#Much more calmer when it's just a simple check up

[babymetaldoll]

"Spencer Reid, inked" (Spencer Reid x tattoo artist!reader!)

Part of the "We are not gonna make it" writing challenge @aperrywilliams and I are hosting during October.

Event Masterlist - Main Masterlist

Summary: Spencer gets his first tattoo

Word count: 1.978

Warnings: None

I hated feeling like a cliché. But I was, at least at the moment. That’s what everybody would say if they knew I was going through a middle-age crisis. There was no other way to call it. I was well aware of the symptoms. I was already forty, single, reconsidering my job options and looking for a new career after almost twenty years working for the FBI. 

And the worst symptoms of them all: I was about to get my first tattoo. 

Yes, me. Spencer Walter Reid, germaphobe. 

It hadn’t been an easy decision. God, it hadn’t been an easy year. Everything seemed so useless and pointless at a certain moment like I had wasted so much time overthinking, overanalyzing, over… everything. And I had forgotten one simple thing: living. 

So now at forty years old, I want to start living. And one thing I always imagined I would do but never really thought I could do was get a tattoo. 

Garcia recommended a shop in town. She is the only one who knows I’m planning to do this because a part of me is very embarrassed to share my crisis with my friends. I know they wouldn’t make fun of me, but it’s not something I wanna bring up in any conversation, except for Pen. She is one of my closest friends and I know she would never judge me, or make fun of my insecurities. Actually, when I told her my plans, she even asked if I wanted her to tag along and support me. 

- “Thank you, Garcia. But I think this is something I wanna do alone.” 

- “I get it, boy genius. Just know that I will be a phone call away in case you need me.” 

The tattoo shop she recommended isn’t very busy when I walk in, and a little belle announces my arrival. 

- “Hey! Do you have an appointment?”- a guy asks from the desk and I hesitantly walk over. I’m starting to second-guess this whole plan. Me? Getting a tattoo? Really? 

- “Hi, yes. I talked with (Y/N) on the phone.”

- “(Y/N)!”- the guy yells- “Your eleven am is here!” 

- “I’ll be right there!”

Garcia said this girl is the best tattoo artist she knows and that she is very soft and gentle, which is exactly what I think I need if I’m getting my first tattoo. Right, I don’t even know what I wanna get. I think I should have thought about that before booking this appointment. Maybe I’m gonna waste this woman’s time today and she will do a bad tattoo as revenge. I should probably just leave. 

- “Hey! Spencer, right?”- I hear my name and turn around. But no words come out of my lips ‘cos I was sure I was leaving a second ago, but now… now I should really start talking. 

- “Yes, I’m Spencer. Hi!”- I wave awkwardly as she stares at me with a big smile.

- “Nice to meet you, can I get you anything? Coffee? water?”

- “Thank you, I’m good.”- she walks over to a couch and invites me to sit with her. Garcia didn’t mention the tattoo artist she recommended me was so beautiful and I’m feeling more nervous now than I was when I first got here. And I was considerably nervous a few minutes ago already. 

- “Tell me, why is it that you decided to get a tattoo?”- she looks at me, waiting for an answer, and all I can give her is the truth.   

- “I never considered getting a tattoo until a few days ago. You could call it a middle-aged crisis.”- I chuckle and she smiles at me, which somehow helps me feel calmer.

- “I don’t think I ever considered it before, but now somehow, it just makes sense.” 

- “I don’t consider any crisis a bad thing. Each one is like a reality check that we should pay attention to. I think it’s a way life has to keep us on track of what we should be doing instead of what we think we should do. Does that make any sense?”

I nod and smile at her reply ‘cos it’s a beautiful way to look at a crisis. When you are uncomfortable, you should pay attention and make the changes you need to make. Maybe a tattoo won’t change my life, but it feels like a way to become the man I want to be instead of who I thought I should be. 

- “And do you have an idea of what you want to be your first tattoo? 

- “Uh. Not really”- I look at my hands, embarrassed to deal with my honest truth. But she just chuckles and continues asking.  

- “Not a single idea? There must be something revolving in that mind.”- I raise my eyes and meet hers, and I know I’m blushing, which is embarrassing.- “What do you like?” 

- “I like books”- my nerdy answer makes her eyes shine. Maybe she likes reading as well.  

- “A favorite one?”

- “War and Peace”

- “A Tolstoi fan, I think I can work on that. Sounds good?”- I nod, smiling.  

- “Yeah. Definitely.” 

- “Great! So give me a few minutes to draw a few options. Where do you want your tattoo?”

- “I was thinking in my forearm.”

- “Great choice! That area is low on nerve endings and bone, so it'll be less painful than other areas with thinner skin.”- she looks so excited to share that info I don’t wanna tell her I already knew it, and that is the reason I chose that placement. 

- “Are you sure I can’t get you anything to drink while you wait?”- (Y/N) stands up and looks at me expectantly. 

- “I’m good, thank you.” 

- “Ok, wait here. I’ll be back in a sec.” 

- “Ok Spencer. Ready?”- I’m sitting on (Y/N) chair. My arm rests on a clean sterile bench covered in plastic. She took the time to clean everything in front of me, probably to assure me everything was taken care of before a needle was in sight. 

- “Ready.”- I reply and take a deep breath, trying not to move. But most of all, trying not to shake. 

- “I’m gonna make a short line first, so you can feel how the pain is, ok?”- I just nod and she smiles one more time. - “Stay still.”

My eyes are glued to her hands as she carefully traces a small line on my arm and as soon as she is done, she looks at me, expectantly.

- “How did that feel?”

- “It was good”- I answer and look at the line, now drawn forever on my skin.

- “Not as painful as you imagined?”

- “Not painful at all”

- “Great! Let's continue then.”

I find the process of getting a tattoo relaxing, somehow. Here I am, unable to move for a very long time, forced to talk with a stranger. A beautiful stranger that is, in fact, the nicest woman I’ve met. And though none of that could ever be relaxing to me, she is so good at small talk, she is making me talk the entire time, not overthinking anything. 

- “So, you’ve been with the FBI for over fifteen years?”

- “Basically my entire life.”

- “Did you always envision yourself being a Fed?”

I don’t know if I wanna answer that. Mostly, I don’t know how to deal with that subject at the moment. So I clear my cough and she gets it right away. 

- “We don’t have to talk about that. You could tell me what is it about War and Peace that gets you so much.” 

- “I don’t know. Honestly, I haven’t read a book I didn’t like. Never.”

- “And I have the feeling you read a lot.”

She never looks at me, her eyes are always on my arm as she draws on my skin. But I look at her, analyzing her features and the way her eyebrows are constantly frowning in concentration. 

- “Why?”

- “‘Cause books were the first thing that came to your mind when I asked you what you like.”- she answers and chuckles.- “You have no idea what people answer to that question.” 

- “Surprise me. What’s the weirdest answer you’ve gotten?”- she smiles as she gives the question a little thinking. 

- “I don’t wanna judge! I mean, we all have different lives and tastes and picks… and we have been touched by different things in life… However, it’s always weird when people tell me their favorite thing in the whole world is Homer Simpson.”

I try not to burst out laughing, but it’s nearly impossible. (Y/N) takes the needle just in time before I start roaring with laughter.  

Honestly, I don’t remember when was the last time I laughed that hard. It’s refreshing. Relaxing. Encouraging. I don’t know if it’s the whole tattoo experience or (Y/N)’s company, but I can’t recall feeling this alive and happy in a very long time. 

It’s disappointing when she tells me she is done. She applies a gel on my freshly tattooed skin and invites me to check it in the mirror. And I don’t know how something like this can actually happen, but that’s the moment it actually hits me. I got a tattoo. It’s there, forever in my front arm. 

Spencer Reid inked. 

- “Alright, Dr. Reid.”- she says as she finishes placing a plastic patch on my tattoo.- “Keep this covered for the next 12 hours, then you take it out and wash it with baby soap and apply this cream every eight hours or when it starts to itch.”

I take the box and smile at her as she looks at my arm for one last time before looking directly into my eyes. It makes my heart skip a beat immediately, and I don’t know  

- “Thank you so much.”- I manage to reply.  

- “Not a problem. Technically, it’s my job, though you made it extra nice today, so thank you.”

I don’t know what to answer to that, so I just chuckle and blush. She stares at me in silence as well, but it’s not awkward, it’s… tense? But in a nice way. In a very unknown way as well. I am not familiar with this kind of situation. Or, at least, I don’t think I’m good at dealing with them.  

- “So… Considering this is your first tattoo, and that I am a very professional tattoo artist, I’m gonna give you my number, so in case of any random question or doubt, you can reach me.”- the way her lips turn into a cute and sweet smile at the end of her little speech hints she is not just saying it to be nice. And I like it. 

- “That’s very thoughtful. I appreciate it.”- I offer her my phone and she writes her number on it.- “I’m gonna ring you, so you can save mine.”

- “That’s great.”- and she is beaming. 

- “Can I call you even if I don’t have questions about my tattoo?” 

- “Sure, I can help with music rants if you ever need to talk about that, somehow I’ve also collected a lot of info about nineties trash TV and cult documentaries.”- I chuckle at the selection of subjects and nod. 

- “Why cults?”

- “I’m not sure, I guess you never know when you might need a new asset at work… that doesn't make any sense.”

- “No, but I’ll take it. It’s not the weirdest answer related to cults I’ve gotten.” 

- “Do I wanna know?” 

- “Maybe over coffee?”

- “Pick me up at seven?”- I nod and she smiles one more.- “Good. I’ll see you later then.”

As I walk out of the tattoo shop I feel like a cliché again. I’m in my midlife crisis, I got my first tattoo, and somehow, I feel like a brand new person. I think I like myself a little more after doing this. I don’t think I’ll regret getting this ink done.

[lvlyhao]

『when he's on tour / MARK LEE』

A/N: thoughts on how mark would be as bf when he's away on tour :(

gifs used in this are not mine and they will be removed if requested!!

𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮𝓼: fluff (♡), comedy (☼)

𝓦𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼: i swear a bit maybe???

disclaimer: the characters in the story below do not reflect real people or present real facts. this is purely fictional, and you may not copy, change, translate or repost my work in any way. all rights reserved © lvlyhao 2023.

--------

mark is usually pretty clingy with you already, but he turns it up to the max before a tour

being away from you like that is one of the parts about his job he hates the most, and yeah, he knew what he was signing up for since the beginning

but he can’t help but be heartbroken about it every. single. time

the other members know him well enough to give like a 2 weeks notice for him to get his shit together and spend as much time with you as humanly possible??

cus otherwise, he’ll get caught up in rehearsals, schedules and whatever else and then the day before they leave be like

“oh shit”

and if that’s the case we all know mark is gonna be miserable during the whole thing right lmao

yeah mom taeyong isn’t letting that happen

(again)

mark normally sees the time before a tour as an opportunity to check off a LOT of things from your couples bucket list

like, do you have any tv shows you’ve been meaning to watch together? you’re binging it today

you wanted to visit that coffee shop right? get your coat, you’re going rn

you wanted to buy matching bracelets yeah? he’s already got them

and it’s just a very fun, loving time for the both of you

it keeps you busy enough not to spiral about what it’s gonna be like not seeing each other for months

:)

of course, it doesn’t work 100% of the time

especially at night, when mark’s about to fall asleep, the loneliness of not having you around starts to seep in

and it’s like he says goodbye to you in his head before it happens irl

which is 1. sad as heck??? and 2. kinda suffering through it twice, cus he always thinks he’s gonna be more “well prepared” for it this time, and that’s never true

by now it’s probably pretty obvious touring is a very dramatic experience for him right lmao

johnny’s always like “bro it’s just a couple months you’re gonna be f i n e” but for mark it’s,,, not that simple

he’d rather say bye when it’s just the two of you, maybe at your place or somewhere nice

it feels a lot calmer when it’s like that, cus then it’s tight hugs, some kisses and mark saying he promises he’ll text you every day and call you as much as he can

and yeah maybe one of you lets a tear or two fall down but it’s fine

now

if you go with them to the airport

it’s gonna be so much more chaotic like holy crap, trust me, not going is the better option

if for some unknown reason you’re like “no i’ll go with you to catch the plane and we’ll say bye there”

there’s gonna be a lot more crying involved

cus it’s one thing hugging you bye when his flight’s in 6 hours or so, but it’s a whole other thing when everyone’s already boarding and some other member is trying very hard to be gentle but he has to go NOW

it’s all so rushed he can barely even tell you he loves you :(

mainly bc he wanted to keep hugging you until he absolutely had to let you go

oh well

mark is 10000% the type to ask you to put together a playlist for him to listen to during the trip

he can be a bit of an airhead at times but he does his best to keep you updated on how he’s doing, where he is right now, things of the sort

so he tries to text you the moment the plane lands, when they get to the hotel, when he’s eaten

and it’s not even just texts

it’s a cute candid selfie AND a text

now

mark is definitely not the best photographer in nct

but he will try so hard to take good pictures for you

cus all he wants is for you to feel like you’re there with him, seeing all those cool places

having said that, most pictures do turn out to be crappy

but he’s willing to ask for help from another member so it’s all good lmao

(i’m looking at johnny, jaemin or tyong tbh)

sends you a picture of every single dog or cat he sees

absolutely every single one

keeps a clock in your timezone in his phone so he knows the best times to text/call

speaking of calling

i’m sorry to tell you you’re not getting a one on one facetime session with him

it’s just not happening

like it may last 5 minutes tops, but that’s the time it takes for someone to hear your voice/barge into his room and immediately ask to talk to you

haechan, johnny, yukhei and baek do that a lot

but normally the other members follow lmao

it’s 50% to annoy him but 50% bc they genuinely wanna see you

it doesn’t bother you too much cus you know

they’re cute or whatever

he’s not really the type to get small trinkets from every place he goes to bc that’s just ??so much??

instead, he’ll probably get you one really nice gift

like this huge plushie he had to carry around himself on their way back home bc no one had enough space in their bags for it

or a new perfume he thinks you’ll like

i love him your honour

one last thing bc this is already way too long

mark is the KING of backstage pictures and TMI's about the other members

like at this point you have enough blackmail material to torture them for 6 months minimum

and tbh it’s mainly haechan when he’s with dream/127 and jongin with superm lol

but he keeps it varied

you end up with even some derpy jaehyun pics, best case scenario

he’s already making plans on how you are gonna celebrate him being back home

…and it most likely includes building a pillow fort and watching marvel movies but i didn’t tell you that

[the---hermit]

I have not kept it a secret that this semester commuting has been really rough on me. By the time I get home in the middle of the afternoon even if I only had to sit in a hour and a half lecture I feel like an overcooked noodle. And the mornings aren't any easier, my anxiety has been spiking a lot lately, and that messes me up completly, and it's particularly hard on my stomach. Let's just say it's a very demanding period of my life both physically and emotionally and I have been doing my best to get through it with ups and downs, but most importantly by trying to properly take care of myself. I decided to compile a list of small things that have been helping me, both for future reference as well as for people who might be dealing with similar issues.

Prep everything I can the night before. I don't leave the house until more or less mid morning since my class is on lunch time more or less (and this will come up again), so I do have time to do stuff in the morning, but if I have already put everything I need in my backpack, picked an outfit for the day and checked that I have my bus ticket the night before I can have a much calmer morning. Having a calm morning is fundamental for me on any day, so especially when I have a stressful and energy demanding day ahead I want to make sure I don't have to rush, and here is my second point.

Try to have a morning as calm as possible before I have to leave. I am a morning person so I wake up quite early which means I have plenty of time to take it easy. And this means drink my tea as I read my book, prep the last few things I need, like my waterbottle, eat (on which I'll have a later point). Overall my morning before leaving needs to be slow and mostly made of things for myself so again my precious reading time, listening tocmusic as I get ready to get in a better mood and so on.

Taking my meds regularly. It's the logical thing to do, if I am in a period in which my anxiety is worse than usual the number one goal is to be consistent with meds, they are there to help me even if sometimes I forget that.

Finding ways to enjoy food when anxiety fucks up my stomach. What happens is that as soon as I have an anxiety spike for some reason I get very nauseous, which is terribly by itself and it gets worse when it makes me struggle to enjoy my food. But I found a couple of ways to work around that in the past few weeks. Eating when I am away from home is much worse so what I do is embrace the little hobbit in me and have more meals when I am at home, and just bring some snacks on the road if I need them. That means I have two breakfasts before I have to leave the house, the last being a bit more filling. And then when I get home no matter how tired I am or what time it is I cook something for myself, something simple, but I take the time to make something good that fills me up and makes me happy. Because having a full stomach does improve your mood belove me. When I am on the road I bring some lighter snacks that can help me if I feel like I need to have something but that will also work well if I have a spike in anxiety and correlated nausea. I usually eat some homemade bread while I walk from the bus stop to my uni, and then snack on some nuts while I wait for the lecture. And I always have an emergency sweet treat in my backpack because that is something that I actually do on a regular basis. This thing has been working very well, I have had less problems with my stomach acting up, and I am definitely getting all the nutrients I need during the day, just at times that are a bit different from my normal routine.

Bring tea with me. It's something I never did before but it's becoming the one thing I won't give up. I either make a green tea or an herbal tea that I drink before the lecture, and it's been so good for me both physically and mentally. It's been super cold so the warm treat is really needed, but most importantly it's been very comforting and calming, so shutout to my dad for suggesting that.

Having little things to look out for during the commute. This mostly consists of me listing to podcasts, and re:dracula has been of great company in my commutes last year so it's nice it's become a bit of a tradition. It's just good for me not to associate commuting with negative things, so now I just percieve it as poscast time which makes it much much better. This also includes texing friends when I feel like I can look at the screen of my phone without getting car sick (again when anxiety messes me up I can get random car sickness), that's good to keep my mind off things and make the commute feel lighter.

Total relax when I get home. Which sometimes means lying in bed with a cup of tea and nothing more. If I have enough brain power I might read a comic, or play stupid midless games on my tablet for a bit. Honestly just things that need as little energy and brainpower as possible because by that time I do not have much energy or brainpower left, and it's okay. I normally use up a lot of energy when going out and it this period of time all tasks require I use even more energy. I can't do much about it other than accept it and do my best to tke care of myself.

[healingpuppys]

How to cope with a trauma anniversary!

for some slight context, today is a very awful day for us, we have many trauma anniversaries, and though they seem to never get better throughout the years we have found a way to cope with some things!

Waking up

waking up the morning of a trauma anniversary can feel jarring, and sometimes at first you don’t realize it’s a trauma day, it’s different for everyone when they may realize! sometimes you can wake up and your body feels heavier, you may feel fuzzy, and gross; although these feelings are awful it’s very important to ground yourself, it’s ok to let yourself feel those feelings but don’t let it overcome you and cause you to spiral. A few grounding tips we have are:

find a comfort item, it can be anything! just something that brings you joy and comfort.

play a song or video that helps you calm down, focus on the beat and try to tap your fingers along with it

wrap yourself in a big blanket, for us personally it gives us a sense of safety when we most need it and it can be you��re safe space

these are just a few and of course there are plenty more you can use!

Flashbacks

Flashbacks are again a horrible and very painful experience. We also have things called ptsd induced hallucinations, where sometimes a flashback can trigger hallucinations and make life in the moment so much worse. if you experience these as well we have a few tips! even if you don’t experience these you can still use the tips!

reality check your self but not in a negative way, say things like “nothing can hurt me in this moment” “i am safe” etc.

distractions!! I know some people say “distractions won’t help you process through things” no, and a lot of people on a day like this don’t want or need to process anything, we are put in the mindset of trauma responses and are simply trying to survive the day, it’s important to have things that can ease our mind in those moments

comfort food, comfort food or drinks can always help and bring you away from a certain memory into another

calming or nice smells, candles or anything that has a nice sent can help distract the mind and sometimes put you in a different mind set

Eating

eating or getting hungry can be a struggle, for some they feel nauseous or sick at times during the day, which is completely normal! It is important to try to eat, and again if you can’t that’s completely ok there’s no need to feel shame in it just remember to hydrate and eat when you feel better! some tips to help one feel hungry or eat

Comfort food again!! comfort food can bring one out of a memory sometimes and into a happier or calmer one! and who doesn’t love comfort food!!

watching people cooking! it can sometimes be helpful for someone to regain hunger by watching others cook and plate some delicious looking food

Sleeping

sleeping can be hard on these days, for us we don’t get much sleep the night of our trauma date, but trust me it’ll make you feel much better.

