#Oh and I absolutely will have Leo 'slip' and have her call her by her old name

[radicalrascals]

Leopold closed the book and cradled it against his chest, hands fingers gripping it tightly to hide the tremble that had befallen him from the moment he set eyes on the very first lines. He knew she wasn't expecting anything in return, and there was nothing he could give to match this gesture, though there was no better time to gift her what he'd bought so many decades ago.

"I should have given it to you when I first had the chance." Alas, he did not. Leopold placed the book on his desk, caressing the cover with his hand, gently, to give a promise to read it in full later. Then he knelt down to open the chest beside the desk, hand rummaging through keepsakes of the olden days. His old Prussian police uniform, keys to places long lost to time, souvenirs from places all around the globe and then a little something wrapped cloth that he unearthed carefully.

"I went to Venice. You would have loved it. The carnival. The memento mori." he handed her the wrapped ceramic mask. It was beautifully, delicately hand painted in black and vermilion, with golden accents, with writing on the inside:

Per Isabell Nella morte e oltre Eternamente tuo Leopold

"I walked up to it and I saw you in it. I had to have it. Not for me. For you. It was always for you."

@radicalrascals | continued from h e r e

"I'm not giving you this expecting anything in return," Bella smiles gently, though it does turn nervous when she realises that he's opening it now and not when she's safely somewhere else and doesn't have to witness whatever reaction he might have. Although Leopold had accepted her back in his life easily, Bella would not have begrudged him anger at the idea that their separation had essentially been for nothing, and only caused both of them pain.

Not that she should have worried. Bella steps to him easily when he takes her hand - reaching out with her other to brush some of the tears from his face. "Ah, darling, I didn't mean to upset you," She murmurs, fingers cool on his cheeks. "I just wanted you to know I always thought of you. I'll never stop being sorry for keeping us apart for all those years, not for as long as I live." She brings their joined hands to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his knuckles.

"Of course, darling. I would not refuse you anything." Not anymore. Not that she needed gifts to stay by his side - he'd be hard-pressed to be rid of her now.

[inesbaby21]

can you do headcannons of all the girl you write for with a gymnast!reader? i never see people do these.

ouu i like this idea ofc!

Caitlin Clark x Gymnast!Reader

You two definitely met in high school

Spending all of your free time watching movies, reading, baking!

She definitely understands the pressure you're under, and as much as you're there for cait she's there for you

ughh, poor baby panics whenever you slip off of the balancing beam just a little and is sitting on the edge of her seat

Soooo sooo possessive, and If she hears anyone talking about you during your routine she's not any better than calling them out and telling them to "Do everything she just did, and has been doing for the last 14 years of her life in 3 minutes."

Absolutely loves watching you work on your tumbling, and one hand front flips!

She definitely is the type of gf/wife to show up to the olympics with a post that has your face on it

I'm seeing you two getting separated during college, but working through that as you eventually do transfer to Iowa to be closer to her.

Best, Best, BEST support system! Always makes sure you're well rested, you have something on your stomach and carries all of your gym bags

Definitely wants you to be at all over her games (College and in the WNBA) because you're her "good luck charm"

Touchies Gf ever, but just loves to hold you. Also loves when you do her hair before a game

Definitely the biggest support, and is arguing with judges when they take away points from a flawless performance because of something out of your control

Has the worst problem with women's gymnast outfits .. why do you have to wear the leo's, and do the tight buns if you don't want to??

Always there for her baby no matter what, and if your injured best believe she's the first one out of the stands and by your side.

Definitely blows kisses to you while she plays, and you're sitting court side

I'm skipping ahead to the future a little, but CC as a mom 🥹 omg

Always helps your little girl get ready, and you three definitely have a family/couple blog

OH AND BEST BELIEVE BABY CLARK KNEW HOW TO DRIBBLE A BASKETBALL BEFORE SHE COULD TALK

Definitely is a supportive parent, and will skip any and ALL practice/games if baby clark has a dance recital or a k-1 basketball game!

I also see Gymnast!Reader going into labor during an olympic game (shes not competing bc she literally about to pop) and CC stopping dead in her tracks to help rush you to the hospital!

Gymnast!Reader and CC definitely have the cutest babies ever, but I think they're going to take after CC height wise as gymnast reader realistically never made it past 4'11 .. (don't judge for like the crazy height difference most gymnast are like really fucking short) 😞

Kinda feeling bad for Gymnast!Reader because TWICE in 4 years your pushing out monster sized babies and STILL having to get back up and compete after maternity leave ??

CC and Gymnast!Readee definitely have a winter baby idc idc! First baby girl was born sometime in december right before new years like the 29th (haha dec 29th is my birthday!)

CC IS A CERTIFIED GIRL MOM, ARGUE WITH YOUR MAMA.

Okay guyssss i really love writing about CC, and send in more requests for her! this was so cute and so fun to write omg

[ssparksflyy]

ours ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

pairing: leo valdez x gn!reader summary: finally going home to see leo after a long day at work ♡ warning(s): tiny swears but like youll be fine word count: 938 a/n: ive had this idea for soso long nd im glad to finally write it :)) also requests r open so send em in ! this is set after the war :D GO LISTEN TO OURS BY TAY

you sighed as you leaned back into your cheap office chair, looking over at the clock on your desk. 4:55. a whine escaped your lips as you realized you had to sit at this godforsaken desk for another five minutes.

"damn, love-struck fool can't even wait another five minutes to see their loverboy?" your coworker asked, turning around in her chair.

