#I’m not an old who watcher

[littler3d]

Didn’t understand the Susan twist until another post explained it was old who. Still confused on why they put so much emphasis on his granddaughter though

[comixandco]

eastenders tonight was PHENOMENAL

[in-tua-deep]

So I followed you years ago for the first season of tua. It has been years and now tua has come to an end. I just watched the final season. Did you or will you watch it? I might not be able to recommend it. Which is such a shame. The first season was amazing and will be forever one of my favorite shows.

I have a terrible confession to make…

I’ve only fully watched season one of the umbrella academy. I started season 2 and haven’t finished it yet 😭

[a-drama-addict]

“what’s my character type” well clearly i enjoy strong sailor women. as if that is my fault

[girlspecimen]

i keep thinking about this guy who came into my work today and he wasn’t really like conventionally attractive but he had the most adorable features ive ever seen on an adult. his face and his body looked soft and round and he had giant brown eyes like a calf. clearest shiniest skin i’ve ever seen on a man and shy pouty lips and his cheeks were like naturally very ruddy he looked almost cherubic. was very soft spoken and thanked me profusely; tipped me 5 dollars after i talked him up. he was such a doll-like person, from appearances at least — truly the highlight of an otherwise incredibly shitty day. i’d keep him in my purse like a sonny angel figurine

[richhietozier]

very vaguely working on a buffy the vampire slayer au fic rn (that i think will be centered around steddie) where nancy is the slayer, eddie is a vampire, and steve, robin, and jonathan are nancy’s scooby gang

[malum-forev]

Eyes, They Never Lie

Summary: Sam and Bucky try to recruit (Y/N), Bucky's ex and a former Avenger who has left that life behind. But they realize her life has changed completely once they meet a her daughter with striking blue eyes.

Pairings: Bucky x Former!Avenger!Reader

“They want me to assemble a group,” Sam takes a long sip of his beer, thinking that it’ll do something to ease his mind. “The New Avengers.”

Bucky lets out a low whistle.

“I know.” Sam mutters. So far, it’s Captain America and the Falcon, but other than that, he’s completely lost. “Back when Steve was here, there was a place for us to go. We could aspire to one day go into the compound and train, but now, anyone who is willing to be part of the team is scattered all around the world.”

Bucky hasn’t said anything, not because he doesn’t know how to help his friend but because he’s so lost in his own journey. Running for congress sounded like a good idea, until he started dealing with the political world. So much bureaucracy, so many people wanting to fatten their wallets. And not enough actual helping.

“You got any ideas?” Sam asks, bringing him out of his mind.

But Bucky just hums, because the idea he does have is crazy.

“C’mon I know that being a silent watcher is your whole deal but I need some help over here. How the hell am I going to build a team from zero?”

Bucky finishes his drink, as if that’s going to help jumpstart his confidence. “Are you looking for fresh meat? Or do you got space for an old timer?”

Sam’s eyes widen. “I thought all your fighting days were behind you.”

“I want out,” Bucky loosens the tie on his neck. “I want to go out on the field again. Really help.”

Sam runs a hand down his face, there’s hesitation in the way he looks at Bucky. 

“Unless…” Bucky gulps. “Unless I’m not what you’re looking for.”

“No, no.” Sam places a hand on his shoulder. “I just need to tell you something before you say yes to this-“

“What is it?”

“I was-uh-“ Sam looks up at the screen above them, not wanting to look at his friend in the eye when he says it. “I was gonna ask her to join, too.”

“Oh,” Bucky can’t help but think back to when you were his, at least for a moment. Every time he thinks about being happy, you’re right there next to him. 

You were the first woman he was actually interested in. He spent years wasting time with thousands of women, letting them in his apartment but never into his heart. But your eyes reeled him in from the moment you started as an agent. Steve would always tease Bucky, saying he’d have to see you fall in love with someone else if he didn’t ask you out. 

Those were the best years of his life. No doubt.

Until you left. You retired, and wanted nothing to do with him. And all the love you had seemed to evaporate from one day to the next.

But Bucky? He was still waiting for you to come back. 

“I-I thought she disappeared, retired.” Bucky stutters at your memory. 

“I found out where she lives now. And I planned on talking her into the group.” Sam looks down at the beer in his hand.

“I’m in.” Bucky says, but he’ll never be sure if he accepted because he wanted out of the political world or if he wanted another glimpse of you. 

-------

“The house is supposed to be up the road.” Sam mutters, trying to find cel reception. But the two of them were so deep into the woods, it was almost impossible. 

Bucky had always imagined you’d end up like this. Off the grid, living off your land. But in the dream, the two of you would be together. He’d spend the day cutting wood and harvesting whatever you’d grown, and you’d be deep into a hobby, spending your nights recounting your wild life. 

They see an opening up the road, but as they come closer, their eyebrows knit together.

“This can’t be it.” Sam says under his breath.

A huge cabin, surrounded by pine trees, is the only thing around. There’s a big tree at the front of the cabin, with a tree house on one of its branches. A glittery pink bike on the lawn along with a replica of Mjolnir next to it.

Sam parks his truck and they both step out cautiously. Bucky looks around, wondering how the woman who used to scream at the sight of a spider could live here, all alone.

As they come closer to the front door, they hear rustling from the tree house.

Bucky nudges his friend’s shoulder. “There’s someone over here.” 

Sam’s head whips just enough to see a pair of binoculars looking at them from the wooden window. 

“Hello?” He calls out but there’s no answer.

“Do you live here?” Bucky asks, only to be slapped on the chest by his friend.

“You can’t ask that! It’s creepy!”

Bucky rolls his eyes. “How else am I supposed to get an answer if I don’t ask a question?” 

But there's no response from the person inside the tree house. Instead, there's clanking and banging and before they even realize it, there's a little girl pointing a bow and arrow directly at them.

"State your name! Now!" She tries to look menacing but her outfit is too much for the two men to handle. Sky blue rain boots with a purple tutu, a Def Leppard t-shirt and heart shaped sunglasses.

"Oh my god." Sam immediately melts. "Aren't you the cutest little thing I've ever seen."

But the little girl doesn't fall for the Captain's words, she points the arrow directly at Sam. "Don't make me repeat my question, I know how to use this."

"Do you live with an adult? Your aunt, maybe?" Bucky's throat dries up as he asks the question. He knew you had siblings before you went into the crazy line of work that were the Avengers, and he begged that the little girl before him was theirs.

Bucky spent hours thinking about you on the way here. He'd been dreaming of seeing you again, thinking of what must have changed and what stayed the same. But he never thought there was a possibility you had moved on.

"Is your-" Bucky clears his throat. "Is your dad home?"

Sam eyes his partner. "Smooth."

The little girl walks backwards until her back bumps into the cabin's front door. "I'll call my daddy."

Bucky's heart stops. After years, he was still thinking of you whenever his eyes closed, and you, you were completely over him. Started a family with someone else.

"I'm sorry, Buck." Sam pats his back, immediately noticing the shift in his friend's eyes.

"S'okay." Bucky mutters, grinding his combat boot into the ground. "I'm not here for her, I'm here to assemble the team."

"I know, but-"

"I said I'm fine." Bucky snaps, running a hand through his shorter hair.

You'd begged him, for years, to cut his hair.

"I love your long hair," you'd once murmured against his lips. "But I also love how you looked during the Howling Commandos era."

"Era? You're making me sound more old than I am." Bucky smiled against your lips.

"I'm just saying, you could shorten it." Whenever you looked into his eyes, it made him feel like he was the only thing in the world.

"I thought you liked pulling my hair." Bucky flipped you on the bed, taking in your bubbling laughter.

The creaking sound of the cabin door brought him back to now. Bucky sucks in air, preparing to meet the man who is apparently so incredible that you decided to drop everything to be with him.

He has to be at last six feet. Well I'm 6 foot 1, on a good day. Bucky responds to his own thoughts. And he must be jacked. Not as jacked as me, I'm the fucking Winter Soldier for fucks sake! He must love her. Well I, I've loved her every day since I met her.

It feels like it takes hours for this mystery man to come out. The door opens slowly, only to reveal... You.

Bucky's knees buckle as your eyes meet his. You hadn't changed a lick, and if he didn't know better, he'd think that you were still his. Bucky's hands ball into fists at his side, needing a physical reminder to not reach out and hold you. Beg for your kisses. Tell you he doesn't care that you left, just as long as you take him back.

"Sam? Bucky?" Your voice trembles. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

The little girl pokes her head from behind your legs. "Mommy!"

"Mommy?" Sam and Bucky shriek at the same time.

"Attack them! Take them down!" Your daughter laughs.

"Young lady!" You scold.

But the little girl interrupts you, raising a chubby hand to stop your words. "I've already told you my name is Tashi Romanoff."

"Tashi, please, go upstairs and play. I need to talk to them for a moment. In private." You enunciate your last two words, knowing they were her least favorite words in the world.

"Fine," she huffs, turning on her heels. But not before taking off her rain boots and heart shaped sunglasses to reveal a pair of striking eyes. Clear blue with a steel ring surrounding her iris. Bucky's brows furrow as he catches a glimpse of Tashi's eyes, almost the same exact shade as the one he sports.

"W-wai-She's-" Bucky stutters out, not being able to comprehend what just happened.

"Tashi, huh?" Sam raises his eyebrows.

"Yeah, she’s going through a phase where she refuses to be called by her name," you close the door behind you. "Auntie Nat came to visit us during the blip and she just latched on to her."

"W-was her dad blipped?" Bucky tries to act normal but his heart is beating out of his chest.

"Her dad isn't in the picture." You cross your arms. "She was a surprise."

"So-uh-so that means." Bucky points between him and the house. Not being able to get the words out. "There's no way that."

"She's not yours, Barnes." You roll your eyes at your ex boyfriend.

