this,” she said, her voice soft with concern.

“Thanks,” Novak said, accepting the bottle. He took a few sips, hoping it would help settle his stomach.

The coolness of the water felt good, but it didn’t do much to alleviate the growing pressure in his chest or the nagging sense that something was seriously wrong.

As the previews began, Novak focused on the screen, hoping to distract himself with the movie. He was determined to make this night a good one, to enjoy the time with Evangeline and not let anything ruin it. But as the minutes ticked by, it became harder to ignore the worsening symptoms.

The movie started, and the theater darkened, but instead of being able to relax, Novak found himself growing more uncomfortable. His skin felt hot, the steady throb in his head had turned into a full-blown headache, and the nausea that had been a background discomfort was now front and center. He shifted in his seat, trying to find a position that didn’t make him feel like he was going to be sick, but nothing helped.

Evangeline seemed engrossed in the movie, and Novak was grateful for that. He didn’t want her to notice how bad he was feeling—didn’t want to ruin the night they’d planned. But as the movie continued, he found it harder and harder to focus on the screen.

The sound felt too loud, the bright flashes of light too harsh, and every time he tried to take a deep breath, it felt like there wasn’t enough air in the room.

His hand tightened around the armrest, knuckles white with the effort of holding himself together. He could feel sweat beading on his forehead, his shirt sticking to his back, but he was determined not to give in.

Evangeline glanced over at him once or twice, smiling when their eyes met, and Novak forced himself to smile back, though it felt like a grimace. He took another sip of water, willing the nausea to subside, but it only seemed to grow stronger, a relentless tide that he couldn’t escape.

He tried to focus on the movie, on Evangeline beside him, but his vision was starting to blur, the edges of his sight darkening. The dizziness returned, stronger this time, and Novak swallowed hard, his stomach twisting painfully.

He clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to bolt from the theater and find some relief in the cool air outside, but he knew if he moved too quickly, he might not make it out without being sick.

Novak closed his eyes for a moment, trying to gather his strength, but even that small action made the world spin. He was in trouble, and he knew it, but he wasn’t ready to admit it—not yet.

Not when there was still a chance, however small, that he could make it through the rest of the movie without Evangeline noticing how bad things were getting.

Novak could feel the nausea reaching a breaking point, his body giving him no choice but to act. He leaned over to Evangeline, trying to keep his voice steady despite the urgency clawing at his insides.

“I’m going to run to the restroom real quick,” he whispered, forcing a weak smile to reassure her.

Evangeline glanced at him, a hint of concern in her eyes. “Okay, but don’t take too long. You’ll miss the best part,” she replied with a smile, though there was a question in her gaze.

“Promise,” Novak said, squeezing her hand before standing up and making his way out of the theater.

As soon as he was in the hallway, Novak quickened his pace, heading straight for the restroom. His stomach churned violently with each step, and by the time he pushed open the door, he barely made it to one of the stalls before the nausea overwhelmed him.

He retched forcefully, his body convulsing with the effort, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the pain and discomfort of being sick. Each wave of nausea seemed to take more out of him, leaving him weaker, but Novak was determined to get it over with.

He leaned forward, hunching over in a way to out pressure on his stomach. The pressure helped, it made things come out much faster. He retched, hard, a wave os sick splashing into the toilet.

Maybe not eating or drinking much worked in his favor in some ways. Another forceful wave of sick and Novak was empty for now.

He leaned against the cool tile wall, breathing heavily as the worst of it passed, sweat beading on his forehead.

His entire body felt drained, his legs shaky, and his head still pounding with a dull ache. But all he could think about was getting back to Evangeline. He didn’t want to worry her, didn’t want to ruin the night they’d planned together. He could finish this movie with her and hold his stomach together until he got home, then he could be entirely free to puke his guts up for the rest of the night.

After splashing some cold water on his face and rinsing out his mouth, Novak stared at his reflection in the mirror. He looked pale, more so than before, and there was a tiredness in his eyes that hadn’t been there at the start of the evening.

But he couldn’t let that stop him now. He’d made it through the worst of it, and he was determined to finish the night on a good note.

Taking a deep breath, Novak straightened up, wiped his face with a paper towel, and forced himself to stand tall as he walked back to the theater. The dizziness lingered, but he pushed it aside, focusing on getting back to Evangeline and making sure she didn’t notice how bad things had gotten.

When he slipped back into the darkened theater, he was relieved to see that the movie was still going, the action on the screen drawing everyone’s attention. He made his way back to his seat, easing down next to Evangeline as quietly as possible.

“Everything okay?” she whispered, leaning over to him.

“Yeah, there was a line,” Novak replied, keeping his tone light. “All good now.”

Evangeline nodded, smiling softly, and reached for his hand. But as soon as her fingers touched his, she paused, feeling the slight tremor in his grip.

“Novak… you’re shaking,” she said, her voice filled with concern.

Novak cursed internally, not realizing just how much his body had betrayed him. He squeezed her hand gently, trying to dismiss it.

“I’m fine, really,” he insisted, though his voice lacked the usual confidence. “Just a bit worn out from the game, I think. Let’s finish the movie, okay?”

Evangeline didn’t look entirely convinced, but she nodded, though her eyes remained on him, worry etched in her features. Novak tried to focus on the movie, but he could feel her concern weighing on him, adding to the discomfort that hadn’t fully gone away despite his efforts in the restroom.

As the movie continued, Novak did his best to hide the shakiness in his hands, the occasional wave of dizziness, and the persistent nausea that hadn’t completely left him. But he knew Evangeline could feel the tremors, knew she was aware that something wasn’t right.

Still, he was determined to see the night through, even if it took everything he had. He wanted Evangeline to enjoy the evening, wanted to be there for her and make the night special, even if it meant pushing himself past his limits.

The credits rolled, and the lights in the theater slowly came up as Novak and Evangeline gathered their things and headed out.

Novak’s stomach churned with a vengeance, the nausea returning in full force as they made their way through the lobby and out into the parking lot. He tried to keep his focus on Evangeline, nodding along as she talked about her favorite parts of the movie, but it was getting harder to concentrate with each step they took.

As they approached Evangeline’s car, Novak felt a cold sweat break out across his forehead, and his mouth went dry. The dizziness he’d managed to push aside earlier came back with a vengeance, and he knew—without a doubt—that he was about to be sick again. His mind raced as he tried to think of a way to keep it together, but his body had other plans.

“Evangeline,” he said abruptly, his voice strained as he tried to keep the panic at bay, “I need to…”

Before she could respond, Novak stepped away from the car, putting some distance between them. He barely made it to a few

patch of grass near where she parked before he was bent over, the contents of his stomach spilling out onto the ground.

The force of it left him gasping, his body trembling with the effort, and all he could think about was how much he didn’t want Evangeline to see him like this.

But of course, she had noticed. Evangeline stood by the car, her face a mix of concern and uncertainty. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, but then slowly walked over to him, staying a few steps back to give him some space.

“Novak, are you okay?” she asked softly, her voice filled with worry. She didn’t know how to help, especially since they were still so early in their relationship, but she couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

Novak straightened up slowly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, feeling utterly drained. “I’m… I’m sorry,” he muttered, his voice hoarse. “I didn’t… I didn’t want to ruin the night.”

“Don’t apologize,” Evangeline said quickly, her concern deepening. “You’re obviously not feeling well. Do you think it’s the heat? You were out there playing all day in the sun…”

“Maybe,” Novak admitted, though even he wasn’t entirely sure.

Evangeline bit her lip, glancing back at her car, then at Novak. “My place is closer… Why don’t you come back with me? You can rest, and we can figure out what to do from there.”

Novak hesitated, torn between not wanting to be a burden and knowing that he probably shouldn’t be alone right now. “I don’t want to intrude,” he said, his voice wavering slightly. “I can call my mom, and she can come get me from your place. That’ll give me time to settle down a bit before I go home.”

Evangeline’s expression softened, and she took a small step closer, reaching out to touch his arm gently. “You’re not intruding, Novak. You can spend the night with me if you need to. It’s really no trouble. I just want you to be okay.”

Novak looked at her, seeing the genuine concern in her eyes, and felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He wasn’t used to someone caring for him like this, especially when he was feeling so vulnerable.

“Okay,” he finally agreed, nodding slowly. “I’ll go with you.”

Evangeline smiled, relief evident in her expression. “Good. Let’s get you home.”

They walked back to her car, and Novak climbed into the passenger seat, feeling the cool air from the vents hit his fevered skin as Evangeline started the engine. The nausea still lingered, but knowing he didn’t have to face the rest of the night alone made it a little easier to bear.

As they drove to her place, the conversation was quiet, both of them processing the events of the night. Novak’s head rested against the cool glass of the window, his eyes closed as he focused on steadying his breathing.

Despite the discomfort and embarrassment, he felt a strange sense of comfort being with Evangeline. She was there for him, even when things weren’t perfect, and that meant more to him than he could put into words.

When they finally arrived at her apartment, Evangeline helped him inside, guiding him to the couch with a blanket and a glass of water.

“You just rest,” she said softly, setting the blanket next to him, unsure if he was too hot to want it. “We’ll figure everything out in the morning.”

Novak nodded, too tired to argue, and let himself sink into the cushions. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but feel grateful that Evangeline was so kind, especially to him. Even when their night went entirely south, he felt.

And for the first time since he’d started feeling off, Novak allowed himself to relax, knowing that, at least for now, he was in good hands.

-

Novak drifted in and out of sleep, his body heavy with exhaustion, until the pull of nausea finally forced him awake. His eyelids fluttered open, and he was immediately hit with a wave of dizziness that made the room spin.

As his vision slowly cleared, Novak noticed Evangeline sitting nearby, her expression a mix of concern and tiredness. She had stayed close, watching over him as he slept, and now that he was awake, her eyes softened with relief.

“Hey,” she said gently, offering a small smile. “How are you feeling?”

Novak groaned softly, his hand pressing against his stomach in a futile attempt to ease the discomfort.

“Not great,” he admitted, his voice raspy. He swallowed thickly, trying to stave off the rising nausea, but it was no use.

He could tell by the look on her face that wasn’t the answer she was hoping for. She seemed worried, but nervous. And he hated knowing he was causing her so much extra stress.

He couldn’t think on it long, his stomach letting out a sick gurgle that prompted a wet burp he could barely contain.

“Where’s your bathroom?” he asked, his tone urgent.

Evangeline’s eyes widened, understanding immediately. “Down the hall, first door on the left,” she said quickly, standing up as Novak struggled to sit up on the couch.

He nodded his thanks, then pushed himself to his feet, though the movement sent another wave of dizziness crashing over him.

He barely made it down the hallway before he had to bolt into the bathroom, the nausea overwhelming him. The moment he reached the toilet, he was sick, the force of it leaving him weak and shaking.

Evangeline hovered in the doorway, unsure of what to do. She wanted to help, but she didn’t know what Novak needed—what would make him feel better.

She’d never seen him like this before, so vulnerable and unwell, and it made her heart ache with worry. But she didn’t want to overstep or do something that might make him uncomfortable.

After a particularly hard spell of vomiting, Novak slumped forward, his breathing ragged and uneven. His hair had fallen into his face, damp with sweat, and he seemed too exhausted to even push it back. Hesitantly, Evangeline stepped into the bathroom, kneeling down beside him.

“Here, let me…” she said softly, reaching out to brush his hair away from his face. The touch was gentle, almost tentative, as she swept the strands back. To her surprise, Novak seemed to relax slightly at the contact, a small sigh escaping him as his shoulders sagged.

Noticing this, Evangeline felt a bit more confident. She continued to run her fingers through his hair, her touch soothing and rhythmic. She ran the tips of her nails along his skull and the sensation seemed to make him relax as she worked on pulling all of his sweaty blond locks behind him.

“You’re okay,” she murmured, trying to offer comfort even though she felt a bit out of her depth. “Just take your time.”

Novak leaned into her touch, the simple act of her fingers in his hair grounding him in a way he hadn’t expected. The nausea still clawed at him, but the worst of it seemed to pass, leaving him feeling drained and shaky. He didn’t have the energy to express his gratitude, but the way he let her care for him without pulling away said enough.

Evangeline stayed by his side, her hand never leaving his hair, until Novak’s breathing finally steadied, and he seemed to calm down. She knew this wasn’t how either of them had imagined the night going, but she also knew that being there for him, even in this vulnerable moment, was important.

“Do you want to try to move back to the couch?” she asked softly, her fingers still combing gently through his hair.

Novak nodded weakly, grateful for her support. “Yeah… I think I can manage that,” he replied, though his voice was faint.

With her help, Novak slowly stood up, leaning heavily on Evangeline as they made their way back to the living room.

She settled him on the couch once more with the same care she’d shown before. Then, without hesitation, she sat down beside him, guiding his head into her lap and continuing to run her fingers through his hair, knowing now that it brought him some comfort.

Novak closed his eyes, the dizziness and nausea still lingering but less overwhelming with Evangeline by his side. He hadn’t expected to need her like this, to be so dependent on her care, but as he felt the warmth of her presence and the tenderness of her touch, he realized just how much she meant to him.

Despite the awkwardness and the uncertainty, she’d been there for him when he needed it most, and that meant more than words could express.

As they sat there together in the quiet of the living room, Novak felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that he wasn’t alone in this—knowing that Evangeline was there, and that she cared for him deeply. And in that moment, he knew he was going to be madly in love with her for the rest of his life.

[icespur]

Mpreg Akeshu and wholesome panicked new parentGoro:

(apologies on the disjointed paragraphs, some were added in between, and the ending is very abrupt)

More Mpreg Akeshu bio child concepts/headcanons. 

I researched for a good explanation for the Mpreg, and  I came across an interesting rare condition called “Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome.” 

Realistically, Men wouldn’t be able to carry a baby even with this. In fact it tends to hinder their fertility by causing their balls to bleed. 

But this is fanfiction, we’re allowed to bend logic all we want! 

So that’s as far as the Mpreg explanation for this concept goes. Akiren is a cis-man that just happens to have been born with a rare condition that makes him have a uterus. 

Akiren is aware of his condition, but even he didn’t think it would be fully functional! Once the symptoms start, his first thought isn’t “Oh, I must be pregnant, even though that should be impossible.” He thinks the frequent vomiting is just a virus he caught. He brings up the strange frequent vomiting he’s experiencing to Futaba, and she jokingly suggests he could be pregnant and should take a pregnancy test, but they both laugh the idea off. 

Later, Akiren goes to a store to buy something, he comes across a pregnancy test and remembers the conversation with Futaba, and decides “Eh, why not, just for fun.”

Then it comes back positive—---

He remembers his “condition” and the possibility occurs that “Wait, what if it is possible?”

He looks up info on persistent mullerian duct syndrome, and what it means if a man takes a pregnancy test and it comes back positive, only to find IT COULD BE AN EARLY SIGN OF TESTICULAR CANCER?!

So now Akiren is lowkey panicking because he might have early testicular cancer!

It isn’t until a couple more weeks, he goes for an ultrasound and—--

Oh

That’s—-cancer isn’t supposed to have a heartbeat, that’s a very early stage embryo—--wait, his uterus is actually functional??!

Due to the unknown, fragile situation of this illogical pregnancy—everyone treats Akiren as if he’s a porcelain doll or made of glass. Because no one knows just how durable this miracle Embryo is and what will or won’t accidentally trigger a misscarriage. 

I especially have some amusing scenarios of “Protective Father” Akechi. But this would be Third Semester specific which means they would have had to conceive before February, and Me and fellow Akeshu tumblr fans already chose February 2nd as the conception day. 

