#I have moments where I miss you and our time together immensely

[ambling-in-ambarino]

"And I know that you think about everything I did wrong...

... but I do, too,"

Today, I had an anxiety attack while driving. I won't divulge in the details, but it's when things like this happen that really open my eyes up to just how marred by our years together I've become. Still, I don't blame you, nor myself. We were naïve, blinded to what we were doing to each other. At least, for the larger portion of our relationship.

I harbor no ill-will toward you, but when things like this happen, or when I'm invalidated for how I feel, whether it be positive or negative, I can't help but become wrought by my own emotion.

This isn't something I've come out and openly discussed with anyone, the things that happened between us. In the beginning, it was difficult, but I find myself checking your socials less and less - I'm moving on, I think. Finally.

However, it is in times like these that I want to write out everything on my mind, everything that occurred from start to end. It would be lengthy and teeming with bits of ugliness, resentment, sorrow, guilt, and relief, but I'll do my best to keep it concise and free of raw feelings.

You're not going to find and read this; at least, I don't think that you will. In the unlikely scenario that this letter dedicated to the void does make its way to you, well, I suppose that you've received the closure you've so much as wanted. It's something that you deserve, and I'm sorry that I'm denying you of it, but let me explain why I've decided to trudge down this course instead of confronting you. This will not provide comfort, nor do I intend for it to inspire hope. Purely, this is for myself.

I can only vaguely recall the last conversations we shared together, but it's the very last one that sticks out the most to me. As a hypochondriac, I took some things you told to me very, very seriously: I sought out help. It wasn't immediate, of course - I had to wait for responses, so I vanished. I didn't think at the time that, that would be the last we'd ever speak to each other. However, upon speaking with this professional, I found that I was validated in what I've expressed to you a couple times in the past; that we weren't compatible any longer and were only causing more harm than good.

We both exhibited harmful behaviors toward each other that will leave lasting wounds on our persons, and I sincerely apologize for that. I know what I've done wrong and I'm working very hard to be a better person as a result. Unfortunately, our time together has come to an end. I don't want to hurt you any longer, and I'm sorry that suddenly pulling away the way that I did evidently brutalized your person.

It wasn't intentional, and I've hurt myself in the process, but I had to do it this way because I recall attempting this twice before, trying to leave so that we both may be at peace. In the end, I was always looped back in, believing that you would improve and that so would I, or burdened with waves of guilt for what you might do should I leave you and start on my own path.

In the most painful way possible, I am an empath; I am far too in-tune with peoples' emotions, to the point that I cast my own wellbeing to the wayside for the sake of others. It was time to be selfish, for my own mental health.

There is no resentment on my end and I do very much cherish the good memories we created together fondly. Again, ending 15+ years worth of friendship wasn't something I inherently wanted to do. In checking your social media, I see that, amidst the struggle to adjust to my absence, some positive things have cropped up in your life. I am proud of how far you've come as an individual and I am glad of all that you have achieved, almost to a point of envy but only because of how much I set on the backburner to uplift you.

On the other end, I have read some of the more raw and venom-infused letters you've left for me, perhaps thinking I wouldn't see them. You're very validated in how you feel, and, once more, I apologize for the pain I've caused or the waves I've created in your life as well as personal progress.

In the end, I did what I did to put an end to the hurt that we were unknowingly doing to each other. I hope you continue to grow, prosper, and do things for yourself. I sincerely wish that someone, or multiple people, step into your life and cast a new light upon you. I only added to the already existing difficulty you face when it comes to trusting individuals, but I do believe you will find your people.

I did what I did because I care.

[cntloup]

Gojo Satoru x fem!reader you both crave each other after a long day, fluffy cockwarming :')

he removes his clothes in the middle of your shared bedroom, shedding the heavy weight of the day away and as soon as they hit the floor, he lets out a relieved sigh.

he takes off his blindfold with slightly shaky hands, wanting to be completely bare without any barriers between you.

he turns his head towards your sleeping form, or so he thought, only to be met by your loving gaze, admiring his heavenly figure and god-like features illuminated by the soft moonlight glowing through the silky curtains.

but that's not all you see. albeit heavenly and divine, you see right through his unbreakable exterior. in this light, in this moment, how beautiful he looks, how human.

the faint light compliments the myriad of scars adorning his pale skin, faded shades of pink scattered across his body, some slightly more raised than the others where the cuts were deeper. all of them deeply adored and cherished by you.

"hi, Satoru." you murmur so as not to break the tender moment as soon as his weary face turns to you, "hey, baby." he whispers back, offering a tired smile as he makes his way to the bed.

he shuffles beneath the blanket and there you both lay bare before each other, almost as a ritual that you both look forward to throughout the day.

you quickly move your body towards him, knowing how exhausted he must be and embrace him tightly, making him let out a sigh in return.

"i've been thinking about this... about you all day." he mutters in your ear, head buried into your neck, wrapping his arms tightly around your body and pulling you impossibly closer, craving your touch, you after a long day.

"i missed you so much, Satoru." you say, facing him as you both hold each other close, bodies tangled together beneath the sheets.

"need you, baby. please." he murmurs as he locks your lips together while holding your face with both hands, relieved moan emitting from his throat as soon as your lips touch, tears slightly tingling his eyes as they threaten to spill.

"you can have me... always, 'toru." you respond in between kisses as they get more fiery and intense, earning a smile from him as a response.

his hand travels down from your face to your side until it reaches your thigh, softly caressing your skin.

he gently lifts your leg, fingers softly denting the flesh and places it on his waist. you can feel his hard cock against your thigh, the heat in your core growing in anticipation.

"need you inside me, Satoru." you nearly whine, growing more and more desperate to feel him by each passing second.

you guide him to your entrance as he moves his hips slightly to line himself up, his leaking tip glazing over your wet folds before pushing past them and sliding inside.

and when he finally enters your soft, slick walls, you both sigh and moan in relief as he bottoms out, filling you up completely and your warmth fully wrapped around him just like you both craved so immensely.

he stays inside you with your legs tangled together as you go on kissing while your hands eagerly roam each other's bodies in an attempt to fully feel one another.

"wish we could stay like this forever." you murmur into the kiss, "hmm me too, baby." he hums between sloppy kisses.

each one of his hungry kisses only leaves you craving more and more. and he's no better, not being able to get enough of your intoxicating taste.

"wish i could crawl under your skin." he mutters after some time while taking a breath, eliciting a low chuckle and a hum out of you.

your lips meet again after a short while as your bodies draw even closer together. you can feel him throbbing inside your sensitive walls which makes you whimper so sweetly into the kiss.

"wish we could merge our bodies... then we could stay together forever." you whisper as you slowly pull away ever so slightly, a string of saliva connecting your lips.

your face is adorned by a tender smile while your glossy eyes are locked onto one another, staring into each other's souls, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions as the intimate moment drags into infinity.

"i wish..." he kisses your lips once again, pressing his forehead on yours before you both start to get drowsy.

you fall asleep in each other's arms, bodies and souls connected.

[trohpi]

moonwater au where regulus is trans and his periods happen to occur around the full moon. when he befriends remus, remus immediately thinks that hes also a werewolf because of all the “signs” (ie being irritable and in pain around the full, refusing to change around others, knowing how to get blood stains out, etc)

and hes so excited to find someone else like him that he just sort of,,, tracks regulus down one day and is like “i know your secret” and regulus, thinking that remus figured out hes trans, freezes. he panics internally, his mind whirring with how much does he know? and who will he tell? but most of all, what lie can i tell that will be convincing enough for remus lupin to believe?

so when remus continues, saying “i know youre a werewolf too” regulus just sort of,,, goes with it. hes all “yup yup yup, totally a werewolf, thats my big secret, you caught me” and remus is just relieved that he finally has someone to talk about it with. because sure, he can complain to sirius and james and peter about the transformations, but its not the same as talking with someone who actually experiences it, who actually lives it.

and its when they start having these talks that regulus realizes that, funnily enough, being a trans man is not all that different from being a werewolf. when remus talks about looking in the mirror and seeing someone elses body, regulus gets it. and when regulus talks about the fear of losing your friends if they discover who you are, remus gets it too. its a weight off of both of their shoulders, having someone that relates so deeply to their experiences, and they start to become close. really close.

eventually remus starts acting different around him, small touches and lingering glances filling their time together, and regulus begins to feel guilty. immensely guilty. hes been deceiving remus, listening to him divulge his innermost secrets under false pretenses, and now remus has feelings for him. nevermind the fact that regulus returns said feelings, because thats irrelevant. after remus discovers hes been lying this whole time, about being a werewolf and about being a cis man, he wont want regulus anyways. and its not like he deserves his love, not with how cruel regulus is and how kind remus is.

then remus tries to kiss him, and regulus cant do it anymore. he starts crying and admits he was lying the entire time, that hes not a werewolf, that hes actually a trans man, and hell understand if remus doesnt want him anymore. remus is quiet for a moment out of pure shock before he just starts laughing. like folded over, belly-aching laughing. and regulus is internally panicking the entire time but remus just cant help it. he thinks back to every “sign” he ever noticed and cant believe that he missed this. finally he calms down just enough to collect himself and looks to regulus, who is still panicking, and says “i guess our times of the month arent quite so similar afterall”

regulus bursts into startled laughter and remus cant help but join him, but then tears of relief start clouding regulus’ eyes because he was so sure remus would hate him. so, so sure, but he doesnt and the relief is overwhelming. then remus pulls him into a tight hug, and he thinks maybe theyre alright.

[e1e4n0r5]

Twisted Love - Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Summary: You always expected to marry your twin brother, Daeron. However, when this does not come to be, you find comfort with your siblings. As only Targaryens could. 

Okay, can't lie, I struggled with this chapter. I just wanted to bring Daeron back but logistically couldn't because of the necessary time jump. After all, it would have been very unlikely for Alicent & Otto to allow Daeron to come home the second Reader is no longer "available", so yes we have a time jump. Lovely family life for our foursome!

Warnings: oral sex, vaginal sex, pregnancy, descriptions of childbirth, lactation kink, talk of postpartum bodies

As it turned out, perhaps you were meant for Aemond all along. Over the two years previous, Aemond had proven himself to be an excellent lover, whilst still able to maintain the public façade of being simply a loving brother to his younger sister. But from the moment the two of you first walked arm-in-arm through the corridors of the Red Keep, he excelled as a husband. He thrived on it, basking in it. Born to fulfil that role. The validation and approval he felt when he saw the courtiers looking at your matching rings satisfied him immensely. He practically preened whenever someone addressed either of you as ‘husband’ or ‘wife’. Your husband was glowing with pride, and you loved that for him.

Growing up, the middle Targaryen-Hightower sibling often felt excluded from the five of you. There was Aegon and Helaena, and you and Daeron. Where did that leave Aemond, he wondered all his life. He didn’t know that you had never intended for your second brother to be excluded; you would have taken him as a second husband in the very same ceremony in which you would have married Daeron. The five of you would never have been separated. You would never have allowed that to happen. Never.

But now he felt secure in his place, with you officially by his side and he by yours. Before your marriage, the two of you would spend time together, of course, you were siblings after all. But now, it was like Aemond wanted you with him constantly. He could barely stand to be apart from you. He even moved his training time to the first thing in the morning, at the very crack of dawn, because he knew you slept until mid-morning, and he wanted to be there when you woke. He didn’t want to miss a second with you. After he broke fast with you, you bathed together – he had to clean after his training, and you weren’t about to pass up the opportunity to spend time with your handsome naked husband – then you would both spend time with family, typically Helaena and the children. You would ride your dragons together, walk through the gardens together, read in the library together. Every possible second he could spend by your side, Aemond did so.

But it didn’t madden you, because you understood the reason why: Aemond was happy.

At long last, Aemond Targaryen was finally happy.

After spending his entire childhood feeling isolated, being bullied by the Velaryon boys for not having a dragon, then having his eye carved out by Lucerys after claiming Vhagar, Aemond was finally happy with his life. He had a beautiful wife who loved him; two lovers in his other siblings; and finally approval from the courtiers – despite how much he might deny how important that last part was to him. You were well loved at court, and he was your husband; having an adored wife was always a bonus for a prince. After Rhaenyra’s long absences from court, her moniker had somehow been placed upon your head, and Aemond flourished in the knowledge that his wife was now the Realm’s Delight. It thrilled him.

So no-one was shocked when you announced your pregnancy within only a few months of being married. You lay with your husband almost every night and you never once drank Moon Tea. It was inevitable, and most welcome. Not entirely by your mother or grandsire. They both smiled for you and toasted your health, but you could tell they weren’t completely happy. Perhaps they had hoped that if no children occurred soon enough, that they could dissolve the marriage and use either you, Aemond, or both of you to secure alliances elsewhere in the Six Kingdoms. But your mother hugged you and wished you well, offering advice and support about pregnancy and what you could expect.

Helaena announced her pregnancy a fortnight after yours but told you when you were all together that night that she had conceived the same night as you – your wedding night. The four of you were all thrilled; you had everything you wanted. You were all together, and there were two babes on the way. Life was perfect.

But you did still miss Daeron. You were delightfully happy and content with your new life, but that didn't - couldn't – take away how much you still longed for your twin. When the midwife had confirmed your pregnancy and a kiss had been pressed to your cheek, a part of you had expected to turn your head and see Daeron beside you. You weren't disappointed that it was Aemond, but that part of you that had long desired to marry Daeron hadn't gone away.