"But she-her eyes." He blinks.

"There are a lot of guys with blue eyes out there." You let out a light laugh. It was strangely easy for you to slip into how things were, teasing and sharing laughs was the base of your relationship with Bucky. But now, so much time has passed, and you're definitely not the same person you were back then.

"What are you guys doing here?" You look down at the floor as you ask the question.

"Someone out there has created a mind controlling substance that puts everyone in danger. And we need to stop him. We found his lab and we got some of the vials but we need your help taking him down." Sam says but you're shaking your head before he even has time to finish. "I want to form a group. The world needs us again."

"Look, Sam, I appreciate you going through all the trouble to find me but, as you can see, I have other priorities now." You look back into the house through the window to find your daughter peeking through the window.

"But-" Bucky speaks up but you stop him.

"You guys can stay the night if you'd like," you say, looking at the darkening sky. "But I'm not going back. There's a reason I left that life."

Bucky bites his tongue to stop himself from asking you what that reason was.

"Thanks for letting us stay." Sam smiles as he passes the threshold of your home.

You never thought this day would come. Seeing your daughter run around your back yard with one of your best friends.

“She’s beautiful.” Bucky comes to stand next to you, but you only hum in agreement. Words seemingly disappeared from your mind the second his scent wafted closer to you. Sandalwood and fire, clean linens with a dash of something else. So masculine, so protective. So incredibly, Bucky. 

“How old is she?” He asks.

“Don’t do this to yourself.” You take a deep breath in, letting him coat your lungs. 

“I just want to know.” Bucky tries to act innocently. He dissects every trait he can tell comes from you, but the rest, they look awfully similar to him. Tashi’s nose has the same bump as his and her eyes crinkle just like Bucky’s when she smiles. 

“Faking was never your forte.” You smile. “She’s not your daughter Bucky.”

“Bucky.” He repeats his name like it hurts him to say. “You never used to call me that.” 

“Well, I used to call you baby but I wouldn’t want Tashi to start asking questions about who my other baby is.” 

Bucky lets out a laugh, it’s a low grumble that shakes his ribs. It’s been so long since he felt this peace. “I missed this,” he lets the words slip out.

“I missed this too.” You say, barely above a whisper, stopping yourself before you say that you missed him. But you did.

Every day since you left, you thought of Bucky. Of the way he used to hold you so tenderly and the kisses he gave you at night. Of how he said I love you and made it sound like the only words that existed.

But all those memories were of the past, your life before Tashi came in. And you should keep them like that.

-----

The moonlight is the only thing that illuminates Bucky as he wanders around the cabin. He didn't mean to lurk but he'd woken up from a nightmare.

Your home was different than he imagined. A lot more stuffed animals and toys and less trinkets from your past life. There were a couple of pictures here and there but they were mostly of Tashi and you.

"What are you doing up?" Bucky jumps up at the sound of her squeaky voice.

Tashi looks up at him with those goddamned eyes. They looked so much like his, it was concerning.

"I-I couldn't sleep." Bucky rubs the back of his neck.

"Do you have nightmares?" She asks so innocently. If only she knew the things he dreamed of. "I have them too."

"You do?" Bucky whispers, making her nod her little head.

"Mommy usually helps be back to sleep but I don't want to wake her up." Tashi brings a finger to her mouth, motioning for the Sergeant to keep quiet. "Don't tell her I woke up, promise?"

"Promise." Bucky brings out his pinky, wrapping it around her little finger. "I'll let you in on a little secret of mine."

Tashi's blue eyes widen, urging him to go on.

"You may not know about me but, there was a time your Mommy helped me with my nightmares." Bucky smiles at the memory.

"I know about you, silly goose." Tashi covers her giggles with her hand.

"You do?"

She nods, holding her hand out and taking him to her playroom. Sitting Bucky in an incredibly small chair. "You're the boy from my book!"

Tashi places in his hands a hand sewn felt book. The characters were a bit wonky but Bucky could immediately spot himself in the fabric.

"You're the boy with the heart of gold and the arm of steel." She says, proudly pointing to the book.

"The boy with the heart of gold and the arm of steel would save anyone, especially the people he loved," Bucky read his description on the book. "People around the world misjudged him, but that didn't stop him from being good. He proved them all wrong."

"You're my favorite character," Tashi smiles wide. "Don't tell Uncle Sam."

"Your secret is safe with me." Bucky lets out a watery smile, setting the book down on the floor. "How about you go up to your room and I can tell you a story about your mom."

"Really?" Tashi jumps up.

"Only if you promise to try and go to sleep again." Bucky raises his eyebrow, trying to appear strong but the little girl already had him wrapped around her finger.

"Under one condition," Tashi crosses her arms. "I can go outside and get my Natasha figurine."

Bucky bites down on his lip. "It's quite late to go outside."

"Please?" She pouts. "It'll only take a second."

God she looks so much like you.

"Fine." Bucky gives in. "But I'll be watching by the door, can't let you go outside all alone."

The super soldier walks behind the little girl, watching as she runs outside and sifts through the grass.

Bucky should have known something was wrong, he should have heard them lurking in the bushes. But he was too distracted by her, too distracted by the idea that this could have been his life. That in some multiverse, Tashi was his daughter and he could've retired next to the love of his life.

But he didn't. And it was too late once he realized what was happening.

Tens of agents dressed in black closed in on the cabin, running onto the property. Tashi was the first thing they grabbed.

He heard her yell out his name, but it happened in slow motion.

"No!" Bucky screamed, running towards the man who kidnapped her. "Let her go!"

Tashi's red splotched eyes was the last thing Bucky saw before they crammed her into a black van and left down the only road. His feet burned as he ran behind them, but not even Bucky was able to catch up to them.

Once he came back to the cabin, Sam and you were running around trying to understand what happened.

"I'm sorry." Bucky lets the tears run down his face. "I couldn't stop them."

You dropped to the floor with a sob.

Bucky's knees finally gave out. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry- We're going to get her back, I promise that I'll get her back."

Authors note: hi hiiii omg I went a little bit overboard with this one. It's been a looooong time since I wrote something this long. I hope y'all like it! Xx

Taglist: @aoi-targaryen @whoreforbarnes @ironwinnerwonderland @oikarma @ellabellabunny123

[stewykablooey]

the ben affleck kenstewy truther rabbit hole goes so deep like stewy is barely a character to the average succession fan yes he is a fan favorite but not outside of fans a small circle of gays, ppl horny for arian moayed, brown guys who idolize him, finance guys who idolize him, and brown finance guys who idolize him Certainly not your average old man succession watcher and certainly not. actor director jlo ex-husband phoenix back tattoo ben affleck. i would assume. and then like. to not just name drop stewy in relation to succession confident the average audience member would know who he is but. to know. and name drop the kenstewy lore. describing it as ‘an affair with stewy’ so pregnantly with lore. i’m asking how benjamin. im asking how and Where ben how did u know and where did you find out and Who told you like was he just like. a stewy fan with a critical enough eye to notice. or did he stumble across something and when he stumbled across that something did he also and/or was it actually because OF the mattfleck kenstewy parallels like. did he know about kenstewy and through found out about mattfleck or did he know about mattfleck and through it discover stewy HOW long if the former has been known. tho. was it s1 was it the jerk off hand motion followed by bathroom blowjob subtext because yeah man like who can blame you was it pusillanimous fool’s gold how does he feel about pusillanimous fool’s gold was it the HUG i bet it was actually arian moayed you made an acting choice to close your eyes and started a conspiracy and also.

[strawberryyyenthusiast]

Dancing with the stars Steddie au 😫

Steve is one of the professional dancers on the show and is paired with frontman of Corroded Coffin, Eddie Munson, who can barely walk in a straight line when sober.

Eddie doesn’t take the gig at first bc he knows that he’s going to be the first one to be kicked out and he doesn’t want to ruin that for the dancer that he’s paired with. Chrissy, CC’s manager, ends up convincing him since it would be great pr and would help reinforce his whole “don’t knock it ‘till you try it” attitude.

The first time they meet is super awkward and Steve keeps making these little bitchy remarks that has Eddie falling head over heels for this quick-witted prep of a man— not to mention that he has a great ass.

Much to Eddie’s surprise, they make it to the finals and Eddie has gained some balance on his legs and a lot more rhythm. (His fans are raving over the fact that he doesn’t look like a baby deer when he does more than walk, plus the newfound, wiry muscles that emerged on his arms and legs were much appreciated).

When they are training for the final dance, Eddie starts to make each session longer than it has to be because he doesn’t want to stop hanging out with Steve. Over these couple of weeks, he’s fallen totally in love with Steve and everyone but Steve seems to notice.

They are waiting to go on stage when Eddie looks into Steve’s eyes and says, “I want you to know that whatever happens, I’m taking you on a date after this.”

Steve just nods and says, “thank god.”

They perform a salsa that has the crowd screaming when they get into their final pose: Steve’s leg wrapped around Eddie’s waist as Eddie dips him.

They don’t win the show, which is totally fine with the both of them. Brad Pitt won with his crowd appeal and gyrating hips.

Steve and Eddie are just happy that they met. Even with their second place status, most watchers of the show deemed them the true winners.

Then they go out on a date and fall in love and get married and adopt kids and grow old together and they stitch TikToks of them reacting to the edits that people have made.