I wanna still give the alternate headcanons, but know this isn’t a part of the rest of the Mpreg concept. This is just a little alternate. 

Protective Father Akechi during 3rd Semester:

After the “How in the fuck?!----” reaction has passed and he asks Akiren what his plans are and Akiren confirms he wants to keep the baby.

Well, that puts another obstacle in the “stop Maruki and return to original reality” plan. Akiren doesn't go back on his promise to stop Maruki with Akechi, he still wants to—--but if he also wants to successfully carry the baby and give birth—-

“New plan; I temporarily take over the position as leader. Me and your friends stop Maruki, while YOU stay in Leblanc.” 

“What—why?” 

“Because developing embryos are fragile, you idiot. Do you really think infiltrating a cognitive world full of shadows with various attacks and ailment abilities is safe? I mean, unless you want to miscarry during a battle, be my guest. But if you truly intend to keep and have this baby come out healthy and fine, then you'll take a break from Phantom Thieving and Metaverse activities for both of your sakes.” 

“You’re—--are you seriously grounding me? Last I checked, you’re not my father, and I can’t just “take a break”, I’m vital to the team, if I die in battle everyone is screwed! What if they die when I’m not there to heal or support them? I could never live with myself if that happened.” 

“Oh, I’m certainly not your father, but I’m the father to be of someone, who is automatically attached to you until nine months or sooner. Therefore, I have no choice but to parent your reckless self too, for our unborn child’s sake. I—---”promise”---for purely your sake and happiness I’ll try to keep your irritating friends and teammates from dying during battle, and in return YOU take it easy and fucking rest!”

This culminates in Akechi essentially quarantining Akiren to Leblanc, and forbids him from Metaverse activity for the baby’s sake, while a very stubborn Akiren tries to escape, ending in Akechi physically dragging him back upstairs, while the rest of the Phantom Thieves' silently watch in confusion and concern as their leader and friend begs and fights for his life by gripping the hardwood floor or the walls, but ultimately fails as Akechi successfully carries him to the Attic. 

Akechi even considers purchasing some tranquillizer bullets for situations if Akiren successfully escapes, but decides against it after researching and learning the health risks and birth defects it could cause. 

Akechi confiscates Akiren's phone; obviously not trusting him not to use the Metanav. 

Akiren wakes up one day, to Akechi's solution to keep him in the attic, finding he can't sit up in bed, because Akechi fucking duct taped and tucked him into bed! Akiren squirms and triggers a note to unravel from the ceiling from Akechi, explaining why he taped him to the bed, advises him not to try and escape, if he has to urinate he’s already hooked up to a bag, for defecating, call Sojiro to take him to the bathroom, it’s the only reason Akiren’s mouth isn’t taped shut, Akechi is in the Metaverse, if he isn’t back by the end of the day, or reality hasn’t turned back to normal, he’s allowed to ask Sojiro to untape him, “but try not to do anything stupid that will harm the life of both you and our unborn child, you reckless dumbass. Love, Goro.” 

If Akiren somehow manages to tear free of the tapes, he’d try to sneak out of the Attic and Cafe by going out the window, only to find it locked, and a little note taped to the window, also from Goro: “Did you really think I wouldn’t predict you’d try the window, Joker? I’d think the leader of the Phantom Thieves would be more creative in his escape method. I repeat, DON’T. DO. ANYTHING. STUPID. For both your sake, and our child. 

Now either take a damn nap, play a video game, water your helpless plant if it hasn’t died from neglect yet, or make some coffee or curry for customers or yourself. It’s not the end of the world, you are more than capable of occupying yourself, you’re lucky I love you. - Goro 

End of “Alternate 3rd Semester Protective Father Akechi” segment…

Baby conceived accidentally on February 2/2, and once the whole Maruki situation is over with and they return to old reality, Akiren is devastated about Akechi going back to being dead, but on the bright side, sees their unborn child as a gift, he’ll always have a part of Goro through their child. Of course he plans to keep it, no matter how uncertain the pregnancy will go. 

But, as we know, canonically there's evidence pointing to Akechi still being alive. So eventually Akechi returns to Tokyo to reunite with Akiren only to find he already went back home. Oh, wait, he still has his contact info, he can just text him or call him! 

They get into contact, Akiren is overjoyed, and encourages Akechi to come to him, to his hometown. He does, cue happy emotional reunion. 

Then Akiren drops the “So, remember that night in February just before we infiltrated Maruki's palace to defeat him? Well, long story short, I was born with a uterus and I'm—---pregnant.” 

“........Huh?” 

After some denial, lots of processing, Akechi decides to stay and move in with Akiren because “No way in hell am I pulling a Shido.”

The whole situation is still weird as hell, and Akechi still finds himself occasionally laying awake at night processing the situation. 

Once it's time for the birth, the baby is born early via cesarean section, as letting the baby develop to term might not be pleasant on Akiren's insides. The plan was to wait until the baby is at a viable age to be cesareaned out before it really starts squishing Akiren’s organs too much, but also where it has a chance at surviving entering the world early.

But because of complications, the baby decided it would be fun to send her unprepared fathers into a frenzy by making Akiren’s water break early. 

So their baby girl is born premature at 27 weeks by emergency c section and is immediately rushed to the NICU. 

Now, preemie care in Japan is really good! The survival rate is high so really, logically, Akechi and Akiren shouldn't have to worry. For once the roles are reversed and the mother (Akiren) is the level headed logical one. 

Yeah, of course he wishes he got a chance to hold his baby first before they rushed her out, but it's for her own safety and health, and she has a high chance of making it. He’ll get to hold her eventually. 

Akechi on the other hand—-- 

Akiren is obviously correct, the survival rate is highly probable at that age, their daughter will most likely survive, they just have to be patient—------

But what if?-------

The survival rate for 27 week olds is indeed over 9 out of 10, but what about that other percentage? What if their daughter ends up being that rare percentage that doesn't pull through? 

Parents are usually allowed to hold and take pictures with their baby, even if the baby is dead, so they can still have a moment and proper goodbye. What if the Doctors bring back a dead baby and tell them the early birth complications were too severe and she didn't survive, and hand Akiren the baby to say goodbye too? 

Or for some reason what if the Doctors refuse to let Him and Akiren see her, and just break the news, then they don't get to see her until the funeral?!

Did he do this? Did some undetectable birth defects in the Akechi or Shido gene pool deter his baby girl from being able to develop fully to term and come out healthy? Is this one of those “Skipped a generation” things? 

Or maybe this is just the cause of some cruel karmic justice on the Gods' part. Goro willingly spent the past two years playing hitman for dear old Father Of The Decade, and took the lives of people Shido saw as “traitors” and “disposable”; He caused the deaths of two of his boyfriend’s dear friends and colleagues in thieving. One of which is practically a surrogate little sister to him. She didn’t deserve to witness her mother die in front of her from a mental shutdown that a teenage hitman caused and who felt nothing because by then all usual feelings of guilt and disgust had faded into numbness at taking a life. 

Akiren; his beloved, amazing, charismatic, dumb, unfairly simultaneously adorable and sexy as hell, rival and recently turned boyfriend, didn’t deserve to nearly get arrested and shot in the head for the sake of Akechi not blowing his cover to Shido early. Akiren truly has a heart of gold to have found it in him to forgive Akechi. 

Why should a violent piece of murdering parentless trash be given a child to raise, to love? Now because of his past sins, an infant that just entered the world might perish the same day she entered it, all in the name of punishing him by taking away something innocent that he cares about. 

Hell, if we’re choosing that route, why stop at the preemie? That psychotic ex-assassin bastard seems to also care an awful lot for that quiet man with the messy black hair and gray eyes, that he once swore he hated with every fiber of his being, let’s take that one away from him too! OH MY GOD, WHAT IF AKIREN DIES? WHAT IF THEY BOTH DIE? 

Goro isn't verbalizing his anxieties outright, but Akiren can tell he's stressed just by looking at his face, but he can't do much to comfort him physically in his current state since he's currently laying down and getting his stomach stitched back up, so he’ll have to settle with words of comfort. 

Akiren goes to reach for Goro's hand to reassure him, and tell him their daughter will probably be okay because the survival rate is overall pretty high in their country, only to find—--no gloved hand to squeeze and no Goro. 

Cue cartoonish empty Goro outline where he was once standing. 

The intrusive “My premature newborn daughter might not survive and I fear it could be my fault as punishment for my crimes. I refuse to have the first and only time I get to see her be in an open casket, I need to see her now. Striving to not turn out to be deadbeat heartless Shido 2.0 wasn't a fucking joke, I am standing by that goal! I'm sticking to this kid like glue, or a clingy overly loyal canine. No matter if she only lives for a few hours or weeks, I need to make sure she knows I'm there and that I’m not going to abandon her. If I don't crash the NICU I'm going to internally hate myself for patiently waiting instead, because she needs me and I need to see her while her heart is still beating.” Take over, causing him to rush halfway across the hospital to the NICU. He didn't even wait for the surgeons to finish stitching Akiren back up, five seconds after the doctors rushed their daughter out the room, he was gone. 

Akiren isn't even mad, just briefly bewildered at Goro's sudden absence that he somehow didn't manage to detect, and amused and moved at Goro's immediate attachment and loyalty to their child. 

Once Goro arrives at the NICU, the Doctors would be hooking up all the different machines and wires to the baby, and then putting her in the incubator. Once they're done, Goro seizes the opportunity to see his daughter, once they're alone. 

This is Goro's first time seeing a premature newborn in a hospital incubator in person. Logically of course, he knows all the wires and tubes attached to the baby are for her own good and to keep her alive, but God, if it's not an intimidating sight. Most of the common new preemie parent reactions go through him, he's racked with guilt and illogical worry for his little one. He laments just how tiny and frail she looks, if it weren't for the rhythmic beeps and breaths of air, and looking at the subtle chest movement of baby’s chest, one might mistake her as dead. 

He doesn't dare take her out of the incubator yet, and is too afraid to reach his hand in to touch her, so for now he kneels to the incubator and talks with her. 

It's not until a nurse walks in and politely reminds him of Akiren, that it clicks that he fucking abandoned his boyfriend! Oh, does Goro feel like a jackass. Akiren is so understanding he probably isn't mad at him, but that ultimately doesn't stop the guilt he feels and the anger at himself. Oh God, he should head back and apologize to him. 

Goro stands up and goes to return to Akiren when he stops in his tracks—--

If you leave the room, what if she stops breathing and flatlines? 

And that is why Goro never returned to Akiren…..

[littleladymab]

For a angst prompt, "Jokes on me, right"

hi anon, you never specified a series or characters so I turned to my friends and it was tied between dragon age ("to me, this is mage rights coded") and nimona (ballister and ambrosius). So i flipped a coin, and we got nimona, which means you get subjected to my "this started out as a cinderella au and then got wildly out of control"

but if you'd like a specific series or characters, please feel free to return to the ask box with more 8)

++++

Ballister can hear the footsteps echoing off the halls — a single set, lightly armored, in a hurry. He keeps his pace, shoulders straight, and head high. 

He just won the tournament, after all. He’s allowed back here if he wants to be. 

From the corner of his eye, there’s a flash and sparkle of pink as Nimona flits between the columns, leading the way as a small bird. 

“Bal!” a voice calls and Ballister twitches involuntarily. 

Nimona gives a shrill whistle in warning before darting into the shadows of the vaulted ceiling. 

“Ballister, wait—” A hand clamps on his shoulder to stop him, and Ballister twists out of the grip as Ambrosius turns him around. The gold leaf of Ambrosius’ mask glows in the steady lights of the hall, unlike the flickering firelight that set the ambiance in the ballroom. “You’re just leaving?” 

“What else am I expected to do?” Ballister counters, his voice muffled behind his mask. It hadn’t been created with speaking in mind. “I won the tournament, I made my point.” 

“You didn’t accept the honor that came with it—” 

He scoffs and ignores the hurt that passes over Ambrosius’ face. “Because that’s what would be extended towards me if I took off my mask. Not a pair of cuffs if I’m lucky, though knowing Todd it would merely be a sword through the gut.” 

“So that’s it?” Ambrosius takes a half step forward to try and close the distance, but Ballister retreats by two. The regal features, which have only grown more weary around the edges in the intervening years, harden in resignation — though that doesn’t stop the briefest glint of desperation in the eyes. “Joke’s on me, right? I thought that this would be my chance to help you.” 

Ballister resists the urge to look to where he knows Nimona is hiding, listening in, waiting. “You had your chance,” he answers quietly, steeling himself against the full body flinch that hits Ambrosius. “But by not acting in my defense, you took Director Kleios’ side during the investigation.” 

They might not have spoken since the accident, but that’s explanation enough. Ambrosius can feel all the guilt he wants but it won’t change the past, and it won’t change the order for Ballister’s head. 

Ballister held the weapon that killed the queen. No one cared that he didn’t pull the trigger. 

Ambrosius opens his mouth to speak, but there’s the steady clank clank clank of armored footsteps and they both whip their heads to the side. “Guard patrol,” Ambrosius hisses, more annoyed than actually worried. 

Ballister’s hand twitches at his side and he withdraws into the shadows, prepared to disappear into them, but Ambrosius catches onto his elbow. 

“Come,” he says, and that easy command in his voice is frustratingly familiar. “I’m not done talking to you.” 

“I can’t—” This time, he can’t help it, and Ballister let’s his eyes flit up to the rafters. Even from this distance, he can see Nimona’s frown and distinctly un-birdlike eye roll. 

She waves a wing then takes off, darting out into the garden beyond. 

Abandoning him. 

Ballister frowns, but his moment of distraction is enough for Ambrosius to gain the upper hand. 

[riddle-me-ri]

A/N: No real explanation for this lmao just wanted to write something original that wasn't a request lol. This was inspired by a convo on discord about voyeurism and it made my brain go brrr it's Secret Six Hatter cause this Hatter literally saw a group of people nude and decided to get nude with them…I adore him lmao he's just a little dude. The other members are mentioned but they're not super important so it's okay if you don't know them lmao and yes any opportunity to have the Hatters eat out reader I will always take you're welcome rip

Trigger Warning: explicit sexual content, voyeurism (consented to), stripping, masturbation, and cunnilingus

Word Count: 1.7 k

Secret Six Mad Hatter x F!Reader - Just a Peek

One night, you couldn’t shake off the feeling that someone was watching you. 

Living in a small shack with six other individuals was no easy feat. Especially when managing who took showers when. You tend to take yours late in the evening when most are in bed.

Much like tonight, you were certain that everyone was asleep…so why did you feel the stabbing feeling that someone was staring you down. 

You tried to shake it off as you turned the knob to the shower off. As you pushed back the curtain you grabbed your bathrobe and tied it around yourself as you made your way back to your room. 

You heard the nightly activities of your cohorts; Blake pacing his room, Lawton snoring, Ragdoll's murmuring, you don't even want to know the sounds coming from Scandal and Knockout's room…

Hm. No sound from Jervis' room, or Hatter as others called him. He was an interesting inclusion to the team. Some secret weapon supposedly towards a greater opponent you have yet to meet. 

Most of him found him annoying, a nuisance. You found the little fellow to be intriguing. Dare you say, cute in a scrunkly and eccentric sort of way. He had his bouts of rhyming, quoting Carroll, an almost adorable fixation on hats and tea. 

You sought yourself to at least be acquaintances with the man. He seemed aloof from your attempts at first, but slowly came around, in his own little Jervis ways. 