And you knew Daeron felt the same. You wrote to your twin almost every day, even though ravens took almost a week to travel to Oldtown and another week to return. You and Daeron would just send your replies to each other paired with the original letter, that way you would always know which conversation you were replying to. But when you sent him your letter announcing your pregnancy, he didn't respond to it. He replied to others, with an undeniably stilted tone, but he never addressed your condition. He would ask if you were well and that he wished you good health, but he never directly acknowledged the babe in your belly. You knew it must have been hard for him, to hear of your marriage to another brother and know that you were carrying that other man's child, but it still hurt.

You could only hope that your mother and grandsire would finally allow Daeron to return home, now that they thought you weren't free to marry each other. Nothing to do, but wait for the final sibling to return home. It was just a question of how long that would take.

Aemond closed the door behind him as he returned from visiting Vhagar. He glanced around your rooms on his way inside.

“Abrazȳrys? (wife)” he called.

A sash suddenly came down over his head, pressing lightly against his throat. For a split second, Aemond panicked, but then he calmed as he assessed the situation. It was a silk sash, not a rope or chain. Whoever was behind him was significantly smaller than him, with breasts and a bumped stomach. An unlikely assassin. Then a familiar perfume filled his senses.

“You shouldn't play with fire, little one,” he purred. “We wouldn't want you getting burned,” he looked over his shoulder at you.

You smiled up at him, the ends of the sash in your hands. “I won't get burned, husband-”

“Then would you care to explain your actions? Sneaking up on a trained warrior, tying a rope around his neck... Something awful could have happened to you had I not recognised your delicious fragrance.” His voice was hard, reprimanding you.

You pouted. “I wanted to take charge tonight.”

That shocked Aemond. You had never once expressed a desire to be in charge in the bedroom, always so happy and willing to follow his lead in everything you did together. You didn’t even top with Aegon or Helaena – you were the most submissive sibling, always happy to submit to everyone. Aemond himself was the most dominant, never submitting to anyone. Aegon was mostly dominant, though he did enjoy certain submissive activities – he had even fully submitted to Aemond on several occasions. Helaena was flexible, though she was always dominant to you.

“What has provoked this new want of yours?”

You shrugged. “I don't know precisely. I just want to try it, see if I like it.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I can fetch Aegon or Helaena-”

“No,” you protested. “I want it to be you.”

He turned slowly in your arms, the sash moving from his throat to the back of his neck. “I'm not suited to submission, Y/N.”

You frowned sadly. “You don't trust me.”

“I trust you with my very being, with all that I am.”

“…But?”

He pulled you close, pressing his hips to yours as best he could, given your lightly rounded pregnant belly. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather I take over, darling? You always receive such pleasure with me, do you not? You know I can give you anything you desire,” he ran the tip of his nose up your neck, pressing soft kisses as he went.

Your eyes fluttered closed, sighing softly. But you stopped. “No! No, I know what tricks you’re playing,” you protested.

Aemond sighed through his nose. “You won't be swayed?”

You shook your head.

“There is nothing I can offer, or promise, or provide you that will change your mind?”

Again, you shook your head.

“Very well then.” He stood up straight, clasping his arms behind his back. “Do you want to begin now?”

You grinned widely, nodding. “Yes!”

“Then I am yours.”

Hours later

You took control hours ago, and you had only climaxed once, Aemond not at all. You had started the two of you off slowly, asking Aemond for a long massage of your entire body. Your pregnancy was starting to send aches through your body as you grew to accommodate your baby, and you were getting sore most days. It was certainly no hardship for Aemond to lie you down, supporting your body with soft pillows atop your bed, and slowly, sensually, and thoroughly rub his hands across your body. He made a note to himself to do it for you more often; going by the sounds you made, your body definitely needed it.

He had soothed your body for an hour, leaving you floppy and relaxed on the bed. Afterwards, you took control back and had him get on his knees at the end of the bed. Again, not exactly a hardship for him. But it had been for you; your desire to be in control had made you direct him too much – ‘up a bit, harder, suck gently, faster’ – and rendered you unable to truly relax and enjoy your husband’s attention. When Aemond politely suggested that you relax and let him please you his way, given how he knew your body and knew precisely how to give the most pleasure, you had reprimanded him, thinking he was trying to take back control.

It was a long hour for the both of you before your legs had finally started to shake and your orgasm eventually arrived, not as satisfying as usual. You then ordered your husband onto his back on the bed, climbing over his hips and started to ride. Something you had done many times and that you both always enjoyed. But it wasn't going well.

Aemond looks up at you, pity rising inside him as he watches you grip the headboard over his head and try to maintain your rhythm. You’re tiring, quickly. He can read your face perfectly after years of experience; your head tilted forward indicates your fatigue from riding; the tiniest crease between your brows shows your frustration at not climaxing for so long; and the subtle tremor of your jaw tells him you’re close to tears.

He squeezes your hips softly. “Y/N,” he purrs your name, “stop, sweetheart-”

“No!” you snap. “I can-” you pause to pant, “I can keep going! I’m doing it! I’m in charge!”

He shakes his head. “Y/N, do you trust me?”

His random question makes you stop, your quivering thighs giving way and dropping your hips onto his. “What?”

“Do you trust me?” he repeats calmly, rubbing his hand over your tense thighs. He’ll need to massage them again later.

Your shaking arms drop down from the headboard, falling limply at your sides. “Yes,” you concede.

He knows you’ve given up, and that you’re upset about it. He knows you feel like a failure. “Come here, darling,” he urges you to lie down against his chest, holding you tightly. He gives you a minute to catch your breath, kissing your forehead every few seconds. When your breathing has slowed, he tightens his hold on you, slowly and carefully rolling the two of you over. With your body under his, you visibly relax, your drained body sinking into the soft mattress with a relieved sigh.

“You did so well, darling,” he praises, dotting kisses all over your cheeks and neck.

You’re too exhausted to shake your head. “It was awful! I could have done-”

“It was your first attempt at domination, Y/N. You can always try again.”

“With Aegon or Helaena,” you giggle.

He smiles down at you. “That would be best. I’d be happy to instruct you, if that was what you wanted?”

You shake your head. “I actually didn’t enjoy it that much. It made my mind too busy; I couldn’t focus on enjoying myself. How do you do it? How do you make it seem like you’re focusing on me completely, and still be able to find your own pleasure?”

He slips his fingers into your hair, rubbing your scalp gently. Your eyes close as you release a low moan. “Because for me, receiving your submission and giving you pleasure is what gives me pleasure. Having you suck my cock is pleasurable, but it’s your submission in the act that is most satisfying for me. Your cunt is a joy to fuck, but it’s the trust you place in me as I do that fulfils me. Do you understand, darling?”

You nod. “I think so?”

He kisses your lips. “Good. Do you want to continue, or should we let you rest?”

“I want you to finish,” you answer, surprising him.

“Not yourself as well?”

You shrug. “I think I’m too tired.”

He smirks. “Well, that is a challenge if ever I knew one. Let’s see what we can do for you, shall we?”

And he did not disappoint. He started slow, letting your body adjust to him again through your fatigue. It was the most pleasure you’d experienced all evening. He held you close, kissing you deeply, knowing just what rhythm to keep by how you moved under him, the sounds you made, the way you begged him for more. It was well into the night when you finally used your safe word, tapping his shoulder three times with a mumbled 'bantazma' (long night), indicating to Aemond that perhaps eight orgasms was sufficient for the evening.

He made you do fifteen the following night.

Your pregnancy went perfectly, everyone said you handled it wonderfully. Like a true Princess, many courtiers had complimented. Helaena gave birth only a few days before you, to a beautiful healthy son. They had yet to announce a name for their third child, and you suspected she and Aegon were waiting for you to give birth yourself. Your sister had mentioned a few times that she thought it would be nice for your children to have similar names, given that they were conceived on the same night. If the Maesters and midwives were to be believed, your labours would begin any day.

And it was. You started having pains in the late hours, Aemond staying up all night to rub your back and tummy for you as you tried to get some rest. By day break, your waters had broken and your pains increased. The Maesters tried to make Aemond leave the room, but he just stared them down.

"The birthing room is not a fit place for a man, your Highness."

"And how do you plan on removing me from my wife as she births our child?" he snapped coldly, even as he rubbed your hips whilst you clung to him during a contraction.

"He stays," you insisted through gritted teeth. “If you take him from me, our dragons will feed well tomorrow.”

Helaena and your mother came in from time to time, giving Aemond brief respites, but he was never gone long. Aegon stayed with the children and nannies, keeping himself occupied and out the way. Whilst he did want to see you, it wasn't permitted – after all, to everyone else, he was merely your brother, nothing more. To have him, a man who wasn’t your husband or a Maester, in the room would have caused scandal and rumour. Aemond assured him whenever he left the room that you were doing well and the Maesters had absolutely no concerns about you or the child. They anticipated an easy birth for you both.

And they were correct. It was agony, but all went well. You insisted on pushing completely naked, standing in front of the window, looking out over the city. The sun was high in the sky and bathed your skin with its heat. It soothed your Targaryen blood, and you felt peace as you pushed, despite the pain. Aemond stood by your side, holding you upright as the midwife guided your efforts. With a long and low groan, your child was born just after midday. A son was placed in your arms, crying his lungs out until he rested his ear against your chest. Aemond held you tightly as you wept with joy, pressing a kiss to the top of your head as a tear slipped down his own cheek.

The midwives cleaned you up and got you back into bed, your mother the Queen waiting patiently outside to be let in. She, Aegon, and Helaena carrying her new-born son, all entered when you called them in, large smiles all around.

“Well done, my darling,” your mother praised, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “A healthy son?”

You smiled down at your sleeping babe. “He’s perfect.”

“Have you got a name?” Aegon asked, standing next to Aemond and giving him a congratulatory pat on the back.

Aemond looked at you, and you gave him a happy nod. He lifted his head proudly. “We've called him Maenor.”

Aegon raised his eyebrows. “There's never been a Maenor before.”

“First of His Name,” you agreed. You looked at Helaena and her baby. “Have you finally got a name for your son, sister?”

She came and sat next to you on the bed. “We waited for you. This is Maelor.”

Aemond looked at Aegon, “First of His Name?”

Aegon nodded proudly. “Great minds think alike, brother.”

“Maelor and Maenor?” Alicent blinked a few times but smiled at both her daughters. “They're both beautiful boys, with strong names. Though it may take some time to...Remember.”

You smiled at your obviously tense mother. “Just remember that both Helaena and Maelor have Ls in their names, and me and my son don't.”

She nodded. “Very helpful, daughter, thank you.”

Motherhood came naturally to you. Of course you had nannies and a wet nurse to care for your son during the nights, but you wouldn't be removed from him after you woke. You even followed in Helaena’s footsteps and shocked the court by feeding Maenor from your own breast. It was almost completely unheard of that a high-born lady would nurse their children – your own mother certainly hadn't – but you loved the bond it created between the two of you. It was hard at first, even painful at times, but it was worth it to you.

Your brothers and sister had no complaints either. After the Maester and midwife had cleared you and Helaena to resume ‘marital relations’, the four of you had almost fallen over each other to get back to Aegon’s and Helaena’s rooms. And the first thing the three of them did was strip you naked, lay you down and worship your breasts. You, Aegon, and Aemond had all sampled Helaena’s milk from having the twins; and now the three of them wanted to try yours.

Aemond had already had a taste when you nervously indulged his interest one night, so he settled his head between your legs whilst your siblings kissed and licked and sucked gently on your breasts. He had sorely missed this most intimate part of you since your birth, and he was aching to get reacquainted. He kissed and licked and sucked gently, bringing you to a soft and peaceful climax for your first time after having a baby, and you almost cried with your release.

Then it was Helaena’s turn, receiving the same treatment from the three of you; her husband between her legs and her siblings at her breasts. She had a few more lines on her tummy than you, and you made sure to kiss every single one.

Life had moved on with your growing family, now a family of four with a daughter following your son. Maenor was now four, and your beautiful, sweet Aena was nine moons. You didn’t know where the time had gone, life and time were odd concepts. Helaena hadn’t had another child after their son born only one week before Maenor, but she and Aegon had said she was going to stop taking Moon Tea soon. Knowing how easily she had fallen pregnant with the twins and their son Maelor, Helaena would be pregnant before her next moon’s blood.

The four of you were all passing an afternoon together, surrounded by your growing brood of children, when a page was let into the large sitting room. He headed for you as you were closest to the door, pouring yourself a cup of tea from the sideboard near the door. Helaena was sat on a sofa with Aena in her lap and her daughter Jaehaera at her side, showing the older child illustrations of insects from a book; Aena was asleep in her arms, still needing several naps a day. Aegon and Aemond were on the floor rough-housing with Jaehaerys, Maelor, and Maenor.

The page presented a scroll on a silver platter to you, a polite nod of his head with a quiet ‘princess’. You smiled and gave a thanks as you opened the scroll, your smile widening when you saw Daeron’s seal. You unfurled the scroll, your eyes moving left to right as you read the carefully penned words. Your eyes welled up.

Aemond saw you from his spot on the floor, even as he dangled Maenor over his shoulder whilst the little boy screeched with laughter. “What is it, issa jorrāelagon (my love)?”

You looked up at him, joyful tears trickling down your cheeks. “Daeron’s coming home.”

And Aemond’s heart sank.

Chapter 3

@watercolorskyy @shesjustanothergeek @aemondsdelight @thelittleswanao3 @misspascalpunk

[bitchy-craft]

A Love Letter From Your Future Spouse | Pick A Pile

Hello and welcome to this Pick A Pile! In here you'll find out about a love letter that your future spouse wrote. I hope you guys enjoy and find this useful. Do make sure to leave comments down below on your experience! I do want to remind you all that this is a General Pick A Pile which means this is for a lot of people; therefore keep what resonates and leave what doesn't.

Masterlist

Pick A Pile!