"whatever, melody" you said, turning your head in her direction.

she chuckled and paused, "you know, you could do so much better than him."

you turned around in your chair to face her, glaring.

"im just saying, are you really sure he's the one? i mean, he's scrawny, roughed up, and really not that cute." she said, staring at a picture of you and leo you had on your desk, one you'd taken together at a county fair.

'oh but if he were white you'd be fawning all over him' you thought.

"and those tattoos, i mean, he does realize those are permanent, right? like come on, doodle bob on your wrist? i swear, there's childish and then there's your boyfriend."

you were seriously biting your tongue now. you were so tired of people judging leo and your relationship, as if they would even try to get to know him. and you loved his doodle bob tattoo!!

"you sound like my dad, dude" you said, no emotion in your voice.

"well maybe he has i point, i mean personally, i wouldn't really approve if my kid was dating someone-"

you left before she could finish her sentence. your time was no longer hers, it was five p.m. your time belonged to leo now.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩

you dropped your bag onto the floor, placed your keys on their hook and slipped off your shoes the second you walked into your apartment.

"leo? where are you?" you called out, dragging your feet.

"in the kitchen!" he shouted, and you headed over.

you walked into the kitchen to see leo making dinner, a smile spreading onto your face as you realized he was making (favorite food).

"hey! how was work today?" he asked, looking up at you with his classic leo valdez smile.

"absolutely horrible, i hated every second" you said, walking over to him and slinging your arms around his waist as you nuzzled your head into his neck, "i missed you."

he chuckled, stopping what he was doing and turning around, pulling you into his chest and giving you a hug.

"really? well what made it so horrible?" he asked, placing a kiss on top of your head.

you groaned and removed your head from his neck to look at him, "well the awkward elevator ride is always a horrible start to the day, you'd think people would learn about something called deodorant by now. then once i got to my desk, my boss called me into her office and asked me to go through some files that needed to be sorted, i didn't mind but you know, boorriinnggg. uh, and then i went back to my desk for the rest of the day and then like just as i was about to leave, melody started bitching again."

he furrowed his eyebrows, "again? gods what was she criticizing this time?"

you looked down, "you."

"me?? what have i ever done to this woman? i don't even know her!" he said, "please tell me you punched her."

"leo, you know if i didn't need this job she would've been in the hospital on life support by now" you said, raising your head and placing a kiss on his cheek.

he laughed, "well don't worry to much about her, she's just jealous. you know people just love throwing rocks at things that shine."

"oh my god when did you become a poet?" you said, pretending to be shocked.

"i heard it in a taylor swift song, okay?" he said, blushing and looking down.

you laughed as you pulled him in close once again.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩

that night, you ate real good. you had loved (favorite food) before leo had made it for you, but ever since the time he made some for one of your dates, you were yet to find somebody who made it better than he did. he always claimed his version was better because his was made with undying love and affection, which always made you giggle.

after dinner, you settled down on the couch, cuddling and watching a movie. around midway, you stopped paying attention to the movie and started paying attention to leo. you seriously didn't know what you'd done to deserve someone like him. he treated you so well, and loved you in a way nobody else could. you didn't get how people like melody couldn't see that. if anything, you were a little glad they couldn't. that meant that you'd get your perfect repair boy all to yourself. you were the one who would get his toothy smiles, the ones where you were able to see the gap between his teeth that you loved so much. you were the one who would get his homemade meals whenever you came home from work. you were the one who would get to try and figure out the riddles he'd recite. you were the one who got moments like this, moments you wouldn't trade anything in the world for.

leo looked down, noticing that you were staring.

"something wrong?" he asked.

you shook your head, "i just love you so much, leo."

he smiled, "i love you too, (y/n)."

you no longer cared about what other people thought of your relationship. this love was yours, not theirs.

a/n two: tysm for reading!! js somethin short i wanted to get out :)) i fr wasnt able to listen to ours without thinking of this and i was just like ugh i need 2 write this so.. here we are! hope u enjoyed and have a good day/night !!

peace from manhattan,

percy jackson ♡

[luminoustarlight]

Leo Campo is a romantic. He’s a ladies man until he finds the one, but you better believe he treats every woman he’s ever hooked up with like they’re his world. He’s just an affectionate guy. Call it a symptom of being Italian. Pet-names roll off of his tongue smoothly, always punctuated with a little smirk.

“Can I get you anything else, sweetheart?” He’ll ask the unsuspecting girl at the bar.

The most frequent reply is “just your number,” which has definitely gotten old. He doesn’t actually give it out; he just takes them upstairs and gives them something better.

He’s a tender lover, always attentive to the needs of the woman he’s pleasuring. And the women are always satisfied.

Between the adoring nicknames and innate ability to make a woman cum three times before he cums himself, many girls begin hoping for something more than a one night stand. All of it offers them a false sense of the possibility of a relationship. Because how can a man be so sweet and not want something more?

Because Leo Campo is certain he’ll know the love of his life when he sees her. Maybe she walks into the bar, maybe he meets her while he’s coaching soccer.

Or, in your case, at your apartment where he’s delivering pizza.

If only you’d known how handsome the pizza delivery guy was going to be, you would’ve bothered to clean the smeared mascara from your eyes. You wouldn’t have answered the door with an oversized t shirt hanging off one of your shoulders, no bra to hold up your goods, and an old pair of sweatpants you’ve had since college.

“Oh my God,” slips out of your mouth. Your first instinct is to slam the door. Your tongue feels dry and your broken heart hasn’t forgotten how to hammer in your chest. Breakups happen every day. It’s okay that you look like a hot mess, minus the hot part.