[springismss]

ᱬ⛧ my hero ~ hawks

sum: after losing the one thing that made him the hero he was, he struggles, but it turns out he has his very own hero.

pairing: keigo takami/hawks x partner! reader (g/n)

content: manga/epilogue spoilers for anime only watchers/those not caught up on the manga. hints of depression. no other warnings to place here.

a/n: while i know that keigo accepts the loss of fierce wings, part of me thinks he would have had a hard time adjusting. here’s my overview take on just that. as always, likes, comments and re-blogs are deeply appreciated.

word count: 800

links: bnha/mha masterlist | masterlist

he’d never felt less of a man than he did right now. the only thing that made him who he was was gone. it didn’t matter how many times others tried to reason with him, to tell him he’s still the same person as before, the reality was that he’d never be who he was before.

all he could hear was the underlying lies. he would never be the same; he knew that, and they knew that as well. their words meant nothing to him, nothing at all.

walking the streets while adjusting to his new life, he could still feel it deep within his bones. that tingling and the need to help whenever the cries of those in need of a hero rung out. yet he was helpless. what kind of hero could he be if he didn’t have his wings?

he spent many days in bed, not wanting to get up despite the protests of people around him and his own mind. choosing to shut himself away until he didn’t know what day it was. he knew he shouldn’t, but what else could he do? everything felt like it was closing in and suffocating him from the inside out.

he was his own worst enemy at times.

“keigo, i know you don’t want to talk at the moment, but when you want to, I’m here”. the way you sounded so defeated broke him more than he already was. you didn’t deserve to go through being shut out when all you were trying to do was help. to be there for him and offer your support despite not understanding what he was going through.

though, part of you should. after all, you were quirkless. one of the small minority who was born without a quirk, but you never let that stop you from anything you ever did. you proved yourself time again and even managed to rise up through the ranks as one of the few pro heroes who rightfully earned their spot without the aid of your abilities.

that’s what made him fall in love and treasure every moment he had with you. you were able to defy the odds and be where you were right now, a formidable pro. maybe he shouldn’t be so hard on himself and take a page from your book.

slowly, taking each day as it came, that’s when you started to see a change. the old keigo who you fell in love with began to show through the small details of things. the touches, the words, the kisses. he was gaining more confidence and accepting that he was going to be quirkless for the rest of his life.

even when eri tried and failed to help with her quirk. he accepted it. accepted it purely because you were his own hero, the one who showed him that a quirk wasn’t what made him who he was. sure, it helped him whenever he needed to save others; his fierce wings were a force to be reckoned with.

of course you missed the way he’d use a few feathers to deliver gifts and notes to you, goofily smiling at the look on your face before you smiled back at him. the way his wings would wrap around you at night and keep you safe, bringing you closer to the man who you loved with your very soul and more.

right now, though, you stood in front of a door in the office you’d been called to, hand resting on the handle before pushing it down. the small click of the door latch unlocking sounded just before you pushed the door, shutting it behind you. looking up, you smiled softly before stepping forward.

there he stood, looking out at the street, the man who you loved more than anything in the world.

the former number two pro known as the wing hero: hawks. the man who was now the new president of the hero public safety commission. the man who, quirkless or not, you’d support no matter what he did.

approaching the desk, you stepped around and continued until you reached his side. humming softly as he turned, arms wrapping around you as he pulled you in for a hug, placing a gentle kiss on your lips as you wrapped your arms around his neck.

you knew what he was trying to say; sometimes his actions spoke louder than words ever could. pulling back from him slightly, you unwrapped your arms and placed your hands on his face, cupping as you ran your thumbs across his cheeks. proud smile showing as you looked at him, taking in the battle scars that were dotted in his features.

“i'm proud of you and i love you too, keigo. i always will”.

“thank you, my hero, and ditto”.

© springismss 2025 - don’t repost, copy, translate, steal or modify.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Taking Root 1

Warnings: non/dubcon, stalking, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Characters: Bucky Barnes

This AU is called Watcher Anonymous and will include different series for different characters. This is our introduction to Bucky and Leaf.

Summary: a neighbourly connection might be more than chance.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

Bucky cracks his neck as he approaches the large windows. He rubs his eyes as he snarls at the sunlight peering back at him. Steve always leaves the curtains open. Always gone before Bucky drags himself out of bed.

He tugs them shut but stays close. It's not noon yet. She'll be out shortly.

He's not much for television. He tried a few TV series, some movies recommended on that chat, but he just can't keep his mind from running. It's why he wakes up late. Most nights, he doesn't even sleep. This is what keeps him enthralled. There's not much plot, but the main character is fascinating.

He swigs from his mug as the city street chugs from down the alleyway between their apartments. Her balcony is slightly lower. The perfect vantage.

Pathetic. That's what he'd call himself if he wasn't him. All those guys on that discord Steve found are that very flavour. But he's not them. They're all weirdo virgins. He's had plenty of women. More than enough. She's just different. Like him.

As if beckoned by his awakening, she appears. Her railing is curtained with ivy, enough that she doesn't think of modesty. He doesn't mind. She comes out wearing a loose sweater that reads SWEET in large caps and a pair of her frilly panties. He likes those ones, they ride up when she bends over to pick up the watering can.

She goes about her usual routine. She checks the leaves, waters the soil, untangles the overgrown stems, and treats the plants with rot or infestations. The cluster of plants takes up most of the space. She's like a little chipmunk among them.

She finishes and takes the can inside. The sliding door gives a generous view of her place. Inside, she lingers at the window ledge and checks the row of cactuses. He admires her devotion to those plants. She'll haven't the big square planters soon. A few of the tomatoes growing up the posts look close to ripe.

He rubs the cleft of his chin and his stubble makes a bristly noise. He backs away at the unnerving idea. It's too much. Too soon.

Fuck that. He's not that weirdo Jensen. He's been tailing his married boss for three years. Now that's fucking desperate. Besides, they all made a pact, as lame as it was. They're going to make their moves. Either do something or get over it.

Right. Finish the coffee and get your ass together, Barnes. He rinses the mug then goes to make himself human again. Show, brush the teeth, untangle your hair, tie it back, no one will know the different, clothes. Alright. It won't be so bad to get out and it'll get Steve off his back about Vitamin D. Funny, the sunlight only makes him feel worse.

He heads off with a cap pulled down low and his hands in his pockets. There's a shop down the way, they have tables outside full of seeds and little pots. And a coffee shop right next door. He could use a second cup. Maybe a third.

He stops by the display of plants on the corner. There's a big red sign marked 'End of Season Clearance.' Better late than never.

The old woman who runs the shop offers him a shallow box to put his purchases in. Some pansies and violets. He doesn't know. The colours are nice, he guesses. She tells him to get a nice long bed for them and he should be able to have a nice bunch before the frost.

He gets his coffee, agitated as he balances his starters in one arm, then heads home. He gets back to the apartment and leaves the box on the table. He doesn't touch them as he paces around. He goes to the window. She reading in her chair, reclined, one leg bent, sweater rumpling to expose a bit of tummy. He narrows his eyes. He reaches for the binoculars nearby. Oh yeah. He shouldn't be so into it but he can see a little bit of hair sticking out the edge of her panties. It makes him chafe in his jeans.

He backs up as his stomach growls. Fine. He eats grilled cheese and canned tomato soup. He's still groggy. He goes to the window again. He stays there until she's gone. The censor will let him know if she comes back out.

Steve gets home. He's in a rush. His bag clatters off the bench as soon as he lets go of it. He huffs and picks it up, scurrying around. Bucky doesn't ask. He's on his way to that volunteer gig. They both know why he's in such a hurry.

"Have fun," Bucky calls out from the sofa.

"Oh, flowers?" Steve pauses as his soles scuff.

"What's it to ya, punk?"

"Nothing. You know I got allergies, right?" He sneezes as if to make the point.

"Sure I do. They're going on the balcony... tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Steve asks. "Why not-- achooo!"

"Cool off," Bucky warns. "I'll cover them up."

"Ugh, I don't got time," Steve mutters. "See ya. Oh, and you probably don't want the cat chewing on those n-n-neith-- achoo!"

"She's off terrorising the mice," Bucky snorts. "Get out of here, Rogers."

The night rolls by slowly. Hours spent with his eyes open. On the couch until his roommate gets back. Then his bed. Back to the living room. Steve gets up to get ready for work at the museum. Bucky puts Alpine on his chest and scratches her chin. Her box needs changing.

The sunlight softens between the curtains as he's left alone. He lets the cat out with him as he angles the box of flowers through the door. He got the big trays too and soil. He'll replant it like she did hers. Or try to. Steve keeps saying the place needs a bit of home to it. Goddamn it, Steve, shut up.

He puts the flowers on the iron table and sighs. He doesn't know where to start. The squeak of a hinge makes him tense. It's hers. He knows it without looking. She yawns and he trembles, fighting not to look down at her. He can hear her sipping from her porcelain mug. Is it the one with the lillies or the roses?

"Are those Blueberry Swirl Pansies? Those are so pretty."

He doesn't move at first. She's talking to him. He knows it. His chest feels like it's full. He pushes away from the rail and checks the little tag then faces her. He gives a small wave.

"That's what it says, yeah."

He leans against the railing and looks up at him, "I love flowers, if you can't tell." She giggles and it's music in his ears. The kind that sticks in his brain and he'll keep hearing over and over.

"No, I can't," he chuckles. "Wouldn't mind a few pointers. Kinda new at this."

"Well, I'd start by keeping the cat out of them," she points and he turns to find Alpine digging in a pot.

"Right," he mutters. "Thanks."