He always made a cup of tea for you, and somehow he remembered how you liked it. It was always hot too, whereas others were lukewarm. He made you hats that you kept hanging on the clothing rack in your closet. 

You'll never forget the way his face heated up and his smile widened when you kissed him on the cheek in gratitude for saving you during an ambush…

For a moment your thoughts of Jervis made the feeling of being watched slightly go away, until another shudder raked over your body. 

You slowly slipped off your robe, and began looking for some night clothes in your dresser drawer near your bed.

*Gasp*

It was faint, but you heard it. 

Someone is definitely in your room!

You snatched up your robe and placed it back over your shoulders. 

"Whose in here? I swear to God Lawton if you think this is some kind of joke!" 

Nothing. Dead silent. 

Mentally, you took a trip down the hall again. Blake's light was still on highlighting his shadow,  Lawton you could hear snoring, Ragdoll often murmured in his sleep, and Scandal and Knockout were fucking each other's brains out as usual….

"J-Jervis?" 

You heard some shuffling on the wooden floors but not anything vocal. You pinpoint the cries of pressure from the floorboards to be your closet which just so happened to be slightly ajar. 

Really? He's spying…on me?! 

Even more surprising, why did it not bother you? In fact it was actually super flattering?

What an absolute scamp…

An arousing warmth heated your body, hairs stood on end. You suppose he made it this far, perhaps you ought to give him a little reward.

You turned to face your closet, knowing he's there but trying to play it off as if you didn't know.

You playfully yawned. "I guess I must be hearing things…" You stretched your arms out above your head. 

You slowly brought your arms back down. "Although, come to think of it," you giggled. "I don't think I'd mind if Jervis was watching me." 

Your hands fell to the top of your chest. You groped and massaged your breasts until your nipples poked through the sleek bathrobe material. 

You brought your hands further down, teasingly skipping past your mound and to your knees, before you slowly pulled your hands up, slowly revealing your exposed thighs and waist. 

Finally, your hands came back to the knot in your bathrobe. Your body suddenly felt much too hot for the flimsy covering. 

You could have sworn you heard another gasp coming from your closet. You smirked as you made your way to your bed. Lucky enough for Jervis, that same bed was facing your closet. 

You got on your knees on top of your bed and rested on your haunches. As you continued to rub and pinch your breasts, getting yourself to moan softly at the attention. 

You can't even remember the last time you, well, loved yourself but you missed it…not to mention having an audience too.

One of your hands slithered down, down your body. Your middle finger poking through your thighs to your lower lips. You gasped softly as you felt wetness already pooling there. 

Huh, voyeurism, who would've thought? 

"Jesus…I can't recall a time I've ever been this wet." You whispered, but loud enough for a certain spectator to hear. "I've been neglecting myself for too long."

You spread your knees wider, giving your hand more access to your pussy. You continued to let your finger gather up more of your juices to help lube your fingers. 

It didn't take long until you dove your fingers straight into your heated cunt. You surprised yourself at the wanton moan you let out as you finally filled your achingly empty pussy. 

Meanwhile as you began stroking yourself, and thrusting your fingers in and out with vigor. Jervis was an absolute mess in your closet. 

His pants had already long ago been unzipped and draped on the floor. He was actively rubbing himself in tandem with your fingers. He bit down on his lips trying to refrain from making any more sounds than he previously let slip. 

You were gorgeous, stunning…ethereal. You were unlike any other Alice he had ever seen or perceived to have seen. Not to mention you treated him with such kindness and thoughtfulness. 

When you kissed his cheek he was a goner, he was absolutely yours and you didn't have a fraction of a clue. 

His elation when he first entered your room and saw you actually kept the hats he made and not tossed them like previous people he's attempted to court before. 

Now here he was, in your closet about to burst at the seams. 

You weren't much further off. You had to lay down on your back as your thighs started going to sleep trying to keep you upright. You made sure he had a pleasant view of you fingering yourself. 

You were knuckles deep every time you thrusted your hands back in. You found yourself even lifting your hips up in time and bucking into your hand. Every now and then your other hand went and stroked and rubbed tight circles on your clit, which caused your legs to jerk periodically. 

"J-J-Jervis…Jervis…" You moaned, not even realizing if you were just calling out his name cause he was there or if you would have anyway even if he wasn't. You were too lost to think too much about it, but it felt right. 

As he heard you moan his name, it caused Jervis to finally reach that euphoric precipice. It took everything in him to not slouch to his knees and to keep his eyes peeled on you. 

The ways your knees met as they jerked together. The way you were gasping, almost whining for release. 

Jervis licked his lips, he wasn't sure he could hide much longer. He had an overwhelming desire to..to…

You stalled your motions when you heard a door slam against the wall. 

Jervis came tumbling out of the closet. He wore nothing but his trademark hat. 

"P-P-Please…please, dear, let me…let me…Can I have a taste?" 

He was on his knees scooting himself closer and closer to your bed. His hands clenched, 

As if you could say no, you reluctantly removed your hands from your lower regions and had them meet at the top of your head. You spread your legs wider. 

You never thought to stop and consider whether or not Jervis has done something like this before–

O-oh..oh shit

What he lacked in technique he made up for tenfold in enthusiasm. His nose occasionally rubbed against your clit, as his buck teeth softly nibbled along your lower lips and his tongue lapped into you like a dehydrated dog. 

The knot in your gut quickly began tightening again as it had before Jervis exposed himself. You almost didn't recognize yourself being the one whimpering and moaning. 

"J-Jervis…Jervis…" 

Your legs squeezed his head closer into you as your body broke out in pleasing tingles and overwhelmingly warm vibrations. You continued gulping for air, every now and then mewling at the sensation of Jervis' tongue still licking and tasting your release. 

You had to gently push his head away to keep from the slightly uncomfortable overstimulation. At least for now anyway, you wanted to catch your breath first. Not to mention you had a few questions. 

Before you spoke however, Jervis began chuckling. "My, my, you taste sweeter than any sugar cube or honey." 

That comment should not have made you blush the way it did. 

"Care to explain yourself?" 

Jervis shrugged. "Explain what? It's quite clear I'm infatuated with you, absolutely adore you! I know it's rude to peek at your most vulnerable state…ah but you see…I was…em…" 

"Curious?" You offered. 

Jervis' eyes widened and gleamed. "Yes, indeed. You understand, quite curious, yes about the sole lady that's won my heart. And brought forth the most natural feeling of euphoria I've ever experienced without assistance from my hat!" 

"Wait…your hat?" 

Jervis nodded. "I hypnotize myself, by wearing my hat and looking into the mirror…it's the only way..I felt pleasure…happiness too I suppose."

It didn't seem possible…how could someone be so mischievous yet endearing. It wasn't fair, that's for sure. 

"I…I had no idea, I guess I'm glad I can help? When you put it like that…and as I said…I do find it quite flattering." 

"Ah, so you did know I was here." Jervis giggled as he scooted over to the opposite side of you on your bed. "Clever girl, how did you know?"

"Well, down the hall I heard everyone else in their rooms. Yours was the only one that was quiet…" You explained as you laid your head on your pillow, looking as he made himself comfortable under the sheets with you. 

"Hmm…alluring and brilliant." He giggled again. "You're perfect, just perfect!" 

You rolled your eyes but offered a sweet smile. You leaned up and gave him a familiar kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Jervis." 

"Good night, darling." 

…

"Jervis?"

"Mm?"

"Do…do you sleep with your hat on too?"

"Yes. Is that an issue?" 

"N-no not at all just…just wondering."

[silverwolf-108]

Only Family Left

//////////

Task Force 141 x Fem! Reader

Codename: Blade

Summary: You are the new recruit and you have six canines, you and your canines are closer together. When the 141 found out what happened to your parents they’re there for you.

Warning: none

The gang gather in briefing room, Price handed the files to them “Listen up, there’s a new recruit who will be joining us. She go by Blade.”

“Why is she call Blade?” Soap ask. “Because her weapon choice she chose are katana’s, daggers, and claw gloves. She very skillful with them. As you can see she very stealth and hid in the shadow. So she useful for us.” Price explained.

The front knock and the team look over “Come in!” Price call out. The door open reveal a woman. You wore a black turtleneck, camouflage pants, combat boots, and wore a sharp teeth mask that cover your mouth. Behind your back strap two katanas, on your belt strap two dagger, and on your hand you wore claw gloves.

“Fellas, this is her, Blade.” Price introduced for you. You wave at them saying ‘Hi’ to them. “She not much of a talk but she can communicate with a signal.” Price said. Gaz raise his hand “Yes Gaz?” “There’s another explanation about Blade… does she had six dogs because the files said she has them.” He question.

You turn around slightly pull your mask down then whistle, you pull your mask back up hearing couple of footsteps. Came in are six canines, the team are shock what they’re seeing. Three wolves and three huskies. “Forgot to mention that, she does have them. They are known as The Deadly Canines. Check her files, it said she train them to become her partner. When she was a teenager she found them in the forest and they’re injured. She grew up with them, help them, and train them. General Shepherd found her fascinating so he hired her. That’s all.” Price explained.

——————

Few weeks later, the 141 team are getting used to you, when they’re on the mission you partner them up with your canines so they can help them. When they’re injured your there for them when your close by. When one of your teammates are in danger and separate, one of your canines smell out there scent and attack the enemy from behind with no mercy. It totally shock the team see your canines rip the enemy in such gore way.

After the mission is over you head back to chinook with your canines and teammates heading back to base. The gang watch you cuddling with your canines during a long flight. One of them took pictures of you.

When it’s training time the gang watch you doing your skill with your sharp blades. They’re shock seeing your fighting skills after taking down the practice dummies.

—————————

There you are sitting on the table of the cafeteria eating lunch with your canines who are eating their food from their bowls. Everybody in cafeteria watch you when they pass by, when mens try to flirt you, your canines growl at them and it totally scare the life out of them. So they keep their mind of not getting closer to you or else your canines will rip them in shreds.

But when your teammates get closer to you, your canines are warm up to them finding them friendly. “Hey Y/n, I got a question if that’s okay with you.” Soap said. You nod your head while eating. “Do you… had family back at your home?” You drop your utensils creating a clank sound when you heard his words.

You get up from your seats exiting out the cafeteria and your canines follow you behind leaving your teammates confused.

“Uhhh Soap, maybe you shouldn’t give that kind of question.” Gaz said. “Shit, maybe I should-“ Ghost push him back down on his seat and tell him to give you some space.

“Actually… she has family back at home but… they’re dead.” The gang look at Price what he said. “I check her files yesterday and see some more explanation. Before she found her canines she and her family are kidnapped by the Russian. Her parents are the scientists and the Russians tell them to create a dangerous formula but they refuse. Then they kill her parents right front of her.” He explain.

“So as you can see her canines are her only family left. She and her canines are very closer together.” The gang look each other then get up from their seat exit out the cafeteria to find you. Leaving Price alone but he follow them behind.

———————————

Your in your quarter room laying on the bed cuddling one of your canines and some of them cuddle you to keep you warm. You groan hearing your door knock, you get up from your bed carefully not to bump your canines. You grab your mask from the nightstand you left there before you head to bed.

You open the door reveal your teammates stand front of you. “Hey Y/n, listen I’m sorry what I said back at the cafeteria. Price told us everything about you and we’re sorry for your loss.” Price said.

“Yeah, sorry we didn’t know what happened to them. We didn’t know after Price told us everything.” Gaz said.

“We know how important how family are.” Alejandro said.

“We’re here for you Y/n, no matter the cost. We’re here for you.” Price said.

They didn’t know your lips quiver behind your mask and your eyes are about to water. But Ghost notice bring you closer to him giving you a hug. The others are shock never see Ghost hug before but they join in the hug. They jump in shock hearing your soft whimper but keep on hugging you.

“Th… thank y-you…guys.” They look at you shock hearing you speak. They never hear you speak almost a month and now they heard you speak for the first time.

They smile at you and said in same time “Your welcome Y/n, your like a family to us.” Your canines bark in agreement and they join in the hug.

[worldsfromhoney]

S.A.D.

Masterlist

CW: PTSD

Prompt 10: Sadness

Caretaker only noticed their tattoo shop neighbour was closed when they’re already closing up themselves. As was usual, they were used to having their neighbour’s sign turn on, a neon static wonder lighting the entire street.

They looked over and saw a dead sign. Actually, more than the sign, the shop itself was dead with not a single light inside.

Caretaker frowned. That was not on. They and Whumpee had this established routine—Whumpee would turn on their ostentatious sign and Caretaker would come in to chat with them as customers came in during the night. It was their thing, the only thing about their, er, relationship(?) that was clear cut and defined.

Caretaker glared at the still dead sign as if doing so would make it light and liven the shop as it was prone to do.

It stayed dead, and Caretaker stood like a loon in front of their flower shop, feeling lost.

It was just that … well, for every night since they had the pleasure of making Whumpee’s acquaintance, Caretaker had formed a routine with the young lad. Albeit they always had a furrowed brow and greeted their repeated presence with a defeated sigh, Whumpee had never turned them away.

Caretaker huffed and shook their head. Really. What’s got into them? They’re too old to feel sulky of all things.

But didn’t they have a right to know Whumpee would not be around? A call? A text? Even a note crudely taped on their flower shop’s window would’ve been nice, dammit.

Caretaker wasn’t sulking.

…Ok, they were, and it was only because they didn’t enjoy feeling so lost. It was like the world stopped making sense and won’t Whumpee manifest themself right now here please?

No one showed, and Caretaker deflated. They sighed. No choice then.

Whumpee almost called the cops on Caretaker, but they brought a McDonald’s and it got them through the door.

“Okay, in my defence,” Caretaker said, quickly finding the kitchen and setting shop there. “You didn’t tell me your apartment number.”

“And … you think that justifies you screaming my name in the middle of the night?”

Caretaker was ready to embark on a well-founded explanation on how it wasn’t ‘the middle of the night’ and how they hadn’t really been screaming but stopped.

Something was wrong with Whumpee.

The lad … looked like crap. Under the poor lighting of the apartment, Caretaker could see the deep shadows under their eyes. They’d always been pale, but they were closer to undead now than just a youth who hadn’t been out much. Sweat beaded on their forehead and the ever-present furrow in their brows was deeper than Caretaker had seen them.

“Hey,” Caretaker said softly, coming closer. “What’s with you? Are you sick? I can—”

They had a hand reaching out to take Whumpee’s temperature, but the lad flinched. Caretaker froze and so did Whumpee. They were stuck in that impasse before Caretaker broke it. Gently and with eyes on Whumpee, they drew back their hand. Whumpee watched it with shaking eyes and apprehension. They only let out a breath when it was back by Caretaker’s side.

“O … kay,” Caretaker said, as lost as they were when they saw the dead sign. “What just happened?”

“Nothing,” Whumpee snapped. Then they shook their head and ran a hand down their face. “Sorry, I … It’s been a long day, alright?”

That was a dismissal. Caretaker themself had used the same excuse when their ex-partners wanted to start a fight. Normally, they wouldn’t let it go. Whumpee knew how persistent they were and seemed to brace themself for the questions to come.

Caretaker nodded.

“Okay,” They said and shot them a cheery grin. “You got a guest room?”

Caretaker found out the problem was that very night which was sooner than they’d expected. They were at least ready to annoy Whumpee for five days, max, by turning up at their apartment every night.

When they heard the sobbing, they wished they pushed much sooner.

Caretaker had never been in this apartment, but it wasn’t hard to follow Whumpee’s sobs and cries to the bedroom. The door was ajar and Caretaker bet they wouldn’t’ve heard the sounds if it was closed. Small miracles. Small mercies.