You’ve ordered pizza from Vince’s dozens of times and that Jogi kid always delivers your pizza.

Who is this tall, dark-haired man with a smile that makes you think maybe you won’t feel miserable forever?

“How ya doin’?” He asks you, clearly not taking in any context clues as to how your night is going.

“Uh,” you begin unsurely. Are you really about to have a conversation with this guy in a pair of sweatpants with a guacamole stain on the right thigh? “I’ve been better. Hence the absolute atrocity standing before you.”

“Where?” He smiles without missing a beat. Because somewhere beneath your disheveled appearance, he sees a girl he desperately wants to get to know. Who broke your heart? And how does he mend it?

“I don’t suspect you have anyone to share this pizza with?”

“Not as of 8:16 this morning.” Yes, you know the exact minute you found your piece of shit ex-boyfriend cheating on you with his co-worker.

“Well, as of,” Leo checks his watch, “7:24 this evening, now you do.”

“You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”

“I suppose.”

“Aren’t you working?”

He shrugs. “It’s the end of my shift. Are you going to let me in?”

You narrow your eyes at him. “Is this the beginning of a Dateline episode?”

This makes Leo chuckle. Of course you’re tentative. You’re an attractive, single woman who has no right trusting any man at all, let alone a random pizza delivery guy.

But there’s something about his smile that quells your anxiety. No ulterior motives, just genuine kindness.

“I can call my Ma, if you want,” Leo suggests half seriously. “You can talk to her and learn everything about me.”

Your bottom lip snags beneath your teeth as you open your door to let the handsome stranger in. “I’m Y/N, by the way.”

“Leo.” He sets down your pizza on the coffee table. “Leo Campo.”

requests are open for leo and several other hayden characters!

anakin masterlist

[ace-and-the-rpg-horrors]

Shizurui's feelings for each other headcanons (can't believe i've not done this yet, i should have my badge revoked, honestly-)

- as i'm pretty sure all us like... five Shizurui-ers agree, Rui definitely fell first

- minor celebrity crush ever since he was introduced to MMJ! that he didn't think would mean anything. but then after he properly spent time with her on the school trip?

- kaboom, cue falling head over heels queerplatonically <3

- disaster. absolute disaster, he is. he's so obvious about it despite his best efforts not to be

- during W x S rehearsal, Emu'll be chatting about her school day and who she talked to- everyone else catches on to how Rui seems more interested in her rambles immediately after Shizuku's name's mentioned

- even Leo/need finds out about it through Tsukasa and Emu and are gossiping about it. a bit of Shiho has withered away and died at the thought of her sister getting close with Tsukasa's somehow even more chaotic friend /silly

- Shizuku doesn't realise SHE likes him more than an acquaintance, let alone being aware of the other way round

- she subconsciously tries finding excuses to spend time with him <3

- "oh dear :(( i broke the microwave again :(( i suppose i'll have to call Kamishiro-san :(( and he'll spend time telling me how to fix it :(( such a shame... :)"

- it helps that all her friends now direct her to Rui when she has tech issues since they're aware the two know of each other's existences now!! they all reckon it's a miracle they met, since he's the rare one who won't ever get tired of explaining anything related to tech again and again <3 (especially since it's her)

- she definitely takes advantage of that without meaning to. whattt, just wanting to talk to him? as far as she knows, she's just mysteriously become more aware of how often she struggles with computers and appliances!!

- Tsukasa unintentional, oblivious wingman?? TSUKASA UNINTENTIONAL, OBLIVIOUS WINGMAN!!

- "ahaha, Shizuku!! absolutely wonderful show last weekend, we all went to see it and agreed it was marvellous!! especially Rui, actually, i recall him murmuring that you looked "ethereal," haha!! i'm sure he was quite impressed by the stage lighting then!!"

- rest in peace, Rui Kamishiro, he died too young

- 'tis all well though, since Shizuku, OF COURSE, believes he was just on about lights. (and was totally NOT disappointed when she heard Tsukasa's conclusion, nope, not at all, that would be so silly, to expect Rui was complimenting HER and not just the technical aspect of the show, wouldn't it? these idiots /most affectionate)

- Nene makes fun of Rui endless

- once she (almost immediately) pieced it together, she started doing shit like playing a Shizuku focused song to grab his attention when he's absorbed in tinkering and completely tuning everything else out. and then she loses her mind when it WORKS

- "oh, so THAT makes you finally look up?"

- Emu, the most emotionally intelligent character in the game, in my (correct) opinion, also just knows instantly and definitely thinks they're adorable and is VERY straightforward about it

- "Rui-kun, Rui-kun, i have the most WONDERHOY idea, wahahahaha!! you and Hinomori-senpai should TOTALLY go on a DATE over there, at the Ferris Wheel!! :D "

- "...!!"

- "ehhhh?? are you okay?? you look like your heart went crash-bam-boom!!"

- "... Emu-kun, we are very lucky i had paused eating just now because i do not believe you are quite vertically gifted enough to perform the Heimlich maneuver on me."

- Emu wingman number two? Emu wingman number two!!

- it actually gives Rui so much stress that Emu goes to the same school as Shizuku, cause you just know she might let something slip without even meaning to. not like Shizuku would catch on in the vast majority of cases though

- you could have all their friends waving a massive sign at her reading "RUI KAMISHIRO LIKES YOU" in gigantic, lit up letters and she'd be like "aww~ that's so very sweet, i didn't know Kamishiro-san was such a passionate fan of idols!! hehe, i'll remember to thank him for supporting our group so much...!!"

in conclusion: one of them is as oblivious as one can possibly get while the other gets to be nothing of the sort, thanks to his friends constantly reminding him of his feelings at every chance!!