Pile 1:

My Dearest [Name],

As I sit here, pen in hand, trying to capture the depth of my feelings for you, words seem to fall short. Yet, I cannot let another day pass without expressing the immense love I hold in my heart for you. You are the person who has touched my soul in ways I never thought possible.

From the moment our eyes first met, a spark ignited within me, and it has only grown stronger with time. Your smile, your laughter, the way your eyes light up when you talk about your passions—every aspect of you fascinates and captivates me. Your presence alone brings warmth and joy to my life.

In your arms, I find solace and comfort, knowing that I am loved unconditionally. Your love has transformed me, opening my heart to a world of possibilities. You have shown me the true meaning of happiness and taught me to embrace every moment, cherishing the beauty of our shared journey.

When we are apart, I yearn for your touch, your voice, and the way you make me feel alive. Every second spent away from you feels like an eternity, and I find myself counting down the minutes until we can be together again. You are the missing piece that completes me, and I am forever grateful to have you by my side.

My love, I promise to cherish and protect what we have built together. I vow to support your dreams, to be your rock when life gets tough, and to celebrate your victories with unwavering enthusiasm. Together, we can conquer any obstacle and create a love story that will stand the test of time.

With all the love in my heart and soul,

[Future Spouse]

Pile 2:

To My Beloved [Name],

As the sun sets and the stars fill the sky, my thoughts are consumed by one person— you. Words alone cannot express the depth of emotions that surge within me whenever I think of you. You have become the center of my universe, the reason behind my smiles, and the beating of my heart.

From the very beginning, you captured my attention with your grace, intelligence, and compassion. Your mere presence illuminates the darkest corners of my soul, bringing forth a love that grows stronger with every passing day. Your gentle touch and the sound of your laughter are etched in my memory, comforting me even in your absence.

In your arms, I have found a sanctuary—a place where I feel safe, accepted, and cherished for who I truly am. Your love has shown me the beauty of vulnerability, the power of trust, and the profound joy of a genuine connection. With you, I can be my authentic self, unafraid and unreserved.

My beloved, every moment we share is a treasure to be cherished. From stolen glances to whispered secrets, our bond deepens, weaving our lives together in a tapestry of love. You have become an irreplaceable part of me, and I cannot imagine a future without your love by my side.

Today, tomorrow, and for all the days to come, I promise to stand by your side through thick and thin. I will hold your dreams as dearly as my own and support you in every endeavor. Together, we will conquer the world, hand in hand, and build a love that withstands the tests of time.

With all my love and devotion,

[Future Spouse]

Pile 3:

My Dearest [Name],

I find myself constantly amazed by the depth of emotions you awaken within me. From the moment our paths intertwined, my life took on a new meaning, and my heart found its true home in you. The love we share is a gift I treasure above all else, and I cannot imagine a life without your presence.

In your embrace, I find a sense of belonging that surpasses any words or gestures. Your touch sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire that burns passionately within me. With you, I feel a connection that reaches beyond the physical realm—a connection of souls that is rare and beautiful.

You have seen me at my best and my worst, yet your love remains unwavering. You have embraced my flaws and imperfections, loving every part of me unconditionally. Your acceptance has allowed me to grow and blossom into a better version of myself, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Every day spent with you is a new adventure, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and a love that knows no boundaries. We have weathered storms together, emerging stronger and more resilient each time. Our love is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and a deep understanding of one another.

My love, I promise to nurture our relationship with care and devotion. I will be there to lift you up in times of doubt, to provide solace when you need it, and to celebrate the triumphs we achieve as a team. Together, we can conquer any obstacle and create a future filled with love, happiness, and endless possibilities.

As the seasons change and years pass, my love for you only grows deeper. I am grateful for the memories we have created and excited for the moments that lie ahead. You are my forever, my soulmate, and with you, I have found a love that surpasses all expectations.

With all the love in my heart,

[Future Spouse]

[taste-your-silhouette]

Say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams

Pairings: Vic De Angelis xfem!reader

Contents: Fluff, SMUT

Summary: You're an up-and-coming actress, and Vic's best friend since high school. You have been friends and in love with each other for as long as you can remember. So when you have the chance to be together, it's magical.

Words: ~2276

A/N: Firstly, English isn't my native language, so pleeease forgive me if you come across any errors while reading. It's my first fanfiction, but I've planned it so so so much and I sincerely hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it!

"Well, she is..." A torrent of reminiscences flooded your mind, evoking memories of your youthful days, your time together in high school, and the challenging battles you fought to progress in your careers, always finding each other and nurturing your affection whenever circumstances permitted. "the love of my life."

In that poignant moment, it felt as though the air itself froze in your lungs, while a profound chill coursed through your entire being, setting your stomach aflutter.

"So, enlighten us on the factors contributing to your current state of not being together," the interviewer probed.

"We're constantly in each other's company, you know, whenever we can orchestrate it," you responded with a chuckle. "We're currently living the pinnacle of our lives, I mean, career-wise, you know? Måneskin is rocking it worldwide and I've got a TV series and two movies in the pipeline. It's quite a juggling act. Therefore, we're doing our utmost, just going with the flow."

You and the journalist continued to engage in lively discussions covering various topics, including your professional journey and the prospects of your upcoming projects. However, it was the part about your personal life that made you the most jittery. You had openly professed your love for Victoria in an interview for one of the biggest magazines in the world. Not that you both had never expressed your feelings for each other before, but this was different.

"What is the projected publication date for the article?" you inquired of the journalist.

"In a fortnight. Why do you ask? Regretting any of your statements?" she inquired, with a touch of suspicion yet clandestinely relishing the notion of your potential regret.

"Oh, not in the slightest," you responded, chuckling. "Simply curious."

🎸

"Guess who's rocking the cover of Rolling Stone!" your publicist burst into the dressing room, where you were getting ready for a TV show.

"Finally!" You widened your eyes and asked for a moment to quickly skim through the article. Of all the topics discussed, the focal point inevitably became your heartfelt declaration of love for Victoria, as though you had never before professed your love to her.

As you read snippets of the article, your phone rang, and a snapshot of you and Vic materialized with her name.

"Ciao cuore mio," you enthusiastically answered the call.

"So, am I really the love of your life?" Vic responded, her smile palpable.

"Did you read the magazine? I forewarned you, they would exploit it shamelessly, akin to treasure seekers lusting after gold."

"I only read the parts that piqued my interest, obviously. You look absolutely hot in the photoshoot they did. I want a poster of each of those pictures to plaster on the ceiling of every hotel I stay at during our tour." You struggle to contain your laughter, but it's futile.

You both shared a laugh for a moment. You needed to get back to doing your makeup, but hearing Victoria's voice was so invigorating. You missed her immensely.

"I wanna see you. It's been far too long since our last encounter, I can't bear it any longer," Victoria whispered the final sentence, sending shivers down your spine.

You were aware that the band was in the midst of their tour, so if you didn't go to meet her, you wouldn't be able to see each other.

"I have a recording session today, but I'm available all weekend. Where will you be?"

"Hmmm, we'll be passing through Germany. We have a concert in Berlin today and another in Cologne tomorrow. I'll have Sunday free. Fancy a little adventure around Germany?"

"Only if I have a backstage pass for the concert in Cologne."

"You always do, Y/N," Victoria replied confidently.

"Deal, now I have to go, I'm running terribly late. See you there."

🎸

At 7pm, you strolled into the dressing room accompanied by the security guards. Vic, Thomas and Ethan were gathered in a room adorned with an array of intriguing items, and serendipitously, you entered just as Victoria enveloped Thomas from behind, insinuating an intimate encounter. The vibrant energy exuded in that moment reignited a sense of belonging within you.

"I can't believe I made it to this amazing gathering!" You exclaim boisterously, bursting into laughter.

"Now the Måneskin is complete!" Thomas bellows, thrusting his hands into the air as he approaches to embrace you.

"Mia cara amica Y/N, I saved some slices of pizza for you," Ethan chimes in, hugging you while holding his drumsticks.

Damiano appears, shouting something incomprehensible, and in an instant, you find yourself on his shoulders.

"She's the love of my life," Damiano exclaims, mimicking your voice and bursting into laughter. "I've loved her ever since I grasped the true meaning of love. So much love for her!"

You close your eyes and burst into laughter as Damiano playfully mocks you, creating a nostalgic atmosphere where you all feel like carefree teenagers once again.

Suddenly, Victoria appears, perched atop Ethan's shoulders, mirroring your playful stance. You lock eyes, and in that moment, the world seems to stand still, leaving only the two of you. Having been apart for several months, every reunion is an explosion of emotions. One particular phrase she shared with you after a year-long separation still resonates: "I wanna swim between your thighs” Not long after that, Victoria confessed that, inspired by the night you spent together, she wrote "For Your Love" in just 20 minutes.

Your train of thought was abruptly halted when Damiano playfully released you, allowing Victoria to seize your face with both hands. With a glimmer of excitement in her eyes, she examined your features before planting a passionate kiss on your lips.

Regrettably, the kiss was short-lived, as they needed to take the stage. You accompanied them backstage, assisting Damiano and Thomas with their attire. When you approached Victoria to lend a hand, she awaited you with a radiant smile.

"I promise, once we're finished, I'll be completely devoted to you," she pledged, punctuating her words with one final kiss before donning her blazer.

"Oh, baby, rest assured, I'll be right here, hungrily devouring every captivating moment of the concert, my desires ignited by your mesmerizing performance."

"Mmm, I can feel the exhilaration coursing through my veins, knowing that this time, those deliciously naughty cravings will surpass your wildest imagination and materialize into an intoxicating reality."

She gave you a mischievous grin and, before turning towards the stage, playfully blew you an air kiss.

The concert was absolutely mind-blowing. The four of them were rocking it harder than ever, and your heart swelled with pride, having been there since their very first dream of starting a band and supporting them through every phase. Whenever Victoria had a chance to come backstage, she would shower you with passionate kisses, leaving you breathless.

By the end of the concert, they were buzzing with energy.

"You guys were fucking amazing!! I love you so much, I missed you!"

"We missed you too!" Ethan shouted over the roaring crowd, and Thomas nodded in agreement.

"Now that you're a big-shot actress, it's rare to see you tagging along to concerts with us," teased Damiano, laughing and tousling his hair. "But enough with this drama, I know you and Victoria are burning up inside. So go on, go head to the hotel and have a blast!"

"Next time, I'll bring Giorgia along so you won't be bored out of your mind, alright?"

We were teasing each other while Victoria changed outfits, and when she emerged in a different ensemble from the one she wore on stage, you, Damiano, and Thomas attempted to mimic a challenging dance move Thomas had seen on TikTok. Ethan, on the other hand, dared you to perform the same dance while he evaluated and gave it a rating.

As soon as you laid eyes on her, she looked absolutely stunning, even more down-to-earth than she did just moments ago on stage.

"Alright, enough fooling around, I've won, and my prize is Victoria. See you later." You halted the dance, approached Victoria, and planted a kiss on her lips.

🎸

You hop into an Uber to head back to the hotel, chatting away during the ride. Conversation has never been an issue for you both—you always have so much to catch up on since your lives are jam-packed, leaving little time for heart-to-heart talks.

"Last week, I was in Paris, did you catch that? Y/N, I stumbled upon this incredible restaurant that we absolutely have to try together. It's right up your alley, with all your favorite things. The whole time I was there, I couldn't stop thinking about you," she confessed.

"Was that the day you called me, and I couldn't pick up?"

"Yes, exactly! I just wanted to hear your voice. Sometimes it sucks being so far away from you," she replied, her gaze lowered as her hand gently glided up your thighs.

"We've arrived," the driver announces, and you step out of the car.

The moments leading up to entering Victoria's hotel room were a whirlwind for you, consumed by thoughts of indulging in every inch of her captivating form.

As soon as she locked the door behind you, her eyes locked onto yours, a potent mix of desire and admiration shining through. You yearned for her, craving her presence in every imaginable way. With a seductive grin, Vic shrugged off her jacket, revealing a tantalizing hint of her confidence. Closing the distance between you, she extended her hand and deftly slipped the coat off her shoulders, letting it fall carelessly to the floor.

"Now you're all mine," she whispered, pressing her lips against your exposed shoulders, playfully nibbling at your neck.

"And you're all mine, just us here," you whispered, your voice laced with possessiveness and adoration. With a gentle caress, you twirled a strand of her hair around your finger, relishing in its silky touch against your skin. In that moment, the world faded away, leaving only the two of you entwined in a uniquely intimate bond.

With a daring move, she firmly grasped your hips, asserting her dominance. In one swift motion, she pressed you against the wall, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. A surge of anticipation shot through you as your back met the unyielding surface.

Driven by a heady mix of desire and control, her hands began their ascent. One arm encircled you possessively, drawing you closer, while the other embarked on a tantalizingly slow journey, inching higher and higher. The tension mounted, testing your patience, until at last, she cupped your breast, igniting a surge of pleasure that rippled through your entire being.

Vic pulled back her hands with a mischievous grin.

"Not yet," she said, slowly stepping backward toward her bed, still holding your hand, her gaze fixed on you.

She undressed you completely, leaving you completely naked. A triumphant smirk played on her lips as she pushed you onto the bed, delighting in the sight of her breasts bouncing.

"I missed you so much," she whispered.

Crawling on top of you, she captured your wrists, trapping you beneath her. Her lips crashed against yours, trailing down to your chin and neck. She ravished your skin, sucking and nibbling, leaving a trail of moist kisses in her path. Then, with purposeful motion, she positioned her knee between your thighs, pressing it against your moist center. A gasp escaped her lips as you instinctively moved your hips forward.

