#OK we settled on new ocs

[falloutspammer]

bullying children

[sorchathered]

Sacred New Beginnings- Chapter 9

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A/N- Ok yall! We have one more chapter left in our series, thank you guys so much for all the love! I’ve gotten such a kick out of seeing people go through the series in my notifications, it’s so nice to know you guys love these characters like I do.

Pairing- Jake “Hangman” Seresin x reader (oc Stormy)

Warnings- Drinking, Smut, Language

Song inspo- You are in love- Taylor Swift, All your’n- Tyler Childers

It had been a tough few months but you’d graduated PT and therapy and finally had been cleared to fly again. Stepping onto the tarmac felt surreal, you’d been so scared that you would never get to do this again, the thought had almost been too much to bear, but as you and Viper loaded into the jet everything that troubled you fell away and it was like no time had passed at all.

Jake was on a flight of his own, but definitely not enjoying it as much as you. He was pretty sure all pilots hated flying on commercial flights, any plane that he wasn’t in charge of made him uneasy but it was all worth it to get to spend the weekend with you. Your squadron was hosting a ball and awards ceremony to honor everyone that had flown in the mission a few months ago, they’d given everyone time to heal and with you and Viper being cleared for duty it was high time to celebrate. His mother had stayed with you for a few weeks to get you settled and she couldn’t stop gushing over how much she adored you, the thought of placing his grandmother’s ring ever present in his mind knowing that you had fit so seamlessly into his life, he still felt like he was dreaming sometimes when he looked at you if he was honest, somehow he’d gotten everything he’d ever wanted.

When they stepped into their hotel room for the weekend he had to say the navy had pulled out all the stops, the super swanky hotel was right on the beach and had a beautiful view of the coast. That wasn’t all he was looking at because as you stepped out onto the balcony he watched you slip out of your little sundress and smirk at him, barely covered in your tiny black lingerie as you beckoned him to come outside. “What have you got cooking in that brain of yours Stormy girl?” He said as he ran his hands all over your body and watched your eyes light up as you shivered into his touch. “It’s such a pretty night, I was thinking…Maybe you should bend me over the railing and fuck me right here? What do you think?” You said as you bit your lip and hitched your leg around the curve of his ass, he groaned at the feeling of your core pressed to his shorts, gripping your chin so he could kiss you, running his tongue along yours as you ground yourself on him. You were so in love with him, the distance was getting harder every day that he was away and having him in your arms made you never want to let him leave. He made good on your suggestion, pressing you against the cool iron railing as the sounds of the waves swallowed up your cries of your pleasure.

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Waking up to him was always bittersweet these days, knowing you would have to send him back tomorrow night made it even more painful to untangle yourself from him. You almost had him persuaded into going out for breakfast but he insisted that room service and morning sex would be so much better, and how could you say no to that?

“Jake we have to get up at some point, I don’t think that they’re going to let me miss this ceremony and I certainly can’t go dressed in a sheet” you said as he tried to pull you back into the bed sometime around three, the puppy dog eyes and pouty lips were almost enough to make you climb back in but you needed to shower and start getting ready for this afternoon. “I can just give you a world’s best girlfriend award and show you how much I love you, isn’t that better than getting dressed up and rubbing elbows with officers all night?” You dropped your sheet as you stepped towards the bathroom and gave him as stern a look as you could without laughing, he was already peeling the blanket back to follow you, the man was insatiable and you loved it even if it did make you late. “If you can be on your best behavior tonight I’ll let you hold me hostage in bed until your flight tomorrow, but in the meantime get your sexy ass in the shower, that’s an order.” He didn’t need to be told twice, throwing you over his shoulder and taking full advantage of the roomy hotel bathroom.

He had finally let go of you long enough for the two of you to get dressed, you had opted out of your dress uniform in favor of a slinky green floor length gown, almost perfectly matching Jake’s eyes, reveling in the way he followed you with his gaze as you crossed the room to step into your heels. “You’re making it harder and harder for me to go back to Miramar darlin’, remind me again why you didn’t let me push for that transfer?” You just shook your head as you fixed his tie, “Because Top Gun is your dream and I would never forgive myself if I was the reason you left.” He pulled you close to meet your eyes, pressing a kiss to your nose and taking a shaky breath, he was kicking himself for not bringing the ring with him, a proposal seemed to be on his mind every second these days. “Baby, Top Gun was the dream and it has been everything but not for the reason you think. It brought me you, everything else is just icing on the cake. I’ll gladly go wherever if that means I get to come home to you every night, you just say the word and I’ll make it happen.” You blinked back tears and whispered “You’d give it up just like that?”

“Just like that Stormy girl, you’re my dream now.”

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Watching you cross the ballroom to receive your commendation medal was definitely the proudest moment of Jake’s life so far, he’d received his own during the Uranium mission years ago but watching you recover and thrive after the hell of your accident was unlike anything he’d ever seen. You had been determined to get back to where you were and you hadn’t let anyone stop you, pushing forward to become even better than before. You’d been buzzing with excitement when you made it back to your table, Viper clapping the loudest of them all as he ushered you into his arms for a bear hug. Jake had worried he’d be jealous of whoever took his place as your pilot but after getting to know him he couldn’t be more grateful that the two of you had each other’s back, he could confidently say Viper had become a good friend. Once the ceremony ended the dance floor began to flood with couples as the dj began to perform, viper quickly scooping you up with a wild grin. “You mind if I take your girl for a spin Seresin? Time to see if all that PT healed her of her two left feet” he cackled and you playfully punched his arm, blowing Jake a kiss as you went.

He made some small talk with a few of your friends and then excused himself to grab another beer, but as he was standing in line he caught someone behind him saying your name. “You do know who she is right?” “Yea yea, Admiral Simpson’s beloved goddaughter, whatever dude. She’s hot as hell, she just needs a little more alcohol in her. I bet I could get her into bed with me no problem.” “Dude, you’re a fucking idiot, number one she’s a highly decorated WSO, for two from what I hear she’s taken.” “Bro, do you see a ring or a boyfriend? Come on man be for real, whoever she’s seeing isn’t here so he obviously isn’t that concerned, he’s probably got a side piece wherever he’s at anyway. I’m shooting my shot.” Before the idiot in question could get more than two steps forward he’s spun around by a strong arm, an arm that belongs to a very pissed off looking Jake “Hangman” Seresin. “Oh holy shit, it’s the hangman! Dude you’re legendary, heard so much about you, thought you were at top gun though, what’re you doing slumming it down here in Florida?” This guy was clearly short of a few brain cells, and Jake was more than willing to beat a few more out of him after hearing the awful shit he was spewing about the love of his life.

“Ensign..Wilson is it? First of all if I ever hear you talking about a superior officer in the manner you were speaking I will make sure you never see the inside of a jet in your lifetime, secondly since you seemed so invested in Lt. l/n’s love life let me set the record straight. She’s my girlfriend, and if you so much as look her way again I’ll feed you your own eyes, got me?” The Ensign looked at Jake like he might piss himself, nodded his head and scurried away as fast as possible. Good, he thinks, maybe putting the fear of God in these idiots will teach them to keep their thoughts to themselves, maybe they’ll even spread the word that you’re taken, he knows you can handle yourself but he is only human, he can’t help but get a little possessive over what’s his.

Looking back across the ballroom he sees you being spun along the floor by Viper and his husband Theo, Jake can’t help but smile so hard his cheeks hurt at the sight, you’ve been through hell the past few months and he couldn’t be more proud of you. He made a mental note to see that Ensign Wilson got his ass handed to him for conduct unbecoming an officer and then swooped in to pull you into his arms for a dance.

It never got easier sending him back to California, and no matter how hard you tried you still ended up crying in his arms by TSA, pressing kisses to exposed skin and whispering I love yous until he had no choice but to go or he’d miss his flight.

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Monday morning when you stepped into your office building Viper snatched you up, pressing a coffee into your hand as he ushered you down the hall. “Luke what the hell is going on?! I thought we had a class to teach today?” He was practically bouncing as he walked, but he couldn’t keep a secret to save his life so he skidded to a stop to spill his guts. “There’s a rumor going around that there’s a slot open at Top Gun, I don’t know how real it is but we have to be in Admiral Thompson’s office asap for a meeting. Don’t get your hopes up kid but we may be heading to the west coast.” You couldn’t contain your squeal of excitement, all but dragging him down the hall to find out what the big meeting was about.

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Jake was starting to worry if he was honest with himself, you’d been distant the past two weeks since he got back home, always seeming to be busy with one thing or another and never having much time to talk. He’d found out there was a new team being organized on base and he’d wanted to talk to you about it, wondering if maybe you could use the opportunity to ask your godfather for a transfer back but he hadn’t had the chance to bring it up. When he’d texted earlier you said you’d be in meetings all day, but it was nearly 10 pm and there hadn’t been a peep from you since. He mulled around the house, finishing his laundry and washing his dinner dishes when he heard his doorbell go off. Who the hell would be here this late? He grumbled about common courtesy as he crossed the hall and unlocked the door, only to find you on his porch, three giant bags of luggage and a huge smile on your face.

“Baby- what the hell are you-“ he looked bewildered as you stood there and held up a bottle of champagne, and why did you have so much luggage? It was like you’d brought everything you owned.

“That new team coming to Miramar? You’re looking at their newest WSO. I’m sorry I’ve been so busy but I was hoping to make it up to you…What would you say to me moving in?” You giggled and threw yourself into his arms, you’d been worried that he would be upset with you for keeping it a secret but with the way he barely let you get in the door before he started trying to pull your clothes off you knew he was happy. You didn't have to make the long distance work anymore, finally, finally you and Jake could really start your future.

Jake Seresin masterlist

Tagging 🏷️-

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[readingasoiafachapteraday]

THE WORLD OF ICE & FIRE

Reading Order & Thoughts Apparently

//Investigative read with the aim of finishing a fanfic <SPOILERSGALORE>

~this is not intended to be useful in any way shape or form do not construe as such but laughing at it is ok~

The Dawn Age

-dragonglass arrowheads found in giant ribs could be from children-giant war but also cud just as easily be wight giant

-brandon the builder was taken to a secret place by the children when he sought help to build the wall hmmmmmm okk

-“the manner in which Brandon learned to comprehend the speech is a tale in itself and not worth repeating here”?????? WTAF fuck u condal i mean yondel tommen loves stories

-greenseers can see distant events AND COMMUNICATE?hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmplotdevice

-wolfcontrolling skinchangers maxxx common, separately called wargs? stark blood fuckfest much????

-Seastone chair on old wyk wo any ppl SUSSAUCE

The Coming of the First Men

-alleged timing 8000-12000 yrs ago hmmmmm if ww are 6000 yrs ago it’s almost halfway hmmmmmmm

-what they running from? first men possible valyrian ancestors upset w the animalxhuman experiments? conveniently vague time periods

-first settled on DORNE that goddamned desert summins up w ur magic stone i will find u

-greenmen antlermen same same????

-arm of dorne, marshes, all considered natural disasters but w doubt so why not children cause doom of valyria possible??

The Age of Heroes

-ringforts this ringforts that fist of first men this infrastructure that

-find thenn constr. & every single built structure NotW

The Long Night

-do monkeys and elephants have anything in common

-Barth’s “fragmentary treatise” everything shat out by Barth & Munkun makes me want to kms

-Fomas ur understated & prolly right u religious fuck

The Rise of Valyria

-new power in east right after LN recovery, what festive timing gee i wonder if these events r related

-first empire ofc ofc just after old ghis & Qarth & YiTi & Asshai but those r “claims” yea we don’t talk bout that look dragons! blood sacrifice!

-five great wars w ghis “when the world was young” hmmmmmmmm

-Shadow texts say dragons tamed by “people who had no names” hmmmmmmmm

Valyria’s Children

-Qohor&Norvos founded following religious schisms? Only Qohor smiths still know to rework VS

-way way way too many mentions of wealth & human flesh needed in the mines

-fire vs water

-sus that andals & rhoynar both fled from Valyrians but in the second coming “the gods” spoke to the HS while the waterbenders fought both times

-is the long night just fire vs water 2.0?

Arrival of the Andals

-wtf is a fucking swan maiden

-writing the lines of the hugor hill story backwards is not as great a puzzle as u seem to think

-Urron Redhand ruled IIs by “axe&sword” for 1000 yrs, throwaway name? I think the fuck not.

Ten Thousand Ships

-Nymeria of Ny Sar SUS naming

-“few wish to dwell beyond the sound of her eternal song” faith close to old gods

-wtf r the orphans of the greenblood upto

-davos dayne my new OC, forgive me as i project onto u for the forseeable future

-seriously tho the best part so far, need a movie for THIS not whatever fart pudding they baking

The Doom of Valyria

—wtf is the difference between the 14 fires & R’hollor summins weird

-accidental poisoning of one of the flames? like pollution but magical bywaste pollution

-red clouds rained down dragonglass???? and black blood of demons which cud just be dragon blood as they pop in the air from toxicity

-dothraki & sellsword companies both popularised only in the power vacuum

-the conquerer’s attention lay west even as a child hmmmmmm

[starcrossedxwriter]

Unbreakable Part 1 (Erik Killmonger x OC)

A/N: here is the summary for our new story! Enjoyyyyyy!

Warnings: This is an AU with bits of the movie and the comics mixed together

“Fuck! J-Just like that.” Naja screwed her face up in one that gave the impression of a woman lost in the throes of pleasure, internally rolling her eyes at the haphazard thrusts of the man on top of her. 

In fact, she was merely counting down the minutes until he came and would leave. She supposed the time was good to clear her mind and reminisce.

There was that guy from London, her brain immediately recalled.

He was her favorite one-night stand to think about when she needed an extra boost to get off. Now, that man was gorgeous and he fucked like a God. She actually felt a tinge of guilt when, after he made her cum for hours, she returned the favor by torturing him for hours… and not in a pleasurable way. To his credit, he lasted a long time, which earned her respect. 

I hope he is doing ok, she thought to herself. Well, she knew he wasn’t. But had he just given up his supplier of stolen vibranium faster, he’d likely be doing better. 

“You like that??” He demanded as he fucked into her like a jack rabbit. No finesse, no skill, no care. He did not even ensure her needs were met. 

That’s ok, she decided. If his fucking was any indication of his skills in other activities, he was actually doing her and her pussy a favor. 

“Yes, I love it!” She called out, cringing at her own voice. She faked her orgasm to finish the ordeal faster. 

Anytime now, Bast, she called out to the god above. This was getting irksome. 

It seemed Bast heard her calls and blessed her, the man finally cumming and filling her. She silently thanked Wakanda for the painless, side effect free birth control that would last her five years. 

He rolled off of her, his chest heaving slightly while Naja was wholly unruffled aside from a thin layer of sweat. 

“That was… something,” she offered with a fake smile, a content and pompous smile he did not deserve forming on his lips. 

The male ego, she shook her head as she slid out of bed and threw a robe on. After returning from the bathroom, she was surprised to find him still lounging in her bed. Most of her night time companions knew the rules… no one stayed the night. But this one, Kofi…

No, this is Kwame, she thought to herself. 

No… Kwame actually knows how to fuck you. Or at least, attempts to make you cum even if he doesn’t succeed. Kwame gets an A for effort. Is there a grade lower than F we can give this one? Maybe it’s Amari? She tilted her head as she studied him. Hell, she did not know who he was but she did know one thing: he clearly did not know when to get the fuck out. 

“Ok well, this was fun but I should be heading to bed,” her tone was polite but left little room for negotiation. She gathered his clothes with lightning speed and tossed them onto his lap.

He pushed himself up onto her forearms. “Wait, you serious?” 

She stared at him, a dead panned expression painted on her face. “Yea. I sleep alone. I had fun though,” she lied with ease and a smile. 

“Oh… ok.” He started gathering his clothes, Naja wholly unmoved by the hurt glimmering in his eyes. “When will I see you again?” 

“I’m at the bar… working every night,” she handed him his shoes to speed the process along. The sooner he was gone, the sooner she could pull out her vibrator and actually service the ache between her legs. 

“So we can do this again sometime?” He asked as she shooed him toward the door. 

“Definitely, definitely. I’ll call you. Get home safe.” She pushed him out of her front door, locking and dead bolting it behind her. 

She rolled her eyes before returning up the stairs to her bedroom. She did not know why she even bothered. Every time she brought a man home after her shift, she knew they would likely not be able to please her. But she allowed them into her bed anyway. Fucking, even if it was lackluster, filled some void.

She settled into bed, about to pull out her trusted and faithful bullet when her phone rang. She groaned, glancing at her phone. 

Dayo. Her boss. 

“It is offensive to call someone this late, Dayo.” She chastised as she settled into bed. 

“I gave you an hour. I assume your suitor has returned home?” 

“He just left. What’s wrong?” 

He sighed. “Another child went missing in the village tonight.”  

Her heart sank. “That’s the 15th child in the last three months. Soldiers?” 

At his silence, she let out a frustrated groan. “The family?” 

“Devastated but not talking. They won’t admit it was the King’s men, which means they were threatened. The father tried to fight back and was killed. The mother had to be taken to the hospital, she was distraught and collapsed.” 

“FUCK!” She paced up and down her bedroom, the wood panels of her floor creaking softly. 

“I just wish we knew why he was targeting this village specifically. I reached out to the network across the rest of the city and the country and nothing like this is happening elsewhere.” 

She shrugged. “This is the poorest village in the Capitol. It’s like child soldiers across the continent and trafficking across the world. You steal people from those who do not have the resources and means to fight for their return. The King maintains his throne and his games with intimidation and violence. We will find them, Dayo, and we will liberate our people. I promise. I will talk to you tomorrow. Let me know if the family needs anything, I can try to go to the markets tomorrow night during my shift.” 

“Everyone needs everything, Malika. Thank you for doing what you can. For the liberation of Niganda.” 

“For the liberation of Niganda. Good night, Dayo.” 

She sighed, the ache between her legs vanishing completely. She grabbed her kimoyo beads and went over to the plain, nondescript wall across from her bed. She pressed the beads to a circular groove in the wood, both lighting up a mysterious shade of light blue. She glanced over her shoulder, as if someone were watching her, as the wall parted to reveal a walk-in closet.

However, this closet was filled with more than just clothes. It was a small arsenal. Spears, blades of all shapes and varieties, guns of equal diversity, even a bow and arrow, which she never got to use but she liked the look of it. And clothes. All black, fashioned to hide a many assortment of weapons in the oddest places, laced with vibranium to protect her body. She missed donning those clothes. And while those days might be over, the cache of weapons she maintained proved that some habits never died. 

She pulled a duffle bag out of the back of the closet, the bag filled with passports, Nigandan currency, and Wakandan dollars. She pulled out a notebook she kept stashed under everything else. She flipped through it, each page filled with notes from her years in Niganda. The last 20 pages or so were each numbered with the name and # of a child. Her notes, witness accounts, leads. All of it jotted down on those pages, a complex map that helped her get no where closer to find in those children.

She did not know #15’s name yet but when she learned it, their name would join their number on the page. She wrote down the bit of information Dayo shared, figuring she could fill it out more tomorrow after she spoke with him in person. 

All these children, all these souls lost. And no one seemed concerned or like they cared, no one willing to risk their lives to find them and save them. No one except those in the Nigandan Liberation Front. Dayo was their leader and he was committed as anyone to overthrow the tyrant that ruled over this country. 

Her writing was interrupted by a ping from her kimoyo beads. 

“Damn, can no one leave me the fuck alone?” She wondered aloud. However, she knew if someone was calling this line, it was important. No one from Wakanda ever bothered her unless there was news to share. 

She knew it would be an encrypted and recorded message, it was too risky to ever call her and expect her to answer. She checked her beads once a week at different times and intervals, usually there was nothing there. 

Shuri’s upper half materialized from the beads. Her voice was professional and calm, very unlike her. 

“Malika, please return home. The Royal Talon will be waiting for you on the other side of the Nigandan-Cannan border at the following coordinates at 2 a.m. in seven days. Your presence has been requested in Wakanda for two months by order of the King. Please confirm that you received this message.” 

“Anddddd this is why I never check this fuckin’ thing,” she mumbled, frustration coursing through her. 

Two months??? The power of the throne had clearly gone to T’Challa’s head. And only giving her one week to prepare to leave? And how many children, she glanced at the photos in her book of each one, would go missing in that time? How many families would be torn apart while she stayed in the safe bosom of Wakanda?

She hated herself for knowing she had to go, hated him for forcing her hand. He knew how she felt about that place, knew why she had chosen the path and life she had chosen. Why she had only stepped foot in her borders twice in the last seven years. But an order from the King was an order from the King, she took liberties but even she could not refuse him. 

As she laid in bed, frustrated, her mind already churned on what lie she could tell everyone to explain a two-month absence. She had already laid the groundwork for relatives in South Africa. Perhaps she could use that. 

“Ugh!” She now only had a week to get everything in order. “Every King on this bast-forsaken continent is a tyrant,” she mumbled to herself before flopping to her side to try to sleep. 

***

When Naja stepped off the Talon, she was thankful to only find General Okoye waiting for her, her stoic face a sight for sore eyes. She was thankful the rest of the family remembered she hated the excessive fanfare of returning home and immediately being pestered by a million people. It had been a long time since she saw many of them so she figured a certain King would ignore that directive. But she was thankful to have a moment to ease into seeing everyone. It was already an adjustment, as it always was to be back on Wakandan soil in the first place. It still felt new, every time, even though this was technically her home. It did not feel like home to her, not anymore. 

“General,” her lips tugged into the smallest of smiles as she saluted her old friend. It was the first genuine smile she could remember giving someone in months. There was little happening in Niganda worth smiling about anyway and when she did, it was usually fake. 

“Naja.” Once Okoye returned her salute, she reached out and squeezed Naja’s hand, Naja returning it gently, before their faces returned to their usual stoic and neutral expressions. “I trust your journey was well.” 

“It was. Though it was difficult to spin my absence on such short notice. Do you know why the King saw it to order me home?” 

“No.” 

Her answer was simple, and Naja knew, untrue. Okoye was one of two people in this palace privy to all of the King’s decisions and thoughts. But she also knew Okoye would not give her a single inch. It was worth a shot though, she reasoned. But it also let her know the reason was not straightforward, which meant her nap in her quarters would have to wait. 

“Of course. May you take me to his office if he is not too busy? I know the way to my room from there.”  

Okoye did not nod or answer her. She merely changed the direction of their walk through the palace toward T’Challa’s office. Naja tried not to get too wrapped up in the bustling movement and sounds of the palace. The last time she was here, it felt more like a ghost town than anything else, lifeless and dreary. Wakanda had weathered the Blip better than most countries but it still struggled and during those five years, the palace wore the scars of its lost King and Princess and half its population. But with their return, life and joy returned to the palace and all of Wakanda. She was happy for it. They all deserved it, to be whole again. 

She did not let the facade she had on fall until Okoye opened the door to T’Challa’s office, her brother in law sitting behind his desk reading. He glanced up, a wide smile gracing his tired but ever youthful features, as his eyes landed on Naja. He immediately stood up, joy rippling off of him like waves. One thing she always appreciated about T’Challa was, even when he and Nakia were not together, he treated her like a younger sister. A colder one than the one he actually had but a sister nonetheless. 

“Thank you, General. Naja, welcome home.” 