Assuming the sounds came from Whumpee was one thing, and actually seeing their contorted face and figure on the bed was another. They had their tattooed arms over their face, hands convulsing as if—

As if they were being hit. Over and over, a never-ending nightmare they couldn’t get themselves out of.

Their legs were tangled in the blankets and it wasn’t helping with whatever memory Whumpee was reliving. They were thrashing on the bed and thrashed more when Caretaker reached out to them.

The touch didn’t help. At least the brush of it didn’t. But when Caretaker carefully held Whumpee’s wrists and pulled their arms away, they came easily. When Caretaker situated themself behind Whumpee, the lad’s head on their chest, their panicked breathing seemed to ease.

With gentle motions, they rubbed Whumpee’s arms, massaging along the artistry of ink there. They kneaded and repeated the motions over and over until Whumpee was no longer thrashing.

It was a few moments before Whumpee spoke.

“It’s my scars and … and other things,” They said, voice hoarse and so fragile Caretaker could’ve broken them with a single breath. “They ache during the rainy season. That’s — that’s why I closed shop. For a while, anyway.”

And Whumpee could’ve stopped there. Caretaker hadn’t asked for anything more. But Caretaker hadn’t stopped their soothing motions and something in Whumpee broke. The breaking that would lead to something good in the long run.

They told Caretaker everything. About their stunt as an ex-bodyguard for a gentleman turned psychopath. The torture. The beatings. The freedom that only came when their employer had got bored with them.

Throughout this, Whumpee had moved inch by inch till they were curled on Caretaker’s lap. Caretaker had changed their occasional hums to whispering it’s okay, it’s okay, I’m listening in Whumpee’s ear.

And sometimes? That’s all someone needs.

[aestheticdriven]

Under Matthew's facade - part 3

Matthew puts on an air of being breezy and fun and unbothered all the time, but the truth is that he has suffered from anxiety, abandonment issues and poor self-esteem/self-worth since he was a child, that have only grown with the years and became paired with depression as well, specially after the events of Cast Long Shadows. Since he fakes so well even the fandom forgets what lies underneath, I have compiled all the excerpts from the short stories and books that blatantly show on page all the mental health issues he has had since young, and some basic explanations from health and psychology websites about how they came to be, their impact and how the lack of support from his family initiated/aggravated them.

Since there are a lot, I have divided them in 3 parts:

1 - The first trauma: Child abandonment, neglect and parentification (here)

2 - Childhood issues: Cracked self-image and mental health (here)

3 - The “sin”: descent into depression and alcoholism (below)

3 - The “sin”: descent into depression and alcoholism

So, we have seen how Matthew had an unhealthy relationship dynamic with his parents, and how that has impacted his feelings about himself and others in a negative way. He has all the cracked foundations that put him at risk of falling even deeper at the slightest push, and we can all agree that what happened in Cast Long Shadows passes “slight” by a mile (this is actually what this is all about, an exploration of how things ended up like that and how Matthew has been feeling since).

First things first, people are always very quick to villainise Matthew for what happened as if he did it on purpose on a selfish whim, that he should have just known Alastair was lying or should have just asked, but we have already established on part 1 his family was hiding things from him, for absolutely no reason, and treating him badly during it without giving him the context why. Without knowing the reason for something, humans naturally extrapolate from the data they have, and Alastair’s gossip and attack was the only explanation he had for this othering feeling he was experiencing around his family, that he had always experienced (see part 1 for Matthew’s feelings of not belonging), and that had recently gotten much worse for an unknown reason, and being a secret bastard son would be a very plausible reason.

He couldn’t just bring himself to ask either, because his trauma made it very difficult for himself to recognise his own feelings and to voice them to others. He was going to voice his feelings to his friends, but the possibility of upsetting either James or Thomas with it made him stop. He was going to ask his family what was going on instead of giving the potion, but Gideon’s appearance interrupted him, and, without the full context of what was going on, Gideon’s behaviour would seem very upsetting.

Secondly, aside from the fact he was literally 14-15 at the time, Mother Hawthorne tricked him. She preyed on some of the most common human fears and gave him a poison on purpose just because Matthew said his mother was the Consul (neither Matthew or Charlotte had anything to do with the lost herondale, she was just a Consul, and that was enough). Matthew actually thought they were getting along well and bonding over shadowhunters being so brutal. He had talked to downworlders and fairies before and always had good experiences, he was being very welcome at the market, fairies can’t lie, he had no reason to believe the truth potion wasn’t exactly that: a truth potion.

Going deeper than that, we can revert back to the explanations on neglect and parentification to have more insight on why Matthew bonded with her so quickly. One of the consequences of those things is something called Disinhibited social engagement disorder, which is “an attachment condition characterized by difficulty forming emotional bonds with others and a lack of inhibition around strangers. The condition tends to occur in young children who have experienced neglect, trauma, abandonment, or abuse.” 

Basically, the foundation of their relationship inside their family is so dysfunctional, they pass the unmet needs for trust and security inside the family to others. “Kids who have DSED aren’t afraid of strangers. In fact, they are so comfortable around unfamiliar people that they wouldn’t think twice about climbing into a stranger’s car or accepting an invitation to a stranger’s home. This uninhibited friendliness can become a serious safety problem if the disorder is left untreated.”

Common symptoms of disinhibited social engagement disorder include:

Excessively familiar physical and verbal behavior toward unfamiliar adults

Lack of checking in with parents or caregivers

Lack of social boundaries

Minimal inhibition around strangers

Willingness to go with strangers with little or no hesitation

Another site mentions the same symptoms of DSED that extends to teenager years:

Not shy when meeting new people

Not afraid of strangers

Overly friendly and intimate even with strangers

Enjoy going out or sharing secrets with strangers and unknown adults instead of their primary caregiver or parents

May behave rudely to or ignore their primary caregiver or parents

James remarks on his first thoughts about Matthew in Nothing But Shadows: he is the life of parties, he will talk to grown ups as if he was a grown up and stop babies from crying, everybody liked Matthew. He has no fear or shame talking to others, not even grown ups, not even people he doesn’t know. In Cast Long Shadows, all he says to Jem about being at the Market is that he met “some very agreeable fairies” that invited him and he decided to go. He was dancing with other fairies he didn’t know, he was flirting with the warlock lady he also didn’t know, he immediately opened up to Mother Hawthorne even not knowing her at all, even his overly familiar behaviour with Jem (calling him uncle Jem, kissing him on the cheek, asking him about his personal life) even without having met him before and only hearing about from him from the Herondales was overly familiar (even Matthew remarks on that, though Jem reassures him, as seen on part 2).

Even Jem remarks that this isn’t usual behaviour, though he chalks it to all the kids being overprotected, but James, Lucie, Thomas or Kit don’t go as far as this, so even amidst his sheltered friends, we can see there’s something more pathologic about the way Matthew bonds and clings to strangers so readily.

Jem prayed disaster never came, but it did come. It culminated from all the things we have seen so far into Matthew putting a drop of the truth potion in the scones’ dough and it turning out to be poison (side comment, but what a powerful poison, one drop divided in the dough of all those scones did all that jfc Mother Hawthorne is insane).

Matthew doesn’t shy away from what he did either, he knows it was wrong, but he goes overboard. He makes himself the sole villain and scum of the Earth for it. He can’t see the bigger picture of what led to that moment, and can’t even give Alastair and Mother Hawthorne their just places in it by being a bully and tricking a child, he can only see himself:

It was the breaking point for someone that already believed he was a waste of space, inferior to all others, specially his family, and unworthy of all, even his friends (see part 2). The self-loathing and guilt consumed him and enhanced all the things he had always felt, making him fall completely into depression there on the spot. He couldn’t even accept comfort from his friends, or anyone else, he had always felt he was a fool, but now he also felt he was a monster, and didn’t deserve to be near the people he loved that were so full of light. He wished his father - whom he loves so much - would kill him for this:

*******

*******

*****

********

*******

*******

He will be chocking on horror for years. That was his last happy day. Matthew sunk into a depression so deep he is still in the depths of it to this day: no matter how much he pretends he is having fun or being happy, at the end of the day it’s only that: pretend.

But he is still only human, and still only a child. He wants people, he wants to be loved. He needs people. He “had never wanted to be alone in his life”. So he can’t conceive doing the only thing that might actually help put this behind him and help him heal: tell others. He is sure if he does, everyone will abandon him, and he will truly be alone forever, because he “knew he could not be forgiven”, so he can’t do it.

**********

And as he couldn’t tell people, it cemented even more the fact that that was his last happy day, because now he has to hide and carry this alone forever and he probably thinks about it every time he is with his friends or his family. And that was the last thread of his sanity gone The change was noticeable immediately, as we see from Anna’s pov in Every Exquisite Thing. It only took a few days after this for him to sink so deep into depression he turned to drinking, because it was the only thing that could dull his thoughts and make him forget:

*******

*******

We don’t get Matthew’s pov in TLH (and this all put together is probably exactly the reason why), but the consequences of this are still perfectly clear: the alcoholism that, as much as they try to ignore, Lucie still comments on many times and James, too, the deteriorating relationship with his parents that culminates in him leaving home to live alone, him only choosing relationships with people bad for him and that can’t really love him (Kellington, for example), being distant but still wanting to care for his friends, etc. 

So this is just something to think about in relation to Matthew and what made him the way he is and what impacts his character arc and his decisions. There’s a lot to unpack, but I just think it’s necessary to really see the complex and necessary character he is. There’s honestly a lot more I could put in these but they already got way too long, so that’s all for this Matthew analysis.

[deadlyleomidget]

Hello! Recently, i read one of your miyuki fanfiction tittle' More than a Shadow'. It's totally interesting with beautiful storyline and i like it so much!! If you don' t mind i have request can you make a story about all Seido team including managers go to beach outside summer tournament to spend their free time. During at the time, there are random guys try to hit on Azusa at the beach and I was wondering what miyuki reaction. I hope you accept my request and doing well in your life as well as continuing this story.

P.S. Sorry if my request sounds cringey to you and out of the topic.🙇🙏

Hi Mimioshine! I hope all is well with you. I’m so glad that you like ‘More Than a Shadow!’ Thanks for the request. It was not cringey at all. It was fun to write and it gave me the chance to include a beach scene like a quintessential shoujo anime lol. My apologies for the delay. I hope you enjoy what I came up with. Happy New Year! 

“Bakamura, don’t go running off so you don’t get lost!” Azusa yelled after the southpaw started running toward the ocean along with Furuya and Kominato. The team decided to go to the beach on their day off before the summer tournament started as a way to relax and decompress from the grueling summer training. 

“She’s right!” Isaski exclaimed in agreement. “We don’t want to be looking for three first years on our one day off.” 

Miyuki snickered. “That also goes for you, Azu-chan,” he teased the manager. 

Azusa glared at him. “I. Don’t. Get. Lost.” 

“Then why do we always find you with those three?” The elder Kominato brother pointed out. 

The manager clenched her fists. “Just because they get lost doesn’t mean that I do.” 

The third years along with Miyuki and Kuramochi just laughed at her explanation while the manager grumbled away. 

“Don’t worry Azu-chan, I’ll make sure to keep an eye on you,” the catcher said in a faux reassuring tone before leaving her behind. 

Azusa pouted while crossing her arms across her chest. That was not what she had in mind when Miyuki said that he would keep an eye on her. She had been excited to go to the beach not only because she thought it was a great chance for everyone to do something fun outside of baseball. But also because she wanted to show off her new bathing suit to Miyuki. She looked down at her white bikini that she was showcasing by letting her yellow hoodie unzipped in disappointment. She was hoping that he would notice it and compliment her on it. But that seemed like a pipe dream now. It seems like she was not impressive enough for him. 

“Narumiya-san!” she heard Sachiko call out her name. “Stop moping and come here to help us cut the watermelon!”

“H-hai!” Azusa said before running towards Sachiko who was with the rest of the managers sitting on a big blue blanket underneath an umbrella of the same color. She quickly sat down to help them out in silence. She figured that it would distract her from the pang of disappointment that she was feeling. She should be okay if she focused on that along with the noises from the waves crashing, the chatter from the entire team who were either swimming or burying each other in the sand, or the seagulls above her. 

“Your swimsuit is very cute, Azusa-san,” Haruno kindly complimented her. 

Azusa gave her a small smile before slicing her piece of watermelon “Thanks Haruno. Your swimsuit is very cute as well,” she replied, nodding at her plaid pink and white bikini. 

“Yes, it looks very good on you!” Takako exclaimed. “Is it new?” 

“Not that new,” the blonde nonchalantly. “Your swimsuit is very pretty too. Red is definitely your color!” Azusa complimented, pointing at Takako’s red bikini. 

Takako smiled back. “Thanks!” 

“So are we not going to mention how weird it is that she is quiet and nice today?” Sachiko pointed out teasingly. 

Azusa narrowed her eyes at her senpai. “We were having a nice supportive girl moment, Sachiko-senpai,” she deadpanned. 

Yui giggled. “That was actually a mature comment from you, Narumiya-san.” 

“Should we play a game after we’re done slicing the watermelon?” Haruno proposed, trying to dissipate the tension. 

“That’s a good idea!” Takako exclaimed. 

“What should we play?” Sachiko asked, forgetting about picking on Azusa. 

“I forgot I brought a beach ball!” Haruno said, grabbing her bag from behind her where she had the multicolor beach ball. 

“You’re the best Haruno!” Yui smiled. “Should we invite some of the boys?” 

“Absolutely not!” Sachiko shook her head vehemently. “Most of them suck when it comes to playing anything other than baseball.” 

Takako giggled. “Sachiko is right. We don’t want to have any injured players right in the middle of the summer tournament.” 

“That would be the worst nightmare,” Azusa pointed out, getting her long blonde hair out of her ponytail to readjust it. “Let’s just let them be,” she added, sparing a glance towards at them. It seemed like Sawamura and Furuya were up to something dumb again and Miyuki was laughing at them as usual. 

After reaching their decision, they put all the sliced watermelon on sealed tupperware for those who wanted to eat and made their way to an empty space on the beach. They divided into two teams: Sachiko, Yui, and Takako Vs. Haruno and Azusa. At first, Takako wanted to join the first year girls, saying that it wasn’t fair to gang up on them. But Azusa refused. She felt as if they were pitied and she hated that. Fifteen minutes later, she sorta regretted it because as sweet as Haruno was, she was the most clumsy girl ever. How did she allow her pride to make her forget about that ? At this rate, there was no way that she was going to win against her senpai. 

“Seems like you two need some help there?” Azusa heard an unfamiliar masculine voice say. 

“Huh?” she turned around and was met with a pair of bright green eyes that belonged to a handsome guy with short sandy brown hair. He looked as he worked out since she could tell that he had a toned physique underneath his blue pullover and his matching blue swimming trunks. He shot her a cute boyish smile which unnerve her a bit. “W-what do you want?” the blonde manager asked. “And who are you?” she also added with skepticism. 

“Azusa-san, that’s not nice,” Haruno lightly chastised. 

“Please forgive her manners,” Takako said to the stranger in an apologetic tone. 

The stranger shook his head with a small smile. “No, it’s okay,” he said. “I apologize. I can see why I made her uncomfortable,” the handsome stranger added. “My name is Takeru and I just noticed that her team seems to be at a disadvantage,” Takeru introduced himself while glancing at Azusa. 

Azusa took a small step back. “And why would you think that?” she narrowed her eyes at  Takeru. “Do you think we’re losing or something?” she added in annoyance.