[flor4de4amor]

hockey!abby with the reader being her biggest fan prompt 🫣🫣

click for palestine | boycott tlou!!! | read b4 engaging w me

ok i changed the prompt up a little bit again, but i promisseeeee it's the last time!!!! (it's probably not but shh!!)

you’re almost at every single one of abby’s games. it’s always easy for her to spot you. you’re sectioned off in the front, in one of her old hoodies. at any free moment she has on the ice, abby skates by your section, blowing a kiss, that you eagerly pretend to catch. 

but the key word is almost. this is one of the few games you’ve missed since you and abby have been going steady. even when she used to play college hockey, and you had a silly little crush on her, you’d do your best to show up at the games. hiding somewhere in the back row of watchers, but still keeping an eye out for your favorite player. 

your absence was definitely noted this game. abby had been missing shots, which was quite unusual for her. her teammates teasing her, asking if she needed her good luck charm. to which her answer is yes. a resounding, bolded, large, all caps, yes. 

who was she gonna blow kisses to? who was gonna come rub her back in the locker room after the game? williams better not try it. abby’ll bite her head off, and you’ll never hear the last of it. abby can’t remember the last time she’s played without you watching. you’re her favorite trophy to show off. all pretty, with a wide smile, and gorgeous for her to brandish for anyone who’ll listen. 

the game is rough, for a lack of better words. the team loses,by a lot. too much for abby’s liking. she drives home, her fist pounding her steering wheel. occasionally at a red light while releasing anger onto the battered wheel, she hits the horn. stirring her from the storm of anger, and causing a cluster of horns following hers. the cars are speaking for their agitated drivers. abby sighs as she pulls into your shared driveway. the last thing she wants to hear you say is that you watched the game.

she sees your blurred frame on the couch through the window film of the front door. she sees you jolt up as her keys jingle through the hole, unlocking the door. you sit up drowsily, your nose agitated as you’ve been blowing it through the better half of the week. flu season had captured you as it’s latest victim.

“i saw the game baby,” you say with a raspy throat and nasally voice. abby sighs, and allows her head to hang to the floor. she should’ve known better paying for the extra hulu subscription. of course you’d use it. she’s mentally kicking herself. “you played really good baby,” you tell her sitting half up wrapped up in your favorite blanket.

she snorts, “sure,” she replies sarcastically.

“i’d kiss you better but i’m so sick right now, lovie.” you blow her a ton of kisses with your hands, though your dominant limb clutches an array of crumpled tissues.

she catches them, pulling them to her heart. “you miss one game and you’re stealing all my moves?” she raises her eyebrow at you.

you toss your hand at her dismissively. “i’m allowed,” you say with a playful closed lip smile. 

“one kiss won’t hurt me,” abby rolls her eyes. pressing a soft one on your forehead, and another to the corner of your mouth. “i’ve built up my immune system,” she tells you offhandedly. “ate dirt when i was a kid,” she laughs to herself. bullshit, but, whatever. “so you saw the game?” she fiddles with her thumbs, and avoids eye contact for a minute. when talking about her sport, this was when you’d catch abby at some of her most vulnerable.

“uhuh,” you tell her after catching a sneeze into the corner of your forearm. “‘scuse me,” you mumble.

“you’re ‘scused pretty,” abby replies while waiting for a further in depth answer than ‘uhuh.’

“you did such a good job baby,” you smile at her tiredly. “you shouldn’t beat yourself up too much. you really can’t win them all.”

“that’s insulting,” she smiles at you. “i definitely can. i just need my good luck charm.”

“i don’t do not a thing. it’s all you on the ice abs. don’t give me too much credit,” you say before having a slew of coughs.

“hey,” abby says putting a stern mask in her voice, “don’t pick on my favorite groupie now,” she burst out into laughter.

“i won’t make a habit of it, if you can make me some hot tea. my throat’s killing me.” abby nods her head, kissing your forehead once more and setting the kettle up. who was she to even deny her biggest fan, same one who stayed up late watching her girl’s game on her deathbed? abby’s mean, but not a monster. 

[shiorihyugawrites]

Red Regrets

Twelve years ago, Levi Ackerman made the hardest decision of his life—he left behind the only woman he ever loved, believing it was for her own good. But fate is cruel, and when a fiery redheaded boy with a familiar scowl crosses his path, Levi is forced to confront the past he abandoned. The truth he never knew. And the woman whose heart he shattered. (Levi x OC)

Chapter One

A/N: This story begins directly after Season 2 and before Season 3 begins.

Levi rolled onto his side, finally allowing his body a moment’s rest. For once, the barracks in the old Scouts’ HQ were quiet, and the tension of the last few weeks seemed to have eased—if only just a bit. The clash with Reiner and Bertholdt had left bruises and fractures behind, but he was lucky to have recovered from the ankle injury he sustained fighting the Female Titan. The others were scattered around the fortress, either lost in their own thoughts or drifting in a restless sleep. Moonlight trickled in through the high windows, casting elongated shadows across the worn floorboards. Levi, easing into a rare moment of calm, allowed himself a long exhale.

In the dim hush, his consciousness began to waver. His eyes slipped shut, and he surrendered to the pull of sleep. He rarely had dreams—often, they were swallowed up by nightmares of Titan battles, of watchers devoured by monstrosities. But tonight, something else awaited him entirely, reaching out from the deepest corner of his mind…

In that stirring darkness, shapes formed an old memory of the Underground City, tinted with a child’s vantage point and brimming with emotions he had long tried to bury.

He found himself standing in a dingy alley, age eleven, small but already hardened by life’s harshness. The air was damp, the stench of mildew and unwashed bodies all around, the stifling closeness of the underground labyrinth pressing in on him. Flickering lanterns lined the walls, giving the narrow passageway a sickly, orange glow. He was used to these labyrinthine passages. In fact, he knew every corner, every walkway, every hideout. However, something felt different that day—an unease crackled in the air. He could sense it in the pit of his stomach before he even saw her.

He peered around a bend in the alley, only to find a young girl—a year younger than he was—cornered by a small gang of older boys. She looked fragile at first glance, but something fierce flashed in her wide gold eyes, as though she was too stubborn to cower. Her rose-red hair fell in wild curls around her face, framing features that even in that dim alley stood out like a beacon. She wore tattered clothes that had likely seen better days, but Levi could already tell she carried herself differently. She wasn’t the usual pickpocket or petty thief that roamed the Underground. She looked like she didn’t belong in that place at all.

“C’mon,” the biggest of the boys sneered, leaning in toward her, “let’s see that pretty face of yours.” He reached out for her hair, intending to yank her to him.

She slapped his hand away, spitting a furious, “Don’t touch me!” Her voice trembled, not purely from fear, but from anger. “I’m warning you.”

The boy just laughed, the sound echoing against the stone walls. “You’re warning me? You’re just an orphan girl. Nobody’s coming to save you.”

Levi’s grip on the corner of the alley tightened. His heart pounded, not only from the usual rush of potential confrontation, but from an unfamiliar spark he felt at the sight of her. He had never seen a girl so…striking. Even half-starved and clearly exhausted, something about her presence was radiant. She looked alone, cornered, and furious. Levi clicked his tongue.

“Oi,” he said, stepping into the alley. His voice, still a child’s, carried enough ice to make them pause. “You want to back off?”

The group of boys turned sharply, startled. The leader sneered. “Who the hell are you?”

“None of your business,” Levi shot back, stepping closer. He sized them up, noting the trembling fists and the uncertain glances they exchanged. He had a small stature, but the Underground already knew rumors of a strange child whose fists and speed had been making people think twice before crossing him. “I’ll only tell you once. Leave her alone.”

The biggest boy let out a short bark of laughter before charging forward. In a flash, Levi dropped low, dodging the lunging fist, then slammed his elbow hard into the attacker’s ribs. The boy doubled over. Another swung at Levi’s head. Levi twisted sideways, swept the attacker’s leg, and sent him crashing onto the filthy ground with a dull thud. Within seconds, two of them were groaning, trying to scramble away from this small demon of a kid who moved with effortless speed. The remaining few took one look at Levi’s steeled expression and decided they wanted none of it. They ran off, leaving their two injured comrades behind.

Levi stood there, breathing lightly from the short scuffle, and looked at the fallen boys. “Scram. Don’t let me catch you messing around here again.” The two crawled away, muttering curses under their breath.

A hush fell over the alley. He turned to the girl, who stood pinned to the wall. She was trembling, not entirely from fear, but with leftover adrenaline. She stared at him through those golden eyes, her lips parted in shock. He took a step toward her, trying not to scare her, though that emotion was foreign to him. He had rarely cared about scaring anyone. But something about this girl made him…cautious.

“You alright?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

She nodded, brushing dust from her ragged clothes. “I…thank you,” she mumbled, hesitating as though she wasn’t used to leaning on anyone. “I’m Penelope.” She glanced away, fiddling with a loose thread at the hem of her worn shirt. “I…lost my parents. I don’t really have anywhere to go. Been sleeping in corners and…yeah.” She tried to keep her voice steady, but Levi could feel the tremor beneath her words.

Levi pressed his lips together. “Name’s Levi,” he said simply. He looked her over again, noticing the bruises on her arms and the exhaustion in her posture. “You hungry?”

She blinked, the question catching her off guard. “Yeah…pretty hungry.”

For a moment, an awkward hush settled between them. Levi wasn’t one to show compassion freely, especially to strangers, but this was different. He sighed and motioned for her to follow him. “Come on. I know a place we can get something to eat if you don’t mind bread that’s a little stale.” He paused and then added in a low voice, “And if you stay close, I can watch your back. Next time those punks see you, they might try again.”

She followed him without hesitation, a subtle warmth glowing in her eyes. 

That day, a bond began to form. Even though the Underground was a grim labyrinth of fear and desperation, Penelope’s presence seemed to shine a small light into Levi’s world.

The dream shifted, like a memory skipping forward…

Images of Levi teaching Penelope how to defend herself blurred together with glimpses of her carefully bandaging scrapes on his arms after a bloody brawl. He heard echoes of his own voice, rarely gentle, but firm: “You have to punch like you mean it.” 

Then he’d feel her soft hands, methodical and sure as she cleaned a wound on his cheek. 

He saw flashes of them huddled together under makeshift blankets in a cramped corner of a run-down building, sharing a stolen loaf of bread.

