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missadangel · 1 month ago

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The Heart of Rome (Marcus Acacius x Reader)

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Chapter 5: The Council

Hi, guys I did some research on Rome, and they don't use the word princess. instead, they use rarely: filia regis so I mentioned in the story. But I will use the princess word to make it easier. I will make Geta softer than he looks in the trailers, but not much obviously. In history Caracalla kills Geta so I am writing my fic according to real history places, and tradition, events. if you have any advice let me know, thank you for all your support, so enjoy the episode...

Si scio quid sit amor, propter te est.

If I know what love is, it is because of you. H.B.

Road…

The streets of Rome were fairly tranquil at night, in comparison to the bustling activity that characterizes the city during the day. It was particularly the case with the roads leading out of the city and into more remote areas. The general's villa was situated on one of these remote roads, and it was a somewhat lengthy journey to reach the city on foot. It might have been a good idea to use a horse or cart to traverse this road. But you were determined to continue on your journey, despite the discomfort you felt. You voiced your concerns to yourself and even considered turning back. You would have been pleased to rest in Marcus' bed, next to his warm body, his strong arms. Yet, you were worried that you might regret not going ahead with your plan if you didn't do it. Even though you had these concerns, you decided to keep walking. As you got closer to the entrance to the big city, you suddenly noticed what sounded to be footsteps behind you.

You were reluctant to turn your head to see what was happening because a shiver ran through your whole body. It was as if the darkness of the night, which had been your friend a moment ago, had now become your enemy. Sounds, shadows and endless dirt roads were now his companions. When you started running, your legs were not as strong as you had hoped, and you experienced more discomfort than you had anticipated. Nevertheless, you ran with all your strength to reach the stone roads.

Subsequently, upon noticing your breathing becoming more rapid, you decided to take a moment to catch your breath. You were somewhat surprised but grateful when you realised that you were no longer being followed. Upon reaching the stone streets, you were somewhat reassured, but on the other hand, you felt a pang of sadness because you were further away from Marcus. The morning was fast approaching, with dawn on the horizon. From your observation point at the foot of the Venus statue in one corner of the street, you were clinging to the marble at the very end of the column and looking at the city panorama ahead, attempting to calculate the direction of Palatine Hill. The Colosseum is in a great spot, right in the center and visible from all sides. It's a bit of a landmark. So, it made sense to adjust the route to go forward and to the right. You still had a way to go, so you kept walking. You never expected it to be so difficult.

It's particularly when you're passing through these streets, places you've passed before, that your memories start to haunt you. It's as if these streets, which you used to pass by horse and cart, have now turned against you, becoming your enemy's friend. After a few quiet, dark streets, you stopped to rest under the triumphal arch. As you drove under the arch, you noticed something you hadn't seen before and were surprised.

The colossal statue of a former emperor that you had seen it before, but you hadn't had a chance to look at the inscription.

‘Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus’

Your knees gave way, and you found yourself unable to stand. The stone pavements felt cold against your skin, but you remained still. As you gazed at the statue of your father, you found yourself thinking that perhaps things might have turned out differently if he had been there with you. You had never had the opportunity to witness first-hand what kind of an emperor he was, but from what you had heard, he had been quite successful. You spoke to him, your gaze fixed on his stone eyes, and wished he had heard you: “Father, my lord, I have made my decision. I have been thinking since I learnt about the letter. I came here even though you warned me, even though I knew it would be hard. My heart hurts, father, but I am not afraid. I met love, and I am not going to lose it. I love him so much. I know you hear me, and I know you understand. I am not angry with you. In fact, I am grateful. I met my brothers. You were right about Caracalla. Provide guidance on Geta. I saved him, Father, and I'm ready to face whatever comes next. I know you're with the Gods now, so I'm asking you to help me. I'll do whatever it takes for Rome. Open my eyes and ears, give me strength.”

You wiped away your tears and remained in a seated position for a period of time. However, when the cold became unbearable, you began to shiver. Before standing, you heard the distant cry of a horse, followed by the sound of hooves striking the ground. You wrapped your cloak around yourself tightly, burying your hair and face within it. The sound of hooves echoing in the silence of the night only served to heighten your nervousness.

As the horse drew nearer, you became aware of a slight tremor in the ground beneath your feet, caused by the horse's hooves striking it. You turned your head and observed a man who clothed in a dark cloak.

'My lady,' he greeted you.

When you looked at him, you felt a little surprised and perhaps a little uneasy, and said nothing. He opened his cloak and jumped down from his horse and approached you, still holding on to his horse's harness. The horse snorted noisily and you involuntarily took a few steps back.

"It is imperative that you come with me, as the situation is too perilous for you to remain here at this hour.”

"Who are you that I should agree to accompany you? Was it you who followed me previously?”

He bowed his head and replied, "Yes, my lady. I am a slave of Master Macrinus and I must take you to him."

You narrowed your eyes. ”What if I decline your offer?”

The man laughed, 'He thought you would say that. He said if she doesn't want to come, bring her by force, before she does something to hurt herself. Don’t let her to do, so.’

It was your time to laugh, 'How thoughtful of him. Tell him I appreciate the advice, but I have somewhere else to be right now.’

As soon as you turned around, you heard him coming towards you.

“My lady, I have to do as I'm told,” he said, coming up quickly behind you and grabbing your wrist. You tried to pull back with all your strength, but he was too strong. When he got close, you had a chance to get a good look at him. He had a very muscular and large body, which reminded you of warriors fighting in the Colosseum.

“Let go of my arm!” you cried.

But he had no intention of letting go, his strong hand locked around your wrist as if you were chained.

As he drew you closer to his horse, you heard another horse neighed from down the street, followed by a voice you recognised from before. It was a voice you would not forget, even if you were dead, a voice you felt your ears were made to hear.

The general spurred his black horse into a halt in front of you two. The horse reared under him and uttered a cry. He leapt down from the horse with one swift movement, his face as angry as ever, his eyes fixed on the other man. The general seized the man's hand that was gripping your wrist, pulled it and pushed with such force that the man staggered backwards. But he seemed to be angry too, and quickly regained his composure.

“How dare you lay a hand on her? State yourself, who are you?”

The General moved in front of you, taking charge and protecting you. You were relieved to see him. From behind, he appears to be dressed only in his tunic and cloak. It seems he may have left in a hurry, perhaps he was so worried, you wondered if he had opened the letter yet or not.

"General Acacius, Master Macrinus has given me a mission. I will complete it.”

"Macrinus? I just remember where I saw you before. Tell him I am Marcus Acacius, and I will prevent you from completing your mission.”

The man frowned and tensed as one hand went to the sheath of the sword at his waist. He was not afraid of the General at all.

"Marcus," you gently grasped his cloak and gave it a slight tug. He did not turn to you, still glaring at the man.

"Macrinus would like to take me to the council meeting, I believe he wants to ensure my safety until then. I apologise for not telling you before, I hope you can forgive me.”

Acacius turned his head and looked at you. His eyes conveyed a multitude of emotions, including anger, frustration, and longing.

"Nevertheless, I am unable to allow you to accompany him. I will take you to the meeting if that is your desire."

"No, the emperors may think you've been hiding me all this time. I won't let this happen to you because of me."

He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, as if trying to suppress his anger.

“Don't you realize how much I care about you? They've already seen you with me, so I'm prepared to face whatever consequences may result.”

You frowned. "I would never want to cause any damage to your reputation."

"Is that why you decided to leave me? What exactly you were planning, I wonder?”

You bit your bottom lip. “To go to Geta and tell him everything.”

Acacius' eyes flashed with anger. “I'm hoping you're joking right now.”

“He said he owed me, I thought he'd understand.”

“Do you really think he's as pure and kind-hearted as you? How can you be so reckless?”

"Perhaps he'll reconsider when I tell him I'm his sister.”

Acacius shook his head, “Wrong. He won't. He'll kill you on the spot, I'm sure of it.”

You were fairly certain that what he said was true, but you still had the inclination to believe it wasn't. Then, two more riders came down the street towards you and dismounted next to the other man. The General immediately sensed a potential threat and pulled you behind him for protection.

Macrinus knew exactly what he was doing and he was determined to see it through.

It is probable that his slave felt emboldened by the arrival of the other men, as evidenced by his demeanor, which shifted from apprehension to confidence.

"General, I advise you not to cause us any trouble. We're taking the lady with us.”

Acacius drew his sword and looked at them with a glint in his eye, ready for whoever or whatever was about to come at him.

"I dare you to try.”

They seemed to hesitate at first, looking at each other, then drew their swords, the tension rising. You swallowed hard.

"Three against one. I heard you were a good soldier, but you don't stand a chance against three of us." He smiled, but it seemed a little cruelly.

"You must have misheard then. I've killed more when I was in a worse situation." His voice was threatening, making the other person uneasy.

"Indeed, I had the opportunity to observe it at the Colosseum. However, we also fought there, so it would be unwise to underestimate us."

They fought there? At the Colosseum? Gladiators?

You had observed the combatants in action during your time there; you had witnessed it first-hand, with your own eyes, and it sent a chill down your spine.

You moved in front of the general, who was still pointing his sword at the others.

“Marcus, you need to let me go with them.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Please, hear me out, the council meeting is just around the corner, he can't do anything to me, he needs me.”

You grasped his other hand tightly with both hands and looked into his eyes.

“Please, I ask you to trust me.”

“He's the one I don't trust.”

“I know. I don't trust him either but I need to find out what his intention is before the meeting.”

Marcus looked at you for a moment, considering your words. Then he sheathed his sword. "Very well. You're right.”

The others seemed relieved, but they tried not to show it.

"A wise choice, General," the man said, his voice firm and his gaze steady. He gestured for the others to put their swords back, then approached you with purpose.

"Come with me, my lady," he held out his hand to you and the general caught it in mid-air.

"Who gave you permission to touch her?"

He pushed his hand away and grabbed your wrist. "I will be accompanying her.”

The man laughed and looked at you with disdain. "As you wish. That's fine by me."

As he walked away towards his horse, the general turned to you.

"I'm assuming you've ridden a horse before?"

You didn't ride much in Egypt, given that you lived inconspicuously.

"Well, sort of.”

The look on your face made him smile. He pulled you close to his horse. His black horse lifted one leg and just the tip of the hoof touched the ground, snorted heavily. Acacius stroked the horse's back gently. "You should know how lucky you are to be carrying this beautiful woman, Dromos. Be gentle with her.” The horse lets out a soft whinny as a reply, and Acacius smiles.

“Dromos?”

“Yes, I named him that because he runs so fast.”

“I see.You seem to be quite good friends,” you said with a smile. Hesitantly you reached out and stroked the horse’s neck, ran your fingers through the black of his mane.

“Indeed we are,” he agreed. He placed his hand on the stirrup and held it for you. “Place your foot here and I'll lift you up."

You did as he said, then he put his hand to your waist, lifted you easily and sat you on the thin saddle. When the horse moved, you grabbed onto the horn of the saddle to steady yourself. Then you felt a soreness between your legs but forced yourself to ignore. Acacius quickly climbed on top of the horse and positioned himself right behind you, gripping the reins. You felt safe as you felt his muscular body caressing yours from behind.

“Lead the way,” the General said loudly to the other man, you felt his warm breath just above your ear. The man nodded kicks his horse forward. Acacius gave a gentle pat to Dromos, he neighs, and starts to move faster. Acacius moves a little, closing the gap between you, his arms around you from either side as he holds the reins. Your body shook with the movement of Dromos as he galloped at a moderate speed through the streets of Rome. Your back kept bumping against the General's strong chest, and you even felt his chin in your hair. You gasped. Was he doing it on purpose?

You glanced over at his face and noticed a smile at the corner of his lips, even though his eyes were fixed on the road ahead.

“I’m guessing you’re upset with me?" you asked as the General pulled the rein to the right to steer it, top of your shoulder bumping his chest.

"For leaving me in bed and abandoning me?"

"And for not mentioning the letter before."

"That too.”

When you turned to look at him, a few strands of your hair got caught in his beard. The hairs kept flying with the wind, brushing against his face. He seemed pleased with them.‘

"I must admit that I was eager to find out who you are, but this is beyond what I could have imagined. I can understand why you did it, but I'm still hurt. I wish you hadn't left me in bed. You broke my heart.”

You swallowed, “Forgive me, I didn't know what to do. Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever done. Will you let me heal your heart? I'm Medicus, you know?" You blinked your eyes under your long eyelashes, he smiled.

He buried his lips in your flowing hair and whispered in your ear.

"My heart is yours to heal. You don't need to be a medicus for that.”

You smiled as you felt his lips on your cheek, your lips yearning so much to touch his. At that moment, as you rode with him on his horse, you wished that he would take you far away, to a place where no one could find you two, you were willing to give everything for it.

Macrinus’s Villa…

The men on horseback dismounted and led their horses into the courtyard. Acacius gently pulled his horse's reins and rode in a circle, glancing towards the villa. It seemed as though he was hesitating. Soon, Macrinus appeared in the doorway and grasped the bridle to the right, turning it around to face him.

"My lady," he bowed his head and greeted you. "General Acacius?”

Acacius ignored him and dismounted, one hand still clutching his horse's harness.

“Sir Macrinus, have you stationed your slaves outside my villa to keep watch? Or should I say your gladiators?”

Macrinus smirked. “I needed to make sure Lady Aurelia was safe.” He turned his eyes to you.

“I think you can rest assured that it's not something you need to worry about, especially when she's with me.”

“Which is why you must have accompanied her here, I see.”

“Apparently.” Acacius muttered.

“Then let me invite you in,” he gestured with his hand.

Acacius turned to you and held out his hand. “My lady.”

You smiled, initially surprised that he was addressing you with respect for the first time, but then realising how much you liked it. You took his hand and dismounted the horse and allowed yourself to be embraced by his protective arms. He took you gently and lowered you down.

As your feet touched down on the ground, you felt the throbbing return and let out a quiet moan.“Are you alright?” Acacius's voice was worried.

You regarded him with a somewhat hesitant expression. "I'm a little sore from..." You pursed your lips.