Water/rain/forrest/wind sounds, they can be very calming and helpful to sleep, for us the forrest is one of our favorite places to be so we can sleep very soundly with noises of the forrest

youtube videos, something calming or funny as background noise can help someone’s mind relax enough to fall asleep

melatonin/prescribed sleeping meds, for some simple distractions won’t be enough so if you’re able we recommend taking something that can help you sleep

breathing/meditation! meditating is known to relax your body and mind also helping you clear tension built up in your body, we highly recommend this strategy!

though some of these things may not be helpful for some we hope to give people ideas and what personally helps us! remember lovely’s you’re valid, you’re strong, and you are all amazing! please remember to stay safe!!

[cyb-rdva]

A Night To Remember

A. Karma × Eepy! Reader

DESCRIPTION

╰┈➤ You and Karma hangs out in his place to game until you suddenly felt a bit Eepy, and so you both went to bed [His bed]. It was supposed to just be simple sleep-over, that was, until he realized something after you clung onto him.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : A Night To Remember — beabadoobee ft. Laufey

╔══ ❀•°❀°•❀ ══╗

“Underneath the sheets, You Enchanted Me”

╚══ ❀•°❀°•❀ ══╝

It was already past 11 p.m.

Attempting to be sleepless in a school night wasn't very much of an ideal plan, unfortunately the peaceful night still left them sleepless, for karma that is.

He was pretty much falling aswell when he felt something warm wrap in his upper abdomen, it shook him awake, he looked around the room to see what was clinging onto him, much to his surprise, it was you who had wrapped your limb on his torso.

A seemingly innocent movement such as this had left him flustered, very flustered if I may add.

You've done this before countless of times considering how clingy you get unconsciously, but this was the first time he's been flustered by this act of yours.

Thank god you were asleep, or else he wouldn't be able to hide his reddened face

It doesn't help that when he looked at you, you suddenly looked so pretty [Gender-Neutral wise], like what the heck? When did you look like that?

— Damian and Anya Moment —

As the night went on he slowly gets used to the feeling of your warmth, but it seemed that the sleeping version of you likes to fluster him so badly, you tossed and turned on your sleep until your head finds its way to his chest, pressing your forehead in it for warmth and your arms compressed in your chest

"Since when did you get this clingy when asleep?" he asks in a whisper, he stopped resisting himself and wrapped his arms around you to shield you, and you pressed forward.

His mind was full of thoughts as he simply stared at the blank space in his wall, oh boy, he isn't gonna be sleeping anytime soon.

And ooh boy, it was definitely gonna be a night for him to remember because it was the night tha he finally realizes how much you've enchanted him.

Extra!!

The sunlight shook you awake, around 7 a.m. in the morning

You didn't have any blanket on yet it was warm, really warm, like comfortably warm.

You looked attempt to feel at the wall that you were pressed onto which you received a groan as a response, you looked up and in surprise, you were met by a sleeping face of the redhead

He looked much more calmer and more cuter, more skrunkly, more silly.

You stare.

That's it, you just stare.

"if you like staring at my face so much, might aswell take a picture."

↠ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

Next Song

╰┈➤ ×××?

꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦꒦꒷♡꒷꒦

A Letter From the Author

— Dear Reader,

How have you been? It has been a while since I've last posted something and I decided that I shouldn't desert you for a long time and so I've finally rose from the dead.

There's been a few cobwebs here and there, the well's been all dry and mossy, hope you'd hang around while I clean up and polish the place up :>

Anyways, did you like my present? It's not much but it's all I could manage to make, hope it wasn't too shabby for your liking.

Sincerely Yours,

Cyres

Check out Beabadoobee and Laufey's Collab Song!

[a-killer-obsession]

Wavelengths [Killer x Reader, Heat x Reader]

🔞 Minors DNI 🔞

A search for a rumored Vegapunk weapon leads the Kid Pirates to an unexpected new crewmate, with a bloodlust that rivals their own and an incredible power.

CW: Please check AO3 for all current warnings, but general warning for smut, slow burn, serious gore, and really dark themes. AFAB reader, she/her pronouns.

Masterlist || AO3 || Chapter 1

Chapter 23 - We're So Back

Time to get back in action, starting with Treasure Island. Song mentioned: ‘Middle of the Night’ by Elley Duhé

WC: ~5k

Taglist: @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @tremendoushorsepatrolgoth @iggy5055

The seas were fairly rocky between the resupply town and ‘treasure island’, so not much time was spent above deck during the three day journey. Killer and Heat took turns giving you reading lessons to pass the time, between sharpening weapons and Killer showing you how to cook a few simple things. As the island approached it became clear that the reason nobody came here was probably the weather. It was the sort of island that was hard to approach due to the rough waves and sharp rocks surrounding the coastline, with near constant lightning strikes illuminating the otherwise darkly clouded island. Kid had to work hard to direct the ship with his devil fruit, along with Double at the helm, to keep it from smashing against the rocks. They made their way to a small dock in a cove that Double had found marked on the map you’d stolen from the marines, that was somewhat protected from the elements. It wasn't perfect, but the water was at least a little calmer here, allowing for the gangplank to be safely dropped. As predicted, there was nobody standing guard here, no doubt due to a combination of the weather, the difficult waters on approach, and the fact that it wasn’t on most maps. Not that the Kid Pirates were any less focused though, there could always be traps or dangerous creatures on the island instead.

The stash house marked on the map was a short hike inland, so you and Killer led point for the group, with Killer scanning for trouble with his haki and you using the x ray setting on you mask to check for traps, your hand on Killer’s back to help guide you while your vision was skewed. There were a few tripwire traps the marines had no doubt set, but they were easily spotted by the two of you and disarmed before they could do any damage. Working in this way slowly inland you eventually made it to a concrete bunker, right where the map said it would be. Another trap had been set to go off when the door handle was touched, but you were able to notify the others before anyone could be electrocuted by it. Kid used his fruit to destroy the mechanism, as well as tearing the metal door off its hinges for good measure, revealing the well organised crates and shelves of guns, swords, and ammunition inside, covered in a thin sheen of dust that indicated they had probably gone untouched for about a year. After one last check for traps, the crew set about transporting the heavy boxes back to the beach. Deeper stored crates also revealed large stores of long-life emergency rations. The island was definitely being used as an emergency resupply base for marines, and someone was going to get the shock of the century when they turned up and found the place empty. It would no doubt result in more than one marine starving to death, being that this place was likely only visited in case of emergency resupply.

Things were going well, the haul slowly making its way back to the shore, the crew in high spirits at the easy raid. You felt uneasy though, and judging by the way Killer seemed agitated you guessed he was feeling it too. Something was off, but you couldn’t put a finger on it. Sure, without haki or your devil fruit the crew would have been mostly taken out by traps, so it’s not like the island was just free pickings, but something else felt weird too.

“Something feel off to you, Kil?” you mused, switching through a few different visor settings to scan the surroundings but finding nothing of note.

“Mmm, I can’t place it though,” he replied.

“Maybe it's all the electricity in the air from the lightning?” you suggested.

“Yeah, maybe,” he hummed, “it just feels too easy, don’t you think?”

“It's not like it was all daisies getting the map and pose, or getting past all the traps,” Wire joined the conversation as he passed by in long strides, leaving you and Killer at the rear of the congregation.

“I guess that’s true,” you agreed, continuing to follow Killer but still a little on edge.

A flash of lightning directed your attention to the sky, and you could have sworn you saw something dark in the clouds in the fraction of a second they’d been illuminated. Then again, it was only a moment, maybe you were just being paranoid. Convincing yourself you were anxious because of the lighting, you continued down the path with the others.

The hairs on the back of your neck prickled with a close bolt of lightning, momentarily blinding you with the sudden brightness, and when your vision readjusted Killer was right in front of you, his punishers raised and his body shielding you, a long claw digging through the bicep of the raised arm, all the way to the back of it where you could see the bloodied point. With a flick of his wrist he cut the offending foot from the creature that had attacked him, sawing it off in a smooth movement with his spinning blades. The creature let out a shrill scream, flailing its shortened leg and spraying blood everywhere, most of the henchmen covering their ears while you went on the attack.

It was large, some sort of winged lizard, you would describe it as a dragon if you weren't totally sure that those were fictional. Then again, this was the Grandline, all sorts of weird shit happened here. Its emerald green scales shimmered like it was covered in jewels as more lightning struck nearby, illuminating its large figure. It was on par with a small seaking, the claw that had gone through Killer being about the same width as your wrist at its base.

You weren't back in full fighting shape yet, so your strength was limited, and you worried you'd be struck by lightning if you moon stepped to gain enough height for meteor wave, so you focused instead on what you could do from the ground. Killer charged at it again despite his injury, slicing a wide gash across the creature's chest as it flapped its wings and reared up, intending to stomp on him with its remaining front foot. The two of you were agile, and began to work in synchronised tandem, Killer making openings in the scales and you following close behind to use the openings as weak points where you could send through sharp waves of vibrations. It had a similar effect to what a cannonball might, but the large creature showed no sign of going down. Kid joined the fight, the rest of the crew being preoccupied with transporting the haul or too far already to have heard anything. He smashed it on the head with a large metallic fist, but the creature grabbed hold of it and did something unexpected. You thought for a moment that it was going to breathe fire, with the way its mouth and throat began to glow hot white, until a ripple of electricity spread through Kid's metal arm. You felt the electrons charging, and used your fruit to vibrate Kid's arm hard enough that he lost concentration and let the prosthetic fall before the electricity could reach his flesh.

“Fuck, god catch Yin,” he shouted over the rain, which was getting heavy and loud.

“Get out of here, your metal is no good here!” You shouted back.

“We'll get the ship ready to go!” He called back, regathering his prosthetic as he turned and ran before the creature could charge its electricity again.

Killer gave you a nod, and you got back to work, wearing away at the creature bit by bit. Killer was starting to falter, the claw still in his arm and hindering his movements, and you noticed now how much blood there was.

You unsheathed your sword, vibrating and heating it till it glowed red, turning yourself and the blade invisible and charging at the creature. It could still sense you, and sent a stream of electricity after you like a thick laser, but you dodged and weaved, jumping on to its back and running up the long neck before flipping yourself to dive down, using the momentum to drive your blade through the skull of the beast. With the added heat it cut like butter, the tip appearing under the jaw and dripping blood before pulling your blade out and riding the motion as the creature fell dead, gracefully jumping from its head as it hit the ground.

Killer was leaning against a tree, his hand hovering nervously over the claw still in his arm. He'd cut away the rest of the foot, but the claw was still going right through him.

“Nope!” You smacked his hand away, “you gotta leave it in till Mohawk can remove it”

Killer groaned and you rolled your eyes at him. “Big baby,” you pulled up his sash to expose his belt and started to unbuckle it.

“Woah, don't you think it's a bit soon for that?” He tried to stop your hands but you swatted them away.

“Behave,” you tutted, “I just need your belt”

You pulled the belt loose from his pants and wound it around his arm, above the claw, fastening it as tight as you could as a makeshift tourniquet. It made him wince and you tutted at him again.

“There, now let's get you to doc,” you yanked at his shirt to pull him away from the tree and pushed him to walk in front of you, “move it or lose it, big baby”

“You're mean after a battle,” he noted, “I like it”

“Next you're gonna tell me you have a kink for being bossed around,” you flirted.

“Maybe I do,” he purred back. You gave him a harder shove in the direction of the path as a blush swept across your cheeks. You followed him quietly down the path till you met back up with the others, half of them didn't even know anything had happened.

Mohawk rushed over, seeing Killer's arm, grabbing it maybe a little too rough and making Killer audibly wince. “What the fuck were you two doing?” Mohawk yelled, “playing hide the claw?”

“Yeah definitely, there's one in my pussy too,” everyone looked at you in shocked silence, “too far?”

Kid barked out a laugh while Mohawk dragged Killer away to the infirmary. Another strike of lightning nearby reminded you how unsafe this island was so you quickly followed them up the gangplank to go take a hot shower and change into dry clothes.

The ship was still rocking heavily by the time you finished your shower, but it'd at least made it back out to open sea past the dangerous rocks and heavy storm. You could see blue sky breaking through the clouds in the distance as you appeared back out on deck, the rest of the crew hard at work organising and storing the loot. You made your way to the infirmary to see if Mohawk needed any help, giving a short knock on the door before entering in case Killer had his mask off.

“Just me!” You announced as you slid inside, “You need your nurse, Mohawk?

“Can you wear a little nurse uniform?” Killer purred. Mohawk gave him a little smack on his sore side, making him groan.

“Ignore him, he's high as shit on pain meds right now,” the doctor rolled his eyes, “can you grab me some more sutures?”

“On it!” You smiled, glad to be of use. Killer's mask followed you as you moved, you felt a little like a prey being stalked by a predator, the thought made a shiver run down your spine. You brought the sutures to the bedside and Killer grabbed your ass with his good hand, making you squeal in surprise.

“Fucking hell,” you smacked him hard on the chest, “keep em to yourself big guy or I'll paralyze them” you growled. You weren't against Killer being handsy, per say, you just didn't think he would want this if he wasn't high, so it felt more responsible to scold him than to do anything to accidentally encourage it.

“You can do that?” Mohawk asked, a curious, plotting, glimmer in his eyes.

“Yeah I just gotta block the signals in the nerves,” you replied nonchalantly, “it's all just electric pulses”

“Coooool,” Mohawk definitely put that in his back pocket for later.

“How's he looking doc?” You asked, swatting Killer's arm away again. He made a silly little giggle under his mask, he was definitely high.

“Clean in and out,” he replied, tying off a stitch, “didn't hit anything important, he got lucky this time”

“I'm tryna get lucky again,” he tried to roll to grab you, this time Mohawk smacked him.

“That's it, no more moving mr. cloud nine ,” you clicked your fingers for effect and Killer went limp against the bed. Mohawk snorted, picking up the first mate's good arm and letting it flop uselessly to the bed.

“Awwwwww,” Killer pouted like a child scorned. You'd only paralyzed his limbs, his chest and head were still perfectly functional.

Another heavy roll of the ship had to sprawling over Killer, and he snickered as you clambered off him to stand upright again. “Do you need me in here anymore Mohawk?” you asked with a sigh as Killer made another feeble attempt at getting at you, “I have a feeling this one isn't going to behave himself while I'm still in here”

“Nah you're good,” he laughed, “get out of here before I have to sedate him”

You waited till you were at the door to unblock Killer's nerves, laughing to yourself as he audibly whined at you leaving.

After a successful mission, and proving that you were back in action, Kid was intent on having a party to celebrate. The waves were still rough and it was cold outside, still within weather range of the storm island, so unfortunately it had to be indoors. The rain had at least passed but nobody wanted to be out in the howling winds. The crew set up in the galley, most of the tables being covered with plates of shareable food and bottles of liquor, with tapped kegs of beer lined up along the wall. The food on the commander's table was especially stacked high, and you happily skipped over to start picking at it before Kid could come in and demolish the best bits.

It'd been a good few hours since leaving the island, dusk coming in heavy as people sauntered in for dinner a little later than normal to account for how long it took to make this much food. Killer entered not long after you, letting his hand breeze over your waist as he stepped around you to get to his normal chair. His injured arm was held in a sling, and he still seemed a little wobbly on his feet.

“Sorry about earlier,” he scratched the back of his neck with his good hand as he sat, “I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable”

“You're good,” you giggled, “got it all out of your system? I'm not gonna have to paralyse you again am I?”

“I hope not,” he scoffed, “I may have been off my rocker but that was weird as hell”

“Well I promise I won't do it again, unless you ask me to,” you winked, and a faint blush appeared on Killer's neck. “How's your arm?”

“Hurts a little now that the good stuff is out of my system, but its no where near as bad as when I fucked my arm,” he mused.

“How did you fuck your arm?” You asked, it was a curiosity you'd long had. You had to guess by the large amount of deep scarring that it'd been some sort of bad burn, but you couldn't tell if it was from fire or acid, or maybe some sort of devil fruit user.

“Ah, got caught in Heat's crossfire when we fought Shanks,” he scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed, “not my finest moment but we were all a bit frazzled by Kid's injury”

“I never did ask anyone about Kid's arm either, did Shanks do that?” You asked as you settled in your seat now that you'd gathered a collection of food from the spread onto one convenient plate.

“Nah, his first mate did it,” he replied, working on his own plate. You noticed him reaching for something but with only one good hand it was tricky, so you stood and leaned across the table to start piling his plate with food. “Thanks,” he hummed, pointing at a few things he particularly wanted, which you happily grabbed for him.

“No problem, it's the least I can do after you got hurt protecting me,” you smiled, “I thought his first mate was a gunman? How did he cut his arm off?”

“He didn't,” Killer began picking at his plate as you poured him a drink and slid a straw in before sitting back down. Killer hummed in appreciation at the wordless gesture. “He shot clean through the bone with a haki-infused bullet. Mohawk couldn't do anything out in the field to save it, by the time we got back to the ship the blood supply had been cut off for too long and he had to amputate”

“Fuck, that's rough,” you frowned, pouring yourself a drink. You'd come to find whiskey was your liquor of choice in your time with the Kid Pirates. “Not that a burn that big could have been any fun either”

“It wasn't, but Mohawk is a good doctor,” Killer hummed, “we were out of our depth taking on a yonko that early. I think we'll be ready next time.”

“Yeah? Any plans on doing that soon?” You asked curiously.

“Before the end of the year,” Kid answered for him as he took his seat, followed by Heat, Double and Mohawk. Wire had apparently drawn the short straw for the watch. “But we're not going at it alone this time, and we have a powerful new weapon on our side,” Kid grinned at you.

“You don't seem like the type for alliances,” you noted, “who are you planning to ask?”

“Hawkins and Scratchmen,” he replied with a full mouth, “we're still figuring it out but we're gonna send word soon. One of the islands you two nabbed an eternal pose and map for is a decently secluded, small, spring island with what looks like on the map to be a castle. Island that size can't be too hard to capture, so the plan is to take it for a base when we get closer and then call the other two crews to meet there. A castle that size should be able to accommodate us all okay”

“That seems like a good plan,” you smiled, “I've never seen a castle in person, I hope it's haunted”

“Wait, you want it to be haunted?” Heat almost choked on his food.

“Yeah, have you ever heard of ghost hunters using EMF to detect ghosts?” You asked with an enthusiasm to your voice, “electromagnetic energy is something I can feel and manipulate, so I've always wondered if I could use my powers to sense or control ghosts”

“That's hardcore,” Kid blinked at you, “imagine controlling army of ghosts, that'll fuckin’ spook Shanks”

“Assuming ghosts are real,” you added, “I hope they are though, it would be cool”

“I guess we'll have to wait and see then,” Killer noted. He secretly had his hopes up though, watching you control a army of ghosts would be fucking cool.

Hours had passed, and everyone was well and truly into the partying spirit. The tables had all been pushed to the walls to make space for crew mates playing instruments and dancing. You danced along with them, definitely drunk, a glass of whiskey in your hand. The amber contents sloshed and spilled occasionally as you danced and laughed, spinning in time with the band, the dizzy feeling in your head making you giggle more. Your signature jacket had been ditched long ago as the heat of the alcohol in your veins made you flush, showing off the pale yellow satin slip style dress you wore daringly without a bra, paired with a pair of strappy white shoes with thick heels. Many of the henchmen, as well as the commanders, eyed you hungrily, the spinning making your tight skirt flare slightly and showing off the occasional flash of royal blue panties. Killer had almost choked on his drink the first time he spotted them, he had no doubt the colour was purposeful to tease him, everyone knew it was his favourite.

You pouted as the band took a break, drunkenly stumbling your way back to the raised platform where the commander's table sat to complain.

“Can't you make them play more?” You pleaded to Kid.

“They've been playing for hours, let them rest you floozie,” Kid laughed.

“Who you callin’ floozie?” You slurred, “at least my tits ain't out” you pointed at Kid's open vest. He tutted in response.

“Didn't you tell me once you could control sound?” Killer mused. He was mostly sober given Mohawk had given him strict instructions to not drink much with the pain meds.

“Did I?” You put a finger to your lips in thought, “I haven't done that in ages though”

“Go on then, play your own damn music!” Kid roared.

You gave him an annoyed frown, that quickly turned to a mischievous smile as your lust-addled brain hatched a plan. You smirked at Kid and skipped away, taking a guitar that had been left resting against a wall by one of the musicians and skipping back with it.

“Can you even play that thing?” Kid smirked.

“Not properly, and I mean I don't actually need it,” you replied, shoving the guitar into his hands, “but string instruments use vibrations to make their sounds, so it's fun to manipulate them. It's less ‘playing’ in the traditional sense, and more like using a tool. Hold this for me would ya?”