She showered your body with kisses, leaving love bites on your sides, hips, and thighs. Her gentle touch caressed your heated skin, sending shivers of delight through your body. Vic reveled in teasing you, savoring the sound of your moans. At last, she focused her attention on your most sensitive areas, her mischievous grin fueling your excitement.

Her fingers embarked on a tantalizing dance, teasing your folds and stroking your clit. As she slid two fingers inside you, she lowered her face, nestling it between your thighs. Vic's warm breath against your skin sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body. With deliberate slowness, she lavished your clit with a long, languid lick, her tongue pressing firmly against it. Your moans filled the air as you instinctively reached out, tangling your fingers in her blonde locks, pulling her closer to you.

Vic increased the speed of her fingers, skillfully exploring every inch of her pulsating pussy, creating a symphony of juicy, tantalizing sounds. She eagerly sucked on your clit, simultaneously thrusting her fingers in and out with rapidity. The intensity heightened, your muscles tensing, and your body edging closer to the precipice. You couldn't help but let out loud moans, the pleasure intensifying within you.

And then it happened. Your climax crashed over you like a wild wave, and you couldn't suppress the loud scream that escaped your lips. Waves of ecstasy engulfed you as you experienced the euphoric release.

Vic continued to bestow attention on your sensitive folds, indulging in a few more licks of your pussy before planting a gentle kiss on your thigh, a silent sign of satisfaction.

"I missed you so, so much," she whispered, her mouth and chin still glistening, soaked with anticipation.

"Well, now it's my turn..." you whispered, a mischievous grin spreading across your face as you pulled her down, aligning your eyes with hers.

You pressed your lips against hers in a passionate kiss, and then shifted on top of her, reversing roles. This time, you took the lead and embarked on fulfilling her deepest desires, transporting her to euphoric heights just as she had done for you.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Caught In A Web ~ 27

CAUGHT IN A WEB MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 1,661ish

Summary: Natasha is fed up with everyone's bullshit. You get FRIDAY to spill some of the secrets.

Notes: This chapter is a little shorter than the last few, but that's fine. Let me know your thoughts!

“I’m over it! Now they want Wanda and Vision over in Malibu!” Natasha was shouting as she paced the common room. Wanda and Vision sat together on one couch while Bruce sat in a nearby chair. “This is idiotic! None of them know how to build a house, not even Tony! Besides, Tony is claiming it’s for Y/N, but the two haven’t spoken in weeks! Weeks!”

“Exactly 18 days,” Vision added.

“Not helping, dear,” Wanda told him softly, patting his arm.

“I’m going out there,” Natasha stated. “You all are staying here with Y/N because we can’t lose any more teammates to Tony’s craziness.”

“Are you sure that that’s a smart idea?” Asked Bruce. “Maybe we give them more time. They could be—“

“They’ve had enough time and have gotten completely nowhere. I’m taking a quinjet and leaving. Wanda’s in charge.” Natasha stormed out.

“Well, I wouldn’t want to be any of them when Natasha gets there.”

~~~

Natasha left without telling you, but you knew where she was heading. You could tell she was fed up with the men on the Team and was going to fix their mess. It was now late at night, and you were fed up with the secrets. You wanted to know what was actually going on in Malibu, so you went to Tony’s lab.

“FRIDAY?” You called, shutting the lab door and locking it.

“Yes, Miss L/N?” FRIDAY responded.

“I know that Tony is having you block me from the news and from what they are doing in Malibu, but I need to know. I need to know the news so I can begin to handle it and not be scared of it. I need to know what’s happening in Malibu. I need to know if Tony’s okay.”

FRIDAY took a moment to respond, almost like the AI had a choice of whether or not it listened to the orders given by Tony. You waited with bated breath, trying to keep your nervousness at bay.

“I have pulled up the file about the news outlets,” FRIDAY finally said as one of the hologram tables came to life. “Please let me know if you need any assistance.”

Slowly, you headed over to the table and sat down. You began to read through the headlines.

STARK DATING A CHILD

SUGAR DADDY STARK & SUGAR BABY L/N

STARK DATES A NOBODY

WHO IS Y/N L/N, AND HOW DID SHE LAND STARK?

IS Y/N L/N PREGNANT WITH TONY STARK’S CHILD?

You read a few of the articles and watched a few of the news clips. Tears ran down your cheeks as you took in the criticism and hatred, wishing that Tony was by your side. You understood why he protected you from this and were thankful for it. You wouldn’t have been able to handle it when the news broke out at first, but now you were putting the work into handling it better.

As you continued to scroll through, you realized it was going in chronological order. Suddenly you saw news articles and videos about Tony. The headlines had changed.

STARK IN LOVE

STARK STANDS UP FOR HIS GIRL

STARK REQUESTING PRIVACY AT THIS TIME

All the articles said the same thing, that Tony had made a statement about your relationship. You had no idea and began to read it.

As a public figure since birth, I understand that my life often becomes a point of intrigue and discussion. However, I believe certain aspects of my personal life should remain private out of respect for those involved. I am Tony Stark, and I do not need to explain myself to you, but I will explain anything needed to protect those I love.

Yes, it is true that I am in a relationship with Y/N L/N. Yes, she is younger than me, but that doesn’t matter. She is intelligent and kind and has brought immense joy into my life. I am deeply in love with her. She is my world, and I will do anything to protect her.

At this time, I am asking for your understanding and respect as we navigate our lives together. It is important to me to protect her from undue scrutiny and to allow our relationship to flourish away from the public eye. I will do what is necessary to stop the harmful opinions being thrown her way.

Tony Stark

You couldn’t help but cry harder. Tony stood up for you, telling the world he loved you. He was trying to make sure that you were safe from the public’s continuous comments. 

“FRIDAY, is Tony in Malibu?” You asked, hoping for an answer.

“Yes,” the AI responded.

“Can you prep a quinjet for me? I need a flight plan to Malibu, wherever Tony is… Please… I need to see him. I need to talk to him.”

“Miss—quinjet—15—Malibu—inform—Boss—“

“FRIDAY?” You stood up as FRIDAY cut in and out. The lights around the lab began flickering. “FRIDAY!” The lights completely cut out suddenly. You rushed to the lab doors to get out, but they wouldn’t unlock. “Help! Wanda! Vision! Bruce! Someone!”

The screens behind you came to life. Before you could even turn around, you could see the red light. Your heart was pounding against your chest as you slowly turned to face the screens. Air caught in your throat as the HYDRA symbol shone back at you, and a familiar, rough voice bounced through the room.

“Hail Hydra.”

~~~

“There’s a quinjet incoming,” Sam stated.

“It’s probably Wanda and Viz,” said Steve. “Tony wanted them here.”

“I don’t know why they haven’t been here the whole time. They could be doing all the heavy lifting.”

The quinjet landed, and the lamp lowered. All the men but Tony stopped to see who would walk down it. Natasha marched down the ramp, a determined look on her face.

“Shit,” Bucky muttered. “We’re all screwed.”

“You idiots!” Natasha shouted.

“Here we go,” Rhodey mumbled.

“You are not contractors or construction workers! You needed to talk Tony out of this, not help him build this!”

“Bucky started it,” Sam quickly blamed.

“Hey!” Bucky exclaimed. “I didn’t see any of you try to talk some sense into the man!”

“Because you had already got his sights on us building a house!”

“You didn’t—“

“Enough!” Natasha screamed. “I’m done with you all. Where is he?”

They all pointed towards the downstairs building site. They watched in complete silence as Natasha marched off. They waited until they couldn’t see or hear her anymore before anyone spoke up.

“She’s frightening,” Sam whispered.