Acacius stroked your disheveled hair with his big hand. "I wish I could relieve your soreness.”

You blushed at the memory of witnessing how well his passionate lips worked on your body before.

“I'll take that as a promise for later, General.” You smirked mischievously.

“At your service, my lady,” he grasped your hand gently and kissed it.

As your heart melted in the warmth of his smile, Macrinus watched you from afar, his eyes narrowed in scrutiny. He felt something very different. He controlled his expression though and cleared his throat. You and the General looked at him, his warrior slave standing beside him. Acacius held out his hand, offering it to you.

“Shall we?”

Sitting in his garden, you realized that Macrinus' villa was bigger than the General's. The fountain in the center of this big courtyard was rectangular, and in the center was a statue of the queen goddess Salacia, the wife of Neptune, the goddess of the sea and water. She's holding a bucket just above her head and the water is gushing out of it.

The columns ahead were white and straight, half covered with red marble, with ionic protrusions at the corners. They proudly stood among various trees and plants, but this beauty was nothing compared to the Domus Severiana. That palace was magnificent and wonderful.

Although you couldn't see it clearly because it was still dark, you were wondering what kind of flowers were behind the fountain when Macrinus' gladiator slave stood there, blocking your view. You met his gaze and turned to the general, who was standing next to you. He seemed uneasy and reluctant to sit down. His body language showing his tension. You reached out and grasped his hand.

"Would you perhaps like to sit with me?"

"My lady, I believe I will be more comfortable like this," he replied, his eyes on the gladiator who crossed his arms and looking at Macrinus as he approached.

“Apologies, I am expecting an important guest, I wanted to make sure he arrived safely,” he sat down opposite you and crossed his legs. A delighted smile spread across his face.

“I assume you brought the letter with you, my lady?” he said, looking at you.

You glanced at the General, to whom you entrusted the letter. He crossed his arms and looked directly at Macrinus.

“Prior to that, elucidate your intentions regarding the council.”

"I'm going to make sure our lady gets her 'filia regis' (princess) title back and gets what's rightfully hers. You know, general, you were what, twenty? You must have been about that age when Aurelia was born. Septimius gave me the task of taking her away to protect her. He made me promise.”

"I was nineteen," the General stated, his eyes distant as he recalled those days. "And you were the one who made up the lie that she drowned in the river when she was little? You actually took her to Egypt? With that man, Vicius."

He turned his head to look at you, to see your expression. You felt sad when you remembered him, but you gave the general a half-smile anyway.

“There were three hundred days of mourning throughout the empire,” Macrinus gave you a half smile. “Then it was forgotten when it was time for Caracalla's fifth birthday, but the people of Rome must still remember their princess. The year you were born was a very prosperous one, the fields were full of new crops, there were hardly any beggars in the streets.”

A soft smile spread across Acacius' face, you wondered why, but you didn't feel comfortable to ask when Macrinus around.

“Wine,” Macrinus ordered one of the other slaves. “My lady, please eat something,” he said, indicating the food on the table. “You need to gather your strength.” Then he looked at Acacius who shook his head. “I should head out to dress properly for the Council,” he said and turned to you and got down on his knees. "My Lady, I will be ready to provide any assistance you may require at the council today."

“No, General, I cannot allow you to do that.”

He looked confused.

"Perhaps it would be better if I said that I've kept my name a secret from you.”

“They've already seen us together,” he protested. “I don't think they'll care about that.”

"Lady Aurelia is right, General. It would not be good for you to make your side clear, at least from Geta's point of view. Half the council already knows everything and we have the upper hand."

"Marcus, please," you grabbed his big hand with both of yours. "I don't want you to stay in the middle of this.”

He took both your hands in his, his beard brushing against your skin. "As you wish. but know that if things don't go our way, I will do my utmost to ensure your safety." He kissed you gently on the top of your hands and stood up. "I will see you at the Council then." He nodded and left the courtyard. With his leaving, you felt abandoned, out of place.

Macrinus' gladiator-slave accompanied the general out into the courtyard and returned a moment later. As his eyes met yours, you turned your head.

“I wonder why you keep gladiators as slaves in your villa?”

Macrinus smiled, shaking the wine glass in his hand, “Choosing gladiators is an art, they often become prisoners of war, just like other slaves.”

“So you buy them, train them and put them in fights,” you looked at the gladiator without turning your head. "What is the return on investment of this strategy? Is this the best way to gain the trust of the emperors, by providing entertainment?”

Macrinus laughed. “My lady, you have the right angle, but I don't think you see the whole picture. Perhaps you could save your thinking skills for the council, as it is almost time. My slaves will be ready to dress you properly," he said, rising to his feet. "If I may ask, as you still haven't given me the letter."

One of the girl slaves came as you stood up. “The general has the letter, I'm sure he will bring it before the council.”

“I must say, I am rather surprised at the extent of your trust in him.” Macrinus narrowed his eyes.

“I trust him more than anyone,” you said confidently. You couldn't bear to hear him speak unfairly of the General. You took a step back, looking around to avoid making eye contact with him. “Now, where do I get dressed?”

Roman Forum…

The Roman Forum was the centre of day-to-day life in Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Here statues and monuments commemorated the city's leaders. This was where the Senate—as well as Republican government itself—began. The Senate House, government offices, tribunals, temples, memorials and statues gradually cluttering the area.

By the time the carriage carrying you and Macrinus arrived, the morning sun was already brightening the streets. The streets were now filled with Romans, spread around, going about their daily routines. This particular street was noticeably more crowded than usual. A considerable number of people had gathered in anticipation of the emperors' attendance at today's significant meeting. Among them were individuals with pending court cases, spectators eager to witness the new gladiators' initial contests, distinguished patricians and their wives, and those in need, who had come with the hope of receiving alms from them. Additionally, there were individuals who were to be dedicated as priestesses to the temple of Vesta and their companions, as well as those with business at the state house and, of course, the esteemed members of the senate and their wives.

Women were allowed to walk around the Roman Forum, but not in the Curia Julia, the senate building. Of course, the empress managed to sneak herself in - to see what was being said behind her sons' backs and what plans were being made - so it was inevitable that no one would pretend to know about it.

Today, Julia Domna managed to get herself into the Curia in the same way, but you couldn't see it because the entrance was too far away. Macrinus got out of the carriage and looked in towards you.

‘My lady, you will have to sit here for a while, you know women are-.’

‘Yes, sir, I know.’

He turned his head and squinted at something in the distance.

‘Acacius,’ he murmured.

Upon hearing his name, your heart began to race with excitement. He was the only person you desired to see at that moment. Macrinus took a step back, and the general's footsteps could be heard just outside the carriage.

"Did you bring the letter, General Acacius?" Macrinus asked.

You stuck your head out, eager to see his face. Cato was beside him, he took your letter out of his leather bag and handed it to Acacius, he handed it to you. You reached for it, and he turned his head to meet your eyes, making you realise how much you had missed him, even in such a short time.

“My Lady, I would like to return this to you.” The General was dressed differently today, in a toga worn on formal occasions. White in colour, it covered almost his entire body, with burgundy stripes around the edges. The shawl was of the same colour and pattern, the sleeves were short so you could see the thick gold bracelets on his arms, it looked perfect and neat.

“I am grateful to you for ensuring its safety,” you said quietly.

Macrinus cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should go inside now to start the session."

“Sir Macrinus, you go first.” Acacius said in a detached manner, his eyes locked on you.

“My lady,” he bowed his head, turned around and made his way towards the wide stairs of the Curia.

"Are you feeling a bit nervous?” His voice softened for you.

“A little,” you lied.

He smiled and put his hand on your cheek. “No need to be, you have nothing to worry about. It's your birthright, like every Roman. I think that's the only thing Macrinus and I agree on.”

You touched his hand on your cheek and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I know, thank you.”

He tilted his head towards you, almost close enough to touch you with his lips. “I will always be there to protect you, my beautiful lady, no matter what the outcome.” He held your eyes captive for a moment with his eyes, then pulled himself back. He looked ahead, frowning.

“They're here,” he said, squinting.

“Our Emperors!” Someone in the crowd shouted at the top of his lungs.

Your swallowed, feeling your heart began to race. Acacius stroked your hair gently, "There's no need to be so distressed. They can't do anything to you. There are very few people in the Senate who likes them. As much as I don't like him, I have to hand it to him, Macrinus knows what he's doing, almost succeeded in convincing the entire council,’ he said. 'I must go in now, Octavius will accompany you in,' he said, kissing your hand for the last time before leaving. You inhaled deeply while holding the letter in your hand tightly, praying to all the Gods.

Curia Julia…

All councillors were present and awaiting the commencement of the session, with the oldest councillor taking the lead in opening the meeting. The murmurs of the members of the Senate reverberated gently off the walls of the Curia's spacious, high-ceilinged meeting hall. When their names were announced a little later, all the congressmen stood up and showed their greeting as the Emperors entered the hall from the great hall, albeit somewhat reluctantly. They took their seats in the western corner of the round hall, their attire differing from that of the members of the senate in that it was rather more ostentatious and therefore perhaps less appropriate.

The longest-serving member of the council approached the emperors and stood on the ledge in the centre of the hall to offer them his greetings. He surveyed the room with a gesture that seemed to convey a desire to embrace everyone. “What an auspicious day. Many gave their lives so that we could stand here once more, for the sake of an empire, a government with laws.”

All the members applauded him, except the emperors, who seemed bored already. Acacius was in the lowest tribune and sat quite close to them. Many were surprised to see him at the meeting today; he rarely attended, and no one even knew he voted in the elections.

“In honouring them, I would like to mention that we must pay our respects in your presence to General Marcus Acacius, commander of the southern armies, General of the Six Legions and protector of Rome.” he said, raising his hand and pointing to him. “He demonstrated remarkable courage in defending the Rome and is worthy of our respect and gratitude.”

The members started clapping more enthusiastically. They were all chanting the General's name together. Acacius stood up to show his appreciation and then sat back down.

“Senate is now in session. I invite Sir Macrinus here to make his speech.”

As oldest member approached the tribune to take his seat, Macrinus rose from his seat, came to the centre and greeted the emperors and members.

“Your Majesties, esteemed council members. The reason we are gathered here today is not a matter of government or politics. It is a matter concerning our former emperor, Emperor Septimius Severus and his family.” As he extended his hand towards Emperors, Geta turned curiously to Caracalla.

“What is he saying, brother?” he whispered.

Caracalla answered without looking at him. “Patience brother, you’ll understand soon enough.”

“So you knew?”

He did not answer, which made Geta angry and curious.

By the time Octavius came to get you from the carriage, you were pretty bored sitting inside.

“My lady, it's time.”

You nodded and got out of the carriage with his help, taking a quick look around as you walked together through the crowd. The gladiator fights had taken a break, and people were discussing what was happening in the Curia. One of the trials was underway. A man and a woman were crying, as if they had been convicted of some crime you didn't understand. As you made your way up the stairs of the Curia, one after the other behind Octavius, one of the guards at the entrance blocked your path with an outstretched hand. Octavius brushed his arm away with the back of his hand.

"She is no ordinary woman, and the council members are waiting for her."

"Forgive me," he said, stepping back to allow you to pass.

You and Octavius entered a large hall and proceeded between tall, imposing white pillars. After a short while, you heard the voices of several men. Was there a disagreement in the council? Octavius stood near two large, thick pillars and looked in the direction of the sound, raising his hand towards you. "Perhaps we should wait a moment."

As the big iron door swung open, you could hear the voices inside a bit better.

"Are you saying that our sister is alive?"

It was Geta's voice, sounding angry. "Where has she been all this time?"

"As I said, Your Majesty, your sister was sent to Egypt on your father's orders. She wasn't there when I went to find her, but she is here now. Your sister is waiting outside with the letter your father, the Emperor, wrote to her. Shall I bring her here now?"

Macrinus' voice was loud but persuasive.

“Yes, the council wants to see her!” Someone else's voice was louder than his.

The voices that rose and echoed in the great hall were positive, a flicker of nervousness swept through you. Soon, Macrinus appeared in the doorway.

“My lady, remove your cloak, please.”

You did as he said, Octavius held it for you, and you felt a little reassured that he was there.

Macrinus accompanied you into the meeting room, his demeanor somewhat less reassuring than you had hoped. “Walk with a little more confidence, my lady, you will soon be declared 'filia regis’ (princess).”

His confident face was only working in his favor. It had nothing to do with you. You were trying to look ahead as you descended the stairs one by one, the councillors began to murmur, you didn't feel ready to look at them, and soon you heard Caracalla's hysterical laughter, you were startled and looked in the direction of the sound.

He pointed his finger at you. “You! It must be a lame joke!”

Geta was silent, only his eyes locked on you, leaning forward and marveling under his eyebrows. Caracalla stormed out of his seat and came over to Macrinus.

“What does this mean?”

“You told me my sister was coming, but you forgot to tell me who she was?” he scolded him in a low voice.

“It's pure coincidence that you've met her before, Highness.”

He then looked in the direction where the general was sitting, and you had the opportunity to observe him and the others. All the members were dressed in white togas, similar to the general, but with black embroidery around the edges of their clothes. It was a large hall filled with men, and it was somewhat awkward and uncomfortable to be in the middle of them as the only woman.

"She resembles her mother," one individual posited.

“Indeed, she is an exact match, both physically and genetically," another concurred. “Just like in the records.”

A multitude of voices were present, yet your attention was directed towards Caracalla, who directed a finger at the general.

"For how long have you been aware of this, General Acacius?”

“He didn’t know!”

As your voice echoed through the vast hall with a ringing effect among all the male voices, the other voices gradually faded and Caracalla turned to look at you. Then you handed him the letter.

“I got the chance to open it on the day of the ceremony. That's when I found out everything. General Acacius had no idea.”

This time you said it looking at all the council members as your eyes met Acacius. He was staring at Caracalla, looking a bit angry. Geta arose from his seat and approached Caracalla. He took the letter from his hand and read it over, then looked at you.