“My king,” she saluted him. She waited for the firm click of the door closing behind Okoye before she offered him a smirk. “My king summons, I answer.”

“No need for the formalities, sister. And I know you despise hugs. But it has been 7 years, humor me?” He rounded the desk to stand before her. 

“I was told the Blip only felt like minutes to those of you who were gone. So technically, for you, it has only been two years. But as my king, I suppose you make the rules. You get seven seconds.” At his raised eyebrow, she shrugged. “One for each year.” 

She allowed herself to be gathered up in his arms, the man squeezing tight. She forced herself not to fall into it, though she wanted to. The warm embrace of family, she had missed it. But instead, she merely cleared her throat, letting him know the timer on their emotional reunion had indeed run out. 

To his credit, he immediately released her, his hands holding onto her forearms as he took a step back to examine her. She chuckled and rolled her eyes as he attempted to inspect her form for any injuries or drastic changes that would worry his Queen. Seven years might have passed since she last laid eyes on T’Challa at his coronation but time had done little to change either of them.  

“You look well. Thin,” he remarked. “But well. How are you?” 

“Glory to Bast, I am in good health,” she offered lazily as she sat in the seat opposite of his desk. She tried not to look at the pictures that littered the office, keeping her eyes trained on him, knowing she would find more than one that featured him. She did not need or want to see him ever again.  “Food in the Capitol has been sparse since the return of everyone from the Blip.”

“Do you need more money? I know the alias and job you chose does not offer much.” 

She shook her head. In addition to the money she made at the bar she worked at, all War Dogs received a salary discreetly added into their accounts disguised as local side jobs and businesses. She had more than enough money. 

“No, no, no. Thanks to you, I am the world’s richest bartender. Just the monarchy hoarding resources, there is more than enough to go around for the wealthy. And the black markets continue to thrive there under the King’s nose but what I usually get from there, I give to those who need it more,” she shrugged. “I’m good. I’ve survived on less.”  

“Anything of note on those black markets?” 

She tilted her head before shaking it, T’Challa’s shoulders sagging a bit. “Aside from delicious meats and vegetables the royals have now deemed delicacies? No.” 

“Well, make sure to eat two plates at dinner. Or else your sister will not rest tonight.” 

She nodded. “Two plates? That feels gluttonous. Though I suppose I need to reacclimate to this… abundance,” her eyes flickered to the obvious signs of wealth and prestige littering his office. A pang of guilt hit her for even being able to indulge in it. “So I’m sure Nakia will make it her mission to fatten me up before I return home. So are you going to tell me why you’ve grounded me for two months? I hope it’s a good reason. Do you know how hard it will be to explain a two-month disappearance?” 

T’Challa’s deep chuckle filled the office as he sat back in his chair. “Only you would consider a vacation and a bit of time off a punishment.” 

She scoffed. “It is hardly a vacation when it comes as a direct order from my King himself, one he knows very well I would never refuse.”

“You could refuse.” His eyes twinkled with humor as he handed her a glass of Wakandan rum, the one thing he knew she missed from home.

“And face the wrath of the Black Panther?” She shook her head, throwing the entire glass back in one gulp before sighing contently. She slid the glass across the desk, gesturing toward the decanter, T’Challa refilling it for her. “The people outside these walls may call me ongenaloyiko* (the fearless one) but I am still smart enough to fear the greatest warrior in all Wakanda. But as your elder,” she started to say with a wink that she knew would agitate him. 

“You may have surpassed me in years thanks to the Blip, dear Naja, but you are still my younger sister always,” he reminded her. 

“Then tell me why you brought me back. Niganda is in a precarious place right now… things are… brewing. This is a long time to be gone.” 

He raised an eyebrow. “The other War Dogs in the region report no issues. Remember, Naja…” 

She sighed. “I know, I know. No interfering and we only care about things that threaten the interests of Wakanda. I’m being a good leashed watch dog now, I promise.” She knew she was not off to a good start, lying to him so soon. But she hated the new role expected of them. To witness the suffering of the world but do nothing to help. The other War Dogs in Niganda may be fine with such an existence but one thing she had in common with her sister, Naja would always do whatever she could, as long as life pumped in her veins.

“Good.” She was surprised he believed her. “I brought you back for many reasons. The first and most important being that your sister is pregnant,” Naja’s eyes widened. “And due any day now and she has spoken of what a great support you were during the birth of Prince T’Challa while I was…” 

“Fake dead,” she supplied. She knew the Blip was not a laughing matter. It was traumatic for those gone and those who were forced to stay and carry on. But they had all survived, she saw little point in dwelling on it. 

“Yes. And I knew she would be happy to have you here for the birth and a bit of time afterward as well. Second, you have a nephew that is growing day after day and barely knows you. I did not know my uncle before he died. You can understand that I would prefer for history not to repeat itself.” 

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t planning on stealing vibranium and selling it to the highest bidder while I’m here,” she mumbled as her thumb traced patterns in the condensation of her glass, trying to stay aloof at the mention of his father. 

“I’m serious, Naja. The War Dog program is important but N’Jobu taught me that it is not more important than family and connection. And third, I am hoping that some time back here will give you some perspective and perhaps… change your position on certain matters.” 

She scoffed, standing up to pace his office. She was dressed simply, far too simply to address the King some would argue. But there were perks to her position and her reputation, no one would correct her. Her standard soft black pants and tank top provided comfort and agility and ensured she never stood out. Tucked into her waist band was a gun, she had forgotten to remove it on the plane. Though she felt safer with it, even here, on her person. She had left her other weapons at home, her calf felt uncomfortably bare without her blade attached to it.

“And there it is. So just so I understand the rules of engagement. Are you speaking to me now as my King or as my brother?” 

“I speak to you as your brother, Naja, always.” 

“Except when you ordered me home,” she muttered as she leaned against the window sill, her eyes starting into the heart of the capital city. A small part of her ached. She’d never admit it aloud but she did miss it sometimes. She had tried for so long to find something like it but nothing compared to Wakanda. She ignored that, pushing it into the depths where she stored every other feeling she did not want to deal with. 

“You may reject the displays of our love and affection but it will stop none of us from giving it or caring for you.” 

“I am happy with how things are now, T’Challa. I have no interest in changing my position on certain matters.” 

“We are entering peace talks with Niganda, and while you do not trust them -” 

“I do not trust them because they are untrustworthy,” she cut him off sharply. “I’m the best War Dog you have there. You’d do well to heed my warnings where the Nigandans are concerned.” 

“If these negotiations go well, there is an opportunity for you to consider a position that is here in Wakanda. You are the best War Dog I have in any country on this planet, Naja. But it’s been 15 years. We have other War Dogs stationed in Niganda now, thanks to you, who can ensure the peace treaty is adhered to. You can come home.” 

“Those other War Dogs don’t know what they are doing. And… This is not my home, T’Challa,” she muttered. 

“You can spend as much time as you want away from our borders and pretend to be Malika, a lowly Nigandan bartender all you want. But you will always be Wakandan, Wakanda will always be home.” 

“And the best way for me to honor Wakanda is by doing what I have always done: serve her. Protect her interests. In Niganda.” 

She and T’Challa stared at each other for a few moments. While most would have withered under the intense gaze of their king, Naja did no such thing. It was T’Challa who finally broke their standoff, bowing his head as if to signal his surrender. 

“For your sister’s sake, I ask that you merely consider it. She misses you terribly. And not just your physical absence. She misses who you were.” 

She rolled her eyes and chuckled as she walked back over to his desk. Her eyes fell on a picture of T’Challa, Nakia, and their son. She picked up the frame, her fingers grazing along the patterns surrounding their smiling faces.  

“Who I was is of little consequence now, T’Challa. This is who I am. It’s been 15 years and my sister would do well to accept this version of me. Wakanda and I are better for it anyway. Does she know I’m here?” 

“No, it is a surprise for dinner tonight.” 

She sucked her teeth before nodding. “Fine. I will serve out my two month sentence - without complaint - and I will not tell her of your clever but well-intentioned manipulation to force me here. But I say this with all the love and reverence for you as my brother and my King, when these two months are up, I will return to Niganda with or without your approval. Are we clear?” 

Few could talk to T’Challa as she did or had the privilege to make demands. But when Naja spoke, T’Challa listened. “Crystal clear. It is good to have you home, sister. We missed your bubbly personality and disposition around here.” 

“It is good to see you too, T’Challa. Congrats on the new baby. Next time you want to send me encrypted messages, send me good news like that. I’m going to lay down until dinner.” 

“Naja!” 

She stopped and turned around to face him once more. 

“I recognize, accept, and love who you are now. But I would push back on one point.” At her raised eyebrow, he continued, “Wakanda is served well by every version of you because you love her and she loves you back. This version of you is extraordinary. But better implies there was something wrong with the equally extraordinary version of you from before. And there wasn’t.” 

Something pricked the back of her eyes as she turned away from him, a sting she despised about as much as physical affection. 

“This is why I hate coming back,” she huffed. “Tell anyone my eyes so much as misted and I’ll kill you in your sleep.” 

He chuckled. “Bast’s fiercest warrior and daughter never cries. Even if my eyes witnessed such a feat, I would not know the words to share it with a soul.” 

She smiled before exiting his office, immediately swallowing the emotion she felt. She hated how out of sorts she felt being back here. Seeing T’Challa in the flesh again after seven long years, the emotions of being back here in this home and in this city, finding out her sister was pregnant, the emotional exhaustion of switching from her alias back to Naja… this was why she preferred to be alone when she first got home. Had not been on Wakandan soil for an hour and she had already been through a rollercoaster of emotions. 

Naja moved through the halls silently and swiftly, moving like a panther herself to ensure she did not run into her sister. Though she was not happy about being forced to return, she was excited to see her sister and her nephew. Though Nakia still treated her like a fragile dove, her sister loved her beyond comparison and reason. 

When she finally found her way to her room, she stripped down and curled into bed immediately. A content sigh slipped from her lips as she settled into the comfort of the soft mattress and linens. The room was obscene, triple the size of her home in Niganda. It was home to her and served her needs but it left much to be desired compared to what she left behind. 

Don’t get used to it, she thought to herself as she already started to drift off to sleep. Two months and then we’re out of here.

***

Naja yawned deeply as she rushed to dinner, realizing she was several minutes late. She hated that T’Challa was right, per usual. 

A break from life as a spy was not so bad. She did not know how to relax and rest but her body seemed determined to ensure she did it. She slept like a rock, a call from T’Challa 10 minutes past dinnertime was the only thing to jolt her from her sleep. 

She paused outside the family dining room, her heart warming as she heard her nephew spitting rapid fire questions at his parents about training. Her sister’s voice filled the room. 

“Will you teach your sister how to train when she’s old enough?” She heard Nakia ask. 

TJ’s small voice responded. “Would that be safe for her? I don’t want her to get hurt like I do.” 

“As safe as it is for any Wakandan,” Naja offered with a teasing smile as she rounded the corner. 

“Auntie Naja!!” TJ sprung from his seat with the strength of a cannon and ran into her outstretched arms. “I missed you!” 

“My prince!! You are getting taller and taller every day!” She tickled his sides, his giggles filling the dining room and everyone’s hearts with warmth. “And when you’re training that little one in a few years, you should remember what my baba always told us. Our battle scars are our strength, our power, and…” 

“A reminder from Bast that we lived another day to serve Wakanda,” TJ finished, reciting the words Nakia and Naja’s father always said. 

She cradled him against her chest for a moment once more before letting him go, his small hand gripping around hers to drag her farther into the room. 

“Now why doesn’t he have a time limit on your affection?” T’Challa’s voice was filled with fake indignation. 

She merely shrugged as TJ demanded she take the open seat next to him. 

“I simply like him better than you.” 

However, before she sat, she rounded the table to her sister. 

“Sister. No, don’t get up,” she cautioned as Nakia started to move. The hug she bestowed was longer than most would receive but she could tell by the unshed tears in Nakia’s eyes that she needed it. She cradled one hand to Nakia’s cheek before the other rested on her belly. “How are you? And how is my future niece, Wakanda’s next great warrior?” 

“We are both well, even better now that you are here. You’re so thin.” She tsked slightly, T’Challa and Naja sharing a knowing glance and chuckle. “You need to catch me up on everything. But first sit. Eat.” 

As she returned to her seat, she watched as a silent conversation passed between her King and Queen. Though Nakia’s face appeared happy, there was something brewing beneath the surface. She could sense the anger passing through her to T’Challa, a guilty look plastered on his face. She watched as he busied himself with his own plate to avoid her glare. 

She did not know what to make of it as she piled food on her plate, she could not deny she was starving. However, she realized the reason for that silent conversation quickly as two voices grew louder and louder as they moved toward the dining room.

“If you had just listened to me, we wouldn’t have been late! Your elementary knowledge of nanotech is useless. I could’ve finished it in an hour if you hadn’t been there mansplaining,” Shuri ranted as she rounded the corner into the kitchen. She was so frustrated she did not even notice Naja at the table or acknowledge her. 

“Aye! I went to MIT, short bit,” a sharp American voice filled the space, Naja’s blood turning to ice water, her head whipping toward the door so fiercely she could have broken her own neck. She felt as if her heart completely stopped as she watched Prince N’Jadaka enter the dining room. “That shit’s hardly element-” his words immediately fell off as his eyes fell on Naja, his entire body paralyzed in mid step. 

The pair merely stared at each other, the dining room rapidly filling with tension so severe even the staff ceased moving. And only four people, save the Prince and Naja, knew the source of that tension. Her body did not move an inch, her fork still hovering in the space above her plate as indescribable rage took control of every cell in her body. She could feel it deep in her bones, 15 years worth of pain she had buried warped into a monster. Her nephew’s presence mere inches from her were the only calming presence she could feel, the only thing keeping everything from boiling over. 

“Well… this is painfully awkward,” Shuri muttered as she sat down in her seat next to the Queen Mother. “W-Welcome home, Naja.” 

She cleared her throat, an even and cold timbre falling on her voice. No longer did Naja, the sister and friend, sit at the table. Naja, the spy, with her iron clad facade sat before them. Cold, unfeeling, ruthless. Unbreakable, she reminded herself. That was the weapon she had fashioned herself into. That was who she was now. And she was better for it. 

“Thank you, Princess. I am happy you are back and well. I see much has changed since my last visit. Erik.” 

He had started to make his way to his own seat but stilled at the sound of his American name. It was the name he had gone by his entire time in Wakanda when he moved here as a child after his father’s death. Prince Erik, preferably just Erik, he forced everyone to call him. But Naja… she was the one person aside from T’Challa he allowed to call him by his Wakandan name. She knew he had once loved hearing her say it as much as she loved to say it. She knew the dig, however coded it was, hit its mark, a part of her savored in the hurt that crossed his face. 

“I prefer N’Jadaka,” he offered as he sat down in the last open seat directly across from her, which only increased her anger. 

“Hmm… So you have returned to Wakanda for the birth as well, Erik?” She asked, ignoring his preference. She would never call him N’Jadaka or prince again. She did not care if the whole damn country referred to him as such. 

He sucked his teeth. “Nah. I’ve been back for months… I owed T and Wakanda a favor so I’m home for good, helpin’ rebuild after everythin’.” 

The entire table seemed to shift as rage wafted off Naja. She cut her eyes from Erik to T’Challa, the rest of the room falling away as she threw him a glare that made him thankful the heart-shaped herb ran through his veins. However, beneath that glare, T’Challa knew it masked hurt and one question only he and Nakia could likely decipher. 

How could you? 

“I have suddenly lost my appetite. Sister, I will check in on you in the morning. Good night.” Her fork loudly clanked against the dinner china before she rose from the table. She ignored the calls of her sister and T’Challa for her to stay as she turned to leave. She slowed herself just enough to kiss her nephew on the forehead briefly before exiting without a second glance.

He was home… How could T’Challa not tell her? Tell her that she would be living under the same roof as him for months? Did he consider her too fragile for such knowledge? That her feeble, weak mind would collapse or fall apart? Those days were behind her. 

She had turned all that hurt and pain into fuel, it drove her and pushed her. And now here he was, and all that hurt she suppressed for 15 years, all of that was back with one look at his face. She hated him, despised him. She did not want to look at him, much less sit across from him at every meal for the next two months. 

She could not do it. Fuck the King’s commands. She was returning to Niganda tonight. Even if she had to hitch hike the entire way. 

She was so wrapped up in her escape plan that she did not hear the footsteps behind her until she felt a presence directly on her back. Without thought, she pulled out the gun still tucked in her waistband and cocked it, aiming it directly at… T’Challa. 

She ignored the bang of the Doras’ spears on the ground as she kept the gun aimed at him. She was thankful it was just him. That was the one thing she did not enjoy about her life as a spy, her instincts were too difficult to turn off now. 

“Still ever vigilant, I see?” T’Challa raised his hand to the Dora, silently ordering them to stand down, wholly unperturbed at having a gun pointed at his chest. 

“Well, you never know when someone’s gonna betray you,” she spat with venom that made him flinch.

“I understand you’re upset...” 

“You understand nothing,” she seethed, taking a step toward him. She lowered the gun, the weapon shaking in her hand. “I understand that you knew I would not agree to return if I knew he was here so instead of telling me of the birth and asking me to return, you forced my hand. I understand that you used your title and my love for my sister as manipulation to force a reconciliation. It. Is. Not. Happening.” 

“You cannot avoid him forever. You are both part of this family.” 

She paced, agitated and frustrated. “I can and will avoid him forever. Because if I don’t, I will use his body to test out the multitude of ways I know how to kill someone.. I can’t believe you didn’t warn me he was here.” 

“I am sorry. I thought it would help but I was wrong.” He sighed before gesturing at the gun. “Will it help?” 

She thought about it and nodded. 

The black fibers of his suit emerged and covered his whole body. With perfect precision, she shot him over and over again, emptying her clip until his suit was bright purple with the stored kinetic energy of each bullet. The loud bangs reverberated through the halls, her eardrums rattled. 

“Better?” He asked when she finally lowered the gun and tucked it back in its hiding spot.

“Yes… and no. You’re still able to talk,” she muttered. Though shooting something did take the edge of her anger off. 

“I am sorry for deceiving you. You are right, I knew you would not return if you knew Erik had returned home permanently. But your sister… and I… we need you here. I know what he did, the pain he caused you. And if you do not speak to him ever again, you would be within your right. But I ask very little of you, Naja. And right now, I am asking you to stay here,” Naja was annoyed that he somehow already realized she was going to run back home. “And endure for us. Two months and then you can leave and I will not utter a word to convince you to stay. I promise.”  

She nodded. “Fine. But just so you know, any ill conceived notion you had of me returning to this country for good? That is gone now. As long as Erik Stevens calls Wakanda home, I never will.” She turned on her heels and disappeared down the hall, leaving T’Challa alone surrounded by shell casings. 

She only paused when she heard him yell back, “I’ll have dinner sent to your room. Please eat or your sister will kill me.” 

She scoffed. “That’s not reason enough,” she called back. Though they both knew she would eat whatever was brought to her. 

***

Unlike Naja, Erik was able to hide his emotions a tad bit better and hold it together through dinner. However, his emotions did not include rage, except for toward T’Challa. All he had felt at dinner was the hot, uncomfortable spotlight of guilt and shame. What he had done, he’d never forgive himself. And any stupid notion he once had that Naja could forgive him one day was wiped out in a manner of minutes. 

“What the fuck, T?” Erik demanded as he stormed into T’Challa’s office, the King nursing a glass of rum as he continued to work. 

“Your ex already shot me several times this evening, figuratively and literally. So go easy on me, N’Jadaka.” 

“You told me she didn’t ever come back to Wakanda? That she moved on??

T’Challa shrugged. “Those things are not untrue. Naja is a War Dog stationed in Niganda,” he admitted. “You wanted nothing to do with Wakanda once you left and worked for the US Government so I could not reveal War Dog identities to you. And when you came back, I thought it best that she remain out of sight and out of mind.” 

Erik’s eyes grew wide. “W-wait, w-wait… a watch and report back War Dog or a Hatut Zeraze-era War Dog?” 

There was a distinction, one only a precious few in the country knew. For most, the War Dogs were merely spies, a Wakandan-style CIA force that watched, patiently integrating themselves into their host country’s world to report back critical information to protect Wakanda. However, past kings used a specialized force of them for other purposes, ones the average Wakandan knew nothing of, purposes that actually kept Wakanda safe and protected all these years. 

T’Challa sighed and rubbed his eyes. “The latter until my coronation. She was handpicked during training by my father, and worked her way up to leading missions across the continent and beyond.” 

Erik scoffed. “Missions… I know what missions mean. Assassinations, torture.”

T’Challa tilted his head. “None that we would ever admit to.  She is stationed in Niganda 90% of the time unless my father needed her for another assignment. When I became king, I disbanded that portion of the War Dogs and she has been our lead War Dog in Niganda ever since.” 

The stinging heat of anger and fear prickled his brain. The Naja he remembered was soft, not in a bad way either. You wanted to lean into her and soak up her warmth. It was comforting and soothing. However, he knew first hand the things she would have had to do to be part of that specialized force. And he would not wish the damage all that had done to his own soul on anyone else, least of all her. 

“’N you didn’t think to tell a nigga she was comin’?” 

“I thought 15 years was enough time for you both to move past everything that transpired. Clearly I was wrong.” 

“She still hates me?” 

T’Challa scoffed. “Is there a word stronger than hate? Because that may be more accurate.” He paused. “Do you still feel guilty?” 

Erik merely nodded, his finger fidgeting with his father’s ring, which he had worn around his neck since he was a small boy. 

“15 years and one look at her and all that shit just comes right back,” he let out a low whistle. “She looks damn good. Different though. Not just physically. She’s colder than I remembered.”  

“You miss her?” 

He nodded. “Yea, being back here this year. She’s gone but every fuckin’ place in this damn country reminds me of her. I fucked up.”

“You still love her?” 

Erik shrugged. “A lack of love was never the issue. Doesn’t matter if 50 years go by… it’d still be her. Only her. Who knows, maybe I can make this shit right. Can’t be a coincidence that Bast brought us both back?” 

“May I be honest with you, cousin?” 

“Me saying no ain’t ever stopped you.” 

“When Naja first joined the War Dogs, her father made a personal plea to my father and I  to reject her application. When I asked him why, he said that though they were crafted by the same hand, his daughters could not be more different. Nakia, he said, was an assassin’s blade. Beautiful, striking, and when wielded with the right hand, deadly. While Naja was no weapon at all. She was a delicate sculpture, something to gaze upon, he said. She could be a weapon, like anything. But one blow would be all you get and the cost would destroy her and she would never be the same again.” 

“This fuckin’ Wakandan proverb shit,” Erik mumbled. “Like what the fuck does that even mean?” 

“It means… You broke her, N’Jadaka. And that isn’t a judgment or condemnation,” he added at the pain that flashed across his face. “I understood then and now what ailed you when you did what you did. But you broke her. And to cope with that pain, like you, she picked up all those broken pieces and fashioned herself into a weapon that is more deadly than even Nakia ever was. Someone who is unbreakable. She is the most lethal weapon I’ve ever seen with stunning effectiveness and precision. She is pragmatic, she is cold, she is cunning, and merciless. And for her, love for anything other than this country and its throne is weakness. She is not the Naja you left here 15 years ago. She may look like the woman you love but she is an entirely different person, N’Jadaka. Be wise and remember that.”