You handed Killer your drink with a cheeky grin and sauntered over to the approximate middle of the semicircle that the commanders were sitting in, raising a hand towards the guitar. To everyone's surprise it began to strum out a melody, like it was being played by a phantom musician.

“I summoned you, please come to me,

Don't bury thoughts that you really want.

I fill you up, drink from my cup,

Within me lies what you really want.”

Brows raised around the room as you began to sing, none of them having ever heard your honeyed singing voice before. In truth, you weren't as good a singer as you appeared, but your devil fruit allowed you to manipulate your voice as it left you, making it sound exactly as you wanted it to. You added a rhythmic clap to the melody as you continued to sing.

“Come, lay me down

'Cause you know this

'Cause you know this sound”

Suddenly all around you was a burst of music and colours, vibrant ribbons of light spinning and radiating from you in time with the music in hues of purples, pinks and golds. You danced along with it, slow and sultry in time with the building rhythm, the reflections of light on your skin and satin dress giving you an almost ethereal glowing appearance.

“In the middle of the night, in the middle of the night,

Just call my name, I'm yours to tame.

In the middle of the night, in the middle of the night,

I'm wide awake, I crave your taste.

All night long 'til morning comes,

I'm getting what is mine, you gon' get yours, oh no, ooh~

In the middle of the night, in the middle of the night, oh~”

The lights and sounds faded as you returned to just the strumming of the guitar, the beat previously carried by your claps now forming out of the air as you danced, a faint circle of purple swirling around you on the floor like heavy smoke, small flickers of heatless golden flames licking at your shoes. All eyes were on you, captivated by the mystic display.

“These burning flames, these crashing waves,

Wash over me like a hurricane.

I'll captivate, you're hypnotized,

Feel powerful, but it's me again.

Come, lay me down,

'Cause I know this,

'Cause I know this sound”

The wondrous lights and music reignited as the chorus came round again, the flames flourishing to engulf your calves and spread from your feet, sparkling embers floating up from the tips and surrounding you like glitter. Your hips swayed in time as you sauntered around your makeshift stage, your fingertips brushing against Killer's chin in a seductive manner as you passed by, his breath hitching as you did so.

As the chorus ended it was replaced again by the guitar, accompanied now by a faded, echoing rhythm, haunting almost. The clap-like beat returned as your voice did, just as haunting and sultry as the tune as you slowly paced towards Killer, a hand reaching out as if to beckon him with your siren song.

“And just call on me, ah, just call my name

Like you mean it”

The final chorus approached with another explosion of light and sound, the colours even more vibrant than before as images of sparkling stars and asteroids shot past you, like you had lifted into the night sky, or perhaps torn it down to do your will. The pastels and golds that had previously appeared as ribbons now formed vast, glimmering nebulas, morphing and forming the shapes of horses that circled you in grand galloping herds. Your dancing became more energetic, your arms reaching out to the heavens before sliding down your body in a sensual display, your hips swinging in time as you sang. Every eye in the room was on you, many of the henchmen standing crowded at the base of the raised platform to get a better view, hypnotized by the way you conjured a symphony of light and sound from nothing.

As the chorus ended so did your singing, the sound of the guitar now all that was left as you repeated the same chords from the beginning, rounding out your song. There was a great applause as it came to an end, wobbling drunkenly, or perhaps just exhausted, on your feet as you turned and gave a bow to the henchmen before returning to Killer. You took your drink back from him, and slid into his lap like it was the most casual thing in the world. In truth, the performance had made you somewhat horny, showing off for him, and in your drunken state you'd somewhat forgotten about the boundaries you'd put in place, though as your fruit burned through the alcohol and sobered you, you couldn't find the will to get up from him.

The henchmen let out wolf whistles as they disbursed, now that the show was over. Killer coughed to clear his throat as you wrapped an arm around his neck for support and sipped your drink. His good hand naturally found your waist to keep you comfortably on his lap, the other still in its sling but itching to touch your exposed thighs. You'd been careful to sit so your torso was at the opposite side from it, weary of hurting him. Your dancing and focus on him during the song had the desired effect, feeling now the half mast erection he had against the plush underside of your thigh as you sat side saddle across his legs. You could have purred when you felt it as you sat, and you ran your finger under his chin as it tilted towards you, scratching his goatee and giving him a playful smirk before returning your attention back to the rest of the group.

“Well fuck, if you could do that this whole time then why do we even bother having instruments on board?” Kid barked enthusiastically as he rested the guitar against the table.

“Probably because it's exhausting,” you replied, “controlling sound and light like that takes a lot out of me, if we get attacked tonight you can count me out”

“Like your drunk ass could manage a fight right now anyway,” Kid huffed. You poked your tongue at him. “I see the two of you are friendly again”

“Whatever do you mean, Captain?” You replied teasingly, still scratching Killer's chin like he was a prized pet, “can't a girl just take a rest on a very comfy piece of eye candy?” Killer huffed under his mask at your objectification. “Hush, chair” you poked his mask.

“Kinky,” Kid noted with a suggestive eyebrow wiggle before taking a swig of his drink. You gave him a toothy grin and he almost choked on the liquor.

Your attention returned to Killer as you felt him grow harder under you, perhaps he enjoyed the objectification after all. Both of you were tipsy, now that much of the alcohol in your system had burned off with the strenuous use of your powers. You yawned dramatically, nestling closer to Killer. “I'm tired, carry me to bed?” You gave him your best pleading tone as you ran a hand down his front. He may have been down one arm but you knew full well that he was more than capable of carrying you with only one. You swore you felt his dick twitch against your thigh as it strained in his pants. You leaned in close, your mouth near the side of his mask over where his ear would be. “Maybe to your bed?” you whispered in a sultry tone.

He made a little grunt and took your glass from you, placing it on the table behind him before scooping you up onto his shoulder, the hand of his usable arm firmly on your ass, to keep you from slipping of course. The commanders made jeers and whistles as he carried you away, and you flipped Kid off behind Killer's back, laughing at his shocked face as you made your exit.

A/n: I know we don't have the specifics of what happened to Kid and Killer's arms other than a snippet that Benn Beckman was responsible for Kid's but I saw a interesting diagram the other day about how the bullet must have shattered the bone to necessitate amputation and it got me thinking, so this is my personal theories on what happened to them. 

[NEXT CHAPTER]

[sleekervae]

Wicked Games ❅ 3

Masterlist

Pairing: Coriolanus Snow x socialite!fem!reader

Summary: Coriolanus and Sable's First "Date"

Warnings: mentions of war, politicians being politicians, scars, alcohol

Word Count: 4,260

To say Garrison was furious at the news was... an understatement.

"You wanna' do what?" he gawked at the young senator, his sunken eyes narrowed as his bony fingers gripped the back of the desk chair. Coriolanus had hoped that his advisor would have been a little more open to the news; this was his idea, after all.

"Sable Hanover proposed that --"

"Yes, yes! I heard you the first time!" Garrison swiftly cut him off, "The mere fact that you're entertaining her circus is just... it's beyond you, Coriolanus!" he continued to cry, now pacing back and forth in the office, "She's a socialite! Fodder! She has as much political prowess as -- as this pen for God sakes!" he snatched his pen from his lapel pocket to make his point.

Tigris Snow, who up until now had stayed relatively out of Coriolanus' campaign, couldn't help but shudder at the older man's outbursts. She huffed, "Please, calm yourself, Garrison. The whole city will hear you," she told him.

"I'm plenty calm!" he replied, "You tell your cousin -- out of all the terrible ideas he's had -- this one takes the cake!"

Coriolanus was becoming quite annoyed with Garrison, now. His hands shifted to his pockets, eager not to let the vexation overwhelm him.

"I seem to remember plenty of my 'terrible ideas' working out just fine," he said, "The people loved them, Garrison. Or have you forgotten?" Coriolanus’s voice had an edge to it now, his temper simmering beneath the surface, "Every so-called 'reckless' move I’ve made has kept this campaign alive. What was your advice last time? Play it safe? Appeal to their nostalgia?" He scoffed, "That didn’t get us anywhere,"

Garrison stopped pacing, his bony hand still gripping the pen like a weapon. "This is different, Coriolanus. The people don’t trust you because they think you’re cold — detached. And this... alliance with Sable? It’s only going to cement that. You’ll look like a puppet for some Capitol floozy!”

Tigris, always the mediator, spoke up again, her voice cool and measured, "Sable may be a socialite, but she’s also popular. People gravitate toward her. They see her as one of them, not as a threat. And she has something you don't yet—likeability,"

"And how would you know how likeable she is, Ms. Snow?" he asked, "You're not in her social circle,"

"No, but I've come across her on different occasions, and she's been lovely every time," she assured, "Whatever plight she's trying to achieve here remains to be seen, but I think this is a wonderful idea. Considering that my cousin in the youngest of the nominees, having a young and brilliant woman at his side would work to his advantage. I'd offer to fill the position, but alas..." she gave her cousin a snide glance.

"An incestuous relationship would truly be a terrible idea," Coriolanus smirked at his advisor.

Garrison looked between Tigris and Coriolanus, his expression softening just enough for a flicker of doubt to cross his face. He could see that Coriolanus wasn't going to back down.

"And how, exactly, do you plan to make this work?" Garrison demanded, calmer now but still disapproving, "How do you imagine she’s going to help you win over the people when they barely know who you are?"

Coriolanus straightened, his jaw tight with resolve. "By letting them see who I am through her. I can’t be everywhere at once, but she can. The social scene, the headlines, the whispers—it’s all a game she’s mastered. And I’ll be the one they remember for winning it."

Garrison shook his head, defeated but still unconvinced. "You’re playing with fire, Coriolanus,"

Coriolanus strided over to his advisor, "Fire is exactly what we need." he plucked the pen from his grip and went to his desk. He fetched his check book from his drawers.

Garrison glanced to Tigris, who gave a simple shrug to her cousin's actions, "And I suppose you'll be writing her a heavy pay check for her services," he noted.

"Nope, she's not after money. This is for the upcoming Mastukane exhibit at the art gallery. Supporting the arts is never a terrible idea," Coriolanus smirked as he scribbled in his checkbook, not even glancing up. 

"Well that's preposterous," Garrison chided, a mix of frustration and intrigue clouding his face, "If she doesn't want the money, then what, pray tell, could she want?"

Coriolanus looked up, locking eyes with his advisor, his expression sharper now. He figured it would be best to leave out the 'marriage proposal' for now, or he feared Garrison would actually implode, "Influence. Legacy. The same things we want. She wants to be remembered just as much as I do. And if she’s willing to put herself out there for this campaign, then we’d be foolish not to use her."

Garrison sighed deeply, his hands now resting on his hips. "You’re betting a lot on her ambition, Coriolanus. Ambition that could outgrow yours,"

"Then I’ll keep her close enough to make sure it doesn’t," Coriolanus replied smoothly, tearing the check from his book and tucking it away, "The moment she becomes a problem, we’ll cross that bridge. But right now, she’s our greatest asset. And if we’re going to win over the Capitol, we need to make every move count."

Tigris, watching silently, stepped forward. "He’s right, Garrison. Like it or not, people are drawn to Sable. If she plays her role well, we’ll have the Capitol eating out of the palm of Coriolanus’s hand."

Garrison gave a long, tired sigh. "Fine. But when this all blows up in your face, don't say I didn't warn you," and with that, he turned on his heel and exited the study.

Tigris stayed behind, watching her cousin with an air of concern, "He has a point, you know," she began, "Sable -- for how popular and graceful she is, she can be a wild card. And she's not above stomping on people to get what she wants,"

Coriolanus let out a slow breath, turning to face Tigris. His expression softened, but only slightly, "I’m well aware of what Sable is capable of, Tigris," he replied, the sharpness in his tone giving way to something quieter, more measured, "That’s exactly why I’m choosing her,"

Tigris crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering, "You think you can control her, don’t you?"

"I don’t need to control her," Coriolanus said, shrugging off the notion, "I need to align our goals. She wants independence, I want the presidency. We both get what we want, and as long as that balance holds, she won’t turn on me."

Tigris sighed, stepping closer, "But you’re betting everything on her, Coriolanus. You don’t know how far she’ll go, or what she'll do when it suits her. The moment her ambitions don’t align with yours—"

"I’m prepared for that," he interrupted, his voice firm. "I’ll use her, Tigris, not the other way around. I know how badly she wants power. But that desire is a weakness I can exploit."

Tigris’s eyes searched his face, a flicker of doubt still clouding her features. "And if you’re wrong? What if you underestimate her?"

Coriolanus paused, his fingers drumming against the desk as he considered her words, "Then I’ll deal with it. Like I always do." His gaze hardened, a steel resolve settling in. "Sable isn’t my enemy. She’s a tool—a means to an end. And I’ll use her for as long as it benefits me. But if she crosses a line, she’ll be just another casualty in this game,"

Tigris frowned, worry still etched on her face. "I just don’t want you to lose yourself in this... ambition. You’re already walking a dangerous line, Coriolanus,"

He looked at her, his eyes briefly softening with the only warmth he had left for family, "I’m not losing myself, Tigris. I’m finding what I was meant to be," Then, with a hint of finality, he added, "This is how we win,"

Sable flicked through one of the many racks of clothes in her closet, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow through the tall windows. Behind her sat her, Seline, who was perched on the edge of the bed, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her brow furrowed with concern. Sable and Seline's styles varied quite drastically; the eldest sister opted for long, flowing skirts with a cottage academia vibe, while the youngest sister was always in sleek, bold and sometimes preppy clothing, and always accentuating her figure. Needless to say, Seline's closet looked nothing like Sable's.

"Sable," Seline began softly, her voice almost pleading, "are you really going through with this? Coriolanus Snow isn’t someone to toy with. He’s… dangerous..."

Sable’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile, "I’m not toying with him, Seline. I’m using him. There’s a difference," she pulled a slinky aquamarine blue gown form the racks, her gaze drifting to the mirror on the opposite wall as she held it up to her body.

Seline sighed, her fingers tightening in her lap, "But why, Sable? Father’s right, you could have anyone you want. Someone safe, someone who—"

"Someone who what? Loves me? Respects me?" Sable’s tone was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. "You don’t get it, Seline. Love and respect are for people like you—people who are content with a quiet life, a steady husband, a house full of children. That’s not me,"

Seline’s eyes softened, but the worry in them deepened, "Then what is it that you want? What’s all of this really about?"

Sable met her sister’s gaze, her voice dropping to a whisper, as if she were sharing a secret with the world itself, "Independence, Seline. I want to be on my own, self-sufficient, never having to rely on Father or any other man. I want to leave a mark on this world that no one can erase. And Coriolanus… he’s my way in. He’s ambitious, ruthless, and just the right kind of partner I need,"

Seline shook her head slowly, her expression a mix of disbelief and sorrow, "But at what cost, Sable? What happens when you’ve gotten what you want? What happens if your 'relationship' breaks down?" she continued, "You've heard the rumour about... the 10th winner..." her voice lowered, scared as though somebody outside of those walls would hear her.

Sable’s smile faded, replaced by a steely determination, "Then I’ll make sure we never break down. I’m not some naive miner girl he can manipulate. I’m smarter than that. I know how to play this game, and I’m going to win,"

The room fell silent, the weight of Sable’s words hanging heavy in the air. Seline could only stare at her sister, searching for the girl she once knew beneath the polished, ambitious exterior. But Sable had made her choice, and there was no turning back now.

Seline frowned, worry creasing her brow. “And what if it all backfires? What if he sees through you, or worse—what if you lose yourself in all of this?”

Sable’s eyes softened, but only for a moment. She reached out, gently placing a hand on Seline’s arm. “I won’t lose myself. I’ve spent too long watching other people make decisions for me, for us. It’s time I take control of my own future. Coriolanus is just the means to an end,”

Seline’s shoulders slumped, her resolve cracking, “I just... I don’t want to see you get hurt,”

Sable’s smile returned, faint but resolute,. “I won’t,” She stepped back, her fingers falling from her sister’s arm, “Trust me, Seline. I know exactly what I’m doing,”

But as Sable released her sister’s arm and turned her gaze back to the mirror, she couldn’t help but wonder if, somewhere deep inside, a part of her believed the lie she was telling herself. Sable knew the truth was more complicated than she let on. She wasn’t just playing with fire—she was walking straight into it. And for once, she couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the heat.

Sable stepped through the grand, gilded doors of the restaurant, her eyes adjusting to the dim, intimate lighting. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling like glittering crowns, casting a soft glow over the tables set with crystal glasses and gleaming silverware. The place oozed opulence, much like everything else in the Capitol. She spotted Coriolanus instantly, seated near the back, already with a glass of dark red wine in hand.

He looked effortlessly composed, his back straight against the velvet chair, his sharp jawline catching the light. His suit—a lush deep red—seemed tailored just for him, every inch of it fitting his tall, lean frame. The way his fingers lightly gripped the stem of the wine glass sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

She approached the table with a practiced grace, every step calculated, every movement designed to draw attention without being obvious. Her dress was its own work of splendour; a pencil silhouette of sheer illusion fabric and baby blue beading and lace delicately catching the low glow within the restaurant. She was already drawing glances from other curious patrons. Coriolanus’s eyes lifted to meet hers, and for a moment, the intensity in them almost made her falter. Almost. But she was Sable Hanover, and no man—especially not this one—was going to rattle her.

“Good evening,” she said smoothly, her voice a blend of confidence and charm. She slipped into the seat across from him, eyes flickering briefly to the bottle of wine already corked.

Coriolanus offered a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re punctual,” he remarked, tipping his glass in her direction.

She matched his smile, leaning back in her chair with deliberate ease. “I don’t believe in keeping people waiting,”

His gaze lingered on her for a beat longer before he set his glass down with a soft clink. “Neither do I,”

The silence that settled between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was loaded, both of them aware of the game they were playing. Sable crossed one leg over the other, feeling his eyes follow the movement, and fought the urge to roll her eyes at how predictable men could be.

She folded her hands neatly in her lap, “I suppose we should talk about -- this,” she began, her tone businesslike, but her eyes stayed locked on his, testing his focus.

Coriolanus leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, and for a moment, she caught a glimpse of something unreadable in his expression. “We will,” he said, voice smooth. “But first, I want to know more about you,”

Sable arched an eyebrow, feigning amusement, “More than what you've read?”

“More than what’s on the surface,” he replied, his gaze sharp, “If we’re going to be tied together in this, I need to know I can trust you,”

The word hung in the air between them, heavy and serious. Trust. It was a currency more valuable than any deal they could strike.

She tilted her head slightly, studying him, “Trust is a two-way street, Coriolanus,"

“I’m aware,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly, “That’s why I’m sitting here, asking you.”

She couldn’t help but admire his boldness, even as a small part of her resented it. He was used to control, to having the upper hand, but she had no intention of letting him take the lead without a fight. Still, she’d play along. For now.

As the waiter approached with a practiced smile, Sable’s demeanor shifted seamlessly from contemplative to commanding. She gave him her full attention, her gaze steady and confident as she considered the drink menu. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she made her choice:

"A gin martini, light on the vermouth, shaken ice cold with two green olives, please,"

Coriolanus watched her, noting how she navigated the interaction with effortless charm and precision, each gesture a testament to her ease within this world of wealth and influence. The waiter left, but the impression Sable made lingered, her poise and grace leaving an indelible mark on him as she turned back to him with a smile that spoke volumes about her control over every situation.

“Ask me whatever you want,” Sable turned back to Coriolanus, her voice low, almost teasing, “But don’t expect me to give up everything so easily,”

Coriolanus smiled again, that same calculated charm lighting up his face, “Okay," his voice drawled, his gaze lingering a fraction too long as he took in her poised demeanour. The candlelight played across her features, highlighting the curve of her cheek and the glint in her eye. There was something magnetic about her, something that made his pulse quicken despite his best efforts to remain composed.

“Why,” he continued, his eyes never leaving hers, “do you speak the way you do?”

Sable tilted her head, a hint of amusement in her smile, “In what way would that be?”

"Very poised, demure, kind of airy," he said, leaning back slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her, "It's interesting because there are video interviews of you and your family when your business came to the Capitol. You were younger, but you didn't speak the way you do now,"

Sable’s smile softened as she adjusted her posture, her voice dropping to a more natural rhythm, “I suppose people change, don’t they? When we first arrived, we were outsiders. I was just a girl trying to fit into a world that seemed so foreign. Over time, I learned that the way you present yourself can be just as powerful as any action. It’s a strategy, really—projecting an image that makes people see you how you want to be seen,”

Coriolanus watched her, intrigued by the shift in her demeanour, “So, it’s all designed?”