“Why didn't you say anything that day?”

"I was planning to," you replied. "I was uncertain of your reaction and what you would do," your eyes shifted to Caracalla. Another councillor approached and examined the letter.

“This is the seal of Emperor Septimius Severus,” he said, looking at the other members. Caracalla grasped the letter and held it up. “But a broken seal and a piece of paper which doesn't prove anything.” Geta reached out to take it from him, but he pushed him away with his elbow, tore the letter into pieces and threw it on the floor.

You were filled with anger. "That was the last thing left of my father," your voice was higher than you would have cared to have it be.

Macrinus interjected, "Your Majesty, while I understand your concerns, I believe it would be beneficial to hear the rest of the speech before making a decision.”

“I want to hear it.” Geta sat back in his seat.

Caracalla nodded and reluctantly joined him.

You clenched your fists, looking at the pieces of the letter on the floor, some of them scattered on your sandals. It was hard not to cry, your father's seal lying on the ground like something worthless. How could he be so cruel?

"Sir Macrinus, if I might be so bold, I would like to say a few words before you speak," said the oldest member of the council.

As he stood up and came to stand beside you, the room fell silent. "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Lady Aurelia before she disappeared," he said, looking at you. "Her eyes and hair are similar, and her face has retained a remarkable resemblance. The emperor Septimius affectionately titled to her as 'Aurelia' due to her blonde hair. I am the one who made it official, and I have my signature and seal included in the record book. It is an honor to see you again, Lady Aurelia.” He bowed his head.

"I am truly grateful for your kind assistance, sir.” Your voice broke.

The crowd began to murmur again, with only a few objecting. The general was looking at you with a soft expression, and you smiled back, though you quickly turned your head away to avoid being noticed. Macrinus thanked the elderly member, waited for him to take his seat, and then he turned to the council members.

"I was fortunate to be able to visit Egypt four years ago at the Emperor's request. I went in search of the lady Aurealia, who was residing with Vicius, Septimius' personal medicus. I had a brief encounter with her, but it seemed that she was still unaware of the truth about herself. Vicius was of the opinion that the Emperor had not sent me. Perhaps he considered himself to be more closely aligned with the Emperor than I was. I am still curious as to what the Emperor may have promised him,” he said sarcastically.

“He did a good job of hiding her,” Caracalla said, teasingly.

The crowd found his behaviour amusing and laughter echoed through the great hall. Geta joined in with the laughter. The mood in the hall started to lighten, but you frowned. It wasn't right to disrespect his memory.

“Sir Macrinus, you mentioned seeing the lady Aurelia around four years ago, which is around the time we lost Septimius Severus.” One of the councillors said.

“I know what you're implying, but I've always had the trust of our emperors since they ascended to the throne. I couldn't bring your sister because I returned here as soon as I heard the news of Septimius Severus' death.” He said, looking at him and then back to the emperors. “He gave me a task before he died and told me to get it done. But I'm not the only one. There's someone else he assigned. With your permission, I call consul ordinarius Gaius Septimius Severus Aper here.”

Once more, the great hall was filled with murmuring. Macrinus turned towards you. “Your cousin,” he explained. You raised your eyebrows in surprise.

“I hate him,” Caracalla growled. Geta didn't seem to like him either.

A moment later, Gaius entered the great hall with another letter in his hand, greeted everyone and came over to you. He appeared to be in his thirties, well built but not soldierly, with an attractive but stern face.

“Lady Aurelia, we meet at last,” he said, smiling at you. You nodded, but didn't have anything to say, and were pretty surprised.

“Another letter?” Geta enquired.

“It seems our father has written letters to everyone but us,” Caracalla said, making a face.

They stood up and gave their cousins the kind of hug that was pretty clearly insincere. It was obvious that they didn't get along. Gaius held the letter up for everyone to see.

“I was with my uncle when he wrote this letter, he sealed it in my presence.” Gaius said.

“Before or after you fled to Leptis Magna?” Caracalla asked. Geta burst out laughing.

He ignored them and spoke to the council instead. "Members of the Senate, I break the seal in your presence," he said, and broke the seal of the letter that the father had sealed himself and opened it.

Macrinus asked permission to take the letter and summarised it for the council members.

“It seems that our Emperor has directed Gaius to ensure that upon the eventual return of Lady Aurelia, she will be duly restored to her full birth rights. That makes two of us sir Gaius.” Macrinus and him exchanged looks that made you sure they talked about his before.

“I am privileged to be able to convey greetings from your relatives in Leptis Magna to you. The entire Severan Dynasty salutes you, my lady,” Gaius said, bowing to you. “And of course you, our emperors,” he bowed to them, as a reply Caracalla turned his head in disgust.

Oldest member of council came towards you again with few members beside him.

‘Then, before our emperors and your esteemed councillors, I extend an invitation to all to welcome our filia regis princess Septimia Aurelia Marciana, first of the name, daughter of Emperor Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus and his first wife Paccia Marciana, patroness of Leptis Magna back to her home.” He sang out.

"A very warm welcome back to Lady Aurelia!" someone stood up and said in a cheerful voice.“Welcome back, filia regis Aurelia!” another joined him.

And all the council members repeated in unison.

Geta approached you in a cheerful manner, clapping his hands. “Welcome, I embrace you as my sister," he said, kissing you on the cheek. You were somewhat startled, but you kept your composure, your cheeks blushed. "We must celebrate this," Caracalla said, kissing you on the other cheek, smiling involuntarily. You forced a smile in return, although he still made you feel somewhat nervous.

“My brother is right, we must celebrate!”

All the members were now standing and applauding, their enthusiasm evident in the resounding applause that echoed through the great hall.

"Sir Macrinus, bring the new gladiators to the Domus Severiana tomorrow. I want new games!" Caracalla smiled with joy.

"As you wish, your majesty," he bowed his head.

"But brother, tomorrow is the festival of Saturnalia," Geta whined.

“Well? That's better, it'll add some excitement.”

While they were chatting, you scanned the room, looking for the General among all the men.

Caracalla turned to you. “As our sister, you're supposed to come with us now?”

This was something you hadn't planned. You didn't factor in the idea of living under the same roof with them. Why didn't you think of that before?

Geta stood between you and Caracalla. “Mother must be pretty shaken up, perhaps you could go and find her first, I'll accompany Aurelia, she's a bit wary of you,” he grinned at you and took your arm.

Caracalla smirked. “Fine by me.” But you could tell he was watching you two.

'Come on, sister, there's lots to do.' You were a little surprised by how fast they welcomed you, but you feel grateful somehow.

The council members were all standing and chatting, and although you wanted to go to the general in this crowd and talk to him, you had to put it out of your mind for now. Before Geta pulled you along by the arm and led you out, you looked back at Marcus for the last time and saw that he looked worried. As you descended the stairs of the Curia with Geta, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd outside.

“Emperor Geta!”

Guards surrounded you to protect you, the crowd chanting Geta's name with enthusiasm.

Geta raised his hands high and greeted them. Then he grabbed you by the wrist and raised your arm.

"People of Rome, allow me to introduce you to your filia regis, Lady Aurelia!"

You didn't expect it to happen so soon. The crowd fell silent. Caracalla came running up behind him and grabbed Geta's other arm.“Eager much, brother? We must announce at the festival tomorrow.”

After a brief period of murmuring, the crowd suddenly began clapping and shouting again. You were taken aback when Julia took your other arm. How long had she been there?

"I would like to invite you all to welcome Lady Aurelia!" she sang.

"Welcome Lady Aurelia!" someone shouted loudly and cheerfully.

“Lady Aurelia!”

Just like in the hall, the streets of the Roman Forum began to echo with your name. It was a strange feeling, a bit frightening, exciting, and proud. You weren't used to any of it, but you were born that way, a princess. It will take me a while to get used to it, you thought.

“See? They love her already,” Geta winked at Caracalla, then pushed back the hair that had fallen over your shoulder. “Smile, sister.”

For him it was easy to say, for you it was all so sudden and you would have to adjust to this new situation. As the crowd chanted your names, the general, who had been observing the proceedings from a distance, seemed somewhat displeased that Geta had managed to touch you with such ease.

He hated to see another man touches you, even if it was your half-brother.

"General Acacius, it's been a long time," Gaius came up to him.

"Sir Gaius," the general nodded. "You are correct, I had just been appointed commander of the southern armies when I arrived at Leptis Magna. It must be decades." His eyes were watching you from afar.

"I must say that you played a significant role in the success of the battle there," he said. "I believe our people are still grateful to you." He was also observing you and Geta.

"I believe you stayed there to hide the emperor's letter. I understand why you chose to stay away from the capital," the general's eyes shifted to Caracalla.

"I believe he may view me as a potential threat to the throne, as he has done in the past. However, I believe it is my duty to remain here and complete my mission," he said with conviction.

The general observed Gaius' gaze and perceived that he was focusing it on you.

"I must ensure the safety of Lady Aurelia."

"But perhaps it would be wise to ensure your own safety as well? I believe you may be in more danger than she is.”

Gaius picked up on the hint in his voice. "Sir Macrinus told me a little about your relationship with her. I'm really grateful that you protected her while I was away."

The general stayed silent and waited, obviously sensing Gaius' intentions with his man instincts.

"I'll ask the emperors for her hand in marriage. I'm sure she'll be safer in Leptis Magna. She can't be happy with them – look how uneasy she is with them.”

The general looked tense. "I wasn't aware you were a widow," he said.

"Yes, I got divorced a while ago," he replied with a smile. "I would like to remarry, as a widow, you know what I mean, I guess."

Acacius returned his smile with a disgusted expression. "Could Iask why you believe Lady Aurelia will marry you? I am merely cautioning you in advance, Sir Gaius, because I am convinced that you will be rejected." He smiled wryly at him, then turned his back on him and began to ascend the stairs.

Macrinus approached him as Gaius glared angrily after him." You were right – there is something between those two."

"Don't worry, tomorrow at the festival we'll take the first step to get rid of Acacius once and for all."

Gaius turned to him, looking angry. "How can that be? He's someone everyone respects. He's the biggest obstacle in my way."

He touched his shoulder. ”The gladiators are ready to fight, we just need Majesties’ approval tomorrow. Then Acacius will find himself in the Colosseum, and then we'll get rid of him for good. Then there will be nothing in our way, my friend." He smiled confidently.

Palatine Hill…

As the morning sun shone on the crimson-red roofs of the Domus Severiana, the birds chirped cheerfully and flew around, their songs of joy filling the air. Yesterday was a turning point for you. Things moved pretty quickly, and it was a bit of a challenge to adjust. When you first arrived with your half-brothers last evening, it was a lot easier than you thought it would be. Julia, their mother, was pretty quiet all night, but she didn't react badly to you, which surprised you even more. e. You got the feeling that she could be pretty ruthless, even though she seemed pretty calm. The idea of living in the same house with them wasn't appealing to you. In fact, it made you feel uneasy. Geta was the only one who didn't make you nervous, but you knew he was unpredictable like his mother.

You opened your eyes in your new room and bed, looked around, and closed them again. This room was big and luxurious, much more so than your room in the general's villa. A bit too much, you thought. You pulled the silk bed sheet over your head and sighed deeply. You would give anything to open your eyes to the new day lying next to Marcus, in his arms.

You were no longer a slave, nor a Medicus, nor could you go to his villa as a commoner. It seems that even as a princess, you don't always get to choose. But you missed him so much, his strong arms around you, his sensual lips, all the memories you had in his villa.

A gentle knock at the door momentarily distracted you from your thoughts, which seemed to fade into the elegant surroundings of this splendid room.

"Please come in," you said, sitting up in bed.

A young slave girl entered the room.

"My lady, I am pleased to see you are awake," she said, her voice conveying a sense of concern.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Yes, it's about Emperor Geta."

You removed the bedclothes around you and got out of the large bed.

“What happened to him?”

“He asked me to take you to him quietly, he doesn't want the Empress to hear.”

‘Hear what?’

‘He seems a little unwell.’

‘Take me to him,’ you said quickly. You were concerned that the poison might still be present in his body.

You left your room and went into the main hall to leave your chamber. Your room was in the east corner of the other courtyard. They said, it was your mother and father’s chambers when they first married. You strode up the stairs and entered Geta's chambers. It was still early, so the room was quiet. The other slaves looked at you with concern as you approached the door of the room where you had come to heal him the last time. They greeted you and opened the door for you. You were surprised to see a couple of young slaves lying on the floor. Their bodies were naked, which made you blush with shame. It was clear that your brother Geta had a lot of fun last night. There were two girls in Geta's bed, but he was nowhere to be seen. You looked at the latrina (bathroom, toilet) door and heard a coughing sound behind. He should have been there, but you had no intention of finding him naked.

You cleared your throat and called out to him.

“Highness? Geta? Brother?”

There was a brief interlude of laughter, and then he looked up at you through the latrine door.

“I need to get used to this, a woman's voice calling me brother.”

His face was as white as marble.

"Is everything all right? You look a little pale.”

“It's because I started the damn day throwing up.”

You looked down at the wine glasses on the floor and sighed.

"You must have had a lot to drink. You're just recovered, so you need to be careful about alcohol.” As you approached the latrine door, he was coming out, you almost bumped into each other. You quickly backed away and turned around, it was a bit stuffy in there, you moved to open the big window.

Geta looked like a little boy, messy hair and all, far away from an emperor.

"Do you think it's because I didn't drink your herbal thing?" He threw himself into the armchair by the window, covered his face with his arm.

“You didn’t?" You looked at him in shock. “How could you not? You had to drink it all to get better.” You were angry.

“But it tasted like cow dung.” He whined, lifted his arm up, gave you a mocking look. “What, are you scolding me?”

You swallowed. “Your Majesty,” you said suggestively. “You must drink the concoction for your own health.”

“I can't.”

You crossed your arms. “Don't you want to get better?”

“Because of that stupid whore, she broke the bottle. That's what happens when you bring a whore from the whorehouse.”

When you heard that word, you thought of Decima. You faced the fact that you had left her behind while you were dealing with everything.

