#I'll cut straight to the heart. I don't believe the pretty little things that you say. Heard a lot of pretty little things.

[orpheusilver]

okay well. in the aftermath of that. particular round of silver induced derangement. i would like to say: pretty little things by the crane wives.

[lkfarrout]

HR (Stan x fem!Reader)

Summary: you decide to give your boss a little scare

Warnings: playful flirting, nothing overtly sexual

"Did you see what Stan was wearing yesterday? That open collar..."

"Ew! He's like my grandpa. Why would you even say that?" Wendy made a fake gagging sound. You enjoyed having her as a coworker, despite sometimes forgetting she was nearly ten years younger than you.

You'd started working at the Mystery Shack in the spring, while Wendy was still in school, and when summer began, you were grateful to finally have someone to talk to when things were slow in the giftshop. Her and Dipper even invited you onto the roof occasionally. It was nice to have someone to confide in about your crush, too, even if she pretended it was super gross.

"Why don't you ask him out already? He'll say yes, I mean he stares at you constantly." She was right - the world's darkest pair of sunglasses couldn't hide Stan's obvious gaze over your figure as you stocked the shelves every day. Not to mention calling you "doll" any chance he got. But until now, you'd pretended to be blissfully unaware, biding your time patietly.

"Oh, I will," you assurred Wendy, "but I'm gonna give him hell first. I got a plan, just wait."

---

"Yeah, and when you're done with that, there's a leak in the roof you can look at." Stan's gruff voice rang out through the gift shop as he and Soos entered.

"On it, boss," Soos saluted Stan before approaching the checkout desk, "What's up dudes?"

"Hey Soos," you pretended not to notice Stan behind him, "do you know who's in charge of HR here? Is it you?" You felt a little bad roping the ever-innocent Soos into your mischief, but the suddenly panicked look on Stan's face was worth it.

Soos began to repond, "Gee, I guess I've been here the longest, so--"

Stan cut him off, nudging Soos to the side and placing his palms on the counter. He leaned close and said, "You're lookin' at HR." He squinted his eyes suspiciously, "Why d'ya ask?"

"Oh its nothing, just" you put on your best poker face and shrugged, "maybe I need to report some inappropriate behavior."

Wendy hid her face in her comic book to stop herself from laughing, but poor Soos looked very concerned. You prayed Wendy had the heart to explain the ruse to him once you and Stan were out of the room. At your words, Stan just sighed and gestered toward his office.

Once inside, he removed his fez, sat on the edge of the desk, and rubbed the bridge of his nose under his glasses, "Look, doll, I'll be straight with you. You do good work, but Wendy 'n Soos have been here a whole lot longer and I have a hard time believing either of them would--"

"My issue isn't with them." You crossed your arms and he raised an eyebrow at you as you continued, "I should slap you, the way you gawk at me all day. And all those pet names? You must think I'm stupid."

Stan didn't look as shocked as you'd hoped. Instead he chuckled with the corner of his mouth and got to his feet.

"Wouldn't be the first time." He said. His arms hung at his sides. He closed his eyes and turned his head. His shoulders and neck tensed and he braced for the impact.

Suddenly your palms were sweaty, you hadn't expected this. Was he actually going to let you slap him?

After a moment, he partially opened one eye, "Well, get it over with already."

"Mr. Pines... I'm not gonna slap you."

His body relaxed and he shrugged, "I 'preciate that, but I'm pretty sure I deserve it this time."

You smirked at him, "I won't slap you, but only because I'm afraid you'd like it."

Stan chuckled a bit, but you could tell you'd flustered him. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the floor.

"Look doll--" he coughed, catching himself, "look, I'm sorry if I made ya uncomfortable, I promise I'll stop. But, if you could just keep this between us..."

"An apology isn't good enough. I'd hate to see your good reputation ruined, Mr. Pines."

Stan sighed and headed for the chair behind his desk. As he sat down he muttered, "Figured. You always were a fiesty one." He started rummaging through a drawer in the desk.

"Alright, what do ya want, a raise?" He pulled out the paperwork he was looking for and slid it towards you. You just shook your head at him.

Defeated, he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

"Okay, this aint the first time I've been blackmailed. What'll buy your silence?"

At this point you couldn't hide your smile. You approached the desk and leaned over, your low-cut top perfectly showing off your cleavage in front of him. His eyes darted to the corner of the ceiling and he swallowed.

"Stan," it was the first time you'd ever used his first name in front of him, "we both know what I really want isn't silence."

He stole a few quick glances at you before studying the ceiling again. "What's your point?"

"I want you to take me out to dinner."

He did a touble-take and sat straight up in his chair, "Come again?"

"I like the attention, Stan," you laughed at him, "but I wasn't gonna give you what you wanted without a good scare first." You shot him a wink across the desk.

Stan's cheeks flooded pink, he was speechless.

You prodded him, "Well, did I? Scare you?"

Stan dramatically clutched his chest, "Ya nearly put me in an early grave, doll."

He stood and moved back to your side of the desk with a chuckle. "Was Wendy in on this?"

"Oh, of course."

With one arm, Stan grabbed you by the waist and pulled you into him, looking deeply into your eyes, "You make a pretty good con, y'know." His free hand found its way to your jaw and he pulled you into an energetic kiss that lasted several wonderful seconds.

As he pulled away, you flashed him a devilish smile, "I learned from the best."

I'm not the most proud of this fic, quality-wise, but it's been sitting finished in my drafts so I might as well post it. I will say this is not very ethical but it's just meant to be a fun story, don't take it too seriously

[heartfullofleeches]

Can I ask for some nsfw headcanons of Callie? I love this gross queen

[It is with a heavy heart that I must classify Calliope as a warning herself. Filthy things go on under the cut]

Like most activities, sexy times with Callie are like flipping a coin. She carefully takes minutes out of her alone time to face all of her plushies to the wall - right before drilling herself lightheaded with a toothbrush she stole the night before. Calliope acts shy and dainty so you'll like her more, but girl is drooling soon as your clothes hit the floor. "O-of course I've done this before! I'll prove it to you!" Don't believe a word she says. The only other kiss she's ever had was so she could rip out her partner's tongue with her teeth. All of her "experience" comes from hentai and amsr channels/visual novels.

Huge scent kink. Casually commits bi-weekly panty..(boxer?) raids even after you get together with replacements so you're none the wiser. Come home from a night out with friends just a few minutes early and you may catch her in the act on your bed with whatever clothing she could find.

Cosplay. Callie lines her closet with outfits she wants you wear as a couple to future conventions, but she also happens to possess a secret cupboard she keeps for the bedroom - a few for you and majority her. She enjoys being able to doll herself up for you and flaunt her assets in the best way imaginable.

Speaking of...assets, Callie clearly sees her chest as the biggest and best (probably because it is). "O-oh dear... guess I bought this shirt a size too small. The top button popped off. T-that's crazy. The shirt's a little see through too. What do you think?" She strictly sticks to wearing bikini tops under her jacket and shirts that crush her lungs just to get your unwavering attention. Hugs your arm to her breasts, and straight up puts your hand down her cleavage when you look away too long.

Choke her until she's seeing stars and she'll declare her undying love to you with her remaining breath. Might smack the wind out of you if she feels like playing rough, but apologizes and breaks into tears almost immediately...after you finish.

Callie is such a sweet girlfriend. She listens to every word you say down to the syllable and records your voice so she can treasure it forever. She might be a bit too into it, since she can't touch herself without her headphones and her favorite recording of you getting angry at common household mistakes and swearing in frustration. Callie is a pretty good artist and probably draws/animates scenes based on the audio she gathers. She longs for the courage to ask you to record a whole animation, but she knows she can't possibly ask you to call her character your personal whore and look at you the same ever again. That and she'd listen to it too often to leave her bed and get the job done.