“Just wait until Tony fights back,” Steve said.

~~~

Tony had his headphones blasting ACDC. He had dirty pants and a tank top on, which he had actually been wearing for a few times now. There were bottles of alcohol and coffee cups all over the sight since Tony was surviving off of liquids. 

Natasha was unimpressed as she felt thrown back in time to when Tony had destroyed his house while he was dying years earlier. She wasn’t in the mood for any of his antics, so she quickly pulled his headphones off and threw them to the side.

“What the— oh. It’s you,” Tony said, immediately getting back to work.

“Seriously? This is not okay, Tony. This is a new low.”

“I’m fine.”

“Bullshit.”

“Red—“

“Get your ass in the quinjet.”

“You’re not my mom.”

“You’re right, but I have a pretty good guess on how disappointed she’d be right now.” Tony clenched his jaw, remaining silent. “Okay, I’ll admit that that was low, but it needed to be said.” She sighed. “You need to come home.”

“I’m building a home.”

“You’re building a home that you think Y/N will like. You have no idea. You need her opinion on things. What if she hates it?” Tony stopped his movements. Natasha took it as a sign to move closer, coming around to meet face to face. “I know that you are doing this all for her, but you’re doing this the wrong way.”

“I just want her to feel safe…”

“I know, and I get it. But it’s time to come home. You and Y/N need to talk about everything—including this house. We also don’t want it to get out that the Avengers have started a construction company. The calls would never cease.”

Tony let out a breathy chuckle. “Yeah, guess you’re right.”

“One day, you’ll realize I always am.”

“Tony! Natasha!” Steve came running to them, yelling. “We have a problem!”

“What’s going on?”

“T’Challa just called. Something happened, and Rumlow escaped. We can’t get a hold of anyone at the Compound, and FRIDAY is down.”

“Impossible,” Tony said, rushing to his nearest suit. It refused to respond. “Come on!” He tried to get the suit to open, continuing to fail. “Come on!”

“Are the quinjets working?” Natasha asked Steve.

“That’s what Sam, Bucky, and Rhodey are working on right now,” he responded.

“We have to get to the Compound,” Tony said. “I have to get there… Y/N’s there.” His heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest as the panic set in. “I’m not there… I’m not there… I’m failing her again… I’ve got—I need—Y/N—” His breaths were uneven, and his head began spinning. It took only seconds for him to be on the ground, panicking.

“Tony!” Both Natasha and Steve exclaimed. They rushed to his side just before he passed out.

Steve was quick to scoop Tony up and began to rush to one of the quinjets.

“Sam got one working!” Bucky shouted. He noticed Tony in Steve’s arms. “What the hell happened?”

“We need to go,” Natasha stated as they headed for the working quinjet. “Rhodey! Sam! We need a medkit out and IVs. I’ll fly.”

Everyone worked quickly as Natasha got the quinjet off the ground and headed for the Compound.

next chapter >

[ltash]

Kidnapped

You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope... I have loved none but you." — Jane Austen

"They took her, LT," was all Johnny could utter into his radio. His vision blurry. The gash on his head was bleeding. He was shot in the arm and lost a lot of blood. Darkness enveloping him as he saw Diego dragging me away.

"Johnny! How copy!" Ghost said in the comms.

"Johnny! You there? Atleast fucking say something." Ghost yelled in frustration but the radio went silent.

"Johnny! Johnny!" My blood-curdling screams pierced the air. He held my wrist tightly, not letting go, but a cartel member hit him on the head with the back of his gun. His hold loosened as he was continously being hit on his head by that bastard's rifle.

Johnny! I screamed as Diego started dragging me with my hairs.

My office building was burning before my eyes, my father's hard work being ruined right in front of me. Johnny lay unconscious at the gate as Diego dragged me across the ground towards the jeep. The people from my office running helter skelter. The dead bodies of my guards piled up near the gate.

I cried and screamed, being dragged on the ground with my hairs but it was to no avail.

I tried to grab Diego's wrists, my hairs were being pulled from my scalp.

"Leave me you son of a bitch." I screamed and kicked with my whole strength but he was a brute.

My clothes torn, my skin scratched, the gunshot wound on my thigh seeping blood. They threw me into the helicopter. I looked back helplessly as the helicopter ascended towards the Mexican border, my heart pounding in my chest with fear and desperation.

Two hours earlier,

Sitting in my office, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me as I reflected on the blessings in my life. The news of the new life growing inside me filled me with unparalleled joy and excitement. It was a gift from Simon, one that filled me with immense happiness and anticipation.

With each passing moment, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey ahead. These nine months held the promise of new beginnings and cherished moments, and I eagerly awaited the day when Simon would return to share in the joy of parenthood.

Having recently returned from the base, where I had spent couple of days with Simon, I found solace in Soap's presence by my side. Simon had entrusted him with my care in his absence, and I was grateful for the support and companionship he provided during this time. Together, we awaited Simon's return, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of our lives as a family.

I was deeply lost in thoughts when Soap entered my office.

"Hey there! You look happy," he chuckled.

"Yeah, I am. Aren't you excited about being called Uncle Soap?" I asked.

"Of course, 100 percent," he replied.

"Want something to eat?" he offered.

"Yeah, sure. I'll head to the cafeteria in a moment," I said.

"I'll catch up with you there, lass," he said, opening the door. Then he turned back to me.

"Oh, by the way, find me a girl, will ya?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Why?" I asked.

"Cuz I want to settle down too and have a baby," he chuckled.

"Johnny, you're something else," I laughed.

"See ya there, lass," he said before closing the door.

Just five minutes passed when I heard gunshots.

My heart started racing a million miles.

My office was directly in front of the main gate, with the industrial area on the right wing.

I jumped up and opened the blinds.

The sight in front of me was enough to make my breath hitch.

The cartel had sent reinforcements to attack me, even a helicopter.

As Johnny bravely fought off the cartel members, I knew I had to do something to help. With trembling hands, I reached for the sniper case Ghost had given me. As I opened it, my heart raced with adrenaline-fueled determination.

Positioning the tripod on the nearest window, I steadied my aim, focusing on the chaos unfolding outside. Soap was outnumbered, and every shot counted. With each pull of the trigger, I prayed for accuracy, knowing that every missed shot could have dire consequences.

Despite my nerves, I managed to find my target, taking aim and firing with all the precision I could muster. My shots were erratic at first, but as I gained confidence, I began hitting my marks. Each impact sent a jolt of exhilaration through me, knowing that I was making a difference, however small.

"Go to hell motherfuckers!" I cursed as I pulled the trigger.

With each round I fired, my focus sharpened, my movements becoming almost mechanical as I aimed for the heads of the cartel members. The sound of gunfire filled the air as I maintained a steady rhythm, each shot ringing out with precision.

Despite my best efforts, the cartel members seemed endless, pouring in from every direction. I gritted my teeth in frustration, my determination unwavering even as the odds stacked against us. Every shot counted, but it felt like we were fighting an uphill battle against an unrelenting tide of enemies.

Reloading my rifle with practiced efficiency, I braced myself for the next wave of attackers, knowing that every moment counted in this desperate struggle for survival.

With each pull of the trigger, I prayed for a miracle, hoping against hope that we would emerge from this ordeal unscathed.

My fingers trembled as I clutched the radio that Ghost had given to me. It was a lifeline in this moment of chaos, a direct line to the outside world amidst the turmoil engulfing us.

"Laswell! This is Nora. You hear me?" My voice quivered with urgency as I pressed the transmit button, sending my plea into the ether.

"Copy!" The response crackled through the radio, Laswell's voice a beacon of hope amidst the storm.

"We are under attack by the cartel. Send backup immediately," my words spilled out in a rush, desperation lacing every syllable as I relayed the dire situation we found ourselves in.

"Ok, they are on their way. Hold on," Laswell's assurance cut through the static, injecting a glimmer of hope into the darkness that threatened to consume us.

I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited further instructions. With Laswell's promise of reinforcements, I knew we had a fighting chance to repel the onslaught.

The deafening roar of gunfire echoed through the office, each shot sending shockwaves of terror rippling through my body. My heart pounded in my chest as the cacophony of screams and gunfire reached a fever pitch, mingling with the anguished cries of my employees.

I watched in horror as the cartel members advanced into the office building, their weapons spewing death and destruction with each merciless pull of the trigger. The once bustling office now lay shrouded in chaos and despair, the air thick with the stench of fear and desperation.

My instincts screamed at me to run, to hide, but I was rooted to the spot, paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of the violence unfolding before me. With each passing moment, the gunfire drew closer, the sound of death drawing inexorably nearer.

I clenched my fists, my mind racing as I searched for a way out of this nightmare. But in that moment of terror and uncertainty, all I could do was brace myself for the inevitable onslaught, praying for a miracle to save us from the jaws of death.

"Nora! How copy." I heard Ghost's voice in the static.

"Hold on, love. Right now, we are sending backup," he assured me, his words a lifeline in the midst of turmoil.

With trembling hands and shaky breaths, I clung to the sniper rifle, the weight of its purpose heavy in my grasp. Despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm me, I knew I couldn't falter, not when Simon's voice echoed in my ears, urging me to stand strong.

"I have killed many enemies with your sniper," I confessed, the weight of my words hanging heavy in the air. "And I won't stop until my last breath, Simon."

"What are you doing, Nora? Get out of there," Simon's voice commanded through the radio.

"Its an order," Simon said through comms.

"I don't take orders from you, Simon," I retorted, my fingers deftly loading my Glock as I prepared for the inevitable confrontation.

"Nora, don't do anything stupid, for God's sake," Simon pleaded, his desperation palpable even through the crackling static of the radio, oblivious to the fact that our conversation was being broadcast for all to hear.

"Don't worry. I won't. Or even if I did, either way, I am going to die," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me.

"Ghost, this is Soap. We need evac. We cannot fight them. They sent a whole goddamn army," Soap's voice echoed through the comms, thick with urgency.

"Reinforcements and evac are on their way," Ghost replied, his tone steady but tense.

"Nora, stay right there where you are. Don't come out," Johnny ordered over the radio.

But I had already made my way out of my office. My employees were hiding in the cubicles, fear etched on their faces. Clutching the rifle tightly, I was ready to shoot any enemies that came my way.

As I turned a corner, I came face to face with an enemy. A shot rang out from my rifle, killing him instantly. I bolted and reloaded, making my way down the stairs, eyes sharp for any signs of movement.

"What the hell is happening, Nora?" Ghost yelled through the comms.

"Nothing. I am shooting the enemies," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Contact RPG!" Soap shouted.

An RPG hit right where my office was, and an explosion shook the building. Flames engulfed the area, and people from my office began running downstairs, panic in their eyes.

"Hurry up! Get out!" I screamed, urging them to safety.

Hanging the rifle on my shoulder, I made my way down with my Glock in hand, ready to shoot.

"Making my way down and out," I said into the radio.

"Get to safety, please," Ghost pleaded.

"I'm trying to get to Johnny!" I yelled back.

My pregnancy hormones were kicking in, giving me a surge of strength I didn't know I had. I pushed through, making my way down toward the exit where my armed guards and Soap were holding the line. Soap was behind a wall, using it for cover.

"Nora, stay right there," he ordered me.

The guards were taking heavy fire, but the cartel was relentless. I watched as more gang members flooded through the gate. I shot at them, then ducked for cover. Putting my Glock into its holster, I grabbed my sniper rifle and reloaded it.

I shot at the same time as Soap, then ducked behind the wall. The situation was dire; all our guards were killed, leaving only me and Soap.

Soap stepped out from behind the wall and started shooting again. I provided cover fire, picking off enemies from behind.

"We can't hold them much longer!" Soap yelled, his voice strained.

I took aim and fired, each shot deliberate and precise. We were down to the wire, but we were determined to hold our ground.

A bullet hit Soap right in his arm. He fell suddenly.

I came out from behind the wall and shot the enemy. We were near the gate. I ran towards Johnny when a bullet hit me right in my left thigh. My scream pierced the sky as I fell near Soap.

"Soap, do you copy?" Ghost asked in the comms.

"We're shot," I said, crying in pain.

"Johnny, please take care of her," Ghost said in the comms.

Soap gritted his teeth, using his good arm to drag himself closer to me. "Aye, lass, stay with me. Help's on the way," he said, his voice strained but determined.

I clutched my thigh, the pain searing through me. "We have to hold on, Johnny," I said through gritted teeth.

Soap nodded, wincing as he tried to apply pressure to his wound. "We'll make it. Just keep breathin', Nora. Backup's comin'."

The cartel members barged in, all running towards us like hungry dogs.

"I'm sorry, Simon. I couldn't protect myself," I said into the radio for the last time.

"Nora! What happened?" he shouted.

A tall black man, his eyes filled with rage, came and stood near me. "Name's Diego," he said.

He took my arm and started dragging me. Johnny grabbed my wrist, refusing to let go.

I screamed as the radio fell from my hand. "Johnny! Johnny!"

Johnny's grip was strong on my wrist, but a cartel member hit him on the head with the back of his rifle.

"No!!!" I screamed.

Johnny wasn't letting me go, and that bastard kept hitting him until his grip loosened on my hand and I was separated from him.

"Nora!" Johnny's voice was barely a whisper.

I struggled against Diego's hold, my heart pounding with fear and rage. "Let me go!" I shouted, kicking and thrashing.

But Diego's grip was like iron. "You’re coming with us," he growled, dragging me towards the exit.

I glanced back, seeing Johnny lying motionless, bleeding from the gash on his head. "Johnny, no!" I screamed, but it was too late.

As Diego hauled me outside, the last thing I saw was the smoke and flames consuming my office, my world crumbling around me.

I was thrown into the helicopter, the remaining cartel members holding me still. I screamed in pain, my clothes torn, my jeans soaked with blood from my wound. My vision began to blur as weakness took over me. The sound of the helicopter faded into the darkness, and I closed my eyes.

Voices around me were muffled, indistinct, as I struggled to stay conscious. The pain in my thigh throbbed, each beat of my heart sending waves of agony through my body. I tried to move, but the strong hands of the cartel members held me in place.

"Stay still, puta," one of them snarled, tightening his grip on my arm.

I fought to keep my eyes open, but the edges of my vision grew darker. The faces around me became shadows, and the noise of the helicopter blades droned into a distant hum. My head felt heavy, and I could no longer keep my eyes open.

As the darkness closed in, the last thought that flickered through my mind was of Simon. His face, his voice, his love—it was all I could hold on to as I slipped into unconsciousness.

The reinforcements arrived, but all they found was Johnny lying unconscious and the office building engulfed in flames. The fire brigade was called to extinguish the fire, but the damage had already been done. Johnny was quickly taken to the hospital.

"Fucking hell!" Ghost yelled, his voice filled with rage. "Motherfuckers! They took her." He looked at Captain Price, his eyes dark with fury and worry.

"John, do you copy? I’m sending you the CCTV footage of the office," Laswell contacted Captain Price on the comms.

Captain Price opened the file, and the recording started playing on the screen. Ghost watched in utter shock and pain. The first footage was from outside, showing the guards and Soap trying to stop the cartel. Another one was of me, shooting from my office window.

Ghost's heart clenched as he saw the fierce determination in my eyes, the way I fought back despite the odds. The footage showed me moving through the building, taking out enemies with precision. Then came the moment when I and Soap were shot near the gate. Ghost's face hardened as he saw me scream in pain, my voice echoing through the comms.

The final footage was the most devastating. It showed Diego dragging me away, Johnny's desperate attempt to hold on to me, and the brutal hits he took before losing consciousness. Ghost watched helplessly as I was thrown into the helicopter, my body limp and bleeding.