Takeru chuckled. “No, it’s not that,” he said amused. “Your team has two people while their team has three. That is all.” 

“Oh,” the manager blushed in embarrassment. 

“And you want to help them, like a knight in white shining armor, Takeru-kun?” Sachiko asked in a teasing tone. 

“I would love to if you guys would have me,” Takeru replied. 

“But it wouldn’t be fair if their team has a guy in it and not ours,” Yui fake pouted. 

“Yui!” Takako chastised. 

“Yeah, we would finally have an even number of players,” Azusa pointed out, oblivious. 

Takeru ignored that comment. “I have another friend who might be interested in playing,” he pointed out towards the far left where another guy was sitting under a green umbrella. He waved at his friend so he could come over. 

“Now, that’s more interesting,” Sachiko said with a smirk as the other friend was coming over. He had shaggy dirty blonde hair and a similarly toned physique. 

‘Why would Sachiko-senpai care so much about having an even number of players? Maybe she is more competitive than she lets on!,’ Azusa thought but decided not to dwell too much on that. She had a volleyball game to win after all. 

A while later, the match was becoming more intense as they were now even. Not the ideal situation as Azusa would hope but it was certainly better than losing. While Haruno’s volleyball skills have not improved, Takeru and his friend Kei made it up two-fold. She had to admit that they were a good team. 

“Take this!” she exclaimed, throwing the ball a little too hard. So hard that it went all the way towards another group of people. 

“Good one!” Kei exclaimed, high-fiving Azusa. 

Yui groaned. “We have to go get it quick,” she said, running back. 

Sachiko grinned. “Yes, we need to go get the ball quick,” she said in agreement and took Takako’s hand. “You should come too Takako-senpai,” Sachiko added, without letting Takako say anything in response. 

Azusa blinked in confusion. “Do all three of them need to go at the same time?” 

Takeru and Kei chuckled in response. 

Haruno gasped. “Maybe they all left to come up with a strategy against us!” 

“You’re absolutely right, Haruno! Azusa widened her eyes in disbelief. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of that sooner.” 

“Well, whatever that is I’m sure we can beat it,” Takeru said confidently while Azusa nodded. 

“In the meanwhile, we should recharge. What about getting a drink?” Kei suggested. 

“That’s a great idea!” Haruno said. “We have some water bottles. Want some?” she offered. 

“Sure!” both guys said in unison. 

“I can come to help you,” Kei offered. 

“Oh thank you!” Haruno smiled at him. “Azusa-san, I’m going to be right back,” she said, turning to the blonde manager. With that, she left for where they are staying along with Kei. 

“You and your friends are very fun,” Takeru said with a small smile. 

Azusa chuckled awkwardly. “You think so?” she replied. “I always think that we’re too much at times. Maybe because of what we do.” 

“What do you mean?” Takeru asked in curiosity. 

“We’re managers,” Azusa replied in a matter of fact tone. “So we’re always busy and on the go.” 

“So you’re sports team manager? That’s really cool.” 

Azusa blushed, averting her gaze. “You think so? Thanks.” 

“Are you kidding me? I’d be the luckiest guy in the planet if I had a manager as pretty as you,” he said smoothly. 

Azusa blinked several times. She then laughed nervously. “I… Uh… I don’t know about that,” she said awkwardly. “You’re too nice,” the manager tried to sound somewhat normal. Why was he saying these things and what was she supposed to say back? 

‘Haruno please save me.’ 

“Azusa!” she heard someone call out her name. But instead of Haruno’s voice, it turned out to be a masculine voice. An overly familiar masculine voice for that matter. 

She turned around, somewhat grateful for the distraction, to meet Miyuki who was approaching her and Takeru. 

“Hi, Miyuki-senpai,” she greeted him with a small wave but then stopped when she noticed his demeanor. His cheeky smile from earlier was long gone and now he looked rather serious with the playfulness gone from his eyes. 

She noticed that he glanced over at Takeru and then back at her. “Are you okay?” he asked, staring into her blue eyes. 

Azusa knitted her eyebrows in confusion. “Why are you asking me that?” 

“Umemoto-san said that some guys were bothering you so I came to check on you,” Miyuki replied, sparing a glance (or more like a glare) towards Takeru. 

“Bothering me?” Azusa exclaimed incredulously. 

‘What’s wrong with Sachiko-senpai? Making stuff up like that.’ 

“Yes, that’s what she said,” Miyuki reiterated. “Is this guy bothering you? You were looking very uncomfortable.” 

“What? No!” she exclaimed, trying to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. Why did he have to know her body language so well? 

“I’m sorry, but who are you?” Takeru asked, also confused by the situation. 

“That’s the same question that I had for you,” Miyuki replied curtly. 

‘Now, what’s wrong with him? He’s not aggressive like this,’ the manager thought to herself. 

Takeru took a step back and then glanced at Azusa. “Are you with him by any chance?” 

“Well… Yes. We came to the beach together along with them,” she pointed towards Sachiko, Takako, and Yui. Along with the rest of the team that was frolicking in the water but Azusa wasn’t sure if that part was also clear. 

Takerui took a step back while he shook his head. “I’m sorry man, I didn’t know that she was already taken. No worries, I’m leaving,” he added, putting up his arms in the air as if he signaling that he is giving up. He turned on his heel and walked in the opposite direction. 

“Taken?” Azusa whispered to herself. 

Miyuki let out a deep exhale. “At least, that’s taken care of.” 

“But now it seems like he thinks that we’re dating,” the manager pointed out, turning towards the catcher. 

Miyuki shrugged. “So?” he replied nonchalantly. 

“So…I… Uh-” 

“Do you care?” he asked, narrowing his brown eyes at her. 

Azusa immediately shook her head. “No, of course not.” 

“I don’t care either,” Miyuki said. “Now, let’s go. You can’t be all alone looking like that.” 

Azusa glared at him. “Looking like what? What’s wrong with how I’m dressed?” 

Miyuki gave her a glance over. “Like this,” he motioned at her bikini. 

“What’s wrong with my bikini?” she asked again, this time around in a more timid tone. Did she really look that bad? 

The catcher ran his fingers through his brown locks. “Nothing is wrong with you,” he replied in a sheepish tone and then averted his gaze. “You… You…,” he stammered, still not facing her. “You look cute in your bikini, okay? And that means that a lot of guys are all over you. So it’s best if you stick with me… For safety purposes of course.” 

Azusa’s heart skipped a beat when she heard utter the words “cute.” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. 

“You think I look cute?” she asked giddily. 

Miyuki grumbled as a small blush made it’s way across his face. “I already said that you did,” he said, crossing his arms across his chest. 

“I just wanted to make sure,” she giggled. 

“Well, now you did. So let’s go,” he motioned for her to follow him. 

“We’re leaving for my safety… Ne?’ 

Miyuki let out an exasperated sigh as he narrowed his eyes at her. “You sure like making me repeat myself this afternoon,” he said in a half- teasing tone. 

“I just wanted to make sure,” she teased back. 

“Of course,” he deadpanned. 

“And Miyuki-senpai?” 

“Yes?” 

“You wouldn’t happen to be jealous… Right?” Azusa asked in a cheeky tone. 

Miyuki promptly turned around.

“We’re leaving!” 

[pbandjesse]

I felt a little better today. I am glad that I was able to have a lot to focus on. It was a good day.

I slept pretty well last night. But I woke up with painful sinuses again. And almost as soon as I got up I had a horrendous nose bleed s d felt super grossed out and upset. But I pulled it together. I got dressed. And while my hair was very soft it was a little dirty. I would wash it tonight.

James drove us passed the school I have the outreach at tomorrow so I could feel less anxious. It did make us run a little late to work. We still stopped for breakfast. Which made me feel better about stuff.

It was a nice morning. I didn't start until 9. I would sit in the back and eat my breakfast and chatted with Stanley. I told him about the backdoor that was upsetting me. And we just talked about life and family. It was cathartic to chat about.

And then it was time to start getting ready for my programs. We had needles and then a cannery. Estelle was leading. And O'Malley and Becca we're shadowing is. And it was a fun day! I got all materials set up. Estelle gassed me up and talked about how much she liked my set up. And it was just a nice little morning.

When the group got there they were a little early. I had my crochet with me and while the kids were dropping off their coats and using the bathroom the main teacher asked if I was going to show them crochet today. And I said I wasn't but she asked if I could give them like a five minute explanation and I checked with Estelle and she said she would leave time for it. So I was looking forward to sharing that later.

And the kids were so lovely. I was able to make two squares during Estelle's intro. And the actual program with sewing went great. Becca was very helpful having her tie knots for the kids. And it was fun. Even the parents jumped in.

After Estelle finished her closing I got to speak to everyone about the history of crochet I just learned. And I talked about how we learned about how clothes are joined today but there are processes for making textiles. I talked about weaves and wefts. And showed them how I make chains and create my pieces. I know I don't do it exactly correctly but I do it consistently so I don't really want to call it wrong anymore. It was really nice to be able to share with the kids!

They went to lunch next. And we put away the program. Surprisingly quick. We had our own lunch and shared pictures with each other. O'Malley made a TikTok about their hair cut. They looked great. Estelle showed us her grandson. It was fun.

The cannery went really well! I had some issues with the printing processes but the kids I had up there were so super sweet. My store was a little messy because the kids were super chatty. But it was still fun and I had a really nice time.

I went to run up to the front desk to give James a break but they were already in the break room. So I gave them a hug and we walked to the front together.

Where very soon we were taken over with kids buying stuff for the giftshop. Me, James, and Mike were a pretty good team getting all the kids checked out. But it was a stressful 20 minutes.

Once everyone was done I had some downtime. Worked on my crochet. James went to a meeting. Becca would come and ask what to do and I asked if they could start bringing boxes down for me to load in my car for the program tomorrow. And then Jordan and Joel came and hung out with me after their tours. We talked about history and tried to figure out who has the largest collection of lightbulbs in the world. We still aren't sure but we did find that the largest light is in Edison New Jersey.

Once James came back I went to find Jessica and we started loading up my car. I moved it to the front and Joel would help load everything in. And it was a little stressful but we got them all in there and even had room for James in front seat. Jessica did think it was funny we had a squishmallow buckled in in the backseat. But we got the car loaded and everything was good to go.

I would get everything done and soon James was finishing up all of the stuff they had to do before we could head out.

I had to drive because of how we loaded the boxes, we had to move the seat most of the way up. But that was fine.

I drove us out to the gas station. James filled our tank. They got a little upset because our giant card points apparently expired so we didn't get the discount we should have. But it is okay.

We went home. And got cleaned up. I laid in bed for a bit. James read their book. And then we were off again.

We went to the nice Greek restaurant to meet James's highschool mentor, Mr Brad. And it was such a nice dinner! Mr Brad is a great guy. A sweetheart. And we got baked feta and falafel and they got fish and pork and I got a spinach flat bread. I didn't really like my flat bread but I enjoyed the company.

We talked about James's friends that Mr Brad mentored as well. And about the children Mr Brad is fostering. And about our wedding and I got to share some photos and it was really nice. Also Isaac Chang was one of the waiters in the restaurant so it was nice to see him.

We got great Greek desserts. Baclava and a puff pastry dessert with cream brulee filling and raspberries and it was so good. Everything has honey on it. It was great.

I was getting a little tired though. And Mr Brad had to pick up the youngest kid from the babysitter. Hugs all around and time to go.

When we got to the parking lot we saw a fox! Apparently Johns Hopkins campus has been having foxes lately and that really neat! It was cool to see.

I was happy to go home though. It was a nice ride back. And when we got back here I loved on Sweetp. And made sure the aquatics were fed. And then I washed my hair.

It was a very good shower and I am feeling good. Very sleepy but good. I think James is already asleep. I will join them soon.

I am nervous about tomorrow! It's a Montessori school. And it's barely 10 minutes from us. So hopefully it will just be easy and smooth and a lot of fun.

Fingers crossed. I hope my nose doesn't hurt so much tonight. I hope you all sleep well. Take care of yourself! Goodnight!!

[merakiaes]

Hate You, Hate You Not - Armitage Hux

Pairing: General Armitage Hux x reader

Requested: By anon. 

Prompts: #1 & #58 from the fluff-list. 

Warnings/notes: (SHOULD I MAKE A PART 2 WITH MORE ROMANCE IN IT?) This ended up being much longer than I planned so it's most likely very boring and dull😭 Might be a bit, if not a lot, out of character since this is kinda my test-run for Hux and Star Wars in general. Getting the characters mannerisms in might take some practice. Not proofread so I apologize in advance for any mistakes. This is the first time ever that I write for Star Wars and the first time in like 5-6 months that I’m writing in general so I’m a bit rusty. Please reblog and leave comments to keep my motivation going and let me know if you’d like to be added to a Star Wars taglist <3 

Wordcount: 5632

Summary: One of Kylo Ren’s many tantrums results in your room being inhabitable for a night, which in turn results in you having to share a room - and bed - with the person you hate the most. 

Everyone who had ever, at some point in their lives, worked alongside Kylo Ren in his quest to bring the Order to power, knew how much of a hassle and inconvenience his temper, or lack thereof, could be.

Not much was needed for him to lose his cool and it happened on a much too frequent basis than what was considered normal for a man in his early 30s, at least according to you.

Of course, however, you couldn’t actually tell him that, nor could you think it, with the risk of him probing your mind.

So every time he came back from a failed mission and completely obliterated your hard work, you could do nothing but bite your tongue, clear your head and repair the damages like you’d done oh, so many times before.

That’s what you got for being one of the highest-ranked engineers of the Order, you supposed.

But on this day you would’ve, for the first time in your life, very much preferred to repair the damages left behind by your tantrum-prone leader like you always did. Because if that punishment had to be compared to the one you were now facing, you would’ve chosen the former without even a shadow of a doubt.

But, unfortunately, that was not an option this time around, as the room that had fallen victim to the sizzling beam of Kylo Ren’s lightsaber was your bedroom.

Well, not originally, of course, but sparks had flown from the totaled control panels and a piece of supposedly fireproof metal scrap had caught on fire before you and the other engineers reached the room for a damage-control, starting of as a small flame and then proceeding to spread like wildfire as fire did, in ways completely unbeknownst to you as, like already mentioned, the place was supposed to be safe from fires.  

The licking flames had managed to melt through several walls before you got to the scene, and one of those walls was the wall to your bedroom.

It was late when it happened, only fifteen minutes before you were supposed to end your shift, and as you were on the verge of having a mental fucking breakdown, you personally requested an audience with Kylo and were granted permission by him after a very carefully-worded explanation to start early in the morning.

But that only took care of one of your problems, and only temporarily at that. Now you were left with the issue of finding other sleeping accommodations since your room was currently not habitable. You had no choice but to ask for another room and, of course, Hux thought that to be the perfect time to crack a sarcastic joke about throwing you into one of the prisoner cells.

You had never, in all your years of being alive, glared so fiercely at another human being as you did then. And in your moment of anger, you accidentally let your walls down and let your thoughts run freely through your head – your annoyance directed at the General, but also at Kylo Ren, being exposed.

You felt it before you saw it – that little prickle in your head, that little sting of your mind being probed – and only a second later, Kylo Ren turned his masked head in your direction, walked up to you with patronizingly slow steps and spoke:

“I think you’ll find that General Hux’s quarters will suffice for the night, until repairs can be done to your own. He has more than enough space for both of you.”

He turned his head to look at the baffled man standing behind him, all of the attitude he had previously been harboring against you now completely melted away.

“Isn’t that right, General?” Kylo continued asking, giving him the time he needed to regain his composure.