[emsprovisions]

Music Monday

This whole song really but these parts especially remind me of Tarlos

The light reflects The chain on your neck He says, "Look up" And your shoulders brush No proof, one touch But you felt enough ... And for once, you let go Of your fears and your ghosts One step, not much But it said enough You kiss on sidewalks You fight and you talk One night he wakes Strange look on his face Pauses, then says You're my best friend And you knew what it was He is in love ... And he keeps the picture of you in his office downtown And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars

This song always feels like a TK's past song to me

There are lessons in life no one should have to learn But trust is now something I make people earn So I'm not inclined to just give it away To a pair of blue eyes with some nice things to say I cut straight to the heart, I don't believe The pretty little things that you say I've heard a lot of little pretty things Don't buy me flowers, it pains me to watch Pretty little things wilt away ... Maybe you're right, and maybe I have been used up By another man's hungry hands And maybe you're right, and maybe I have been ruined By another man after him But maybe I'm the one who's right Maybe you will prove why Women like me never fall for pretty little things

This one is just kinky bdsm vampire tarlos vibes :)

What am I supposed to do, but sink my teeth in you? I starve without you on my lips, I die without the taste of it What am I supposed to be when you sink your teeth in me? 'Cause I live for the way you move, I'd die without the taste of you ... When you're away from me I'm cravingly impatient, chained up to the bed Inside my head (inside my head) And I don't care, I'm a bitch if I'm not getting my addiction fed I'll end up dead (end up dead)

Thank you for the tags @paperstorm @eclectic-sassycoweyes @tellmegoodbye @lemonlyman-dotcom @heartstringsduet @nisbanisba @carlossreaders <3<3

[04dissection]

You know what? I'm not hiding this please have all of my crane wives music assignments for the prisoners plus Es(Note: I am not confident on all of these):

Haruka: Empty Page

Cut me a path, and I will follow it, Draw me a line, and I'll avoid it- I'm nothing if not obedient. You have my word.

You'll do it better, show me how. You'll do it better, show me how. Tie me up by my callow belief, Someday I'll make something out of me, Years of imitating mastery, Only made me a better thief.

Yuno: Pretty Little Things

I cut straight to the heart. I don't believe the pretty little things that you say, I've heard a lot of little pretty things. Don't buy me flowers, It pains me to watch pretty little things wilt away.

Maybe you're right, and maybe I have been used up, By another man's hungry hands. And maybe you're right, and maybe I have been ruined, By another man after him- But maybe I'm the one who's right.

Fuuta: High Horse

We get what we deserve, We never really learn.

I keep tallies, I keep score. I'm a petty thing on a high, high horse. You've got your mouth open, I hold my tongue, There's so many things that we can't ignore.

You are never gonna change her mind, so don't try.

Muu: Icarus

They're burning down the orchard to the soil, To the soil, to the grave. Spreading out the ashes of a love, That only gave and gave.

Our hands are pulling everything apart, Fall apart, falling back- Tell yourself there's no more need to lie, We don't have time for that.

Leave our footprints to be lost along the ground, Oh my brother, my brother, my brother, There is nothing left to bring me back down.

Shidou: Metaphor

I cut my teeth on secondhand sentiments, You can't trust a single thing I say. I keep my closet free of skeletons, 'Cause I'm much better at digging graves.

I've gotten good at stretching the truth out of shape, And all these words are sweet and meaningless!

Mahiru: Strangler Fig

Now I'm trapped within your walls and all I want is to be free, For as Winsome as you may be- All you're doing now is losing me

From your pulpit what will you preach? How to live a good long life that's full of suffering.

Oh, I Gave you everything I had, Now I, now I want it back!

Kazui: The Well

All the words I couldn't say to you, Fill up the spaces in my chest, Like spare coins poised on the tip of my tongue, I make a wish and hold my breath.

Oh, the damage I'd have wrought- That old house, those rotting memories, Burned easier than I'd have thought

Amane: Scars(from what I know, this one has only ever been played live! So no studio recording if you look for it)

I’m not the person that I thought I was- I couldn't tell you where the ache came from. Maybe born in a storm beneath an angry sky- Now it’s raining in my head nearly all the time

All the love, all the kindness, all your best laid plans, Couldn't stop me from becoming the way that I am.

Was I born with a hole in my heart? A fatal fault at the start, Tell me it’s inevitable that I’d end up with scars.

Nothing could’ve been done, Is that right?

Mikoto: Queen of Nothing

Stop the car, I wanna get out. I'm craving open air and solid ground. 'Cause I've been watching from the backseat, Watching the world slipping past me.

Isn't this what you wanted? Time sure feels like it's running out- Just finish what you started.

On and on to the next town- Can we slow down?

Kotoko: The Wolf

I am not a builder, I'm much better at blowing things down

I light torches in my sleep, I have gasoline in my veins- I am always burning, burning, burning

Can it be easy for once? Cause I'm no good at being kind to myself, Or anyone. I am a falling axe, I am a sharpened knife, I am a poison asp, I am a risk to your life, My love.

I am a beast at your back, You better run for your life. Your life.

Es: The Crooked, The Cradle

There's blood in the water. The quiet are restless, the silent are still. I'm nobody's daughter.

I won't pretend, My season won't end. But I pray When it's done, when it's through, I'll have something left for you.

Can anyone hear me? Can anyone hear me? The crooked are smiling, they know me the best.

[furymint]

FFXIV Write 2024 | header | wc: 1,045

Elliot: Game time: Tell me who your favorite Bell is.

Nolanel: That guy.

Elliot: That was swift. Arym? Truly?

Nolanel: Weird name. Yeah. Had breakfast more than once with him, real early. I think he only knows about eighteen words in Eorzean.

Elliot: Please! Truthfully now?

Nolanel: Brave.

Elliot: Our bellwether? Not Norhi?

Nolanel: Not Norhi. Brave takes care of you folk. She's ready and straight so you can keep your finger paint straight, and ain't afraid to cut manners out of business with crows.

Elliot: Not to doubt your munificence, but I never suspected that you would forgive her for making you leave.

Nolanel: I never blamed her. She's fair. The only one of you that's fair.

Elliot: I'm pretty.

Nolanel: You're besides the point. And what answer's in your pretty head?

Elliot: I'll pretend to think about this. Norhi.

Nolanel: She babies you.

Elliot: Not more than she indulges you.

Nolanel: One day she'll need to tell you no.

Elliot: She has—but never when it matters. What's more, she despises everyone I despise with the exact amount of candor to prove it's real. Norhi never argues, either. The way she avoids confrontation could almost make one believe that bickering is unenjoyable.

Nolanel: Imagine that.

Elliot: But I like Brave too. She always lets me make a fool of myself while watching with that smile you have.

Nolanel: It's easy to wind you up and set you marching like a toy.

Elliot: Joy is always running—although often away.

Nolanel: Wyda I mostly like. Got some wrong ideas.

Elliot: About Xanadu.

Nolanel: And her bedmates.

Elliot: Oof. But she's the most intelligent person I know--even if she applies her gifts hazardously—and she's my most favorite to talk too.

Nolanel: Aye, I know you're in love with her.

Elliot: I think she'd hate that more than I, if it's possible. But if you were to fall in love with any of them, who would it be?

Nolanel: No. That's propaganda.

Elliot: I don't know what you mean. It's foolishness.

Nolanel: It's what you said about the Faithful. For naught but making oneself furious, especially when it don't make sense. Now you see—

Elliot: I think it's humorous!

Nolanel: Answer me yours, then.

Elliot: You'll loathe me.

Nolanel: Try.

Elliot: August.

Nolanel: You're the stupidest man in the world! Heavens! Fury!

Elliot: Haha!

Nolanel: Gods, lightning could strike you twice and you'd beg a third. 

Elliot: I can't help it!

Nolanel: Your no-good taste needs to be studied. Self-destruction. Self-denial. All those things you say—and you doe-eye some imperial who looks at you like he hopes your pansy tongue rots in your mouth.

Elliot: Well, if only I spoke poison!

Nolanel: What'll it take for you to love an artist? 