Suddenly, the memory sharpened again. Levi was still young, maybe fourteen, sitting in a dimly lit back room that served as a hideout for his growing circle of allies. His fist was closed around a piece of paper—some worthless agreement that had to do with territory in the Underground. He was swiftly rising in power. King of the Underground was a tall claim for a scrawny teenager, but people had begun to fear him and fear was currency. Yet his eyes weren’t on the paper. They were on Penelope, who stood across the room, her red hair spilling over her shoulders as she looked at him with gentle worry.

“You really going through with this?” she asked, voice breaking slightly. “You’re making more enemies than you can handle.”

Levi let out a quiet “tsk.” “I can handle them.” He paused, then softened his tone in a rare moment of frankness. “Better I make enemies now than have them come looking for you. If I control the Underground, nobody’s going to lay a finger on you, Pen.”

She stepped closer, that determined spark in her gold eyes. “I’m not a fragile thing you need to protect every second.”

“Sure you’re not,” he replied, but the subtle concern in his gaze revealed a deeper truth. She’d always be a target. He refused to allow that. “It’s just how it is.”

The dream twisted again. He saw the moment he first confessed his feelings. He was fifteen, she was fourteen, and his heart nearly hammered out of his chest, even though outwardly he tried to remain stoic. Standing in a cramped corridor, he had glowered at her with a mixture of nerves and pride. “I’m… in love with you,” he said, forcing the words out. “So you’re stuck with me now.”

She had laughed, a bright, melodious sound that bounced off the walls. “You’re a bossy idiot, but I love you too,” she replied, cheeks flushed.

His chest had felt warmer than any furnace. Pride, satisfaction, and a rare contentment swept over him in that single moment. The memory softened into more fleeting images: heated kisses stolen in dark corners, Penelope’s laughter, the way her hair felt when he ran his fingers through it, the sleepless nights they shared, some days in quiet conversation, others in sweet comfort.

Then, like every dream, reality began creeping in. The memory turned colder, as if touched by an arctic wind. It was the night he decided to leave with the Scouts. He had argued with her at first. She had demanded to know why he was leaving her, why he was risking everything. He’d spat out cruel words, words that burned him even as he spoke them. He told her she was too clingy, that she’d only hold him back. He had seen her golden eyes fill with tears, heartbreak overshadowing her usual fiery resolve. It was the last sight he had of her before he turned his back, determined that she’d have a safer life in the surface world. It was the last time he’d see her in person, though news of her brilliance traveled quickly.

In the dream, the recollection ended in a swirl of sorrow and regret. The glow of her final tear-filled gaze turned the dream into blackness.

Levi’s eyes snapped open. His body jerked upright, pulling him away from the blanket. His breath was quick, and a thin film of sweat covered his brow. The old HQ was still quiet, and it took a moment for him to recall where he was. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and stared up at the ceiling. Outside, the first hints of early dawn were beginning to color the sky with a muted gray. He cleared his throat, feeling an ache in his chest that he rarely let himself acknowledge.

It had been years since he abandoned her. Pen. He hadn’t seen her since. Word reached him that she had excelled in medical studies, that she’d been recognized by Wall Sina’s highest authorities. A brilliant mind. He had always known that would happen. She was destined for more than the Underground. He picked up his canteen from a small wooden table nearby and took a long gulp of water, trying to steady his thoughts. The swirl of emotions that dream had dredged up was threatening to overwhelm him.

He pictured her face again—her red hair, her gold eyes, the way her lips curved into that fearless grin. He imagined her now, older, wearing that doctor’s coat he’d heard she always sported. He remembered how her presence alone lit up a room, how men seemed to trip over themselves at the sight of her. He wondered if she still had that short fuse, that fiery personality that frequently brought out both a grin and an exasperated sigh in him. He also remembered the way her fists could pack a punch if she got mad enough.

“Yeah,” he muttered to himself. “She’d probably kill me on sight.” A humorless huff escaped his mouth at the thought. She was passionate in everything she did—laughing, loving, and definitely fighting. She could hold her own, and that memory always filled him with a quiet pride.

He sighed, capping his canteen and setting it aside. Part of him wished he could see her again, if only to see how she’d grown, how she carried herself. Another part of him knew he had no right to disrupt her life. She had established a place of respect and security in Wall Sina. The chance of him dying on any given mission was high, and he didn’t want to drag her back into that pit of uncertainty and fear. Or, at least, that was how he had always justified his decisions. He told himself it was better for her to live a normal, stable life. She deserved that much after everything she’d been through.

A distant commotion in the hallway told him that the others were stirring. Likely, they were gearing up for whatever orders would come next from Erwin or trying to rouse Eren for an early morning training session. Levi considered lying back down, but he knew he wouldn’t find sleep again, not after the memory of her face had been so vividly etched into his mind. He ran a hand through his hair, fighting off the urge to slip into old regrets.

At last, he rose from his makeshift bed and began pulling on his boots. He steeled himself with an exhale, reminding himself that he had a duty—to Humanity, to the Scouts, to the future beyond these walls. Pen was safe in Wall Sina, living out what he prayed was a better life. Though he felt a pang of longing, or perhaps guilt, gnawing at his chest, he forced it to the back of his mind with practiced ease. He had to be the soldier, humanity’s strongest, the man who put his own desires aside in favor of duty.

Still, even as he made his way to the door, the memory of that brilliant, red-haired girl lingered. The Underground was far behind him, yet that place and that girl continued to shape who he was. She had once been his brightest spot in the darkness. And, though he would never say it aloud, a sliver of him still hoped that she was happy, even if she cursed his name for all the bitterness he had left in her heart.

He cleared his throat again, stepping out into the corridor. Whatever the day brought, he would face it with the same unwavering determination. But somewhere in the back of his mind, he’d carry the reminder of that dream—of a fierce, bright-eyed orphan girl who once stole his heart in a lonely alley beneath the world.

…

Later on that day, the evening sun glinted off the worn cobblestone streets of Wall Rose as Levi, Erwin, and Hange made their way through the bustling main avenue. Dust motes swirled in the warm light, and the air was charged with the everyday rhythm of merchants hawking their wares, soldiers passing by on errands, and townsfolk going about their routines.

Despite the war with the Titans looming on everyone’s minds, life still tried to forge ahead within the walls. Levi walked slightly ahead of the other two, his posture ever-straight, scanning every nook and cranny out of habit. Erwin strode calmly beside him, towering over the shorter man, while Hange lingered at Erwin’s other side, eyes wandering in fascination at the hustle and bustle around them.

They were en route to a small garrison outpost, a routine visit to coordinate resources for the Scouts. Erwin wanted to ensure their supply lines remained stable. Hange was tagging along, half out of curiosity and half to glean any interesting bits of information about local Titan-related rumors. They walked in relative silence, each lost in their thoughts, until a sudden uproar echoed from a nearby side street.

A sharp, angry cry cut through the ordinary din of the crowd. Over the heads of passersby, there was a flurry of movement—an altercation was unfolding. Levi, as always, was the first to react. His sharp gray eyes darted toward the commotion, and he angled his body in that direction without a word. Erwin and Hange quickly followed suit, pushing gently through clusters of onlookers.

When they reached the scene, a ring of townspeople had formed around the fight. At its center, a shock of bright rose-red hair caught Levi’s attention. A kid—no more than eleven or twelve—was ferociously grappling with four other boys, each of whom seemed older, taller, and heftier than him. Yet the red-headed boy was holding his own with startling ease. In fact, from what Levi could see, the kid was winning. Again and again, he threw calculated, powerful punches and deft sidesteps, all with a fierce snarl on his face. His movements were swift and surprisingly precise, betraying a skill that didn’t match his small frame.

Hange gasped softly. “That kid… he’s wiping the floor with them,” she said, her tone wavering between surprise and fascination.

Erwin furrowed his brow, carefully observing. “He’s well-trained. Either someone taught him how to fight, or he’s been picking this up on the streets.”

Levi’s eyes narrowed, zeroing in on the color of the boy’s hair: a rose-red hue so distinct it sent a ripple of unease through his chest. It reminded him of someone he used to know… a woman whose memory still haunted his dreams. Penelope. 

But how could that be? 

He reminded himself to stay focused on the present. For all he knew, there could be a whole family somewhere with a similar hair color. Yet, an odd tension built in his gut.

Meanwhile, the kid growled, landing a solid strike on one of his bigger opponents, sending the taller boy staggering. The child’s stance, his fists clenched, his expression… something about that ferocity tugged at Levi’s mind. A part of him saw traces of himself in that furious look. But he shoved aside the thought. Right now, the important thing was to prevent a serious injury.

Erwin placed a firm hand on Levi’s shoulder. “We should break this up before the situation gets out of hand.”

Levi gave a short nod and stepped forward. At the moment, the red-headed kid had pinned one of the older boys to the ground and was about to unleash another blow. “Oi,” Levi barked, voice cutting through the clamor. “Stop it, brat.”

His words caused the kid to freeze, albeit briefly. The boy’s eyes flicked toward Levi—sharp, full of resentment, and so startlingly intense for a child. Slowly, he let go of the boy he’d pinned, who scrambled backward, coughing. But the kid did not stand down. Instead, he rose to his feet, tense as a spring, fists still curled.

“I said, enough,” Levi repeated, stepping closer, holding the kid’s gaze without blinking.

Suddenly, the boy lunged at Levi, swinging his fist in a wild arc. The surrounding onlookers gasped. Erwin’s eyes widened, while Hange practically jolted in surprise, exclaiming, “He’s attacking Levi!?”

Levi sidestepped with practiced ease, quick as a shadow, and seized the boy’s wrist in a fluid motion. He twisted the child’s arm behind his back and pressed him down, keeping his own movements controlled to avoid seriously hurting the kid. He’d subdued grown criminals this way back in the Underground, so a child presented almost no challenge. Still, he was mindful not to break anything.

“Calm down,” Levi said in a low voice, forcing the boy’s face toward the ground. “You’re picking a fight you can’t win.”