“What are you saying?” 

“I am saying that as much as I would love to see the two of you reconcile, this Naja will sooner kill you before she will let you close enough to break her ever again. Goodnight, cousin.” T’Challa grabbed his glass and stood up, walking to the door, leaving Erik to contemplate the consequences of his actions. 

Tag List: @miyuhpapayuh @pipsqueak-98 @injerafiend @themakingsofdion

A/N: Ok I've never written Erik before so I'm really excited. I also feel like this OC is very unlike my others so I'm excited about.

Drop a comment and let me know what you thought or if you want to be tagged!

[lemon-russ]

More smutless (for now) Leman Russ fic. Whats important is that I'm having fun and subjecting you all to it lol.

(Thanks @squishyowl for the dividers. Idk if getting tagged every fic bothers you, lmk :,) )

Wolf Mother (Ch. 2)

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Ao3

Leman Russ x Fem OC

CW (not necessarily this chapter but overall): Trauma, anxiety, PTSD, General WH40k violence, Sex, probably breeding kink stuff eventually, if there's something I miss and you want labeled let me know!!

Summary: Wren and Guilliman arrive at The Fang and meet The Wolf King.

Word count: 1,637

Wren Vaille walks down the corridors of the Macragge's Honour to the door of Guilliman's office. He smiles a greeting to her when she opens the door, and walks beisdes her down the hall.

“Thank you for giving this a chance, Captain.” He says with a smile.

She gives a small smile back, walking around him so he walked on her right side where she could see him. “Of course, sir. It would not be very honorable of me to not even attempt to help you.”

Guilliman raises a brow, then glances at her blinded left eye, scar running through it, and has a small look of understanding, moving aside to give her room. “Still it is a huge favor. But I wouldn't send you somewhere you're in danger. My brother may be rowdy, but I think he will like you.” He smiles at her. “You have the same indomitable spirit.”

She scrunches her brows together. “Uh-huh. Sometimes I fear you have a very inflated idea of me, my Lord.” She says with a small chuckle.

Guilliman chuckles back. “I think you have a very under-inflated view of yourself, Captain. You'll handle the space wolves well, I think.” He says with a pat on her shoulder.

She stumbles a little under the sudden weight of his ceramite gauntlet, bionic leg whirring a groaning noise as she tripped and caught herself before falling.”um- thank you, sir, I suppose.”

They reach the bay doors to the hangar, peppered with blue armored forms and uniforms scurrying around gunning ships and thunderhawks.

A thunderhawk near them was being loaded with what few material possesions she had, a few boxes and a large bag. She swallows hard, her mouth dry.

Guilliman waved to a serf, who brought over a folded coat. “Here, I had this brought for you.” He says, holding up a warm looking, fur lined coat in ultramarine blue. “Fenris is bitterly cold, especially for baseline humans. I worried you wouldn't have sufficent layers.” He smiles.

“Oh, thank you my Lord.” She says, taking the warm, insulated coat. She swallows back some emotion. This may be the last Ultramarine thing she'll own. The rest of her uniform would be packed away with her old Auxillia fatigues.

She gives him a tight smile, trying to not get sentimental. “I really appreciate this, it was very thoughtful.” She says as she pulls on the thick coat.

He smiles and pats her shoulder again. “It's ok to feel emotional, Captain. It is the human thing to feel sad at goodbyes.” He says in a softer tone.

She bites her lower lip. “This is probably only temporary, anyways, my Lord.” She says, walking with him toward the thunderhawk. “I doubt I'll be able to actually keep up with space wolves.” She says with a forced smile.

He smiles and offers her a hand to help her up the ramp of the ship. “Of course, Captain Vaille. It's hardly permanent.”

He helps her settle and buckle in, then tells the pilot to head off.

“I'll see you off to my Brother. It's been too long since I visited, anyway.” The primarch says, sitting next to her as much as the small seats allow.

The ride to the surface of Fenris is short enough, and soon they are landing on the landing bays of The Fang, the massive mountain fortress that serves as the seat of the Space Wolves.

An icy blast has Wren clutching her new coat tight around her shoulders and shivering as the doors to the ship open. Guilliman chuckles, patting her back.

“That's why I got you a coat. Come, Leman should be around and he is terrible at sitting still, so we should be quick so he doesn't run off on us.” He says as he helps her down the ramp.

Her bionic leg, junky as ever, immediately tries to seize as the cold air plays havoc on the metal gears and hydraulic pistons. She gives it a couple whacks with the side of her fist and hobbles off after Guilliman.

They enter the Valgard, the uppermost structure of the fortress and the only place with ship bays. The rest of the fortress is in underground tunnels through the mountain. Thankfully the interior of the mountain is a bit more hospitable.

They walk through corridors of metal, wood and cave tunnels, with busy lifts moving Space Wolves and serfs around. Guilliman leads her through a massive, ornate room of pure granite, down a concerning lift, and through more halls until he stops at a door and knocks.

“Skítja, Who knocks in the Aett?” Someone curses in a rough voice, stomping to the door and flinging it open.

“What- Oh!” The Primarch goes from annoyance to joy in a flash. “Ah, Roboute, I was wondering who would be so formal, I forgot you were coming today.” He laughs.

Leman Russ is a couple feet taller than his brother, and grins down at him with a fanged smile. “Come, come- I was just rehashing defense nonsense.” He says, waving Guilliman in to the defense overlook. Wren, seemingly forgotten, scurries after their long strides into a smaller room of cluttered papers, books, scrolls, and maps laying across a table.

Russ flops onto a large wooden high back chair, leg over the arm, grinning and motioning for Guilliman to sit in a similar one. “So, you sent word of some sort of paperwork thrall?” He asks.

Guilliman chuckled under his breath as he sat, and Wren awkwardly stood beside his chair. They call Serfs thralls? That isn’t very reassuring, she thought to herself.

“Not quite, but yes. This is my assistant, Wren Vaille.” Guilliman introduces, and she gives a polite salute. “I want to offer her to you to do what she does for me- Paperwork, scheduling, some logistics, communicating on my behalf with other Primarchs…” he says, patting her back. “Clerical type work that you seem to need.” He adds, eyeing the piles of strewn papers with a tight frown.

Leman looks at her for the first time, eyeing her up and down, then quirks his head to the side in a way that can only be compared to a curious dog. “Where’d the other half of you go, girl?” He asks curiously.

Guilliman’s eyes go wide, “Leman, have some tackt-” he snaps softly, but Wren chuckles a bit. No one every even acknowledges her differences, let alone so boldly. It is always your condition and because of, well, you know.

"Long gone, I’m afraid.” She says with a small smile. “But I assure you I can work just fine with one eye and a bionic leg.”

Guilliman looks embarrassed, but Leman grins his sharp toothed smile at her. “Hah, well I’ll get a story out of you yet girl. No one loses and eye and a leg and walks away without a tale to tell.”

He hops up from his chair and walks over to her, standing close enough it forces her to crane her neck up. He looks her over, walking in circles around her and making her purse her lips nervously at the inspection.

“Any more of you missing?” He asks, bending down to look at her closer.

She raises her brow. “Uh- a kidney? On the left side, but otherwise no just the eye and leg…” she replies, stepping back a step as he gets close to her face.

He hmphs, then sniffs her, making her blush a bit.

Guilliman sighs. “Leman, she’s only here on a trial, please pretend to be civil for 5 minutes…?” He says, gently pulling Wren back toward himself by her shoulders.

Russ huffed through his nose. “What? I can’t smell her? You can tell a lot by someone’s smell.” He grumbled. “My sons will sniff her too, she may as well get used to it…”

Guilliman and Wren made a mirrored uncomfortable look, and Russ rolled his eyes. ”Fine fine. Tell me, thrall, can you fight still?” He asks, quirking his head to the side again.

Guilliman frowns. “She is here to help you file paperwork and make meetings, Leman.” He says sternly.

Russ frowns, furrowing his brow. “Well she obviously fought at some point- it is important to me that this secretary thing can follow me in dangerous places.”

Wren purses her lips. “I can fight, if needed. Not so well with shooting anymore, what with the eye, but, I can defend myself with melee and I can flee.” She says nervously.

He seems satisfied with that, smiling and giving a nod. “Good. We will get you back up in proper fighting shape so you do not get killed the second something looks at you.”

Guilliman sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Remember, this is a trial, Leman. If you scare her off I’ll take her home.”

Russ scoffs, “If she is scared off, she would make a poor assistant to me.” He grins and claps her on the shoulder, making her leg whine mechanically as she stumbled a little from it. “You look sturdy, though, even for a female so small. Humans do not get that amount of scars from twiddling their thumbs.” He turns on his heel, heading for the door. “Come, paper-thrall, I have duties to attend.”

Guilliman lets out a tired sigh, then pats her back gently. “Thank you again, Wren. I’m always a messenger away, if anything happens and you want to return early, you need only ask.” He says gently. She smiles nervously, giving him a nod, before Leman calls again.

“Thrall! Come! I shall not wait for your tiny legs!”

She stiffens and scrambles out the door.

[werrrrrd]

CHARLES XAVIER X OC

Part I

PLEASE GO TO PREVIOUS CHAPTERS ON MY BLOG FOR WARNINGS!!!!

AN:Hey again! Here's the first non prologue bit. If you skipped to here that's ok. I'm gonna mention again that it doesn't follow the plot very much, setting and timing is off, I lowkey just made up stuff so that I could write the story how I wanted to haha. Just ignore that yeah? Anyways here you get to see a lot of Mays power development which was so fun to write and also you get some CHARLES action FINALLY! Once again please ignore plot holes, cut me some slack, I really don't care enough about fixing them haha, some things that happen were not really supposed to be possible in the movies but FOR SAKE OF THE STORY i made them possible. Also her power limitations are very vague and inconsistent, I know but once again, it's for the plot! Obviously that makes things not make any sense but here we are and it is what it is. 

“May, are you listening?” Frost asked me. My head snapped towards her and Shaw, who was threatening Hendry out on the deck of the boat, making sure no one else had been told of the deal they had made previously. Shaw paused to look at me.

“Sorry,” I said. Shaw tisked at me. I stifled a worried feeling that rose up in my belly as he fiddled with the ring on his pointer finger. One touch on the dial that was hidden in the intricate design of the ring and my shock devices would go off. Usually he didn't care when I wasnt paying attention to him but if I caught him in a bad mood he would be happy to indulge in a little pain. 

I zoned back out once Shaw began talking to Hendry and had taken his thumb off the ring. So much time had passed. I had come to realize pretty quickly I would not get out of this situation on my own accord. Something had to happen in order for me to be able to get away. I used to watch for opportunities constantly. After years of nothing presenting itself I had grown weary and lost faith in even the hope of escaping Shaw's control. I was on a very short leash and probably would be until Shaw was killed (which didnt seem likely with his powers) or until Shaw killed me. 

You had better believe that when I found out Shaw was a mutant I was furious. How could he do all that he did to his own kind? Of course when I tried to have a go at him he only turned the dial up until I was brought to the ground.

I jumped at the loud sound of an explosion. Shaw was containing it until he absorbed it and shook at the new energy he consumed. Hendry looked at him in disgust and horror. Soon after Shaw killed hendry in a blur of light and soon it was just us on the sunny deck of the yacht.. 

Things settled down, Shaw offered us all drinks and we all sat on the boat as things got dark. They, mostly Shaw and Emma, chatted while I stayed quiet as the sun set. 

***

After a couple hours of sitting and thinking out in the warm air, I felt the heartbeat of someone coming closer towards us from further off in the ship. I would have waved it off as a crew member or hired guard of shaws, if the heart wasnt beating so painfully quick and catching my attention. I sat up as I felt the persons blood inch nearer to us.

“What is it May?” asked shaw, noticing my concerned face

“Someones here.” I said. Shaw didnt seem worried at this information, He thought he was untouchable. Unfortunately so far, he had been. 

The body got closer and Shaw sat and waited for who ever it was to present themself. 

“Herr doctor,” 

We all stood defensively as a man came around the corner holding a knife. Shaw waved us off and spoke to him in german calling him Erik Lehnsherr. He had murder in his eyes as he approached shaw and Emma confirmed his intentions that he wanted to kill Shaw.

The man fell to the ground in pain as Emma invaded his mind. Shaw spoke more and Emma defended him as Erik threw his knife through the air with impossible precision. She caught the knife and then threw him off the boat. We heard a loud splash but then we heard the loud sound of a boat horn and flares being sent into the sky from behind us. The U.S coast guard announced itself and demanded that we dont move our ship.

Based on the heart rates of everyone it was something we were concerned about. I shook out my arms, suddenly feeling a rush of adrenaline. Soon enough people were running about, people who werent from our crew

AN: If you couldnt already tell the story goes off course here and I kind of do my own thing because it would be boring for me to write a story so closely based off the plot line of the movie.

The costal guard boat had come up next to our ship. Our own crew ran around at Shaws orders to get the submarine prepared.

are they… attacking?? I could hardly tell with so much commotion.

“Grab Shaw!” someone yelled. Now I could tell they were fighting. But I couldn't tell where Shaw was, I whipped around trying to make sense of things, my team was all over the place fighting different people, some unofficial looking military soldiers were mixed about with a few people in more casual outfits. Shots were being fired but none at me.

I stumbled out further towards the action without getting too close. Then I saw Shaw running at me, at least three people chased behind him and as my own team noticed they  followed too. Shaw pointed at the ring on his finger menacingly as he approached, as a reminder of what he could do to me. I took a wide stance after Shaw placed himself behind me and felt the blood of everyone in the vicinity. I picked out the ones that I wanted and stopped them all using my hands to get better control. The ones who stayed in motion were from my side. They came and surrounded Shaw defensively and raised their own hands in case I lost control. I didn't lose control these days. I could hold at least 25 people at once and I didn't nearly kill them while doing so. I had seen my powers grow at an exponential rate for the last few years. I learned I could do more than just hold on to blood and move it. 

“What's happening?” One of the other team said. She was a blond girl who seemed like she hadnt expected to be in combat based on what she was wearing and the fact that she didnt have any weapons. “Whos is doing this?”

One of the men spoke. I hadn't noticed him before but now I got a good look at him and something inside of me shook at the sight of him, a resolute look on his face, determined, but nothing evil or malicious. He was also seemingly unprepared for combat. Two fingers were frozen pressed on his temple and a subtle wince was on his face.

He gave me an expression that I couldn't read. Suddenly I felt a slight pressure in the back of my skull near the shock devices that were implanted in my neck and on my spine. Something was in my head and somehow I knew it was him. His brows furrowed in focus and I felt him rifle through my mind. A thought came into my mind about my mutation and I knew that he was searching for my abilities. 

“Its her, in the middle” he said “It's our blood that she can control,” He spoke with something that almost sounded like wonder in his voice. He let out a curious breath and blinked at me

 I widened my eyes at him before trying to push him out. I felt him move on from just reading my thoughts and felt him get control of my actions, My brain suddenly wanted to let him go. I recognized that he was responsible for this thought and felt the anger coming on because he was overriding my powers. I did my best to resist his advances. I felt him hesitate before pushing harder. Then I felt the slight buzzing of my shock devices. The man's actions stuttered as he must have felt the electricity threatening to increase if I didn't do something quickly. I yanked the man's hand away from his head in order to halt his powers and he didn't react quick or strong enough to stop me. I felt the connection break and my mind was occupied by only me.

Shaw praised me by patting my arm as he came to stand in front of me now that the danger was gone.

I turned back at the man who now looked at me just as intensely as I had been looking at him. There was a sharp clarity in his eyes I had not seen before in anyone. My gut twinged inside of me and I didn't know why. Shaw started speaking to the group about how he could not be stopped with his incredible team of mutants but my eyes stayed locked with the strangers. Everyone else's attention was on Shaw. He stayed watching me. He had been in my head. Not even Emma had been in my head, Shaw saw no need, knowing he had total control over me.

I expected to feel violated by someone else in my mind, a space only I had ever been inside. But this man had entered my mind with what felt like… respect, or reverence? He didn't go as far as he could have and I knew that it was intentional. My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to understand. And now, even though he wasn't in my head, I could feel my brain reaching out to him, to be connected to his.

 I shook myself out of my stupor just in case I could actually make contact with him without his hand on his temple. I felt embarrassed that my mind wanted him to do that, I knew better. I couldn't make sense of the reaction I was having right now. So I tried to focus on Shaw’s speech which seemed to be droning on more than necessary. The things he was saying were horrible and I felt a slight guilt wash over me at the things I was helping him to accomplish. I hoped that these things wouldn't happen, but I also knew that I had no control over helping him. I had started to go numb and detach myself years ago. This was my life and there was nothing that could be done. 

I glanced back at the man. He was still watching me. My heart rate sped and when I reached out to feel his blood and heart rate, mine only quickened. He somehow knew that I was listening. His expression changed oh so subtly. It was barely noticeable. He almost smiled at me. Quickly I stopped listening to his heart and looked away. I felt my mind reach out to him again and I snatched it back up before it could get there.

Suddenly there was a commotion happening in the water next to us. Shaw took this moment to get out and went for the hatch to the submarine. I stood for just a second longer and glanced at everyone before resting my eyes on the man whose eyes now flashed between mine and the anchor that was levatiating above us ready to smash down. I widened my eyes before sidestepping to follow after my team who took off. I held everyone in place while getting some distance between us and them. Once I got too far I couldn't keep my hold on their blood and they were let out of my control. The ship was crumbling as I went down the steps and hallways catching up with Azezel and getting ushered into the hatch. 

We took off, but something was slowing us down, the submarine was already rather slow. I realized Erik must have been able to control metal, from the way he was able to throw the knife, and he must have been the person with the anchor who was tearing up the yacht we were just on. He must have been holding on to the submarine as well. 

Shaw didn't seem worried that he would be able to stop us though. Finally I felt the sub move ahead with no restraint. We got a ways away before I gave myself a moment to think. 

Who was that? I didn't understand why I felt the way I felt when I looked at him. It was only a moment after that that I felt him reenter my brain.. I stopped suddenly, my eyes going wide and mentally clamoring to figure out how to get him out of my head. Also onfused at how he could reach me from this distance. We weren't incredibly far but we were at least 100 meters away at this point. 

“Don't worry,” I heard his voice speak. It was soft and smooth with a nice accent and I liked it. I didn't like that I liked it. I whipped around wondering if he had somehow got onto the ship or if he was just saying these things in my head somehow

“I wont mess around with your thoughts or memories, I just want to see where you are going,” He explained. I gulped walking towards the main room behind the team.

“You did good today. Keep it up,” Shaw pulled me toward him by the arm. I saw him grinning out of the corner of my eye. His teeth glinted in the light before I pushed off of him

Shaw had noticed my face. “Is something the matter?”

I could tell them that the man was reading my mind and he could do something to make it impossible for the man to find where we were going. Or Emma could figure out some way of stopping him from reading my mind, but I somehow knew she wouldn't be able to control him with the distance, somehow, I knew that it was just me and him who could. I was more worried Shaw would make me kill him. If I got close again I could shut everything off, his entire body, and he would die. I hated to kill people for Shaw, but I found out quickly that refusing didn't do anything but harm me as well as kill them in more gruesome and painful ways. If I didn't do it he would beat me and shock me to teach me a lesson after ending them himself. I shivered, even though this man had tried to manipulate my thoughts, I didn't want him harmed, especially not killed.

“No, everything's fine. I'm good.” I responded shortly

Shaw looked at me suspiciously before turning around to go. I kept walking to my private room on the sub. I still felt weird about letting the man find out where we were going. I didn't want to put myself in danger. But I couldn't think of a better option.

“Do you usually betray Shaw or should I be flattered?” I heard his voice speak in my head again again. I frowned and tried not to say anything.

“Ill take that as a yes then?“ he questioned

Shut up!” I whisper yelled. It came out just a tad louder than I had hoped. I looked around to make sure no one had heard. It was empty so I continued “You don't know anything!!”

I could practically feel him smile. My nostrils flared in annoyance, but somehow, I wasn't angry. 

“You're right. I don't know anything," he said honestly. My annoyance fizzled out and I was left with a content feeling I wasn't expecting. Was I giddy?  My stupid head was buzzing with him connected to it. I tried to force that feeling out. I hoped he couldn't tell. He didn't say anything about it if he could

 “You don't really want to be there do you?” his voice sounded gently in my head

“Okay,” I said frustrated again. Why was this guy questioning me. He should just mind his business at this point. ”who even are you?!” I asked louder now that my door was shut and I wasn't worried about someone hearing me talk to myself.

“Excuse me for not introducing myself,” He said like he was actually concerned that he hadn't shown me any manners. “I'm Charles Xavier.”

I looked around confused and almost amused. Baffled by this mans actions.

“And you…?” he asked carefully

“You didn't go through my memories to find out?” 

“No, I only do that when I absolutely need to.” He said his voice revealing to me that he was smiling again

“Well that's a surprise,” I say before taking a seat on my bed.

“I assure you, I wouldn't do that.” He says and somehow I believe him. 

I think for a second wondering whether there's a way to get him out of my head. I can't think of anything and for some reason I don't take a very long time to come up with something. Before I even register it It slips out

“May. That's my name.” I almost gasped when I heard myself. I hadn't meant to tell him.

“It's lovely to meet you, May,” He spoke. The way he spoke it though… made my heart slow and my mind quiet. Made me want to close my eyes and sigh. I swear the air in my room stilled. 

I cleared my throat “ahem, it's uh.. nice to meet you too.” There was another brief pause

“Well, May, I… I suppose I should say goodnight, As pleasant as this has been Im afraid our time is nearly up.” Charles said. I could feel it too, our connection losing strength as we got further from each other

“Yeah, goodnight Charles.” I said, for some reason, reluctantly. 

“Night,”

After that I could feel him disconnect from me. My mind felt fuzzy from the sudden break in contact. My thoughts reached out for him again but seemed to realize the distance and drew back. I shook myself out of my stupor and smacked my head a few times. 

I stood to take off my jacket, first emptying my pockets and unholstering a couple concealed weapons I kept on me just in case. Then, I sat at my desk and took out my hair. I took a few seconds to massage my head, trying to get the feeling I got when he left to go away. Then I dragged my hands down my face, thinking about how long the day had been. I sighed and went back to bed. I kicked off my shoes, not bothering to take off my pants or shirt. It would be an early morning tomorrow and usually I didn't have the time to get ready before I was needed. I pulled the thin sheets over me and rolled onto my stomach before putting my arm under the flat pillow to give my head some more support and closing my eyes to sleep. It was early for bed but I didn't have anything better to do and I found that sleep was the-

“Thank you” His reconnection startled me out of my thoughts as I felt the, not unpleasant pressure, return to my skull. It was dim and the message was soft and distant but I could still feel it. “For not ratting me out I mean. I know you could have done something to stop me and you didn't.”

I stayed quiet for a while. Was he trying to make me feel bad about betraying Shaw or did he actually mean it? What was he getting at?

“Sorry um… goodnight again.” He said. He must have understood my confusion and hesitance to answer. I felt him going to disconnect again but I didn't want him to. My brain cried at the thought of him leaving and I didn't think quick enough to stop myself.