[pink-bandana-writes]

Stress Relief

Leonardo x Reader

Prompt: Would you mind doing a little one-shot of Leo helping his girlfriend meditate to help with her anxiety and worries?

Notes: Absolutely, bestie! Thank you for the kind words in your request <3 As someone with anxiety, this one hit different. I think I needed to write it, actually.

Warnings: Mentions of anxiety

Word Count: 0.6k

Reader is: Gender-Neutral

You sat in the lair, fiddling with the fidget toy you’d brought down with you, biting your lip. You’d been having a lot of…loud thoughts lately. Worries that just wouldn’t leave you alone. Your therapist had said once that anxiety was the brain’s protection mechanism, that sometimes, it kept you safe, but other times…

It was too much right now. You just needed your brain to be quiet for a second.

“Hey, are you alright?” Leo asked, waving a hand in front of your face.

You looked up at him, staring at him for a long moment before nodding. “Yeah, uh…just got a lot on my mind, I guess.”

“Oh. Um, is there anything I can do to help?”

“Maybe, actually. Um…Leo, you meditate, right?”

“I do.” He nodded, smiling softly as he took the seat beside you. “It helps me focus, calm down my brain when it feels like its racing a mile a minute.”

“That sounds��helpful.” You said quietly, meeting his calm blue eyes.

“It is. We could try it together if you want. If you think it would help, that is.” He offered, taking your hand in his.

“I think that would help, yeah.” You nodded.

Leo led you into the dojo and grabbed a few meditation cushions, setting one out for either of you. He grabbed your favorite blanket and draped it around your shoulders, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“So, I usually listen to some soft music, but I could put on some white noise or brown noise or rain sounds…” Leo listed.

“Brown noise might be nice.”

“Good. And do you want me to light a candle?”

“Sure, what do you have?”

“I think the more accurate question is what don’t I have?” Leo raised an eyebrow, pulling his basket full of candles over to you.

You chuckled softly, looking through the options. “Bath and Body Works, huh?”

“They’ve got good scents.” He shrugged and held up one called stress relief, that smelled like mint and eucalyptus. “This one’s my favorite.”

“It smells really good.” You agreed, inhaling it. “I think that one would be good.”

“Great.” Leo set the candle between you on the floor and lit it before handing you a pair of headphones. “So, try to clear your mind. If you can’t do that, just take deep breaths and count slowly. If your mind starts to wander, don’t resist, just gently remind yourself of the task at hand. Those thoughts will still be there when you’re ready for them.”

“Okay.” You nodded, listening carefully to everything he told you.

“How long do you want to try?”

“Maybe like thirty minutes?”

“Awesome. I’ll put a timer on the sound.” Leo told you, setting things up on his phone and then motioning for you to put your headphones on.

You slipped them on and listened to the soothing, ambient noise. It was like magic, almost. Your brain felt so…quiet. You took deep breaths, as Leo had instructed, and let the tension out of your body, relaxing your shoulders.

When the brown noise finally faded out, you opened your eyes and looked at Leo, feeling a lot better than you had been only thirty minutes before.

“How are you feeling?” Leo asked, blowing out the candle.

“I feel really good, Leo. Thank you.”

“Of course.” He smiled, motioning you over. You crawled across the dojo floor and into his lap. Leo cradled you in his big, strong arms, leaning his cheek against your forehead. “You know, if you need to talk about anything, I’m always here. I don’t want you to have to carry everything on your own.”

“Thank you.” You kissed his cheek. “I really lucked out with you.”

He chuckled. “Really. Because here I was thinking I won the absolute lottery with you.”

You nudged him. “You’re a flirt.”

You could feel him smirk against you as he pressed a kiss to your forehead. “Well, is it working?”

“A little.”

Taglist: @thelaundrybitch, @turtle-babe83, @dilucsflame33, @happymoonangel

[kumeko]

A/N: For the Grandeur @camillafezine! Between the 3 routes and FeH, there are so many what-ifs for Camilla that I had to explore them all. And lots of obligatory Nohr Sibling angst/fluff.

…

…

…

…

In another life, Camilla becomes a queen. A temporary one, perhaps, one that is only a stand-in, but a queen nonetheless. Xander lies ill in his chambers, a terrible wound on his chest incapacitating him. Their father is dead, the war is over, and Nohr is looking for a leader.

Camilla had never wanted to be that leader. Not even at the height of battle between mistresses, the jockeying of children as each of the king’s consorts vied for favour. Yet the duty falls on her nonetheless, as heavy as the robes on her back. She stares at her reflection in the mirror and finds a stranger looking back. The ermine-trimmed cloak, the sleek armour, none of it resembles her usual battle-attire in the least.

“This doesn’t look right,” she mutters under her breath. Long sleeves hide all but her hands, and she feels vulnerable without her trusty axe by her side. It feels even odder to just wait in this side-chamber, away from her family. Camilla’s coronation is in an hour, all the preparation is in place, and her younger siblings are no doubt rushing about, making sure nothing is forgotten.

Or perhaps it is just Leo who is rushing about—Elise and Corrin are no doubt tending to Xander, confident their perfectionist brother has it all under control. She should be out there with them, not hidden away until she’s called.