“Could you make the mixture again? It's a festival day and I want to feel good, I don't want to look unwell especially when I’m with Caracalla.” He mumbled.

“I will, but may I ask something in return?”

“Aha! You don't act like a saint anymore, huh?” He laughed. You ignored his joke, approached him.

“Please, brother, a small favor?” Perhaps it seemed to you that you were looking at him in a pleading way. But to him, it was seductive, though he didn't show that. He cleared his throat.

“Alright, what can I do for my lovely sister? What is it you want, I really wonder?”

You smiled hesitantly. “A platoon of soldiers.”

Geta opened his eyes wide, let out a hearty laugh, stood up, and then laughed again, clapping his hands. You tried to stay calm and wait patiently.

He laughed so hard that the slaves on the floor and the ones in his bed all woke up and quickly left the room.

“You know, you really are an unbelievable woman.” His childish smile spread all over his face. He let out another laugh. Then he crossed his arms. “What are you planning to do with all those soldiers? I am genuinely curious.”

“I'm going to save my friend.”

He put his hand on his chin, thinking, narrowing his eyes.

“Why don't you ask the General Acacius for help? He can do alone what a platoon of soldiers can do.”

“Because he won't like what I'm going to do,” you were sure of it.The mere thought of it made you nervous, so you had to get it done as soon as possible.

Geta laughed again. “Something Acacius wouldn't like, hmm, sounds delicious. The soldiers are at your service, sister.”

Whore House…

In the early morning, the street where the whorehouse was located was not very crowded, even quiet. Compared to other parts of the city, it might have been the quietest place in the mornings, but not today. You had come to this street with a group of ten soldiers with a single purpose. And this time you had the power to do it. Not as Aya, but as Princess Aurelia.

Walking with confidence among the soldiers, not paying attention to the people looking at you. You paused in front of the door, and the soldiers stopped with you. You'd already told the commander what was going to happen. He nodded and kicked the door open. The soldiers scattered inside to make sure you got in safely, the last two entering with you, standing next to you, protecting you.

Juturna, the woman who owned this place, looked like she had just woken up. She was surprised to see the soldiers; her pupils were popping out of their sockets.

Then she saw you and pointed her finger at you.

“You! What the?”

The room where they were holding Decima was upstairs. You ignored Juturna's whine and headed for that room. The soldiers were waiting for you downstairs, and one of them came behind you to protect you. When you stepped in front of the room, you rushed inside. Decima was lying on the bed, her wrists still cuffed with chains. She looked a little weak and hardly looked at you. You were incredibly angry. You grabbed her chain and looked at the soldier.

“Uncuff her!”

The soldier nodded and grabbed the collar of one of the guards who had come after you.

“You heard the lady!”

The guard was frightened, he quickly uncuffed her, and Decima's bruised face lit up with a ray of hope. When she was free, she hugged you.

“Aya, but how?”

“Never mind now, let's get you out of here first.”

You grabbed her arm and led her out of the room. As you made your way downstairs, you heard Juturna's cries.

“Lady you can't do this!” she lunged towards you, but one of the soldiers pushed her back.

“Pay her compensation,” you ordered one of the soldiers. He handed her the pouch full of coins.

“This girl is now my slave, send the necessary papers to the Domus Severiana, and if you have any objections, try the Emperor Geta.”

She swallowed hard, knowing full well that she'd never want to contradict him. You smiled triumphantly as you and Decima walked out of there with the soldiers behind you. Then you stopped suddenly when you saw the general standing next to your carriage.

When did he come?

You led Decima inside the carriage and looked at him. He'd called the commander of the troops to him and was talking to him. He punched him on the chest, but not so hard. Was he scolding him?

As you approached him, the soldier was coming towards you, rubbing his chest where General had hit him.

“The General says we're done here, my lady, if you'll excuse me.” he bowed his head.

“The General is right, you can go,” you said, looking at General.

“You really do whatever you set your mind to, you are so stubborn, my lady.” He muttered.

“How do you know I was here?”

Acacius crossed his arms and squinted at you. “I am the General, remember? All the soldiers in this city are under my command.”

"I see. I understand why you might be upset with me for not asking for help. I thought you could stop me from coming here, so I asked Geta for help."

"I can see that you and your brother Geta are close. I believe he asked you for something in return?”

"I promised to make the herbal concoction to heal him."

"I'd like to hear the real answer."

He smiled, but his eyes were sharp. It was impossible to lie to those eyes.

"Perhaps I told him you wouldn't like it," you said, biting your lower lip.

“This is the answer I'm looking for.”

“I didn’t want you to upset, I’m sorry.”

“It's not something you should be sorry about,” he said, looking at the carriage behind you. “You did it for your friend, I understand.”

Her eyes softened, and he was smiling once more, which prompted you to return his smile.

“I miss you,” you said in a low tone.

"I miss you more, my lady. "There are memories of you all over the villa. Facing those memories makes me sorrowful." His brown eyes were warm. "I find I miss you more when I'm in my room. There are so many reminders of you there," he said, his lips curving in a mischievous smile. He leaned his head towards you, close to your ear. "Especially in my bed." You gasped as his warm breath hit your face, your heart racing.

You almost forgot you were in the middle of the street. You were ready to throw yourself into his arms. You pulled yourself together with his giggling, he must have been amused by your facial expression. You jokingly nudged his muscled arm with your elbow.

"You're pretty shameless, General. Seducing me right here in the middle of the street.”

“Apologies, my lady,” he said, laughing.

"Are you coming to the festival today?”

“Yes, I've been invited and I would like to take this opportunity to talk with the emperors.”

You heard the hint in his voice, but you didn't understand it. His grin made you even more curious. He never smiled when he talked about emperors, so this was weird.

‘What are you going to talk to them about, I wonder?’

Acacius held your hand and looked into your eyes. "If it pleases you, my lady, I will tell them I ask your hand in marriage."

You froze and opened your eyes wide, unsure if you had heard correctly. Acacius smiled and kissed your hand.

“You can give me your answer after the festival. You might want to head out now, as preparations are about to get underway.” He put his arm around you and pulled you towards the carriage.

You looked at him before getting in, “I'll be waiting for you there, Marcus.”

@myownwholewildworld @orcasoul @pedroslut4eva @immyowndefender @lailathepedritofan @screechingchildfury @shinymusicpanda @somedayheaven @ivoryandflame @negrita2345 @music-lover09 @javiismyhsbnd @idontcareihavenoidea @jisungandpedrolover

if anyone wants me to tag them please comment :) thank you all <3

#fanfiction #fanfic #pedro pascal fandom #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal gifs #pedro pascal #ao3 fanfic #general marcus acacius #marcus acacius x you #marcus acacius x reader #marcus acacius #gladiator 2 #general acacius #emperor geta #emperor caracalla #gladiator ii #gladiator movie

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dailyhoshina · 7 days ago

Text

⚔️Day 132 (˶` ˑˑ ´˶)

Hiii! I want to let you all know that I might not be able to post that frequently for a while because I just started uni and my schedule is getting a bit busy! Nevertheless, I will still try my best to post whenever I can! I love you all and am very grateful for your support! (˶˃⤙˂˶)💕✨️

#hoshina soshiro #soshiro hoshina #hoshina #kaiju no. 8 #kaiju no 8 manga #kn8 #kaiju no 8 anime

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ts1m1kas · 3 months ago

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Original Ask: Can I request a Jamal fic where he asks reader out and then a prologue where he proposes to her (anonymous)

Word Count: 531 words

(author's note: i didn't follow the request exactly because i've been busy and haven't had the time to write much recently !! it's not a fic & prologue, just a fic but i hope you enjoy this nevertheless 🩷)

Jamal knew that Y/N was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. And if he was honest, he had known that since he first saw her. He was absolutely smitten with her and he couldn't wait to marry her.

The pair had been together for many years and Jamal often found himself resisting the urge to propose. Not because he didn't want to, but because he felt it was too soon.

There was also no doubt in his mind that Y/N felt the same way. She had told him countless times how much she loved him and that a wedding was what she wanted most in the world.

In short, the couple were absolutely obsessed with each other.

So, when the perfect opportunity for Jamal to propose came about, he wasn't going to waste it. He had bought his girlfriend's dream ring a while ago, all he had to do now was ask the big question.

The pair were on holiday in Spain and they had gone on an evening walk to the beach. They were hand in hand as they walked slowly down the expanses of sand, their ears filled with the soft crashing of waves.

Jamal’s pocket felt heavy with the weight of the ring box and his heart felt heavy with nerves. But, deep down, he knew he was doing the right thing.

When they came to a stop to watch the sunset and Y/N turned around to get a better look, Jamal knew this was his chance. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the box and got down on one knee.

Y/N turned back around and looked down at Jamal. She gasped when she realised what he was doing and her hand flew up to cover her mouth in shock and her eyes filled with tears.

“Y/N L/N, I have known since the day I met you that I wanted to make you my wife. Your kind, funny and caring personality has only made me fall more in love with you over the years. I am so grateful to have such a beautiful girlfriend that supports me through every step of my life and career. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”

Y/N was frozen in shock. She had been waiting for this day for as long as she could remember and now it was finally happening.

“Yes! Of course I will! A thousand times yes!” She began sobbing with happiness, unable to hold back her tears any longer.

Jamal stood up and wrapped his arms around his now fiancée. He held her gently as she cried with happiness, before stepping back and holding her hand in his. He slid the engagement ring onto her finger and then lifted her hand up to press a kiss to the back of it.

“Thank you,” Jamal whispered to Y/N quietly.

“For what?” She questioned, looking up at him.

“Everything you do for me, and especially for saying yes.”

The pair embraced again, the post-proposal happiness surrounding them like a bubble. Jamal was convinced he had never felt happier in his life.

#football #fanfiction #fanfic #hot footballers #request #jamal musiala x reader #jamal musiala #jamal musiala imagine #jamal musiala blurb #by ts1m1kas

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bring-forth-his-sac · 5 days ago

Note

Hiiii I’m the anon who sent the ask about whether I could send a request even tho it might take a while so I don’t forget!

I always have ideas for fanfics but I cannot write for the life of me 😭 so if you don’t wanna write this it’s all good :)

so I had an idea where it’s a non-apocalyptic world & the reader/character is famous? like they’re a singer & they just started dating negan & he hears the songs they wrote about him & it’s just fluffy? again you don’t have to write this it’s just an idea I had 🥺🫶🏻

sorry this took so long!! thank you sm for your patience <333 also my friend helped me with the actual lyrics in this which I am so grateful for because I don't have a musical bone in my body

pairing: Negan x singer!Reader

tags: alternate universe, established relationship, fluff, modern AU, famous AU, love songs, Negan needing to mention his dick in every convo lol

word count: 1.7k

It’s still early in the evening and yet there’s snores coming from the other room.

Negan sits on the sofa, legs stretched out. He was waiting for the melodic sounds of your piano to waft out of the room but after a few minutes, all that has emerged from your study are soft snores.

He debates going in and disturbing your solitude. While Negan knows you wouldn’t mind his company, he likes to give you your own time to indulge in music.

Music has always been a big part of who you are and it’s something Negan has supported from the beginning.

He understands that for you, music is like your personal diary, a sanctuary where you pour out all of your emotions and transform them into a heart-wrenching ballad or the catchiest pop song he’s ever heard.

With another snore drifting out from your study, Negan sighs and gets up.

As of recent, you’ve been consumed by a wave of newfound inspiration, tirelessly working on numerous songs. It’s as if lightning has struck, igniting a sudden surge of motivation and encouraging you to put your heart and soul into your work.

Piano keys, the strumming of guitars and your voice has filled Negan’s ears as you put finishing touches on song after song.

Even though he's been eager to hear a sneak peek, you've chosen to keep the new songs private until they're complete. Nevertheless, Negan has already tried to convince you otherwise. He can’t help it, as soon as he knows you’re crafting some new song, he wants to know everything about it.

But you’ve always remained steadfast and not let him have a sneak peek, even when he gives you those puppy dog eyes.

Creeping into your study, Negan’s eyes immediately go to your figure. Slumped over your desk with loose papers everywhere, you greet him with another snore. Negan smiles at the sight, immediately deciding that you need 100% relaxation for the rest of the night.

He weaves his way through the room, making sure not to step on the fallen guitar picks that have found a home on the fuzzy carpet. The walls of the room are lined with empty cases of instruments, music stands that have been pushed aside and Negan’s favourite armchair.

It’s what he always sits on whenever you invite him in to listen to what you’ve been working on. Although there are some more steamy memories too that truly cement it as being his favourite leather armchair.

Negan approaches your desk silently, careful not to disturb your peaceful sleep. Your laptop hums with life, displaying what he assumes must be a compilation of beats that are on the verge of being made into a cohesive rhythm. Making sure everything is saved, he shuts down the laptop for the night.

“Baby,” he nudges you carefully “you keep sleeping like that and you’ll be complaining ‘bout a bad back in no time”.

You respond with a soft grunt, your fatigue winning as you stay asleep.

Negan chuckles, finding your determination to nap utterly adorable. He takes a casual look around your desk, skimming over the various musical notes jotted down that he can't make heads or tails of, until he spots something else.

Lyrics.

Small fragments of verses, written out on scrap pieces of paper and sticky notes. His eyes impulsively scan what he can see, yearning for that sneak peek you’ve denied him.

Moving carefully, he picks up one of the sticky notes and reads it.

“In every moment, I feel the spark. You’re the love that lights the dark”.

Negan has seen you weave song about your past experiences and the people in your life, but never has he thought that he might become the subject of your next ballad.

He glances down at your sleeping form as if you’ll pick up on his questioning look. Not fully believing it, Negan grabs another sticky note.

“A leather jacket, stories untold… with that smirk, you take control”.

As it is written, so it shall be. A smirk graces Negan's face as he looks down at the paper, slowly nodding to himself. Jackpot.

You’re finally writing a goddamn song about him!

Negan doesn’t want to say it’s about time but he’s definitely been thinking about you serenading him with his own song for a while now. He blames his ego for that fantasy.