Elliot: I couldn't possibly love a mirror.

Nolanel: Ah—Only soldiers who want naught with knowing your happy little theories about war.

Elliot: His eyes are gorgeous.

Nolanel: Ugh! The only man with the right priority in this damned country. Let him be.

Elliot: But I have! I don't court the thought of dying here by angering him like you have.

Nolanel: It'd be one nice thought in my brain to think you'd have the sense to darling something decent when I'm killed.

Elliot: No no, there's no betterment or forgetting where I'm involved. Aren't we supposed to sigh and look wan for the rest of our lives, and pray in the monastery that love was taken too soon and shall not come again?

Nolanel: No.

Elliot: You mean if my heart gave in this moment, you'd grow past me while I spent eternity in my glowing youth? I'd be the perfect thing to worship since I wouldn't talk back—and you'd open your affection to a distraction? Who?

Nolanel: That's propaganda.

Elliot: Stop thinking and just gossip with me!

Nolanel: No!

Elliot: 'Tis August, too! Haha!

Nolanel: Oh, fuck no—I'm not so ridiculous.

Elliot: I'll go down the roster until you blush.

Nolanel: Do what you want.

Elliot: That's what life is for. Now. Hm. Not Laelia—she has that miasma about her. Max is evil. Vicky is...

Nolanel: The only among them with a decent mind. She's sturdy and patient. She listens. But get out of the Garleans.

Elliot: Wyda, then.

Nolanel: Just to sicken her more? No, she's too argumentative. Always thinks she's in mandate of the only truth.

Elliot: Norhi doesn't argue, then.

Nolanel: Norhi is married. I'm no salesman. Besides, she has ears.

Elliot: You also have ears.

Nolanel: Hm.

Elliot: What if you married Xanadu instead?

Nolanel: You'd pawn off your wife like that?

Elliot: I make a terrible husband; I'm destined for bachelorhood soon. You would be a much more admirable spouse.

Nolanel: 'Tis true I can make bread.

Elliot: Oh! Ser Basile then!

Nolanel: Don't let him hear that pun; he'll probably enjoy it and I'll never hear his name right again. He's the man people need, but not me.

Elliot: Cass?

Nolanel: You want an answer, not a conversation anymore.

Elliot: So? Cass? 

Nolanel: Closer.

Elliot: Ha!

Nolanel: But there's a dragon where anything else ought to be. A stupid dragon in looks and manner, but still one.

Elliot: I should've expected so. It treats well with the chocobos, somehow, at home in the Bell house. I also appreciate that her hair changes more often than the seasons.

Nolanel: Is it supper time yet?

Elliot: We have to consider more names! Eliane? Brave? I know Yumi and Haru are no choices for you; nor dear Sasamu. 

Nolanel: I don't know anyone else. I doubt Lady Dufresne would enjoy knowing that an industry-despising dandy and former employee was flirting with the idea of setting his dragoon paramour away to disrupt her marriage.

Elliot: That's why gossip is only shared with trusted companions who would never speak a word to anyone. Except the daily press, perhaps. However! This is for amusement! Not—

Nolanel: 'Ey! What's love in this place worth? Who should I love among the residents of Alvarium?

<< SALUTATIONS. CITIZEN (Elliot Cadieux) AND GUEST (User Unknown), I AM PREPARED TO ASSIST WITH REQUESTS. THE CITIZENS OF (Alvarium) ARE MANY AND MAY OFFER UNIQUE RESPONSES TO YOUR QUESTIONS. WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC SURVEY? >>

[gamebunny-advance]

Kun3h0 Accessories DLC + Patch Notes v.1.0.1

Added:

GAB accessory

Karrot-98 accessory

Changed:

Updated top.

Fixed hair bug. (Hair would easily slip off model.)

Minor improvements.

(More pics and notes under the cut.)

So I finally finished up Kun3h0's accessories and fixed up her top.

So, we've got her GAB and her drill, the Karrot-98.

GAB started out as this little dino thing that I just cut up and sculpted onto.

The original plan was to sculpt onto the original arms after I cut off the wings, but they kept bumping into the head, so I opted to completely resculpt them.

Now they can still turn their head, but that's the only point of articulation. I really should have sanded it more, you can really see the texture still in the clay, but such as it is.

The collar isn't the most elegant thing in the world, but at least it's there~ It's also disappointing that I couldn't get the edges of her screen completely straight and even, but it is what it is.

Overall, I think it's a decent recreation of the original design, even if the purples aren't quite right.

I should take a pic of them next to my other GAB recreations so y'all can really see the difference in scale. I believe this is the smallest GAB I've made so far, and also the only one that has the big heart-shaped tail~

Next is the Karrot-98, Kun3h0's magical drill. I don't have any "before" pictures, but it's made from another accessory that came with the doll, a little clay, and a piping tip that I had lying around + extras.

I don't have a set design for the Karrot yet, so I just kinda painted it with colors I already mixed. When Kun3h0's holding it, it does kinda get lost in the pinks of her outfit, but by itself I think it looks fine. If I come up with a better color scheme for it, then maybe I'll repaint it.

Next, I completely re-did her top. This time, I doused all the fabric in fray-check first to keep it from pulling apart while I was sewing it together, and I completely redid the sleeves. Originally, I had painted the arm guards onto the sleeves because I didn't think of any other way to do it. This time I tried making them with craft foam to better replicate that they're supposed to be two different materials. I'd say it was mostly successful.

Since it's kind of a pain to slip the sleeve into the guards, I don't have any pics of the top without them on, but the sleeves are more form fitting, so the top looks more like a proper tracksuit without the guards on. It's a slightly better look than the original IMO, but it's still not perfect: the guards are basically like a Miku sleeve, so you can still see into them even though the only opening is supposed to be through the cuff (which are barely visible in this pic, but they can stick out for a more accurate look.)

I would show the new top next to the old one, but I kinda destroyed the old one trying to test ideas for this new one XP (in fact, the collar IS from the old one, I just ripped it off and reapplied it to this one).

Lastly, I fixed her wig a little bit.

I don't have pics of it, but I just stuck some velcro to her scalp and the inside of the wig, so now it should stop slipping off while still being removable.

I'm just against completely gluing it down because I still have a lot of yarn left from this project, so I would eventually like to make her some alternate hairstyle wigs just to use up the yarn.

Now I feel pretty confident in saying that she's actually "done." There are a few places that I could touch up with paint, but as for "making" anything else for this doll, I did everything I really wanted to do.

Admittedly, Kun3h0 is one of my most self-indulgent designs (as though everything I make isn't in some way self-indulgent), so to have a physical object which embodies so much of what I like, truly satisfies me. We'll see if I still feel that way about her a week from now, but at the moment, she is the culmination of almost every creative skill I have, and I'm very pleased with the results of that effort, more so than possibly anything else I've ever made~ <3

I may post more pics of her when I can actually dedicate some time to making a proper scene and/or backdrop. There's a lot of little details that I like that I haven't really taken pics of. I dunno if I have the courage to do it, but it'd be cool to take some pics in an actual arcade with her~

[yoke9494]

Y/n I need to pee...🥺

Rewind, teenage Erwin, Nile, Mike/Miche, and Hange.

Training days .

Crack one shot based on my fic Our Defeat is not Certain (Mike ZachariasXreader) check it out if you ever wondered what it would be like if he survived? Along with a few others?...AO3 Wattpad

(one shot book is only on Wattpad. Will be transferring it soon!)

Mike/Miche is just so underrated!. 😭♥️

______________

You and Miche sat side by side on one of the large branches in the mock Titan forest.

You were on a team with him, Erwin and Nile. You all decided to stay a little after your session to get some extra practice in. Nile had completely bombed it and kept having his hooks pop out of the tree.

He and Erwin were trying to race while you two just watched and made small talk.

"I'm telling you N/n. It was real! The Garrison officer said he saw it himself."

You snorted and shook your head. "Bullshit! Miche there's no such thing as a two headed Titan. The guy was probably just drunk off his ass."