The boy thrashed, gritting his teeth. “Get off me!” he spat, voice seething with hatred. He tried to kick backward, but Levi shifted his weight, making escape impossible.

“You’re quite a handful,” Erwin said, stepping closer, his deep voice surprisingly gentle. “We’d like to talk, if you’ll allow it. Can you tell us your name?”

“Go to hell,” the kid snapped, then spat at Erwin’s feet, his eyes flashing with defiance.

Hange let out a low whistle. “You’ve got some nerve, kid.” She leaned over, squinting at the scowling face.

Erwin maintained his composure, though an undercurrent of tension passed through him. “Young man,” he began again, voice calm but unyielding, “this is dangerous behavior. If you’re having trouble, we can help. But you need to cooperate.”

“Like I need the help of a bunch of worthless soldiers,” the boy snarled, his tone dripping scorn.

Levi clicked his tongue and twisted the boy’s arm just enough to make him freeze. “Watch your mouth, brat. You’re lucky I’m not in the mood to throw you in a cell for assaulting soldiers.”

The kid’s breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, it seemed like he might break. But then that fierce glint returned, and he clenched his jaw. “My name… it’s Preston.” The words came out as more of a hiss than an introduction. “Now let go of me.”

Erwin exchanged a glance with Hange, who looked equally intrigued. Erwin cleared his throat and asked, “Where are your parents? Why are you fighting out here on the streets instead of being in school?”

Preston spat again, narrowly missing Levi’s boots this time. “None of your business.”

“Tch,” Levi muttered, pressing down a bit harder. “You realize you’re in no position to argue, right?”

Preston winced but refused to show fear. “I don’t have to tell you anything.”

The four older boys who had been on the receiving end of Preston’s beating were now stumbling to their feet. They looked from Levi to Erwin to Hange, clearly recognizing the uniforms of the Survey Corps. A few of them muttered apologies and scurried away from the scene, rubbing bruises and casting fearful glances over their shoulders. One, braver than the rest, or maybe just more foolish, pointed accusingly at Preston. “He started it, sirs,” the boy said in a shaky voice. “He was buying a knife, and when we told him that was dangerous and tried to take it—”

“Liar!” Preston barked. “You tried to steal it from me!”

Levi’s eyes narrowed. “A knife? At your age?”

Preston’s expression was mutinous. “Mind your own business,” he repeated.

Erwin offered a small nod to the older boy, effectively dismissing him. The group took that as their cue to leave, quickly dragging their feet in retreat. Once they had disappeared around the corner, the crowd that had gathered also began dispersing, though quite a few lingered at a distance, curious. The trio of Scouts stood around the subdued child.

Hange stepped closer, leaning in to examine the knife handle peeking out from inside the boy’s coat. She carefully pulled it free and studied it, her eyebrows lifting in surprise at the good-quality steel. “How’d a schoolboy like you manage to get the money for something like this?” she asked, her tone more gentle than Levi’s. “Where do you go to school anyway?”

Preston, his arm still pinned, remained stubbornly silent. Hange held the knife, her expression turning inquisitive. “Looks new. So you just bought this, right?”

Levi, meanwhile, felt a tension growing with every passing second. This boy… Preston… The mention of the red hair, the attitude, the fighting skill—it all coiled in Levi’s gut like a warning. He tried to keep his voice calm as he said, “Answer the question. Why’re you carrying this around?”

Finally, Preston bit out a bitter explanation. “Because I wanted it, alright? People like you always tell us to be safe, but you never protect us. I don’t need anybody else defending me. I can do it on my own.”

Levi studied the boy’s face. Up close, he could see the faint freckles across his nose, the angry flush in his cheeks, and those grey eyes brimming with defiance. An almost unnerving sense of familiarity prickled the back of Levi’s mind, though he couldn’t place it precisely. He released a slow breath and eased his grip on the boy’s arm. “Listen, you’re a kid, so I’m giving you a chance. But you can’t just go around swinging knives in these streets.”

Preston’s lip curled. “Let me go.”

Erwin, who had been watching carefully, stepped forward. “Preston,” he asked, voice even. “We only want to ensure you’re safe. If you are in some sort of trouble, we can help.”

The boy’s eyes flickered with barely contained fury. “I’m not telling you anything. You soldiers think you know everything, but you don’t know a damn thing about me.” The hostility in his tone was unmistakable.

Levi slowly unpinned him, but he kept a hand on the boy’s shoulder as a warning. “Kid, you don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

At that, Hange gave Preston a small grin, though it was tinged with exasperation. “This short soldier you just tried to fight? That’s Captain Levi, Humanity’s Strongest.” She expected to see awe or at least respect flash across the boy’s features, but instead, Preston rolled his eyes.

“I don’t give two shits who he is,” the kid scoffed. “He’s not my boss, and he’s not that impressive.”

Hange nearly choked on a laugh, while Erwin blinked at the sheer gall. Levi, on the other hand, remained perfectly still, though a vein in his forehead seemed close to popping. “You’re a mouthy brat,” he said in a clipped tone. “And maybe you need a lesson in manners.”

“Maybe you need a lesson in not picking on kids, Captain Levi,” Preston retorted.

Levi released an impatient sigh. His tolerance was wearing thin, but something kept him from taking a harsher approach. Perhaps it was the rawness of the boy’s anger, or the uncanny pang of recognition that wouldn’t leave Levi’s mind. Instead of snapping back with cruelty, he looked up at Erwin and shook his head. “He’s not going to talk, at least not here.”

Erwin nodded, thinking quickly. “We can’t force him to come with us if he hasn’t technically broken a law beyond this street brawl,” he said quietly, though his gaze drifted to the knife Hange still held. “But he’s carrying a weapon, and he did try to assault soldiers. That’s enough reason to bring him in for questioning.”

Preston tensed, his features darkening in alarm. “You can’t just haul me away! I haven’t done anything wrong except defend what’s mine.”

Levi looked at him, a cool calm settling on his face. “You fought four older kids and pulled a knife on them. You attacked me. That’s more than enough reason for me to bring you in.”

Preston glanced around, as though weighing escape routes. But he must have realized it was pointless—Levi’s reflexes were far beyond anything he could match. He ground his teeth. “If I get arrested, my mom’s gonna kill me,” he muttered under his breath, sounding more like a frustrated child than a hardened delinquent.

A flicker of interest crossed Erwin’s face. “Your mother?”

Preston clammed up immediately, pressing his lips together. Levi felt his stomach churn at that single word. The mental image of a certain red-haired woman flashed across his mind. Could it really be…? 

Hange touched Erwin’s arm lightly. “Commander, maybe we should handle this more discreetly. If we keep standing here, the tension isn’t going to help. We’re drawing a crowd, and it’s not exactly the best look for the Scouts to be grappling with a child in the open.”

Erwin looked around, noticing the stares of bystanders. Some onlookers watched in sympathy for the boy; others showed uneasy distrust toward the uniformed soldiers. Erwin nodded gravely. “Agreed. Let’s move.”

Levi grabbed Preston by the collar with a strong but measured grip. “You’re coming with us. We’ll talk somewhere quieter.”

“You can’t do this,” Preston hissed, feet digging into the ground. He cast a frantic look back to the main street as if expecting someone to appear. But no one came.

Levi leaned in, speaking quietly, “Watch me, kid.” He steered the boy forward, ignoring the string of curses that fell from Preston’s mouth. Erwin and Hange flanked them, making sure the child had no avenue of escape. Together, they guided him down the street, away from the prying eyes of the crowd.

As they walked, Levi’s thoughts raced. The kid’s attitude alone was enough to remind him of Penelope—she had always been fiercely independent, never backing down from a fight. And that hair, that vibrant shade of red… it was almost too much of a coincidence. Levi felt an involuntary clench in his chest. An echo of old memories threatened to surface. He had no concrete proof, of course, that this brat was connected to her. But the suspicion nagged at him.

Twelve years ago, he had left Penelope behind, forcing himself to crush whatever hopes and dreams they’d shared in the Underground. He had done it for her own good, or so he had told himself. But there had always been a sting of regret gnawing at him in quiet moments. Now, seeing this boy with rose-red hair and an unmistakable fiery temperament, Levi felt a swirl of unease that he couldn’t entirely articulate.

Hange, walking at his side, caught Levi’s eye and gave him a meaningful look. She seemed to sense his tension, though she said nothing. Erwin’s calm composure never wavered, but Levi could tell from the hard line of the Commander’s jaw that he was also deep in thought. He remembered that Erwin had once been involved in securing Penelope’s citizenship above ground, paying for her schooling as a part of the deal he made with Levi in exchange for him joining the Scouts. The memory was hazy, but it came back now with alarming clarity.

Preston continued to resist each tug and push, practically vibrating with anger, but he had run out of words. Every once in a while, he shot Levi a murderous glare, only to be met with Levi’s unflinching, impassive stare. In a whispered voice that only Levi caught, the kid seethed, “I won’t talk. You can’t make me.”

Levi’s grip on the boy’s collar tightened slightly. “We’ll see about that.”

They headed toward a quieter side street, not entirely sure how this confrontation would unfold, but each step fueled by the silent question burning in Levi’s mind: Was this child simply a random brat from Wall Sina, or was there a deeper connection that threatened to upend everything he thought he had sacrificed so long ago? 

The tension in the air was nearly palpable, and Levi couldn’t help but feel as though each stride brought him closer to an inescapable truth—one that he wasn’t certain he was ready to face.

Levi tightened his hold on Preston’s collar, leading the boy down the narrower back streets of Wall Rose. At first, Preston’s anger still blazed in the set of his jaw, and he clawed at Levi’s grip with a hot scowl on his face. But as they continued walking, the child’s struggles began to subside. His eyes darted around as if he were scanning for an escape route, but it was soon clear he realized that resistance was futile. Instead, his expression shifted from brash defiance to something bordering on worry.