“What doesn’t?” Selena asks, reminding Camilla once more that she isn’t entirely alone. Resting a hand on her hip, the red-haired retainer scowls. “Did they apply the make-up too heavily? I told you I can do a better job than them.”

Camilla chuckles. At least this feels normal. She turns to where Selena stands, guarding the window. The grumpy pout is absolutely adorable and she feels her tension slip away. “I’ll keep that in mind next time, darling.”

“You better,” Selena huffs. From the corner of her eye, she studies Camilla before reluctantly admitting, “It’s not terrible.”

At the door, Beruka grunts and averts her gaze. “You look good.”

As rare as it is for the assassin to stand openly, it’s even rarer still to hear a compliment. Their shyness is even cuter than their sulking. Camilla wants nothing more than to pull them both into her arms and squeeze them, but it is almost time to go.

“I am glad you both approve,” Camilla replies, smiling brightly at both of them. Leo once told her she had no restraint; if only he could see her now. She cups her cheek and sighs. “If only you both wore dresses too.”

Beruka shudders immediately. Her reply is curt, as sharp as the blade she wields. “Assassins don’t wear dresses.”

There is nothing in that response about Beruka hating the idea. Camilla saves that information for later.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Selena hunches over and moans, “I would have, but I can’t do guard duty like that.” After a moment, as though realizing the implications, she straightens up and adds, “Not that I don’t want this duty.”

“Oh?” Camilla taps her chin, her long nails lightly scratching her skin. Perhaps she should look into battle dresses. They could be made in time for Xander’s coronation.

A shiver runs down her spine, a doubt entering her mind, but Camilla refuses to entertain it. Xander will recover. He will be crowned. He will be fine. If she thinks otherwise, she knows she’ll crumble.

Outside, she can hear nobles entering the grand cathedral, chittering like the crows and harpies they are. Most of them do not want her in this position: Leo is the second favourite after Xander, even more so for the flexibility they perceive in him. Elise is an easily manipulated choice and Corrin doesn’t exist in their eyes. Camilla is known for her blood thirst and beauty, and she has heard enough rumours about the madness they fear from her. No, it is the men the nobles look to.

It’ll be satisfying to see their faces when she steps out.

There’s a knock on the door. Camila swallows inconspicuously. “It’s time.”

Beruka nods and opens the door before slipping through it to secure their exit. Meanwhile, Selena stalks over. “One second.”

Camilla holds still, watching in curiosity as Selena readjusts her cloak and the sash across her chest. Her fingers are meticulous and battle-scarred. Not for the first time, Camilla wonders just what sort of life her retainer has led.

Just what sort of life she’ll return to, if given the chance.

Camilla isn’t certain she’s ready to say goodbye yet. She wasn’t before the war and she definitely isn’t now, in the midst of an uneasy peace. “You’ll tell me when you’ll leave, right?”

“Of course, I promised.” Selena pouts as she brushes imaginary dust from Camilla’s shoulders. “You don’t believe me?”

“I do.” Camilla smiles softly, squeezing Selena’s shoulder with a gloved hand.

“Good.” Selena grins unabashedly, surprisingly honest for once. “Though, I really hope I won’t have to go for a while. I want to see your reign myself.”

“You do?” Camilla stares at her retainer, surprised. “Why?”

“Yeah, I…” Catching herself, Selena flushes a bright red and averts her gaze. “That is…I…you’ll make a good queen.”

And then, she all but runs out of the room.

A good queen. Camilla isn’t sure she has it in her. If she ever had it in the first place. Still, there’s at least one person who thinks otherwise.

Camilla glances at the mirror again. She was not raised for this duty but she will master it all the same. She will keep her family together, her country in one piece.

In another lifetime, Camilla’s reflection stands a little straighter, ready for the weight of the crown.

-x-

In another life, Camilla abandons her duty. She takes the crown, as cool as her brother’s corpse, and drops it immediately. It is not a weight she wants to bear. It is not a weight she can bear.

Her body’s already crushed from the grief of losing both Xander and Elise in a single night. No longer does laughter ring in the hallways, no longer does lamp light spill out of the study at late hours. Her family shrinks until it is three, and then two.

The weight of hatred is just as heavy as grief and is no less binding.

The only light she has is Leo—King Leo, now, and Camilla clings to his hand like she’s drowning. The crown looks too big on his head, the robe still needs adjusting, and for a moment, all she can see is a child playing dress up.

“Xander would be proud,” Camilla murmurs, gently brushing his hair out of his face. “You’ve grown so much these past few weeks.”

To his credit, he doesn’t flinch, though a flicker of pain flashes across his face. Leo clenches his jaw. “I would rather he be here than me. This…this wasn’t how I wanted to beat him.”

This isn’t how Camilla wanted to overthrow her father either. If she had stepped in earlier, if she had done something before it got to this point, would things have been different? When would that have been? When Xander faced Corrin? When Elise left to bring Corrin into the castle? Or earlier still, when Corrin abandoned them for Hoshido, when her father ordered Corrin’s punishment, when her father first started to veer into darkness?

It is too late for what-ifs.

She is still full of them.

Her vision grows blurry and Camilla blinks quickly as she tries to keep her composure. She is tired of lying in bed, her days and nights blurring into the colour grey. Even if it is only for today, she wants to be herself again. She wants to be there, in the present.

Leo touches her hand lightly. When she looks at him, he gives her a small smile and taps his collar. “It’s not inside out today.”

She stares at him. To think, he’s consoling her now. Just when had he grown so mature? Camilla forces a smile as she straightens his robe. “I guess you don’t need my help anymore.”