“Oh darlin’, you writing this for me?” He asks with a grin. Negan lets the sticky notes fall back to the desk and he wraps his arms around you, his chest against your hunched back and embracing you in a hug you don’t even know you’re in.

Feeling his arms around you, you slowly begin to come to. Your eyes flutter open, instantly feeling comfortable.

“Negan?” You mumble groggily, your brain still waking up.

He hums, giving you a quick kiss on the cheek “Your world just light up?”.

“Wh-what?” a confused pout forms on your face as you move your head to look at him.

Nuzzling in by you, he reluctantly pulls back just enough so he can gesture to the first set of lyrics. “I mean, I am the love that lights up the dark, right?” he grins.

Your tired confusion suddenly shifts to panicked realisation, instantly straightening up. “Negan! Did you— No!“ you babble on hurriedly, your eyes darting to the notes on your desk “You can’t read those!”.

“Oh sweetheart, I think it’s too late for that,” he kisses your head before standing upright “and for the record, I am honoured to be your muse”.

You roll your eyes, knowing that you can’t be annoyed when you’re the one leaving bits of your next song scattered across your messy desk.

“I never said you were my muse” you point out.

Negan thinks for a moment, slyly looking for another scribble of lyrics. “Every word is his weapon, every laugh’s a tease, but in his dangerous charm is where I find my release” he reads out another excerpt, spotting it marked with musical notations.

“Hey!” You quickly try to cover the entirety of the desk, your arms spreading out over as many sheets as possible. You pout up at him, your bottom lip jutting out.

“What? I like it, it’s a good thing” he assures you, kissing your pout away “about time you let them damn fanboys know I’m your one and only. Maybe now they’ll fuck off and stop bombarding your DM’s”.

With a scoff, you warily stand and try to clear your desk. Gathering all the papers into a somewhat neat pile, you defend “Those are my fans you’re talking about!”

With a smug smirk, Negan lays a single finger on top of the stack of notes “And it’s me you’re singing about, so they can kick rocks”.

You feign annoyance but it’s clear just how much this means to him. If you’re being honest, you weren’t sure how he’d react to a song about him.

Despite Negan always being supportive, you weren’t sure if that extended to a pure love song all about him. A part of you was scared he would think it’s cringe or too much, but the look on his face says the opposite of that.

Maybe it’s your exhaustion but it’s as if Negan radiates a soft glow, reflecting the pride he feels. Those damned eyes, a perfect swirl of hazel hues makes you melt.

“Hmph… suppose you have a point” you let him take the win, giving him another kiss.

“I always do,” he replies, leaning into your kiss “now, how’s about we have a nice relaxing night of being couch potatoes. Sound good to you or do you want to go back to snoring on your desk?”.

You can’t help but huff, denying his claim as you stretch your tired limbs. "I do not snore!" you protest, defensive humour lacing your tone.

Negan wraps an arm around your waist, in case you’re unsteady on your feet considering you just woke up .

“How would you know? You’re asleep when you do it” he replies, helping you step over things within the messy study.

“But I don't…” you trail off, yawning.

He lets out a light laugh at the timing of your yawn. “What? Don’t sleep or snore?” Negan teases “it’s alright, darlin’… snoring is like singing in your sleep, it’s your musicality! Damn, I guess that’s means you’ve been giving me a private concert for the past twenty minutes”.

It’s tempting to resist his claims but you give in to the small smile that tugs at your lips. No matter what, Negan has a way of turning every aspect of you into an endearing quality, constantly finding ways to appreciate even your most mundane traits. It’s a talent, truly.

Relenting, you lean against Negan, allowing yourself to melt into his embrace as you both move towards the door.

“Y’know, I could always help with the song too” he offers, making you laugh in an instant.

“You? Co-write a song?” You question, turning off the light and wandering back through your home, Negan still side by side with you.

“Yeah, I was thinking something like…” he thinks for a moment, mentally arranging the words in his head before saying “when my guy sees me, he gets hard as a brick, but how can I be mad, when he’s got that big dick”.

He gives you a grin, utterly proud of his lyrics.

You giggle, expecting no less from him as you drag Negan on to the couch with you. “Oh wow, I didn’t realise I was dating a poet” you praise.

“What can I say, doll,” Negan nuzzles in beside you “you’re not the only one full of surprises”.

With a wink, Negan gives you one last kiss before you both get comfy on the couch together, ready for a night of relaxation.

#negan fanfiction #negan smith fanfiction #negan x reader #negan x you #twd negan #negan #negan smith #negan twd #jeffrey dean morgan x reader #jdm x reader #the walking dead negan #negan smith x female reader #twd fic #alternate universe #drabble #x reader #request #negan smith x reader #negan smith x you

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ffxivtranslations · 2 months ago

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Thoughts Unspoken

My direct translation of Haurchefant's unsent letter from "Thoughts Unspoken". There are some things in the Eng localisation that aren't in the Jpn, so I thought I should retranslate it for completeness. The original localisation is here for comparison: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/2016/short_stories/#sidestory_08

親愛なる友へ

お前は、変わらず元気にしているだろうか？

ドラゴン族による皇都再襲撃の予測……それを受けて、お前やアルフィノ殿が西へ旅立ってから数日が過ぎた。今どこにいるかもわからないお前に、この手紙が届くとも、届けようとも思っていない。つまりは、書き記しただけの独り言だ。

それでも、遠くの空を見ては旅の無事を願う想いを、一度くらいは吐き出さずにいられない。

万が一、これがお前の目に触れるようなことがあったら、まあ、そういうものだと思ってひとつ頼む。

To my dearest friend,

Are you doing well?

A few days ago, after hearing the prediction of the dragons attacking the capital again, you and Alphinaud travelled to the West. I don’t know where you are now, nor do I intend to try to send this letter. In other words, I’m just writing this down for myself.

Nevertheless, I feel compelled to at least once express my feelings of looking to the distant sky and praying for your safe journey.

In the unlikely event that you ever read this, well, please just think of this letter as that.

さて。お前は、イシュガルドに招かれて幸せだっただろうか？

それとも、仕方なく逃げ延びた先で、また誰かの戦いに巻き込まれることになり、うんざりしているのだろうか。たとえそうであったとしても、お前は戦い抜いてしまうのだろうと、容易に想像がついて苦笑している。

Now then. Are you happy that you were invited to Ishgard?

Or are you fed up that after you finally made your escape, you once again got embroiled in someone else’s war? Even if that was the case, I’m bitterly smiling while easily imagining that you would still fight to the very end.

私はといえば、お前がイシュガルドに来てくれたことを、心から嬉しく思い、感謝するばかりだ。それは、お前の実に逞しくイイ冒険者ぶりを、近くで見られる機会が��えたという喜びでもあるのだが……何よりも、頼れる友と同じものを目指し、��もに戦えるのだ。心躍らないわけがない！

As for me, I am so very happy from the bottom of my heart and extremely grateful that you came to Ishgard. That is to say, of course I am delighted that my chances to see your really strong splendid adventuring up close have increased, but also… More than anything, to share a goal with my dependable friend and to fight by their side. There’s no way I couldn’t be excited about this!

お前たちが、ウルダハから逃げ延びて、雪の家に転がり込んできた日。「暁」が灯火を消さんとしていたように、私もまた、お前という友を燻らせてはならないと思った。そこで、どうにかお前たちをイシュガルドに招き入れることができないか、フォルタン伯爵に……父に直訴に行ったのだ。

The day that you two escaped from Ul’dah and came to stay at the House of Snow.

I thought that in the same way that I couldn't let the light of the "Dawn" go out, I couldn’t let your flame be dampened either, my friend. So that was when I went and directly appealed to Count Fortemps... my father, if there wasn't a way to invite you into Ishgard.

……白状すると、私は父のことが苦手だ。恨んでいるわけではない。母にしたって、正しい人であったが故に、己の立場に耐えきれなくなり、私を置いて失踪しただけのこと。父は母のことも、私のことも、愛してくれていたと思う。ただ、それを互いに上手く伝えあえず……私は、フォルタン家に仕える騎士としてしか、あの人と話ができずにいたのだ。

… I must confess that I am not good at dealing with my father.

I don’t mean that I hate him. Even with regards to my mother, even though he tried to do right by her, but she was unable to stand her situation and simply just left me with him and disappeared. I do believe that he loved my mother and loves me too. It’s just… neither of us are very good at communicating this to each other… For me, I was unable to talk to him except from the position of being a knight of House Fortemps.

お前のことを頼みにいったとき、当初、父の返事は渋かった。

それまで開拓団への支援などには積極的だった父でも、指名手配中の人物を受け入れるのには、家を預かる者として懸念があったらしい。

諦められずに懇願する私に、父はそこまで固執する理由は何なのかと問うた。私は、お前との思い出を心のままに語った。それは量としては乏しくとも、ひとつひとつが私にとってかけがえのない、驚きと輝きに満ちたものだ。故に、我が友がどのような人であるか、そして私が友を救いたいと願う気持ちを伝えるには、それが一番だと考えた。

思えば、父とあれほど長く話したことはなかったかもしれ��い。語り切った私をしばし見つめていた父は、ふと目元を緩め、「明日まで考えさせてほしい」と言った。

そしてその翌日、正式に後見人になると、返事を寄越してくださったのだ。

When I went to ask him to help you, at first, his answer was quite harsh.

Even though he had been very positive when it came to supporting the Reclamation Corps, it seemed the idea of harbouring wanted fugitives was quite a worry for the head of the household. In response to my insistent pleading, he asked me why I wasn’t giving up. I simply told him straight from my heart my memories of you and I. Though they may be meagre in number, each one of them is irreplaceable, overflowing with surprise and shining light! I thought therefore, that this was the best way to explain to him just who you, my dear friend, is- and also how much my desire to save you was. Now that I think of it, this was probably the longest conversation I ever had with my father. When I had said all that I could, he suddenly smiled warmly and said “Let me think on this unto the morrow”. Then the next day, he sent word to me that he would officially become your guardian.

以降のことは、お前も知るところだろう。

おかげさまで、私は以前よりも、本家に顔を出すのが少しばかり楽しみになった。

とはいえお前は大概不在で、また七面倒な役目を背負ってどこかへ旅立っていると聞くたび、私はお前を祖国のいさかいに巻き込んでしまっただけなのではないかと思ったりもする。それについては、文句があったら、いつか酌でもしながら聞くとしよう。

The rest, I trust you already know.

Thanks to you, unlike before, I now actually look forward to visiting Fortemps Manor. However, you aren’t there very much, and each time I hear you are off fighting some great trouble, I sometimes think I have done nothing but get you involved in the troubles of my homeland. If you have complaints about that you are welcome to tell me them over a drink sometime.

それでも、友よ。

私は、一片の疑いもなく、信じてしまうのだ。

いかなる困難も、決してお前を挫かせることはできまい。

それは今回の旅だけではなく、この先、お前がどこを目指したとしても変わらない。

ひとりで越えられない壁があったとしても、お前が進もうとする限り、必ず誰かが手を差し伸べるだろう。私が今、そうしたいと願っているようにだ。

そしてその困難の先には、必ず新しい景色が待っている。

それを見つけたときにはきっと、大いに、笑ってほしい。

お前の旅路が、最良のものであるよう……

無事を祈っている。

―― オルシュフ��ン・グレイストーン

Nonetheless, my friend.

I, without a trace of doubt in my heart, trust in you.

No matter what troubles come, they will never dampen your spirits.

Not just on your current journey, but in the future, no matter what you try to do. Even if there is a wall you can’t climb by yourself, as long as you keep trying, there will be someone to lend you a hand. Just as I, right now, am praying to do.

And on the other side of those troubles, certainly there will be a new day waiting for you.

And when you find it, I want you to do so with a huge smile on your face.

I pray that your journey will always be a good one.

Haurchefant Greystone.

#haurchefant greystone #haurchewol #ffxiv haurchefant #ffxiv translation #ffxiv #final fantasy xiv

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she-karev · 4 months ago

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Carina Gives Birth (Maya x Carina Birth Imagine)

Age Rating: 12+

Chapters: One of Two

Fandom: Station 19

Ship: Maya Bishop x Carina DeLuca

Canon Episode: After Series Finale

AN: Happy Pride guys! For the last day of this pride month I wanted to do something special and what’s more special than the miracle of life? I’m doing two chapters of this; one will have Carina giving birth and the next will have Maya in the birthing room. Enjoy you guys and let me know what you think down below!

Summary: Carina gives birth to her and Maya’s daughter with Maya by her side who is supportive through all of it.

Words: 1795

January 24, 2024

Maya leans against the door frame of the hospital room in the OB floor of Grey Sloan tormented while her wife is inside having their baby. Despite being an OB herself Carina denied the epidural preferring to release natural oxytocin through pleasure. The reason Maya is outside is because Carina ordered her out of the room so she can do this herself.

The blonde firefighter doesn’t know if she should be offended or grateful to be excluded out of this private moment. Nevertheless, she is nervous as it is as she waits for Carina to be more relaxed and fully dilated so she can give birth to their baby girl and there will be light at the end of this dark tunnel.

Her red hoodie is soaked with sweat, and she flexes her hands compulsively at her sides, the urge to run from her problems is strong but she knows she doesn’t want to miss one moment of this. Besides if she ran Carina would find her and kill her.

“Do you want me to get you anything?” Andrew asks quietly and Maya realizes her brother-in-law came up from the hallway to stand next to her, “Water, coffee…a shot of vodka?”

Maya chuckles at her sympathetic brother knowing he’s been here before her with his wife Amber two years ago. She can only imagine how stressed he was and how agitated Amber got by the minute. She thinks it was a miracle he made it out in one piece.

“I’m fine. Carina is in there…trying to relieve the pain naturally.”

Andrew holds up his hand, “Say no more I’ve learned all about that from my very informative and shameless sister. Other than that, how’s it going?”

“Well, I’m gonna be a mother again and the key to achieving our yearlong dream is to put up with my angry and hormonal wife.” Maya purses her lips, “Maybe I should have carried this one instead. Speaking of which, how’s Liam?”