“Wait no! I- well, you're welcome I guess. It's not….” I stumbled out before he could fully pull away. I couldnt think of how to explain myself, I didnt really feel like I should. Shaw would be absolutely livid if he knew I was talking to the enemy

“Im a little confused i think” I finished not knowing what else to say

I heard him breath out a puff of air and then speak “about what exactly?”

“Well, you I suppose.” I said honestly “and maybe just… everything.”

He hummed “that must be tiring.” he said understandingly and sympathetically. I rolled back on to my back and put my hands over my eyes. 

“It can be.” I said. I didn't really want to open up to Charles, and yet, at the same time I REALLY wanted to. I couldn't understand what this urge was. Maybe he was messing with my mind, convincing my subconscious to trust him. But would that really be so bad? Shaw was a bad person and if talking to Charles was going to help his team take Shaw down, maybe that was a good thing. Regardless I didn't feel like Charles would do that. Somehow I trusted him. More than I had been able to trust anyone, at least, since Lou. 

No matter how much I wanted to help Charles and no matter what this unexplainable reason for that was, I needed to survive, self preservation was my main goal. If that wasnt the case I would have died a long time ago. If I was going to communicate with Shaws enemies I had better be careful about it.

“Are you alright?” Charles’ voice said softly in my head. I thought for a second. I wasn't, no. But things could be worse. Shaw had not shocked me too terribly today. He didn't beat me either. I didn't feel hungry and I wasn't as exhausted from using my powers as much as I could be some times.

“Yeah. I'm alright.”

He hummed again. I could tell he was not convinced with that answer but he didn't push it.

“Thanks… for asking.” I said softly and still slightly confused. It had been a long time since someone had asked me that and seemed to actually care. It filled my heart with a warm feeling. I had seen this man for the first time in my life only an hour ago and he cared enough to ask me if I was ok. 

What was his angle though? If he just wanted to see where we were going for as long as he could he could have just done that, felt what direction we were heading in and then disconnected once he knew enough. But he was talking to me, asking me if I was ok. He didn't seem smart for that.

I waited, for a response, my eyes closing and sleep starting to come to me. He didn't wait much longer before speaking pulling me slightly awake again.

 “Sure love. Any time.” His voice became more muffled with the growing distance, I knew soon we wouldn't be able to communicate. hearing his words I couldn't help but smile in my drowsy state. I think maybe I even blushed, but I didn't care and I doubt he even knew. After that I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember feeling him detach from me.

 I slept so well that night that when I woke up I thought for a second that I was in my childhood room on a Saturday morning without a care in the world.

[ereardon]

Golden Hour || Ch. 2 [Bob Floyd x Bradley Bradshaw x OC]

A Bob Floyd & Bradley Bradshaw AU [Hart of Dixie inspired]

Synopsis: Willow, Georgia. Barely even a town, just a speck on a map that you tried to wipe off, mistaking it for a crumb. You’re the outsider: a fancy New York doctor, fresh out of a failed engagement, with zero primary care experience. You’re also the new town doctor, taking over for a recent retiree who was beloved. His son, Bob Floyd, is the other physician at the practice, and takes an immediate dislike to you. But you were looking for a fresh start, and Willow doesn’t seem all that bad if you can get past the fact that there's only one restaurant in town. It helps that you've caught the eye of Bradley Bradshaw, the town attorney, despite the fact that you vowed to take a break from dating. How long until you start to make friends in a town where social circles have been set in stone since elementary school? And what will it take to make Bob Floyd see you’re not as bad as he wants to believe you are?

Pairing: Bob Floyd x OC; Bradley Bradshaw x OC

Tropes: Love triangle, enemies to lovers

Warnings: Cursing, mention of vomit, alcohol

Chapter summary: Olive settles into her new home; the town comes down with the flu; Olive has a run in with Bradley at the grocery store; Bob is suspiciously absent during the flu pandemic and Olive arrives at his doorstep to confront him

WC: 3K

Masterlist here; first chapter here; next chapter here

You showed up at quarter to seven, double checking the address Phoenix had written down on the scrap of receipt paper. 

This couldn’t be right. 

The house was palatial. It was practically a plantation, if you could still call houses plantations. A sweeping iron gate out front, with a long driveway that ran straight back to an enormous white house with blue shutters and a round driveway out front. 

You got out of the car, starting up the stairs. Just when you lifted your hand in a knock, the door swung open. 

Phoenix stood with her hair dripping wet, a towel bunched up in her hands as she squeezed it dry. She had changed out of the overalls from earlier and now wore a pair of running shorts and a cropped t-shirt. “Olive!” she said. “You made it!” 

You nodded. “Is now an OK time?” 

“It’s perfect.” Phoenix slid out of the way. “Come on in.” 

You stepped inside. The house was even more beautiful on the inside than the exterior, if that was possible. The foyer had a black and white tile flooring that led to a curved white staircase that hugged the left side of the room and rounded out gently on the second floor. An antique wood table sat beneath the curved staircase with the largest arrangement of flowers you had ever seen in one person’s home before. 

Phoenix tracked your eyes. “It’s a lot, I know.” 

“It’s fucking beautiful,” you said and her jaw dropped a little. You blushed. “Sorry, force of habit. It’s beautiful.” 

She shook her head. “Doesn’t bother me, but trust me when I say some of the folks around here are a lot less welcoming than I am.” 

You let out a sigh. “Tell me about it. Dr. Floyd has me on his shit list.” There you went again, cursing up a storm. 

Phoenix frowned. “Bob? Really? He’s so nice.” 

You cackled. “Nice? He’s been cold to me since the moment we met.” 

She led you down a large main hallway which opened up at the back of the house to a large living room and kitchen. “Cold? That’s new,” she said. “What happened?” 

You gave her the rundown of everything that had happened the second time you went to the clinic, including bumping into Bradley. 

Natasha’s eyes lit up. “So you met Bradshaw, huh?” 

You nodded. 

She gave a knowing look. “He’s single,” she added. 

“I’m not looking for a relationship right now.” 

Phoenix opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of white wine. “And why not?” 

You debated not telling her. You had made it approximately eight hours in Willow before divulging your past. But it was bound to come out anyway. And there was something about Phoenix that made you want to tell her things. Probably why she was a good bartender. You held out your left hand, the faint indentations of a ring still visible on the bare digit. 

She nodded knowingly. “When did it happen?” 

“Last week,” you said. “I came home from the hospital and he was already there, which was rare. Just sitting on the couch, head in his hands, and the minute I walked through the door he looked up and said it was over. I stormed out and threw the ring in the East River.” 

Her mouth fell open. “You did not.” 

You nodded. “Three carats, too. But I lost my shit and it was the first thing I could think to do.” 

“Did he ask for it back?” 

You shook your head. “No. But Peter has enough money, I don’t think it’ll make too big of a dent.” You winced and then added, “He was my attending.” 

“Attending?”

“My boss,” you clarified. “He was the senior attending for fetal surgery. I was the fellow. Let’s just say that our relationship never went over well with the surgery group.” 

Phoenix let out a whistle. “Hot damn, drama. I love it.” 

You liked her immediately. There was something charming about the way she immediately poured you a drink even though she was off the clock, and the way her brown eyes locked on yours, like you were the only person in the room. Which you were, but that wasn’t the point. You knew that even in a room full of people, Phoenix had the ability to make it feel like she only had eyes for you. 

And you needed a friend. More, now than ever. 

You sighed. “Anyway, that’s why I left New York. And that is why I am definitely not ready to start dating.” 

Phoenix smirked. “Honey, this is Willow. You’re going to get caught up with someone faster than sweat piling up on your upper lip in August. I mean, look at you.” Her eyes trailed over your slim skirt, tight cowl neck shell top, coiffed brown locks. “No wonder Bob was so angry with you showing up. You’re about to steal all his male patients.” 

“Tell me about him,” you said, leaning both elbows on the counter. “I need to know about my competition.”

“Bob?” she asked. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve known him for years, since we were kids. All three of us: me, Bob, Bradley. He’s always been a little shy. He was the smart one. We all knew he’d follow in his daddy’s footsteps. He went to Emory for medical school, Bradshaw went to New York for law school, and I stayed here. But I always knew they’d come back.” She smiled ruefully. “Men always do.” 

“Wait, Bradley went to New York?” 

She nodded. “Columbia Law.” 

You frowned. “How old is he?” 

“Thirty one.” 

You two were probably there at the same time. Him in the law school, you at the medical school. 

“Bob is a good guy,” she added. “He’s a bit of a grouch. But it’s only because Dr. Robert retired and he’s been busier than ever.” 

“He doesn’t seem to like me much.” 

“We don’t get a lot of newcomers,” Phoenix said. “And the ones we do, most people tend not to like.” 

“So I’m at an automatic disadvantage.” 

“Yup.” 

You sighed. “Great.” 

Phoenix laughed, setting down her glass of wine. “Let me show you the guest house.” 

The guest house was out back. Way out back. You couldn’t even see the main house anymore when Phoenix rounded a corner and stopped in front of a slightly dilapidated green two-story house. The front porch of the house sagged slightly and the door was a little off kilter. 

Phoenix scooted up the steps and unlocked the door, holding it open. You quickly followed her inside. “It’s a little dusty, sorry about that,” she said. “And a little run down. But I think it should work.” 

Inside there was a small entryway that led to a living room on one side and a bedroom on the other. Everything was covered in a thin layer of dust, and the furniture had sheets flung over it. Phoenix opened the blinds, letting light filter into the room, and put her hands on your hips. 

“Ain’t much,” she said. “But it’s something.” 

“I’ll take it.” What other options did you have? Besides, you liked Phoenix. She was the first and only person to be nice to you in Willow.

***

Your second day went just about as well as your first. 

You showed up at the office at nine, to find it bustling with patients. A frazzled Molly sat at the front desk, hair askew. 

“Where have you been?” she demanded as you walked through the door. “People been lining up this morning.” She handed you a stack of charts. “The flu.” 

You grimaced. “The flu? In September?” 

“When it rains it pours.” 

You groaned. “Alright, give me two minutes to get a cup of coffee.” 

“No time,” Molly said, steering you toward the dusty office at the front of the building. “Mr. Schwartz has been waiting for forty minutes and he’s just about the most impatient man I’ve ever met.” She turned around, faking a smile. “Mr. Schwartz? The doctor will see you now.” 

A grisly looking man stood up, face pale and sweaty. You smiled delicately. “Hi, I’m Dr. James—”

He waved a hand in your face. “Don’t care, sweetheart. Gonna be sick so get out of the way.” 

You winced as he barged into the exam room and unloaded his stomach in the trash. Molly scampered away as you closed the door and pulled on a pair of gloves. 

The rest of the day was no better. Patient after patient sick with a mysterious flu that was going around. There was nothing you could do for them besides check their vitals, remind them to hydrate, explain proper hygiene to minimize getting other family members sick, and send them home to rest. But yet they came in droves. 

By three o’clock, you had seen countless patients, and Bob’s door had never been opened. You frowned. “Where is he?” you asked Molly. 

She looked up from a cup of tea. “The doctor is not in.”

You rolled your eyes. “I know that, it’s why I’m up to my elbows in puke. Where is he? When is he coming in?” 

“He’s not. It’s his day off.” 

“Day off?” you scoffed as the door opened and three more people shuffled into the waiting room. “Fuck,” you muttered under your breath.

“Dr. James!” Molly scolded. “This is a family town.” 

“You’re right,” you said, squaring your shoulders and turning around, gesturing to the taller man slumped against the wall. “Sir? I can take you back now.” 

Finally, it was dark out and you made your way back to the guest house to shower. But halfway through the shower the water ran cold and you realized you were out of shampoo. 

“Fuck!” you shouted, this time not caring if anyone could hear. 

At the market, you stood with sopping wet hair, staring at two bottles of Suave shampoo. So much for your Oribe hair products that were probably in the trash already back in New York. Peter never cared much for their scent. 

You sighed, grabbing the green bottle. 

“Didn’t think I’d have to fight someone for my favorite shampoo tonight.” 

You whipped around. Bradley Bradshaw stood two feet away wearing a pair of chinos and a polo, looking way too fresh for the end of a hot Georgia day. He grinned, taking in your short denim shorts and cropped tank, wet hair and bare face. 

“Long day, doc?” he asked. 

You rolled your eyes. “You have no idea. I’ve got a hot tip for you. Wash your hands when you get home. Whole town has the flu.” 

He nodded. “Yeah, I heard. Sounds like a bad day.” 

“Understatement.” 

“Then you need ice cream,” Bradley said, moving over to the freezer section. “Are you a chocolate girl?” 

“Is there any other kind of girl?” you asked and he chuckled. 

“Here, this should solve anything.” He waved a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked in the air. 

You sighed in relief. “Thank God there’s ice cream here. I thought maybe it would be a churn your own butter kind of place.” 

Bradley laughed, holding out his hand. “Here. Let me buy that for you.” 

“Really?” 

He nodded. “I insist. A girl shouldn’t have to buy her own ice cream at the end of a long day.” 

You handed him the shampoo bottle and bottle of wine that was under one arm and he grinned, carrying them alongside the ice cream to the counter. He paid, chatting with the cashier briefly, before accepting the bag and ushering you out of the store. The hot summer air hit your skin and you felt immediately filthy again. “God, is it always this humid? Feels like I’m walking through a room filled with Jell-O.” 

“Pretty much,” Bradley said. Under the glow of the street lamp, you saw no sweat on his brow. Was he even human? “Just wait until November though. Winter is perfect.”

You groaned. “Will I make it to November? Will I make it to next week even?” 

“I hope so.” There was something leading in his words. “Heard you’re staying out at the Wilkes plantation.” 

Wilkes. That must be Phoenix’s family name. You nodded. “Yeah. Phoenix offered me a place. It’ll do.” 

“She’s a nice girl.”

“Pretty much the only friend I have,” you admitted. 

Bradley flashed his bright white smile. “Looking for another?” 

You squinted. “What are you getting at, Bradshaw?”

“Go on a date with me, doc,” he said. 

You grabbed the plastic bag from his hand. “Or else?”

He put his hands up. “Or else nothing. I’m not threatening you, Olive. I don’t badger witnesses. Just wanted to take the pretty new doctor out for dinner sometime.” 

“That sounds nice,” you said. “But I’m a mess right now. I just got out of a big relationship and it’s complicated.” You looked up. “I know that sounds like a cop out, but it’s the truth.” 

“Fair enough.” Bradley fiddled with his keys. “Well, goodnight then, Olive.” 

You turned, headed back to your car. “Goodnight, Bradley.” 

You unlocked the car, before his voice carried across the town square. “Hey, Olive?”

Turning, you spotted Bradley with both hands in his pockets. “Yeah?” 

“Messes are kind of my specialty,” he said and you laughed. “Being a lawyer and all. Just thought you should know that.” 

You shook your head. “You’re trouble, aren’t you?” 

He grinned. “It’s called small town charm, Olive.” 

You slipped into the front seat of the car and turned it on, audibly sighing as the air conditioning wafted over your sweaty skin. Up ahead, Bradley turned the corner, disappearing down a darkened street. You leaned back against the headrest and closed your eyes. 

***

Where the fuck was Bob?

It had been three days of the flu and he hadn’t bothered to show up to work. Molly was no help either. 

“Call him again,” you demanded.

She gave you a sour look. “If he didn’t pick up earlier, why would he pick up now?” 

You huffed, strutting away in your Jimmy Choos. 

Add buying new, Willow-friendly shoes to your to-do list. Right behind kill Dr. Bob Floyd. 

Finally, one the last patient emptied out of the waiting room, you grabbed your purse and keys, over Molly’s cries of protest. Your rental car barreled down Bob’s suburban street, just off the main square, skidding to a loud stop in front of his house. 

It was cute. That was the first thing you noticed. The second was that his car, an old Audi sedan, was in the driveway, which meant that he was home. 

You sighed, stepping out and ringing the doorbell, foot tapping in your heels. No answer. You rang it again, impatiently, straining over the edge of the door to look through the small window at the top. Ringing it one more time, you started to knock when you heard the lock unclick, the door swinging open slowly. 

Bob Floyd stood in the doorway wearing a hoodie and a pair of pajama pants, his face pale, glasses sitting perfectly on his tiny button nose, hair combed back neatly. “Dr. James,” he said gruffly. 

You squinted. “Where have you been? I’ve been up to my ears in vomit and ear exams and dramamine and not a fucking peep about where you were or when you were coming back. Just a constant stream of sick people.” 

“You’re a doctor, Olive,” he said and his voice was more than gruff, it was scratchy. “You should be used to sick people by now.” 

“Are you?” Oh fuck. “Are you sick?” 

He raised an eyebrow. “What gave you that idea?” 

“Hoarse voice, pale pallor, heavy clothes in the summer heat.” 

“It’s like you went to medical school or something.” 

You folded your arms over your chest. “Well come on, let me examine you.” 

As you started to step inside, the cool air beckoning you, Bob held out a hand, only inches from your chest. You looked down and he removed it. “No thank you.” 

“But you’re sick,” you countered. 

“I know that,” he replied. “Do you know how I know that? I went to medical school, just like you did. I am more than qualified to take care of myself, Dr. James.” 

You frowned. “I’m just trying to help.” 

“I am one patient who really does not need your help,” he said. “Now if you don’t mind, I was enjoying a rather nice nap.” 

You took a step back, practically frozen. In New York, such bluntness would have been standard. Expected. But in Willow, Bob’s shun felt like a dig that would never stop hurting. “Are you sure?” you asked. 

His blue eyes softened a miniscule amount. If you hadn’t been watching him so closely you wouldn’t have noticed. His bottom lip dropped an inch, as if he was about to say something. But then he decided against it, mouth turned back into a fine, tight line. “Yes.” 

You nodded. “OK. Just call Molly when you think you’re ready to come back and I’ll handle the patients in the meantime.” 

“That is why my father hired you,” Bob said. 

“Yeah. It is.” You lingered. “I, um, I guess I’ll see you around.”

You climbed down the front stairs of Bob’s ivory house, stuffing yourself back into the driver’s seat. 

Why was it that you could feel the heat of his gaze burning the back of your head as you drove away? And why did it, for just a second, feel like he was about to cave when you asked if he was sure? 

You were going to crack him. Buy new shoes, order hair products online, and make Bob Floyd stop hating you. 

Your to-do list just kept on growing.

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[lumiolivier]

So is the Life of a Pirate (3/?)

Series: One Piece

Chapter: 3/?

Word Count: 4738

Rating: T

Pairing(s): Sanji x OC (Reader)

A dalliance six years ago has a funny way of catching up to Sanji when the Straw Hats stop to restock the ship.

a/n: Thank you, friends! I'm so glad this is getting more than just likes. I put a lot of love into this. So here. Have a new, shiny chapter. Just for you. <3

[1] [2]

Sanji and Cordelia ran back to her house, just hoping that it still stood.  All four walls were still intact.  The roof was right where they left it.  The front door still swung on the hinges.  Everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.  Cordelia let out a little sigh of relief.  That’s why I leave Zoro and Nami in charge.  If dinner’s still on the table and Ash doesn’t have any new bumps, bruises, scratches, or tattoos on his body, I’ll be happy.

“Cordelia!” Nora waved her down from her porch.

“Shit…” Cordelia mumbled to herself, “Sanji, go inside.”

“Cordelia…!”

“Just…” Cordelia hushed him, “Please.  I don’t need to play twenty questions with my boss.  Go inside.”

“Alright,” Sanji nodded, “But can I ask a little favor?”

“What?” Cordelia bit the inside of her cheek.  Come on, Sanji.  I know I’m about to get grilled here.  What could you possibly want?

“When we get to the Baratie again…” Sanji kept his voice down, “I want us to tell Ash.  I haven’t been able to make a single decision about my son’s life.  Let me at least have that one.”

“Ok,” Cordelia nodded, “But not a word about the Baratie trip until I get in the house.  Deal?”

“Deal,” Sanji snuck a quick kiss to her forehead, “Don’t take forever.  We can only hold Luffy back for so long.”

“I’ll try not to,” Cordelia let Sanji in the house while she hung over the railing on her front porch, “Hi, Nora!”

“I didn’t know you’d be having company tonight,” Nora pointed out, “I could’ve sworn I counted five going into your house.”

“You counted right,” Cordelia confirmed, “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d really like to get back to them.  I got food on the table and I’m starving.”

“Hold on, honey,” Nora started walking over and leaned against Cordelia’s fence, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I just watched the man of your dreams walk into your house.”

“Well,” Cordelia bit her lip, doing her best to hold back a smile, “If he is, in fact, the man of my dreams like you said, you wouldn’t want to hold me back from him, would you?”

“Of course not,” Nora peeked in the window where Sanji was already putting everything on the table, “But I think I’m just now realizing how much Ash looks like his father.”

“Good talking to you, Nora,” Cordelia started heading inside, “And tomorrow, I need to drop by the tavern about my sabbatical.”

“Taking the yearly trip again, are you?” Nora assumed.

“Mmhm,” Cordelia nodded, “But we’ll talk tomorrow.  Ok?”

“Fine,” Nora let her go, “But I just need to know one more thing.”

“What?” Please don’t ask about Sanji.  Please don’t ask about Sanji.  Please don’t ask about Sanji.  Please don’t ask about Sanji.

A little smile crept across Nora’s face, “Do I need to put padlocks on the fridge at the tavern?”

Cordelia let out a little giggle, “Did you see the jolly roger in the harbor?”

“Of course, I did,” Nora started heading back to her own house, “Send Luffy my best.  And let him know the tavern is heavily reinforced.”

“I will,” Cordelia grabbed the door and walked inside, closing that same door behind her, “Sanji, I’m screwed.”

“What do you mean?” Sanji worried, “Cordelia, what’s wrong?”

“It’s not that there’s anything wrong,” she explained, “It’s just…I need to go see Nora tomorrow morning and I know she’s going to ask about you and I know she’s about to give me shit about how I’ve looked out at the sea from the cliffs for the last few years waiting for you to come back and it’s going to be the absolute worst.”

“Hold on,” Sanji settled her, “You’ve…been waiting for me to come back?”

“I…” Cordelia felt an instant heat rush in her cheeks, “I always just…kind of had a feeling you’d come back.  Listen, that’s not the point.  I’m going to the tavern to discuss my sabbatical, not my potential love life.  This is going to be a disaster!”

“Then, why don’t I come with you?” Sanji suggested, “Clear everything up?”

“That’s digging us into an even deeper hole, Sanji,” Cordelia groaned, her face buried in the tabletop, “I’m so screwed.”

“Cordelia?” Zoro stuck his head in the back door.  Only to find her face down at the table and Sanji back in the kitchen, “What the hell did you do to her?”

“Me?” Sanji squealed, “I didn’t do anything!  Why is it you immediately think I did something?!”

“Because the last time she was crying in this kitchen, it was your fault, you dumbass!”

“Boys,” Cordelia stopped them before they could get started, “No.  Please.  Zoro, this isn’t Sanji’s fault.  It’s Nora’s.  Although, it’s kind of Sanji’s fault by proxy.  But this isn’t something we’re blaming on him.”

“Alright,” Zoro took a seat at the table next to her, “Are you sure?  Is everything good again?”

“Yeah,” Cordelia nodded, “Everything’s fine.  We can all just sit through dinner and enjoy the night like we intended to.”

“Did I hear that right?” Luffy popped up seemingly out of nowhere, “Is dinner done?”