“I do.” Leo clasps her hands immediately. His eyes are serious, even though his ears are red with embarrassment. “I always do. Now, more than ever.”

For a moment, Camilla’s reminded of a conversation they had months ago, when Leo quietly admitted he wished she’d dote on him more.

And now, he will be the only one she’ll ever dote on.

“I’ll be here,” she promises, her smile more genuine now. A bittersweet warmth fills her. Camilla leans forward, pressing a kiss on his cheek. “I’m always here for my darlings.”

Pensively, Leo asks, “What about…Corrin?”

“No.” Camilla immediately rejects the notion, the idea. She steps backward, her hands cold as they fall limply to her side. At one point, that name had meant everything to her. At one point, she couldn’t go an hour without thinking of their younger sister.

Now it’s enough to send her stomach churning, bile rising up her throat.

And Leo, the boy who taunted Corrin, the boy who teased her, is the man now protecting her. “She didn’t intend—”

“I don’t—I can’t…” Words fail Camilla and she covers her lips with a hand. Forcing herself to breath in through her nose and slowly out her mouth, she makes herself calm down. “I just…”

“I shouldn’t have asked.” Gently, Leo embraces her, his hands patting her back. Before, he had never been one for affectionate gestures. Now, she finds herself on the receiving end more than the giving. His hand had clasped hers while she wasted away on her bed, depression eating away at her core.

“No, it’s…” Camilla buries her face in his cloak, the ermine trim tickling her skin. “It was cute how you used to hold grudges over everything.”

“I still do,” Leo replies, his hand still patting her back. He’s taller, his shoulders broader, and she isn’t sure if she just never noticed or if his new duties gave him a growth spurt. “Odin ruined my favourite cloak yesterday, and he’s still making up for it.”

Camilla chuckles wetly. “Try not to be too hard on him. He’s cuter when he makes mistakes.”

“I don’t think he can be cured.” Leo sighs. His voice quiets. “I just don’t want anymore hate. Especially with Corrin. It’s not forgiveness just…I’m tired of fighting.”

 It sounds like forgiveness. Camilla wishes she had the strength. Corrin’s eyes were full of heartbreak when she’d apologized for Xander’s and Elise’s deaths. Somewhere in Hoshido, she must be crying too.

Somewhere in Hoshido, her other family is comforting her.

Camilla has never thought of herself as a bitter person, but it fills her all the same now. Leo’s warm in her arms, but all she can think about are the two people missing from this hug, the four arms that should be wrapped around them now.

“Even then,” Camilla murmurs. “I just can’t.”

-x-

In another life, Camilla attends a royal funeral in Hoshido. She watches two sisters mourn over their brothers, their grief shattering the younger one. Corrin mourns too, for the family she never knew, for Hoshido’s late queen caught up in their father’s schemes, for the life that she had lost.

In another life, Camilla watches the tears of strangers with a twinge of sympathy, but no regrets. Her family survives and that is all that matters.

-x-

In another life, Corrin lets go of her Nohrian family. She reaches for her long lost Hoshido brother, never looking back as they sweep her away into parts unknown.

In another life, Camilla’s heart breaks and then hardens. She had long known that Corrin’s place had never been in Nohr, that she was meant for something different, something special. It was easy enough to see with how their father treated her, this lost princess that neither Xander nor her could determine the origins of. Their father called her daughter, and they accepted it as fact.

And now, they are paying the price for their ignorance.

There is rage in her, like fire, like lightning, like the claws and teeth of her wyvern. Camilla has never known what is to hate, truly, until this moment. Not even when her mother pitted her against her siblings, not even when her father requested darker and darker missions of her, had she ever felt a hate like this.

“I want to come too,” Elise says, clutching her staff as she stands in the middle of Camilla’s room. To her credit, she doesn’t let her voice tremble. While she is the youngest of the siblings, she’s an adult nonetheless, one raised and ready for war.

Camilla has never felt a fear like this. It grips her heart with icy claws. Corrin is gone. War leads to death. And for all of Elise’s strength, she is not a fighter. There is no hesitation as she says, “No.”

Elise stiffens, expecting the response. She sets her jaw, her hands gripping her staff tighter. “Why not? I can fight too!”

“It’s too dangerous, dearest,” Camilla replies easily. It is not a lie. It is not the truth. She reaches down and strokes Elise’s soft hair. Her sister’s black ribbons were a birthday present three years ago, her dress last year’s, and Camilla can only see the tiny baby she vowed to protect.

Her sister pouts childishly up, her cheeks still chubby with baby fat. “That’s why I have to be there! I can protect everyone. I can even heal!”

The stubborn streak runs deep in their family. Camilla keeps her smile. “I’m sorry, Elise, but I can’t let you go to the front lines. You understand, I hope?”

There’s a grumpy exhale as Elise averts her gaze. After mulling over it for a moment, she brightens and chirps, “Then what about the medical tent?”

It’s a reasonable suggestion. A good one, even. Camilla discards it all the same. “No, dear. You have to stay here.”

“But why?” Elise grabs her hand tightly, confused. “I can help!”

“I…” Camilla cups Elise’s cheek, brushing her thumb across her baby soft cheeks. There is a hole in her chest, a black void that she doesn’t want to grow any bigger. Corrin escaped her arms, but she refuses to let anyone else do so. And if she has to clip a few wings, then that’s what she’ll do.  

Camilla wraps her arms around her younger sister, pulling her in for a tight hug. “Please. Just for today. I’m worried.”