Before they drove to the hospital Maya and Carina dropped off their son, Liam, at his uncle Andrew’s and aunt Amber’s.

“He’s good.” Andrew says assuring, “He and Lucy were playing plush armies with Amber when I left. He was smiling the whole time; I think he already knows he’s gonna be a big brother soon.”

Maya smiles, “God I hope those two are close growing up. It’s not the case with me and my brother but I’ve learned that poison is not genetic, so I am hopeful.”

Andrew grins at Maya patting her back in comfort, “Well you’re already raising one great kid and he’s gonna be a great big brother. Besides Amber read from the books that siblings entertain each other because they have someone their age to play with. I mean look at me and Carina. We had each other and we both ended up great.”

Maya chuckles clearly teasing Deluca who smirks, “Generally speaking and the way we grew up I would say I’m right. So, I think your good on the sibling’s front.”

“Thanks for that I needed to hear it.” Maya exhales and furrows her eyebrows at the mention of Amber’s latest reading topic, “Wait why is Amber reading about raising two kids? Are you guys…?”

Andrew shakes his head vehemently, “No god no Lucy is a handful as it is, and Amber is starting to hear back from the fellowships she applied for.”

“But?”

“But she’s entertaining the idea and wants to wait till Lucy is older.”

Maya smiles at the news of possibly being an aunt again, “Wow for all of her complaining Amber isn’t shy on doing all of that again.”

Andrew shrugs, “Well she grew up with two brothers and I grew up with a sister, so it was a given for us to want Lucy to have that too.”

“Well, hey maybe you can let it slip to Amber that Maya is a good name for a girl.” Andrew chuckles at that, “Or Bishop if there’s a Y chromosome.”

Andrew winces, “She already claimed both her brothers' names if we have a boy.”

“Just keep it in mind.”

“Will do.”

“Maya!”

Carina’s agonized cries cut off their conversation as Maya and their OB, Linda Perez, rush back inside. Maya immediately stands by her wife’s side. Carina’s face is drenched with sweat and twisted with pain. The towering belly over her contracts causing Carina to scream in agony and Maya can only soothe her with words.

“Breathe, let it out you’re doing so great.” Maya turns to Linda who is doing a pelvic exam on Carina and needs to get answers, “What’s going on?”

“Your wife is fully dilated, and the baby is crowning she needs to push.”

Maya is shocked at how fast the labor progressed, “Already?”

“Sometimes in the case of geriatric pregnancies the time can-”

“Did you just say geriatric?!” Carina asks their OB offended with Maya standing by scared to step in.

Linda is scared as well and tries to mend her words, “It’s just the term Dr. DeLuca you know it.”

“Of course, I know it I am asking you not to make this so much worse for me!” Carina groans again.

Linda gets back to business, “Okay Dr. DeLuca I want you to give me a big push, okay? Can you do that?”

Carina shudders and looks at Maya, “I don’t know if I can, this is all happening so fast, what if I can’t do this?”

Maya stays calm and looks down at her wife with tenderness as caresses her hair back, “Yes you can, you can do this I know you can. You always say that to all of your patients and now it’s your turn.”

Carina groans, “I am amazed none of have punched me when I told them that as they were experiencing a world of pain I’m feeling right now!”

Maya chuckles, “Hey listen to me look at me.” Carina looks at Maya with tears in her eyes clearly scared, “It’s scary now, it’s scary for both of us, but in the end, we won’t even remember how scared we were once this baby comes out. Our daughter is gonna come and it’ll be so wonderful for both us and it’ll make all of this so worth it.”

Carina sniffles at that slightly calmer as Maya continues, “You told me that when I was on the fence of having kids and I am so glad you did because I wouldn’t be here with you about to expand our family. You did that for me, and I want you to do something for me again. I want you to push so that we can meet our daughter and take her home with us so we can raise our two kids and love them for the rest of our lives. Can you do that?”

Carina sighs and nods, “Yes.”

Linda once again orders Carina to push and she does so with Maya right next to her smoothing her hair back as she screams. Carina grabs Maya’s hand and holds it as she pushes again this time using all of her strength as Maya yells out words of encouragement while Carina holds her hand with alarming strength. And then it happened in an instant.

Carina’s pants stop as they hear a baby’s weak cries from the end of the bed. They look to see Linda holding their bloody and wriggling daughter already crying in the OB’s arms. Linda cleans the baby and wraps her in a blanket. Carina’s past aggression has shifted into laughs of joy accompanied by tears at finally seeing her dream come true. Linda puts the baby in Carina’s arms and the Italian woman greets their daughter.

“Ciao bambina, erano le tue mama’s.” Carina kisses the top of her crying daughter’s head overcome with so much love.

Meanwhile Maya is frozen with shock as she looks at the little girl in front of her stunned by what she helped made and how beautiful it all turned out.

“Do you want to cut the cord mommy?” Linda asks with a smile, holding the scissors out to her.

Maya snaps out of it long enough to smile, grab the scissors and cut the umbilical cord. After that she sits next to Carina on the bed crooning over their daughter who has calmed down. Carina sees her wife behind her and can see the love in her eyes as they glisten with tears.

Carina coos at the baby girl wrapped in a blanket, “Here bambina your mama wants to see you, let’s go to her.”

Carina moves to put the baby in Maya’s arms. Maya is shocked at first but gradually adjusts and holds her daughter and she puts her in a football position with her neck up. She looks at her daughter in front of her and immediately feels that unconditional love her father never gave her. She doesn’t care how many gold trophies she wins or how many races she does, nothing will stop her from loving this little blonde and blue-eyed baby in her arms. She says the same words she said to her three-year-old self two years ago knowing it’s exactly what she needs to do to break her family pattern and start anew.

Maya smiles at the baby, “Hi baby, I love you no matter what.” Maya starts to cry, and her voice breaks a bit as she is overcome with so much love for this tiny being, “You are lovable, no matter what. You are lovable, your mama’s love you without question and without condition. Don’t ever forget that or doubt how worthy you are of love because you are worth so much of it. We love you so much.”

Carina smiles at Maya knowing how much pain she had to go through to get to this point of her life and knowing just how lucky their children are to have a mother like her. Carina caresses their sleeping daughter’s cheek with her index finger as Maya softly caresses the babies soft light haired head.

Linda smiles at them before asking an important question, “What’s her name?”

“Andrea.” The women answer at the same time, and they look at each other in surprise. Maya smiles knowing Carina is naming her after her brother who has supported them and been by their side through all of this. And Carina knows Maya is naming her Andy Herrera’s full name, Andrea, as her best friend means the world to her and has saved Maya’s life so she can be in this moment with their new child.

Carina smiles and leans her head forward to touch Maya’s as they enjoy this moment as a family with the newest addition to their family, Andrea DeLuca-Bishop.

Maya Gives Birth Here

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whatermelown · 2 months ago

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MELOWN COMMS BACK AT IT AGAIN!!! 💃🪅🎀🎊🙌🖼️ (pls read me ;w; 🫶)

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🎡Even though I'm closer to home compared last year, I'm still struggling to handle more financially taxing things like preparing for materials in class that end up being very costly and I also want to help provide for my family especially now that prices are so high especially the bills it's insane... I'm doing my best not to depend on them for money, and so I'm doing this as my main source of income too. That is why it is my humblest request to ask for your support once again. இ௰இ<33

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. 👒 ☕🍉

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! o(*≧▽≦)ツ┏━┓🍃🎨✨

#my art #commission post #commisions open #IM BACK GUYS WAHHHHHH #it's going to be hard juggling this but hey beggars can't be choosers 🥹#WELP GOTTA HYPE MYSELF UP THO #LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOO

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freedomfireflies · 2 years ago

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May Fic Recs! 🐇

Rabbit, Rabbit!!

I am so beyond blessed and privileged to be witness and even mutuals with some of these incredible authors! Their work always brings me so much joy and excitement! Please feel free to browse around, show some love, and maybe even find your next favorite creator! 💞

The Harry Styles Category!

💞 First we have @avatar-anna! You probably know her from her Unknown Number series, if not one of her many other wonderful works! She's so incredibly talented and creative!

~ Here is her masterlist!

💞 @be-with-me-so-happily is so crazy talented and inspired! So many amazing and addicting stories to discover! Namely her take on Don't Worry Darling and the trouble that follows!

~ Here is her masterlist!

💞 @watchyourbluesturngolden is a beast!! In the absolute best way! A true legend, especially for giving us Harry and Stevie! They've got so many wonderful blurbs and requests to check out!

~ Here is their masterlist!

💞 @lonelycowgirls who not only gave us The Garden but has complied a couple fic rec's herself, which was so fun to go through!!

~ Here is her masterlist!

💞 @londonbelow has been giving us amazing content for far longer than we've deserved, but nevertheless...I'm so grateful! Not only for Black Rabbit but for all the other incredible stories she's graced us with!

~ Here is her masterlist!

The Harry Styles + Other Category!

🤍 @lovebittenbyevans has just started taking requests and (if I'm correct) is planning a series, too! For Chris Evans and Harry! They don't have a masterlist yet, but check out their page to make sure you don't miss anything!

🤍 @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite has been crazy supportive of me for so long now, and I'm so excited that I finally get to show some support back! They've got an incredible Niall Horan series, and I believe (correct if I'm wrong) are opening up requests for both Harry and Niall (again, correct me if I'm wrong)! You'll find their other works on their page, and attached to that link!!

🤍 @reidssbau has also been giving us incredible content for years! She just recently posted this fan-freaking-tastic plus-size stripper fic with Harry, but also writes for Spencer Reid, and has some amazing, amazing stories and blurbs about him!

~ Here is her masterlist!

🤍 @chrisevansonly writes for both Harry and Chris Evans, and when I came across her story Lavender Moonlight...my heart burst! Absolutely incredible writing, such sweet and descriptive imagery, and the most adorable premise! I'm so excited to go through her collection of stories for both men!!

~ Here is her masterlist!

The Dylan O'Brien Category!

♥️ @stilinskisnevermore is one of my favorite Dylan content creators. The obsession started with their Thomas Fic, and quickly snowballed into a full-blown simp-fest! They've written for almost every character of his, including some about him personally! Each one is guaranteed to leave you breathless!

~ Here is their masterlist!

♥️ @theinternetisfulloftrash is so much fun to keep up with! They've written some crazy accurate blurbs for Dylan (my personal fav being 24x24...but whose isn't?), but they also have an incredible Coachella Dylan fic you can find on Ao3!

~ Here is their masterlist!

The Chris Evans/Steve Rogers/Stucky Category!

💜 @straywords has written an incredible Stucky fanfic that takes place in the mountains that is as cool as the very air in those mountains (...horrible joke, I'll see myself out). They write more explicit content, so make sure to check the warnings, but they've got an extensive catalog that is sure to provide you with excellent stories!

They have some for Steve, Bucky, Stucky, Peter Parker, Yelena Belova, and so many more!

~ Here is their masterlist!

💜 @myfictionaldreams has written some crazy fun stories for so many characters, but I first stumbled upon this surprisingly sweet (but still sexy) Mafia Stucky story! They also write some pretty explicit content, so make sure to check the warnings. But, they've got an incredible list of concepts, requests, and series that I'm so excited to keep perusing!

~ Here is their masterlist!

The Fic Recs and Other Types of Content Creators Category!

💖 @reveriehs has been helping promote authors for years, and I honestly don't know where I'd be without them! If you are ever in a reading rut, and need some ideas, this list is the place to go!

💖 @tiredinwinter was so kind enough to show me some support, and it absolutely made my day! They are endlessly sweet and...they make ART!! Incredible drawings and adorable stickers! They are definitely an account to follow for inspiration, beautiful imagery, and even some fic recommendations!

If you've made it to this point, I LOVE YOU very much!! If you ever need some creators to discover, new stories to obsess over, or just wonderfully kind blogs to follow...these are just some of the amazing people I've been blessed to know and discover!

Thank you to everyone for your crazy wonderful support! I hope this list can be a good start at giving just a little bit of that love back!! 💞💞💞 (I have added so many heart emojis to this damn doc, I am so sorry)

ALSO:

Here is my other author recommendation list if you'd like it! These authors are also still my absolute favs, and that is never gonna change!

#harry styles #dylan o'brien #chris evans #fic rec #fanfic reccomendation #recommendations #fic rec list #harry styles fic rec #dylan o'brien fic rec #chris evans fic rec

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xvysarene · 13 days ago

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not saying that other stories are bad but i love how fresh your ideas are. i think the lads stories now are too similar sometimes but you always have original takes.

the formatting and pretty pictures also tells us how much time you put into it. am confused why your last story doesnt have more numbers??? is o believe that you deserve more reblogs likes and interactions. love u 🩷💜

Anon I’m sftlr but aren’t you just the sweetest?!! 😭 Definitely one of the best compliments I’ve ever received so THANK YOU

I guess the LADS fandom is more attracted to smuts, and I unfortunately don’t write full blown smut myself (only spicy/suggestive ones). Literally saw the post below before seeing your message in my inbox 😅

Nevertheless, I’m very grateful for the people who have supported me thus far. You guys are the best 🫶🏼

#🫧 𝐱𝐞𝐩𝐡’𝐬 inner thoughts #ᝰ.ᐟ 𝐱𝐞𝐩𝐡'𝐬 writing nook #love and deepspace x reader

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diemannschaftblr · 4 months ago

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@/niclas.fuellkrug24: Dear fans,

To be honest, it's hard to find the right words. Our big dream together has shattered & that hurts like hell...💔

Nevertheless, I would like to tell you how incredibly grateful I am for this experience of representing you and our country at our home European Championship. The support and energy you have given us over the last few days and weeks has been indescribable 🇩🇪🙏

Even though it will hurt for a while, I am proud of how we presented ourselves united as a team and nation 🖤❤️💛

That's what made us strong and that's how we'll attack again!