Captain Price put a hand on Ghost's shoulder. "We’ll get her back, Simon. We won’t let them keep her."

Ghost nodded, his jaw clenched tight. "We need to move fast. Find out where they’re taking her and get a team ready. We’re bringing her home."

Laswell's voice came through the comms again. "I've got some intel on where they might be headed. We’re working on tracking the helicopter. Stay sharp, everyone."

Ghost took a deep breath, focusing on the mission ahead. He couldn't afford to let his emotions take over. "Let’s gear up and get ready to move out. We’re not letting them get away with this."

Captain Price and the rest of the team nodded, determination etched on their faces. They knew the stakes were high, and they were ready to do whatever it took to bring me back safely.

[tewwor]

SHIPPING INFO // ANSWER THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR MUSES SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPPING WORKS ON YOUR BLOG.

WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER(S)?

🧍 you know how long that'd take me to list out??? anyways, i'll limit the ones that have made me the most feral over the years —

@huntershowl + litho : yall want to talk about slow burn? that moment where we both clapped and they mushed faces together will forever be ingrained in my brain. 4 entire years worth of waiting....

@hnjwn / @cordoliae + chanyeol : insane. they're insane! the sheer depth they somehow fumbled into is just.. outstanding tbh. even though they're both hibernating, i had to mention them

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?

i'm personally only comfortable with romantic age gaps of around 10ish years. and, yes, i'll admit that does bleed into my characters a lot.

HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NSFT?

just before sexual foreplay + more. not that i really delve into that a lot anymore. but hey! if the stars align and the mood's right, then it still might happen.

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?

with mutuals? no..... god no........ granted, chemistry is still a very big thing. not every random pair of muses will stick and that's okay! but if you have even an inkling of joy with a romantic ship between our muses, i'm almost always on the same exact boat. so please never, ever be afraid to voice that!

WHO ARE OTHER CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?

**please know that i probably missed a ton ( rip my work shocked brain ), but these are just the first ships i can think of where we've had in threads or yapped ooc!**

currently established:

@huntershowl / @icarusplunged + seph/litho & seph/jie/ricochet & seph/adal/lior & rusa/ricochet — need i say more? the original marked dating sim hard launch tbh OHGAWOIGH anyways, doesn't matter how long either of us go on hiatus. one of us keeps crawling back

@miidnighters + bella/jie & hartley/cruor/iris — the way both of them just stuck? it's amazing, jaw dropping, heart warming!!! every aspect of a robust, well rounded relationship can be hit in either, i love them both so, so much.

just starting ( and super excited for ):

@xinxiins + jie — don't get me started on how many times my heart's ached already. there's such a cultural connection that guts me Every Time 😭

@chth0nia + cruor — every time i think of them, i think of that crying dog pic you sent. exactly how i feel about them!!!!

@bloodykneestm + whoever you want lbr — i've yet to write those starters for iggy and alastair but just you Wait……

@interxstitial + literally anyone — like, okay yeah there's ravi sure ( i do love them though ), but if there's anyone else that piques your interest... you just let me know and i'll fedex express ship them over. i'll even cover the cost dw

past:

@temporalobjects + botan/clarence/pildo & iwai + chanyeol : i don't think i've ever had a canon latch onto a ship so quickly before? and the fact that it's technically post canon and he's lumped with two sunshiny loveable dorks! then there's... yknow.. the other two that keep dancing around each other. shed many tears from angst and laughter over both ships, drawn at least 1 or 2 things for each ♡

@womanlives + mercy/jie & dez/clarence : my 'missing you' letter. i hope you know that those two ships have brought me such immense joy and tears at the same time. truly have a special place in my heart ♡♡♡

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?

more like showing interest, i feel like? asking can be sooooo anxiety inducing ( i know it can be the same with just mentioning it ), but there's a very good chance i'm already jumping up and down in glee with the exact same thought so! just let me know!!

ARE YOU SHIP-OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?

it's toned down a bit ( barely ) ever since i've been overtaken with how dear and important other types of connections are. but yeah, still love ships with all my heart

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?

n/a

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?

just let a clown know. yall know where to find me in my lil' clown corner. if you're more plot heavy, then hell yeah! we can chat up a storm! if you're more 'throw things at the wall and see what sticks' intensive, then hell yeah! i love punting these idiots out and see what happens in the weirdest ( or saddest ) situations. applies to both monogamous and polyamorous ships!

tagged by : i was tagged... in it so that counts right? ( thnkx @huntershowl muah muah )

[iamnot-crazy]

Pages of Promise, Some Sunny Day

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 (Bittersweet Ending)

Summary: You have always itched for adventure and when an interesting vessel appears you take your chance and jump aboard. Now you have found a new home with the straw hats but still long for the day you can meet Law again.

Trafalgar Law x GN!reader

TW: mentions of death, sad

********

The thousand Sunny gleamed in the horizon and a collective gasp echoed through the Polar Tang. Bepo bounced in excitement holding onto Law shoulders as he looked at the ship, "Captain! It's the Straw Hats! Can we say hi to Y/N?"

A hint of a smile played on Law's lips, a warmth spread through him at the thought of seeing you again. "Alight".

The moment the ship docked, Luffy materialized on the deck a grin splitting his face like a melon, "Traffy! Are you here to join our adventure!"

Law raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. before he could respond the Heart Pirate crew came bursting out of the Tang demanding to know where you are.

Luffy chuckled, "They're just out shopping!"

The crew sighed in disappointment and returned to their docking procedures. Law smirked at the crews impatience to see you before returning his attention to the straw hat captain to discuss this "adventure" he wants to embark on.

After a little of waiting a joyous shriek cut through the air. You, arms overflowing with bag, spotted the Heart Pirated and launched yourself into the group.

The Hearts were holding you tightly as they began fussing about your leaving without a goodbye.

"Im sorry! If I did I don't think I would have gotten on the sunny." you cried defensively buried in their embrace.

The crew laugh as Shachi rubbed your hair, "Just don't do it again!"

You laughed, "Where is Law?" you pull out of the embrace looking for Law.

Bepo pointed over to where Law was standing with Luffy deep in conversation, "StrawHat is trying to convince Captain to join him on some kind of adventure."

A chill went down your spin as you watch Law smile as Luffy spoke animately and you began your run. Law turned to see you and his smile grew as he prepared himself to catch you as you flung yourself at him. He spun you around as your heart pounded in a thrill before you grab the back of his head pulling him into a deep kiss.

The air filled with an electricity at the action. Both crews gasp with a mixture of surprise and thrill with their suspicions confirmed.

You chuckle finally pulling away resting your foreheads together, "I missed you Law," you whisper tuning out the commotion of the two crew.

"I Missed you to y/n," Law laughed closing his eyes as he placed you on the ground gently holding you waist.

"Law..." You coughed as Law reopened his eyes as your weight pulls to ground, a crimson stain blooming on your shirt. Panic surged though Law's eyes as you crumpled to the ground, "I Love...."

Law's world began to spin as he knelt beside you, tears streaming down his face as he tried to recall his medical training. But the wound in your stomach gape, it was beyond his powers to heal.

The initial euphoria of the reunion was shattered and the scene of war surrounded him. The "adventure" the Straw Hats was far more dangerous that they had initially revealed.

Luffy, ever the optimist, had agreed to help a group of townspeople on this island reclaim their stolen wealth from a ruthless noble family, the house of Vermillion. The Hearts wanted to spend more time with you so they offered their assistance. The plan was simple - a stealthy heist while the Straw Hats created a diversion, but things had escalated quickly.

The Vermilions unleashed their most potent weapon: a battalion of towering giants, Law, his heart sinking at the sight, knew their initial plan wouldn't hold. With a heavy heart, he ordered the Hearts Pirates to retreat with whatever they could salvage.

Chaos erupted. The giants, wielding immense physical power, trampled through the battlefield. In the maelstrom, you vanished. Panic clawed at Law's throat as he searched for your familiar form.

Finally, he found you amidst the wreckage, a horrifying wound blow marring your abdomen. Now Law holds you tight barely able to hear you last words before you life fully fades.

"Y/N!" Usopp shouted in his search and paused seeing Law on his knees, "Traffy did you..." He skidded to a halt, his eyes widening in horror at the sight of your lifeless form in Law's arms.

Tears streamed down Usopp's face as he approached. "I'll... I'll take them back to the ship," he choked out, his voice trembling.

Law nodded numbly, handing you over to Usopp. He watched as Usopp clutched your body close, disappearing into the dust and debris, a silent vow escaping his lips to get you back to the Sunny, even if it was the last thing he did.

Law jumped into the fray, a whirlwind of vengeance. He found Luffy locked in a fierce duel with the Vermilions' most powerful warrior. Law activated his Room, teleporting into the fight and dissecting the warrior with a brutal slash.

"Traffy!" The captain shouted in excitement as he watched the older captain slash the warrior into 5 pieces still screaming surprised to be alive

"Straw Hat!" Law shouted pointing to the ground. Straw Hat nodded understanding the plan jumping up into the air and pounded the ground with his haki covered hands destroying the ground and sending larger debris into the air. Law twisted his fingers taking control of the debris and sending it flying at the warrior burying him beneath it.

Law turn to see another Warrior aiming a punch above Sanji who was just thrown into a wall and was struggling to get up. "Straw Hat!" Law ordered once more Luffy geared up his punch aiming at Law right before contact Law swapped places with the giant and the giant was faced with Luffy's giant haki filled fist.

The second Warrior fell to the ground with a thud while Luffy laughed, "We make a great team Traffy!"

Law ignored him, his eyes blazing with a feral intensity. Sanji started to retort, "I didn't need the assist, Traf.." but stopped short, the gravity of the situation hitting him as he saw the raw grief etched on Law's face.

Law snapped towards Sanji, his voice laced with a desperate urgency. "We need to finish this now before anyone else gets killed!" He vanished in a flash of his Room, and in the blink of an eye, Zoro found himself replacing him, his swords barely missing Sanji's head as they swung past.

Zoro looked up in confusion, while Sanji lashed out with a kick aimed at Zoro's head. "you mosshead!" he roared. The ground shook as another giant warrior fell, its lifeless form crashing to the ground.

Both Sanji and Zoro turned their gaze to see Law standing atop the defeated giant, his Kikoku extended and crackling with electricity. A gaping hole had opened in the ground where the giant once stood. Law leapt off with a feral scream, his movements erratic and driven by a desperate rage.

"What's gotten into him?" Zoro questioned, watching Law stalk through the battlefield like a wounded animal, his body slick with blood.

Sanji shrugged. "He said something about not letting anyone else die," he muttered, his eyes drawn to Luffy who stood frozen, staring blankly across the battlefield. Sanji and Zoro followed his gaze to see Usopp running past them towards the Sunny, his face a mask of grief as he cradled your lifeless form. The sight that chilled them to the bone was the gaping wound mirroring Ace's death blow, marring your abdomen.

"Shit," Sanji and Zoro mumbled in unison. They watched Law tear through the remaining guards with a reckless abandon, a stark contrast to his usual tactical approach.

"Luffy!" Zoro bellowed, snapping the captain out of his trance. "You gotta stop Law before he gets himself killed!"

The two ran over to the captain trying to shake him out of his thoughts.

"You're the only one who can stop him! Mosshead and I will get everyone else back to the ship." Sanji shouted his plan and they shake the captain.

"They.... y/n.... Ace..." Luffy muttered.

We will deal with that in a moment first we need to keep doctor doom over there from getting himself killed!" Sanji stepped in front of Luffy, breaking his line of sight. Luffy finally snapped out of it and nodded, a grim determination replacing the shock on his face. Zoro and Sanji took off into the field, assisting anyone they could back to the ship.

Luffy ran to Law who stood in the middle of the battlefield, a whirlwind of vengeance. "Law!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the clash of steel.

Law's head snapped towards the younger captain. The world seemed to slow down in that agonizing pause, a silent accusation thundering in the air. Law, his coat ripped and bloodied, turned to Luffy, his eyes blazing with a grief that threatened to consume him.

"I told you we needed to retreat!" Law roared, his voice raw with a mixture of grief and rage that echoed across the battlefield. "We needed a plan!"

Luffy's eyes darken as he drew closer, "You are their captain now! It was your responsibility to protect them! You failed them!" Law's voice roared, his voice hoarse filled with emotions. "I told you and now They are dead! Y/N is DEAD! Because of you!"

Law's face contorted in fury when the younger captain stopped in front of him. Law threw a fist at Luffy's face, a desperate attempt to lash out at his own grief. The entire battlefield fell silent as Luffy took the blow head-on, his expression unreadable.

Law continued to punch Luffy, a torrent of grief and blame erupting in each blow. Tears streamed down his face, a stark contrast to his rage-filled words. With each punch, his strength waned, his attacks becoming more desperate than forceful.

Finally, Luffy grabbed Law's arm, stopping the onslaught. Law, drained and defeated, slumped to his knees, his sobs echoing across the battlefield. "I never told them I loved them," he choked out, his voice cracking. "We were supposed to meet after they achieved their dreams..."

Luffy, his own face etched with pain, pulled the older captain onto his shoulder. He began walking back to the Sunny, leaving behind a scene of destruction. The giants lay defeated, while the remaining guards were slowly being subdued by the townspeople. Smoke from the ravaged battlefield rose lazily into the sky, a grim reminder of the battle's cost. As they reached the ship, the other crewmates looked on with a mixture of sadness and concern as Luffy gently laid the now passed out Law on the bench under the shade of the deck's tree.

Luffy looked over at Chopper, who shook his head solemnly and turned towards the side of the deck where they laid you down. The ghastly wound in your stomach had stopped bleeding, a cruel reminder of what you'd lost. Robin, with a gentle touch, had placed a bouquet of wildflowers in your hands, a small act of beauty.

A shout came from outside the ship, shattering the somber silence. "Straw Hats!" a townsperson yelled, his voice brimming with glee. "Thank you!" The crew looked up to see the townspeople celebrating, the remaining guards subdued. A bitter pang of guilt twisted in Luffy's gut. He forced a smile and waved back, Jembi already steering the Sunny away from the ravaged island.

Deeper into the ocean, the yellow submarine emerged from the waves. Law, finally stirring from his grief-stricken slumber, saw the Hearts Pirates appear on the deck. Usopp, his face etched with grief, explained what had happened as Law cradled your head in his lap, his fingers gently brushing a stray strand of hair across your cheek. The Hearts Pirates, their own sorrow simmering beneath the surface, exchanged a look. They longed to hold you one last time, to say goodbye. But they understood Law's need for this final moment, this private farewell.

A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves against the ships. The crews, united in grief, knew a decision had to be made. Finally, a plan was formed, a tribute to your spirit. With a heavy heart, they placed your body on a raft, adorned with flowers. As they set it ablaze, the flames danced, consuming the wood and casting an ethereal glow on the water. Law, watching the smoke rise, could have sworn it resembled a black feathery coat carrying your spirit upward and old friends promise to keep you safe when he couldn't.

********

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 (Bittersweet Ending)

A/N: Sometimes I need to not make myself cry when writing but hey if you wanna read more of my work check out my MasterList

[darlingstardust-fics]

What happens to my love for you when I pass? This can't be all there is.

I currently hold all of the love and words we never got to share in, the apologizes I wish I could give you, the adventures we no longer get to plan for. My heart is a museum, now - the only one of its kind where only I haunt its halls.