“Sis…” Elise sighs before hugging her back. “Finneee. I’ll stay. But next time, I’m fighting right next to you.” She looks up, determined. “I can protect you too.”

“Next time,” Camilla agrees. Camilla lies. She’ll have to find another excuse. Her gilded cage cannot open again. Part of her wonders if she can get a fine, gold chain made, if she can slip it around Elise’s ankles so she doesn’t sneak into the slums like she’s prone to do.

-x-

In another life, Camilla takes Azura’s hand. As a child, she knows intimately of loneliness, of alienation, of all the feelings one has while watching from afar. No one notices or acknowledges Azura, whether it’s their father, their siblings, or the competing consorts. Maybe they see competition. Maybe they see a weak girl, one easy to disappear.

Camilla sees a friend. She takes Azura’s hand and clasps it tight.

When tragedy strikes, when Hoshido and Nohr take up arms and hostages are kidnapped, Camilla is taken with Azura. Even in danger, Camilla refuses to let go of her people. Though she doesn’t know how to wield her axe yet, she still has her strength and loyalty.

The Hoshidan queen and chief tactician hardly know what to do with not one, but two Nohrian princesses. The whole thing is a mistake, but Nohr will not return Corrin and so Hoshido cannot give up their hostages. The games royalty plays are the same regardless of what side of the border they’re on. Nobles of all stripes only care for how they can use the two girls and how to torment them otherwise.

The children, however, are different, and in them Camilla sees a glimpse of what her family could have been. There is no contest for the throne, no pitting of heirs in a battle of the fittest. Instead, the siblings work together. Instead, despite their loss, Sakura reaches out with shaky hands, Ryoma gives a firm hug, and Hinoka a begrudging smile. Only Takumi glares and ignores them, but Camilla finds that adorable anyways.

In this life, Azura doesn’t know loneliness. Camilla refuses to let her. The walls she keeps up between herself and the Hoshidan royals shatter with a single swing of Camilla’s mighty will.  Years pass and memories of Nohr are replaced with green grass, clean air, and sun-like warmth.

Now an adult, Camilla stays still as she watches Azura tug her kimono, trying and failing to cover her ample cleavage. With a soft sigh, Azura reluctantly gives up and steps back. “I am afraid I cannot adjust it any further. It’s not…”

Azura trails off meaningfully and Camilla chuckles. Her bust is not made for an outfit like this. Neither are the rest of her curves and that is why Takumi always looks away, scandalized, or Ryoma offers her his heavy cloak whenever they make formal appearances.

“I like to think of it as a new style,” Camilla says cheerfully, twirling around. Her kimono loosens even more with the movement. Ignoring Azura’s soft groan, she reaches onto their bedroom dresser and picks up a gold earring. “Your dress looks lovely, darling. You just need this to finish it properly.”

Azura shakes her head, mirth filling her voice. “You never tire of dressing me up.”

“Of course not.” Camilla beams brightly. “I love pampering those I love. And you deserve it.”

“So do you.” A familiar shadow crosses Azura’s face and she bites her lip. “You should be in Nohr, with your siblings.” She rubs her wrist anxiously. “Your youngest sister doesn’t even know your face.”

“She does not know yours either,” Camilla replies softly. It is just like Azura to forget herself.

“That’s fine.” Azura shakes her head. “You weren’t even the target of the kidnapping, and they…they didn’t know me regardless.”

They had argued this before. They will argue this in the future. Camilla grabs Azura’s hands, clasping them tightly in her own. “I couldn’t, wouldn’t, let you go alone. I don’t regret it.”

Azura stares at her in disbelief. “Don’t you miss your siblings?”

“Every day. Every minute. And one day, I will return to see them.” Camilla intertwines their fingers. “But I love my new family too.”

Azura gnaws her lip. “But—”

“No buts,” Camilla interrupts, settling the matter once and for all. “I am quite happy with my life. Aren’t you?”

There’s a soft sigh and Azura hangs her head. Quietly, she admits, “Happier than I was there.”

It’s a sad truth. Camilla holds out the earring. “It’s only here I see your smile. So please don’t talk like that, dear.”

In another life, Camilla doesn’t know Corrin. She barely knows Elise. But she does know Sakura, Hinoka, Ryoma, Takumi, and Azura. She knows a mother’s warmth and a kind home and she is all the richer for it.

-x-

In another life, Camilla comforts a grieving, distraught Corrin after Azura’s disappearance. They fought a war together and still Camilla does not think much of the blue-haired girl, not even enough to feel a small pang of what could have been.

In another life, Azura is remembered as a traitor by the Hoshidans, a nobody to the Nohrians, and it is only Corrin who grieves the loss.

-x-

In another life, Camilla and Xander do not hesitate. They are loyal to the bone, their family the most important part of their life. Despite the cruelty their father teaches and their mothers practice, the Nohrian prince and princess are shaped by their love for their siblings. And it is out of that love that they turn their blades on their father, cutting him down before all that’s left of the warm man they once knew are memories of a tyrant.

Elise and Leo are asleep in their rooms, unaware of the treachery underfoot tonight. The guards turn a blind eye, lulled by the promise of a better tomorrow, a better Nohr. Inside the expansive throne room, Camilla sets down her bloody axe with a dull thud. She leans on it, panting.

Nearby, in the very center of the room, lies their father’s broken, cooling body. Xander stands in front of it, staring. There should be tears neither of them are shedding. Perhaps it’s the shock.

“It’s done,” she finally says, breaking the silence.

“So it is,” Xander agrees, not looking at her. His posture is abnormally stiff. Camilla knows who he is, the distance he’s forced onto himself in order to lower their father’s guard. It was a role they needed while waiting for this moment.