“Not entirely,” she replied, her tone thoughtful, “Some of it’s instinct, too. You learn to navigate this world by adapting, you have to understand what works and what doesn’t. It’s about survival as much as it is about success,”

Her straightforward response, coupled with the subtle shift in her voice, made Coriolanus regard her with renewed interest. There was something compelling about her blend of strategy and sincerity, a combination that intrigued him more than he cared to admit.

"I see," Coriolanus straightened as the waiter returned, placing an ice-cold martini in front of Sable. Her fingers wrapped around the stem before the waiter even walked away. His gaze lingered on the pale white spots and faint patterns scattered across her hands, his curiosity piqued, “Would you rather speak normally for our private encounters?” he asked.

“It’s up to you,” she replied, bringing the rim to her glossy pink lips.

“No, it’s up to you,” he assured her, his gaze intent, “You’re more than just a puppet in this,”

Sable set the martini down with a delicate clink, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully, “I appreciate that,” she said, a subtle smile playing on her lips, “Tell me about your upbringing. Your father was a General?”

Coriolanus’s eyes flickered with surprise, but he masked it quickly with a controlled expression. He leaned back slightly, considering her question. “My father was… a man of vision,” he said carefully, choosing his words with the same precision he saw in her, “He had a grand plan for everything. His expectations were high, his methods… sometimes unorthodox,”

Sable’s interest sharpened, her gaze fixed on him as she leaned in just a touch, “Unorthodox? How so?”

Coriolanus hesitated, the faintest shadow crossing his face, “He believed in pushing boundaries, in reshaping things to fit his vision. It wasn’t always easy, and it wasn’t always kind, but it was effective. Of course, he left a wake of devastation when he died,”

The conversation hung in the air between them, charged with unspoken understanding and curiosity. Sable, ever perceptive, sensed the weight and sadness behind his words and chose her response carefully, “I'm sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was determined to make his mark, no matter the cost,”

Coriolanus nodded, a hint of a smile touching his lips, “Yes, and I suppose I’m trying to do the same,”

Sable studied him, her expression thoughtful, “And how do you balance that drive with… everything else? The personal side, the part of you that isn’t just about ambition?”

His eyes met hers, a flicker of vulnerability surfacing for a moment before he masked it with his usual composure, “It’s a constant challenge. But I guess that’s why I’m here—trying to figure out if there’s more to this than just the game,”

Sable’s smile was soft, almost sympathetic, “And what if there is? What would you do with your life if you weren’t here? Being a politician and whatnot,”

Coriolanus’s lips pulled up into a sly smirk, “Hold on— I believe it’s my turn to ask a question,” he said, leaning forward slightly. 

Sable raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the shift in his demeanor, “Oh, my sincerest apologies,”

Coriolanus leaned in, his expression intent but the tension between them seemingly lifted, "What would you be doing if you weren’t navigating high society?"

Sable’s eyes sparkled with amusement, her laughter light and genuine, “Are you seriously asking me my own question?"

Coriolanus raised an eyebrow, his expression curious, “Why not? You seemed so eager to probe my background. Surely you must have some hidden dreams or fantasies of your own,”

Sable leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on the edge of her glass, “Alright. If I had to entertain the idea, I suppose I’d be a painter,"

"A house painter?"

"No!" she laughed coyly, "An artist! Landscapes and people! Fruit bowls!"

“Really?” Coriolanus asked, genuinely intrigued, "I wouldn't have pegged you as an artist,"

"I painted more in my youth. I was very good, too," she replied, a genuine spark spreading in her face, "But of course, my father loved to rub in the fact that there was no 'real future' in art,"

"Oh, I don't know about that," he leaned back in his seat, “You think you’d trade this world for the paint brush?”

“Maybe,” Sable replied, her tone playful, “I suppose it’s easier to imagine an escape when you’re surrounded by gilded walls,”

Coriolanus chuckled, the tension between them easing as he observed her with newfound interest, "Well, I'd be curious to see these paintings -- if you still have them," he said.

"Oh, sure! They're packed away in some part of the attic, I'd have to dig them out," Sable’s gaze softened as she leaned in, her demeanor relaxed, "And what about you?"

Coriolanus’s smile faded into a contemplative expression, “And what about me?”

Sable tilted her head, genuinely curious. “Where would you be if not in politics?”

He paused, his mind wandering back through the corridors of his past. He thought about his time in school, the energy and idealism he had as a young man. He remembered mentoring during the Games, the fear and pride he felt, and the weight of those responsibilities. He recalled his stint -- or more, punishment -- as a Peacekeeper, the discipline, and the harsh decisions he'd made.

Each choice he had made, each step he had taken, had led him to where he was now. The thought of what might have been, had he chosen differently, lingered in his mind. He wondered if, perhaps, Sejanus would still be by his side, or... even Lucy. Those lost friendships, lost possibilities were shadows that danced on the edges of his thoughts, though he kept them hidden behind a carefully constructed facade.

He looked back at Sable, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes, “I suppose I might have found a different path, maybe something in the arts or academia. I’ve always enjoyed the strategic elements of both, the challenges they present,”

Sable studied him, sensing the depth behind his words, “Sounds like you’ve thought about this before,”

Coriolanus gave a faint nod, “A few times. Sometimes it’s hard not to wonder about the roads not taken,”

Sable leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful, “And do you ever wish you could go back and venture down one of those roads?”

Coriolanus met her gaze, his eyes revealing a flicker of vulnerability, “I suppose we all have our what-ifs. But the past is behind us, and we have to make the best of where we are,”

Sable’s smile was gentle, understanding, “True enough. And sometimes, the roads we take end up leading us to unexpected places,”

The weight of their unspoken thoughts hung in the air as they sat in companionable silence, each lost in their own reflections. The gentle clinking of glasses and murmurs from other tables faded into the background as the two of them shared a moment of quiet understanding.

Just then, the waiter arrived at their table, a polite presence that subtly signaled the shift back to the present. He stood attentively, waiting for their order. Sable, with a slight nod, handed over the menu she hadn’t bothered to look at, her decision being roasted haddock while her counterpart's was the filet mignon. Coriolanus followed suit, his gaze lingering on Sable for a moment longer before the waiter took off again.

"So..." Coriolanus' focus shifted, trying to think of something a bit less... personal to talk about, "Seeing as you're a big art fan, why don't we launch at the Mastukane exhibit next week?"

Sable raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips as she swirled her martini. "The Mastukane exhibit? Lovely choice," She leaned back, her eyes locking with his, "I'd love to be your date, Coriolanus,"

[bratty-telepath]

Don't Hold Your Breath

What's this? Laveau wrote a fic again and forgot to talk about it? Yes, he in fact did. Here's a DAMN polycule fic with a focus on Lasko as he goes out with the group on a roller-skating date. This focused on a time before Lasko got his listener and FL is named "Fern". Enjoy this snippet!

Lasko hesitated a moment, about to cast a feigned smile their way before they cut him off with a genuine twist of their brow, not the kind they gave Gavin to deliver a silently sarcastic 'really?', or the kind they gave Damien when they were quietly telling him to chill, not even the one that Huxely got when they wanted the names of anyone who was slightly mean to him. Nope. None of those. It was the one that felt like a quiet whisper in the wind–something that Lasko appreciated the most, because it was never loud or overwhelming, it just was, and the look in particular held a simple kindness that promised only safety. "I just–I don't want to embarrass you guys." He admitted, focusing his attention on their warm, honey-coloured eyes as he let himself unwind. "I know, I know that you said that it was ok if I didn't know how to skate and that you'd teach me but I don't want to trip and make myself look bad in front of you guys–and I know that it's silly to feel like that because of course I might trip up and fall while I'm out there since I'm new to this but I really just want to look good for you guys like Huxely because he's new to all of this and he was nervous but even he's calmer about all of this than I am and he's having fun and I didn't want to ruin it for you guys either by being a mess–but here you are now, looking after me–" A kiss cuts him off and Lasko immediately feels like he's melting under their touch as they hold him together all at once with just their lips. The contact isn't rushed or dizzying but instead it's soft and thoughtful as Fern takes their time being there with him in the moment. They break the kiss and peck his cheek. "You're not going to embarrass us. We're here to have fun and if you're not having fun here, we can go somewhere else too." Lasko nods. "Thanks, but I do want to be here. With all of you." "Cool." With some careful movement of their hand, the freelancer his palm into holding their own. "Do you want me to help?" He nods again and they smile softly before easing over and whisking hold of his other hand. "First, ground yourself by widening your stance, then bending your legs." He does as told(somewhat clumsily if he was honest) and is awarded with a kiss to the forehead. "Good boy."  His heart nearly leaps out of his chest after that but he manages to keep his head on enough to keep paying attention. "I'm going to push off now. Just stay like that and don't try to rush into standing yet, I'll move us. You just keep your balance, okay?" "R–right."  Lasko takes a deep breath following afterwards and just as said, he starts to feel the wheels on his skates move as he stays within form. "You're doing good, just feel yourself moving. You don't have to do anything, I've got you." Lasko looks back to measure the distance between the couple and the barrier before their words call him back.  "Hey, focus on me, sweetness. I've got you."  His eyes are on them again and right then, the air elemental swears that an angel has graced him with their company. He hadn't noticed it much before but now that they were closer, Lasko could see just how seamlessly Fern moves. Even as they skate, their feet seem to move with somewhat of an effortlessness that makes Lasko feel like they're flying as they pull him along. Their hands shift closer on his body, never breaking contact but pulling him closer until they've gotten him fully on his feet and pressed right against them. "You okay?" "So–so good. I'm okay, very okay." They giggle. "Good. Now, just push yourself forward with your feet. "

Wanna read more? Check it out here!

[the-s1lly-corner]

Tim Wright fluff headcanons

-tim Wright obsessed 🙀 anon

Tim fluff headcannons!

WAHOO! finally going to try to get back into the swing of writing now that im no longer as sick (still fighting off the tail end of my horrid allergies, but otherwise im feeling good! hella tired though) might be a little all over the place//shorter than usual given that i have hardly written all week so my funky flow is all.... raaah! TToTT

i was going to say hes an early bird and sometimes he makes you breakfast, but honestly i can also see him sleeping in.. until the later hours of the morning/bordering on noon... also he doesnt look like a breakfast person. probably smokes and drinks a coffee in the mornings on the rare occasion he wakes up early... though perhaps he wakes up early on purpose to make you something on occasion? shrugs

looks like he can make a mean pancake tbh, cant explain why maybe its the admins envy seeping through because they struggle with pancakes/making pretty pancakes but-

enjoys quieter evenings with you. actually enjoys those calmer days in general. likes staying at home when he doesnt have work or other obligations, usually sitting on the couch letting himself just. relax and exist

i think he would be protective of you, even if this takes place post... everything.. hes lost so much and so much shit has happened and hes not about to have you add to that list. makes sure to check in on you and ask what you were up to while you were out, probably even lightly scolds/fusses over you if you somehow got hurt (from a simple scrape to anything broken).. probably keeps you in bed

but also... i can see him not totally babying you.. stern, but not overbearing if that makes sense?

sometimes melts into your hands if you cup his face, might give you a look if you mess around with his sideburns... doesnt pull away, though

sometimes lets you borrow his shirts, will not take any bs though if you decide to not return his possessions when he asks for them back (difference between you missing him/liking the piece and you not having any real intention to return his belongings)

isnt too terribly tall or short (for characters that are played by real people i tend to base their heights off the actor, looks like tim is roughly 5'7 according to google) so sharing clothes is a common enough occurrence if you're in his height range + dont have to worry about his clothes being extremely huge on you/hang off of you unless you're considerably shorter

... i do think he would offer to buy you matching clothes in your size if you want to match with him, though

i dont see tim being much of a ring guy... but if you guys want to have a matching thing to represent whatever (engagement, marriage, general matching for whatever, ect ect ect really any reason) then bracelets may be your go to ! though i can also see tim wearing a ring around his neck (with a chain, you know?) if you insist on keeping things in that vein more traditional (also admin just loves rings on chains)

[megalony]

Talk to Me

This is another Jonah Hauer-King imagine that I hope everyone will like, thank you for all the amazing comments on my other fics so far. Feedback is always great.

Taglist: @lunaticspoem @butlegendsneverdie @langdonzvoid @jennyggggrrr @rogmeddows @radiob-l-a-hblah @rogertaylorsbitontheside @chlobo6 @rogertaylors-lipgloss @sj-thefan @omgitsearly @luckytrashgooprebel @scarsout @deaky-with-a-c @killer-queen-ofrhye @bluutac @vousmemanqueez-blog @jonesyaddiction @milanosaurus @httpfandxms @saint-hardy @7-seas-of-fat-bottomed-girls @mrsalwayswritex @rogerina-owns-me  @hellsdragon @im-an-adult-ish @crazylittlethingg @allauraleigh @onceuponadetectivedemigod @ceres27 @avyannadawn  @noonenuts @sleepylunarwolf @coverupps @anonyymoouussssss​

@jonahhauer-kingg @melaninjoys​ @luna2034​

Masterlist

Summary: (Y/n) goes with Jonah to a press event and he looks after her when she doesn’t feel very well. (Fluff galore)

Enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With a jolt, (Y/n) stumbled forward a pace or two when a set of arms baracaded around her waist and a face tucked into the crook of her neck taking her by surprise. She didn't have to look to know who was suddenly clinging to her like a monkey but she smiled nonetheless when a gentle kiss tickled her skin just below her ear.

"How are you doin'?"

Moving her hands to hold Jonah's arm, (Y/n) nuzzled her cheek against his hair and kissed the top of his head whilst she leaned back into his touch.

He had only been gone about fifteen to twenty minutes, if that but now he was back, holding her as if he hadn't seen her in hours, days, weeks. It was endearing and (Y/n) knew he would be back sooner or later, he told her he wouldn't leave her for long and she knew his words to be true.

Jonah wouldn't leave (Y/n) stood out the way at a press event like this for very long, he would come back and find her sooner or later. While he had been across the other side of the event, his eyes had still found her every few minutes, a smile and a nod of his head in her direction to check that she was alright.

"I'm fine, are you having fun?" (Y/n) tickled her nose against the top of his head as she turned to look at him when he finally lifted his head away from her neck.

"Hmm, not the same with you all the way out here."

Closing her eyes, (Y/n) leaned her head back on Jonah's shoulder when he stood up a bit straighter. It wasn't as fun as it seemed to be standing on the sidelines but (Y/n) did enjoy watching Jonah in his element. He was a mixture of shy, bashful, funny and witty all rolled into one when he was being interviewed and he didn't even have to pose for the camera to take a glamerous picture.

(Y/n) couldn't be over there with him, no matter how desperate she was to stand by his side and feel comforted or how badly Jonah felt the need to wrap his arms around her to remain calm.

There were too many cameras, too much noise and too many stimulants rolled into one over there for (Y/n) to be able to be there with him. She could join Jonah when everyone went inside, backstage where the music was turned down, there were less cameras snapping photos and quiet corners to stand in. Out here there was no chance of (Y/n) being over there without a scene unfolding.

"Are you ready to go inside?"

"Sure,"

A dazzling yet somehow simple smile broke out on Jonah's face and he kissed (Y/n)'s temple before he moved round. His arm stayed looped around her middle with his hand splayed out on her hip, tucking her into his side while his other hand tucked deep into his pocket and they started to move.

(Y/n) leaned on Jonah's chest, rubbing her cheek just under his shoulder as her eyes closed and she let him lead the way inside, away from the press snapping photos in every direction and the noises that were blurring together like static in her ears.

It felt a lot calmer the moment they were inside and (Y/n) couldn't have been more thankful. There were no dazzling lights blinding her or giving her a headache, it went from blazing shades of white and hazy blue to dark walls and black carpets and dimmed lights creating a more chilled atmosphere than outside. (Y/n) took a moment to take a deep breath and revel in the quietness. There was still a lot of buzz, people chatting excitedly, some laughing, some squealing. She could hear clapping and glasses clinking together and feet scraping against the carpet, but it was easier to block out the noise in here.

It had been a while since (Y/n) had attended any sort of formal event like this and she had never been to one like this. It was Jonah's scene to be here, this was all for him anyway, his breakout role which he wholeheartedly deserved. (Y/n) was here to support him, love him and show him off like any proud partner would.

She was just praying she didn't end up embarrassing him tonight.

"I won't be a minute," The words were mumbled quietly against her ear and (Y/n) smiled, nodding when she heard someone calling his name. At least in here she felt better already, it didn't matter as much if Jonah went wandering to talk to people in here. (Y/n) was okay to go wandering or find a seat in here rather than being stuck outside, trying to look away from the cameras and stop her head from spinning in circles.

"I'll get you a drink."

Leaning up, (Y/n) kissed his cheek before smoothing out the bottom of her dress over her knees as if an imaginary creature had gone and wrinkled up her dress when she wasn't looking.

She knew what he would drink and right now, to add to the adrenaline he was feeling, something alcoholic would most likely calm his raging nerves. Jonah didn't look like he was panicking, on the outside he looked pleasantly engaged in conversation with his hands in his pockets. But (Y/n) could see the little details. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, one hand kept scratching the back of his head and he kept clicking his spine into place. He was full of nerves that needed calming down.

A smile stayed dancing across (Y/n)'s lips when she approached the bar, resting her elbows on the sticky wood and pushing up on her tiptoes to look over at what drinks they had on offer.

Lucky for Jonah, most of the drinks were alcoholic, ranging from cidar to beer to spirits and shots. Unlucky for (Y/n), she could barely see any soft drinks. Most of the people coming to these events clearly downed the alcohol like it was water. "What can I get you?"

"A shot of vodka, and what soft drinks do you have?"

"Make that two."

Something deflated in (Y/n)'s stomach when she watched a girl she vaguely recognised stand next to her at the bar, a sweet smile on her face and gleam in her eyes as she took in the vast selection of drinks before her. It was a free bar so everyone could fill their boots with whatever drinks they wanted.

"We have lemonade or coke?"

"A glass of lemonade and a white wine spritzer then please.”

When two shots of vodka were lined up on the bar, the girl (Y/n) was sure was called Lacey took one and pushed the other towards (Y/n) with a grin. She was someone Jonah knew and was friends with, but (Y/n( hadn't really spoken to her before and she wasn't sure what to say.

A hand on her shoulder made (Y/n) almost melt against the warm touch and a shiver crept up the back of her spine when she felt Jonah's lips muffled in her hair at the back of her head.

Turning to the side, (Y/n) wrapped her arm beneath his blazer around his lower back and pulled him a little bit closer until there was no space left between them and she had one leg hooked around the back of his like she was caging him in, preventing him from leaving. Her smile widened when she watched him eye the shot glass and the tall glass of wine set down in front of them. An unspoken conversation transversed between them before Jonah reached out and downed the shot.

He could see they were there to calm his nerves and it made him buzz that (Y/n) could just feel how badly he was panicking, in need of something to take the edge away and let him calm down.

"Aren't you drinking?" Lacey smiled at (Y/n) and nodded over at Jonah before she looked back at the bartender and pointed to her glass which clearly needed refilling.

"Not tonight,"

Nor any other night in the near future. All the alcohol would go to Jonah tonight, (Y/n)'s meds advised against alcohol unless she wanted to take the risk of feeling drowsy or collapsing tonight which wouldn't do her any favours. Lemonade was the drink of choice she was having to stick with, but she was glad when Lacey didn't make any comments and just downed the next shot she was given like it was a personal challenge.

"Shall we find a seat?" Jonah mumbled the words quietly whilst licking the alcohol from his lips.

He grabbed his drink when he felt (Y/n) unhook her foot from around the back of his leg and he pointed over towards a table in the corner where Hailey was sitting. It was a good spot out the way, close to the bar and didn't have five other tables crammed next to it so the noise level wouldn't be too loud.

(Y/n) sat down and placed her bag at her feet but she couldn't hide the grin from her lips when Jonah inched his chair closer to hers until their legs bumped together. Anyone would think he hadn't been close to her in weeks or that this was the last time he was going to see her for days and was making the most of how close he could get to her. Not that (Y/n) minded at all, the close proximity was as thrilling as it was loving.

When the conversation started, (Y/n) drowned most of it out while she took a few minutes to look around the room and absorb the atmosphere that was electric in here, even if it was a bit calmer at the back out the way, over here.

She could feel her mind starting to drift before a pair fo wet lips pressed against her cheek and brought her attention back to the table.