“Yes, Luffy,” Cordelia assured him, “Dinner’s done and on the table.  If you could-”

“Cordelia,” Sanji pointed at the table where Luffy had already sat down with the rigidity of a pointer dog and the patience of one with a T-bone steak on its nose.

“Dear god,” Cordelia giggled, “Never change, Luffy.  Never change.”

“Dinner’s ready!” Sanji called out the back door.

“Yay!” Ash came running in, “I’m starved!”

“You’re not starved,” Cordelia shook her head, “You’re just hungry, Ash.  And how could you possibly be hungry?  You’ve been snacking on everything while we’ve been cooking all day.”

“But I’m still hungry,” Ash whined.

“I know you are, baby,” Cordelia was already putting a plate together for him and slid it down the table, “Go on.  Eat.”

“Yay!”

“What about me?” Luffy pouted, “Don’t I get any?”

“I’ve learned with you,” Cordelia scolded him, “You get food after everyone else does or there will be none left for anyone else.”

“I’m not that bad!”

“Yes, you are,” Cordelia stared blankly.

“Yes, you are.” With Sanji following suit.

“Yes, you are.” And Nami…

“Yes, you are.” And Zoro…

“Yes, you are.” And Usopp.

“Well,” Luffy threw an arm around Ash’s shoulders, “At least I got my new first mate to have my back, right, Ash?”

“Asher Grey, don’t you even think it,” Cordelia put her foot down, “You are not joining up with the Straw Hats.”

“Come on, Mama!” Ash whined, “Please?”

“Luffy,” Cordelia glared a hole through him, “What have you been telling my son?”

“That there was always an open spot on the crew for him,” Luffy shrugged, “I didn’t think that’d be a problem.”

“You didn’t think letting a four year old join a pirate crew, not to mention, the most notorious pirate crew in the East Blue, was a bad idea?” Sanji scolded him, “Luffy, I’ve known you for a long time and I’ve never heard something so insane come out of your mouth.”

“I guess you’re right…” Luffy backed off, “But I’m just saying.”

“Luffy,” Cordelia held her face in her hands, “Have you ever met anyone that you haven’t immediately signed up to be part of your crew?”

“There was my first ever crew member!” Luffy thought, “But he had to leave.  He had his own dreams to chase after.”

“What happened to him, Luffy?” Ash wondered.

“He joined the Marines,” Luffy told him, “He ended up becoming my grandpa’s favorite!  If only I could’ve been his favorite…”

“Ok…” Nami settled him, “Luffy, we love you.  Truly.  But this may not be the place to unpack those issues.”

“Do I get to eat yet, Cordelia?” Luffy asked, his eyes full of hope and wonder and strong desire to tear some meat apart.

“Hold on…” Cordelia did a quick assessment of the table.  And by the looks of things, everyone had food except Luffy, “Alright, Luffy.  It’s all yours.”

“Yay!” And Luffy sucked it all down like a vacuum.  All of a sudden, a few appetites were lost.  No one knew why, but deep down, there was a great understanding.

“Actually,” Cordelia smiled a bit, “Ash…I’ve been wanting to ask you something.  And since we have everyone else here, I’m sure this would be a good thing to run by them, too.”

“What is it, Mama?” Ash shoved a piece of bread in his mouth.

“Well,” Cordelia looked over to Sanji for a little reassurance, “I was thinking that since your birthday’s coming up, it’s time we make our annual trip to the East Blue.”

“We’re going to the East Blue?” Ash gasped, “Does that mean we get to go out on the boat?”

“That was the thing,” Cordelia went on, “I was thinking…If they didn’t mind…and I’m sure they won’t…You wouldn’t want to make that trip to the East Blue on a real pirate ship, would you?”

“We do every year, though,” Ash pointed out, “Your ship is a pirate ship.”

“I was thinking a different one,” Cordelia’s smile only grew bigger, “With a real crew instead of just the two of us.”

“You have a crew, too, Cordelia?” Usopp perked up.

“Not for my ship,” Cordelia shook her head, “But you do.”

“You’re wanting to hitch a ride to the East Blue?” Zoro gave her an odd look.  For a brief moment, his eyes flashed over to Sanji, who couldn’t wipe the smile off his face if he wanted to.  Oh…I see.  That’s what this is about.  Someone’s looking to make up for lost time with his son. 

“ON A REAL PIRATE SHIP?!” Ash freaked.

“Complete with a real pirate crew,” Cordelia nodded, “That is, if it’s alright with the captain.”

“Please, Luffy?” Ash tugged on Luffy’s arm, his energy absolutely boundless, “Please, please, please?  Come with us to see Grandpa!”

“Grandpa?” Luffy asked, “Who’s Grandpa?”

“Grandpa runs a restaurant in the East Blue,” Ash told him.

“And we get to eat for free,” Cordelia sweetened the pot a little, “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

“It can get awfully dangerous out there on the open sea, Ash,” Luffy licked the last bit of food off his plate, “Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“Yeah!” Ash nodded furiously, “I’ll be the best cabin boy you’ll ever have!”

“I didn’t say you were joining the crew, Ash,” Cordelia stopped him, “But I wouldn’t say no if you were up for giving a girl and her baby a ride to the East Blue.  That is, if you don’t have anything else going on.  If you do, I totally understand and we can just take my ship instead.”

“No,” Luffy shook his head, “You two are more than welcome on our ship!  It’s fine with me.  Especially since there are promises of free food attached to it.”

“Hold on,” Nami thought back, “Don’t we know someone who owns a restaurant in the East Blue?”

“You’re awfully quiet, curly brows,” Zoro nudged Sanji under the table, “Cat got your tongue?”

“No,” Sanji glared at Zoro from across the table, “I was just thinking about this trip.”

“When are we leaving, Cordelia?” Luffy asked, “Since we are the ones taking you, I’ll let you call the shots.”

“In a couple days,” Cordelia kicked Zoro under the table.  Not enough to cause any alarm, but enough to send a message, “I need to get my time off from the tavern and-”

“You’re still working at the tavern?” Zoro nursed his shin.

“Yep,” Cordelia nodded, “And I’m sure Nora would love to see you in there, Zoro.”

“And Zoro would love to see Nora, too,” Zoro excused himself from the table.  Only to get down in Cordelia’s ear, “Is everything going to be ok here?”

“We talked, Zoro,” Cordelia reported, “We’ll be fine.”

“Ok,” Zoro gave her a nod and started heading out the door.

“Where are you going. Zoro?” Luffy cocked his head, “We just got the first course.”

“The first what?” Cordelia’s heart sank into her stomach.

“A little presumptuous of you,” Sanji pointed out, “Don’t you think, Luffy?”

“Was…” Luffy wondered, his eyes losing some of their luster, “Was that it?”

“She had the decency to make you a meal,” Sanji got defensive, “The least you could do is thank her and show a little gratitude.”

“I am grateful,” Luffy assured her, “It’s been a long time since we’ve had Cordelia’s cooking and I forgot how good it was.”

“I’m going to get a drink,” Zoro decided, “I’ll be at the tavern if you need me.”

“Wait, Zoro!” Nami got up from the table, “Don’t go alone!  Someone’s going to…And he’s gone.”

“Zoro!” Cordelia called after him.

“What?” Zoro popped his head back through the door.

“Sanji, cover Ash’s ears please,” Cordelia ordered, “Because I’m going to need to say some words in order for this to fully sink in.”

“Got it,” Sanji’s hands immediately went over Ash’s ears, “Fire at will, Cordelia.”

“If you think you’re going to bring your drunk ass back here,” Cordelia growled, “You’re sorely fucking mistaken.  If you’re going to get shitfaced at the tavern tonight, someone’s dragging you back to the ship.  Do you understand?”

Zoro knew better than to argue with someone like Cordelia.  Cordelia, who was not afraid to get in his face.  Cordelia, who had overthrown a ship before and was not afraid to spit on the shoes of Marines.  Cordelia…The little sister he never had, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Alright.  Good talk.” Cordelia got up from the table and started taking plates.  Along with Sanji’s hands off Ash’s ears, “Alright, sweetheart.  You’re still innocent.”

“Yay!” Ash smiled, albeit a touch confused, “Wait, why am I still innocent?  And why did I have hands over my ears?”

“Because you don’t need to hear when Mama gets a little angry,” Cordelia kissed the top of his head, “Anyone else while I’m up?”

“I think I’ll go to the tavern, too,” Luffy got up, “Just to keep Zoro in line.”

“That’s fine,” Cordelia allowed, “And by the way, Luffy, I have a message from Nora for you.  She wants you to know she knows you’re here and she’s already got the walk-in fridge padlocked.”

“Aww…” Luffy gushed, “It’s nice to know she still remembers me.”

“You’re a hard one to forget.”

“If I don’t see you tonight, Cordelia,” Luffy waved behind him, “I’ll see you tomorrow!  Usopp, you coming?”

“Yeah!” Usopp got up from the table, “See you later, Cordelia!”

“See you tomorrow!” Cordelia grabbed the last of the plates and dropped them in the kitchen sink, “Well…That leaves the four of us.”

“That it does,” Sanji nodded.

“Yep,” Nami sighed out, kicking her feet up on what was Luffy’s chair.

“So…” Cordelia smirked, “I did make chocolate éclairs, but the boys left before I could say anything.”

“Yes, please,” Nami perked up.

“You made chocolate éclairs?” Sanji gasped.

“Of course, I did,” Cordelia reached into her fridge, “I knew I’d be having company.  I had to make something.”

“And I helped!” Ash chimed in.

“You did?” Sanji melted inside.  The kid’s not even five and he can already make an éclair?  Color me impressed.

“Yeah,” Cordelia chirped, “The kid piped in the filling.  Getting the pastry right was my job.”

“Pastry’s too hard,” Ash gladly helped himself to one of the éclairs.

“You’ll figure it out,” Cordelia assured him.

“Pastry gets finicky,” Sanji agreed, “But your mother’s right.  You’ll get the hang of it someday.”

“Really?” Ash’s eyes sparkled in a way that Cordelia had never seen before.  And for Sanji to be the cause of it…She teared up a little.

“I think so.” I didn’t get pastry right until I was fifteen.  You got plenty of time.

And those tears caught Nami’s attention, “Cordelia?  You ok?”

“Yeah,” Cordelia quickly cleared her throat and threw those tears back, “Aces.  Why?”

“Just curious.” Because the second Sanji gives the baby a little encouragement, you buckle at the knees.

“My god…” Sanji swooned, his teeth sunk into an éclair, “Cordelia, these are wonderful.”

“Have I ever fed you bad food?” Cordelia giggled, taking a little pride in her work, “But thank you.”

“So,” Nami wondered, “Are we just…going to ignore the elephant in the room or are we going to talk like grown ups?”

“You guys brought an elephant?!” Ash gasped, frantically looking around.

“Oh, Ash…” Nami awed, “Hard to see who you take after.”

“Nami,” Cordelia stopped her before anything could be said, “No.  We’re not talking about it.  You see it, too.  I get it.  But that’s not something we’re talking about quite yet.  There is no elephant, Ash.”

“Aww…”

“Wait,” Sanji perked up, “Nami knows?”

“Asher, go to your room,” Cordelia ordered, “No, you’re not in trouble.  Yes, everything’s fine.  Go find your jammies, put them on, and I’ll be in to say good night in a minute.”

“Ok, Mama,” Ash got down from the table and made his way into his bedroom.  The second the door closed, Cordelia’s body slumped over the table.

“So, back to what we were talking about before,” Sanji went on, “Nami knows?”

“Nami isn’t blind,” Nami scoffed, “Look at him, Sanji.  I’m surprised it took you as long as it did to figure it out.  You’re one of the vainest people I know. His hair moved slightly, I noticed the uptick in his left eyebrow, and only one other person I know has something like that.”

“That’s because he’s me from his nose down and Sanji from his eyes up,” Cordelia mumbled into the table, “Nami knew about Ash before you did because Nami met Ash before you did.”

“Who else knows, Cordelia?” Sanji quietly panicked.

“As far as I know,” Nami looked toward Cordelia, “I’m the only one.  And you now, Sanji.”

“And Zoro,” Cordelia bit her lip, knowing the lashing that would follow.

“You told Zoro?!” Sanij freaked, “Zoro knows?!”

“Zoro can keep a secret, too,” Cordelia swore, “And if it weren’t for Zoro, I wouldn’t have gone looking for you with as level of a head as I had.  Or with a little backstory…”

“Great,” Sanji scoffed, “I have to go back to the ship with that on my mind.”

“Because you don’t have bigger things to worry about?” Cordelia pointed out.

“Yeah,” Nami agreed, “I’d think what Zoro knows about would matter a little more than Zoro actually knowing about it in the first place.”

“Well, yeah,” Sanji brushed her off, “But that’s beside the point…Why did you go to Zoro?”

“Zoro asked,” Cordelia smiled a bit, “Come on, Sanji.  You can’t tell me you don’t see it.  Zoro treats me like a little sister.  He always has.”

“Well, I’m glad, sweetheart,” Sanji applauded, “Because your big brother is likely going to kick my ass when I get back to the ship.”

“He’ll be too trashed to do anything and you know it,” Nami settled him, “I really don’t think you have anything to worry about, Sanji.”

“Just one thing,” Sanji didn’t mind going back to the Baratie.  However, now that Ash was in the picture…

“Sanji…” Cordelia took his hand, “You can’t tell me you’re still worried about Zeff.”

“I’m a little worried about Zeff,” Sanji admitted, “You’ve never seen Zeff good and pissed, Cordelia.  He’s a different monster.  That’s when the pirate in him comes back out.  And it’s truly frightening.”

“I don’t think he’ll do anything drastic,” Cordelia laced her fingers between Sanji’s, “And do you know why?”

“Because he can’t do anything when I’m already a dead man walking?”

“Because, you drama queen,” Cordelia rolled her eyes, “Just as much as how I’ve never seen him good and pissed, you’ve never seen him with Ash.”

“I saw him with me when I was a kid,” Sanji grumbled, “That wasn’t always sunshine and roses either.”

“Just trust me,” Cordelia promised, “Zeff won’t kill you because of Ash.  Now, as much as I don’t want to kick you out…”

“Got it,” Nami nodded, getting up from the table, “Don’t overstay our welcome.  You don’t mind if I take some of those éclairs back to the ship, do you?”

“Not at all,” Cordelia insisted, “Take as many as you’d like.”

“I should probably bring a few back for the boys,” Nami started stuffing her bag, “And maybe a few for me later…Something for breakfast…”

“It’s good to know Luffy’s still here,” Cordelia teased her.

“I’m a simple girl,” Nami finished off the plate, “Sometimes, those late night sugar cravings hit and nothing else will do.  And good pastry always hits the spot.”

“It sure does,” Sanji agreed, “Really, Cordelia, those were amazing.”

“I try my best,” Cordelia got up from the table and brought the plate to the sink.  Those can get done tomorrow.  There is no way in hell I’m doing dishes tonight.

“Well,” Nami rocked back on her heels, “We should be going, Sanji.”

“Yeah,” Sanji snapped out of his headspace.  Should we?  Should we really? “You’re right.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Cordelia,” Nami waved behind her, “Come on, Sanji.”

“I’ll be there in a minute,” Sanji shook her off, “Just…Hold on.”

“Fine,” Nami waited outside leaned against the house.  You’re not coming with me, are you, Sanji?

“Cordelia…” Sanji kept his voice down, “Do…you think I could…”

“Sanji,” Cordelia draped her arms over his shoulders, “Don’t.”

“Alright, I understand,” Sanji let it go.  Despite the tear it left in his heart.  He pressed a kiss to Cordelia’s forehead, “Good night, sweetheart.  I’ll see you in the-”

“What the hell are you doing?” Cordelia refused to let him go, “Sanji, I don’t see you for almost six years and you think you can just leave?  No, no, no, baby.  You’re not going anywhere.  You’re more than welcome in my bed.”

“Really?” Sanji asked, “You’d…be ok with that?”

“You have to be the one to tell Nami.”

“I can tell Nami,” Sanji was already at the door.  However, Nami wasn’t, “She already left me.”

“She already knew,” Cordelia giggled, “Come on, Sanji.  You can’t tell me Nami didn’t already figure out you were going to stay here instead of going back to the ship.”

“Valid point,” Sanji pulled Cordelia back into his arms, “Believe it or not, that’s not what I was going to ask you.”

“Oh,” Cordelia looked at him strangely, “Then, what were you going to ask me?”

Sanji did his best to hide the red in his cheeks, but there was no hiding it, “I was wondering if I could say good night to Ash before we left.  But it seems I’m not leaving.”

“And?” Cordelia bit the inside of her cheek, “That doesn’t mean you can’t still say good night to him, Sanji.  I’ve kept him from you for long enough.  Go ahead.  If you want to, go say good night.”

“Thank you,” Sanji started walking up toward Ash’s bedroom door.  Only to freeze at the doorknob, “Why is this making me nervous?”

“Because you’re not used to it yet,” Cordelia took his hand, “I’ve had his whole life to practice riding this dragon.  If you want, you can just hang back.  Watch a little.  See how it works.  Have you never been around little kids, Sanji?”

“Can’t say I have,” Sanji thought back, “I was kind of hoping if I ever had kids of my own, it’d just click, but…”

“Don’t worry,” Cordelia assured him, “It will.  Just…Give it a minute.  Ok?”

Cordelia’s words brought Sanji little comfort.  But a little was still better than none, “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Cordelia stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, “Watch.”

“Watching.”

“Ash?” Cordelia knocked on his bedroom door before slowly opening it, “Can I come in?”

“Yeah,” Ash allowed, jumping into his bed already.

“You got your jammies on?”

“Mmhm.”

“And…” Cordelia noticed the tag on the back of his shirt sticking out proudly from the front.  Along with the seam, “Did you get them on right?”

“Mmhm.”

“You sure about that?” Cordelia tickled his nose with the tag, getting a couple giggles out of him, “You sure you didn’t find it in your drawer inside out and maybe, just maybe, put it on backwards?”

“Aww!” Ash whined, “I thought I got it right!”

“Noble effort, honey,” Cordelia peeled his shirt off and put it back on him the right way, “Hey, you got your pants on right.  That’s a win in itself, isn’t it?”

“I guess so,” Ash perked up a little.

“Alright,” Cordelia went back to the list, “You got your jammies on.”

“Yep!”

“You got Omar?”

“I got Omar!”

“Who’s Omar?” Sanji wondered, growing more and more curious about the display in front of him.

“This is Omar,” Ash showed off a blue teddy bear in desperate need of restuffing and possibly in need of a new button eye.

“We don’t go to bed without Omar,” Cordelia told him, “That’s very important.”

“Super important,” Ash squeezed the life out of Omar, “Keep going, Mama.”

“Alright, alright,” Cordelia went on, “Do you have your blankets?”

“Mmhm,” Ash wiggled himself down into a thick quilt Cordelia had made while she was bedridden and seven months pregnant.  A patchwork of any scrap fabric she could find around the house.  A collection of old pillowcases, bedsheets, even a tablecloth or two.  And it kept Ash warm every night.

“A good pillow?”

“The best pillow!”

“Alright, alright,” Cordelia gave him one last kiss, “Good night, Ash.

“Good night, Mama,” Ash hugged her tight.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Good night, Ash,” Sanji gave him a little wave, “It was wonderful meeting you today.”

“Good night, Sanji,” Ash let out a little yawn and a halfhearted wave. 

Although, it was strangest thing.  Sanji wanted so desperately to know what it felt like to be called Dad.  He wanted to say it so badly.  It’s me, Ash.  It’s me.  You don’t ever have to worry about your dad ever again.  I’m right here.  But he kept quiet.  And he went straight to Cordelia’s bedroom just next door.

And Cordelia couldn’t help but worry, “Sanji…?  You ok?”

“Yeah,” Sanji’s voice broke, “I’m…Oddly good.”

“Are you sure about that?” Cordelia asked, sitting next to him on the bed.

“Cordelia,” Sanji fell back, “I just put my son to bed for the first time.  There was no vital check.  There was no blood drawn.  There was no screaming, no crying…It was amazing.”

“Of course, there wasn’t,” Cordelia looked on in absolute horror, “What the fuck happened to you?”

“More than I ever want to talk about,” Sanji brushed her off, “Trust me, Cordelia.  That’s not somewhere we need to go right now.  Right now, I just want a little quiet with a beautiful young lady that I have far too much time to make up with.”

“Hey, hey,” Cordelia stopped Sanji’s wandering hands, “Don’t get me wrong, Sanji.  I’d love for us to have a little fun, but our almost five year old son is sleeping in the room next door.  And if the last time we did anything was any indication, neither one of us can be quiet.”

“So…” Sanji winced, “Not tonight?”

“Not tonight,” Cordelia got up and dug around in her dresser.

“That’s fine,” Sanji let it go, watching as Cordelia changed into her pajamas, “Cordelia…”

“Hmm?”

“When did you get a tattoo?” Sanji wondered, appreciating the little koi fish on the left side of her lower back.

“Shortly after Ash turned one,” Cordelia smiled, “I don’t remember saying you could look.”

“Sorry,” Sanji squeezed his eyes shut, “It’s not like I’ve never seen you naked before, sweetheart.  Obviously.”

“Sanji…”

“Alright, alright,” Sanji kept his mouth shut, “Not another word out of me.”

“No,” Cordelia crawled into her bed and got comfortable, “Please.  Keep talking.”

“Cordelia…”

“Hmm…?” Cordelia laid her head in Sanji’s warm, bare chest, listening to the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. 

Sanji hardly spoke above a whisper, “I love you.”

“I love you,” Cordelia shut her eyes as Sanji’s arm draped around her back.

“And…” Sanji held her tight, “I’m so sorry for what I did.  What I said.  It was wrong of me.”

“It was just the shock talking,” Cordelia hushed him, “I understand.  I’ll forgive you if you forgive me.”

Sanji gave her one last kiss before Cordelia had fully succumbed to sleep, “Deal…”

[shesthedream]

Before, After, and Forever - Chapter 1

Aaron Hotchner x fem!OC (Anya Decker)

Summary: Agent Decker is a phenomenal agent. She has been through hell and back and is unwilling to open her heart. But what happens when Agent Decker’s case lands in the BAU’s hands? What happens when it is decided that she is an asset to the team? And, most importantly, what happens when she meet the unit chief?

Series cw: canon topics, killers, hostages, rape mention, torture, scars, nightmares, flashbacks, slow burn, mentions of eating and body insecurity, yelling

Chapter cw: canon topics: killing, crime scenes

a/n: This is the new edited version!! Please leave suggestions for anything you might like to see in this story (like any tropes). I have a vision for how I want this to go this time around, but I would love to hear your suggestions!

--

It was accurate to say that Aaron Hotchner was surprised when him and his team were called into a meeting with the director of the FBI. As far as he knew the team was solving cases rapidly, filling out paperwork on time, and overall on their best behavior... well as good as it could get. Morgan had broken down a couple of doors and the team had collected a few nicks and scrapes along the way, but it was nothing out of the ordinary, and certainly nothing that could warrant a meeting with the director. Regardless of what it was, he was willing to take full responsibility for his team. 