Miche shrugged. "You're just a non believer. When we get to The Scouts I'm going to look for that Beast. Then when I find it, I'll lead it towards you and rub it in your face."

"Yeah, okay. If you do find it, and show me proof. I'll do whatever you want for the rest of my life."

"Really now? Well I know for sure the first thing I'll have you do."

"And what's that?"

"I'll make you marry me."

Again you snorted. " Well it looks like I'll be jumping straight into that double headed Titans mouth when you find it."

Mike grabbed his heart and fake cried. "You wounded me woman. My heart has been slained! . I- I can't take it... I see the light. I hear the angels... Papa? Is that you papa? Where's grandma?"

Mike pretended to pass out and laid his head on your shoulder.

You held in your laugh and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Go to the light Zacharias. Don't be scared."

Miche snorted. "At least the angel who meets me in the afterlife is pretty. Mean as shit, but beautiful..."

Before you could say anything a loud crash and yelling made you both jump. You both nearly fell off the branch.

"What the fuck?" Miche looked up and tried to see what was going on.

"Y/n! Miche! Help! I think I killed my eyebrows!"

You and Miche quickly deployed your gear and made your way over to Nile and Erwin. They were a few meters away but you both made it there fast.

When you arrived Nile was trying to get Erwin out of his gear. He had blood dripping from him and he hung upside down.

"Nile! What the fuck happened?!"

You rushed over to Erwin to undo his belts while Miche helped him down.

Erwin thanked you both. He had a small gash on his side and deep cuts on both palms.

Nile was freaking out. He had small splatters of blood on his face and uniform from Erwin.

"My shit came undone again! Erwin tried to catch me but my hook caught his wire and caused his hooks to unlatch too! One reeled itself back in so fast it hit his side and jammed. When he tried to catch himself he got tangled in his other wire and cut open his hands! I'm so sorry Erwin!"

Erwin shook his head and let out a pained chuckle. "It's okay Nile. Accidents are bound to happen. I'm alright."

Nile looked at Erwin in disbelief. You were trying to stop the bleeding from his palms with your Cadet jacket. Miche was trying to pat Niles back so he'd calm down.

"Alright? You're alright?! You look like Y/n when it's her time of the month!"

Your neck snapped twords Nile. Erwin and Miche went wide eyed.

Miche's hand slowly went up to his mouth in shock. "Nile! We said we weren't going to--"

He was cut off when you yelled at Nile.

"You horsefaced bitch! You all promised not to bring that up again! It came early one fucking time!" You reached for Niles ear and pulled it!

Mike watched you two with amusement. That was until Erwin spoke. "Miche break them up."

Mike took your hand off Niles ear and kissed your palm. He then flicked Nile on the forehead.

You looked at him with wide eyes. ' Did he really just do that?! '

Erwin cleared his throat and looked at Nile. "Miche take Nile to go get changed. Nile I expect a letter of apology to Y/n for shaming her over a perfectly normal, womanly occurrence?"

He then turned towards you. "Y/n. Can you please accompany me to the infirmary? It'll give you some time away from Nile to cool off."

"Yes mom." All three of you said in unison.

-------------

You walked side by side with Erwin. He still had your jecket scrunched up in his hands to slow down the bleeding.

"I'm sorry for ruining your jacket Y/n. I'll find you a new one."

You waved him off. "It's alright Erwin. Are you sure you're okay? Even the small one on your side is still bleeding."

Erwin let out a chuckle. "It all hurts like hell but that's it. I'll be fine. Though I think I might need stitches on both my palms and side."

"Y/n?! Are you alright?!"

Erwin was cut off by another males voice.

Moses ran up to the both of you. He quickly stopped when he saw the states you were both in. You had a good amount of Erwin's blood on your stomach. It looked like you were hurt as well.

You followed Moses' gaze and gasped. "Oh no! Don't worry Moses I'm alright. This is all Erwin's blood. He and Nile had a gear malfunction in the mock forest."

Moses relaxed a bit, but he then went stiff. "The doctor who's usually in the infirmary just left a few minutes ago. He won't be back till morning. With all that blood you'll for sure need stitches."

You groaned and threw your head back. "Fuck! Why is he always leaving?! My coochie could fall off and I'd just have to carry it around till he decides to do his damn job!"

Moses snorted while Erwin raised a brow at you. "Y/n! Don't talk like that!"

You rolled your eyes. "Sorry mom... Moses have you seen Hange around?"

He thought for a second. "I believe she's in the dining hall."

"Can you tell her to meet us in the infirmary? Tell her, Y/n said it was an emergency."

"Sure thing."

------------------------

Erwin sat on one of the small beds and watched you in amusement. You were focused on cleaning his hands and grumbling about the doctor. The gash on his side stopped bleeding and you patched it up. That was going to leave a cool scar.

"Stupid old bastard. He probably just took this job to feel up on teenagers. At least Hange knows how to stitch nicely. She's ten times better than that piece of shit."

Erwin let out a low chuckle. "Calm down Y/n. You might burn holes in my palms next"

You took a breath. "I am calm."

Hange ran into the infirmary. She was panting while she had her hands on her knees. She took a few breaths and looked up. She gasped when she saw all the blood on your shirt.

Y/n, my love! Are you okay?!"

You smiled at her. "I'm okay Hange. But Erwin needs your skilled hands to stitch him up."

"Eh?" Hange walked over to you and Erwin and gasped one again. "What the hell happened?!"

"Nile" you both said in unison.

Hange only clicked her tongue and walked over to the supply cabinet. She then sat infront of Erwin and got the needle ready.

"Sorry Smith but your going to be our of commission for a while. I'm sure Commandant will understand."

Erwin winced as Hange pressed the needle in his palms. The cuts looked a lot worse then they actually were. But Erwin still needed a stitch or two the rest would scab up if he took care of them.

When Hange finished she kissed your head and said her goodbyes to Erwin. She had gone a bit overboard and wrapped up both his hands.

You and Erwin found it unnecessary and tried to unwrap them. But you both couldn't figure out how she did it. She used so much fabric that even the scissors had a hard time cutting it.

"Y/n. I need to pee."

You looked up at Erwin and put down the scissors. "Oh? Okay. I'll wait out here."

".... I may need assistance."

"..... Pardon?"

Erwin motioned to his nubs and the belt, button, and zipper on his pants.

"Oh! I got you eyebrows."

You and Erwin made it to the toilet in the infirmary. You were close with Erwin in your friendship but not alot of physical touching close. You could count the hugs you two shared so far in the year of training on one hand.

"Alright. You ready?"

Erwin nodded.

You both kept eye contact as you undid his belt and button. When you looked down and grabbed his zipper Erwin twitched a little bit.

*Zip*

You both locked eyes. You're stupid teenage minds taking over. You and Erwin both started laughing.

"Why did that make me feel dirty?" You both asked at the same time.

You were holding your stomach while Erwin was trying to use every fiber in his body to talk clearly.

"Y-Y/n. St-op laughing! I-ill piss myself! Turn around please!"

You quickly did. Your laughing died down and so did Erwin's. His was replaced with curses he said under his breath.

"Y/n?"

"Yeah?"

"Your my friend right?"

"That's right."

"Friends help one another?"

"Of course. Thats why I'm here eyebrows."

"I need you to hold little Erwin."

"......."

"Y/n. I'm serious. Please hurry!"

Erwin looked over his shoulder to see you gone. "Y/n?"

"Hang on Erwin! I'm looking for tweezers so I can hold it."

Erwin furrowed his brows. "I find that very offensive! They won't be big enough! You do know the skin is sensitive also?!"

You quickly ran back to Erwin. "How would I know that?! Incase you didn't notice, I have a vagina!"

"I know! Y/n please just grab it! I'm already leaking!"

You rolled your eyes and held the base right under the tip of little Erwin. It was warm and soft, but you didn't make eye contact with it. You looked into the toilet only to make sure you wouldn't make a mess.