The cheesy grin on Jonah's face made her heart throb and skip a beat at the same time. A small dimple lit up the corner of his left eye and he was so close that (Y/n) could almost taste the wine on his lips. One hand glided over her knee before slowly slipping under the hem of her dress, snaking up her thigh while his other hand moved to hold her chin between his thumb and finger.

(Y/n) wasn't sure what he was looking for, it felt like his eyes were piercing into hers, searching for her soul or maybe for a way in, she wasn't sure but she stopped wondering when he kissed her. His teeth grazed her lip, his thumb swiped the bottom of her jaw and his leg bumped into her knee as he raised himself out of his chair until he was almost sitting on top of her to get as close as he could.

"Pretty girl," She didn't catch whatever he whispered next, the words got swallowed up by her lips when she kissed him, devouring his lips like she was trying to swallow all the wine he had consumed.

When he sat back on his seat properly, his knees pressed between her thighs and pushed outwards to part them before he twisted his upper body back to the table to join in the conversation (Y/n) could barely hear or comprehend. His hand stayed on her thigh, close to her underwear like he was going to grab them and snap the elastic against her hip to make her jump but his other hand propped his chin up and smushed his lazy smile that made her stomach turn in knots.

(Y/n) loved his laugh. It wasn't always melodic, sometimes when he was flustered he barely made a sound when he laughed and sometimes when he was in hysterics he sounded like he was wheezing or coughing. But right now, his laugh was a bright tune (Y/n) loved listening to and when he flashed his teeth in a shark tooth grin, (Y/n) almost swooned.

Jonah glided his fingers over (Y/n)'s leg, unable to stop from glancing back at her every few seconds, making sure she was alright. He knew she was drifting, it was clear when her eyes started to glance around the room that she wasn't fully invested in the conversation but it didn't matter. She had her fingers digging into his arm, a sign that she was happy and content next to him and that was all that mattered.

After a minute or two, Jonah looked back over at (Y/n) when he felt her hand tense against his arm but when he looked at her, he could see her eyes were jittering from side to side.

Oh dear.

"So, I thought for the next press interview we could..."

Reaching out, Jonah took a quick gulp of his drink, his chemical courage as he called it, but kept his eyes firmly locked on (Y/n).

He watched her head loll back and her eyes rolled to the top of her head but when her head fell forward, Jonah acted quickly. He set his glass back down on the table and moved his hand to catch (Y/n)'s forehead before she headbutted the table.

"Alright baby, I've got you."

His left hand stayed squeezing her thigh, something to ground her for when she came back around and he gently pushed her back up, keeping his palm against her temple like he was checking her temperature when he was really taking her weight for her.

"Is she alright?"

He could hear the concern in Hailey's voice but when she went to stand up he shook his head, keeping the same calm smile on his lips.

"She's fine, just a small seizure, she'll come back round in a few seconds. Carry on, you were saying about the interview?" Jonah knew normality was key right now. He couldn't have Hailey getting worried because other people would start to notice and heads were already turning in their direction, wondering what on Earth he was doing with his hand against (Y/n)'s head like he had smacked her.

She was having a small seizure but it wouldn't last long, this kind of seizure never did. Jonah didn't want her to flop against the table and hurt herself, he had got the hang of catching her head or her body when she started to fall; it was a routine now.

Jonah also knew that (Y/n) could still hear and feel him which was why he wanted the conversation to carry on. When (Y/n) came back around it would feel easier if everyone acted like it was no big deal and as if it hadn't happened and he would keep hold of her and whisper to her to keep her grounded while she was like this.

"And you're back, do you feel okay?"

Jonah carefully moved his hand away from (Y/n)'s temple when he knew she could hold her head up properly and wasn't at risk of flopping back down again. His fingers skimmed down her cheek and along her jaw before he leaned across and kissed the corner of her mouth, swiping his tongue across her lower lip when he could feel her smiling against him.

"Hm, sorry,"

"Don't be, you were only out for a few seconds. Here, have a drink."

(Y/n) tried to steady the tremble in her hands as she gratefully took the glass Jonah held out for her and took a few sips. The edges of her vision was fuzzy like she had something in her eyes and the back of her eyes were aching from the way her eyes had been moving. It felt like magnets were attracting her eyes to the sides and the pull was so strong it hurt, but at least it hadn't lasted long.

With the glass back on the table, (Y/n) leaned over and pressed her face into Jonah's shoulder as she felt his hand smooth up and down her leg and his other hand moved to hold her hand that was resting on his knee.

This is what (Y/n) had been afraid of, it was why she didn't have her picture taken with Jonah because there were simply too many cameras, people and stimulations that could easily send her mind into a seizure. It wouldn't be ideal to have one in front of the reporters when Jonah was trying to have interviews and answer questions. At least in here, he could stay with her and no one would crowd round or record what was happening or make a big fuss.

Something (Y/n) loved about Jonah was how he could control any situation. She loved that if she had a seizure like this, he wouldn't make it into a big deal. Sure, he would ask if she was alright, check if she wanted to stay or go home and make sure she was awake and talking to him, but then he carried on as if nothing had happened. He made things so normal and easy and kept the conversation and the atmosphere flowing like a river.

Tilting her head up a little, (Y/n) nudged the collar of his shirt out the way so she could kiss the side of his neck, unable to stop the sensation bubbling in her stomach when she felt a shiver rattle under his skin.

She grazed her teeth out and nipped his skin until she felt his fingers reaching up for the elastic in her underwear which he quietly snapped against her hip in response. With a spark of confidence, (Y/n) bit down just a little bit harder and got the reaction of his fingers digging into her thigh and his head turned so his lips could hover over her ear.

"Keep that up and I'll have to take you home,"

A smile graced (Y/n)'s lips as she leaned back and squeezed his hand before she reached out and grabbed his empty glass.

"I'll get you another."

"I can go-"

"It's okay, I need a leg stretch." She kissed the top of his head as she stood before she turned and headed across to the bar. Her mind was a little foggy, she needed to be up and moving to get back in order and feel like she was back to normal again.

By the time his refilled glass was in her hand, (Y/n) could feel the fog beginning to clear and the trembling had all but stopped now.

When she walked back over to the table, (Y/n) placed the glass down in front of Jonah before she wrapped her arm around the back of his neck and leaned her head down to kiss the top of his head. She kept her cheek pressed against his curls like they were a soft pillow to lay on while Jonah carried on talking and wrapped his arm around her legs to keep her stood between his legs, as close as he could get her since she didn't want to sit down just yet.

She could feel his hand slipping under her dress again, getting higher and higher until his hand wasn't on her legs anymore but on her bum instead. If they had been sat towards the middle of the room (Y/n) would have scolded him for touching her like that when people could easily see. But being so far towards the back like this meant less people were around and (Y/n) couldn't find the will to care when Jonah kissed her chest just beneath her collar bone.

His touch was calming and soothing, Jonah in himself was like a relaxing ritual and (Y/n) just wanted to be up and close to him.

(Y/n) chipped into the conversation every now and then and she could feel herself grinning into Jonah's hair when his laugh vibrated through her chest and made her feel like she was laughing too. This was why she had agreed to come out, to see him in his element and feel close to him.

"Come'ere baby." Removing his arm from under her dress, Jonah wrapped his arm around her hips instead nad gently tugged her down until she was sat on his thigh between his legs. He perched his chin on her shoulder and kept both arms around her waist with his hands locked together against her stomach, smiling when he felt her hands holding onto his.

All heads at the table twisted and all eyes diverted to look at whoever had got up on the stage at the other end of the room to start talking and announcing something through the speakers. But the droning noise and the clapping and laughter faded out of Jonah's mind after ten minutes when a quiet voice stole his attention.

"Jonah?"

"Hm?" He kissed her neck and brushed his nose against the bottom of (Y/n)'s jaw to let her know he had heard her.

"Talk to me," Her voice was so quiet and shaky that he barely registered what she had said but when it clicked, his lips pursed together for a moment. That was like a code word, a signal that (Y/n) knew she was about to zone out or go into another seizure.

"Ignore everyone else, there's no one here but you and me now. Just us, and I'm not going anywhere baby."

His lips hovered over (Y/n)'s ear and he felt her neck tense and seize up until all the skin was tight and her muscles were pressed out, shaking and pulsing, letting Jonah know she was seizing already. With some effort, Jonah managed to untangle one hand from around (Y/n)'s waist and quickly pressed his palm up to her head when she flopped forward. Gently, he tilted her head back that was somehow loose and easy to move and he shifted her head into the crook of his neck with her temple tucked up against his cheek.

"We'll be heading home soon, I can't wait to get out of here and get you out of that dress. You look stunning, but it would look better on the floor." His lips murmured against her temple and he could feel her head ever so slightly shaking from side to side, not enough to see or notice from a distance but enough for Jonah to feel it and make him shake a little.

With his lips against her skin no one could make out or hear what he was whispering to her and that was how he liked it. He knew (Y/n) could hear him most of the time when she was seizing so he may as well try and make her blush so when she came back around she would be flustered for a different reason.

A few seconds ticked by into a minute and Jonah slowly swayed them both from side to side, glad no one was paying any attention. The only person who seemed to realise what was going on was Hailey and when she raised a brow and tilted her head, Jonah smiled and nodded to let her know everything was under control.

He had done this countless times, he knew the score.

"Uh-uh, come here baby." One arm stayed tight around (Y/n)'s waist to keep her leant back into his chest and he reached his free hand out to grab (Y/n)'s hand when her arm started to move.

He could feel that she was still seizing and when her tense, trembling arm jerked up away from his lap, he curled his fingers around the back of her hand and carefully lowered her arm back down to his lap. It wasn't often Jonah saw (Y/n) moving during a small seizure like this, usually her head dropped or she would faint and sometimes her body would jerk but she didn't always move. Only in full spasming seizures did (Y/n)'s limbs move and jerk.

Finally, Jonah felt her head stop shaking against his neck which was going to be bruised tomorrow from her head and her biting, not that he minded. Her hands stopped trembling against his and he felt her neck lose tension and relax.

"There's my girl," He mumbled quietly against her hair, tangling his fingers with hers as his other hand slowly brushed up and down her stomach to try and calm her down. "Do you feel alright?"

"I think so."

Turning her head, (Y/n) pressed a shaky kiss to Jonah's chin and the edge of his sharp jawline as she shuffled a little closer to his chest to which he tightened his arm around her waist to keep her there. When she kissed him again, she couldn't help the way her lips curved up into a smile and a small giggle left her lips.

"What's funny, baby?"

"My dress would look better on the floor, huh?" Not everything Jonah said when she was seizing reached her ears, but some things did come through the static she could feel and hear rummaging around in her mind. And all of his words tonight had come through.

Something akin to a growl rumbled deep in Jonah's chest and vibrated through (Y/n)'s skin making her shiver as she tried to press another kiss to his jaw but suddenly his hand was no longer holding hers. His fingers moved to cup the bottom of her chin and he tilted her head up until they were level and their noses were brushing together.

"You're damn right it would."

[harmonyhealinghub]

Digital Detox Shaina Tranquilino August 20, 2024

Evan had always been plugged in. A software engineer by trade and a tech enthusiast by nature, he spent his days coding complex algorithms and his nights surrounded by screens—one for gaming, another for streaming, and a third for monitoring the latest cryptocurrency trends. His smartphone was his constant companion, a lifeline to the digital world where he thrived. Notifications pinged incessantly, each one demanding a slice of his attention.

But lately, something had shifted. Evan found himself restless and irritable, his mind never quiet. The world around him, once so vibrant in pixels, had started to feel hollow. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a face-to-face conversation without checking his phone, or the last time he sat in silence without feeling the need to fill it with noise. So, when a colleague mentioned a digital detox retreat nestled in the mountains, Evan signed up on a whim.

The retreat was a stark contrast to Evan’s life in the city. No Wi-Fi, no cell service, and certainly no screens. Instead, there were endless forests, star-filled skies, and a strict rule: all devices were to be surrendered at check-in. Evan felt a pang of anxiety as he handed over his phone, but it was accompanied by an unexpected sense of relief.

The first day was difficult. Without the constant buzz of notifications, Evan felt adrift, his thoughts chaotic and loud. But as the hours passed, something began to change. He started noticing the things he had been too busy to see—the rustling of leaves in the wind, the rich scent of pine, the warmth of the sun on his skin. Conversations with fellow retreat-goers were slow and meaningful, unhurried by the pressure to respond to the next message or email. For the first time in years, Evan slept without the glow of a screen beside him, and when he woke up, he felt truly rested.

By the end of the retreat, Evan had found a peace he hadn’t realized he was missing. The constant need to be connected, to be always doing something, had given way to a quieter, more contemplative state of mind. As he packed his bags, he knew he couldn’t go back to the life he had been living.

When Evan returned to the city, everything felt different. The towering skyscrapers and neon lights seemed overwhelming, but not in the way they used to excite him. He felt a pull toward simplicity, a yearning for the peace he had found in the mountains. Slowly, he began to make changes. He turned off his notifications, limiting his screen time to essential tasks. Weekends became reserved for nature walks and reading physical books, activities that grounded him in the present moment.

He also started spending more time with people—really being with them, not just sharing space while distracted by screens. He reconnected with old friends and even joined a local gardening club, something he never would have considered before the retreat. The digital world, once his entire universe, was now just a small part of a much larger, more fulfilling life.

Evan’s colleagues noticed the change. He was calmer, more focused, and somehow more content. When they asked what had happened, he simply smiled and told them about the retreat, about the quiet joy he had found in disconnecting. Some of them laughed, calling it a phase, but Evan knew better.

His life was no longer dictated by the relentless pace of technology. He had found a balance, a way to integrate his love for tech with the simple pleasures of living. For the first time in a long time, Evan felt truly alive. The world was vibrant again, not just in pixels, but in every breath, every moment, every connection made face-to-face.

[jedi-lothwolf]

AI-less Whumptober Day 8: Panic Attack

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Summary: After a bad day, Gabriel loses his temper and throws a vase at Adrien. Adrien realizes what happened the next day at school and struggles to stay calm.

Adrien couldn't focus. Even though he always liked history, not even that could keep him distracted. He started at the board but took no notes and didn't listen to the teacher.

    The night before had been stressful and not just because of the akuma attack. It was what came after that made things so much worse.

    The akuma had been simple. With the power to create monsters out of light, the victim had blinded the heroes for a while before they found away around it. The attack had started right before dinner and ended about 1am.

    Even simple things can take a while to fix. Ladybug and Cat Noir said their goodbyes and both headed home.

    When Adrien had arrived home he heard crashing from downstairs. Despite Plagg telling him not to check it out, he walked down the stairs. His footsteps were silent against the ground as he made his way to the ground floor.

    There was another crash. The child made his way to the source of the noise and gently opened the door to his fathers study. Gabriel held a smaller vase he had recently gotten because he had 'knocked over' the old one.

    "Dad?" Adrian asked softly.

    Gabriel sharply turned to look at him. Before Adrien could react there was a vase being hurdled in his direction. He tried to move but ended up being hit in the edge of his shoulder. The glass broke against the wall as the man shouted at him to get out.

    Adrian grabbed his shoulder and the door handle with his other hand. He ran out of the room, trying not to slam the door. He heard Gabriel call for him but he didn't care.

    When he got back to his room he looked at Plagg, "you were right."

    The bell broke Adrian's thought process for a moment. He looked at his non-existent notes and sighed. Placing the notebook back in his bag he looked at the time. It was almost the end of the day. He had one more class.

    As Adrian put his bag in his shoulder he winced. Wrong shoulder. He moved it to his other arm and got ready to leave the class. Nino stopped him, "you okay?"

    "Oh yeah! I'm fine!" Adrien smiled.

    "Okay." Nino sounded unsure.

    Adrien made his way to his next class. He sat down and pulled out his notebook. The room was almost silent. There was nothing to protect him from his mind, nothing to fill the void.

    After the boy had entered the room, he pulled off his shirt to see the damage. He was much calmer than he felt he should have been.

    "What happened?" Plagg asked, going to grab some bandages from Adrian's bathroom.

    "It was my father. He was destroying stuff in his study." He took the bandages out of Plagg's little hands and went to the bathroom to grab a disinfectant.

    "Did he throw something at you or something?" Plagg followed him.

    "Yeah, the new vase he got." He grabbed the spray from the cabinet and opened the cap. He sprayed it on his skin and placed a few bandaids on. He threw away the trash and changed into his pajamas.

    "Are you okay?" Plagg asked.

    "Yeah, just surprised." He laid down and fell asleep.

    Adrian wasn't sure why he had been so calm the night before. It didn't make sense. Why did this have to bother him now? He looked at the paper that had been placed in front of him. Then back at the time.

    Thirty minutes stood between now and when he would be going home. Adrian didn't want to go home. How would his father act? Would he apologize? Would he tell him to be quiet about it? Would he even say anything?

    As the questions ran though his mind his breathing started to speed up. He couldn't think straight. Adrian looked down at his paper and noticed he couldn't see straight.

    Plagg leaned against him, trying to calm him down.

    Adrian felt like he couldn't breathe, the questions still circulating in his mind . Would this happen again? What would have happened if he hadn't gone downstairs, hadn't left the room, hadn't moved?

    Tears fell from his eyes as his fellow students realized something was wrong. His breathing was out of control now. He brought one hand up to his chest. The teacher got on the phone and called the nurse.

    Alya who had been sitting behind him jumped off of her chair and came to his side. "Adrian? Are you okay?"

    The answer felt obvious, still he tried to shake his head yes.

    "Breath" she tried to comfort him by placing a careful hand on his shoulder but instead he flinched, shrinking away from her touch.

    "Did that hurt?" She asked, the concern in her voice growing more and more evident.

    Adrien nodded. The teacher led them to the hallway where Alya reassured him that she could take care of him.

    They stayed in the hallway for a while. Adrian pressed his back to the wall as he shook. He listened to Alya talk to him but couldn't understand her.

    "What's going on Adrian?"

    "I don't, want to go" his breath caught in his throat and he coughed. He felt sick. "home."

    "What happened?"

    "It's fine-" he leaned into her, grabbing her shoulders to stabilize himself. "Really, it's fine."

    "No, it's not fine. Alya rubbed her hand over his back, trying to calm him down. She let him stay there and cry for a while.

    As his breathing began to even out, he moved to look at her. She looked so, scared. "Are you okay?" He asked, voice still shaking and tears still falling.

    "Yeah I'm okay. I'm just worried about you."

    "I'm fine, a few things just piled up, that's all." He wiped the tears off his face. Alya handed him a tissue which he took. The two stood.

    Alya held her arms out for a hug. Adrien quickly expected it and they stayed there until the bell rang. She went into the class and grabbed their bags. She handed him his and walked him to the outside of the school building.

    "Are you going to be okay?" She asked.

    Adrien paused before answering. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thank you."

    "You sure?"

    "Yeah."

    "Call me if you need anything?"

    "Okay." Adrian walked towards the car. He sighed as he got in. Plagg hung close to him, trying to help keep him grounded. The boy stared out the window, unsure of what to do or what was next. At least he had Plagg.

[nicoline1998enilocin]

Yours, Forever | Chapter 2

PAIRING | Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

WORD COUNT | 4.2K

SUMMARY | Y/N and her dad are leaving to go to New York, but the flight didn't quite go the way they had hoped. When they finally arrive they go to their new home, and try to get settled. But before they can put their stuff away, a mysterious boy who immediately catches Y/N's eye walks up to their house. What she doesn't know is that this mysterious boy will change her life for the better, and she can't wait to get to know more about him.

WARNING(S) | This is your official trigger warning. Do not proceed if any of these topics upset you. Anxiety, talk of the loss of parents, swearing.

A/N | Hi everyone, thank you so much for reading my first ever fic! I would like to start off by saying that English isn’t my first language (I’m Dutch after all 😉) so every mistake you find – spelling or otherwise – is completely my own. I would appreciate you spreading the love about this fic, and I ofcourse hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Also, I decided to throw some Hufflepuff love in here, because I'm a huge Potterhead and I just couldn't resist. I have love for all the houses, but being a proud Hufflepuff I just couldn't resist 🖤

Likes and reblogs will be very much appreciated 💜

Main Masterlist | Bucky Barnes Masterlist | Series Masterlist | Chapter 1 | Chapter 3

Y/N and her dad just said goodbye to Eve, but she couldn't stop crying to safe her life. The realization that she really is leaving her old life behind, hit her like a ton of bricks, and it made the feeling of her anxiety come back again, this time not bad enough to call it a full-on attack, but she was cutting it close. It's a good thing she thought ahead and took one of the pills in advance, so she would be a little more calm. Once they checked in your bag and could board the plane, Y/N felt a little calmer, and she went to look for her seat, a window seat to be exact.