Thank you for your support🙏❤️

Your Fülle

(translation might contain inaccuracies)

#germany nt #german nt #dfb team #germany mnt #german mnt #niclas füllkrug

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marimayscarlett · 8 months ago

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🍩 Maria be like

Thank you thank you ❤️😂 #grateful #blessed

I am doing my best to show unconditional support while developing a strong blind spot in my vision, which fades out anything criminal hole-related 👀

But let's face it, no matter what, nobody can escape the hole™ in this fandom on here 🤌🏻

Nevertheless, I'm always at your service for questionable encouragement 🫡🤍

#rammstein #ask #one more for the hole discours

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may12324 · 2 years ago

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Your game concept appeared on my For You page and I've ran to hit 'subscribe' at the speed of freaking light, such fantastic designs, I'm in love with all of them

Gotta recover from the absolute heartbreak of discovering it's not a real game now, but nevertheless, happy to be here, your work is amazing ❤️❤️❤️

thank you!

I will be quietly working on this project over this year, so maybe it will be a reality some day! It may take awhile though, but I am grateful for all the support so far <3

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attorneys-against-court-violence · 2 years ago

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('▽') Happy Autism Awareness Month!

I'm honestly floored I managed to keep this shtick going long enough to celebrate the occasion... even if it is in a fairly odd and obscure way. Nevertheless, good tidings to all, be you autistic or just supportive!

Since this page has a gimmick that I am more than happy to fulfil (and we happen to be in an all too befitting time to do so), allow me the chance to gush about something that has kept the Ace Attorney series and Athena Cykes specifically so thoroughly lodged in my brain.

So, the idea that Athena Cykes is an autistic-coded character is nothing new - it's a popular-enough sentiment in the fandom from what I can gather - but it's one that produced enough interest in me to start an entire page dedicated to collecting thoughts and ideas around this character and any adjacent content. Naturally I have to stop and talk about it for a while, and why it's important enough to me to warrant such a reaction.

Let's start off by setting the groundwork, shall we? Why exactly do I think this? "Evidence is everything" after all!

Buckle your knuckles, there's PLENTY of it to go around!

('◡') Disclaimer: I am about to compare traits of a real-world disability to a fictional character that may or may not have been written as such with any intent or comprehension. In fact...

(°o°) I'm not entirely sure if it WAS intentional or just a consequence of Ace Attorney being a larger-than-life series!

(≻⁓≺) I am liable to make mistakes here!

('◡') So give me a nudge if you think something's off or if I missed an important detail!

Exhibit A - Sensory Processing Issues

Athena Cykes' main "gimmick" in Ace Attorney is a heightened sense of hearing. She is highly sensitive to tone of voice and has better than average hearing overall. It also means loud or grating noises are amplified to the point of being painful to hear(as with opening the door to Tenma Taro's Chamber below).

This trait is often a blessing and a curse for her; it enables her to do things that most of the cast can't, but also proves distressing in cases where noise becomes too much to bear. See Sahdmadhi turning her hearing against her in Turnabout Storyteller.

(⳻_⳺) Dick move by the way!

Abnormal sensory processing - especially hyper-sensitivity - is a symptom of autism likely caused by altered/excessive connections in the brain, effectively over-tuning your ability to process stimuli. A good example of this in reality is being sensitive to the texture of clothes or food, or being more strongly affected by loud noises (similar to Athena here). As with Athena, it can be advantageous, but is more often than not an impairment to our ability to function in everyday life.

Which handily leads us to why this is problem for both the character and anyone with sensory processing issues...

Exhibit B - Overstimulation

Athena was often overwhelmed by her hearing as a child (and even occasionally as an adult, though with a less severe reaction), usually resulting in her breaking down and crying from the abundance of auditory stimulation. She couldn't be in crowds or even attend school for too long without it affecting her. That point especially I'm sure is relatable to most of us with ASD!

She doesn't have the same loud meltdowns in adulthood, and the trauma of UR-1 makes her breakdowns just as understandable without being autistic (though any emotional processing issues wouldn't help!). Regardless, it was a significant enough problem in her childhood to stifle her social development and attendance in education, resulting in a fairly sheltered lifestyle in Metis Cykes' care.

Speaking of Metis, two of her inventions were made with the intent of helping Athena cope with her atypical traits. The first being a set of noise-cancelling headphones that helped dampen the emotional noise her abnormal hearing picked up involuntarily. Granted, it wasn't perfect, but an honest effort was made to help! The other we'll get to in:

Exhibit C - Social Impairment (Withdrawn Behaviour, Emotional Processing etc)

Athena was incredibly quiet and withdrawn as a child, and wasn't good at talking to others when she did speak. She isn't incapable of affection, but it's largely non-verbal. Her mother created and gave her Widget as a way of broadcasting her thoughts & simplifying "emotional noise" to better explain herself to others. As it reflects her thoughts, with most things Widget says being somewhat childish (calling Gaspen Payne an "arrogant jerk" and being generally immature), it can be assumed Athena's thoughts are roughly as mature. Not that her actions are any less so - she often behaves that way as well! We can give her some leverage, being 18-19 in the games she's appeared in, but autistic people tend to have a reputation for acting childish or having childish interests.

This also means we tend to be infantilised by others.

Athena's not much different: see the cop that badgered her over looking like a highschooler and not letting that initial impression go, despite being shown her badge.

Her being 18 and reactionary responses to this obviously weren't helping her image, though it's fair to say we're supposed to be on her side on this.

(The subsequent tossing of said cop I've already discussed, albeit in an older post, and it's not terribly relevant to this one. Onwards and upwards then!)

When she became more extroverted, she shows herself as incredibly transparent in terms of her emotions, often having trouble masking her feelings. Body language is large and loud (this IS Ace Attorney though, everyone's a little obnoxious!) with the closest match in intensity being Bobby Fulbright. Who is perhaps the loudest and most emotional character in the series.

ASD is defined as a developmental and social impairment. People with it are often known for being quiet or otherwise not particularly sociable. It also means we have problems communicating ourselves to others - either due to missing social cues, not picking up on things that aren't explicitly stated, or simply not being able to word ideas in a way that makes sense to others. This also creates problems with emotional processing. It isn't the same for everyone, but in my experience it can be summed up as "your emotions are too big for your body". ie stifled emotional development results in less subtle and more physical displays of one's feelings.

While she has overcome a lot of her shyness and anxiety as an adult, there are plenty of times where she stammers and struggles to get her words out or needs more time to think something over. She often struggles explaining her reasoning for her objections in court even if she's on the right track, that age-old nightmare of having to verbalise your thought-process is a consistent challenge.

Exhibit D - Hyper-fixation/Special Interest

Athena is strongly fixated on analytical psychology, bringing it up at frequency when the opportunity arises. The topic is constantly on her mind and one she's beyond capable of discussing in great detail with little prompting required. It forms the way she views others and the world around her, is her main tool in court, and a framework she often tries to put most things she encounters into.

People with autism get deeply invested in a topic or topics that interest them. More often than not, these topics are something that we can (and will!) gush about for hours on end if allowed to. Unfortunately - due to the next point I'm about to go over - we also tend to get stuck on the subject for long periods of time. Talking about, researching or just thinking about fixations is an enjoyable experience for those on the spectrum. Look at any time Athena Cykes gets to talk psychology and you tell me she isn't enthused every time!

('▽') It's kind of infectious!

But potentially exhausting for anyone who doesn't share the same interests or have enough patience for it. This is why we worry about being annoying about a fixation at times!

Exhibit E - Routine & Repetitive Behaviours

My main evidence here is the Swashbucklers Spectacular - watching it on repeat to the exhaustion of Apollo and staying up late to do so again later that same day. It's an activity she describes as "therapeutic" (which leads to her explaining that animal therapy is a proven type of therapy. When Athena can, Athena will!).

Repetitive or familiar routines/actions are a fairly well-known trait of those with ASD. While it can make them appear monotonous, there's a good chance it's tied to stimulation; since the brain is "over-tuned" to process sensory information, repetitious actions provide controlled & familiar stimuli that isn't likely to bother you. It also means we tend fixate on things that make us happy as mentioned before.

('◡') If anyone relates to listening to just 1 song ad-nauseum, you get what I mean!

(Slight stretch, but her enthusiasm for physical exercise could also fall under this category, as it often involves repetitive motions - think stimming but more rigorous! Running around the courthouse may also be a way of venting excitement/anxiety. Take this with a grain though!)

Exhibit F - Empathy

Had trouble empathising/relating to her mother (though she never made it easy either). Often treated machines like people and thought people could be fixed like machines. A sheltered life on top of a social development impairment handily explains this.

Later, once she became more extroverted, her empathy turns out to have been over-tuned rather than muted. Likely a good reason why she got overstimulated so often, being flooded with people's emotions that, as a child, she did not fully understand.

That said... she does still have trouble telling what's human or not from time-to-time, albeit much less so (despite falling from a box of props, she still mistakes this prop for a human child).

In short, she struggles to relate to other people and humanises non-human objects/machines to an unusual degree. The latter could also be tied to high-empathy; that is, a person with ASD would experience empathy so strongly that it applies to non-human things or animals.

(Admittedly, some of that comes from personal experience; I prefer escorting insects out to killing purely because I don't enjoy the prospect of potentially inflicting great pain trying to kill them quickly and failing. Over-tuned empathetic responses will do that.)

Exhibit G - Masking

An excellent point was raised by @wyrmswears in response to this post. So, in-brief! Athena's perky personality could be a result of masking. It's a term generally used for actions or behaviours taken to "mask" one's personality traits - in this case, to hide behaviours that arise from autism. This is typically done in response to social pressures, as a coping mechanism, or in response to trauma.

Athena feels a great deal of pressure to appear a certain way. We've already covered her conversation with the cop in The Monstrous Turnabout and subsequent events demonstrate that she's very concerned with how she's perceived (heh) by others.

Particularly, she's worried about looking capable and in a way that fits her job as an attorney. This aspect of her character is made apparent and reinforced multiple times early in the game. It also serves to deflect from those anxious thoughts and emotions (though not too well, given her earnestness).

It's worth noting that a focal point of Athena's trauma is not being listened to when she testified to Simon's innocence. As stated earlier, masking isn't just used to hide neurodivergent traits - it can be done for any reason to better fit societal expectations of ones' self. This in mind, I'm happy to concede this as a response to trauma rather than any explicit sign of ASD, even if it fits the interpretation.

Thank you again for calling this to my attention, @wyrmswears!

Exhibit H - Honest to a Fault

We've covered that Athena's emotions are too large for her to hide (on top of Widget's colourful commentary), but characters have noted that she's... very earnest about her thoughts.

On top of the countless examples of Athena speaking her mind, when it isn't exactly the most appropriate time or place, we can safely say she's very likely to just say things as they are.

People with autism tend to have a reputation for being very blunt or literal when speaking with them. Often, this leads to us saying things that are true, but not taken too well by others (though in this case, Dr Crab is a fairly jaded character as it is). Being explicit with your thoughts is something of a mixed bag; bungling a conversation by being too honest isn't a fantastic experience, but it does mean the people who know you know what's on your mind in uncertain terms. With the right people, it can help heaps (and in Athena's case, it can be endearing to the point of going red in the face!).

Being honest to a fault isn't a unique trait by any stretch, though an impairment such as ASD can lead to people not picking up enough social experience to know when to reel it back and approach conversations more tactfully. As with Exhibit G, this is a point that stands with or without this interpretation, though worth bringing up regardless.

Is It Good Representation?

Whew, there's a tricky question if there ever was one. Just keep in mind going forward that what I'm about to say are my own thoughts - you're welcome to disagree or provide evidence of the contrary. It wouldn't be fair if it was just me monologuing at you all day, so let your heart be heard!

Now then, whether I think this is good or not...

Athena is a lot of things in Dual Destinies. She's enthusiastic, but impulsive. She's talented, but fumbles often. She's loud and proud, but is often shut down by her impairment or trauma.

She's put in 7 years of hard work to overcome her shortcomings, but continues to by stifled by them in little (and not so little) ways. More often than not, Apollo and later Phoenix need to be there to support her and spear-head a majority of trials in the game.

I've done my fair share of grumbling about Athena's lack of exposure in what is essentially her story. Case 5-1 helped set the groundwork for her, but didn't set high-hopes for how the character would be utilised and explored going forward. She tends to come across more as the new assistant character rather than a new protagonist or defence-lawyer, and that largely comes down to the fact that she needs so much support to keep afloat. This doesn't change too much in Spirit of Justice, where she's allowed her own solo trial but still had Blackquill step into the assistant role for her (I don't plan to talk much about SoJ here... it doesn't do a lot with her that wasn't covered in DD, save for the confidence boost).

Oddly enough, I'm fine with all that for the most part.

Really, I am!

Let's be fair, she had a lot of developmental issues as a child and had gone through the horror-show that is UR-1 at just 11 years-old. She was emotionally unstable from the start and losing her mother, brother-figure and home in essentially the same day left a gaping wound on an already vulnerable child.

And in 7 years, right at the threshold for adulthood, she has come a LONG way from where she was. Her outgoing personality and empathetic nature have flourished from her continued attempts to break out of her shell. She's picked up on 4 European languages during her time on the continent. Her rigorous study in analytical psychology and law had landed her a career as an attorney at 18! And it all happened because she makes an active effort to overcome her barriers: be it her communication problems or her fear of courtrooms.

But she isn't completely free of it all. She will always be a little confused or will fumble talking to people, and until the end of Dual Destinies, UR-1 continues to have a profound effect on her ability to perform as an attorney.

Let me make this point as clear as I can. Athena Cykes doesn't have constant support from others because she's untalented or stupid. She has support because she needs it.

And that's fine.

That's Cool, but Why Does This Matter?

The reason all this matters to me is that, as an autistic person myself, it's important to recognise that you're going to need help. It's not something you just "grow out of" or "get better from" - it's just part of who you are, both the ups and the downs. Accepting it as a facet of yourself, rather than some demon to be conquered, is important if you want to live comfortably with it.

It's going to sound bloody baffling of me to say, but this character and how they could exist as a representation of an autistic person has helped a little with that. Having a character that is talented and intelligent who is enabled to be so under their own power and with the help of others around them... well, it got to me, as I muddled through what has been a troubling few years in adulthood.