The general in question had never been very good at holding his tongue, not even when receiving orders from superiors, and was quick to protest.

As anyone would’ve been able to guess, that didn’t go very well, and you weren't even gonna try hiding the satisfaction you got from seeing Hux be force-choked against a wall for speaking out of turn.

No matter how good both of you were at hiding your spiteful thoughts toward him, Kylo knew how much the two of you hated him. And more than anything, he knew how much you hated each other.

Kylo had become very predictable to you during the time you had been there and you knew his ways good enough to know that he wouldn’t have wasted petty energy in putting the two most hateful people he knew in the same room if he hadn’t been pushed to do so.

You knew that you weren’t the reason in this scenario, despite the fact that he had probably felt your spite directed towards him, which only left one option; and that option was the bitter, infuriatingly stubborn ginger currently walking by your side.

You glanced at him from the corner of your eye and glared, clenching and unclenching your fists at your sides in the same manner you had been doing ever since Kylo had ruled his decision final and dismissed you for the night.

His eyes remained trained on the metallic corridor that seemed to be stretched out for miles in front of you and your blood boiled at the sight.

You would’ve lost your shit if he’d had the nerve to even consider looking at you after putting you in this situation, but at the same time, you were also on the verge of losing your shit about him having the audacity to ignore you.

You wanted to scream at him like you’d never screamed at anyone before, but you knew that doing that would only fuel the petty grudge Kylo had against the two of you and give him more ways to cause you torment. The only thing you and the general would ever have in common was not wanting that.

But still, what harm could a tiny bit of friendly banter do?

“You just couldn’t help yourself, could you, Armitage?” The question you’d been sucking on for the past few minutes finally slipped out into the air, making your anger known.

“Don’t call me that.”

“My apologies.” You sarcastically shot back with a dry laugh. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you, general?”

“No, it was awfully tempting.” Was all that he replied, his eyes not once flickering and neither his stone-cold scowl nor fast-paced stride faltering.

Well, you might have absolutely despised each other but in the very least, you never bothered lying to each other. That had to count for something, right? Not that either of you cared.

No more words were exchanged, and that was probably for the best. Engineers and stormtroopers all moved out of your way as the two of you marched through the corridors, side by side, knowing better at this point than to get on your bad sides when you were together and this obviously angry both with each other and in general.

Soon enough, you finally reached the corridor in which Hux’s sleeping quarters were located and once the mechanic doors slid open, you pushed yourself past him into the room before he even got the chance to react.

He fumed behind you as he watched you make yourself at home, dropping your dirty jacket on his perfectly made bed.

“You’ll take the floor, then?” You asked as you turned around, crossing your arms over your chest and shooting him a forced smile.

“Hardly.” He spat, eyes narrowing, and you scoffed, rolling your eyes in return.

“You must be a real hit with the ladies with those manners.”

At that, he stepped further into his room, allowing the sensory-triggered door to shut behind him, successfully shutting the two of you in together.

“I don’t have time for fooling around with women.” He spat out the last word with such malice that you automatically raised an eyebrow.

“Well, that explains it.” You mused, the corner of your lip tugging upwards ever so slightly.

“Explains what, exactly?” His eyes narrowed further, and this time it was his turn to cross his arms.

“That stick you have up your ass.” You wasted no time in shooting back, and before he got a chance to reply, you continued. “I know this might be news to you seeing as you’re, well, you, but gentlemen are supposed to sacrifice their comfort and offer themselves to take the floor when a lady, due to unfortunate circumstances, is forced to stay in their room.”

You sarcastically smiled at him and sank down his bed, something that he, judging by the snarl overtaking his face, didn’t appreciate.

“You, a lady? That will be the day.” He scoffed. “Even calling you a woman is a stretch with your mannerisms.”

You could only roll your eyes.

“Well, I’m not sharing a bed with you.” The glare that had temporarily been exchanged for a teasing smirk returned to your face. “I’d rather share a bed with Millicent.”

As you said that, you picked up a single strand of cat hair from his bed, held it up for further inspection and raised your lip in disgust.

He stared at you dead serious, hands clasped behind his back and eyes burning holes into the side of your face.

“You’re allergic to cats.” He pointed out, making your head whip back around to face him with a glare equally as fierce as the one you were met with.

“Yes, that’s my point.” You deadpanned. “But it would seem that said point just went right over your thick-skulled head.”

“Do you think I am any happier about this than you are?” He scowled, and you stood up, slowly approaching him and coming to a stop right in front of him.

He took a small step back, a move that made your lip tug upward ever so slightly. The fact that he was so obviously not as tough as he wanted people to believe gave you a special kind of satisfaction and he knew it, judging by the way he only turned stiffer after that.

“You should be.” You smiled sweetly at him, keeping your eyes connected to his. “Because you’re sure as hell lucky I haven’t choked the life out of you yet for getting us into this situation in the first place.”

He glared and you glared right back, challenging, no, daring him to fight back. You knew that he wanted to, you could see that he wanted to, but in the end, not even he was that stupid.

So he said nothing, and once you realized you had finally managed to successfully back him into a corner, you backed away from him again and plastered on another forced, overly sweet smile.

“Now, I need to take a shower. I reek of burnt plastic.” You stated flatly and pushed past him, making a beeline for the one extra door in the room that you could only assume was his bathroom.  

You heard the squeak of his shoes rubbing against the floor as he quickly turned around behind you, and then came the determined steps and the proximity of his body closing in on you. However, before he got the chance to object or reach you, you entered his bathroom and slammed the door shut in his face, smiling contently to yourself as you listened to the muffled string of curses that followed.

You didn’t spend any more time thinking about it, though, not wasting any time before doing what you came in there to do.

You got out of your horrid-smelling clothes, released your equally as nasty-smelling hait from its ponytail and stepped into the shower.

If there was one thing you appreciated a little extra about living at the Starkiller Base, it was that everyone used the same scented soap. Because that meant that you wouldn’t have to go around smelling specifically like Hux, but rather just like you always smelled.

Once you finished washing your hair and body, you had to stop and think for a bit.

Your clothes obviously still reeked and needed a proper wash before they could be worn again, and you obviously couldn’t go naked.

After much thought back and forth, you finally settled with your own leggings as they were the one piece of clothing from your previous attire that smelled the least of smoke, and a plain black, long-sleeved undershirt that you found in a pile of Hux’s clean laundry.

Once you vad gotten dressed, braided your hair and re-entered the bedroom accompanied by a stream of steam, you found it to be empty, Hux nowhere in sight.

You couldn’t deny that you wondered where he’d gone off to, but you shook your head free of his face pretty quickly, settling with believing that he just went to take his frustration out on some poor stormtrooper or low-rank intern like he so often did when things didn’t go his way, much like Kylo Ren beat the shit out of any control panel he could get his hands on.

While you awaited his return, you occupied yourself with going around the room and lighting the small night-lamps like you normally did in your own room before going to bed.

That obviously didn’t take long, however, so you were soon enough once again left alone with your boredom and started walking around the room, inspecting all of Hux’s belongings.

You realized pretty quickly that he was not a person to whom inanimate things had much sentimental value, as he definitely didn’t have much to his name aside from the basic interior that all of the sleeping quarters on the base had.

He had a ring on his drawer, a few books in one of his two bookshelves while the other stood empty, a small bed in a corner for his cat, clothes in his wardrobe, and that was pretty much it. He had no pictures of family, no real personal belongings that could signify any kind of emotional value.

But then again, who did in these parts?

“Is that my shirt?”

You jumped when you heard the sudden voice behind you, quickly turning around where you stood twirling the ring you had found in the light of the lamp standing beside you.

Your eyes found his form immediately, shocked meeting stern.

“Why are you wearing my shirt?” He almost instantly repeated himself when not getting a reply the first time, slowly beginning to walk in your direction with his hands clasped behind his back.

You quickly put the ring back down on the dresser and turned towards him, regaining your composure.

“Well, if you hadn’t noticed, my room and everything in it was burnt to a crisp. The smokey smell on my clothes was giving me a headache and kind of would have ruined the purpose of taking a shower so when I just so conveniently noticed a pile of clean clothes, I helped myself.” You shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal, and to you, it wasn’t.

Hux, however, didn’t seem amused in the slightest.

“Yes, you seem to have a habit of thinking you’re entitled to everything you want.” He spat back at you, coming to a stop while there was still a good amount of distance between the two of you.

Any chill you had previously had melted right off and your annoyance quickly returned at the sound of his words.

“Oh, do excuse me. I just thought one headache would be enough.” You retorted and rolled your eyes, before sighing and crossing your arms over your chest. “So, how are we doing this? It’s late and I need to be up early to see to the repairs.”

“I thought that I made myself clear.” Hux was quick to scoff, his glare not faltering for as much as a second. “I’m not giving you my bed.”

Once again, all you could do was roll your eyes. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to suck it up then.” You stated flatly and sat down on the bed, wasting no time in starting to divide the pillows into two piles rather than one.

You took a few seconds to adjust the pillows to suit your needs before looking back up, eyebrow raised at the fact that he had yet to say or do anything.

Your eyes once again met his and you almost laughed out loud at the sight you were faced with, but thankfully managed to control yourself and avoid making the situation even harder than it already was.  

Long story short, Hux had never looked more horrified than he did in that moment.

He basically looked at you like you had killed his cat, and that was putting it lightly.

You took a few seconds to just enjoy watching him squirm and silently scramble to make sense of the situation, but even you knew when enough was enough and raised a questioning eyebrow at him in an attempt to get him moving.

“Well? What’s it going to be?” You asked. “It’s either this or the floor, just like it was for me.”

Hux opened his mouth, hesitated, and then closed it again. He obviously hadn’t been expecting you to actually agree on sharing his bed with him and now that you had, he was left at loss for words as he clearly hadn’t been preparing for anything other than you sleeping on the floor.

But after a good moment of just standing there and looking like an idiot, he finally picked himself back up, squared his shoulders and walked around the bed to the other side with frustrated strides and a snarling lip.

The feigned confidence melted right off, however, when he reached his destination and awkwardly shuffled into bed while simultaneously avoiding your amused and mocking stare, silently grabbing the extra blanket that was folded upon his bedside table.  

Both of you laid down on your backs and a heavy silence fell like a thick blanket over the room. The only sound you could hear for a few moments were each other’s breaths and your own heartbeats. For a moment, only for a microscopical moment, you were actually on your way to admit to yourself that it was kind of nice.

But that thought went flying out the window just as quickly as it had knocked on the door of your mind when Hux broke the silence by beginning to adjust himself to get ready to sleep, and in the process of doing so made the active choice to tug the pillows from right under your head.

The back of your head hit the mattress with a soft thump and you closed your eyes, your lips pulling into a straight, tight line and one, sharp breath being released through your nose as you attempted to keep your cool.

You took a moment to calm down, before you turned your head to his side of the bed where he now laid with his back to you and tugged the pillows back – maybe with a little too much force than necessary.

Hux had quickly rolled over to his other side to take them back and in anger and an eagerness to get to sleep, you exclaimed: “Stop stealing the pillows!”

He met you with a stare cold enough to have anyone else shaking in their boots and spat back. “They’re my pillows.”

You grumbled under your breath and let go of one of the two pillows, letting him pull it back to his side while you held on to the last one.

You stared at each other for a moment, both of you eventually coming to a silent, mutual agreement that you were too tired to fight and therefore he'd let you keep the pillow you were holding on to as if your life depended on it.

He, once again, laid down and turned his back to you, his hands holding on to the pillows under his head while you struggled to get comfortable again, this time with only one pillow.

“Why is your bed so damn hard?” You muttered under your breath as you angrily shoved your elbow into the mattress in an attempt to make it more comfortable – as if that was ever going to help.

“Stop complaining.” He only snapped back.

“How could I when I’m stuck in a bed with you?”

“You could’ve asked for other accommodations when you had the chance.”

“And what, be the next victim of Ren’s lightsaber?” You scoffed. “I’m the one in charge of the repairs that are needed every time he throws a wobbly. I’ve seen the kind of damage that thing can do and I’m not in any hurry to find myself at the receiving end of it.”

You muttered the last part under your breath as you finally managed to get relatively comfortable, plopping back down on your back and folding your hands over your stomach.

“How did you know I’m allergic to cats, anyway?” The question spilled out before you could stop yourself, and before you could even register that it was on the way.

Where did that even come from? Cats weren’t even close to being the subject at hand.

Hux didn’t seem to care much about the random change of subject, however, simply muttering back a reply. “You start sniffling and scratching your arms every time you’re in the same room as me for more than five minutes.”

He was clearly tired. Tired in general or just tired of you, you didn’t really know, but you guessed that it was a mixture of both since that was the case for you.

“Maybe I’m just allergic to you.” You muttered back with a shrug, even though he couldn’t see you, and he scoffed at that.

“Had that been the case I’m fairly certain it would go both ways and, unlike you, I don’t go around oozing snot everywhere I go.”

“I don’t go oozing snot everywhere.” You calmly protested, throwing the back of his head a disapproving glare before turning to lay on your side so that your back was now turned to his.

He didn’t say anything else and neither did you, sleep coming in and catching you completely by surprise and having you knocked out within the next two minutes.

When you woke up early that next morning, Hux was unsurprisingly already gone, Millicent instead laying in his place and looking right at you.

With a disgusted snarl and hesitant movements, you reached over to the other side of the bed and awkwardly patted her head twice, probably very much in the incorrect manner as you had no experience whatsoever with animals.

You got out of bed after that, put on your jacket and shoes, and wasted no time in getting to work once you’d gotten some food into your system, your team joining you in the damage-inflicted area to start on repairs like you’d done so many times before.

Everything was going fine and dandy, just a light-reckon day that started off like any other – if you didn’t count waking up in Hux’s bed with his cat – but a few hours into your workday, the unmistakable sound of Kylo Ren’s heavy steps could be heard echoing through the entire corridor you found yourself working in.

A big share of the Order’s pilots had been either killed or badly hurt a few days prior in an ambush. No one had expected any pilots to be needed for at least a few days but Kylo had gotten a sudden lead on the map that would take him to Luke Skywalker and was now walking around the base recruiting anyone capable of helping him get what he wanted.

Unfortunately for you, you were not only a highly-ranked engineer, but also a pretty decent pilot, and couldn’t say anything in protest when you were whisked away to a ship.

As anyone who wasn’t driven by an unhealthy obsession would have been able to guess, the lead was just too good to be true with a way too simple access.

Just like the last lead, this one fell through when it was revealed to be another ambush. You weren’t completely sure what happened, but over the comms, you had heard something about Leia Organa and some scavenger. 

You didn’t have time to think about retired war heroes though, no matter how much you’d love to pry and the get in on the gossip, as you had to shoot yourself through a big fleet of Resistance starfighter corps, barely getting through with your ship intact.

Your fellow pilots were shot down one by one, only a small amount of you managing to get out of there. And even then, you were met by more starfighter corps just as quickly as you’d gotten away from the last line.

Everything was just a mess after that. You weren’t able to get through to anyone over the comms, only barely being able to make out a “pull back!” before your comm system was blown to pieces along with one of your main engines.

Along with several other ships, you were forced to crash-land on a small planet filled with thick woods and when your ship collided with the ground, your head slammed into the controls, rendering you unconscious for who knows how long.

By the time you came back to it, you were hanging upside down, the only thing preventing you from falling down being the seatbelt keeping you strapped in.

You struggled to get out of there but you managed, and had to take a moment to get your surroundings to stop spinning before moving forward to look for survivors as well as a ship that wasn’t completely beyond salvation.  