During the flight Y/N took lots of photos, including a few selfies with her dad, and she put one were they both made a funny face as the background on her phone. She showed it to her dad and he started laughing while shaking his head. ''I love you, my crazy sunshine!'' he said. ''Well, I will always love you more, dad!'' she said right back at him. After this she went to sleep, since it was a night flight of about 8 hours long.

The flight didn't go quite as they had hoped, seeing that there was quite a lot of turbulence on the way. Y/N was extremely scared during these moments, and got woken up each time. Her dad grabbed her hand en pulled her close, in order to be able to sooth her as much as possible. ''We're going to be okay, sunshine. Everything is going to be fine and we will be in New York before you know it.'' he said softly in her hair, while soothing her. Once the plane landed, her dad finally let her go, and said ''Welcome home sunshine! You are going to love it here!'' with a big smile on his face. She smiles back at him, but the smile still doesn't quite reach her eyes.

Once they got off the plane and got their suitcases, they grab a taxi and when they told the driver their address, they went on their way to the start of their new life. The taxi stopped in front of the building and Y/N paid the driver, her dad went to get the suitcases from the trunk. When he drove off they slowly walked to the front door, grabbing each other tight. When they reached the door, Y/N's dad got the key for the front door, and asked Y/N to open the door, ''It is your first time here, I think it is only fitting that you open the door for our new life.'' he said.

She grabbed the key out of his hand and with an uncontrollable shake in her hand, she reaches for the lock, but can't quite seem to get the key in there, all to her frustration. She doesn't understand why it is so hard to something so incredibly simple, and she gets tears in her eyes that threaten to spill over when her dad grabs her hand in his, guiding it to the key hole. ''It's okay Y/N, I understand that it is hard to do this, you didn't ask for this life here.'' he said. Together they opened the door, and he waited for Y/N to walk through the door before walking in himself. Once she stepped inside she couldn't really get herself to move, because she is taking in her new home.

Even though she helped her dad pick out the house, the colors on the wall, the floor and all the furnishings and other things, it is hard to believe this is her home now. She needed time to adjust, and she knew her dad would give her all the time she could possibly need. ''Sunshine, I'm gonna go to the grocery store and get some stuff for the first few days for us to get settled, you can bring your stuff to your bedroom. Since I haven't officially decided which one will be mine, yours or the guest room, I want you to have first pick!'' he said. Y/N walked through all the rooms and decided on the one with the best view over New York City, not the biggest but nog the smallest one either.

She said goodbye to her dad and walked him to the front door, waving at him when he drove their new car out of the drive way. Just when she was about to walk back into the house, she noticed a guy walking out of his own driveway and up to their house, which was next door to his own. Y/N wasn't sure what was happening, but walked out the front door and decided to meet the guy halfway down their front yard. ''Hi, can I help you?'' she said with a little shy smile. ''Hey, I noticed you walking up here and I couldn't resist saying hi to the most beautiful girl I have ever seen grace this neighborhood!'' the guy said, making Y/N blush intensely as she looked away.

''Y-you think I'm.. beautiful?'' she asked, not sure what to think of this compliment, especially since the only ones who usually gave her compliments were her dad and Eve. The red tint on her cheeks only growing bolder by the second. ''Oh, I don't just think so, I know it!'' he said winking. ''My name is Tony, Tony Stark. I live next door with my parents, Maria and Howard Stark,'' he said while taking your hand in his and bringing it up to his lips to give a soft kiss on her knuckles. Not sure if it was possible, but Y/N felt like she would burst into flames right then and there. ''I'm Y/N Y/L/N, and I moved here with my dad Will Y/L/N just now.'' she said in a soft voice.

Both Tony and Y/N felt a wave of emptiness when they let go of each others hands, however they wouldn't let each other know that. ''May I ask where you moved here from?'', noticing the accent that definitely isn't from this continent. Hearing it made his heart flutter just a little bit, and he keeps looking at her lips while she talks. ''Well, I'm from the Netherlands actually, I grew up in a really small town with less than 1.000 people living there. I lived there until a few days ago, when we took the plane here.'' she said with sadness in her eyes, thinking about some memories she made there.

''Ah, I can't believe I just met the most beautiful Dutch woman in existence!'' Tony exclaimed with a wink. Y/N couldn't hide her blushing cheeks despite her best efforts, so she put her hands in front of her face in order to shield herself from him noticing how embarrassed she felt right now. Tony reached up to her arms and slowly put his hands on her wrists, trying to get her to take down her hands which she slowly does. ''I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, but when I see this beauty right in front of me I just can't help myself. But since you are new to the city, shall I show you around a little bit?'' he asked with a smirk on his face.

''I- I- I would like that actually.'' she managed to get out, not knowing what else to say at this moment. ''Is it okay if I go get changed? I am still wearing the outfit I wore on the plane, and I would love to take a shower first...'' Y/N said, all of a sudden painfully aware how she looked in her sweatpants, oversized t-shirt and messy bun. ''If you want I can give you my number, so we can keep in contact after you text me, that way I can let you know when I'm ready.'' she said in a soft tone again. ''I would be the luckiest man on earth to have your number, honey.'' he said after her voice reminded him of soft honey being poured over delicious treats.

After she gave his number they said their goodbyes, and Y/N texted her dad, not knowing if he would be back before she came home.

Y/N: [ I just met one of our neighbors, a boy called Tony and he's my age. He asked to show me around New York a little bit, so I'm not sure I'll make it home for dinner today. Sorry! ]

Dad: [ That's okay sunshine, I was planning on going to the bakery anyway today. Have fun and don't be home too late! 😉 ] her dad texted back, knowing full well she would never be home later than 10 PM on a week day.

She smiled at her phone when she saw his response and shook her head. Y/N really had the best dad in the world, and she loves him more than she could ever put into words. For now she was standing in front of her closet, trying to decide what to wear for some sightseeing around the city. In the end she decided to go with a pair of blue ripped skinny jeans, a grey t-shirt with the Hufflepuff crest on it , and her black Converse since they were the most comfortable to walk long distances in. After picking out some simple underwear and a matching bra, she received a text from Tony, saying how he was looking forward to seeing her again. Y/N responded that she was excited too, and couldn't wait to see more of the city.

After this she got her bluetooth speaker out of her backpack, and turned it on in order to connect it to her phone for some music during the shower. She picked out her favorite playlist from her favorite band called My Chemical Romance and turned it up a little louder, so she could loudly sing along while scrubbing herself and washing her hair. After her shower she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and started drying off her hair a little bit, before using the blowdryer to finish it off, showing her beautiful natural curls. These curls instantly reminded her of her mother, who had the same curls for as long as she could remember.

She walked into her bedroom and after she dried herself off completely she got into her underwear, a simple black lace set in which she always felt confident when wearing it. She put on the rest of her clothes and walked back into the bathroom in order to do her make-up. In the end she decided to keep it light, with winged black eyeliner, mascara and her favorite cherry red lipstick that she wore almost every day, since it fit so well with her skin tone. Y/N looked at herself in the mirror and said ''You can do this! There's nothing to be afraid of, you're beautiful and confident!'' in order to talk some more confidence into herself.

On her way out she grabbed her keys and phone, together with her purse and her leather jacket, not knowing what the weather would be like for the rest of the day. She texted Tony that she's ready, and he asked her to wait in front of her yard so he could pick her up there with his car. When he drove around the corner, she saw Tony behind the steering wheel and immediately felt a bit of a warm feeling inside her, swooning over how good he looked there. Like he never did anything else but just drive that damn car.

He had his window rolled down and when he stopped in front of her, Tony said ''Damn honey, you look even more beautiful than I could ever dream of in my wildest dreams!'' he said with a wink, and she blushed again right away, not knowing what to say. ''Get in, I have a lot planned for today!'' he demanded and she did just that, sitting down next to Tony on the passenger seat. ''Where are we going?'' Y/N asked, but Tony wouldn't tell her because it would take away the surprise if he did. ''You'll have to wait and see, honey.'' She loved how easy the nickname rolled off his tongue, and all she wants is for him to call her that forever.

After a 25 minute drive through New York, they arrive at the Smithsonian, where the Captain America exhibit is currently being shown. They walk around for a while and talk about the things they see, and about themselves in order to get to know each other better. ''You know, I feel kind of bad in a way for them. Is that weird? They just wanted a normal life, but all of that got ripped away because of the war...'' Y/N said, when she was standing in front of the part about Captain America's best friend, Bucky Barnes. There is something in those eyes she can't quite place, they almost look haunted, like they have seen things they shouldn't have. ''I especially feel bad for him, never getting to live the life he deserved, dying for his country.'' she said about Bucky. Little did she know then, that this man would turn her whole world upside down one day.

When they left the Smithsonian they went for ice cream, and Y/N was delighted to see they have her favorite flavor, she got 2 scoops on a waffle cone ofcourse. ''Thank you Tony, for showing me the city, the Smithsonian and the ice cream. It is the greatest date I've ever had. Not that I've had many to be honest, but it's the thought that counts right?!'' Y/N mentioned lightly, not thinking much of it when she said it. However, she didn't have the feeling she would later get to know as complete and utter love, being head over heels for someone. The feeling she had with Tony was safe, trustworthy, and loved in a way one would love their best friend, or their sibling. And that's exactly what they became, the two best friends that were absolutely inseparable from that day forward.

~ 10 years later ~

Y/N was getting ready for her graduation ceremony from Harvard Law School, after a few years of hard work and lots of fun. For a few years she decided to help her dad in the bakery, and as much as she loved doing it, she realized that isn't where her heart was at, so after working there for about 7 years she decided to go off to college and become a lawyer. For the years she was busy getting her degree there, she moved there and saw her dad and Tony mostly during holidays or long weekends off. Her dad was busier than ever in the bakery which is a great success, even being able to open two more bakeries in different parts of town. Tony had to take over Stark Industries after the passing of his parents but even when he was busy with that, he would always make time for his best friend when she would be back in New York.

The graduation was no different, both her dad and Tony made the trip all the way to Harvard in order to attend, which they wouldn't miss for the world. They were both there when she received and opened her acceptance letter, and they both were there to drop her off when she started her first semester. Even though she was greatly missed, Tony and Y/N's dad always had a great relationship, and they bonded over things like cars, the latest technology and the fact that they always had cookies ready to eat at their house. This bond grew even stronger after the passing of Tony's parents, and he was welcomed into the family without a second thought.

Y/N got her graduation outfit ready, wearing a black sun dress with sunflowers on them, together with her signature black Converse. Her curls flowed loose around her shoulders over the graduation robe and under her graduation cap. Her make up consisted of a black and yellow eyeshadow look with winged liner, mascara and her cherry red lipstick to finish off the look. Before the ceremony started she saw her dad and Tony walk to their seats in the audience, and she waved when they noticed her. All three of them had a big smile on their face. ''I'm so proud of her, and I just know her mom would have been too if she was here.'' Tony said to Y/N's dad, who couldn't agree more.

By the time her name was called - ''Next up, Y/N Y/L/N!'' -, she walked up the stage and received her diploma after shaking a few hands and talking to some of her professors on stage. When she turned around she flipped the tassel on her graduation cap and looked over at Tony and her dad while doing so. They stood up and she saw her dad filming, so she waved enthusiastically to them and blowing them a kiss through the air. She got off the stage and walked up to her fellow classmates, everyone giving each other big hugs and congratulating one another.

When the ceremony was over, she ran over to her dad and Tony, who was waiting with a big bouquet of sunflowers that matched her dress perfectly. ''Congratulations sunshine, we are so incredibly proud of you! Your mom is also so unbelievably proud, even if she isn't here with us right now, remember that.'' her dad said the last part a little softer, and a few tears welled up in his eyes by the thought of his late wife. Y/N gave her dad a big hug, and soothed him while wiping a few tears away of her own, glad she wore waterproof make up today. ''Well, I can finally say I know the greatest lawyer on earth now! Congratulations honey, you deserve the world after all the hard work you did. For now I got you these flowers to match with your dress, but I will get you the rest of the world later.'' he said playfully after winking at her. She couldn't stop smiling up at her best friend, and she couldn't believe how incredibly lucky she was to have him in her life. ''But Tony, I'm not a lawyer-'' she started to say, but couldn't finish her sentence because Tony pulled her into a big hug, knowing full well she had to pass the bar first to become a lawyer.

The three of them decided to go out for dinner to celebrate Y/N and her diploma, just like they had done so many times before, but this time they weren't in New York. Y/N took them to a fancy restaurant - especially since Tony insisted that nothing would be too expensive on such a night as this, and he was paying for it - and they talked about life, the bakery, Stark Industries, and everything in between. ''So, what is the plan now?'' her dad asked, asking about her future plans. ''Well, first I'm going to take the bar and hopefully become an actual lawyer in New York, but I'm still not entirely sure what kind of law I would get into, although criminal law is still calling my name.'' she said with a proud look on her face.

''Honey,'' Tony started, because he had a proposal for her, and he couldn't wait any longer to ask her. He already discussed it with her dad, and he was over the moon about the idea, so he decided dinner would be the best moment to ask. ''I have a proposal for you. Sadly I can't get married to two women at the same time so it's not that kind of proposal, but I want you to know that you can say no to this if you don't want this. I already discussed it with your dad, and we both agree that it would be an amazing opportunity for you to come work for Stark Industries, or more specifically for me as my lawyer. There is no one I trust more in my life, I trust you WITH my life even, so if you want it, you are more than welcome to fill the position once you pass the bar and become a real bad ass lawyer.'' he finished with a hopeful look in his eyes.

''Tony, I- I don't quite know what to say to that. First of all, Pepper is the best wife you could ever wish for, so you wouldn't need me as well. And second, I would absolutely love to work as your lawyer, since I already got you out of enough trouble over the last 10 years, might as well get paid for it now!'' Y/N said and she laughed at her own joke, feeling intensely grateful for this amazing opportunity he gave her. ''So yes, Tony, once I pass the bar I would be honored to become your lawyer.'' she said with a big smile, and a twinkle in her eyes. There is nothing in this world she would rather do than work with her best friend.

When they finished their dinner and dessert, they went home and Y/N took the chance to call her best friend back in the Netherlands, Eve. They have seen each other a couple of times since they moved, but not nearly as much as they would like. Today, Y/N decided to make it a FaceTime call, since she had amazing news to share. When it rang a couple times, Eve picked up and was excited as always. ''BABE, OH MY GOD! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!'' she yelled at her laptop, and Y/N did the same. ''I have amazing news to share - and no, I'm not engaged to Tony, stop asking that. He's married!'' she started with a big smile. ''I just received my diploma, so I am officially a Harvard Law graduate now! I still need to pass the bar in order to become an actual lawyer and be aloud to practice, but Tony did give me an amazing opportunity to come work as his lawyer at Stark Industries!'' and she couldn't contain how giddy she was about this.

''Wait, wait, wait, HOLD ON! TONY FUCKING STARK WANTS YOU TO WORK AS HIS LAWYER?! HIS PERSONAL LAWYER?!" Eve pretty much screamed as she was also not able to contain her excitement. She knows how big this opportunity is, and she's very happy for her best friend. ''Yeah, and ofcourse I said yes, I would be stupid to say no to that!'' Y/N said quickly while rolling her eyes. The rest of the evening was more laughter and talking each others ears off, just like they were used to doing. When it was time to go to bed, Y/N noticed a text from Tony.

Stark: [ I'm so proud of you, honey. You deserve this after all your hard work. Want to come by my office tomorrow to discuss more details about you becoming my lawyer? ]

Y/N: [ Thank you and yes, I would love to. Want me to bring lunch? ]

Stark: [ Obviously. See you at 12.30 in my office. ]

Y/N wrote it down and got ready to go to bed, she had a big day tomorrow after all. She would meet him in the Avengers Tower, where he was most of the time. And even though she has been there a few times already, the giddiness of possibly seeing an actual Avenger - besides Tony, she was used to him being Iron Man since that was all the talked about sometimes - would never die down. She slipped under her covers and went into a peaceful, dreamless sleep, and woke up the next day well rested.

When Y/N got up and downstairs, she was surprised to not find her dad there, but he left a note with some pancakes and fresh fruit next to it. ''Sunshine, I'm at the bakery, Gus called in sick. I'll be home for dinner. Love you ~ Papa'' is what was written on the note. She texted him good luck with work and that she would meet Tony today to go over the details of their agreement. He wished her good luck, and she ate the pancakes while reading a book that happened to lay on the dinner table.

At around 11.45 she walked to her car and drove to their favorite place to grab some lunch, and she arrived at the Avengers Tower 15 minutes before their appointment, traffic was surprisingly light today. She got up to the gate and JARVIS let her in the gate, she went down to the parking garage where she always put her car when she visited. Once she got out and into the tower, she was waiting for the elevator when a big, muscular guy with brown hair to his shoulders and the brightest blue eyes joined her. ''Which floor?'' he asked, when walking into the elevator, and you mentioned the floor Tony's office was located. ''Ah, meeting Tony I see. Well, I wish you good luck with that!'' he said with a small smile. ''Thank you, but I don't think I'll need luck, it's just Tony.'' she mentioned with a smile, looking at the floor numbers going up. When she got out, she said ''Goodbye!'' in a soft voice to the man and walked up to Tony's office with the lunch in hand. I really hope to see you again, handsome she thinks to herself when walking through the hallway.

[matenrou-fan]

somethhing I wonder on a lot, Jakurai with a younger girlfriend (around 22) and how yotsutsuji would be suspiscious of her when he comes back from coma, worrying that she will be bad for jakurai like ramuda, but eventually if the two becoming friends, jakurrai's girlfriend and yotsutsuji having a nice friendship?

I don't know if my request make sense but thank you for what you write, its all nice and you are really kind!

Jakurai's girlfriend trying to befriend Yotsutsuji

aww, thank YOU for being such a sweetheart..! here's your request please contact me again if it's not what you wanted!!

Femreader, comfort, slightly mention of Yotsutsuji having something like PTSD, just wholesome stuff;; 1173 words

Yotsutsuji, despite he woke up not that long ago, was trying to return to his normal life as soon as possible. He moves to Jakurai's house almost immediately after taking all necessary analyses in hospital, start taking practice as his assistant once again. He learning everything he need very quickly, as he wished to return this soft caring relationship between him and Jakurai, his parent figure.

Just how much happened when he was in coma...! Breakup of TDD, new people in Jakurai's life, forming of Matenrou, rap battle of divisions.. Young man listens carefully to all news that his benefactor had to tell him. Yotsutsuji was willing to meet his new band as fast as possible, thinking about true nature of Doppo and Hifumi. Yes, maybe Jakurai was trusted them fully, but for Yotsutsuji this strange depressed salaryman and absolutely uncontrollable cheerful dummy was really suspicious. Well, Jakurai trusted Ramuda too before, and how it's turns out? Who can say that this two will be different?

But more than members of Matenrou, Yotsutsuji was worried about another person that appeared in Jakurai's life when he was in coma.. He was worried about you, about your true intention. It was clear that you was much closer to Jakurai than Hifumi and Doppo as you was his girlfriend, you even lived with him too..! Young, cheerful, and so caring, you was so happy when you found out that Yotsutsuji finally wake up, visit him and Jakurai in the hospital during lunch breaks. Jakurai introduced you to each other after few days as Yotsutsuji wake up, much earlier than he tell about Doppo and Hifumi and since then start trying to make you two more close.

But young man didn't even try to befriend you, looking at you coldly every time you ask him something. He try to act more calmer when Jakurai was around, by he can't help but examining you with his sharp gaze every time as doc turns away.

"You two are almost the same age, so I think you would get along well.." - Jakurai always tell softly, holding your and Yotsutsuji's hands in his arms. His gaze so soft and loving, you never seen him so happy and relaxed as he looks at two the most precious persons in his life, at his family.. How can you say anything against when your boyfriend look so relaxed and peaceful?

And you actually try to talk with his adopted son more often, explaining him new technologies, news, everything that Jakurai didn't have time to tell him. Yotsutsuji was so quiet and kind, adorable and obedient around Jakurai, you can't help but look at him like at your little brother, helping him with his studies and other things. But for some reason he keep holding his cold attitude when no one see.

"D.. don't think you will fool me too.." - he said once as you two was standing in living room, you just ask him some random simple question. His voice was trembling a little, as he feel mix of shame and worry. Your surprised naive gaze looks so harmless but still.. he still feel like something was off.