Erwin let out a sigh and began to relieve himself. He was calm while you were dying on the inside. Your face stung while you thought about the position you were in. Your hand twitched when you felt his urine pass through.

"I'm done. Shake me, please."

You dropped mini Erwin so quick it made a small sound when it hit Erwin's body. "No. Hurry up and put him away so I can fasten your pants and belt."

Erwin quickly did as he was told. He was able to get his nubs under the elastic in his underwear and tuck himself away. He felt a lot better but what you didn't notice was how red his ears turned.

When you helped him with the rest the both of you walked back to the cabins in silence. You were the one to break it.

"Well eyebrows. I guess it's official."

"What is?"

"We have to stay best friends forever, cause that's something we both need to take to our graves."

Erwin chuckled. "Deal. I'd rather die with it then have to deal with Niles questions... And Mike probably beating me up."

"Ha! Yeah same here."

"There you guy's are!" Nile ran to the both of you with Mike behind him.

"You guys took forever! Are you alright Erwin?"

Erwin nodded. "I'm good now. Hange actually had to stich me up."

Miche sniffed you. "N/n why do you smell like Erwin?"

You looked at the giant. "Uh. Well I was with him this whole time. And I do have his blood on my shirt too."

Nile smirked. He could tell Miche was getting jealous. What his eyes caught next gave him joy.

"Hey Commander eyebrows?"

"Yes rectum activity?"

"... Why is your zipper undone?"

Miche snapped his eyes twords Erwin. His ears turned red again and you looked at the ground. Waiting for it to open up and swallow you.

Nile let out the loudest laugh. "ERWIN SMITH! YOU LUCKY DOG!!"

Erwin tried to put his nubs up. "N-No! It's not like that! We didn't-"

Miche punched Niles shoulder to shut him up. "Quiet! You loud ass horse. She wouldn't do that!... Right? N/n?"

You pinched the bridge of your nose. "No. We did not. I just had to help him with his buckle and button when he needed to pee."

Miche relaxed while Nile still snickered. "Y/n you absolute legend! You got to third base way before any of us. Ha!"

"Shut up horse face." You, Miche, and Erwin said in unison. You all began to walk away from Nile.

He quickly ran after you three. "Bitches! You're all just mad I'm hung like one!"

.....................

[loumandivorce]

loustat iwtv playlist

here's my iwtv loustat playlist in chronological order if anyone's interested. it's basically just a bunch of gratuitous vampire references and too much will wood but hey.

explanation for each song choice under the cut

Do It All The Time - Lestat pov in beginning interactions (we're taking over the world/a little victimless crime/then i'm taking your innocence/i'll be corrupting your mind) Lay All Your Love On Me - Lestat pov during this time (don't waste your emotion/lay all of your blood on me) Me and Mr. Wolf - the courting/hunting thing (if i taste you will we know/if love kills or makes you whole/tears you open/brings you home) Eat You - The Turning Vampire References in Minor Key - lestat and louis first day vampiring Psycho Killer - louis various murder sprees Butch 4 Butch - ep. 3 loustat specifically (my sweetheart's piano is rat-filled/and mine is invested with bugs) Skeleton Appreciation Day - loustat being weird (bones, bones, bones/let me see your bones) Yes, To Err Is To Be Human, So Don't Be One - buildup and ep. 5 dv scene (i could suck your blood till your lips turn blue/drain you of your love if you want me to) Come To Me - literally the same placement as come to me in the show The Haunted Phonograph - about the record, also just a neat relationship study (so play me on your phonograph and swear that I'll Be yours/though your heart and voice can nevermore be one) Twist The Knife - crazy gay hate sex (got love and hate confused/can't separate the two/oh my love, how i've hated you) Your Body, My Temple - crazy gay hate sex part 2 Choke - Acoustic - louis and claudia murder plot (so shut your dirty mouth/if i could burn this town i wouldn't hesitate/to smile while you suffocate) Diggin' Up Hatchets - ahahah nooo don't falsely believe you're removing yourself from a toxic situation even as the abuser's hold goes deeper you're so sexy ahahah (we're ripping all the wires from our heads/we're pumping out the poison from our veins/and scrubbing out these wicked stains) House of the Rising Sun - introspective louis As The World Caves In - the balcony + ballroom scene (and here it is/our final night alive) Control - when louis tries to feed lestat the twin (i've grown familiar with villains that live in my head/they beg me to write them so i never die when i'm dead) Villainous Thing - Lestat pov of the murder plot, basically him calling Louis a big meanie (oh, dear let's remove those pretty clothes/cause you're a villainous thing/and i don't think anyone knows) My Body Is a Cage - the actual murder (we take what we're given/just because we forgot doesn't mean we're forgiven) Bloodsucker - lestat pov of him rotting in that coffin + redemption/pity party Sympathy For the Devil - ripped straight from the 1994 movie, lestat returns

[mutiara-05]

I really hate watching the time passing me by and I also hate having to witness all my years fly so I hold my pen and sit down, it's time to write time for me to sort whats wrong and what's right but my life has been so fucking dull lately now so Ima tell you about my past and Ima keep it raw ok so back to the year of two thousands and five the mid of that year where I almost didn't survive was still in the womb and they announced me dead they scheduled curettage but "no" grandma said did a second check up and surprise I haven't died I was just chilling in there, was laying on my side now skip to mid august to my time to finally come I took about two days being a nightmare to mom well it's no surprise since she didn't want me at all but wanting a son he went and pinned her to a wall a disappointment since first breath by being a female my pink clothes highlighted the devil's clear fail the doctor who brought me said "she's a miracle" AB negative blood type yet she's alive.. untypical was hours old laying down when a nurse barged in yelling "a bomb was located, leave avoid your fin" the first four years of my life passed by really fast almost died a couple of times but that's the past got a bunch of allergies and one can easily kill me reason of death: a little peanut she couldn't see was five years old and already having trust issues but that's nothing because at six starts the abuse I've always wanted him to go a little bit further To stab him I needed an excuse since he's my father required straight A's while studying three languages school was an hour away and filled by dumb bitches made fun of and pushed around but I stood still all alone cause mama was busy to notice how I'm ill started writing at 6 as a joke but picked it at 10 for real I was alone and scarred I needed something to heal a couple failed tries then I wrote something so cool rushed to her feeling proud but she made me a fool I didn't hold a pen for full three years after that and I lost my spark while losing all the extra fat on sixth grade I failed to write an essay, no surprise costed me but I fixed it following my own advice high school started and was nothing like the movies from a teenage dream to a hell where you pay fees only one year then everything went down hill for me no hope, no dreams, not knowing who I should be fourteen was when I tried to take my life away but failed so I guess god really wanted me to stay now became dead inside using a fake smile to hide then knew an artist who took me to hope on a ride felt understood having a hero who knows my pain kept going by thinking about him under the rain by using his voice I crossed a phobia off of my list While aware he doesn't even know that I exist was struggling still but his smile helped me endure 2020 he left to cure his old left shoulder injure I remember so clear how I cried scared for him but he came back saving my life from being dim now 2021 oppression logged in after my hair cut overwhelmed I held a blue something ready to cut really wanting to see some red while killing myself but blacked out then woke under my books shelf I survived again so I had to create a second face living two lives and switching was the daily race but it's fine I was pretty chill, wanna know why? was waiting to be 17 believing that's when I'd die nineteenth august of two thousands twenty two at a restaurant waiting for two "friends" I knew many things went wrong that day but I didn't mind party's over, had a fight at home he won't be kind took a deep breath and calmly laid on my bed slept with a smile was sure by morning I'll be dead but "it's nine o'clock am" announced by my alarm I woke up at morning safe and sound with no harm my heart sank in why the fuck am I still here? I'm still alive I haven't died that's my biggest fear