You weren’t sure who you’d find, but the person you’d shared a bed with the previous night was definitely the last person you’d expect to have crashed in the same place as you. 

And still, you recognized his ship immediately. After all, you were the one who had personalized it to fit his liking.

Lucky for you, his ship seemed to have gotten a pretty soft landing. As you circled around it, you were able to determine that no major engines had been blown out. Damaged? Definitely. But they looked intact enough to at least be able to put some more distance between you and the Resistance pilots and get you to a safer place. Hopefully, the inside would be as untouched as the outside.

The ramp was lowered to the ground but didn’t look broken, so you wasted no time in jogging inside.

The lights were out completely in the entrance area, and just flickering in the ceiling when you came further in.

The first thing you noticed when you entered the piloting pit was that the pilot was not breathing. How could you tell from that far a distance? Well, let’s just say that something that was not supposed to be stuck in his eye, was stuck in his eye.

Upon further inspection, you noticed another body on the floor. However, this one was very much alive.

You would’ve expected to be met by a desperate “help me”, maybe even some begging and pleading or in the very least a “please”, but instead, even when in the process of bleeding out on the floor, Hux narrowed his eyes at you as you approached him and asked you with ragged breaths:

“Is that my shirt?”

You panted as you dropped to your knees at his side, still pretty shaken up from your own crash. “What? No.” You replied in a breath, and you wasted no time in starting to inspect his injuries.

“Yes, it is.”

“Why would I be wearing your shirt?” You asked simply, struggling to see in the dark as the flickering lights weren’t providing much assistance by means of light.

“That’s my shirt.” He kept insisting, and flinched when your hand made contact with his lower abdomen.

Only then did your eyes register the glimmering piece of metal through your blurred and disoriented vision, sticking out of his side.

You flinched at the sight, not needing any more light than you had to know that it was really bad. 

Your heart suddenly picked up in speed in your chest, and your hands began shaking as they became covered in his blood.

You had never been in the middle of the action before now, you’d always just been surrounded by metal and electricity. The most exciting thing you’d ever experienced was when a new engineer circuited a control panel the wrong way, resulting in it blowing up right by your workplace.

But it wasn’t the action in itself that had your heart about ready to burst through your chest, nor was it the blood in general, but rather the fact that it was his blood covering your hands.

His life was completely dependent on you at this moment and you had absolutely no idea how to behave accordingly.

But if there was something you knew, it was that the last thing you were supposed to do was to show a dying man your panic, so you took a deep breath and tried your hardest to steady your racing heart, going back to the conversation at hand.

“How could you tell the difference, really?” You asked. “All of our shirts look the same. All black, all equally as sufficient when used to stop blood flows.”

As you said that last part, you released another breath and ripped off a big chunk of the lower part of the shirt you were wearing.

A shirt that was, in fact, Hux's.

The man in question let his head fall back against the wall that he was propped against and his eyes squeezed shut when feeling your hands return to his side.

“Do you always wear shirts several sizes too big?” He managed to get out through clenched teeth and you replied without missing a beat.

“There was a mix-up in the laundry room.”

“So it isn’t your shirt?” He continued to be persistent and despite the seriousness of the situation, you couldn’t help but to let a small smile slip.

“Do you want to keep fighting about whether or not this shirt is mine or would you rather maybe, oh, I don’t know, focus on getting the hell out of here?” You asked him lightly and at that, he raised his head to meet your eyes with a distrusting glare.

“Why are you helping me?”

You raised your eyebrow at him, sparing just a second to meet his eyes. “You have a piece of metal stuck in your side, why the hell would I not help you?” You asked and as quickly as you had looked up, you looked back down at your hands to see what you were doing.

“You hate me, and I hate you.” He deadpanned, and you couldn’t deny you felt your heart tug in your chest.

“Who told you I hated you?” You asked, and listened as he let out a dry, struggling laugh.

“You did. On countless occasions.”

He hissed when you accidentally bumped your hand against the piece of metal. You quietly apologized but didn’t stop, knowing you didn’t have much time before the enemy would catch up with you.

“Thinking that I’m entitled to everything I want isn’t the only bad habit I have. I also have a tendency to overexaggerate.” You joked with a smile. “I do find you insufferably infuriating, though.”                                              

Another chuckle left his lips. “Likewise.” He said and dropped his head back against the wall.

You said nothing more, ripping another two pieces off of the shirt, tying them together and wrapping it around his waist like you had the first piece. You tightened this knot significantly more than the first one, though, right above the piece of metal, and just as quickly as he had relaxed, he jerked back forward with a yell.

“I need to stop the bleeding, you need to keep still.” You hurriedly scolded and sternly pushed him back down by his chest.

He muttered bitterly in return, but didn’t protest.

“I bet you’re enjoying this.” He seethed, and you raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on your lips.

“Whenever I’m feeling down, I just think back to the multiple times I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing you being force-thrown across a room by Ren. Puts a smile on my face every time. But that doesn’t automatically mean I want you to die. So stop wallowing in your internalized self-hatred and put your hand over mine.” You told him, trying your hardest to keep a lighthearted attitude, more so for your own sake than his at this point as you were literally about to pass out.

But he did as told, contributing with the strength he had left when you got to your feet and started pulling him up and into one of the seats that were still intact.

He put a trembling hand over yours and in turn, you put your other one over his and pushed down. He hissed and you gave him a moment to adjust, and when you were sure he was pressing hard enough with his own hand, you slowly removed both of yours and fastened his seatbelt.

“Keep pressure and hold on tight. This is most likely going to be a rough ride.” You warned him, and he slowly looked up at you through a mess of ginger hair.

“It can’t be any worse than the ride here.” He retorted and you nodded, taking that as a “go ahead”.

You wasted no time in getting into the pilot’s seat after pulling the previous pilot out, as well as the thick tree branch on which his head had been impaled, and started up the controls. It took a few tries to get out of the hole the ship hade gotten stuck in when crashing, but soon enough you were up in the sky.

With a bit of dumb luck, you eventually reached your destination and got brought back in to the base by your team of fellow engineers, all ready to repair the wrecked ship.

Hux was immediately taken to the medical bay while you stayed behind to help with the ships, and from two ends of the base, the two of you silently and separately came to realize that maybe, just maybe, you didn’t hate each other as much as you thought, after all.

[yostresswritinggirl]

and, if Albedo have his own personal botanist, what about xiao have his own personal chef, or something like that? the reader working at wangshu inn as the chef or maid 👀 (this the request... If you want to make something from this absurd idea 👀👀)

Hehe I like your thought process, anon. Albedo and Xiao really just: 😏👉👉 *finger guns* 👈👈 😑 for having reader assistants in my masterlist huh.

Making this solely a personal chef/maid thing would defo make this response hella short so I added in more info and background just like I did with Albedo's, so I hope you guys end up enjoying this one too!!

It isn't an absurd idea, but I sure as hell made an absurd answer to it kek

Xiao's Devoted "Chef"

Xiao with a Reader who is not only his Personal Chef but assistant

Background (let's gooo)

The arrival of the Adepti Yaksha in Wangshu Inn was really something I've been intrigued about for a while now, but I won't make much assumptions here because his banner is coming and more info would be given to us.

Xiao had long since been residing in and spends a majority of his time in this Inn yet its owners, Verr Goldet and Huai'an, barely knows anything about the adepti or his lifestyle.

So on a sunny, quaint day like any other where calmness passes through the lands without worry, they expected the Adepti to resign himself to a moment of peace and rest too.

So color them surprised when they save the familiar silhouette of the adepti ascending to the top floor. Porcelain white skin and clear tank top glittered with fresh blood as a broken and bruised figure lays unconscious in his arms. The couple was thankful that there were no customers out and about that day, because it would be a disaster for an audience to witness such a thing. Also bad for business, but they'll hold that in at the back of their mind.

Skilled workers were quick to work with their seemingly extensive experience with such a protocol. As they tended to the victim, the Boss stayed behind to tend to and inquire with the Adepti. Yet such a conversation between them came out strained:

There were no visible wounds that require immediate medical attention but there was a look in his eyes that feels much more broken than anything they can fix. Verr's hands hover over him in an attempt to urge him to clean up his still bloodied form. His amber eyes that were usually sharp looks through a distance light-years away.

"Xiao," the woman started and the eyes snapped out of its reverie, subtly looking around to ground himself. "What happened? And are you okay?"

"Their- the parents died from a Hilichurl ambush, I was only able to save the child," his crossed arms gripped at his forearm in the realization of his utter mistake. "32 seconds."

"32 seconds?" The Mondstadtian offered a fresh set of hot towels he had taken, and he had flinched when he saw the carnage that stuck close to his skin.

"I was 32 seconds late."

Your parents were adventurers who brought you with them as big fans of traveling and nomadic lifestyle, no set home yet freely living by. You were in your younger teens and you'd clarified you had no other family to go to.

The death of your parents came as an obvious shock to your young self yet you grieved in silence and sobs, as the only person you trust hovers next to where you rest in silent contemplation.

Verr knows that look, and it was something she hasn't seen on the Adepti before. Of pure guilt and a sense of responsibility.

That night you rested surprisingly nightmare-free as your savior stands his ground next to where you rest.

Present Times

The couple had adopted you into the Inn family without a second's hesitance and you were thankful for them as you were to Xiao. You were no heavy expense or disadvantage and that made it all the more easier to adapt into your new lifestyle.

Despite no words or explanation, you were perfectly aware of the deeds your savior had done to save you and keep you alive, and with that you had sworn to serve him until the end of your time. A life for a life, equivalent exchange.

Coming into terms with being in Liyue and the Inn, your life choices were meddled with commerce and the importance of livelihood. You were young but your guilt of being under the care of such people forced you to take on any and every responsibility you can handle.

Despite your background you were expertly skilled with cooking. Your mother and father always taught you the importance of a meal for adventurers whenever you'd camped out. And your special touch on dishes that saves adventurers had drawn in many appetites.

Business boomed and the Inn wasn't just famous for being a temporary residence, but a sanctuary that offers tastes paired with the divine sense of Celestia. You became Wangshu Inn's Head Chef, with your sous-chef Smiley Yanxiao.

At times where Xiao is forced to make rounds to seize looming threats, he'd find himself picking fresh and healthy ingredients he'd find on the way back and present to you for new recipes to experiment on.

But you also pride yourself with a different title, or titles: The Adepti's Personal Chef, Tender of the Yaksha, Adepti's Devotee.

This title was emphasized by the Sigil of Permission sewn into an armband hanging by your right arm, something you proudly wear even beyond the walls of the Inn.

You found out the Adepti's favorite during your daily visit and breaks, usually done so by hanging out in the balcony with him with a brand new recipe you recently made and wanted to test out.

While he sat parallel to you, he eyed the transparent syrup and the gelatinous substance in the obvious curiousity he shows for all your new creations, silently awaiting your opinion by watching your expression: whenever you show even the slightest distaste, he'll pointedly ignore his curiousity and the dish altogether. And if you express such pride and achievement, his interest will get the better of him, if you haven't offered the dish quickly enough.

"What is this?" He'd finally ask after your delighted moans, indulging on your own creation.

"Mmm, Almond Tofu... do you wish to try it?" Without an answer he'd pick up the only spoon on the plate and tasted it himself. And just like that, he'd froze, eyes full blown in surprise and awe.

"Do you like it?" He can only hum in response as he scarfs down the plate by himself, chewing respectfully yet with a hint of vigor in every scoop. "It tastes... like dreams..." the way he looked at you, with eyes possessing such childlike wonder, you couldn't help but fall.

After that, Xiao had requested a daily plate/offering of it. It became a routine to the point that all workers heard of the favoritism and are encouraged to learn the recipe. But it's usually your dish that is served, unless special occasions calls for someone else.

There has been an influx of dormers and adventurers recently as citizens around Teyvat flock to the Liyue continent in hopes to watch the most extravagant celebration of the new year, the Lantern Rite Festival.

Your best efforts manning the kitchen together with Yanxiao took gruelling hours just to prepare for the dinner's first course even with hours of prep time available. Even both bosses had to lend some hands as your sous-chef can barely keep up with your stride. And after the dishes are finally distributed to the dining hall, you were already set in cleaning up the kitchen, and before you knew it-

"It has been an hour."

"It was a busy day, I'm sorry, Xiao." You could only muster a mumble in guilt as you kept your head down on the usual table, refusing to look at the disapproving expression he definitely wore, except he doesn't. His face has the slightest hints of worry and wonder at your deflated composure.

But his focus now was on the food he has been craving the whole day, already digging into his dessert. And you just tried your hardest not to fall asleep on the cold, wooden tabletop. Until your tummy rumbled through the silence.

A hum. "You haven't eaten?" You shake your head as you lift your head, gazing at the cute sight of your guardian tilting his head to the side in slight distaste for your lifestyle. You open your mouth to retort until you felt the cold utensil touch your bottom lip. "Here, I saved you the last bite. After this, get yourself a meal and retreat to your quarters, I don't want to hear any excuses." He softly urges a little push with the spoon so you get the hint, and you wrap your lips around it, chewing and gulping down cold dessert. He offered his favorite food, used the same spoon, and spoon fed you with it—

"Wha... don't- don't bite the spoon," you squeeze your eyes tight from the embarrassing thoughts in your head.

When people wish to have an audience with Xiao, most of the time they head to you for guidance after inquiring with Verr. They require a sigil of permission, and most of the times, your own sigil has been under fire a lot in their desperation.

An old merchant who desperately wants to hire the adepti to aid his caravan with personal security once tried to claw at your armband, but a split second after the tip of his fingers had touched the cloth, he was blown away to the nearest wall.

"What-," a pressure on your left shoulder pulls your other against a lean chest, protectively squeezing as a polearm materialized in front of you. You can feel the ragged vibrations of the Yaksha's unusually heavy breaths, his amber eyes sharp and dangerous, dilated like a predator.

"What gives you the idea that you had the authority to lay a hand on my assistant?" Black and teal embers conjure around you two as a dark shadow slowly creeps up from the ground. "That is their sigil of permission; I want nothing to do with you mere mortals."

If not for Verr and the other staff, things would have gone gruesome and unsightly for the business. Yes, business. Everyone disliked the guy enough to care more about the Inn than his actual well-being. When he'd come to, he was forced out of the Inn (he would have done so himself anyways as he was already traumatized).

"Sir Xiao, why did you do that?"

"He didn't have a Sigil, he was pretty much asking for it. And why have you gone formal?" You pouted at him and his only response was a quirked eyebrow. Walking over to stand behind him, you slowly wiggled your arms through the gap between his waist and slack arms, finding it easy enough with how thin his waist is as you wrapped him in a hug.

He tensed from the secretly ticklish feeling before letting down his guard in your arms. This was one of your leeway as his most devoted follower. Your constant exposure with the aid of the divine sigil has made you immune to the negative effects of Adeptal energy, enough to make him nigh worry about your safety around him anymore.

And him letting you hug him like this... let's just say it's from your mannerisms of comfort when you were still young and around him.

"Take an indefinite leave," Xiao broke the silence a few minutes after, forcing you to crane your head to the side to look at him. He meets your gaze with an amused glint. "You have no debt to pay here, you shouldn't be holed up in a place like this."

"It is true that me leaving wouldn't have majooor repercussions, but what's with the sudden idea?"

He huffs. "You're my only follower and yet you divide your attention serving temporary mortals that will pass by without remembrance. And besides," you tense at the sight of an upturn on the edge of lip, pearly whites subtly peeking, "personal does not mean sharing."