So he kept being suspicious towards you, trying to check all things that you do and listen carefully to your little chats with Jakurai or your friends. Maybe he look creepy, but he's just traumatized - how can he believe someone, even such adorable sunshine as you, after all that things he have been through..? It's doesn't matter how sweet and caring you act, every time he looks at your face or faces of Matenrou, all he sees was Ramuda's devil smirk..

But times passes, and you still was absolutely inoffensive, still talking with him softly as you try to understand his feelings, and eventually he breaks, as your care find its way into his scared heart. After all that silent tantrums that he throws just because he was worried for nothing, you still was patient. You didn't even tell on him to Jakurai, trying to solve this conflict yourself, asking him softly what's wrong and what you should do to gain his trust.. Yotsutsuji feels himself absolutely stupid.

"I'm sorry.." - he sat next to you on a couch late at night, as you both was waiting for Jakurai to return home after sudden call in hospital - "All this time I was so wrong about you.."

You can see light blush of shame on his cheeks as he looks away, actually feeling guilty.

"I think I should apologize properly for all this times that I was rude with you.. If you think that i deserve to be forgiven.." - he mumble. Now, when he thinks about it, all that you give him as an answer to his strange behavior was patience, and he feel as his heart sank a little.

But suddenly he feel your warm hands around him, as you embrace his trembling shoulders. He froze for a second, surprised, but then quickly hug you back, slowly soothing in your arms. You was so soft and cozy.. he close his eyes, leaning to your shoulder, feeling as you caresses his back.

You two was silent, sitting like that for some time, not knowing that Jakurai was already here, standing in doorway with big soft smile on his face, as he adore your figures. He's not a fool and he knew all along that you and Yotsutsuji have some tension in yours relationship, and now, when he finally see you two befriended.. His soul trembling from joy as he get closer and join the group hug, It's good that his height and long arms allow him to cuddle both of you in the same time...

After that, Yotsutsuji finally start to show his more soft and gentle side for you too. He finally became a ray of sunshine he was before, treating you as his dearest friends. Now, cooking together something, especially sweets for Jakurai, had become a normal practice for you two.

"Huhu.. I don't even know which one of you should I be more jealous of.." - Jakurai chuckle, teasing you two about all this time you start to spend together. But honestly, without any teases, he finally felt a complete peace in his house, in his mind and soul. It's feels like he finally stop suffering, his heart was healed with smiles of you and Yotsutsuji, as you two was playfully fighting for something, giggling together.

Jakurai can't help but smiles every time he see this childish happy expression on Yotsutsuji's face. This boy is really appreciate you now, and it was clearly visible on his face, as his eyes sparkles with happiness when you two talk about new show or when he try to explain to you some medical books that Jakurai lends him.

Now, when you two became so close to each other, there was new life waiting for you, with your new friend and your boyfriend, as three of you was ready to always support and help each other as much as possible.

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

Something Blue (Sashnetra- Wedding Planner AU)

And...here's part 4/4 of the main story for the Wedding Planner AU. Thanks to everyone that kept an interest in this little AU of mine that has grown so much. There's more to come after this, so stay tuned!

Read on ao3

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The pianist had played the prelude music for the past thirty minutes as the guests greeted each other and searched for available seats. The elderly pianist playing the piano at the church was a few pages away from starting the processional, as the family and wedding party would take their places. Soon everyone at the wedding would be waiting in anticipation as the bride would eventually make an entrance and walk down the aisle.

Sasha felt very nervous to see Anetra, but she wasn't the one marrying her. But luckily for Sasha, this would be the last day that she would see Anetra, and then she would get over her crush as fast as possible.

Right?

She needed a moment to herself before the ceremony started. Maybe a quick walk around the church could help clear her mind.

Sasha slipped from behind the pews and out the door that nobody was using. She found herself in an empty hall and began walking as the piano and voices became softer. The further in the church she walked, the more tranquil she felt.

She walked past a small group of bridesmaids as they were quietly speaking amongst themselves, paying no attention to Sasha. She heard part of the conversation in passing "-just got into her dress, and then she said she needed to check on something. She said that she would be back soon."

"I hope so, she's been a little flakey lately. That's not like Anetra."

Sasha tried not to look at the group as she overheard the bride's name. She quickened her pace as she walked further from the group and turned to another hallway. It might have been a long shot, but she had a feeling she knew where Anetra was.

The door to the kitchen pantry was left ajar, with the light turned on. Sasha carefully peeked in and saw the crisp white dress that flowed down the flow down the floor, as the bride who wore it was sitting on a stool, facing the other direction. Her hair was in an updo, carefully pinned with a lotus-shaped hairclip. Sasha felt slightly disappointed that Anetra's hair wasn't worn down for her special day.

Sasha gave a quiet knock on the door to announce her presence, "Is this your favorite hiding place? Or do you just have a thing about spending your time in closets?" she asked gently.

Anetra turned her head towards the voice and stood up when she recognized who it was. Her make-up was simple yet elegant. She was gorgeous from head to toe, and Sasha had never envied a groom so much in her career.

"I've just been thinking in here, that's all," Anetra said as she crossed her arms over her chest, closing herself off. She seemed much calmer now than when they were in the pantry a few days before.

"Thinking about what?" Sasha questioned her.

Anetra took a deep breath before answering, cementing her decision to herself before she vocalized it. "I don't think I want to get married today." She looked Sasha in the eyes, her warm brown eyes seeming honest yet pleading. "I've been thinking about what you told me, and I don't think this will make me happy as much as it's making everyone else happy."

Sasha nodded, a little surprised at Anetra's even tone. "What did you plan on doing, then? I think it's a little too late to cancel everything."

Antera's eyes brightened, an idea coming to her, "I need you to take me to my dad's house. Like, right now."

Sasha tilted her head, wondering why a potential runaway bride was asking her wedding planner for help to escape her wedding. "Where does your dad live?" she asked, might as well humor Anetra's request.

"Los Angeles."

Sasha hoped that Anetra was confusing Los Angeles with Las Vegas, but after the two stared eye to eye for several seconds, she started to believe Anetra meant what she said. Anetra continued, "Please? You're going there anyways after this." Her big, brown eyes seemed to be the bane of Sasha's decision-making skills.

"What about everyone waiting for the wedding to start? What do you plan to tell them?" As Sasha asked, Antra turned around and picked up a large box from the floor, filled with small sealed envelopes with handwritten blue names on each one.

"I already got it covered." She shuffled through the box to show Sasha, "We got sent an extra box of thank you cards, so I wrote each to explain everything." She looked back at Sasha, "I have my stuff that I need to bring to my dad's in the dressing room I got ready in. So can you please take me with you?"

Sasha sighed, realizing that Anetra did think of everything to be a runaway bride. Something in her told her that the other woman needed this. "Okay, fine, I can take you. I'll take these cards to the ceremony hall, and I'll meet you in five minutes at the car, alright?"

A few minutes later Sasha awkwardly walked through the church, handing the box to the officiant, and quickly escaped to her rental car, she saw Anetra with a duffel bag standing outside of it, still in her white dress. "You didn't change?" she asked as she unlocked the car.

"There's no time. Let's get out of here."

After making a quick stop at a gas station for fuel and snacks and to get Anetra out of the dress into street clothes, the two were on the long drive back to LA. Anetra stayed relatively quiet as Sasha put her playlist on the car stereo. On the long stretch of road, the two women did not speak much as Anetra watched the scenery they passed by as Sasha tried to focus on driving.

Once they hit LA traffic and the drive still had an hour left, Sasha was the one who broke the silence yet again. "So, why are we going to your dad's house?"

Anetra turned to look at Sasha, pulled from her train of thoughts. "I reached out to him to see if he and my stepmom were going to the wedding, even though we don't talk much." She adjusted herself in the seat and turned closer to the driver. "We ended up getting back in touch, and we've been texting and talking on the phone for the past few days. We've been talking about me getting married, and he helped me realize that I need a better chance at love than an arranged marriage.." Anetra smiled softly, "So I'm going to live with him and my stepmom for a bit. I need a fresh start."

She couldn't understand why, but Sasha felt bursting with pride listening to Anetra. Anetra's voice grew with confidence, and Sasha saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "He seems like a great dad," she responded.

"He is. He's the best." Anetra smiled as they drove. The car eventually pulled into a driveway of a blue-painted house as Sasha was telling Anetra all the good food spots in LA. They saw a tall Asian man standing on the porch stepping outside with a woman. They seemed welcoming as they waved to the car as she parked. Sasha grabbed the discarded dress as Anetra took the duffel bag and followed her towards the house.

Anetra's dad enveloped Anetra in a tight hug as a welcome and quietly said to his daughter, "I'm proud of you, kiddo." They stayed like that for a moment, then he and the stepmother took the dress and duffel bag into the house, leaving the two women to say their goodbyes.

"Well, thanks for taking me," Anetra awkwardly said as she wrung her hands together. "I guess this is goodbye, then?"

Sasha nodded, "It seems so. Good luck out here, okay?" She was about to say her goodbye but was quickly interrupted.

"Wait, Sasha. One more thing?"

"Yes, what is-" She was interrupted by Anetra wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug, her head peaking over her shoulder.

"Thank you for everything." Sasha melted into the sudden hug. Getting over her crush won't be easy, as she felt at home in her arms.

"MAIL'S HERE!"

Sasha heard Malaysia's voice announcing up the stairwell through her shut office door. Two weeks have passed since Anetra's would-of-been wedding, and Sasha has spent most of her time at work locked inside her office. She arrived before anyone else and was the last to leave for the day. Unless she had a meeting with a bride, her office door had a yellow sticky note that said Busy-Go ask Malaysia. Her employees have been following that note.

Well, almost all of her employees.

The door swung open without a knock, entering Loosey with her hands on her hips. "Come on, get downstairs. You aren't making me or Malaysia bring you your mail again."

Sasha looked up from her computer with her head lazily held up in her hand. Her blue light glasses were slightly off her face "What if I'm busy right now?" she asked dryly.

Loosey tilted her head, shooting back, "I can see that you're playing Spider Solitare. Now, quit moping and go downstairs with me to get your mail." She pointed a manicured nail toward the stairs. Sasha let out a small groan before taking off her glasses and standing up.

"Fine, only because I'm stuck on a move right now." She grumbled as she walked to the other side of her desk. "But just five minutes, tops."

Loosey smiled in victory as she led Sasha down the stairs, looking back to ensure the other woman didn't run back inside her office. They walked into the lobby as Malaysia passed a couple of boxes of fresh flowers to Aura, and they looked to see who it was.

"Finally coming down for your mail, huh?" her assistant manager asked her, as she shuffled through the organized pile of parcels and envelopes.

"Yes, I got forced into it." Sasha sighed as she sent a glare in Loosey's direction. Luckily the lobby was relatively empty right now, the midday slump was upon the store. Malaysia handed her a stack of business envelopes and gave Loosey a couple of parcels.

She turned to walk back to the stairs and flipped through the mail but found an envelope slightly bigger and thicker than the rest, with handwriting scrolled on the cover. She looked at the return address and saw that it was from the church in Las Vegas.

She stopped in her tracks and opened up the envelope. She first pulled out a small note that was in the front.

Found this in the box of cards that you handed me, I think that this one is for you.

She recognized the name of the officiant from the church on the note and pulled out the card. Her name was written in blue ink on the cover, in Anetra's small handwriting. "She wrote me a card too?" She looked at Loosey, who she told the entire story to after she returned to work from Vegas.

Loosey stepped closer to her, her tone gentler than before "Well, then why don't you read it, see what she had to say" Sasha nodded as she opened the card and walked to sit at the front desk, the blank inside of the card filled with writing. She took a deep breath, unsure of what Anetra had to say.

Sasha,

I’ve been writing these cards all day, and yours is the one that’s the hardest for me to write. It’s not because I don’t know what to say to explain why I ran from the wedding. That’s the easy part, the hard part is that I have to tell you all of this, including my feelings for you. So I’m hoping you will never see this card. 

Meeting you made me realize that I don’t want this relationship or this marriage. I never knew what love actually felt like, or what it possibly looked like for me. You made me realize that someone like you is what I want in a relationship. I’ve only known you for less than a year, but I like you, Sasha. I wish I could get to know you so much more, but I don’t think you want that. You deserve someone great if you don’t already have someone. I’m having a fresh start at life soon in LA, and I’m hoping I find someone like you to spend the rest of my life with. When I do, I know a wedding planner I’ll be sure to call one day, when I’m ready. So for now, this is goodbye.

-Anetra

Sasha read the card at least three times, still in disbelief at what Anetra had to say. Luckily, Loosey was reading the card over her shoulder, too impatient for Sasha to hand it to her.

"That's great news! She likes you too, you need to go talk to her!" Loosey expressed. Sasha closed the card and stood up, looking around at the rest of the lobby.

"It is, but what am I supposed to do? Go to her house and see if she's there. Then what?" Loosey shot up, starting to walk back upstairs.

"That's a great idea! We can figure out what to tell her on the way. I'll drive you there!"

"Wait a minute." Sasha caught up to Loosey before she got to the stairs. "Loosey, I can drive myself there, you know." She pointed out.

Loosey turned around, hands back on her hips "True, but what happens when you chicken out?"

"...Okay fine. Let's get going then."

After Loosey sped across LA and somehow got out of a speeding ticket, Sasha nervously walked up the walkway to the blue house from two weeks ago. She saw a red car that seemed to be still running in the driveway that wasn't there before. Loosey watched from her parked car on the street, by the brick mailbox. Sasha closed her eyes and took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell next to the front door.

Anetra's stepmother answered the door and recognized Sasha after a few seconds. Sasha smiled politely at her "Hi, I'm Anetra's, um, friend. I dropped her off a couple of weeks ago. I was just wondering if she was home."

The woman perked up when she answered, "Oh, her friend was just about to pick her up to go somewhere. I don't think Marcia's left yet but-"

She was interrupted by the garage door opening, and both looked to see who it was that opened it "Oh, maybe that's her." The stepmother said, pointing over to the front yard.

Sasha stepped off the porch and into the front yard as Anetra turned the corner out of the garage. Her hair was dyed a bright red, and the scar through her eye almost fully healed. Anetra immediately saw Sasha standing in the yard and signaled to the driver of the red car to wait.

Anetra walked up towards Sasha, leaving arms-length of space between them, "Oh, hi Sasha." She looked to the front door where her stepmother retreated into the house. "What are you doing here?"

Sasha was drawn to Anetra's colored hair, forgetting why she was at the other's house. "You dyed your hair, it's really pretty," she said, feeling dumb right after she said it.

Anetra held a lock of her hair, glancing at it, "Oh, thanks. Marcia-she's in the car, we work together- She and her sister helped me dye it. They said it was good for my fresh start here, you know?" Anetra rambled out. She cleared her throat to ease her nervous tone "I'm glad you like it."

"I do like it." She smiled and then remembered the card. "Oh, this is why I'm here. I got this in the mail today." She showed Anetra the card that she was holding, and Anetra's eyes widened when she recognized the card.

"Oh, um- that. Listen, you probably didn't want to know all that. You know, my feelings and stuff. But I didn't think that you would see that and read it all and-" She started slowly backing towards the red car as she rambled, and Sasha reached out and held Anetra by the arms to interrupt her from talking.

"Anetra, I came all this way because I wanted to tell you that I like you too." the two made eye contact as Sasha confessed her crush to her.

Anetra stiffened under her touch as she searched for a response "Y-You do? You like me back?" she stammered out.

Sasha nodded as she moved her hand up to cup Anetra's cheek, and leaned forward to softly press their lips together.

The kiss was tender and sweet, Sasha felt Anetra ease into the kiss, and her arms looped around her neck, as Antra's arms found themselves around Sasha's waist. Their lips slowly peeled apart as they pressed their foreheads together, still embraced by each other.

"It's true, I like you back." Sasha softly said, as if it was just them in the world at that moment. They were about to move forward for another kiss, lost in the moment of each other when an outside voice interrupted them.

"Finally!!" Loosey's voice exclaimed, and the two women looked over to see Loosey standing outside her car, leaning against it, standing next to a tall blonde. Sasha assumed this new person was Marcia, as the red car was no longer running.

Sasha turned back to face Anetra, as their hands fell to their sides, but joined with their palms touching. "I guess we gave them a show, huh?" she smiled at the other woman, both holding a slight blush on their cheeks. They would talk about their relationship later when they didn't have an audience watching them. She turned to Loosey and Marcia "I guess you two are friends now?" she questioned playfully.

The women giggled together as Loosey jokingly shot back another question to Sasha.

"So, does this mean we'll be your bridesmaids one day?"

[sharonrb]

Death is only the Beginning PT 5

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Shuri was in her lab, checking the results of the plants and floral compound; given to her by her mother. Ramonda told Shuri that the Goddess Bast said, these would remove the remaining poison; of the flower plant in her. She was amazed at what she had discovered. The simple make up of each plant and flower; even the weeds growing in Wakanda, had amazing components. She will have make an expedition when this was all over, and gather more samples to do further research. She had no doubt vibranium had a hand in it.

“Shuri!” M'Baku, stormed into the lad; causing her to jump.

“What is it m--,” she was stopped with a stern stare and palm.

“Not today,” he warned.

“What is wrong?” She asked, seeing that he was highly upset; which alarmed her.

“We have a big problem,” he said. “The Shaman is dead!” Shuri’s eyes narrowed.

“How?” She asked.

“Poisoned,” he said. Shuri went into thought.

“I know exactly what you are thinking,” he read her expression.

“Then you know W'Kabi had something to do with it,” she said.

“It is no coincident,” he paced the room. “Not long after his escape; she’s dead.”

“About that,” Shuri said. He turned to her.

“What Princess? What is it you have not told me; that I should have been aware?” Shuri took in a deep breath and allowed it to seep through her lips; bracing for the eruption of mount M'Baku.

“As I informed Okoye,” she begin.

“Okoye? My General Okoye?” His voice a little loud.

“Are you going to let me finish?” Shuri looked at him innocently.

“Go ahead,” he said, containing his anger.

“Okoye came in earlier to tell me about the escape,” she told him. A light growl rumbled in his chest. “I told her about overhearing some shepherds conversing; they mention W'Kabi.”

“And you did not think this information was important enough to share with me; after receiving the news he had escaped?” M’Baku's voice was lower and calmer.

“I am sorry,” She had remorse some in her voice. “But with my mother, it is too much on my brain.” M'Baku relaxed, and gave her leeway. She is in overdrive trying to deal with so many things at the moment.

“You take care of your mother; we will deal with W'Kabi,” he told her and started for the door.

“M’Baku, wait!” She called to him. “Who is we?” He looked over his shoulder, but continued out the door.

“Attuma and I!” He was out before she could say anything more. ‘Attuma and him,’ she mouthed.

“I wonder does Okoye know?” She said to herself. “I will let them deal with W'Kabi, if I did not despise the man; I could feel sorry for him. Those two will not be merciful.” Shuri gathered her things; she was finished with the mixture, and ready to administer it to her mother. She just hopes, it truly was the Goddess Bast in the dream..

Attuma wasn’t taking any chances with W'Kabi getting to Okoye. He had no doubt she was able to take him on; that was not the problem. Attuma is a man in love with the most fascinating woman he has ever met. He never thought he would ever get this emotion return to him; and the fact that they have yet to mate, is the telling part.

And there lies the problem. The Wakandan has had the pleasure of experiencing the delicate touch of Okoye, that is not easy to let go. Especially, if he knows their marriage has ended, freeing her to be with another; he isn’t going to let go that effortlessly. How does he know W'Kabi isn’t? Because he himself would not let go of such precious gift of a woman.

“Attuma?” Okoye called to him for the third time.

“Yes, my General,” he turned to her.

“You’re thinking about him, are you not?” she more stated than asked.

“I will not allow him near you,” he said as a promise.

“I know you want to do so,” she said. “But I have a job to do; and finding him is one.” Attuma turned away and took a few steps away from her. She took noticed. “Attuma, what did you do?” He turned back to her.

“Well,” he said, hesitating. “Your King M’Baku felt he would come for you and that would bait him in. But I said no. So I ask if he could relieve you of your duties temporarily, until he is found. So he agreed, now you are here under my protection.” Okoye stood silent for minutes, staring at him; forming words in her head, which would make him understand her stance. So, she thought of an example that would really drive it home.

“If you told Namora what you just told me, because you found yourself having to protect her; what would she say or do?” She asked and waited for the response, she knew he would reply. Light shone bright in his head of what he had done.

“It wouldn’t be good,” he admitted. “I am so sorry, my beloved. I should have more faith in your ability.” Okoye came to him and gaze into his eyes, grasping his powerful arms.