The team showed up at 8 in front of the building where the director requested the meeting. They looked worried. All of them. There was no lively chatter as their mornings would entail, no discussion at all. Everyone collected in the lobby, full of hustle and bustle, and waited to get scanned in. One by one they entered the elevator as a team: Rossi, Hotch, Prentiss, Morgan, Reid, JJ, and Garcia. 

“It’ll be ok.” Morgan comforted Garcia who was especially nervous. She leaned into him, “I know” she replied solemnly. 

The team stepped out of the elevator onto the 14th floor. This was unfamiliar territory for all of them except Rossi and Hotch. Both had previously attended meetings in the building, but never on the 14th floor. It was reserved for the director. “BAU for the Director” Hotch stated confidently to the secretary. “Meeting room 3, down the hall, first left, on your right” she barely even looked up. “Do you have any idea why is called us in?” Rossi asked, hoping for some kind of answer. “No idea, good luck” she replied and went right back to work. The team walked to the meeting room. Hotch knocked thrice clearly when they heard a brief “Come in”.

The team was greeted by the director as they shuffled in. “Good morning. Please take a seat.” As the last one in, Reid closed the door behind him and everyone sat down in the seemingly small meeting room, just big enough to fit all of them and another. Once they settled he began talking.

“I’m sure you all are wondering why you are here. We have a very important case from London. This killer’s M.O. is now appearing in the U.S. With no suspects in London and millions of people traveling everyday it is practically impossible to create a list of suspects. We decided it would be best for you all to assist in this case.” The director explained while passing out case files with crime scene evidence and M.O. details.

“Won’t there be issues with jurisdiction?” Rossi asked. “We have an agent who was working this case in London. She should be here in-“ He was cut off by two knocks and the opening of the door. In the doorway stood a woman holding 2 cups of coffee, a large black handbag, wearing a gray turtleneck, black leggings, and black heeled boots. She was short, Morgan thought she was a child at first glance because of her height.

“Hi. Morning.” She nodded at everyone, walking toward the director. Instantly the team began to profile her. It was hard to turn off. But they couldn’t figure out much until they saw the directors gaze soften as he looked up and saw her walking towards him. The stoic man cracked a smile as she placed one cup of coffee near his files. She pulled out a smaller bag out of her large bag and placed it near the coffee.

“How was your flight?” the director asked “I’m sorry for calling you in now. Did you have a chance to go home?” He followed up. “It was fine. I went home and I made you lunch.” Her answers were short and clipped.

“Thank you, you didn’t have to. And for the coffee.”

“Of course. Are they working the London case?” She look pointedly at the members of the BAU.

“Yes, I figured they could help. You’ve heard of the BAU, right?” They we’re speaking as if the team wasn’t sitting in the same room.

“Absolutely. Pleasure to meet you all. I’m Anya Decker. I've been working this case for the past few weeks, and I'll brief you at Quantico. I'll grab my files and head there. Thanks everyone."

And with that, she was out of the door.

"She's brief, to the point, and professional; don't be offended. She has all the qualifications; the receptionist will hand you her file on the way out. Thanks for coming." He shook everyone's hand on the way out.

As the BAU made their way out of the building, all the team members were left with questions. Questions they had no answers to. Hotch had the most, and he hoped her file would answer a few, but it was very basic.

"Anything interesting?" Rossi asked as Hotch scanned the file he was given

Name, birthday, age.

She was just 3 years younger than Hotch.

FBI history.

Excelled in all aspects of her FBI career. Started interning when she was only 19. Interestingly, she graduated from college with a behavioral science and psychology degree, but it didn't say which college. Maybe he would have Garcia follow up on that.

Team history.

She was a lone wolf. And he didn't know what to think about that. Should he trust her?

"Nothing more than the essentials," Hotch told Rossi. And it was true. Just the basics. It's not like they would be working with her for that long anyways. Right?

[ceciliadreamson]

Ok I want to talk about my ideas for Alice cause I don’t know what I want to settle with

The first idea I had that keeps returning every time I listen to Dandelion Girls Dandelion Boys is that Alice is a medic during the smoke war. Do I know which Corp I what to put her in? Nope because I know almost nothing about the Smoke War and I’m avoiding crucial spoilers until I get to the history part of it in LOR. But the idea is that I combine both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with Alice by Heart in order to make my version of Alice. Alice and Alfred were recently recruited into the war (probably by one of the corps siding with L Corp or even L Corp itself idk) which they didn’t want part in, but had to because it’s basically their job (In Dandelion Girls Dandelion Boys there’s a line that goes

Congratulations, you've been chosen

Here's a pistol matching your mittens

I thought to myself, "It doesn't suit you at all"

And I thought it suited the duo really well) Anyways during the war, they would sneak out to read their favorite childhood books to distract themselves from the war they’re both in. Also Alice may or may not have gotten her hands on enkephalin and started drinking it to take her mind off this terrible world (explains why her memory was extremely fuzzy whenever she tries to recall anything about her past). Time passes by and the war finally ends, but Alfred did not come back with what remains of his team. Alice decides to trek through the now quiet battlegrounds to find her friend, but never ends up finding his body. This was her first wonderland moment since it’s her journey through a place that she never actually explored before.

Now we go to present day Alice who is now an old hag who can’t remember her past, but wants her work team (Limbus Company Van aka LCV) to form a therapy group to work out their pasts together. She’s the last person in the group to work out her trauma btw. Her canto basically takes place in the same battlefield she worked in and she has to rediscover her wonderland (finding mementos and maybe the jacket of her dead friend) Ok so what’s the issue with this idea? I DONT WANT ALICE TO BE A HAG 😭😭😭 This version is the best idea for her though and having Alice being an old lady would be funny and set her apart from the other Alice OCs. But AAAAA I LIKE THE CURRENT DESIGN- Idk maybe she gets melted down to soup and reborn again or something but I don’t think she was significant enough in the Smoke War in the eyes of the Corps to be reborn again. She’s a simple medic after all who wanted to get out of there (medics are extremely important btw ily all but I’m just saying this in the eyes of corporate haha)

The other idea I have (and also isn’t very fleshed out) is that Alice recently worked in K Corp and would experiment on herself and others to find new ways to improve the singularity. Alfonso could’ve been her Queen of Hearts in a way haha. Another idea is that her wonderland journey takes place in a WARP Train or R Corp. Idk I’ll throw ideas out there and hope one of them will make sense in my head. Being stuck on a WARP Train might make an interesting Wonderland adaptation. It could also explain why she can’t remember anything cause maybe W Corp makes former employees forget? Idk I’ll figure it out!

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 35 - Epilogue: Cold Comfort. Three Months Later...Okatsu settles comfortably into Azuchi. Shohime, a little less comfortably (for everyone else).

Mitsunari x OC; Nobunaga x Mai

Previous Chapter

Logline -  In order to protect a political alliance, Katusko and Mitsunari must pretend an engagement. But this “all business” arrangement is threatened by a coup against Nobunaga… and by feelings.

EPILOGUE: Three Months Later…

From the Military Notes of Ishida Mitsunari…

Okatsu’s handwriting – ‘Nari when you asked me to help you put your old notes and loose paper into one new notebook did you realize what you were giving me?

Um… I mean… you treated me like a cat?

Mitsunari’s handwriting – Are you upset?

Okatsu’s handwriting – Amused. And relieved to have an explanation for those balls of paper. In retrospect, I find it charming.

Mitsunari’s handwriting – Oh. That is good then. Would you like me to throw more at you?

Okatsu’s handwriting – That’s not necessary.

Mitsunari’s handwriting – Why are we writing notes to each other when we’re sitting side by side? And… may I kiss you?

Okatsu’s handwriting – Yes… but first, promise me you will never show this notebook to anyone else. If Mitsuhide saw it, he’d probably meow at me every time I report for duty.

MITSUHIDE’S HANDWRITING – Too late. Meow.

Achoo!

“That’s enough of that. Go back to the manor. We can manage without you today.” Hideyoshi’s pronouncement had followed a sneeze so violent that a scroll had bounced off Nobunaga’s desk. I’d had to chase it down to prevent it from rolling off the tenshu’s balcony. Whether Hideyoshi’s order had come out of concern for my cold, or a distaste for snot-covered documents, I didn’t know. But I wasn’t going to look a gift escape in the mouth. I turned to leave, only to halt when Hideyoshi added, “Did you come over here without an umbrella?”

“Um, Mitsunari doesn’t own one.” Neither of us had been able to locate any rain gear beyond a single straw hat (which Mitsunari insisted that I take) in our morning scramble. Of course, we wouldn’t have needed to scramble if we’d gotten out of bed when we woke up, but I would never regret our pre-dawn playtime.

“He does. Or he did. I’ve given him at least three in the past year.” Hideyoshi loomed over me and dressed me in his own mino, then paused. “On second thought, why don’t you go take a nap in your old room. I’ll have someone bring you an umbrella later.”

My quick look at Nobunaga to see if he was ok with this plan didn’t go unnoticed. He nodded. “We can go over the rest of these contracts later – even I wouldn’t dare contradict Hideyoshi when it comes to matters such as these.”

In other words, Hideyoshi had his mother hen mode engaged and there was nothing anyone could do about it. I offered no more argument. I could use a nap, actually. This morning I had already run a few errands for Mitsuhide – Kyubei was training me to take on some minor tasks which would free him up for longer missions. My snot-infested self had sloshed through the wet until I was soaked up to my knees, and water had dripped off my hat and down my back, soaking the rest of me. It was the worst time to be sick. Next week, Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, Mitsunari and I would be travelling to Sakai to greet a Nanban ship that was due in from Goa. I imagined that journey would be far less enjoyable for all involved if this cold lingered.

With another bow, I excused myself and took my sneezing and coughing off to the room I had been assigned when I’d arrived here last summer.  Ah memories.

In no time at all, I had changed into a dry yukata and burrowed under the covers for a nice long nap.

In less time than that, I was interrupted by a despondent Princess.

“Okatsu! You have got to help me!” Shohime’s announcement preceded her into the room. She plopped her tear-streaked self onto a nearby cushion.

Um, haven’t we shot this scene before?

Ugh. I felt too stuffy and scratchy to deal with her. “Stop that! You know the crying doesn’t work on me any longer.

Instantly, her tears vanished. “It was worth trying.”

“I’ve got a cold. Can you just skip forward to whatever your problem is so that I can take a nap?” I punctuated that statement with another sneeze. Shohime made a face and took herself further out of projectile-snot range.

“I told Keiji I would help him with a poetry reading.” She pouted as she played with her obi tie.

“I thought you liked poetry.” She even liked Keiji’s poetry. If there was a problem here, I wasn’t yet seeing it.

“I do! But after that, Masamune asked me if I wanted to help him take some food to his vassals.” Giving up on fidgeting, Shohime stood and upgraded to full on pacing.

Maybe it was my mucus brain, but I was still missing the problem. “You would also enjoy that. Masamune treats his vassals really well.”

“I know! But I can’t do both and I want toooooo!”

Oh God, she’s wailing again.

“It’s at the same time? Would one of them be willing to reschedule?” It wasn’t as if either man showed much concern for the concept of time – at least not if you listened to Hideyoshi’s grumblings about warlords being late for War Council.

Even though she’d promised to stop crying, a single tear ran down her cheek. “I don’t know. Maybe. But then they would both know about each other!”

“Know… what… about each other?” Shohime had been lightly flirting with multiple samurai and vassals since she arrived at Azuchi. It wasn’t a secret and I hadn’t thought any of them took her seriously. But what if that had changed? The last thing anyone needed was a beautiful teenager pitting all the warlords against each other. “Er, you haven’t been, um… walking out with both have you?”

“It’s not my fault they take my attention too seriously.” She sounded petulant. … No… she sounded bored. That would make sense. She’d had a mission for over half of her life – to protect her brother. Now that Hikosane was safe – in fact thriving - in Azuchi, she needed something to do. I understood. But as always when it came to Shohime, I didn’t have any solution. At least nothing long-term.

“You’ll just have to go with whoever asked you first and tell the other that you forgot your time was already spoken for.” Since she still looked stubborn about it, I added, “or you could ask Mai or Hideyoshi to give you something to do, and then turn both Keiji and Masamune down. Tell them you have to organize the sewing room, or something.”

“I could do that. But whenever I ask Hideyoshi for something to do, he just pats me on the head and tells me that I should relax and do what I want.” She sniffled, and … were her ears a bit pink?

Did she maybe have a crush on Hideyoshi?

I couldn’t imagine the two of them together – it would take a patient woman to put up with Hideyoshi’s bossiness and Shohime wasn’t mature enough for that. Maybe in a few years… after she’d gone through everyone else.

I sneezed again.

“You sound and look really terrible.” This was said with the confidence and pity of someone who has never looked terrible in her life.

“Holy cats, you really do.” Mai stood in the doorway. “Hideyoshi said you were sick. He’s off organizing Masamune to make you some soup.”

Oh. Soup.

Soup.

Soooouup.

That went right to the top of my to do list. Or next to the top. Nap was on the top. If people would stop interrupting me.

Mai turned to Shohime.  “Do you mind running to Ieyasu’s manor and see if he’s got any willow bark tea?”

Proving my theory that Shohime was merely bored, the girl snapped to attention and zipped away. Mai waited until she was out of earshot. “Do you think Shohime and Ieyasu would make a cute couple?”

“I don’t know.” More likely she would drive him crazy. Ugh. If I had a pillow instead of this stupid pillow block, I would hide my head under it and… “would it be too anachronistic or cause a time paradox if you invented a real pillow?”

Mai grinned. “Not a bad idea – but maybe we should wait and consult with Sasuke when he gets back. So…?”

“So…?” It would be rude to hide under the blanket, but so very tempting.

“Ieyasu and Shohime?” Mai had her Yenta hat on.

“They’d have lovely green-eyed babies?” It still wasn’t going to happen. “I doubt Ieyasu can get past the hostage thing. Besides, she’s barely eighteen. Let her be a kid a while longer.”

As long as we steer that kid away from her flirtation festival with Masamune and Keiji.

Picking up on my thoughts, Mai said, “she’s driving all the warlords crazy.” She plopped down on a cushion, giving every indication that she intended to stay and chat. “Two of Masamune’s vassals almost came to blows the other day. Besides, it was only a few months ago, her family thought she was old enough to be betrothed to Iekane.”

And look how that turned out.

“She needs a hobby or a job. Not a boyfriend.” Screw it. I burrowed deeper under the blanket, hoping Mai would take the hint. “Talk to Hideyoshi. He’ll listen to you.” Not for the first time, I wondered if Mai was aware of how Hideyoshi felt about her.

“He takes on so much already.”

“And of all people, Shohime is the freest to help. She’s got the brains and the skills – Hideyoshi can keep an eye on her and she can take on some of his self-imposed duties.” Which of course would give the man time to invent new jobs for himself. But one problem at a time.

“Planning a take-over?” Mitsuhide leaned in the doorway, surveying my sickroom with his customary patronizing smirk (I was used to it). Hikosane, who, for better or worse, had become Mitsuhide’s shadow lately, leaned against the other side (sans smirk). The mini-Mitsuhide pose lasted only a moment before he caught me looking at him. He straightened his posture and smiled at me.

“No take-over.” I cleared my throat. “Only trying to figure out something for Shohime to do before she creates a riot.” I reflected his mocking smile back to him. “Unless you want to take her in hand?”

There was a long pause, during which I was almost certain he repressed a shudder. “While I am certain she would find it edifying, I believe that your initial idea to turn her over to Hideyoshi has more merit.” He gave me one of those ‘I can see through you’ looks. “Having one female in the castle with manipulative skills is quite enough.”

Manipulative? Moi? If I were actually and successfully manipulative, then I would be in here alone. Asleep. I coughed – not at all a faked cough, but potentially amplified, as to at least try and remind everyone that I needed a nap.

“Lass, rumor has it you’re feeling ill.” Masamune strode into the room with a container that I hoped contained soup. I couldn’t smell it, but even imagining hot steaming soup, already had me feeling better.

I sat up, just as Keiji came in lugging a koto that was nearly as tall as he was.

That… was an ominous sign.

“Okatsu!” They said you’re sick! I’ve composed a song and set it to music to sooth your feverish brow.” He set up the koto in the middle of the room and plucked a string… which broke in protest.

Kill me now.

“Why did you send her to help me?” The parade continued as Ieyasu marched into the room with an irate Princess at his heels. He thrust a jar at me. “Hachimitsu daikon. Better than willow bark. Have Mitsunari make it into a tea for you, if that fluff-for-brains can do that without setting the castle on fire.”

One time. It happened one time.

I would have protested out loud but was in the middle of another sneezing fit.

Shohime focused what was probably her best royal glare at Ieyasu. “Most people would have been thrilled with my assistance.”

Mitsuhide coughed loudly (his fake cough game much better than mine) and said to her, “Torikabuto tea.”

Ignoring the reminder of the time he’d stopped her from poisoning us all, Shohime turned her back on him to greet her two favorite admirers. “Hello Keiji. Lovely to see you, Masamune.”

“See. Shohime. Ieyasu. U.S.T. Am I right?” Mai punctuated her observation with a sharp little elbow to my ribs.

It seemed more like siblings than U.S.T., but I felt too rotten to give it much attention. So, I just smiled at her and concentrated on the soup. Masamune had early on learned my food preferences, so there were no mushrooms in this batch. He didn’t always omit the fungus – his view that mushrooms, like carrots, were necessary food sources and that Mitsunari and I should eat both – so this dish was likely a concession to my cold.

Meanwhile, Keiji had finished tuning (allegedly) the koto and began singing at top volume an epic ode about the Battle of Genba, in which, I noted, both his and Shohime’s roles had been greatly exaggerated.

“Must you?” Ieyasu had to shout over Keiji to be heard. “In a moment, all the animals in the area will be howling.”

This, in turn, prompted Shohime to loudly defend Keiji.

“Enjoying being part of a family?” Oddly, Mitsuhide’s quiet tone travelled to my ears easier than everyone else’s yelling.

Well, yes, in general, although not quite at this specific moment. It was gratifying though that they’d all come to visit me. Almost all. The one person I would have welcomed above everyone else wasn’t here.

Where was—

“What is going on in here?”

Wrong man.

Hideyoshi stomped inside. “Okatsu, I sent you here to rest, not throw a party.”

At his words, everyone else looked around, hung their heads (except for Mitsuhide, who meowed at me on his way out the door), and slunk away. He really knows how to clear a room. “How are you feeling?” he asked, once it was finally, blessedly quiet.

“Um, the soup is nice. Thank you for having Masamune cook it.” And then because it was still on my mind, I said, “Shohime needs something do.” Blunt, but I didn’t have the mental energy for more.

“She’s been through so much. It should be a relief for her to relax.” Hideyoshi started pacing, something I knew he only did when he was most agitated. “I would not have it said that the Oda treated their hostages poorly.”

“I don’t think she knows how to relax, so right now, you have a beautiful, smart, bored young woman loose in Azuchi.” I took the opportunity to eat more of the soup while he considered the implications of that. “She’s had terrible examples in her life and maybe it would be instructive for her to see how a good castellan operates. But…” I added a shrug. “I could be wrong. Maybe she could help Mitsuhide instead.”

Let him stew on that. To say more would overplay my hand. I picked up the bowl and concentrated on the soup like an obedient little convalescent, while Hideyoshi muttered mild obscenities under his breath.

Then the door slid open yet another time, to finally, finally, reveal Mitsunari. He carried a teapot and wore a look of panic. The panicked look faded somewhat when he saw me sitting up and eating the soup. “Ieyasu said you were sick and that I should bring you this.” He held up the teapot and water sloshed out through the spout.

“It’s just a cold.” When Mitsunari and I had said our morning goodbyes, it had just been a few sniffles and not worth mentioning. I still probably would have ignored it, were it not for Hideyoshi’s treating me like a plague carrier.

Hideyoshi rescued the teapot and made a cup of whatever Iayasu had marinating in that jar. He took a long look over Mitsunari and poured a cup for him one as well. “It’s probably too late to prevent you from getting sick too,” he muttered before leaving us alone.

“I do not know what to do around sick people.” Mitsunari reached out and touched the tip of my nose. “Do you want me to leave so you may rest? Shall I feed you the soup? People feed soup to the sick, yes?”

Hoping to ward off a soup tsunami (I love Mitsunari but have no illusions about his coordination when it comes to hot liquid), I kept my grip on the bowl. “I’m not that sick. If you just cuddle up against me while I nap, that will be all I need.”

“I will do that.” Immediately making good on his word, he let me prop myself against him while I ate the soup. “There are many carrots in there.”

“If you get sick, I’m sure Masamune will make you soup with mushrooms.”

“I’m glad you are not seriously ill.” Mitsunari idly played with my hair, curling and uncurling it around his fingers. “When Ieyasu said you were sick, I forgot to breathe for a moment. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“With any luck, you’ll never have to know. As my brother said, I’m disgustingly healthy. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.” The heat of the soup and the tea were already making me feel more comfortable, and now that we finally had peace and quiet…

“Ah. Then I will help you to sleep.” Mitsunari set the empty bowl and cups aside and helped me to lie down. He began combing out my hair with his fingers; the rhythm as soothing to me as it had been all those months ago when he had comforted me after a nightmare.

In moments, I was comfortably drifting off. “I hope this isn’t boring to you.”

“I will read.” He let his voice drop into soft cajoling tones, as his hand stroked my face, massaging out the ache left by my sinus congestion. Hm, he doesn’t have a book…

Some time later, when a winter moon bathed the room in luminous blue, I woke up, feeling far better. Masamune would likely say it was due to his soup, while Ieyasu would claim his tea had cured me. But it was Mitsunari who had made me better. He made everything better.

Happily, I curled into him, listening to his soft steady breathing. “How do you feel?” He didn’t sound like he had been asleep at all.

“A lot better.” Better… and awake. “Thank you.” I kissed him, just a light brush of my mouth on his, since I’d missed our traditional goodnight kiss. “You were rereading a book in your head?”

“In a manner of fashion.” He pulled me on top of him. Oh yes… he was wide awake… everywhere. “I was thinking about you. Everything I know about you, everything I’ve learned you like me to do.”

The words were followed up by his lips, which were already seeking out my throat, teeth nibbling teasingly, while his tongue tickled the area after. Ok. Yes, I did like that. I also liked this confident, more take-charge man that Mitsunari had grown into. Of course, as soon as I thought that, he paused, aimed those lovely eyes at mine, and asked, “It is alright now? You feel well enough to-?”

I headed that off at the pass, silencing him with another kiss. “I am feeling ninety-percent better. A bit more of this, and I will fell one hundred percent better.”

“Hm. It is not at all certain that this activity will cure an illness.” Mister Literal to the end. “Although perhaps it is worth further study.”

“Anything for research.” I would agree to whatever he wished if he would just touch me… yup… there.

Our touches and kisses grew more heated, as with the ease of practice (a lot of practice), I lowered myself onto him, and he encouraged me to set the pace, smiling and murmuring words of encouragement and love. “Okatsu… Katsuko. You’re beautiful. I plan to spend the rest of my life reading you like a book.”

He held onto my hips while he met every one of my movements with a thrust and we fell into a familiar, but always thrilling rhythm with each other. “When you’re not around, I will close my eyes and re-read one of the pages of you.”

And after we exploded and melted into each other, and I had collapsed onto him, he kissed me one more time and whispered, “In fact, you are my favorite book.”