You were an adventurer at heart and it's time you indulge in that glorified life of excitement, with your guardian by your side. It was the only gift he can come up with for your undying devotion.

Holy - I had to cut this thing A LOT because I wrotE A HECKIN LOT WTF?! It's not even done in my mind, my goodness, there should be an adventuring unit here too but hhhh I got too conscious of the length sksksks I'm so sorry! P-Part 2-?

I enjoyed writing this a tad bit too much sksksks but now that the second to the last installation of this even is published, the next request should be the last one! And that means I'll have to stop the poll and start working on the requests for the 100 followers one! So if you haven't voted there, you should before it's too late!!

[an-unraveling-unknown]

OH OH I HAVE A WHOLE NOTES APP NOTE FOR THIS I CAN COPY PASTE HANG ON;

(stuff below the cut!! this post is long, and would be longer if i kept going with other character names, but I unfortunately require sleep)

[thus far Untitled]

Locke: Locke's had a bunch of names over the countless millennia they've lived, usually dubbed by folks they unintentionally meet on their travels.* 'Locke' is just the latest one, the in-universe explanation being that it was originally coined as "Lock' by Deimos's second-to-youngest acquired child, Ithas, due to the rusted fence wire peppered with love-locks they have wound around their arm, and was furthermore slightly modified with his permission.

Outside-of-universe, I picked it blindly because it sounded cool, but its definition - 'fortified place' or something along those lines - is coincidentally really fitting for xim as a character, xer entire existence dedicated to being a fortified place because its deeply ingrained in xis code.

Deimos: Deimos has also taken a bunch of names throughout the passage of time, mainly based on the big societal fears of the place and era - just to switch things up - and thus his appearance and gender presentation will also change with it as he pleases.** He never took on Deimos's form though, even in the era of Greece where those stories would have been passed around like wildfire, because people were a little too busy being terrified of death - hence, Thanatos. Locke (then 'Rue') poked fun at him a little and nicknamed him Deimos anyway, and it's the first name he thinks of now when introducing himself.

Outside-of-Universe, Deimos (brother to Phobos) has very little written on him and Phobos that we know of, but he is noted as the personification of fear. I got really into greek mythology around the time I kicked this whole thing off, he is but one casualty

[BG3 (ish)]

Aeonian: Aeonian's name isn't really what they'd call themselves, nor is it what their sister Monad calls them - the two of them have their own language of what we would probably define as 'sounds,' (still workin on that bit). 'Aeonian' is just what they chose for themselves because it applied well to what they are, both as a construct and their actual nature.*** Their actual name roughly translates to 'Mini-' small, or precious, dubbed during a time where they were in fact smaller than Monad.

Outside-of-Universe, the whole thing kind of went like 'hey, this sounds cool and sea-related, I can change it later :DD' and then I didn't change it later because I got attached BUT IT WORKED OUT OKAY

Monad: Monad was the first to venture up to the surface after she and Aeonian had been mostly oblivious to the life happenings for most of their lives, living in the ocean in decidedly not-human forms and all that, and spent a little while observing customs and learning language from the shadows before going for it - charisma helps of course. The name 'Monad' itself came by chance, as someone she was small-talking with asked for her name and she had to frantically flick through the book she was gesturing with at the time and improv with the first word she saw. Her name with Aeonian translates to akin to 'comfort', safe and to remain safe in all sense of the word.

Outside-of-Universe, I am a Big Fan of evolutionary history so Monad's name was pretty easy to come up with when I figured that I wanted to play around with the idea of life and death at sea or otherwise - single celled organisms, the basis of life and all that.

--

*generally because they give the option to. they couldn't stand their old name, and they've learnt that humans find naming things an enjoyable activity (that they've participated in)

**Because Locke and Deimos would have different names each time they met up, (there were decades between meetups at the very least,) and Deimos a different appearence, the two of them would goof around a bit and act as if they haven't met before now, before falling into the usual easy-enough conversation.

***'Aeonian' means 'lasting for an immeasurable period of time,' which selects both what they embody (death [at sea]) and their foreseeable lifespan, at least in comparison to Monad, who actively needs living sea life and such other to exist healthily and at all.

Why are your OC's named what they are? is there any significance to their names?? (doesn't have to be but I always find it interesting)

It's almost entirely a combination of puns, name generators, and things I thought sounded right. I guess the most interesting one is Theta, wich in addition to sounding sci-fi-y, is the 6th letter of the Greek alphabet to fit their 6 motif

[dylanobrienisbatman]

The main problem with the whole mal vs the darkling thing in regards to being possessive (or really when it comes to any of their traits) is the fact that throughout, the darkling is clearly framed as the villain and his actions reflect that, whereas Mal as supposed to be the good guy and best romantic partner for Alina, and yet he has all these awful character traits and tendencies. So its less about how awful the Bad Guy is (since he's supposed to be), and more about how awful the person that we're supposed to believe is the best option for Alina is. I don't ship either, just my two cents.

Okay well... two things. First, your comment about "its less about how awful the bad guy is, since he's supposed to be", takes every comment I've made about Darkles out of context, which seems fitting since everything Darklina's spout about Mal is out of context. Him being the Bad Guy is fine, and if you like him AS A VILLAIN, and acknowledge all the bad shit he does, then my posts aren't for you. I think he's a very interesting villain, and a lot of the terrible shit he does that I have to keep making posts about make him a good villain, the problem is when the terrible shit the "Bad Guy" does is romanticized and viewed as the reasons why Alina SHOULD have picked him. So, don't assume everyone gets that "hes supposed to be awful". The point my post was making is that Darklina's love to call Mal possessive, but then turn around and act like Darkles literally enslaving her in somehow sexy and romantic. It's fucking not, and it's transparent as hell that y'all romanticize and sexualize the actually possessive character, and then project false character traits onto Mal. It's so transparent, it's almost funny.

But, more importantly, to your second, very wrong point, I wonder how much of the narrative about Mal having "awful character traits and tendencies" is actually a commentary on Mal as a character, or is it just Darklina's lying about things Mal has done and everyone accepting that misinterpretation as canon. Because, if were making a list...

Fuck boy - False! Mal was not a fuck boy! He was an attractive teenager who hooked up with consenting girls his age when he could, and he was not in a relationship during that time. Alina had never told him how she felt, so he is not beholden to her. (Also, nobody seems to have an issue with the fact that Darkles hooked up with Zoya in the show, that doesn't make HIM a fuckboy... interesting) (also also, nobody seems to discuss Darkles literally sexually assaulting Alina, and lying and manipulating her to get her to be physically intimate with him so he can use her... double interesting).

Slut Shames Alina - FALSE! The ever favourite callout line from Darklina's "He's all over you" isn't him slut shaming her. First, he has no idea what their relationship is like at that point, but more importantly, he is making an observation of her status in the little palace and how she has become his tool. He has dressed her up in his colors, made her put on a show for his benefit, and has created a situation where Alina appears to be his. Mal is noting that after months of searching for her, believing she was being hurt, tortured, or worse, when he arrives to save her, she looks like the Darkling's pet. (and, even if he WAS angry because he perceived them to be romantically involved, boy just spent months fighting for his life, lost multiple friends, and almost died to find her, all while coming to the realisation that he was in love with her, and then he shows up, after not hearing from her for months... I'd be pissed as hell too.) Important Note: He even acknowledges that what he said was wrong and tries to apologise, before Alina tells him that he was right. (Shadow and Bone, pg. 286). He also then apologizes, completely unprompted, for what he said. (Shadow and Bone, pg. 297).

Fat Shames Alina - False! This one is particularly laughable to me, because its one of the Darklina arguments that falls apart the second you actually read the scene. They are running for their lives in the forest, and Mal has to hunt and gather to feed them. He is noting that Alina's appetite has increased since he last saw her, and he makes a joke (ya know, how you do with friends) about how it would be easier to keep her fed if she still had her more meager appetite from before. He makes no comment on her weight, or her size, and he is not actually commenting on her appetite in a negative way, he is just acknowledging that it's a lot more work for him now that she eats more. Right before he says the line, the quote even proves that he isn't shaming her or thinking badly of her: "With a bemused expression, he watched as I gobbled down my portion and then sighed, still hungry". He is noting a change in her, and complaining that its made more work for him. If you think thats the same as fat shaming, well... thats a you problem.

Hates Alina's Powers - FALSE!!!! How to begin... do we talk about it was Mal's idea to hunt the stag in S&B, because he knew she needed it to be more powerful so she could stop the darkling? Do we talk about how he vowed to find the firebird for her, even though he was terrified of what all that power would do to her? Do we talk about how he literally died so she could achieve the power she needed to save the world? Or maybe we could talk about how he believed in her power more than anyone else, like when everyone was making bets about her abilities with the Cut and he knew she'd go further and better than anyone else expected her too, or when he tells her that he was never afraid of her powers, only what seeking all that power would do to her (which is literally the theme of the books, that power corrupts and seeking unmatched power can destroy you)? Mal being afraid of what is going to happen to Alina, being protective of her and worrying over her, is not the same as him hating her powers. He exists to help remind Alina of the themes of the story, and to guide her into maintaining her humanity.

Abusive - ... Do I even need to explain this one? Must I deign an explanation as to why this favourite Darklina lie is so fucking stupid, and also totally hypocrisy? No? Because we all know Darkles is actually the abusive one and they're trying to project their own shit onto Mal to further their abuse apologist agenda? Cool. Moving on.

Possessive of Alina - False! Throughout the entire series, Mal is quite literally the opposite of possessive, but yall just cant read. Not only does he quite literally step out of the way and allow Nikolai to court Alina without argument, which is the most direct example of him not being possessive, he also spends two full books believing, and repeatedly saying over and over and over, that they can't be together because he is not good enough for her. Mal believes, fully, that Alina deserves more than him, better than him, because he's just a tracker and a soldier, just a regular man with nothing to offer her but his love and his protection, and she is a Saint and should be a Queen. Possessiveness is the wish to own and control someone, it is literally the opposite of Mal believing that he's not good enough and doing everything he can to ensure that Alina achieves everything and gets everything he believes she is owed. A possessive character would not tell her to tell him to leave because he has nothing he can offer her, no title or land or country or crown. A possessive character would not promise to be the blade in her hand, because he believed he had nothing but the blood he could spill to offer her.

Angry - True! Yeah, omg, you caught us, Mal is ANGRY! Heaven forbid a teenager who is traumatized beyond belief and has to give up everything in his life, his position in the military (he deserted for her), his friends and the job he loved (Mikhail and Dubrov died for him, and he can't be a tracker in the army... because he deserted... for Alina), and, most importantly, he has to give up Alina (she should be Queen, he believes, and he has to give up the future he imagined with the girl he loves, who he was pretty sure loved him back, because she's a saint and queen and he's just a man), and more, is ANGRY. He has to be the one to find the amplifiers that he knows will end up hurting her, because thats what she needs to save the world. He has to sit by while Nikolai treats him like the dirt on his shoe and tries to woo Alina for his own personal gain (because Nikoalai did not love Alina. Maybe he came to care for her, but he proposed and spent all of S&S trying to get her to marry him when it was obvious they were not in love. He straight up says its so that the next King of Ravka can be married to the Sun Summoner. It's a power grab.) and he can't do anything about it. So yeah, Mal is angry. And yeah, sometimes he's even angry at Alina, just like sometimes she's angry at him. But they always find their way back, always apologize and try to be better for each other, and if you think anger is a toxic trait, and not simply a natural human emotion, might I suggest touching some fucking grass?

Idk why you thought I'd stand for Mal slander on my blog, cuz I will not. So, I'm gonna stop there, because I have shit to do today, but I really do wonder how much of Mal's 'toxic' or 'terrible' traits, that make him such a 'bad' love interest for Alina, really comes from Darklina's who refuse to actually read the text critically at all, and instead take everything he does and says out of context to further their agenda that Alina should have ended up as the Darkling's fucking slave forever, because thats the "girl power feminist" ending somehow. Mal supports her, loves her, sacrifices for her at every turn, and does everything he can do, to the point of literally dying for her, to ensure that she can defeat Darkles and save the world. He protects her, and when they end up happy and safe together on the orphange that they've rebuilt to help the children that were victims of Darkles war and genocide, he spends his days bringing her tea and cakes and flowers, kissing her silly under the stairs in the view of all the teachers, and calling her names like beauty, beloved, cherished, my heart for the rest of their ordinary life together, if love can ever be called that.

[one-mopeyboi]

Actual Predictions for Chapter 3

This list will be checked off with a correct ✅, incorrect ❌ or partially ✴️ when Chapter 3 actually releases.

Lore (Dark World)

- Let’s start simple. The “ruler” of this Dark World will be called Rook after the chess piece.

- Rook is not affiliated or related to the Spade family at all.

- The shadow crystal holder is called Mike.

- Mike isn’t impossible to beat without Seam’s mentioned Shadow Mantle, he’s just more difficult than Jevil.

- There will be dialogue differences during the Mike encounter if the Dealmaker is equipped on someone.

- We will get a purple soul mechanic.

- Rook knew Mike.

- Susie gets to become Susiezilla for a little bit as an action special.

- Toriel is a party member

- Toriel will wear something close to her UT outfit but not exactly the same.

- She knows a non-lethal fire spell and can learn a lethal one in a Weird Route.

- Toby/The Annoying Dog will appear to kick Your ass again in some way.

- If reloading from a Snowgrave save file, Ralsei would have thawed the frozen Darkners with his magic.

- Ralsei will speak directly with You if You do the Weird Route. Not Kris, I mean You.

- Starwalker and Nubert will appear again. An explanation as to why is that they are stickers on Kris’ phone, and Kris takes their phone with them everywhere so that’s why they can be in all the Dark Worlds.

- The merchant for this chapter will be “the little green lizard” and he is PISSED at Kris for dropping him a lot.

- After the Living Room fountain is sealed and whatever on Kris’s mind is (at least partially) resolved, Kris will shock their mother by declaring that they need to go to church and bring Susie all the while refusing to take their horned headband off. Cue Chapter 4.

Lore (Light World)

- Deltarune! Undyne does not like anime. A headcanon of mine is that Undertale! Undyne didn’t like anime at first, but she liked Alphys, and over time she fell in love with it as she did her.

- Undyne will call for backup once finding a whole fountain in the living room floor. It is likely that nobody came.

- We will get more lore as to King’s, Queen’s and Rouxls’ almighty triangle of divorce.

- Papyrus My Beloved, but as a 11 year old.

- Asgore will show up in person to give Rudy flowers at the Hospital.

- Mayor Holiday makes an appearance.

- …what if both of those aforementioned events happened at the same time.

- Asriel will call home, but we will not see his face.

- Susie will get a proper meal that isn’t chalk or moss or apple shampoo.

- Susie will speak to Noelle more.

Items

- Tea will heal more HP, signifying a closer relationship between two characters. Ralsei Tea can heal more IF the Player allows Kris to become less dismissive or Ralsei on their own accord.

- The ButtsPie will be a healing item ; 300HP for the entire party. It is just that mighty and awe inspiring.

- We will get the SkyMantle in this chapter (it’s a scrapped/hidden item in Chapter 2 that protects against “Holy” attacks… might be useful for Chapter 4)

- We will get the option to trade in Dealmaker, Jevilstail ie, for their Darkner forms. While not beneficial for gameplay, it might be nice for Jevil to see Seam again, or Spamton to make up with the Addisons, and so on and so forth.

- Susie’s axes are revealed to be hairbrushes/hair equipments in the Light World