What happens when I leave this realm and my body, so full of my pain of missing you, so full of these late nights I have to spend thinking of you without a way to text you or hear your voice, so immense from the memories we laughed at endlessly... Will it be inherited if I never have children? Will someone like me meet a person like you for the first time at the exact moment I pass, and my knot of emotion held solely for you be transfered to them - a reincarnation? Will they find the soul in the person they meet that matches with theirs like yours matched with mine in our friendship?

Will they know each other for 16 years and grow close and grow apart and worry and cry and laugh and fight and honor each other like we have, and that grief will be theirs when one of them passes?

What scares me most is knowing that when all of the people who love you pass away means all of you is gone. Will that be a relief to you? It's a fucking tragedy to me.

You are there in the things you left behind and letters in your handwriting, your dust unmoveable in beloved items you once owned sitting in a thrift store somewhere, or your smell laced in the collars of your shirts that you loved in a landfil, but they won't be traced back to you. No one else who will have these things as hand-me-downs or as once loved treasures will know of your howling laughter, your blocky calloused and warm hands, your kindness, your perseverance, your heart of gold; Your stubborn attitude, your fearlessness, your anxiety, your need for the thrill of finding yourself somewhere new.

You die with us too, and it scares me that no one else will get to meet you and help us carry on your spirit.

It scares me that someday, all of my grief and love for you will be gone when I want to feel this forever. I know it will die with me but there are no emotions in the dirt, in the daisies I will grow, in the worms I will feed, in the coffin I will rot away with, in the heat that turns me to ashes, to dust.

Where will they go? Do these aches and pains and joys and bursts of happiness that you gave me follow me in my next life? Will I get to know you again and get to feel this love and longing for you all over again? Or is that it? Do I get to know you as I have and lose you all the same to only feel this unique and lonely emotion just this once? When I would do it a thousand life times, just to hold you again? To sing to you when you can hear me and promise you that you're a gift, even when I knew you didn't feel like it all the time?

I hope all of my feelings stay with me forever. I never want to know of who I would have been without you - to me, that version of myself never exists. There is no way I could be the person I am without an ounce of your influence, or a glance from you. All of me only exists because I got to meet you.

Please tell me where it all goes when I am no longer here. You should know that secret now, right? Will you tell me? Will you visit me and sit me down in a dream and tell me what I am too afraid to experience myself? I know nothing really disappears but rather becomes lost, and losing you was hard once, how dare the universe make me lose you again.

Maybe my grief will be picked up and held and loved and passed on, and we will still exist together. Maybe. I can only hope this isn't fleeting when this is all I have of you in this moment.

So what happens to my love for you when I pass - because this can't be it.

I'd lose you all over again for one more day with you.

[sanchoi21]

Forever Longings

Ash Ketchum x Y/N both are above 18yrs

WARNING: Mentions of alcohol and sex. Mostly fluff.

This is my first post so please bare with it.

Ash and y/n were good friends from Pallet town but soon lost touch as their careers took them on different paths. After many years they met in Kalos at a nightclub. Where Ash and his friends (Clemont, Bonnie and Serena) were at a table.

Y/N Pov

"Is that Ash? He looks so handsome." While I was blankly staring at him our eyes met.

Ash Pov

That's Y/N! It's been so long since I last saw her. Now she has grown into such a beautiful women. I missed her so much.

Third Person Pov

Ash got up from his place after seeing y/n and went passing through the crowd making his way towards her.

Ash: How have you been y/n? I have missed you so much!

Y/N: I missed you too Ash! What are you doing here in Kalos?

Ash: I came here for Kalos league, and you?

Y/N: I came for Kalos Queen.

After the short conversation ended, an awkward silence soon followed. As they both were filled with numerous emotions at that moment after meeting each other in so long. With the romantic music playing behind giving enough nostalgia to both. As the alcohol was kicking in both of their systems they both just stared at each other blankly and fondly. The feelings which they both had suppressed all these years came to the surface, resulting in Ash blankly staring at Y/n's lips and she returned the same gesture. Soon they both leaned in kissing each other passionately. It was their both's first kiss. It was hot and passionate. They soon pulled apart to catch their breaths and a deep blush covered their cheeks. Ash's friends just stood there stunned with the scenario unfolding in front of them. None of them knew about Ash having a past with anyone. He never talked about it to his friends as he found it unnecessary to let others know about his past with Y/n who he missed so much with every passing day. Serena who liked Ash was now jealous and hissing. She soon interrupted their moment.

Serena: Hello! Who are you?

Both of them snapped out of it and Y/n answered.

Y/n: Hello! I am Y/n. Ash's childhood friend.

Ash introduced all his friends and said,

Ash: Excuse us guys! We have a lot to catch up, can you all please excuse us.

Y/n Pov

Wow Ash has gotten so bold, first he kissed me and now this. I am blushing really hard now and my stomach is feeling funny.

Saying this Ash took my hand and took me to one of the private club rooms. He silenced me when I asked what's going on?

Ash: Let's not talk or think about anyone and just feel each other, ok? I have missed you so much.

I just nodded and said," I have missed you a lot too Ash, so let's make up for all the time we weren't together." I don't know from where I got such courage but I simply pulled him into a kiss and he kissed back pulling me closer.

Ash: I want to keep you very close to me so you can never leave me.

I blushed hard at this and followed his lead as we both immensed ourselves in the desire which we had suppressed for so long.

That was my first and best night of my life. As we both soon drifted to sleep in each others arms.

Next Morning

Ash Pov

Wow that was my first and best night of my life and as always Y/n is very beautiful. I hope her body is ok after our passionate last night. I never said it but I have loved her for so long. I am glad we met again. As I was unable to find her since we lost touch.

Y/N Pov

I woke up with my legs hurting from last night but still I was happy to be with Ash. I opened my eyes and saw my handsome Ash starring at me. After he saw me waking up he cuddled me.

Ash: I love you Y/n. I always have. Now I'll never let you go.

Saying this he smiled fondly at me.

Y/n: I love you too Ash since the first time I met you.

Hearing my confession he blushed deeply and we both laughed. As the rising sun hit our faces. We promised each other to spend the rest of our life together as the morning sun rays showed us a new hope of our future life together.

THE END

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

The Wicked Spring

⚔️ All Previous Parts Here ⚔️

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: ABO (knots, slick, mpreg), Viking/god Col, fae Dom, plot heavy chapter, scared boys, PTSD, evil returns, MF being awful, groping, trying to find alone time, interrupted fun, Cia running off, baby in danger (only for a moment), uncovered secrets, Dom getting sick, mentions of underage sex (Col's past), hurt/comfort ☠️ rating: mature/verging on explicit ☠️ shared ideas by @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

Nothing had changed exactly since Kol'son and Dom had found time for each other again but they had. The world didn't feel so overwhelming when they felt connected, the threat hanging over their heads didn't feel so immense. The siren had finally slept, passing out for so long that his husband had to resort to resting their babes against his chest just to keep them fed. It was strange but he was thankful to see his wife feeling calmer. It had been a few days and the boy had slept for at least one of them but it had been a week since the vampire had appeared and… nothing. Gods it was starting to get on Kol's nerves. He didn't like waiting around for trouble.

He'd finally convinced Dom to leave the bedroom and they'd left the children under Mod and Tom's care. Ciarán was running around their feet, still stuck in his wolf form but he was obviously happy to be free of their home. The Viking was glad to see his mate breathing fresh air and they felt clean and cuddly after a shared bath and a little fun. "I missed you ástin min." He sighed softly, wrapping his arm around his lover's shoulders. Thankfully Dom didn't take the statement wrong and instead smiled up at him, twining his fingers with his daidí's where they rest on his skin.

"I missed me too." The selkie huffed honestly before shaking his head. "But I missed you more. I didn't fink I could get tha' scared anymore. I don't know why I let 'em get in me 'ead like tha'. And now I've broken our son." He didn't mean to be so open but it was surprisingly easy with his husband. Who would have thought such a brute would have a big soft heart?

"You didn't break our son, look at him. He's happy. He's just being a good little alpha." The god wouldn't admit to worrying too, he hadn't seen his little boy's precious face in over a month and he couldn't convince him to shift back. He was sure if he could access the same power in himself he could force it, but he didn't want the kid traumatized. Cia was trotting in front of them, his tail wagging and his nose close to the ground. Honestly he was one of the cutest things the man thought he'd ever seen but that didn't mean he didn't miss his human form.

"He shouldn't feel like he needs to be. We got a bloody alpha already, he can calm 'is fluffy arse down! I don't want 'im growing up too fast." The fae whined, resting his head against his mate's chest as they strolled together.

"Damn straight. I don't think he can help it though. He feels our stress. Let's just hope Kiva and Quinny don't go this hard so young or we'll be overrun." The alpha teased, nuzzling his lover's hair.

"Oh gods no, I can't 'andle fhree teen alphas at the same time. I refuse." Dom giggled, shaking his head and half hiding against his daidí's chest. "'Ey yours at tha' point."

"Sure, as long as you raise the omegas. But it's cute you think I'm not breeding you again soon." The god's voice dropped to a growl and the fae shivered in his hold, almost tripping over himself. He was honestly surprised he hadn't felt the beginnings of his heat yet and that Kol hadn't already started teasing about whelping him. With that promise though they felt so much closer to their normal selves and it soothed something tight in Dom's chest. "Maybe make it an even ten?" Kol'son's hand disappeared from his shoulder and caressed it's way down his spine and the boy whimpered when that strong palm cupped his ass and squeezed.

The siren made a noise like a squeak but at the same moment their son barked and darted off for the tree line, shattering any play his parents were about to get up to. "Shite! Where'd he go?" The fae sighed, at first just from exasperation but when they lost track of the sound of his voice Dom felt nerves make his belly flip.

Kol'son's ears would have twitched if he were in his other form but as it was he tried to still himself and listen. His hand didn't move from it's bruising grip on his wife's ass, if anything he was hoping the pup would come right back and he could resume his attempt to fuck the fae against a tree but- "I can't hear him." He was focusing so hard on that one sense that he picked up the moment Dom's nerves turned to true anxiety when his heart started racing in his chest. He finally released the boy and pet gently up his back before letting go, ready to search out their son but they didn't have to.

"Hi daddy! Miss me?" A soft voice that was so sweet and fake it turned Kol's stomach sounded from the trees before she stepped into view, Cia tight in her hold.

The Viking couldn't help making a face and gagging at what she called him but it turned to a growl when he saw his little alpha. "Megna, put him down." He couldn't keep his voice level, he was honestly surprised he wasn't already ripping her throat out but he didn't want Ciarán to see him that brutal. Yet.

"Daidí-" Dom choked on his words, fear was clogging his throat and rage burning through his veins. His husband stepped in front of him but he couldn't help trying to peek around. He knew he shouldn't have let the babe leave their room. He knew he shouldn't have left.

'I've got it okay? When I tell you to run? Run.' The god's voice floated through his mind and he tried to nod but he couldn't leave their son. Sweat broke out over his skin, all his instincts telling him to do just that and escape but he couldn't. He wasn't sure why he felt that way anyway, he was always drawn to protect his young before himself.

"Aww but he's just so fluffy! Maybe I'll keep him as a pet." The bitch had the nerve to purr and Cia answered her with a snarl right next to her face. The pair couldn't help but feel pride but they knew she would just as soon hurt him as let him go. "Bad puppy. What else would I expect when the two of you are training him?" She huffed, rolling her eyes.

When the wolf went to nip her Kol could see her hand moving to slap his nose and he had to hold his wife back. He wasn't used to his own power and at times it scared him but he attempted to use it, snapping his fingers and praying the babe could escape. The moment happened so fast, almost a blink of an eye but he felt fur against his back and Megna was empty handed. Her bee stung lips pouted and her fox gaze landed on him like prey. 'Run.' He thought to his mate but before Dom could obey, a new voice echoed through the circle.

"I don't think so. Your mate shouldn't leave you alone with a woman, we all know how much a brute you are." It purred through the trees and the Viking furrowed his brow. Why did she sound so fucking familiar? The sound went straight through his body and he was ashamed at how his dick twitched. He thought he knew exactly who was talking, this was the god his mate had been promised to. But why did it feel like someone he'd always known?

Dom swallowed hard and pulled their pup close to his chest as he watched a goddess step up behind Megna. "Áine." He whispered, he couldn't help it. He knew who it was, he could feel it down to his bones that ached in her presence. Nothing about her felt kind or loving. He was honestly surprised she wasn't oozing black goo. He wouldn't bow to her though, he refused to show any respect for someone who could act as she did.

"Damhnaic. Don't worry, I don't want your alphas. I'll get you a puppy though Meg, would you like that?" The woman purred, kissing the human's cheek. She was- Dom supposed- objectively pretty, but not to him. He knew what that threat meant, she wanted their omegas but he'd fight to the death to protect them. Her dark eyes snapped to him, her lips curling in a smirk as she looked him up and down. He could see her entire form through the slip dress she wore but that was normal for his home. If he didn't know how disgusting they both were he might find them attractive but as it was… "You're sickened by us? You just thought that you would die for me, that doesn't sound like you're disgusted."

"I thought I would die to protect me kids from you! Do not mistake me mind when you steal fhoughts from it." The siren was surprised at himself but since his husband seemed to be frozen someone had to deal with them. "I'm sure someone else can bear ya children Áine, even Megna! Can't you jus' leave us alone? We won't come for you."

She laughed at that, a full throated deep sound that danced on his skin and gave him goosebumps. His heart leapt into his throat and choked him. "I don't think so sweet boy, she's human. Besides, you were made for me." Before he could take a breath she had vanished and appeared again in front of them, her hand outstretched to pet his cheek. "I don't like when my toys leave. Besides, she's already starting to bore me but I told her I'd get her revenge."

"Oh? And 'ow ya gonna do tha'? Kill us?" He spat, he swore he could feel his skin vibrating with her so close. His stomach was in knots and he felt nauseous. Even her scent smelled wicked. She should have smelled like fresh spring but instead she held the sickly sweet stench of decay. No wonder their land back home was dying, their goddess was turning bad.

"Of course not. She wanted you broken and Kol'son alone. I want you making me more omegas." She hummed, tilting her head as she glanced down at his belly before she finally looked to his husband. "I can do that so easily. Hello Kol, did you miss me boy?" She shifted her attention to him, her claws petting his cheek.

Kol'son bit his lip so hard he tasted blood. He wanted to shift and grab his family and run but he was frozen to the spot. He could feel his lover's confusion and he hated it. In his mind he was begging the universe she didn't say what he knew she was about to. They didn't hide anything from each other, he'd told his wife about his conquests but… there was no way he could fathom that. He knew it would break his queen's heart. "No."

"It's not nice to lie to your first love. Does your pretty little omega know I taught you everything you know about pleasing a woman?" The Viking growled, she was exaggerating but it didn't matter. As a boy she had taken his innocence and they'd shared an intense night together. He'd always thought about her but how could he know? How could he fucking have predicted this?