Coda: Aki

Nagano, Japan – the future, and yet, it is the past of the future…

On the rooftop of a three-story apartment building, Aki and Iekane tumbled painfully to the surface, appearing as if out of nowhere. They wrestled over the possession of a small rectangular prism, blind to their surroundings. Aki rolled on top of Iekane, immobilizing him with his weight, pressing the younger mans’ hands to the ground, forcing him to let go of the prototype.

Until the sound of running feet and the whir of a drone captured his attention, and a girl launched herself onto the roof, zipping across, tumbling into a handspring in an exuberant gymnastics display.

Katsuko. Still a teenager, with those wild streaks of turquoise in her hair, and her whole-body exuding rebellion and defiance.

Aki knew when he was now… and knew that in three hours, a wormhole would fling his children into Sengoku era Japan. Toshiie would become lost to time. Katsuko would become… his best weapon.

That brief moment of inattention gave Iekane the opening to break free. “Oh, this is delicious.” Iekane took a lurching step toward Katsuko, his movement distracting her as she jumped onto the metal safety railing, then tilted wildly. “I could end this before it even begins.”

Just in time, Aki tackled Iekane before he could get any closer to her.

On the railing, Katsuko regained her balance, then Aki and Iekane were gone before she’d had a chance to see them.

This time when the prototype activated the timeslip, Aki was prepared for the journey.

But what he wasn’t prepared for, was to land alone… in the middle of a battlefield full of smoke too thick to see clearly the symbols on the blue and white clan flags, the land reeking of blood and death. His ears filled with the sound of swords against armor, the pure ear-splitting cacophony of war …then a louder, closer sound of a single crack of a musket…

… the searing pain as a bullet slammed into his shoulder.

When the hell was he now?

@lorei-writes @bestbryn @katriniac @lyds323 @briars7

Thank you for joining me on the re-blog of Mitsunari's story! If you've been following along with the series, you'll notice that the coda begins with where we started in the series prologue... and ends with sending Aki back to... well, if you've read Mitsuhide's story, you know when Aki is, and how that timeline's Katsu rescues him.

The next new longfic will be Yukimura's route... which I am not finished writing. Until then...

[sorchathered]

Sacred New Beginnings

Chapter 5

A/N- this is NOT a finale guys! After much deliberation I decided I have too much to say for only 3 chapters, so we are on this train until I’m ready to give it up! 😂

Summary- it’s the morning after Mav and Penny’s wedding, and there are revelations to unpack as new drama unfolds.

Song inspo- Sunday kind of love- Etta James, You send me- Sam Cooke, Ironic- Alanis Morissette, Karma- Taylor Swift

Pairing- Jake Seresin x reader (oc Stormy)

Warnings- language, drinking, smut (wrap it up kids) minors dni.

Bradley wakes up to one of the worst hangovers he’s had in his adult life. He made it home and proceeded to drain most of his liquor cabinet after the wedding, it had been a bad day all around and seeing you and Jake wrapped up in each others arms after years of worrying was the icing on the cake. He knew logically he had no room to be pissed off, you knew everything now and there would be no salvaging your love life. He had hoped to explain it himself, maybe find a way to convince you it was nothing but in reality he knew that wasn’t the case. He’d continued a relationship with Mirage after you left, whether or not it was just sex didn’t really matter, he’d slept with someone else. His therapist had told him weeks ago that he believed Bradley was in love with the idea of love and having a family, less in the people he was in relationships with and while it had hurt to hear he knew somewhere in him it was true.

He’d loved the attention and adoration from his partners, and some part of him had loved Stormy once; but the two of you disagreed fundamentally on so many things. You were career driven, he wanted you to retire in the next 5 years so you could start a family, he wanted to stay in California and you had always dreamed of settling down south near your grandmother’s old home. When he’d seen you becoming more successful than him it had set a fire in him and he used it to burn your relationship to the ground. He didn’t deserve you, and he certainly didn’t get to dictate who you chose to be with after him.

As he stumbled through the house to let out his dog he appraised the damage. His clothes were scattered everywhere, liquor cabinet raided and somehow he’d left the fridge open. He was a mess right now, if his mother could see him she’d be so disappointed. He finally finds his phone in the couch cushions, messages and missed calls from Nat and Rueben clogging his notifications. He couldn’t dig into all of that right now, so he just called Nat to let him know he was ok, yanking the phone from his ear as she screamed into the phone.

“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!”

“Jesus dude I was asleep what the hell is wrong? You have a key you could’ve just come over if it’s that serious, who died?”

“Bradley. You haven’t been on instagram today have you?”

“No, but I already know about Jake and Stormy so if they went instagram official I’d rather not-“

“Wait what?! Never mind that’s not what this is about. You need to go to Mirage’s profile, right now.”

Bradley scrolls through the app and clicks on her profile, expecting to see she decided to stop waiting on him and find a boyfriend now or something stupid like that, only to be met with a carousel of photos. Pictures of the two of them, and at the end a picture of a pregnancy test, two pink lines confirming something he never dreamed of. Not only had she hard launched them, but she also told the world he was going to be a father…without confirming with him first. He was fucked.

——————————————————————

Meanwhile on the other side of North Island Jake is waking up to his version of heaven. His bed may be empty but he can hear the soft sound of you singing, and the smell of coffee and pancakes has him wandering down the hall. Your hair is in a messy knot, you’ve got one of his Texas longhorn t shirts on and you and Patsy Cline are crooning “Walking after midnight.” Flitting back and forth between chopping fruit and flipping pancakes, you sway to the song (your grandmother’s favorite) and he’s sure this is the best morning of his life. He sneaks up behind you to spin you and you shriek and giggle, swatting him with the spatula as he kisses your cheeks and forehead.

“Morning Tex, how’d you sleep?” You say with a big grin, running your free hand over his tanned torso and you catch him close his eyes and shiver into your touch.

“Mm, I’ll be honest darlin’ might have been the best night of sleep in my whole life, ‘cept I woke up alone and almost thought you were a dream.” He plucks the spatula from your hand and hip bumps you away from the stove, taking over your spot cooking and you make your way to the coffee pot to pour him a mug.

“I uh- I cancelled my flight for this afternoon” you’re trying to be nonchalant about it but you can tell by the way his head snaps up he is holding on to your every word.

“And I may have asked Uncle Beau for a favor and extended my leave for the rest of the week… I hope that’s ok, I’m not ready to leave you yet.”

You look a little nervous as he turns the stove off and looks at you, but he takes two big strides and yanks you into his arms, pulling at your (his) shirt and kissing you hard and you know you had nothing to worry about.

You both laugh into each other’s mouths, he’s hoisted you into his arms and delicately places you on the kitchen table, rucking your shirt above your breasts as he nips and sucks on the exposed skin.

“Jake- breakfast” you breathe out and he grins up at you between your thighs

“I want you for breakfast first baby, then we can have pancakes. Be a good girl and take it ok?”

He brings you to your release three times before he lets you up, grabbing the plates from the counter and sitting you in his lap. Between bites you reach into his shorts and pull him free lining yourself up with him and he hisses into your mouth.

“What’re you up to sweet thing?”

“Shhh, wanna be close baby, need you”

You take turns feeding each other while you slowly rock yourself on Jake, and it definitely is the best morning either of you have ever had.

——————————————————————

Neither of you had even touched your phones since you left the wedding the night before, it was nearing 5 pm and you had spent the day watching movies and letting Jake fuck you in every room of his house, finally deciding the two of you needed to eat you dragged yourself to his room to get your phone off the charger to order takeout. When you turned your phone on you were bombarded with notifications, nearly deciding to just turn it back off once you noticed you had a notification from Bradley. You ordered dinner and continued to ignore the overwhelming amount of messages, annoyance etched on your face when you came back to the living room, and Jake reached for your phone already knowing you wouldn’t want to pop the perfect bubble of the day.

“You don’t have to look at any of this shit today if you don’t want to y/n, we can worry about it tomorrow.”

You sighed and ran your hand over your face, it wasn’t that easy even if he tried to make it that way. “Will you just look for me? Tell Nat I’m not interested in hashing out the drama tonight and we can talk at lunch.”

He nodded and scrolled through, but as you watched his face you immediately knew something was wrong.

“Ok maybe you do need to tell me, what happened? Is someone hurt?”

He shook his head but looked almost nauseous, so you yanked the phone from his hands, he didn’t even bother to try and keep it from you.

On the screen was almost 30 messages from Phoenix, begging you not to check instagram. It had been hours since her last message but she seemed insistent that you call her first. She picked up on the first ring, screeching into the phone before you could say anything.

“Jesus! Where the fuck have you been Stormy? I had half a mind to come over to Hangman’s to beat the door down.”

“We decided to shut our phones off, sorry Tash. What is wrong? Please tell me everyone is ok.”

“Everyone’s safe, it’s not that kind of emergency. But it’s not good y/n. Bradley apparently saw the two of you last night, and then…”

“Then what? What Nat?”

“Y/n…Mirage is pregnant.”

——————————————————————

You knew it was the wrong way to respond, Jake had dropped his fork right out of his mouth at Nat’s declaration; that definitely seemed like more of a normal response. You on the other hand looked unhinged as doubled over in laughter, gasping for air as tears poured from your eyes.

“Seresin, what’s happening? Is- is she laughing?”

Jake looks at you like you have 3 heads but still manages to take your phone from your shaking form,

“Yeah Phoenix it looks like it”

“Do we need to be worried?”

“Too soon to tell, let me figure this shit out and we’ll call you later.”

He hangs up and takes your hand, you’re coming down from it now as you swipe the tears from your face, still trying to stifle giggles.

“Oh God,” you gasp out “I’m so sorry, but you seriously can’t make this shit up can you?” You erupt into another round of giggles and now Jake can’t help but join in, this really is a shitshow.

Finally you settle and he looks at you with concern, but you wave him off and move your take out boxes to the coffee table as you scoot into his lap. Running your hands through his hair you lean in to kiss him and as much as he doesn’t want to he pulls back to get you to look at him.

“I’ll let you bury yourself in me if you need baby but you still gotta talk to me ok? What’s going on in that pretty head?”

You shake your head at him and peck his lips, you knew he wouldn’t let you get away with pushing it aside.

“Is it strange that I almost feel bad for him? He’s burned his whole world down, knowing what I know now I would never want to be around him let alone with him again, and while I have thrived in his absence he just keeps ruining his life. I don’t miss him, but I pity him. Does that make sense?”

It’s definitely not the response he expected, he thought you’d be hurt and that it would rehash all the emotional damage you’d dealt with, he can’t help but be impressed.

“You’re taking this a whole lot better than I thought sugar, I gotta be honest.”

You pull him close as you straddle his hips, running your nose along his cheekbone and press kisses to his face.

“Like I told you, I don’t miss him. I don’t want him. I want you. This isn’t avoidance Jake, I moved on and I want to spend the rest of my life with you if that’s what you want too. So can we stop worrying about Rooster and his emotional bullshit and just go back to being us?”

He lets you take the lead, settling into the couch with you and switching the long forgotten movie back on, whatever his wingman’s problems are don’t include him after all. He’s got bigger things on his mind, like getting you back to San Diego or requesting a transfer to Pensacola. Maybe getting the two of you a bigger house with a yard, a dog or two and a backyard big enough to fill with your own kids. As he falls asleep trapped under your warm embrace visions of what could be dance behind his eyes, and he makes a mental note to ask his mother for Grandma Seresin’s engagement ring.

Jake Seresin Masterlist

Thanks so much to @sailor-aviator, @mamachasesmayhem, and @bobgasm for talking me through this chapter!!

Tagging- @mamamaystbr @mamachasesmayhem @bobgasm @attapullman @roosterforme @pinkdaisies9285 @djs8891 @jessicab1991 @the-aspiring-fanfic-writer @mygyn @angelbabyyy99 @86laura11 @shanimallina87 @floydsglasses @jostan456 @kmc1989 @dempy @its-the-pilot @mrsevans90 @purelyfiction @nouis-bum

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

[scryarchives]

𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫 - 𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐲𝐮𝐮𝐣𝐢 | 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐

kugisaki nobara never really liked the sight of bullying, so it's no surprise that she stepped in to save the new kid

masterlist | previous , next !

–pairings: itadori yuuji x oc

– warning: fluff, canon divergent, pre-shibuya arc

– author’s note: gahhhh im so so sorry if nobara's really ooc, im still watching s1 of jjk and im absolutely open to anyone who's willing to correct me!

disclaimer: i’m not of japanese descent and am unfamiliar with japanese honorifics, etc. feel free to correct me!

The wind rustled through the mid-autumn leaves, the air cool and biting despite the sun’s bright light shining down. A little girl with short, messy hair sat underneath the leaves, a dark blue puff jacket wrapped around her red tracksuit — a uniform of her school, which kept her little body warm under the shade of the trees.

“Tsubame!”

The six-year-old’s head perked up at her name, her wide brown eyes looking towards the glass sliding door that separated the backyard from her quaint home. Her mother, as elegant as ever, donned a smart blouse and dress pants, and walked towards her child, holding her hand out to her daughter’s smaller, outstretched one.

“Come, we should leave now or you’ll be late,” Chizuru hummed, guiding her daughter out of the house.

“And it’s your first day of school, we don’t want to have a bad impression.”

“But Okaasan,” Her daughter mumbled, looking away in embarrassment, clutching her mother’s hand tighter.

“Isn’t it weird that I don’t look like a girl?”

Chizuru glanced down at her child in worry, seeing the quiet child attempting to hide her face further into her puffy jacket.

“Bame,” Chizuru smiled, squatting down to her daughter’s height. "How you look doesn't matter, as long as you stay true to yourself, and my darling daughter, you're so much more than what you believe you are. Just remember, Otousan and I love you very, very much. You're gonna make so many friends and they'll adore you just as much as we do, okay?"

Chizuru watched the way her daughter's head lifted in the slightest, hazel eyes filled with hope before it darted down again, Tsubame settling for a small nod at her mother's words.

"Now, give me a smile!" Chizuru chided, her fingers darting to the little girl's sides, wriggling as she pulled giddy laughter out of her little one.

"There we go! Now you're all ready to go!"

Tsubame smiled widely at her mother, Chizuru standing up to her full height as they walked hand-in-hand to the direction of the school.

"Now, you remember how to introduce yourself, right? Why don't you give it a shot?"

"Ok! My name is Shu Tadashi, and I'm six years old!" She grinned before a frown of confusion rested on her chubby cheeks. "Okaasan, it feels weird having two names."

Chizuru chuckled, a light pat landing on Tsubame's head.

"Don't worry, Bame, it's only temporary."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

“Looks like the new kid has it rough, Kugisaki-chan.”

A red-headed girl followed her classmate’s line of sight, spotting a little boy with messy, dark hair, and eyes screwed shut. A group of boys surrounded him, fingers jabbed in his direction as they laughed and jeered.

“What’s going on there?” Kugisaki’s face morphed into a frown, as her classmate shrugged.

“Beats me, but boys will be boys.”

Kugisaki let out an unsatisfied hum as the school’s bell rang, signifying the end of their lunch break. She watched as the largest, the leader — she assumed, of the ring of boys, gave the new kid a hard shove before walking back to their class, her glare trained in the older boys’ direction.

She’s not even a friend anyway.

“Hey,” Kugisaki called out, despite her classmate’s various calls of warning; both not to approach the group and to return to class.

“Tsk, what do you want, little girl?” The largest boy sneered, crossing his arms as his friends behind him snickered at the eight-year-old before them, their faces screaming — “Such an arrogant girl! He’ll teach her her place!”

“What’s your deal with Tiny over there?” She pointed to the poor boy who rubbed his head, flinching at the sight of the leader’s stare as his feet took him to his class faster than any of them anticipated.

“Oh him? Nah, he’s just a weakling, and he’s a real sissy. He’s just an annoyance, yabbering about ghosts,” He shrugged before his smirk returned. “Why? You got a problem?”

The redhead girl stared him dead in the eye, searching his soul for any remorse, but there was nothing to be found other than a disgusting form of pride he held over having more power than a boy smaller than him.

“Nah, no problem,” She brushed her shoulder off, walking away as the boy rolled his eyes.

“Whatever.”

As per usual, these were the famous last words of a poorly judged boy, as when 3:15 came around, he resumed his hobby of picking on the new kid, who sat peacefully in his quiet classroom, a piece of paper taking shape in his hands.

“What do you have there, yowai?” He sneered, finding enjoyment in the way his hands instantly darted behind his back to protect whatever he was hiding.

“N-Nothing. It’s not important,” Tadashi muttered, hazel eyes darting away guiltily.

“It’s definitely important if he’s hiding it!” His lackey chided, surprising the young boy from behind, and catching him off guard.

Instantly, the paper in his hands collapsed on the floor, revealing a dainty little crane. Before Tadashi could reach for the folded piece of paper, his bully nabbed it, pinching it between his fingers with a scrutinising glare.

“This for me?” The boy grinned, watching Tadashi’s lack of reaction before crushing it in his large palm.

He watched with amusement, seeing the dread that grew in his victim’s eyes, a laugh bursting out of his accomplice who simply held the new kid back, preventing him from approaching his creation.

“Oh well, you were too slow. Too bad!” He jeered, leaning closer to the new boy. “But that’s what you get for acting smarter than all of us. You think you’re so great ‘cuz you entered halfway through the year? Boo, hoo, hoo—“

“Oi!”

Tadashi’s line of view instantly darted to the doorway, seeing the red-headed girl from lunch standing with her arms crossed, a sneer on her features aimed at the large boy.

“Back away from the new kid, loser.”

“You again?” He frowned, turning to face the girl. “And who you callin’ a loser? You always get in trouble with the teacher anyway with how many times you were caught wrestling.”

“That should make you even more scared of me then!” She huffed, rolling up the sleeves of her red tracksuit.

“What are you gonna do? Hit me? You’re a girl, you’re wea— ACK!”

A punch across his jaw cut him off as Kugisaki’s fist collided with his face, the boy’s lackey watching with horror as his friend stumbled back on impact, and Tadashi could only watch in awe of the girl before him.

“Y-You!” The boy glared. “You dare hit me?!”

“Quit whining, you pansy!” Kugisaki hissed back, parking herself in front of Tadashi as his bully’s friend walked up to the girl with a threatening glare, although the redhead child wasn’t affected by it in the slightest.

“You’re a freak!” He hissed, jabbing a finger in Kugasaki’s face, her eyelids lowered in boredom. ”Just wait til the teacher hears about this.”

“Akemi-sensei?” Kugisaki questioned before a smile grew on her lips. “That’s too bad, ‘cuz she believes everything I say. What can I say? Being a cute kid has its perks.”

The older boys froze in confusion, bare of a comeback to insult the girl. Instead, they reluctantly sauntered out of the room, but not without the older boy hissing a threat in Kugisaki’s direction before he left.

“You’ll pay for this.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, keep up your blabbering and maybe then you’ll finally run out of things to say,” She huffed, slamming the classroom door shut behind her, but not without sending an insulting expression in the older boys’ way.

The girl let out a scoff, turning around to check on the boy, but all she was met with was a look of awe and wonderment as the small boy quickly bowed in respect.

“Thank you for helping me, Miss! My name is Shu Tadashi and I’m six years old and forever in your debt!”

“Woah there! No need to call me Miss, geez. You make me sound so old,” Kugisaki sighed, waving her hand dismissively as the small boy stood straight once again, a disgruntled mumble escaping the slightly older student.

“And my name’s Kugisaki Nobara, not Miss. I’m eight, so I’m not that much older than you.”

“Kugisaki-chan, thank you for your help then!” Tadashi nodded, pulling out the crane he had pocketed, despite its slightly crushed appearance.

“Please! Take this crane as a form of thanks!”

“I don’t need your thanks, Tadashi,” She sighed. “Just make sure you better keep your mouth shut if anything happens.”

“I can keep secrets! I’m super good at it!”

“Really? Fine then! Prove yourself.”

A silence fell upon the two, Tadashi’s posture stiff before he started to fidget, a sigh escaping him.

“If I do, can you promise to keep this between us?”

Kugisaki eyed the boy up and down, letting out a sigh before nodding, finding that the boy had nothing against her at all.

“Fine,” She shrugged. “Spill the beans, then.”

“Okay, well, my name’s Tadashi, but I’m not a boy! I’m actually a girl and my name’s Tsubame, although my mother doesn’t want me to tell anyone ‘cuz it can cause trouble, though I’m not sure what, but you hafta promise me—“

“Geez! Okay, I’ll keep your secret! You ramble too much, sheesh,” The red-head girl huffed, but regret washed over her as she saw the younger girl shy away ever so slightly.

“But uh, Tsubame, huh?” She questioned, watching the younger girl nod, eyes regaining their eager shine.

“I’ll call you Tsu-tsu. Hey, shouldn’t you be going home soon?”

“Oh no, my mama is picking me up later at four, my papa’s still at work until five!” Tsubame shook her head, recalling her parent’s work schedules. “So I’m gonna be here waiting until then!”

“Nonsense, come over to my place,” Nobara nonchalantly tucked her hands into her pockets. “I can get my parents to call yours and you can hang out with me while waiting.”

“No way, really?” Tsubame’s smile grew, Nobara smiling slightly before she cleared her throat.

“Yeah, totally. But on the condition that you tell me whenever jerks pick on you, and you call me Nobara. No need for honorifics or whatever, you don’t need to be formal with me.”

“Does this make us friends then?”

Kugisaki went silent for a while as she pushed the classroom’s door open. She’d never really opened up to anyone other than Saori, and the idea of having a new friend who she’d have to constantly watch over did make her wince… but who else did Tsubame have?

With a nod, she held out a thumbs up.

“Yeah, we’re friends.”

“Awesome!” Tsubame beamed, pulling the straps of her backpack over her shoulders while following her new friend out of the classroom, the two chatting along the way.

“Oh, by the way, I have another friend you’d have to meet.” 

“Another friend? Nobara you’re so cool!”

“I know I am. You don’t need to remind me.”

gif by @kakiriyo

taglist: @mooncleaver @underwateredwrld @mcmisbehaving @neteyamrealgf @khany2026 @tinkerbelle05 @iheartamajiki < comment/dm me if you’d like to be on the taglist! >

[ivoryminitower]

Echoes of Home: 51 - Steve ("Sam")

Echoes of Home: FFXIV AU OC – WoLs on Earth

Coming from over a year in a world where sleep is sort of recreational to the world I know where circadian kicks in makes it a bit rough to shift sleep schedule on the fly.  It took a while to get to sleep in the afternoon.  Never been the sheep-counting type.  I tried cataloguing things in my head...pets, mounts, NPCs...finally dropped off in the midst of my Triple Triad cards.

Tsu'na worked the register that night, sans hat and coat.  People looked at her, sure, but not wolf-pack staring like the other time.  Maybe it was the Hartmans, maybe Sam, maybe me...or maybe she's just that personable.  She never needed to smile fulltime like she was that night, and she was doing it well.  My magnificent miqo'te was magnificent.

I hated to abandon her to the wolves, but she seemed to be doing okay, so around 11:00 I headed out to see Sam.  Even if he didn't see me.

He had the back door of the Pit open when I got there, which made it easier to get in.  Ninja Stealth gets a little iffy when it comes to doors, and we haven't had enough occasion to practice here to see if it works like Douglas Adams' SEP field.  Gatherer Sneak seems to, but we don't usually have doors in the woods.