Dressed up kinda overshowing to cover my state a couple males tried to hit, I lied: I'm not straight but "boys don't bite" oh yes I assure you they do I ain't letting my guard down, y'all stay safe tho went out with no permission to watch the world cup cool day but the loud sudden cheers fucked it up like sorry dudes I ruined such an important match you enjoy hearing cheers but I see a bloody patch skip that now its exams time I'm expected an A plus but I've been quite and over sleeping ain't it sus Results came back terrible, it ain't no surprise "How sad" "how unexpected" are my little lies let that too pass since it's now my birth month they took my light away and now I'm lost in a labyrinth decided I won't be celebrating nothing this year because I can't enjoy anything if he's not here I'm slipping back to a shadow that's blue and grey I'm slowly digging the dark grave where Ima lay but I don't care if my knees are buried in mud or even if I'm out there drowning in my own blood you can always start a battle and turn it to a war then put me in it with no gun no sword nor armour I can face the snipers alone and slay them all standing over cold bodies, you know I never fall I really don't need nobody, I don't wanna be saved save your pity, sweetness wasn't something I craved was once just a little girl who needed a warm hug but now a tomboy as cold as my iced coffee mug today I finally accepted that I am the villain here so fuck all of the promises I've made, am I clear? I ain't staying and I ain't trying, we won't go out won't write for nobody won't live in the same route I do have a list for the promises so I didn't forget but when I go extra for people I end with regret she was innocent one day but they hurt her a lot I built her a castle with high walls, for her I fought all she ever wanted was someone to read her a story now she write those and overuse the word sorry Dear lord I'm sorry for not being the best believer sorry that I only pray when I get a strong fever I'm sorry to my cousin, I cant keep being your idol I'm sorry grandma when you were alive I didn't call and I'm so sorry grandpa if I was ever too cold sorry aunt I stopped loving you when I got old sorry to my uncle who died the month I was born I blame myself for it every day and I'm still torn sorry to my "friends" I never loved you enough so sorry to the boy I turned down, I was rough sorry to the sun and the star that I did wrong you'll both keep shining in the lines of my song sorry to mama that I'm not the perfect daughter and sorry but I hate you so fucking much father to six thousands five hundred and seventy four days of me existing while being dead to my core

[ryderdire]

Tcw lyrics /things i noticed that make me feral an ongoing list

-

The only peace I have ever known

Is the peace I made with you

I won't move, but I can't stay here

So what the hell am I supposed to do?

-

And if I were someplace else

And if I were someone else

And if I were not myself, would this be easier?

-

I learned to lie

I learned to grow

I learned to hold it for a while and let it go

I learned to take

I learned to keep

Please tell me someday

I'll at least be able to sleep

- easier (this entire song makes me feral)

i am not a vessel for good intent.

-

Ohhh WA OHHH

-

I will only break your pretty things

(In foxlore there’s a song called pretty little things, )

I cut straight to the heart

I don't believe the pretty little things that you say

I've heard a lot of little pretty things

Don't buy me flowers

It pains me to watch pretty little things wilt away

Pretty little things wilt away

-

But I still hold out hope that maybe someday

I'll be worth more than all the silence left in my wake-

-Feed me promises, keep my heart well

I'll sing you songs until the darkness does recede

Know that all my love will be your breath

I will save you when your lights go out

-

Build yourself a citadel amid the foothills of regret-

- it was a march towards ruin and despair but we held hands all the while.

The progression in little soilders of

I swear that I loved you -> I swear that you loved me -> I'll swear that I loved you

Spreading out the ashes of a love

That only gave and gave

And

Spreading out our ashes in the sun

In the sun, in the sun

Icarus .

This one probably isn’t on purpose but it haunts my dreams so

On some level I think I always understood

That a ship could never really love an anchor

So I did the only thing that I could

And severed the rope to set you sailing from my harbor

In never love an anchor

+

I think I'm ready to be here

Tie me down, tie me down

(…)

I need an anchor, god, I wanna be satisfied

In Volta

[duskypines]

Straight hair, straight A's, straightforward Straight path, I don't cut corners I make a point to be on time Head out the student council I don't black out at parties I jam to Paul McCartney If you ask me how I'm doing, I'll say Well, hmm...

I was adopted when I was two My parents spoiled me rotten Often I ask myself, what did I do To get as far as I've gotten? A pretty girl walks by my locker My heart gives a flutter, but I don't dare utter a word 'Cause that would be absurd behaviour for Little Miss Perfect

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na No, I can't risk falling off my throne La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la Love is something I don't even know

Straight hair, straight A's Straightforward, straight girl Little Miss Perfect, that's me

One night, my friend stayed over We laughed, and drink and ordered Something about her drew me in What? It's totally platonic That night was so exciting Her smirks were so enticing Hours speed by like seconds Then, what happens is iconic

She takes a sip, I bite my lip She tells a joke, I nearly choke She braids my hair, I sit there Blacking out for the first time Next thing I know, I lose control I finally kiss her, but, oh, no I see a face in my window Then my brain starts to go

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na No, you can't risk falling off your throne La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la Love is something you don't even know Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na You can't risk falling off your throne La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, love You don't even know

Rewind, induce amnesia Deny the truth, that's easier You're just confused, believe her When she says there's nothing there It's never worth it When you're Little Miss Perfect

Human crush

[bilbao-song]

Now I'm curious lol if there is one, what's an album you associate with Christmas (or the end of year) that doesn't "make sense" (to be associated with that)?

I 100% agree with you about the woodland animal trees, they would without a dobt be the cutest. And I've fallen in love just with the idea of a bird tree, so whimsical!

Can you believe I've never watched a little rankin bass special? I love stop motion, so now it's already on my To Watch list (I'm planning to watch it with my family as soon as I'm on vacation and can go visit my parents. We love A Charlie Brown Christmas!).

I never really got into Tom Petty (please don't kill me), but I've never really tried to listen to more of his stuff. Maybe if I did I would end up really enjoying it! What's you favorite song of his?

I'd say my favorite Christmas movies are Klaus (super cute) and The Holdovers (destroyed my heart, loved it). But I'm pretty sure I can't say an album I can't stop listening to lately without revealing who I am! lol I think it would be too obvious, so I'm gonna mention an album that I listened to for the first time this year and really liked: Tapestry by Carole King

–🪐

hi!! <3 putting this behind a cut bc it got soooo long

hmmm, probably still the bee gees ones i mentioned haha :') that's just kind of the vibe i typically get into this time of year for whatever reason. odessa i kind of particularly associate with christmas bc a copy of the record was one of my christmas gifts one year and i was soooo excited to play it because i'd been searching for it for a really long time. the cover is also like...red velvety flocked material? so that feels christmassy to me haha. also, very inexplicably, not an album but a song: but eyes without a face by billy idol lol. do you have any albums (or songs) you feel this way about??

omg you should definitely watch them!! they are so cute and yes, i looove the look of the stop motion :') there is also a halloween one called mad monster party that is really cool! i feel like not as many people are aware it exists haha

anyway omg no now i have to kill you :-( sorry. lmao no it's okay 😭 HMMM i am so bad at choosing favorites and making recommendations for literally anything (i know i will do this and then tomorrow i'll be like ohhh i should've mentioned [insert song here]). i still have not reached Expert Status (there's so much to listen to!!!) but already it's like...how do you even choose. everything on full moon fever is good :') although i'm at least a little biased bc of the jeffrey involvement (which improves everything). beyond that ummmm hmm. lately i've been listening to straight into darkness a lot. that is a really good one!! i got really attached to it whilst traveling this year so i have good memories associated with it now. into the great wide open also never gets old for me but i feel like everyone has probably heard that? maybe? i'm sure i can also come up with more if you're interested!! but the real answer is like...all of them 😭

ooooohhhh i feel like i know most of the songs from tapestry but have still never really sat down to listen to the whole album. which are your favorites? if there's any i've missed i will check them out!

also ohhh my god i'm the same way about the whole...not revealing who you are thing? i am so paranoid with the person i'm santa for especially because like, everyone who has signed up has had to have at least a little bit of interaction with me...what if they Know.

anyway!! sorry for the extended ranting :') hope you're having a nice day!!