He glanced up at Levi, then quickly averted his gaze, muttering under his breath, “Hurry up and let me go, please.”

Levi’s brows drew together. The slight waver in the kid’s voice made it apparent he wasn’t scared of the soldiers. There was something else going on. “Why the sudden change in attitude?” Levi asked, though the question came out sounding more like a challenge than a genuine inquiry.

Preston exhaled, glancing at the ground. “If my mom finds out about this… I’m as good as dead.”

Hange, trailing slightly behind, leaned forward, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “Oh? And why is that?” she asked, sounding genuinely intrigued by the boy’s worry.

Preston’s lips pressed into a line for a long moment. Finally, he gave a resigned sigh. “Because she’s crazy!” he blurted, shaking his head as if he could barely believe he was saying it aloud. “She’s gonna kill me if she finds out I skipped school. And then she’ll kill me again for fighting in the streets.”

Erwin, who had been walking beside them with measured strides, traded a significant look with Levi. He could sense the boy’s fear was real. “Who is she?” the Commander asked quietly. “And why are you skipping school to buy a weapon in the first place?”

Preston shrugged, then tried to twist away from Levi’s grip. “I told you I’m not telling you anything else!”

Levi’s fingers clenched just enough to keep the kid in place. “You’re better off cooperating.” He paused, realizing the boy might respond to a more direct question. “Where is your mother right now?”

Preston opened his mouth to snap back but stopped. “She’s at work,” he eventually mumbled. “She’s a doctor,” he added, looking miserable. “A real big-shot doctor who thinks she can tell me what to do every second of the day.”

The moment Preston uttered the word doctor, Erwin and Levi froze in unison. They exchanged another glance, their suspicions swiftly solidifying into certainty. Hange, noticing their abrupt reaction, tilted her head. “A doctor, you say? In Wall Sina?” she asked, glancing between Erwin and Levi with growing confusion. “You two look like you just saw a ghost.”

Before Levi could even form a coherent response, a sharp clacking of heels echoed behind them in the alley. The sound bounced off the stone walls, purposeful and brisk. Levi recognized that particular cadence of footsteps all too well—though he hadn’t heard it in years.

He turned first, and there she was, striding toward them with startling poise.

Dr. Penelope Iverson.

Her waist-length, rose-red hair cascaded in loose curls over her shoulders, and her fitted clothes showed the same bold style he remembered from the Underground—though now refined by wealth and status. A white doctor’s coat was draped over her arm, and she looked every inch the successful professional. Yet it was her face that struck Levi like a blow to the chest: the fierce gold eyes, the wide mouth pressed into a determined line, the two deep dimples that betrayed her when her expression shifted.

Levi’s heart pounded in his ears. She was older, yes, but time had only added to her presence. The memory of that bright-eyed, feisty teenager in the Underground collided with the reality of this accomplished, breathtaking woman before him. His grip on Preston’s collar loosened, almost unconsciously.

Penelope stormed closer, her heels punctuating every step. A smoldering fury flickered across her features as she took in the sight of her son subdued by three uniformed Scouts. Then her gaze locked on Levi, and time seemed to stand still.

For one brief, silent moment, they simply stared at each other. Levi’s lips parted, but no words came out. Images spun through his mind in a chaotic rush—her tearful face the night he left, the savage guilt he’d carried ever since, the memory of dreaming about her just the night before. He swallowed, unsure how to navigate the storm of regret that threatened to overwhelm him.

Penelope’s lips trembled as she recalled the last time she’d laid eyes on him, along with the cruel words that had ended everything between them. She remembered how he had told her to move on, that she was better off without him, that she was nothing but a distraction. And she remembered how, two weeks later, she realized she was pregnant.

She took a shaky breath and looked from Levi to Preston, who was now trying to edge behind Levi in apparent terror of her wrath. When she fixed her gaze again on Levi, tears threatened behind that fiery glare, but her anger remained front and center.

In a flash, she reached out and slapped Levi hard across the cheek.

The sharp crack echoed through the alley. Hange’s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes going round. Erwin, usually so composed, looked momentarily rattled, as though caught off guard by the raw force of the blow. Meanwhile, Preston peered out from behind Levi, wide-eyed and thoroughly vindicated in his claim that his mother was, indeed, crazy.

Levi stood rigid, head tilted slightly from the impact, but he made no move to retaliate. His cheek stung, but the pain felt dull compared to the tumult of emotions swirling in his chest. For an instant, he couldn’t bring himself to look at her, so instead he stared down at the cobblestones.

Penelope’s voice trembled with barely contained rage. “You have some nerve, Levi.” She said his name as if it were a curse, and her hand was still poised in front of her, palm tingling from the slap. “After all these years… do you even—” Her breath hitched. “Never mind.”

She turned her attention to her son, her eyes narrowing. “And you,” she said, stepping around Levi to face Preston. “You are skipping school again!? I had to hear about you fighting in the streets from one of my patients.”

Preston had the good sense to look ashamed, though he tried to mask it with annoyance. “Mom, I—”

“Don’t Mom me right now,” Penelope snapped, crossing her arms. “You and I are going to have a very long talk when we get home.”

Preston swallowed hard, then looked around, almost as though searching for an ally. Hange, clearly baffled, stared from Penelope to Levi, then back to Erwin. “Is… is someone going to fill me in on what is happening?” Hange asked, clearly not used to being out of the loop.

Erwin cleared his throat, stepping into the tense silence. “Dr. Iverson,” he said, addressing Penelope respectfully, “it has been a long time. I’m not sure if you remember me from when we—”

Penelope cut him off with an abrupt wave of her hand. “I remember you, Commander Erwin,” she said, though her tone was still laced with anger. “I appreciate what you did all those years ago to help me secure a place in Wall Sina. My medical education wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. But right now, I need to know why the hell you have my son in custody.”

Erwin inclined his head, acknowledging her right to be furious. “We spotted him fighting with four other boys,” he explained. “He assaulted them quite brutally, then tried to attack Captain Levi when we intervened.”

Penelope shot Preston a fierce glare. “Attacking a soldier? Are you out of your mind?” But her next glance flickered over to Levi, and the weight of old resentment flashed in her eyes. “Although I can’t entirely blame you,” she muttered under her breath, her lips curling into a bitter smirk.

Preston shifted uncomfortably. “They were trying to steal from me,” he mumbled. “I just… I had to fight back.”

Penelope exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her forehead. “We’ll deal with the whys later,” she said, shaking her head. “For now, you’re coming home.” She turned back to Levi, the fury in her gaze not entirely cooled. “Let him go. I don’t want you touching him anymore.”

Levi, still reeling from both the slap and her sudden appearance, relaxed his hold on Preston’s collar. The kid edged away, eyes darting between his mother and the short soldier who’d manhandled him. The silence that followed was thick with tension, memories unspoken, and a swirl of questions.

Hange coughed discreetly. “I’m guessing you two… know each other,” she said, trying to sound casual and failing spectacularly.

Levi stepped back, keeping his gaze on Penelope. For a moment, he felt the familiar urge to clamp down on every emotion swirling inside him, show no vulnerability, remain the stoic Captain. But everything about this situation was too raw, too personal to ignore. “Yes, we… had history,” he said quietly, voice catching on the last word.

Penelope’s gaze flickered to him. For a split second, the harsh anger softened, replaced by a deep hurt. Then she straightened her spine, forcing her composure back into place. “We certainly did,” she said, her voice low with bitterness.

Erwin, sensing the personal nature of the conversation, discreetly signaled to Hange that they should give Levi and Penelope a moment. Hange nodded, though she was clearly itching to ask a hundred questions. “We’ll be just around the corner if you need anything,” Erwin said. “There’s a small courtyard nearby. We should move away from the public eye.”

Penelope gave a terse nod. “Fine. Let’s not make a scene.”

With that unsteady truce, they began walking, though the tension remained palpable. Penelope’s eyes never left Levi, and each step seemed fraught with the past. Meanwhile, Preston dragged his feet behind them, hands jammed into his pockets, glaring at everything and everyone as though he resented being the center of this sudden storm.

They reached the courtyard Erwin had mentioned, a quiet space with a modest fountain and a few benches. The sun had climbed higher, illuminating patches of greenery that lined the walls. The thick hush continued as they gathered there. For a moment, no one spoke. Erwin and Hange stayed at a polite distance while Levi stood facing Penelope, searching for the right words but finding none.

Penelope refused to look away, her jaw set. “So,” she said at last, her tone icy. “You’re still alive.”

Levi exhaled, choosing to absorb that pointed remark rather than rebut it. “You look well,” he managed, though his voice was taut with tension. “I… heard you became a doctor.”

Her lips twisted in a half-sarcastic smile. “Yes, thanks to you walking out on me, I had all the motivation in the world to pour my soul into studying.” She shook her head. “You never wrote. Never came to see me. You left me in the dark. Did you think I wouldn’t survive without you?”

Levi’s chest tightened. He couldn’t look her in the eye. “I thought I was doing the right thing,” he finally said, though the words sounded hollow even to him. “I wanted you safe. Away from… everything.”

Penelope’s anger flared again, but before she could unleash the storm of words that likely burned on her tongue, Preston spoke up, voice quavering, “Mom… can we just go now?”

She shot her son a withering look, though her anger wasn’t directed at him so much as at the entire situation. “We’re going,” she affirmed. Then she turned back to Levi one last time. Her gaze pinned him in place. “Don’t ever touch my son again.”

With that, she took Preston by the arm and began to lead him away. He followed, half sulking, half relieved to be out of Levi’s grasp. Erwin started to call after them, perhaps out of concern that further explanation was needed, but Levi lifted a hand, signaling the Commander to let them go.