His truck was parked near the door.  It seemed he was restocking.  I got a glimpse of an invoice on the bar detailing purchases for one S. Daniels, The Pit (so not just a nickname), Wyatt OK.  My first intel gathered.  I was so proud.

I watched him move kegs from his pickup into his back room, watched him make a last circuit of the bar before killing the lights, and finally watched from the back of the truck as he locked up the bar, got in the front of the truck and drove us off.

Sam Daniels does not appear to have a brother named Jack, or a son named Jack, or a dog named Jack.  I don't know if that was a missed opportunity or responsible parenting.  He does have a wife, or at least a cohabiting female, who was asleep in the bed when we arrived.  He also has a goldfish (who may or may not be named Jack), which was convenient for me, because after he went to bed I could read by the aquarium light.

He didn't go to bed right away.  He got himself some water from a filter pitcher (interesting choice for a bartender) and settled down on the couch to watch CNN (interesting choice for small town USA).  He may not be a scholar, but he's not an idiot.

The old, yellowed PC in the spare bedroom looked like something bought because Everybody Has One rather than something used for fun.  The parts of the room that weren't the desk and chair were heaps of boxes and piles of stuff.  I didn't have a lot of light to see by, but it looked less like hoarder chaos and more like abandoned projects...folded fabric, folio books and the like.  As if this was the room where dreams went to die.

Sam finished his water and his news intake and went to bed, leaving the fish and me to socialize.  I waited for a while until his breathing was audible and rhythmic before moving things to the fish tank to read.

Not that there was much to read.  No convenient stack of mail by the door.  An electric bill on one end of the kitchen counter, addressed to Samuel Daniels.  No junk mail I could find sent to Resident or Occupant, though there was a flyer from Community Baptist Church for "Our Neighbors".

No bank statement.  No purse.  Nothing lying around that would tell me the name of the woman.  Maybe in the bedroom, but I admit to a squeam about going in there with them, especially if the light was poor.  Which was annoying, because I felt an itch to know coming on.  I made a mental note to add night-vision goggles to my wishlist.

There was a small stack of magazines on the floor at one end of the couch...People, Cosmo, Vanity Fair.  None of them had mailing labels (stupid itch), which meant they were bought from somewhere.  I didn't remember seeing magazines at May's, but I hadn't been looking.

No books.  The Hartmans didn't have many, and the library was small, but I wasn't used to not seeing any.  Maybe again in the bedroom.

I looked around as much as the aquarium permitted.  It wasn't sparse, or spartan, or utilitarian; it was just really...tidy.  The furniture was old and the place felt lived-in, but there wasn't a lot of life filling the space.  Which just made me itch more about the wife...sure, maybe all of Sam's life was at the bar, but what about hers?

Spying and burglary weren't really a thing in FF14, so I didn't have a lockpicking skill.  Elder Scrolls Online had a lot of it...I was breaking into places all the time in that game.  Might be nice if I could drop into an ESO world for training.  In the meantime, if I left I couldn't get back in until someone opened a door, which might be at least six hours later.

But there was absolutely nothing to do until someone got up.  I couldn't sleep there...I might get tripped over.  Or heard...Tsu'na's never said I snore; Sam should probably not be the person to tell me.

So I slipped out, leaving the door locked behind me.  Sam's porch light was on, showing me a mostly empty yard, but there were some trees at the edge of the light range.  I went out to the trees, then went out further until I couldn't see the porch light any more, then just a bit further. I got out the camping kit, set up the tent, and crawled in.

The sleep I got earlier helped, but the unexpected exercise degraded me.  The snooping plus the camp setup, plus waiting for Sam to turn in, had eaten a couple hours.  I didn't know how long Sam would sleep, but I needed to be up before him, so I linkpearled Tsu'na about the new schedule, set an alarm for five hours and conked out.

And woke, not to the alarm, but to metal banging.  "Hey!  You in the tent!  Get out here!"

I unzipped the tent and peered out.  There was Sam, a shotgun in his right hand and a tire iron in his left.  He blinked and stared at me.  "Steve?"

I blinked and stared back at him. "Sam?"

"The fuck're you doin' here?"

"...Trying to sleep?"

"Next to my house!?"

I looked blearily around.  Yes, I could in fact just barely see his wood-paneled house out there beyond the trees.  Which meant he could see my orange nylon tent from his front porch.

The Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal is known to be so stupid that it thinks that, if you can't see it, it can't see you.

"That's your house?  I didn't know."

"Then what are you doing here?"

A random neuron fired.  "Looking for sumac."

"...Sumac."

"Yeah, it's a bush, grows around six feet…"

"I know what sumac is!"

"Okay, well, Tsu'na said she wanted some for an herbal thing, and the forest service maps said it grew around here."

"And you went looking for it, what, at night?"

"It...got me away from her.  She was being kinda bitchy.  I think it might be her time of the month."

(I couldn't tell if she was amused when I told her about this.  "I was a prop?"  "No, my love, I was making excuses.  You were an alibi.")

Sam sighed, and let his gaze wander around the trees.  'You wanted to hang out, whyn'cha just come to the bar?"

"I didn't know this was your place!  I saw the porch light, thought it'd be a good reference point in the morning."

"This is weird.  You know that, right?"

"Kinda weird, yeah."

He looked at me.  I looked at him.

I gestured to the gun.  "Shotgun?"

"Problems with squatters."

"Gotcha.  Look, lemme pack up the tent and I'll be on my way…"

"You want breakfast?"

"Oh, I couldn't impose…"

"Pack up the damn tent and come to the house."

"Yes, sir."

The tent came with a shoulder tote, which I stuffed it into, because of course I didn't have an extradimensional pocket for it or anything.  I lugged it up to the house, knocked on the door and was greeted once again by Sam.  I stepped inside to find the woman awake, sitting on the couch, and absorbed in the TV.

"This is my wife, Dolores.  Dee, this is Steve from the bar.  He's who was in the tent."

Dolores blinked and looked up at me. "Why's he camping next to us?"

"He was out at night, got lost and parked at the first house he saw."

She kept staring at me.  I was reminded of Snuggles and Cat TV.  "You could get yerself shot doing that."

"Thanks…I'll keep that in mind."

She studied me a moment longer, looked at Sam, and turned back to the TV.  I was clearly Sam's to deal with.  And my novelty just didn't compete with Oprah.

I followed Sam to the kitchen. "Seriously, you don't have to…"

"Dee woke me, I woke you.  We're both up, so we might as well both eat.  How do you want your eggs?"

"However you make 'em is fine."

He gave me a pointed look.

"...Over-medium?"

"Hm.  So however I make 'em?"

"Is fine."

Scrambled was fine, especially with toast.  He set the plates down and sat across from me.  "Find any sumac, then?"

"Honestly, I wasn't trying that hard."

"She like this often?"

"Depends on the circumstance."

"An' the time o' the month?"

"Well, yeah.  But I think she's been a bit edgy sometimes here.  New place, new people, new ear and tail issues…"

Sam nodded.  "Spoke with some o' the regulars 'bout that.  They kinda like her, ya know…cute lil' thing like her that can throw 'em around.  The ears an' tail just give her…whatcha call…"

"Mystique?"

"Was gonna say character, but sure.  They think of her as part o' the bar, part o' them…and they can get kinda territorial.  Sure, they fight sometimes, but no one comes in an' makes a mess o' their bar, ya know?"

I smiled. "So she's got herself a home."

"Oh, hell yeah.  Ain't it like that at the diner?  Joel said he an' Hazel been talkin' to people."

"Kind of a different crowd.  We mostly get teenagers in the evening.  But yeah, it's gotten better.  I think.  The pretzels and pies sell."

"So don't worry 'bout it too much.  You be nice to them, they'll be nice to you.  Just keep the weird down."

Talk drifted to the shed, and some things about running the bar.  Through it all, Dolores (itch scratched) kept her eyes on the TV.  I guess that's where her life is now.  Though I do wonder about the piles of stuff in the other room.

Sam offered to drive me back to town, as long as I didn't mind a stop at the Safeway out the highway.  I found dried sumac there, for appearances.  Sam recommended I add a bag of chocolates ("Trust me on this.").  We loaded his stuff into the truck and drove toward the diner.

I told Tsu'na the story of my adventure.  I think she was trying not to laugh at me.  "What is sumac?"

"This stuff."

"And what will we do with it?"

"Put it on pizza, maybe?"

"And the chocolate?"

"Sam said women like chocolate during their period."

"I must thank Sam for teaching my husband about women."

"You've never had a period."

"No, but I like chocolate.  If Sam has taught you to bring me chocolate, I must thank him."

So, an all-around educational night.  We were both a bit short on sleep, so we went to bed for a couple hours.

As we cuddled under the blanked, she nuzzled close and whispered "sumac" in my ear with a giggle.

I'll probably be hearing about that for a while.

[mara-tevith-solo]

Sing a Little Song For Me

gif by namor-is-the-way I don’t know how to do the little gif tag thingy 

Part 8 of the drabble set and we’ve got a little sad feelies today kiddies, I’m not sorry >:)

Warnings: Canon levels of violence, canon levels of hunting, animals being animals, parent & child angst, mentions of a dead body

Pairing” Eventual Colonel Miles Quaritch x Na’vi/Avatar named f!reader/oc still not described really

Rated 18+

Words: 1.8k+

Taglist: @rayurbay​ @tinyfairies​ @perseny​ @kimqueenofhell​ @blueberry-thrawn​​​​​

"I can't be Toruk Makto, Neytiri. We can't afford for me to die yet." Jake sighed from inside his home, Neytiri's own sigh of frustration joining his.

"The People need Toruk Makto, my Jake." She argued, sounding like she was beginning to pace.

I barely glanced at the children that were leaned against the side of the dwelling, none of them having noticed me yet. "Neytiri--" Jake began tiredly, obviously tired of fighting with his Mate.

"I will take the mantle." I interrupted, entering the space and their discussion with little regard for the fight that Jake would put up.

"Absolutely not." He ordered, pointing at me accusingly as though we had been plotting the whole thing.

Neytiri brightened at the suggestion, perking up instantly as her eyes nearly began glowing "Who better, my Jake? Ani is a strong warrior with a strong heart. If any could master the Toruk, it would be her."

I gave her a nod of thanks before returning my attention to the frowning male who looked like he'd rather be anywhere but there "Your Toruk passed to the Great Mother only a few months ago, and the new big man in town has already killed a whole hunting party and maimed several others. Taming him will solve two problems at once." I argued further, something that Neytiri eagerly nodded along with.

Jake growled as he began pacing, half-heartedly flashing his teeth at me "It's too dangerous." He stated, tone firm and finite "what if you die?"

The line of my shoulders softened as I began realizing what his refusal was really about "Jake," I hummed softly, calling his full attention back to me, making him stop pacing "I'm the only one who can logistically do this. I have no Mate, my child is nearly grown. No one to truly leave behind with my death."

"You'd leave me behind..."

"If I die, look for me with Eywa." I looked between the two for a moment before bolstering my own resolve "I'll be back soon enough." I promised before leaving without another word or backwards glance.

"Spider." I called to the boy as he passed with Lo'ak and Kiri, laughing at the joke they were sharing until I interrupted.

"Ya, Ma?" He asked, still smiling, a bounce to his step.

"I have to leave for a bit." I studied him as he fell into confusion, not understanding why i was telling him "Mind Neytiri, and Tsahik, while I'm gone." I swallowed, not sure how, or if I should, break the news to him.

He closed some of the distance and I knelt down so that we were on more equal footing with each other, so that it didn't feel like I was looking down on him "Ok? Is everything alright? Do you want me to come with you? Watch your back?" He asked quickly, the gears already turning in his head.

I shook my head with a sad smile "No, my son." I hummed softly, Lo'ak and Kiri watching cautiously, shifting their weight around with their discomfort "Where I am going, none should follow."

"Mom..." His voice dropped as fear drowned his eyes, a sense of dawning understanding settling over him like tonnes of weight.

"I have to go hunt down the Toruk and try to tame it." There was no use beating around the bush any longer.

"Take me with you, I'm good with a bow! I can help!" He insisted, his voice cracking slightly at the end. It was killing me to hurt him like that, to cause him such grief and panic.

"I can't risk you getting hurt, Spider. If something happened to you I..." I audibly shut my mouth and closed my eyes, trying to steer my thoughts from such deep distress. "I will be back before you know it. I promise." I rested my hands on his shoulders as I opened my eyes, silently begging him to not fight me on it.

"Don't make a promise you can't guarantee." He sniffled, putting on a brave face as tears fell down his cheeks behind his mask.

"When have I ever not kept a promise to you?" I reminded him with a soft smile.

Before I could blink he barreled into me, throwing his arms around my shoulders and hanging on tightly, hiding his face in my braids "Please come back. Please." He whispered with a ragged breath, still sniffling.

"I will." I hummed softly as I held him tightly, just loud enough for only him to hear. "Be good while I'm gone. Please." He only nodded before hanging on for another moment, something I couldn't deny him before he pulled away and returned to Kiri's side, his head tucked down a bit. I didn't say anything more as I stood, didn't look back as I walked away. I knew what little resolve I had left would crumble to dust. I closed the distance to Iskii, his eyes already focused on me, wings practically vibrating in anticipation. "Forgive me for what I'm about to do." I murmured to him softly, brushing his nose tenderly as he cooed at the contact. He offered a kuru for tsaheylu, ready for anything that needed to be done. Completing the Bond always felt like coming home after a long time away, settling any fears I had with a hot jet of air from his lungs. He knew instantly what I was planning and didn't like it, but reassured me that there was nothing to forgive. Especially if I felt like I had to do it.

That last flight felt like leaving home the first time, that sinking pit of dread in my stomach, worried that I'd never return. Afraid of such a horribly large change. He let me cling to his neck as we flew, let me just hold him close, worry in his bones that my dread was right. I took every available moment to memorize how he looked, the black base under a beautiful mottle of bright purple and blue with veins of gold and speckles of light blue, like stars on a night sky. It was just before eclipse that we found him, hunched over a fresh kill by a cliffside. The closer we got, the more I realized that the carcass was a titanothere, one that had been brought down by the Toruk by the look of the wounds. The predator was massive, not even giving us the time of day as we passed overhead. He was large, far larger than the old Toruk, and nearly completely white, save the blue bone crests that were still lighter than usual. On our second pass over, he looked up, fixing us with three red eyes, the smaller one on his left side was completely gone with a massive scar over it. He gave us a pointed hiss, warning us that he'd enjoy disemboweling us if we continued to be pests.

Iskii took us up high, away from the Toruk and out of his radar as we both planned on the best way to execute the plan. He was diving before either of us really realized what he was doing, nose straight down towards the edge of the cliff, close enough that I could, in theory, jump off and onto the Toruk, taking him by surprise. The biggest thing I had to worry about was mistiming the jump. Seconds ticked by too quickly as wind roared through my ears, pinning them back against my head as my hair ravaged my back, beads cutting into my flesh. With a screech, Iskii pulled his kuru from mine, severing the bond and encouraging me to leap. So close to the Toruk, I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly as stupid and reckless as Jake claimed, the massive beast's head snapping towards me just before I landed on his lower back.

I felt like an ant as I quickly scrambled up his back, clinging on for dear life with every inch forward as he roared and struggled, trying to throw me off. He tried snapping back at me, primary eyes filled with bewildered anger and indignance that I was daring to try to tame him. I couldn't really blame him as I grabbed a kuru more roughly than I'd meant to, using it to pull myself up enough to connect mine to it. He tried to throw me off until the very end, raising to his full height, practically vertical as I clung on desperately, racing against the angry force of nature under me before he tried to either fall back onto me, or flew off the cliff and did something crazy to angle me towards his waiting jaws. The moment we made tsaheylu he relaxed, leaning forward until he was supporting half his weight onto his wing arms, grumbling as I caught my breath. "I'm sorry." I whispered breathlessly, knowing he could still hear me. He brushed off my apology with a half-hearted growl, his heart beating in time with mine as we both became more familiar with each other. "I might not be your favorite person," I conceded as he rumble an agreement "But I can promise that you'll have many human sized snacks." That caught his attention, piquing his interest, a memory of soldiers shooting at him when he was barely old enough to fly, all of them laughing and jeering. I felt the echo of his pain as they shot his eye out. "I offer you revenge and bloodshed, in exchange you help me protect my People."

He was grumpy at the idea of leaving hungry, almost glaring at the carcass before turning back to me, waiting for me to hop back on, to command him to take me home. "I'm not in a rush." I assured him, surprising the giant predator as he tilted his head in confusion "Eat your fill, no use wasting such a prize. I've got all night." I reassured him, pulling my kuru away from his to give him space and privacy as he turned to the dead animal and began eating again. I stayed true to my word as the world was bathed in darkness, reclining on the edge of the cliff, feet swinging absently as the sounds of the forest assailed my ears. It was those moments that I missed the most, the moments when Pandora was at peace, when the Humans hadn't returned. When we were almost sure they'd never return again.

Light was only just beginning to dawn from the other side of the Host Planet when his kuru tapped the side of my head, pulling me from the half sleep I hadn't realized I'd fallen into. He was perplexed that I was already comfortable enough to fall asleep around him when we made tsaheylu, nearly scolding me for it while we both found a comfortable place for me on his shoulders. He tried to scare me on that first flight, diving straight down towards the forest below instantly, wings tucked impossibly close to his sides before they snapped out at the last possible moment, his chest brushing over the tree tops, tickling his hide as I just cheered and whooped at the adrenaline.

[elementaldoughnut12]

"Hair-Full of Secrets"

*This is for my sister @switchbladebc involving her oc Ashley Carter! Hope you like it sis! Love ya!*

“Remind me why I'm doing this again Juice?” Ashley asks her boyfriend as she grabs a hair pick. “Cause you love me babe!” Juice says as he plops on the floor in front of her. “Any other reason?” Ashley asks as Jay enters the room and gives her a kiss. “He wants to give you lice” Jay says with a laugh, causing Juice to glare at him.

“He wants you to pull his hair like a dog!” Austin says teasingly as he kisses Ashley as well. “Don't be silly Austin! He obviously wants her to open his head up so she can actually give him a brain!” Colten says jokingly as he also kisses Ashley. “All of you shut the fuck up!” Juice yells as he crosses his arms and pouts. “Guys don't be mean! Just tell me your reason baby” Ashley says nicely as she scratches Juice's head.

“I want you to pick out the random shit that's in my hair” Juice explains with a smile. “I don't mind doing that for you baby! I'm not an asshole like the other guys I'm married to” Ashley says as she glares at the other three men. The other three stay silent as Ashley starts picking through Juice's hair. “You promise there isn't anything alive in here baby? I don't wanna have to kill anything with my new manicure” Ashley asks worryingly.

“I cross my heart! Jay gave me a flea bath earlier!” Juice says proudly. “He bit me so many times” Jay says with a sigh, causing Ashley to laugh. “If you say so babe!” Ashley says as she continues picking. She's still picking until she hits something metal and pulls out a pocket knife with the hair pick. “A pocket knife?!?” Ashley asks worryingly as she holds it out in front of her.

“Hey! I was looking for that!” Jay says as he takes it from her and puts it in his pocket. “Why did you have Jay's pocket knife in your hair?” Ashley asks confusingly. “I don't know! Ask Colten cause he's the one who put it in there!” Juice says truthfully. “So you're the one who took it from me?” Jay asks angrily at Colten. “Hey no it was Austin who took it from you! He told me he stole it from your bag and he was scared you were gonna kick his ass and told me to hide it” Colten explains, causing Austin to gasp.

“You fucking snitch!” Austin says, receiving a smack to the back of the head from Jay. “You're grounded for a week” Jay says, causing Austin to let out a growl. “OK boys settle down! You can have your family massacre later! We'll talk about your punishment when we get to the hotel Austin ok?” Ashley asks and receives a pout from Austin in return. Ashley just sighs as she continues rifling through Juice's hair.

A couple minutes later, Ashley hits something plastic and pulls out a bag of chips. “A bag of cheese puffs?” Ashley asks confusingly. “Oh shit I forgot about those!” Colten says as he takes the bag from her. “Were you using Juice as a personal food storage bin?” Ashley asks as she watches Colten open the bag. “He told us it was ok to store food in there babe!” Colten says as he eats a puff and offers one to Austin. Austin stays quiet but eats the offered puff.

“Gross, ok I think there's a few things left in here!” Ashley says excitedly as she continues picking. She then hits something glassy and pulls out a pair of sunglasses. “How did these not get broken in there?” Ashley asks curiously. “Why are my glasses in there?!?!” Austin asks as he grabs his glasses, causing the other three men to look away from him. “I have no idea why they were in there!” Juice says which was obviously a lie.

“Maybe you left them in there by mistake?” Colten tries to explain. “I hid them in there because I thought you looked fucking ugly in them” Jay flat out explains, causing Austin to start crying. “Jay! What the fuck is wrong with you?!?” Ashley asks angrily, causing Jay to shrug. “You told me to be more honest with the kids! What did you want me to do? Lie to him?” Jay asks as Colten is comforting Austin.

“You could've said it a bit nicely! Go outside and comfort him for a minute ok?” Ashley asks seriously as Jay lets out a sigh and takes Austin outside. “God, that man can be a huge ass sometimes! Ok Juicy I think there's one more big item in here! Let's pick this fucker out!” Ashley says excitedly but is stopped by Juice and Colten.

“How about we wait for those two to come back babe? I really wanna see their reactions!” Juice says excitedly as he bounces in place. “Same here because this item is actually something of yours” Colten says truthfully, catching Ashley's attention. “Something of mine? Juice, did you steal my eyeliner again? I told you to use a marker if you wanted to draw on people!” Ashley says, causing Juice to rapidly shake his head.

“It's not that babe I swear! Just calm down and let's wait for Jay and Austin to come back!” Juice pleads with a nervous smile. “It better not be!�� Ashley says with a laugh as they wait. A few minutes later, Jay comes back with Austin who's smiling wide. “I see you apologized sweetheart?” Ashley asks curiously, causing Jay to sigh. “I said I was sorry and that I'd get everyone McDonald's” Jay says as Austin hugs him, causing him to give a small smile.

“Awww aren't you sweet! Ok Juice let's get this last thing cause baby is craving some nuggies!” Ashley says determined as she starts picking through Juice's hair again. She hits something square shaped and pulls out a velvet box. “What's this?” Ashley asks curiously as she inspects the box. “Open it and see babe!” Juice says excitedly as he turns around to face Ashley.

She opens the box and gasps when it's revealed to be a diamond ring with flowers engraved on the band. “Juice, is this what I think it is?” Ashley says in shock with tears brimming her eyes. “Ashley Carter, will you marry me?” Juice asks happily as Ashley shakes her head. “Yes you big idiot I will marry you!” Ashley says through tears as she puts the ring on. Juice then picks her up, spins her around and then kisses her deeply.

“I was wondering when he'd finally ask you” Jay says with a laugh, which causes Juice to blush. “Thank God his hair is thicker than Austin's head” Colten says which earns him a light smack from his brother. “My head is not thick! Anyways, can we go to McDonald's now? I want my happy meal!” Austin says impatiently, causing everyone else to laugh. “I don't see why not! Onward boys!” Ashley says excitedly as she walks out with her husbands and new fiance in tow.