“I don’t need you to stand in front of me to protect me; I need you beside me. If we haven’t learned by now as two nations; together we are stronger.” She told him.

“You are right, and there is no one else in this moment of time; I would be honor to have at my side.” He lowered his head, kissing her passionately. His love was so strong, she had become his weakness; no fault of hers, just him never wanting to lose her.

“Listen my beloved,” she pulled back her head and looked him in the eyes, with all seriousness. “We can’t allow our love for each other to cloud who we are; it will cause us to make mistakes, and we can’t afford it.” He concurred, he has to separate their love and their duties.

“We need to work on a plan to deal with this matter, and get on with our lives,” he said.

“What do you have in mind?” She asked, because she knew M'Baku and him had set one in motion; and she wanted in on it.

Chapter Thirty

Shuri came home and walked inside; exhausted from a long day. She was met with her nephew, Toussaint giving her a big hug and grinning. Nakia looked at her and saw something was pressing, thinking maybe the components of the ingredients had negative results.

“Will they work?” Nakia pressed. “Will what the Goddess Bast said to your mother work?” Shuri finish hugging Toussaint; and stared, smiling at his mother.

“Why Nakia,” she started. “I thought you were more spiritual than this; have you no faith in the Goddess?” Nakia gave her the eye.

“My Princess, do not play with me,” she said her, mocking her as she had done to her brother; and now M'Baku. “Will it work or not?” Shuri walked pass her towards her mothers room, pointing a finger; acknowledging what she tried to do there.

“I caught that,” Shuri said, stopping in the door. “Is she awake?”

“Yes, Namor is with her.” Nakia told her. Namor looked up at the two, and Ramonda smiled.

“It was as Bast disclosed,” Ramonda sensing the healing essence in Shuri’s  hand. “You knew exactly what to do with the plants and floral.”

“It will work?” Namor asked.

“Let’s find out,” Shuri handed her mother the small vial to drink. Ramonda begins to sip at first to catch the taste; it was sweet. She drank the rest down, as everyone watched.

“I am not sure how it will process, so we just wait and see,” Shuri mostly warning of no expectations of a quick fix.

“I can feel it surging through my body, eradicating the poison given to me.” Ramonda confirming the reaction to the mixture. Namor smiled gazing into his wife’s eyes, Shuri nearly coming to tears; grateful the Goddess gifted her with the abilities to preform such feats. Nakia clasped her hands together closing her eyes thanking the Goddess Bast and young T'Challa not able to grasp what was going on; was still happy everyone else was.

“My darling,” he said, taking her into his arms. She laughed in his ear, holding him tight; as she felt her strength being restored. Shuri gesture for them to leave as she walked towards Nakia and Toussaint.

“I need to tell you something,” she told her, as she passed by. “Let’s go by the water.” Now what? Nakia thought to herself.

“There has been some developments that I hadn’t shared with you,” Shuri revealed as they neared the beach.

“Oh?” Nakia replied. “It has to be bad if you did not want Queen Mother and Namor to hear. Toussaint begin to run in and out of the water, playing tag with it.  

“W'Kabi has escaped, and no one knows his whereabouts,” Shuri informed her.

“What?” Nakia yelled.

“Shush, Nakia,” she said, looking back at the hut. Those two are mutants and can hear a mouse piss on cotton. “Yes, and they think he’s coming for Okoye.”

“He can try,” she said with anger. “I will find him first.” She begin to pace back and forth going into her war dog thinking.

“I need you here helping with my mom, Nakia,” Shuri told her. Nakia stared at her, confused. She is the go too person in matters of this nature.

“What?” She says.

“I need you here with my mother,” she repeated.

“Why do you not want me out there?” Her voice loud, but not yelling. Shuri had an expression. “Oh, I think I understand.”

“What is it you think you understand, Nakia?” Shuri asked.

“You’re blaming me for what Namor did to your mother,” she finally said it. Something she had felt coming from Shuri since this whole mess. Nothing profound, but very subtle; even the time she visit Toussaint and her in Haiti. She never pressed her then because she wanted it to be a memorable time for young T'Challa and his aunt Shuri. But today is different, the circumstances are also; it will be addressed.

“I do not know what you are talking about, Nakia,” she was bewildered. “Blame you for W'Kabi escaping? How?”

“Do not be coil with me Shuri, you know exactly what I mean.” Nakia getting a little aggressive.

“I am not being coil or anything, I do not know, what it is you are saying.” Shuri confused.

“You two alright?” Namor called from the door. They looked at each other.

“I knew those four ears can hear a fish burp in the water,” Shuri said. Nakia started laughing, as Shuri joined her. “Yes, Namor; we’re fine.”

“Alright, I will tell your mother,” he said. “She felt some tension out here between the two of you.” He said this and went back to Ramonda to report.

“What? Way out here?” Shuri said.

“Wow!” Nakia expressed. “Should we curtail this discussion for later? She may hear us.”

“Nakia, I do not blame you for anything,” Shuri reinforcing her statement.

“Not even your mother’s death, and the attack on Wakanda?” She stared her in the eyes.

“If I did, there would be enough to go around; starting with me.” She told her. Nakia nodded, the two embraced. Inside Ramonda smiled, then looked at Namor.

“You need to go to Attuma. He may require your help.” She told him.

“Oh?” He said.

“It seems a traitor is free, and Okoye and Attuma may be his target.” She explained.

“Then I should go to see what assistant they will need,” he stood, then leaned down and kissed her frontal lobe. “But I will return.” He walked out the room to go to Attuma. Ramonda’s smile left as he did.

Her powers were increasing as well as her strength. She felt completely in control. Decisions had to be made, no more delays. She has to move forward with her life, as she knows it. Shuri came into the room.

“Where did Namor go in such a rush?” She asked.

“Never mind that,” Ramonda said. “I need answers and I think, no I feel; you can give them to me.”

Nakia went into the kitchen to prepare them some dinner. She felt much better with her talk with Shuri; all this time she thought her moodiness was due to Shuri blaming her for Queen Ramonda’s death. But if that wasn’t the case; what was?

Nakia was top notch spy and could discover anything. Finding W'Kabi would be a cinch; so why is it Shuri is refusing her involvement. Something isn’t adding up. Okoye is like her sister and if she needs her help should be able to give it. No, Shuri and her will have to have a conversation.

“Nakia is blaming herself for my death,” Ramonda told Shuri.

“I knew you were hearing us, and I know you sent Namor to go see about Attuma.” Shuri told her.

“It seems through it all, neither of us are the same,” Ramonda said to her. “But more so myself; right Shuri?”

“You are right?” Shuri confirmed.

“I am a mutant, rings so many bells,” she stated. “What else should I know?”

“Do you remember what happened when we thought you were dead; but not?” She asked Raminda.

“I know exactly what happened, I died,” she revealed.

After the brief conversation about W’Kabi and how to deal with him. They got a clearer understanding, of how their marriage will not be the normal; one the citizens of their nation have the luxury of living. They moved forward on making their wedding plans.

“We will have to do two ceremonies,” Okoye express. “One in Wakanda and one down here.”

“That sounds like a very excellent idea,” he told her. It wouldn’t be fair for her friends and kingdom not to be in on it. Especially, due to the fact none would be able to endure the pressure and it would be uncomfortable for the Talokanils to be out of water for too long of a time.

“That part is settled,” Okoye said. “Now for how to pull it off? What will we wear? What kind of decorations? Oh, and food! I do not know what it is you eat?” Attuma could see she was over thinking. He took her hand into his, to calm her down.

“Relax my Warrior,” he smiled. “We will go traditional to our culture and everything else will fall in place. Allow those who know how to prepare everything to do so, it will make them happy;  all we have to do is approve or not.” Okoye looked at him with admiration.

“You are so calm with all this,” she told him.

“Being your husband is all I truly care about; the rest is just traditions and culture rituals we must endure.” He was nonchalant.

“Endure Attuma, really?” Okoye laughed, then gave him a peck on the lips.

“There you two are,” Namor entered. “I was told you were in need of me, Attuma. But surprised you did not reach out yourself.”

“My K’uk’ulkan, you have enough to deal with, then to have to attend to my problems too,” Attuma walked up to him. Namor lightly placed his hands on Attuma’s shoulders, staring him in the eyes.

“I will always be there for my people, always remember that,” he told him. Then looked pass Attuma to Okoye. “And you will be part of us soon; no harm will come to you if I can help it.” Okoye bowed her head.

“Thank you Namor,” she said to him.

“So fill me in,” Namor sat down. Attuma and Okoye sat with him to tell him everything they knew.

Shuri was reeling from her mother’s discloser that she had actually died; and was resurrected. Something Shuri had thought occurred, since she saw her in the ancestral plane; but denied it in her heart. It was too hard to fathom, but the herb did it; the combination of the two vibraniums.

“You literally died, right?” Shuri just wanted to confirm what she knew already.

“Yes, that’s how I was able to come to you while on our ancestral plane,” Ramonda explained.

“Alright, it’s as what I had figured,” she said. “Because you are a mutant, and with the help of the Goddess Bast; upon drinking the heart-shaped herb I created, from the bracelet Namor gave me. You survived the permanent death; just as Namor’s mother’s tribe had done after drinking the herb found by their Shaman.” Shuri revealed to her.

“I see,” Ramonda looked at her intrigued. “So they died also?”

“That’s the story Namor shared with me while I was in Talokan,” she told her.

“Interesting,“ Ramonda’s eyes narrowed. “It seems you and Namor grew close while you were down there.” Shuri knew she was going to have to tell her mother the full story of all that transpired while she was there. “Tell me about this bracelet he gave you and why, my child.” Shuri hated when her mother called her that, it means a serious talk is coming.

“The bracelet was given to his mother as a promise that he would be the first born and become the ruler of Talokan.” Shuri told her. Ramonda looked out the window, her mind on him given Shuri a bracelet belonging to his mother; then it hit her with clarification.

“Now I understand what he was saying on the beach and why,” she looked at Shuri. “Did he, did you--,”

“What?” Shuri asked, stunned at her mother’s question; as a accusation.

“Shuri, the only time a man gives a woman something that belonged to his mother; is either he received something or attends too,” Ramonda enlightened her daughter, she wishing she had spent more time educating her on male and female interactions. But she was too busy, sheltering her from the world.

“Oh wow mother, how gross,” Shuri protested, as she got up flailing her arms; turning away. Ramonda felt she was a little over the top with the denial.

“Shuri, what did you do?” Ramonda got out the bed and came to her daughter. “Remember, my darling child; you can tell me anything. I won’t judge.” Shuri broke down and began to cry.

“It’s all my fault mom,” she said. Ramonda felt her heart break. Did the man she’s married to violate her daughter, then her too. “When they attacked us on the bridge, to keep them from taking Riri; I told them who I was and asked them to take me too.”

“That’s what Namor expressed to me on the beach,” Ramonda told her.

“They put those breathing mask on our faces; when we woke we were in their under water caves,” she told her. “Then Namora brought me this beautiful gown, custom made for me with jade in it.” Ramonda walked away, not liking what she was hearing. Her mind recalled his smug and arrogant taunting, when she asked for an exchange for Shuri. He laughed and said, there was nothing she had.

“He said you requested to come,” she told her.

“I also told him to keep me instead of Riri,” Shuri revealed. Ramonda swirled around, anger in her eyes.

“What did you just say?” Shuri knew that look and that voice.

“He was going to either kill her, or keep her down there forever,” she told her.

“And you thought I would allow him to keep you away from me,” Ramonda’s voice went into a crescendo. “The gown custom made, his mother's bracelet, and him telling me you will be down there for a little while longer. As if he had a choice in keeping you away from me, my child?”

“That’s why I said it was all my fault,” she said. “I asked him to show me Talokan, and he did.”

“No child, it was his doings and his alone,” she walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. Though the mixture Shuri made from the ingredients she supplied, had erased the banned herb; she still needed to recuperate. “He had this planned long before he crept up on us that night; while we were by the river burning our mourning garments.”

“You really think so?” Shuri sat by her mother, and seeing this was emotionally and physically exhausting for her.

“Yes, I do,” she replied. “He knew where to send his people; ambushing you on that bridge. He was always a step ahead. I feel he had plans to marry you and consummating it; before he allowed you to come home, aligning our two kingdoms. Then he would bring on a coup; but I foiled everything he planned. That’s why he killed me, to make you Queen.”

“I am so sorry mom, so many Wakandans died for me being so naïve,” she felt the regret strongly. Ramonda noted this, now to change up.

“I need to know why I reversed my aged twenty years, is that part of my mutant abilities?” Ramonda was curious.

“I think because you are a mutant, as Namor; this slowed your aging as the herb did him,” she explained with what her research brought.

“Wait! The twenty years deduction of my age, and the aging is slowed? I am going to be side by side with Namor through the years; whatever that will looked like.” Seeing everyone around her grow old and die; was nothing she’s contemplating.

“Yes, mother,” Shuri said.

“I am not understanding twenty years given to me,” she shook her head.

“Maybe another gift from Bast,” Shuri suggested. “Riri is twenty, maybe that’s the connection. “

“You mean because I saved her instead of my own life; I was gifted twenty years?” She was stunned, but appreciated gesture. “How is Riri anyways?”

“She’s back home alive and well; finishing up her collge, because of your sacrifice, “ Shuri informed her.

“That is good to hear,” Ramonda yawned.

“Now get back in bed mom,” Shuri ordered. Ramonda obliged; she was too tired to dispute it. As she laid down on her side, facing the window; staring out. Her thoughts rambled on. Namor was planning to marry Shuri, and eventually take over Wakanda; but she wasn’t sure if that has been put aside. Anyways, neither Shuri or her are in power; unless something else comes in play. It wasn’t before long before she had fallen asleep.

Shuri stood over watching her, thinking about their conversation. It hurt her that her action caused so much pain and death, to both her mother and the Wakanda citizens. Not to mention the Warriors on the ship to lure out Namor.

Then to know Namor had been watching, and stalking them; for how long is unknown. The worse of it; his plans to marry her and kill her mother; making her the Queen. Just to put himself in power over two kingdoms. Her poor mother, with this new knowledge; how could she ever trust him? Shuri slowly exited the room; she needed to go speak with Nakia, and tell her about the Shaman's demise.

Chapter Thirty-One

M’Baku had put his forces on high alert concerning W'Kabi. He had the shepherds brought in for questioning to see what they knew about where he was hiding. None knew; but they did have some important news. It appears some US government agency had infiltrated the borders with W'Kabi's help. And a few of his tribesmen loyal to him had assisted in his escape, and he had the murder of the Shaman done. She had given them a potion, but they didn’t know what it was for.

As a precaution all who was of that tribe were removed from the palace, and assigned to other positions; and watched very carefully. This did not sit well with them, as they had been loyal to the throne for generations. Now they too looked for the traitor for disrupting their lives for a second time. M'Baku had some of the Dora Malije guard the Queen and Shuri’s home, he wasn’t taking any chances. He decided to get some alone time, and take a break from the turmoil. He went to the river bank where he could look at his home-place in the mountains, and reflect on so many things. Suddenly there was movement in the water, directly in front of him. He stood knowing it had to be one of those Talokanil; but which. A headdress appeared with the long plummets spread like a peacock; then a body emerged. The little blue mermaid warrior stepped onto the dry land.

“King M'Baku,” she addressed him.

“Li-,” he refrain from calling her that. “Namora is it?”

“Yes, your majesty,” she bowed her head out of respect.

“You Talokanils spend more time on land than the deep blue sea,” he noted. “How is your kingdom being managed without their head leaders?”

“Nations can function well if they have good leaders; even in their absence.” She glanced up at him. “And yet, here you are away from the throne for some time to yourself; who’s managing your kingdom while you are away?” M’Baku smiled.

“You got me on that one,” he said. “Good leadership makes a better nation.” Namora said nothing, but sat on the ground with her knees pulled to her chest; hugging them. M'Baku notice something off. “You seem down in the dumps.”

“I do not know that phrase,” she told him, still facing away.

“It means you’re depress,” he explained. “But then I guess you would be, with your God married to what you call a surface dweller; and the general next to you marrying one.” Namora slowly rose to her feet, and walked towards him; staring him in his eyes. She stood way well below his shoulders; this is when M'Baku first truly saw her, and notice how truly beautiful she was.

“You have a problem with K'uk'ulkan and Attuma, married and going to marry your Wakandan women?” She asked.

“Not at all,” he said. “Just felt you would.” She was confused.

“Why would I object at having a noble Queen as she, or a valiant General as part of Talokan?” She asked.

“I do not know, may be how you are when you accompany Namor when he comes to Wakanda,” he looked at her.

“It is my job to protect him, so being cautious is what I am doing,” she told him.

“Alright, if you say so,” he replied. She studied him and could see he was a lot like her cousin, but more like Attuma, her brother by choice. Two men she loved more than any wrapped up in one. M'Baku was getting to see, how his Wakandans could fall for these Talokanils; they were similar. He would have to read up on their origin, they may share the same ancestry. It was subtle at first, but M'Baku and Namora begin to gaze in each others eyes. Then with realization they were doing it, turned away from the other.

“I better get back,” they both said at the same time. They looked at each other, feeling weird on how that happened.

“Nice talking,” they said in unison; once again. Now this was becoming strange. Why do they feel awkward for the first time around each other?

“I--,” again the started to speak at the same time, and identical words.

“You go first,” he told her.

“I hope all goes well with whatever has you needing solitude, King M’Baku,” she told him.

“And I hope you can figure out what has you down, Namora,” he said this and left vanishing among the trees. Namora watched him until she didn’t see him anymore; then slowly walked into the water until she was submerged. M'Baku came from behind the trees, staring at the place she submerged.

He smiled at the irony of it all. He had so much fun with Ramonda and Okoye mixing with the blue fish people, as he referred to them. He chuckled to himself; this is going to be interesting. He started back towards the palace. Further out, Namora watched him come back and look; a smile etched across her face. She turned and immersed deeper into the ocean, towards Talokan.

Ramonda was up with the sun, and decided to take a morning walk; to commune with nature. She wanted to understand her powers and her capabilities. She had sent Namor away, citing he needed to be with Attuma; truth is, she needed space between them. Especially, after her conversation with Shuri, about what occurred between her and Namor; with his possible plans of marriage to link the two nations. But the harsh reality; her death was included, that Shuri may become Queen.

She shook off all negative thoughts and concentrated on her surroundings; becoming one with it. She felt strong and exhilarating; she could hear the voices of everything, and understood what was said. And they could hear her thoughts. The grass touched her as she strolled through it. The birds flew in front of her singing. The insects of the air encircle her; swarming. The tree branches swayed from one side to another as she walked by them. For the first time in months, she felt whole.

The beast did her no harm; accepting her presence. She took a walked by the river banks; the fish came to the surface, speaking a language she understood. Ramonda was nature and nature was part of her. The breeze twirled about her, lifting her off the ground and glided her along. The ground move as she commanded it; causing mini quakes. The water formed little nymphs, dancing around while she watched. It felt so good to be out without being monitored. She sat on the ground, thinking about what her next step would be.

Her mind went back to her conversation with Shuri; trying to wrap her head around the fact, her daughter was willing to leave her and stay with Namor. She wasn’t buying she was protecting Riri. If he wanted to kill her he would have. Maybe Shuri was tired of being told what to do and treated like a child.

Ramonda could identify with those feelings. Right now she just wanted to fly far away from there; to anywhere, but she wouldn’t leave Shuri. Even though Shuri was willing to leave her. Her tears formed in her eyes, her heart heavy. The animals began to moan and wail near her, the water fluttered, while the birds appeared flying over her. Nature felt her distress and wanted to comfort her.

Suddenly, the water exploded. Namor bursting through with such velocity; landing in front of her. She had jumped to her feet, not knowing what was going on. He stared into her eyes, his with so much sadness. She saw so much kindness and compassion in them. She laughed shaking her head; the fish had called to him to come, she needed him. He walked up to her, and placed his thumb on her cheek; wiping away a tear streaming down it. His gaze never leaving her eyes. At that moment, all she wanted and needed was her husband, and her in his arms, holding and comforting her.

Ramonda ran to him, encircling his waist with her arms. Namor took her into his own, holding her for dear life. How long had he waited for this moment, no matter how much the length of time she would allow it. She leaned her head back; staring into his eyes with such desire. His asked a question with his eyes, hers answered. He lifted her up into his arms swiftly; and flew home to their quarters. He will make passionate love to her, as many time as she wanted him. He owed her the release, from what was saddening her.