Not one to air my dirty laundry out on the world though, so I'll spare you the details!

For now, I'll leave you with my ultimate summation.

('▽') I just think she's neat. <3

#ace attorney #auticykes #athena cykes #thena thoughts #autism #for the record! there should be a reblogged post below listing charities for autism - both good and bad #figured i'd give the good more exposure on my dumb AA page to pair with this rambling essay

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joekeeryswife · 2 years ago

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Supply Teacher - j.q

a part two to my Nursery Teacher series. i’m not to sure if people are even liking this but i am😭. i just wanna say thank you and that i appreciate you all so much. thank you for supporting my writing and enjoy the imagine loves <3 don’t forget to like, comment and repost!

taglist: (add yourself <3) @eddieamoremio @theshireisonfire

Lizzie had been at nursery for three weeks. she had started to become more comfortable and confident when she was there and you loved to see her smile more at home. it was a Wednesday and you had to drop Lizzie off really early due to a meeting with your boss which you couldn't skip.

Lizzie was still trying to get used to the early mornings but nevertheless she always woke up and got ready for school. she would come home everyday and say how much fun she had with Charlotte and Abby, her new friends who she adored already. she would also talk about Mr.Quinn. he would always make sure she was okay and didn't feel left out and he didn't pick on her like some teachers would.

you had dropped Lizzie off in the morning and had heard from Charlottes mum that Mr.Quinn would be there for a bit in the morning them he also had a meeting, meaning there would be a supply teacher for a few hours. hearing this made you nervous, it took at least a week for Lizzie to warm up to Mr.Quinn and now having a supply teacher thrown in the mix just didn't sit well with you. you knew how some teachers could be if they didn't understand some students and it just filled you with the worst anxiety.

Lizzie did not like change. well, she wasn't used to it anyway and she didn't actually know that Mr.Quinn wasn't going to be there for two hours out of the eight hours she would be there for that day. you were dropping her off at 8am and would be picking her up at around 4pm meaning she would be there for a lot longer then she had been used to anyway. usually you'd drop her off around 8:30 and finish at 2 but you couldn't. you had meeting after meeting and then had clients who were all looking around new houses.

Lizzie was in the play area with Miss.Adams the teaching assistant who was just the sweetest human, she really understood Lizzie as she used to be just as shy as her and you were so grateful Lizzie had such nice teachers. "Mr.Quinn, where are you going?" Shannon, another student said making Lizzie and Miss Adams look up from the number puzzle they were doing.

"i have to go to a meeting sweetheart. i shouldn't be to long, you will have Miss Adams here and another teacher is coming in to support her" he replied, putting on his blazer and picking up his phone and coffee cup. Lizzie watched intently as most of the kids protested against him leaving, not wanting to even speak as anxiety filled her body. her shyness was coming back as she realised everything was changing.

she was going to have a new teacher and she didn't even know who it was. most of the kids didn't care, they got back to what they were doing and didn't even react when the supply teacher came in. they were all sat at the tables colouring and Lizzie was the only one playing with the numbers puzzle. but Miss Adams watched Lizzie as her whole demeanour change. she looked down at the carpet and started fiddling with her fingers, obviously uncomfortable with the new supply teacher.

"excuse me, why are you playing instead of sitting, drawing like the others young lady?" Mrs.Smith, the supply teacher said, crossing her arms over her chest with a frown on her face. it was apparent that she was mad but for what reason? Lizzie had no idea how to respond. she was only two and was still learning how to talk in full sentences and some words she didn't even know.

"Mr Quinn has allowed me and Lizzie to be here as she's still learning to count to 20, that's why we are here doing a number puzzle-" "i do not appreciate you back talking me Miss Adams. this young lady should be doing what everyone else is and it's very naughty of her to not be doing so" Miss Adams got up from the floor and put her hand out for Lizzie to take.

"what is your name young lady?" Mrs Smith said sternly, Miss Adams looked at the supply teacher with rage. this poor baby had done nothing wrong and this horrible lady was telling her off for it. "Lizzie" she whispered, she didn't want to speak to this lady but she also didn't want to not reply to her.

"speak up" Mrs Smith said loudly, making most of the other kids look up from their drawings. "do you have to speak to her like that? you heard her loud and clear. her name is Lizzie and she's two years old. that is why we are in the play area with the puzzle like i said" Miss Adams said squeezing Lizzie's hand comfortingly. Lizzie kept her eyes on the ground, embarrassment filling her body.

"what you were both doing is wrong. Lizzie you need to learn that you do the same as everyone else and i want you to sit in the time out corner. it was naughty" and with that Lizzie let go of Miss Adams hand and ran straight to the bathroom. she didn't know how to lock the door but she just sat there, sobbing her little heart out. she didn't like being told off and you rarely did, only when she had done something extremely wrong.

but Lizzie knew not to do anything wrong because she didn't want to be on your bad side. getting told off just made her sad and she didn't like being sad. Miss Adams followed Lizzie into the bathroom and stood outside the door. Lizzie would not come out and before she knew it she had been in there for thirty minutes. Miss Adams didn't want to leave the rest of the children out there alone with her but she also couldn't leave a child unattended in the bathroom, so, she stayed with her.

"Lizzie, would you please come out?" Miss Adams said softly, hearing Lizzie's sobbing coming from the other side of the bathroom door. "you haven't done anything wrong Liz. she isn't a very nice teacher and you are doing exactly what you are meant to" she continued, trying to get her out of the bathroom but no luck.

Miss Adams sighed, and just prayed the Joseph's meeting would finish early so she could have some help getting Lizzie out of the bathroom cubicle. Mr Quinn was practically the only person who could calm Lizzie down in the nursery. it took a lot of effort for Miss Adams to calm Lizzie down but with Mr Quinn, he could just hold her and she would calm down. but this was the first time Miss Adams was on her own with Lizzie and she felt like she had already failed.

as if the lord above heard Miss Adams prayers, Mr Quinn walked through the door with a huge smile on his face. he saw the supply teacher approaching him and that's when his smile dropped. "where is Miss Adams?" he asked as he looked around the nursery room not seeing her or Lizzie anywhere.

"there was an incident with a student and Miss Adams. they have been in the bathroom for the past forty minutes. the rest of the students have been extremely well behaved but that student is just naughty" Mrs Smith said making Joseph's eyebrows furrow. Lizzie was never misbehaved and this had completely shocked him.

"okay. i'll see what's going on. thank you for covering me" he replied, brushing past her and walking to his desk. "hi Mr Quinn. urm, that lady was really mean" Daniel, another one of Lizzie's classmates, said after Mrs Smith left the room and Joseph took off his blazer and put down his coffee cup and phone. "thank you for telling me Daniel, i need to see Lizzie but i'll tell Miss Adams to come check on you in a second, why don't you get back to drawing?" and with that Daniel nodded his head and waddled back to his chair and carried on colouring.

Joseph made his way to the bathroom and saw Miss Adams standing there with a worried expression on her face. once she noticed him she went into full panic mode. "i'm really sorry, i tried to calm her down but she was just so horrible to her and she won't-" "hey, it's okay. you tried your best and that's all you could do. why don't you go to see the others, we can't leave them alone" Miss Adams just nodded, disappointed in herself that she couldn't control the situation, and left Joseph with a sobbing Lizzie.

he could hear her sobs and hiccups from the other side of the door. "Lizzie, it's Mr Quinn. do you think you could open the door for me sweetheart?" he said in the softest voice ever. he heard her cries turn into just sniffles and she opened the door for Joseph. Joseph saw her sat on the bathroom cubicle floor and his heart shattered. she had tear stained cheeks and bright red eyes from all the crying she had been doing.

"do you want to come with me sweetheart? i need to speak to you" he smiled sympathetically and put his hand out for her to grab. she sniffles and nodded her head and took ahold of his hand, following him out of the bathroom and to his desk. all the other children had gone outside for playtime and it left just Joseph and Lizzie.

he placed her gently on his lap and wiped his thumb under her eye and across her cheek, wiping the tears away. "do you want to try and tell me what happened?" he asked her, seeing her nod her head before she tried to put together words into a sentence about what happened but it just turned into gibberish.

"i'm sad, she not very nice" what the few things he could make out from the sentences she had said. "she wasn't very nice". she nodded her head, understanding what he was saying. "she shouting and i want mama" she said, her sniffles now turning back into loud sobs as she remembered how mean Mrs Smith was to her. "okay sweetheart, i'll call your mama for you. Mrs Smith will never come back i promise" he said softly, Lizzie wrapped her arms around Joseph's waist and hugged him, her sobs loud and it just shattered his heart.

Joseph had emailed the office to call you and get you to pick Lizzie up and you dropped everything right away. you luckily had an amazing relationship with your boss who always knew if you left it was because of Lizzie and she never made you feel bad for leaving. Joseph cuddled Lizzie until you were at the nursery reception. Joseph told Miss Adams that he was taking Lizzie to the office as he collected all of her belongings (her coat and lunch box) and once he had everything he made his way to the office with Lizzie who was still cuddling him.

as he was waiting for you to arrive at the nursery he had asked Miss Adams what had actually happened and when she told him that she was shouted at for doing what he asked her to he was furious. not only had Mrs Smith lied to him but she shouted at one of his favourite students. she shouted for no reason. Joseph had asked Miss Adams to help Lizzie work on her number skills that morning before he even realised he had a meeting and he just felt like it was all his fault.

he saw you standing in the office, obviously worried as to why you were called to pick her up, and was relieved when you saw she was okay, not injured in anyway, Lizzie just looked tired and sad. Joseph smiled at you as your arms opened so you could take Lizzie into your hold. "mama" Lizzie whispered as she realised it was you she was being passed to you. "hi sweet girl. mama missed you so much" you whispered back, this was the most gentle Joseph had ever seen you with her.

Joseph did have a little crush on you and he knew it was wrong. you were his students mother and it could just never work, but you were breathtakingly beautiful. his crush grew daily when he saw you in the morning for drop off and pick up in the evening. you were just such a loving mum and Lizzie was so lucky to have you.

"what happened, all i was told was that i needed to get her. did something bad happen-" "i had a meeting today and i had to leave the class for an hour. they had a supply teacher and i wasn't there to witness it but she was really horrible to Lizzie. i had asked Miss Adams to help her with numbers as i knew she was a little behind due to her joining after everyone else-" your face turned bright red as you realised this was all your fault, Lizzie was falling behind because you didn't put her into nursery early enough.

Joseph could see you stressing out, he didn't mean for it to come out as if you had done something wrong because you hadn't. you placed Lizzie in the nursery when she was ready and that was how you were supposed to do it. "not that it's a bad thing y/n. Lizzie is doing really well. i just wanted her to get a little bit more help today is all" he sent you a nervous smile but after hearing that the flush on your cheeks toned down.

"anyway, i asked Miss Adams to help Lizzie today and she was absolutely fine when i left them. they were in the play area doing the numbers up to 20 puzzle i think, and when i came back there was no sign of Miss Adams anywhere and i couldn't spot Lizzie either. but, Mrs Smith, the supply teacher, told me there had been an incident where Lizzie had misbehaved and would not come out of the bathroom. Miss Adams had tried to get her to calm down but she had been crying for a while"

your heart dropped. Lizzie had misbehaved? she had never been so naughty that someone had told you, you usually had it under control but hearing this shocked you. "i see you worrying y/n but Lizzie did not misbehave. she did exactly what i told her to do and that supply teacher was just really horrible to Liz. i asked Miss Adams what happened and i will be speaking to the head teacher about her never coming back. it was in fact the supply who was horrible and not Lizzie. i'm really sorry this has happened so early on with you guys being here. it's not a good reflection on us and i'm honestly a little embarrassed that's happened in my classroom-"

"it's not your fault. thank you for calming her down. not many people can and we are very lucky you are her teacher. would it be okay if i kept her home for the next few days? i know it's wrong of me to ask but i know how she can be and she will just want to be with me until she's calmed down" you smiled at him. Joseph was an amazing teacher and he understood Lizzie which you were grateful for.

"of course. she needs a break from here after that. again, i am really sorry that that's happened here. all i want in my classroom is for my students to feel loved and safe and i promise it will never happen again." Joseph said, handing Lizzie's coat and lunch box over to you which you silently thanked him for. "please don't apologise these things happen. have a great weekend Mr Quinn, i'll see you on Monday. thanks again" you said, sending him your best smile before turning around and walking out of the reception door, leaving a few small kisses on Lizzie's head.

he saw Lizzie send him a small wave as you walked away which he returned with a smile. "you have a crush on her" Mrs May, the old lady receptionist who had been working at the school for over 25 years, said, making Joseph jump out of his skin. he and Mrs May, Carol, always got along well. she had been his first friend when he started working at the school 4 years ago, he was 23 when he started and now he was now 27 and loved his job more and more every day.

"i do not. i just wanted to make sure my student was okay is all" he stated, looking at his wrist watch. "i know young love when i see it Joseph. you are falling in love with your students mother. i mean, parents and teachers aren’t really meant to date but you two are cute and she’s pretty” Carol said, sipping her large mug which was filled with coffee.

Joseph sighed. he was being really obvious even Carol could tell. “i can’t ask her out. it’s wrong” he felt sad but also guilty. he’s never felt this way before about anyone, especially not one of his students mothers, and he didn’t know how to react to it. “i say take your time, try to secretly get to know her without being obvious. you’re a good looking man Joseph, she probably likes you too” she explained, looking back over at Joseph who had a bright red blush on his face.

“you’re right” he murmured, scratching the back of his neck. “i know, i always am” she said sarcastically, making Joseph smile at her. “i should get back, i’ve left Miss Adams with 20 kids” he laughed, sending a wave to Carol before turning around to walk back to his classroom. “remember what i said Joseph, play it cool but ask her out” and he would. Joseph always listened to Carol. it was like she was his second mum and her advice was always right. Joseph was definitely going to ask you out, he just needed to think about how.

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