Dom felt dizzy, his head was swimming with thoughts he couldn't quell. This goddess had touched his lover before- before- oh gods had she seen his future? Did she know? His skin felt soaked in sweat and before he could stop himself he was stepping back and dropping to his knees to be sick. It wasn't that they'd slept together though, he wasn't that easily jealous or so simple to break. No, it was the fact he knew his poor husband had been so young and she was magic. Gods how long had she been torturing them both? And where were his parents?

"Meg sweetheart, take me somewhere to rest while we wait for the rest of our party? They'll arrive by boat soon. Kol, you should visit our bed later. If you think we had fun when you were young…" She winked, cupping his jaw with her claws and holding him still as shs forced a kiss against his lips. "You taste like bitch. My bitch. Yummy. How sad you've already ruined him. Now be a good puppy and welcome your in-laws. Remember, we're a visiting kingdom and you must be diplomatic." She purred, slapping his cheek but he kept from moving his head. He might not be able to speak against her yet but he wouldn't cower to her either.

Dom felt tears well his eyes as he heard the women disappear. His son was licking his cheeks and trying to soothe him but he felt mad with grief. The moment they were free the Viking dropped to kneel and tried to comfort his mate but he was scared to touch him. Maybe she had broken something between them. "I'm so sorry-" The siren choked out between sobs, throwing himself against the man's chest. "She 'urt you for me." He sniffled while the god just stared at him wide eyed. He'd been prepared to grovel for forgiveness. He'd remembered her mostly fondly all these years and he remembered telling Dom what an experience it had been. The first woman he'd bedded, the only pussy he'd been inside when not bleeding before his wife. He was so ready to say he was sorry but he didn't know how to handle the boy blaming himself. All he could do was shake his head and try to comfort his love and their son. Fuck he just wanted to get them home safely.

Author's Note/Tags: @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @manicpixiedreamb0y @cole-way-iero28 @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

Eep! A little angst and plot to spice up the story. Our boys are strong though! They can handle it. Just in case you were wondering, yes I'm picturing Halsey for Áine. I hope you're still enjoying the story! 🖤☠️

[afticxs]

DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES chapter 6

to my dearest y/n,

i can’t say i was as safe as i promised you that i would be. it seems i’m breaking a lot of my promises recently, i’m sorry.

i was shot upon the safety of my ship, i woke up the day i wrote you this letter in the middle of the atlantic. there’s a lot i want to tell you.

i don’t think i would’ve minded in the slightest staying with you in that lagoon forever. you made my voyage interesting, to say the least. i never would’ve imagined myself having feelings for a supposed myth. it’s funny. you tried to eat me when we first met.

i hope that if there is another us somewhere, they’re not forced to be apart from each other; how we are. and maybe in another life, where it is us and not someone else with our story, we’re both human where it is easy for us to be together.

or we’re both sirens lurking around until we find our next meal. i don’t mind, i’m not fussy.

gods, i knew you for a month and a bit. curse your charm for seducing me and bless your soul for enchanting me. i love you. i probably should’ve told you that when i first kissed you. but i never did. i regret it.

i’d like to say that if the sea wars end before i die of old age, come visit me in hastings. i’m sure i’d recognise your conch shell anywhere, you don’t find them on the coasts where i reside. but i can’t. i have this aching, scary feeling i will die on this boat and that i won’t see you again. the fever i have is no jest. but i’ve sort of come to terms with it.

when you first showed me your lagoon, i spotted this comb and i figured you would like it. however i forgot to give it to you. i’m sorry again. i love you.

with all my love,

your mikey.

you looked through the letter, perched on the rock back in your’s and michael’s lagoon.

truth be told, you had followed the ship for those two days. from the moment you witnessed the ship leave to the second you received the message in a bottle. attached to it by the braid he kept in his hair, was the comb he had mentioned in the letter. you opened it, scanning it briefly before your heart ached in pain.

when you finally arrived home, however it felt empty, you finally read it. taking in his words and feeling every emotion through all of it.

and you cried.

you cried so hard you truly believed you would die of heart ache.

the comb never left your hair, neither did his strands of hair that you had managed to braid into your own.

you fiddled with your braid—it fell over your face like michael’s did to him—most of the time. while the comb remained as a place holder for the new bun in your hair.

you missed michael immensely as much as you loved him unconditionally.

you would continue to haunt port royal until you were lost to the debris due to the earthquake im 1692.

[yasser-salama10]

Hello, I'm Pickles the Collie, the 1966 World Cup hero! I'm thrilled to share my incredible story with you.

In 1966, a time of great excitement and anticipation. The world was eagerly awaiting the FIFA World Cup, and England was abuzz with hope and pride. However, just months before the tournament was set to kick off, disaster struck - the Jules Rimet Trophy, the coveted symbol of World Cup victory, was stolen!

I was accompanying my loyal friend, David Corbett, on an errand when we stumbled upon a scene of chaos. Police officers flooded the streets, and the air was thick with tension. As a sharp and perceptive collie, I sensed that something momentous had happened.

David was on a mission to find a payphone to make an urgent call to his brother.

My keen sense of smell led me to a nearby park, where I discovered a bundle of newspapers lying discarded. Something about it felt odd, and I stood there, my instincts on high alert. It was then that I had an Excited: the missing trophy was hidden within!

Wooow!! Seizing the opportunity to become a hero, I worked together with David Corbett to retrieve the trophy and return it to its rightful owners. It was an exhilarating and adventurous experience, and I felt immense pride in playing a part in restoring the stolen treasure to my country.

More importantly, this incident taught me the profound value of loyalty and intelligence. These qualities can make a real difference in the world, and I was grateful for the opportunity to showcase them.

In recognition of our heroic act, David and I were showered with rewards and accolades. I even had the honor of starring in the film "The Spy with a Cold Nose" .

Throughout my life, I've always had a passion for learning and training. Through puppy training and positive reinforcement, I honed my skills and became an obedient and intelligent canine. Today, I'm a devoted companion, cherishing the strong bonds I share with my family and friends.

As a proud Collie, I consider myself fortunate to have played a role in the 1966 World Cup. Collies are not just intelligent dogs; they are loyal companions, sources of inspiration, and bundles of joy. If you're considering welcoming a Collie into your life, I encourage you to provide them with proper training, love, and attention. You'll discover the incredible loyalty and intelligence that these remarkable dogs possess.

[the-hollyday]

Missing Ontario

“Island Time” becomes less of a cheeky joke and more of a spiritual state of mind.

For the past couple years now Jethro and I have been using two weeks of summer to head out to Ontario and visit family. This was a new special development in my life, firstly because the 2022 trip coincided with my very first instance of Paid Time Off from a job; I had a mullet, I didn’t own a pair of formal shoes, and I felt like I was maybe finally “earning” adulthood. Secondly because I was going to meet Jethro’s extended family. For context, despite having known each other for a decade, I did not meet Jethro’s parents until one year prior. It’s an amount of personal privacy that I am both confounded by and envious of, and either way respect immensely.

The Ontario trip always feels like a bit of dream, but I would chalk most of that up to my lack of travel experience, even on the smaller scale of around my own country. So many things are so close to what I know and yet just slightly different. The buildings, the brands, even the flora seem like close approximations of what I would see in my day to day in BC. I think I know what variety of tree I’m looking at until I get a little closer and realize I have no clue. Like a dream that you believed to take place in your own house, only to wake up and realize you have no familiarity with the location your brain chose as a substitute. There seem to be some esoteric rules around the sale of liquor in Ontario, and despite having it explained to me multiple times I could not tell you for certain whether you are allowed to buy gin and beer at the same store, or what time in the evening you are now shit out of luck. Also why am I only allowed to by singles or cases? The half-sack eluded me.

There are three main stops on the trip: Topsy Farms on Amherst Island, cottage country just outside of Sydenham, and Toronto. And both trips where done in the same order as well, a kind of system shock shotgunning us right into rural farmland before heading to the more manicured wilderness of high-privacy cottage properties, all packed tightly together on the lake, and then back to bustle and urbanity in the city. It felt like a forced system reset before a 10 day long relaunching process, and an absolute joy to not see my phone at all for the first 3 to 5 days of the trip.

The whole of Amherst Island is beautiful and pastoral, with gravel roads and ivy trails clinging to old buildings. On the view from the ferry the landscape is dominated by multiple wind turbines, imposing giants that made me think of huge white pins being stuck into the map of the province; remember Here. We stay with Jethro’s godmother Leah, and we fall asleep to the sheep bleating in the distance, get up late in the morning for coffee, and then spend the rest of the day walking, swimming, and socializing with Leah and whoever else happens to stop by the farmhouse. “Island Time” becomes less of a cheeky joke and more of a spiritual state of mind. Sometimes when I find myself too wound up in my everyday life I try to access the bodily feeling of being back on the island - the wind of the bluffs cools my hot skin and dries my wet hair.

Veggie dogs on offer at the bluffs kitchenette.

The slow living continues as we move to our next destination, which is Grandpa Greg and Grandma Carol’s dream eco-cottage nestled just between Birch Lake and Desert Lake.

A quick intermission:

It was at this point in writing this piece that a couple things occurred. Firstly, I spent quite a lot of time on google maps trying to find the lakes the house was on, including using google street-view to travel along Canoe Lake Road to try and get my bearings; a trip that makes me carsick more often than not in person, and also apparently virtually through the computer screen. I had to go lay down for a moment. The other thing was that in my map searching I did find that there is a “Steely Dan Island” on Canoe Lake. Imagine the rest of this piece being written with Steely Dan playing in the background.

Rikki don’t lose that map pin.

Grandpa Greg is a green engineer who has designed a beautiful home with multiple eco friendly features — low flow and composting toilets, good airflow through the house, and the larder in the basement has an ambient temperature low enough to store perishables even in the summer. And keeps whiteclaws cool too, which was important to me. Most of this portion of the trip is spent, again, sleeping in, drinking, lounging, and socializing. But with a different feeling. You can be washing your coffee mug at the kitchen sink and look up to a family of kayakers in a space of water that up until that point you had imagined to be private property belonging entirely to the Allens. But my favourite piece of the house design is that every window is a picture frame, each looking out onto a carefully selected view of the property, framed by leaves and tree branches artfully encroaching into the view. Grandpa Greg told me during the first house tour that his direct inspiration was a trip on BC ferries, and the walls of the ship lined with large rectangular windows to capture natural landscapes as art. It was a different view of a BC Ferries ship than I had ever considered — I was (and still am) certain that every aspect of those particular experience are tailored to push my specific buttons. But the implementation of the picture windows at the cottage are effective — the kayakers are unexpected, but also impersonal; a painting where the subject could only have just appeared while you weren’t looking, and will likely be gone when you look again, off on their own business.

The time spent at the cottage is the driving reason for the excursion out to Ontario in the first place. 2022 was the year Jethro’s middle brother Fionn graduated high school, and then the youngest, Calum, in 2023. I was very much a guest on a trip specifically meant to circle wagons for the last available times before all three boys were off to their respective cities and busy with all the things young adults are. We played badminton, watched movies, and spent time in Sydenham eating poutine from the chip shop in front of the Foodland. And of course playing games.

I have developed a reputation among the family for being a euchre spectator. I did not grow up with much gaming culture in my household, the extent would be Scatagories or Pictionary with extended family on a holiday visit. We favoured creative-focus left brain games, and I could not tell you who was the winner of any one of them. Often there was no winner. So suffice it to say I was a bit out of my depth with real number and strategy capital “C” card games. I struggle with quick small math in general and my main objective in a game is usually just to have something to do with my hands while we’re chatting.

The Allens have had the police called on them for fights over bridge games.

But the atmosphere is thrilling. There’s something about sharing the space with someone who cares very deeply about what they’re doing, however small and fleeting it may be. It feels electric, and you can’t help but laugh and cheer for a hard fought victory, or even share the frustration of a difficult loss. I was much better at the off-road croquet that we paired with gigantic blue gin and tonics.

A croquet crime in progress.

It’s been hard saying goodbye at this point in the trip. We spend the majority of our time at Greg and Carol’s, and both times there’s been something final felt in the air, a moment when you realize that you’re watching your partner say goodbye to the children he remembers his younger brothers being. I hug everyone tight before we go, feeling less a stranger to them every time I experience the sadness of leaving.

And on to Toronto. And getting back to the city at this point feels right, forget a heartbreak by immersing yourself in the busyness. We stay with Jethro’s cousin Laurel and have between two and three days to visit museums, art galleries, and restaurants, often ending the nights with a glass of red wine on the porch with Laurel. Our most notable meal was in 2022 in the distillery district at El Catrin Destilleria, where Jethro and I got the drunkest we have ever been at a restaurant off of the largest and best spicy margaritas we’ve ever had. The food was amazing as well of course, I recommend the Lime Carlota icebox for dessert, but share it with a friend because it is massive.

Talking about experiencing Toronto is the part of the trip I tend to trust my perception the least in, partly because we’ve spent the least amount of time there, and also because I’m starting to feel like maybe the culture in any city is going to be more favorable than my current thoughts on Vancouver. The buildings are older, the amenities are closer together, and I watched a family walking down the street towards a public pool with the children already in their bathing suits, because they lived close enough to a community centre for that to be practical in the middle of the city. Laurel is able to walk to groceries, her daughter’s daycare, an endless amount of restaurants and coffee shops, and the beach of Lake Ontario.

On our last full day in the city Jethro and I walked down to the beach to start our day with a dip in the lake. It was cooler than it was on Amherst, but still pleasant, especially in comparison to glacier fed BC lakes. I was beginning to pine for my own bed at this point, excited for the opportunity to visit Casa Loma in the afternoon, but also growing exhausted from not ever being on totally familiar footing anywhere I went.

And then almost more quickly than I wished we were back on a plane home.

I mentioned in the previous post that we are going to Japan this year, and this is specifically in leu of Ontario. Fionn has moved out of their grandparent’s house, and is building a full adult life for himself in Toronto. He made a solo flight over to BC and stayed with us a couple days and we got to tour him around our city, and make bad choices in front of him we didn’t have the freedom to when he was a teenager. Calum is home for the summer and working at the chip shop we ate at while were visiting.

Jethro repeatedly “promised” me a 2024 trip that was about him and me, and not all about visiting his family, and we’ve had our eyes on Japan for a while. He definitely worried that he was overextending me with constantly meeting new people and bringing me all over the province. But I feel a real sense of loss not going back to Ontario this year. Last Christmas Grandpa Greg and Grandma Carol gifted us a photograph of the bluffs on Amherst Island; there’s an inherent knowing among people who have visited the spot that it’s a special place.

The point in summer we were over there in years before has past, and it seems like I’ve forgotten to do something very important.