[dearestsilas]

Straight hair, straight A's, straight forward Straight path, I don't cut corners I make a point to be on time Head of the student council I don't black out at parties I jam to Paul McCartney If you ask me how I'm doing, I'll say, "Well, hmm"

My mom died when I was two My father spoiled me rotten Often I ask myself, what did I do To get as far as I've gotten?

A pretty boy walks by my side My heart gives a flutter, but I don't dare utter a word 'Cause that would be absurd behavior for little mister perfect

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na No, I can't risk falling off my throne La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la Love is something I don't even know

Straight hair, straight A's Straight forward, straight boy! Little mister perfect, that's me

One night, my friend went out We laughed, and drank, and ordered Something about him drew me in What? It's totally platonic! That night was so exciting His smirks were so enticing Hours speed by like seconds Then, what happens is iconic

He takes a sip, I bite my lip He tells a joke, I nearly choke He strokes my hair, I sit there blacking out for the first time Next thing I know, I lose control I finally kiss him, but, oh no I see a face in my window Then my brain starts to go

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na No, you can't risk falling off your throne La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la Love is something you don't even know! Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na You can't risk falling off your throne! La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la, love! You don't even know

Rewind, induce amnesia Deny the truth, that's easier You're just confused, believe him When he says there's nothing there It's never worth it When you're little mister perfect

O-Oh...

[mrs-hollandstan]

okay now that ik we’re doing this fr LMFAO def gonna need a labor and delivery blurb w y/n & tom i can def see it being chaotic and hilarious 😭 & then all the girls + the boys meet baby mia 🥺🥺

Missin this series 🥺 check out Make Me Love You in my bio for more of this ☺️

"Shit…" Tom stumbles, eyes still puffy from sleep, hair still a mess, and you're pretty sure the shoes he just put on are reversed but… he's ready for this baby and with the pain you're currently in, so are you. He grabs your hand and the baby bag by the door before he's heading out, unlocking the car. He takes a deep breath, 

"Can't believe we'll be bringing our baby girl home in the same car we fucked in in college." He murmurs. You groan, 

"The thought of sex right now makes me want to give you a vasectomy myself." He swallows, not responding before he's helping you into the car. It's deep breaths all the way to the hospital and you can hear Tom's phone vibrate with the texts from the group chat, following his announcement that you were in fact, in labor. 

Tom let's you squeeze his hand, coaxing you through the pain as you push. He strokes sweaty strands of hair from your face, 

"Doing so good darling. You're almost there." He tells you, kissing your cheek. And he's right. In two more pushes, a wail cuts the air, and Tom glances up to see his baby girl being laid on a towel. He's quickly handed scissors to cut her umbilical cord before she's ushered away to be cleaned and have her vitals taken. 

Soon enough, the three of you are left alone, Tom watching you drag your top down, your little girl latching to your nipple without a hitch. He worms his way behind you, resting his chin over your shoulder. He watches Mia suckle, your head coming to rest back against his shoulder, 

"You two are so beautiful." He murmurs, kissing your jaw. You hum, 

"I don't feel beautiful. I feel gross." You murmur. He chuckles, 

"You could never be gross. You'll always be beautiful. And look at this." He reached out and strokes Mia's head, "How could you feel gross when you just brought this into the world?" He poses. Glancing up at him, he stares down at her for a moment longer before his eyes meet yours,

"She is pretty perfect huh?" You pose. He nods,

"Almost as perfect as her mother."

"No, she's much more perfect than her mommy. Look at that little face." You trail a finger across her cheek. He smiles, 

"She is very beautiful darling." He mumbles. Laying your head back against his shoulder, you sigh, 

"That was… the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I am so tired." You murmur. He kisses your bare shoulder, 

"You deserve the world ya know." You hum, 

"I deserve sleep. You can have your skin to skin because I'm about to pass out." He chuckles, 

"Once she's done feeding, I'll take her." He tells you. You nod. 

It doesn't take long for her to finish and stare up at the both of you so inquisitively, it makes your heart heart. Tom takes her once he's shed his shirt and once you've snapped a few photos of the two of them, it's easy to slip into peaceful, much needed sleep.

A few days later, you're discharged, watching Tom strap your little girl into her carseat. You smile down at him, 

"Look at that Mia, mommy isn't the only girl that can crumble your daddy to his knees." He grumbles, sighing when you brush your fingers along his shoulder,

"I'm kidding love. Promise." He nods before he's standing straight, hoisting the car seat up. You coo down at your baby who stares up at you with gorgeous, sparkling, chocolate eyes. Tom slings your baby bag over his shoulder, worry flashing in his eyes at the backpack you sling over your own shoulder, 

"Tommy, it has stupid stuff in it. It's light." He swallows and nods, 

"Fine…" He takes your hand and leads you out of the room, keeping a close eye on you until Mia is strapped into the middle seat, and you're buckled in beside her. 

Of course he drives way under the speed limit, but it's fine because with Mia's fingers wrapped around one of your own and her eyes blinking in the light while she suckles her pacifier, you're lost in her. Soon enough, he's parking, taking her carseat and the duffel up the stairs to your apartment. He toes the door open, leading you inside. Once you set foot in the door, you gasp, 

"Surprise!" The group yells, Tom's smile somehow widening. You gasp, 

"Guys…" Ivey giggles before she's trotting forward, pulling you into her arms. She spots Mia, cooing as she crouches in front of Tom to see her in her little carseat. Keaton has moved to pull you into his arms, kissing your temple, 

"How are you feeling?" He asks. You nod,

"Fine. Sore but… she's worth it." You explain to him. He smiles and drapes his arm over your shoulders as Cole's hand slides across your lower back, 

"Oh my goodness… hi sweet girl. She is gorgeous guys." Ivey says. Tom smiles before he's setting her down and unclipping her from her carseat, 

"Would you like to hold her?" He asks Ivey who looks up at him, teary eyed,

"Really?" Tom nods,

"Course." Tom can tell that the hormones from being so early into her own pregnancy has her weepy. Harrison comes to stand behind her as she takes your baby girl into her arms, cradling her close, 

"Your mommy's bump was so big but you're so tiny baby girl." She tells her. Tom chuckles, watching his best friend's wife, and his wife's best friend coddle his first baby, 

"She really is. My biceps are bigger than she is." Harrison murmurs, 

"And that's why she's small." Tom tells him. He reaches out and smacks your husband, 

"Asshole." Keaton sits down on the couch with you still under his arm. Cole takes the seat next to you, gesturing to Tom, 

"How was he?" You nod, 

"Good. He was a great partner to have. Super supportive. And whenever I needed sleep, he took her." He nods,

"Good." You nod, watching Tom stroke little tufts of hair from your daughter's forehead as she rests her head over Ivey's shoulder. You smile, 

"He's gonna be an amazing dad." You murmur. Keaton nods, 

"I believe it." 

"Yeah… he's decent enough." Cole murmurs. You giggle, resting your head over his shoulder. He sighs, 

"Mom would be… so proud of you." He tells you. You smile, 

"I know." Scarlett comes to sit in Cole's lap, his arms binding around her as she leans in and hugs you, 

"You and Holland made the most beautiful little girl. She's so perfect and we're all obsessed and I wanna know when it's my turn to take her and love her." 

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, that's a lot all at once. Don't you think the new parents should have their fill of her first? Besides… all she'll do is sleep, you wait until she's like two, fill her with sweets, and then drop that ticking time bomb back off here." You glare at your older brother who shrugs,

"Strictly to her father though. Not her mother because I'd like to keep my balls." You roll your eyes, 

"It'll always fall back on me." 