Penelope strode off across the courtyard, her red curls swaying with each purposeful step, Preston in tow. The sight of them together was almost surreal to Levi—mother and child, a life that had clearly gone on without him. He stood there, jaw clenched, unable to shake the image of her furious eyes or the faint tremor he’d felt in her hand when she slapped him.

Hange finally broke the silence that stretched too long. “Well,” she said softly, “that was… eventful.”

Erwin regarded Levi with a solemn expression. “We need to talk later, when you’re ready,” he said, placing a firm hand on Levi’s shoulder. “But for now, let’s give them space.”

Levi nodded slowly, his mind elsewhere. His cheek still throbbed, but the bruise forming there was nothing compared to the raw ache in his chest. He stared after Penelope and Preston until they disappeared, lost in the crowd and the afternoon sun, wondering if this was the start of a reckoning he’d spent over a decade trying to avoid.

~

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[herinsectreflection]

This Was Supposed To Be My Town (Consequences)

Faith Lehane never had a chance.

Put yourself, if you will, in Faith Lehane’s shoes. You are seventeen years old. You have no friends, and in fact never seem to have had any. You grew up poor, neglected, and physically abused by your mother. Said mother dies when you are still a child, but you are taken under your wing by another woman: your Watcher, who reveals to you that you are a Chosen One - granted the power to fight vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness. She then also dies; violently murdered in front of you. 

So you move across the country to another town, where you meet someone just like you. Like, freakily like you. As if you are her mirror image somehow. She is exactly like you, except she has friends, a loving mother, a living Watcher, and a warm three-bedroomed home to return to every night. You have none of these. You live in a run-down motel that you can’t afford. You have to feed, house and clothe yourself, and none of the adults in your friend’s life make any attempt to rectify this situation, including the one that’s meant to be acting as your Watcher. Again, you are seventeen years old.

But you carry on. You become good friends with this mirror-girl. Perhaps you even have a bit of a crush on her. You think you are inseparable, until you find out she has been secretly keeping her ex-boyfriend in a mansion. At the same time, you get another new Watcher who promises to take care of you, and you start to look up to her. Then she betrays and tries to kill you. And then dies. You spend Christmas Eve with this girl, but again she disappears to look after her ex who’s trying to kill himself. You carry on getting closer with her, finally feeling in tune with another human being who’s coming around to your way of thinking. Then a strange man basically runs into your stake and, oops, you’ve taken a life and might be facing manslaughter charges. It feels like everything in your life other than your freedom has already been denied you, and now you might lose that as well.

What I’m saying is: you wouldn’t have reacted that great either.

Read More

[solargeist]

Can Xelqua use his powers to avoid Grian’s Eyes? I’m imagining Xelqua getting mad at Grian or Grian getting mad at him and so Xelqua runs away for a bit and Grian panics because he can’t use his Eyes to find his kid

Oooooh ! Thats a funny idea, tho i always imagine the Eyes as like... spectator mode..? So Grian would have to already sorta know where Xelqua is to find him with the Eyes. Weird eyes just zooming around the map, x-raying, night vision....

Xelqua doesn't exactly know what hes doing with his Watcher powers, a lot of it comes just from his emotions since he's so young. If he's upset enough, maybe he can block Grian's eyes with his own ? Maybe ? He definitely has more than him.

Typically when Xelqua is upset with Grian, he'll tattle to Mumbo, or any close Hermit, its usually quite childish !

Grian has gotten really good at not getting mad at Xelqua--at least not showing it. This was different in the beginning of course, before he adjusted. Back in season 9 he'd often get annoyed with him and overwhelmed then. Which... I think could be a fun turning point in their dynamic.. Grian and Xelqua getting mad at each other, Grians exhausted and just not in the mood to go play outside or whatever, he snaps and uses the Good Ole "Because I said so !" argument towards Xelqua. Xelqua stomps his little feet and goes off to pout while Grian sighs heavily in a chair, he does feel way over his head, he really has a kid now ? He's practically still one himself ! Sorta, it feels like it sometimes.

Xelqua would gather courage while he's pouting, Grian doesn't ever let him go out, its not fair, he's always busy and rarely funny. Xelqua quietly goes out the door as soon as he hears Grian go to the bathroom or something.

Xelqua is not quick, he has tiny legs, he doesn't make much of a distant, but he's small, so he disappears quickly behind or under things.

Grian's panic is amplified by his Watcher instincts, losing sight of something--of a child--its a suffocating feeling, no matter how he felt moments ago. His little house in s9 is surrounded by water, he hates using Watcher magic, but theres no choice here, little purple eyes shoot out in every direction as his mind imagines the worst possible outcomes. Xelqua immediately catches the feeling of Eyes and its scary ! So against his own will, his own Eyes block Grian's. (Which doesn't help Grian's panic at all) Xelqua's instincts will always protect him, he's small, he's 5 years old, but the Watcher part of his brain is still watching out for him. Even though Grian is no threat to him, the Eyes feel scary, so they have to be blocked.

When Grian finally spots Xelqua, he uses his wings to propel himself forward to scoop Xelqua up. Xelqua barely has time to react. Grian lands a few steps ahead, still frazzled and holding Xelqua in his hands, his worry pours out mistakenly as anger. Where have you been ? Don't you know how dangerous it is here ? Grian realizes he's accidentally shouting and bites his tongue. He lets go of Xelqua and hugs him instead, which is probably the first time he's held him so tightly before while on the ground. Xelqua doesn't really know how to react to this, he thought he was in trouble, but ..? A little confusing !

Xelqua had probably JUST found a Hermit too, who was patiently and politely trying to get him to stay still while they contacted Grian. They can tell from Grian's reaction that Xelqua was definitely lying and did not get permission to walk around by himself (what a surprise)

Seeing Grian so stressed out probably pushes a few Hermits to ~gently remind Grian that hey.... you know you can always text us when you need help with him... any time !! any ! time !

Its a turning point for their dynamic, and a learning experience for both

[clandestineivory]

What type of yandere do you think the Ancients would be if they were one

Thank you for the idea anon <3

Yandere Ancients x Reader

Summary: Oh, lookie, lookie here! It seems that you've managed to charm each and every ancient into loving you dearly...a bit too dearly perhaps. But that's just how they show their affections, right? Maybe that one cookie you were talking to the other day is alright and well and not dead in a closet?

TW: Stalking, manipulation, murder, threatening, not beta read and has never done yandere hcs before. Have fun pookies :D

(It goes from least scariest yandere to most)

REMEMBER WHAT I SAID WHEN I HAD NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE 😭

Hollyberry Cookie

She's definitely attached to you, thats for sure.

You know love bombing? Make it like she's sending a tactical nuke right towards your heart.

She's very clingy, but would allow you to go and do things on your own, you just have to tell her what you did and where you went. Oh, and who exactly you were with.

Hollyberry would never lay a finger on you in a harmful way. Why would she if she knows you'll never want to hurt her affectionate and adorable heart?

Golden Cheese Cookie

She treasures you much, much more then any piece of gold or glittering item she could ever create in her kingdom. The kingdom would be worthless without you in it.

Golden Cheese would stalk you and your every move, sometimes even commanding the marzipan cookies to follow you and photograph your day.

Talking to someone that wasn't the Golden Sovereign? Consider them gone, turned to dust in mere seconds.

She's a goddess! Why would you not want to worship her as much as she does to you..?

It would almost make her sad. Luckily, her best option is to make you do it.

And how could refuse such godly words and beautiful voice?

White Lily Cookie

She’s certainly worse then most of the Ancients. White Lily may just keep you inside the Faerie Kingdom at all times, perhaps even convincing Elder Faerie to keep you under house arrest. Although, she wouldn’t tell you specifically…

White Lily always had her eyes on you, the way you smiled at her words, how you hold her close and say how much you love her.

And she’ll convince you almost every time that you need her.

How could you refuse such a sad and pouty face she makes every time you want to doubt her? It’s almost pitying.

Knowing her goals and past, she would want you to reassure her that you love her, no matter what.

No matter what.

Dark Cacao Cookie

He CANNOT lose you. Anything that you do must be monitored.

Hell, he may even want to use Affogato Cookie’s old spells to keep you under his watch, all agreeable and soft..

He has threatened you once or twice whenever you try to question his judgement, saying stuff like:

“My love, don’t fret. I’m only protecting you.”

But your fears and suspicions were confirmed after one of the Watchers you were talking to suddenly went missing the next day. All you did was say hello and made small talk…

You knew he lost a lot, of course he had the right to be protective over you.

Except being so overprotective and going so far as to…eliminate someone out of sheer jealousy?

You had caused this situation. This was worse then what Affogato Cookie did to the King, because you were doing it completely on accident.

So, to stop hurting anyone else, you just…accepted his love, remaining safe and unharmed within the citadel, avoiding everyone in case of another accident.

Pure Vanilla Cookie

He was supposed to be a pure soul. Someone who’d never do anything horrible or wrong…

Yet when he met you, he instantly got attached. Why? Not even he could explain. You just had some sort of connection with him that made Pure Vanilla love you so dearly.

He definitely hurt you while you were sleeping once or twice, and the feeling of watching you thank him after healing you was…exhilarating.

His habits started from little cuts on your legs to full blown “love” bites and deep cuts on your arms and hands.

At first, you didn’t realize it was him, but after becoming concerned by how much it was happening, you decided to pretend sleeping and wait until something happened.

And it was an understatement that you were shocked.

It was more…terrifying, honestly.

And when you confronted him? He practically almost broke down crying, pulling on your clothes and begging for forgiveness and that he wouldn’t do it again.

Oh, how a King fell so far from purity, nobody will know.

Because after this incident, you forgave him. Surely he was going to stop? You loved him after all, of course he wouldn’t do it again..

And he didn’t. The reason? It’s because you’ve started to lose sleep now. At a concerning point…

Was that coffee in the air? No, just vanilla, as usual…