"Hey, that's not true. We're a team." Tom mumbles, nearing you. You stare up at him as he leans in and kisses you softly, 

"We're a team." He reiterates. You nod, 

"Yeah, fine." Ivey and Harrison share the chair in the corner, one of his hands pressed to her belly, the other cradling Mia's head. You smile at them,

"Speaking of great parents." Tom nods as he slides down to the floor. You run your fingers through his hair. Cole nudges your side, 

"And just like that, you're a mom." You smile,

"And just like that she's got a protective little crew." Cole nods, 

"Three step moms and four step dads." You giggle and nod, 

"The best." With everyone crowded into your living room, pawing all over your new baby girl, it's just like old times. It's just like college, add a baby girl. And it's perfect. 

[honorhearted]

"Rebellious?" Benjamin echoed, smiling. "Believe me, sir: I don't think you'll ever have to worry about that. If Emma thinks something's for the greater good, she'll do it." Whether he liked it or not.

Despite the pain snagging throughout his heart like reckless, tiny little claws, he maintained his smile, if only because August was as well. It seemed both had become adept at grinning through Emma's exploits, regardless of whether or not they felt the joy they wished to express.

Quickly, that smile fell once August revealed to him what Benjamin already suspected: "You need to understand... what she did today, that's how she lives all the time. She may not have had a chance to do so here at your camp, she had to help in more ordinary ways, but back home... she will stay a few weeks at the castle and then she's out... battling."

"I imagined as much," Benjamin softly offered. "You can't have a heart like Emma's, and then just sit back and do nothing. Her goodness...it's far more than we deserve."

August spared him an admonishing look. "But be mad," he encouraged. "Let yourself be mad at her. Here, now, with me. So you are not mad at her in there later. Your anger would just make her cry, and no one wants that. I'll be mad."

Benjamin stiffened, his spine growing painfully straight. "I couldn't be mad at her now," he insisted. "Am I frustrated? Yes, absolutely. But how can I be mad when she nearly...? W-when I almost lost...?" Rolling his lips inward, he swallowed back the words and quickly looked away, his head shaking as if trying to cast out the very image. "August, the fact remains that she saved Sackett's life. He is a mentor and a friend, and I'd be an absolute arsehole, were I to tear into her for doing a good thing. I just...I wish she didn't have to keep hurting herself in the process."

A coldness suddenly took over, stark and simmering like the brush of cooling ash over a fire. "I know you two were sharing a bed," August snapped. "I wish I didn't, but she can't lie and it's obvious you two were in some sort of courting situation when we arrived."

Benjamin gaped at him, stunned by something so private suddenly being plastered all over a near-stranger's face. "But...sh-she and I..."

"Look, I'm not blind," he cut in. "And it's not as if I didn't see her struggling like a romantic heroine in a tragedy for the past few days, as dramatic as only a brokenhearted moron like her could be. I also have no doubt it's her fault, because I have seen the way you two are around each other, and she must have gotten scared and pushed you away, but let's not pretend she's not here for you and there is nothing platonic about it."

Stung, Benjamin was quick to look away again. "I asked her if she could ever feel something for me...and she said no," he insisted. "Or rather, she didn't seem to think she could. I may hold her in the highest of esteem, sir, but it would be a cruelty, were I to force what clearly makes her uncomfortable. I never wanted...I-I only wish..." Frustrated, he curled his hands at his sides. "I've always said that seeking affection in war is a fool's errand, and therefore I wouldn't do it, but you know Emma." He flashed a feeble smile. "To know her is to love her. I was helpless but to become ensnared."

August still seemed sympathetic. "She's afraid of commitment, but she still has feelings. As you do," he accused. "Every single time she rejected someone in her life she's given them a speech that pretty much goes: I don't love you, I'll never love you, you are not my type, nothing you can do will change that. Is that what she said to you?"

Benjamin's head snapped up, no longer able to pretend the other man's words held no meaning. "You dare to give me hope?" he asked. Voice weak, he shakily pressed on, "Sir, it is not a kindness to force me to review that day again...to force me to bare my heart and potentially have it shorn apart as before. Because no, she did not say those exact words -- she was unable to say much at all, in fact: only the simple refrain of 'I can't.'" His eyes grew wet. "I'd never seen her in so much pain in all my life, and I have no desire to put her through that again...so I won't. Because I swore I wouldn't. I may have feelings for her, sir, but it's that affection that's keeping me from dredging up what clearly served to wound rather than mollify."

"She...she only went there because I requested it.

August didn't know whether to laugh or cry, having heard the same sentiment when it came to Emma dozens of times, and having felt the same before. "Yes, you are right, Emma is well-known to stay out of trouble and to need a push before jumping into danger. And she definitely follows orders and requests against her own will and best judgment. I hope some day she'll grow a spine and become somewhat rebellious." There was a light smile on his lips, even as his eyes burned - affection for Emma, of course, and hatred for the fact that she must be in pain now. "She cares about Sackett, she'd have been there anyway, not your fault, and at least you knew where to look. We don't always get that lucky, as she unfortunately forgets to share her little missions with us."

Doesn't she know the people who love her are getting hurt with her reckless, senseless ambition?

"No." it was a very simple answer, but then he corrected himself, "She knows, more or less, but... the problem is... it's not ambition. If it were, she'd... push it down for us. I don't know if you've noticed this, if you had the chance, but I can promise you that even today, if she wakes and she's strong enough to get up, she'll try. And there will be no amount of telling her she needs to rest that will work, but... telling her that she's making us worry to the point we might not sleep at night, that'll put her back in bed. She'd do anything for us. But like I said, it's not ambition. It's pure instinct. It's her. She will be protecting, fighting, taking care... long before she needs to think about it. Must be hard for her too, to be all heart, no self-preservation. Harder for us, though." A lot harder, when they were so useless in the face of her wounds.

"You need to understand... what she did today, that's how she lives all the time. She may not have had a chance to do so here at your camp, she had to help in more ordinary ways, but back home... she will stay a few weeks at the castle and then she's out... battling. She only gets hurt when she's physically protecting someone who's there, ironically, she's terrible at preserving her life if there is another person to protect, But when off on her own she's unstoppable. I hope your war will end soon, but hers won't until she lets it. She's been at it since she was nineteen... I actually considered studying medicine, but if I went with her every time to be a medic, she'd have been killed long ago protecting me." Little crazy warrior, completely unable to control herself when she saw someone in danger. But it wasn't the case now, no, he knew damn well the kind of week she had been having, and how weak she must have been despite deciding it was a great idea to keep guard on Sackett all by herself.

"But be mad," he nodded, "Let yourself be mad at her. Here, now, with me. So you are not mad at her in there later. Your anger would just make her cry, and no one wants that. I'll be mad." Despite at times wanting to kill this man simply because once again he had to watch Emma's reddened, puffy eyes and pretend not to know she had been crying over him, he also felt his deepest sympathy for him.

Then Benjamin pointed out that she cared for everyone there and that was the reason she stayed, and that sympathy faded quite a bit. "I know you two were sharing a bed. I wish I didn't, but she can't lie and it's obvious you two were in some sort of courting situation when we arrived." He couldn't have sounded more judgy. "Look, I'm not blind. And it's not as if I didn't see her struggling like a romantic heroine in a tragedy for the past few days, as dramatic as only a brokenhearted moron like her could be. I also have no doubt it's her fault, because I have seen the way you two are around each other, and she must have gotten scared and pushed you away, but let's not pretend she's not here for you and there is nothing platonic about it. She's afraid of commitment, but she still has feelings. As you do. Every single time she rejected someone in her life she's given them a speech that pretty much goes: I don't love you, I'll never love you, you are not my type, nothing you can do will change that. Is that what she said to you?" Nothing in Benjamin's words now nor in his general behavior had pointed at such response from Emma, despite Emma having told him that 'she had ruined everything', whatever that meant, so for once, just once, August had all reasons to think she had finally found someone, which had promptly scared her to death. And now the other idiot in question was apparently also determined to refer to it as a friendship, more or less, and that meant Emma going home soon and going back to this exact sort of violent, bloody life, instead of finally finding some happiness to focus on. He'll be damned if he let it happen without trying to help her.