Now the moment is gone and there is no longer any need for the ‘cold princeling’. Camilla forces her weary limbs into an awkward shuffle. When she reaches her brother, she pulls him close until their foreheads’ touch. She doesn’t have to see his eyes to know the guilt within. “This was the right thing.”

He’s still looking at their father’s body. His reply is textbook perfect. “That doesn’t mean it was right.”

“That distinction only matters to you,” Camilla replies evenly, weaving her hand through his hair and massaging his scalp. It works; he relaxes at her soothing touch. Smiling, she adds, “And that is why you will make a great king, dear.”

“Father—Garron was one.” Xander trembles, tiny earthquakes revealing the heart of his problem. “Who’s to say I will not end up the same?”

“I do, darling.” Camilla pulls back and squeezes his shoulder. “I’ll keep an eye on you.”

He doesn’t look convinced. “Will that be enough?”

“You doubt my strength?” Camilla raises a brow.

Xander flinches. “No, that wasn’t—”

“Besides, Leo will also be there. He has to chase you adorably, after all. And Elise will keep your heart safe. And Corrin—” Camilla cuts herself off, recalling the newest member of their family.

“Corrin…” Xander’s expression darkens, remembering how Garron had presented her to court after her kidnapping. “She shouldn’t be here in the first place.”

It’s true. Camilla doesn’t like it nonetheless. Something dark, possessive curls up within her. She doesn’t like that either; it’s something Garron would feel. Maybe she’s the one who takes after him, his tendencies waiting within her to spring out.

His blood is cooling on her hands. She doesn’t need to learn another lesson on obsession.

“We’ll send her home,” Xander decides. “An exchange of hostages.”

Briefly, Camilla remembers the blue-haired princess. Asura? Ashura? Another addition to the family either way. If only she could keep both girls in Nohr. “Do you think they’ll agree?”

Xander hesitates before nodding. “I believe it was just Garron who was stalling the peace talks.”

“I see.” Camilla reaches down, picking the blood-splattered crown off the ground. She rubs it with a sleeve, wiping it clean. In the flickering torch light, it gleams red.

“We’ll make things right. Here first, and then abroad.” Xander smiles wanly before ducking his head slightly at her silent request.

The crown slips onto his head too easily. “I know you will, dear.”

If there is anyone who can uphold such a lofty promise, it’s him.

-x-

In another life, Garron lives and Nohr wins the war. Camilla knows only of blood, of pain, and how to inflict it on others. To her regret, it’s a lesson Elise, Leo, and Corrin have now learned too. Villages burn, people die, and whether it is loyalty or fear, none of them are able to turn on their father and stop him.

Camilla tries not to think of how long it’s been since she’s seen anyone smile.

-x-

In another life, there is peace. Nohr and Hoshido do not fight. Garron died by Corrin’s hands; there could not be peace otherwise, their father too far gone to return to the kind man from their memories. Camilla doesn’t mind. She can’t mourn someone who they’d lost long before he’d breathed his last.

Corrin spends her days flitting between her families, between Nohr, Hoshido, and a lost kingdom of her own. A lost power of her own. A family of her own.

Yet, still she comes when they call. Today, that call is at the beach. Xander is holding Elise’s hands as he tries to teach her how to swim, while Leo hides under an umbrella with his book. It won’t protect him for long but it’s cute that he tries.

Camilla stands at a distance, watching them all. Even now, in this time of quiet and serenity, a single fear runs down her back. Something could shatter it. It might even be herself; despite all reassurances that they’re safe, Camilla finds it impossible to let go of her family.

Sometimes, she fears her love is too much, too great. That her parents’ darkness is her own.

“What are you doing here? Is something wrong?” Corrin asks, stepping onto the hot sand next to her. From the corner of her eye, Camilla spots Jakob running over with an umbrella. Sometimes it feels like she shares the same mind with Corrin’s loyal retainer.

“Nothing, dearest.” Camilla smiles as she pats her sister’s hair. “I wish I could have a painting of this. Maybe next time.”

“Then we’d have to stay still for hours. Elise would complain.” Corrin chuckles, dismissing the idea. “We’re supposed to have fun at the beach, not in a painting.”

“That’s true.” Camilla wonders how long they’ll be able to do this, how long it’ll be before Xander’s and Corrin’s duties keep them further and further away. “How long will you stay?”

“I’d like to say as long as I want but…” Corrin grimaces, her expression gaunt. It’s the same expression Elise has when she looks at her studies. “Well, I can’t run away for too long, but hopefully a few days. I don’t want to go back to that fortress, but things were a lot simpler then.”

Sometimes, Camila wishes the same. There was no need to share Corrin, back then. Elise still didn’t know the darkest truths of their kingdom. “If you need help, just let me know.”

“That’s just what Xander and Ryoma told me too.” Corrin laughs as she squeezes Camilla’s hand. “You let me know too, okay? We’re family, after all. You don’t have to shoulder things by yourself anymore, you can share it with us.”

It’s a truth Camilla knows already, but it sounds more real when Corrin says it. “We are family.”

“Of course.” Corrin leans her head against Camilla’s arm. “Always.”

Always. Camilla likes the ring of that.

In another life, Camilla is happy.

[fancyfeathers]

Society of Protection (Yandere Bungo Stray Dogs x reader x original characters) (normalized yandere au)

Chapter Twenty

Dangerous Dance

Prologue and oc intro

Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter four

Chapter five

Chapter six

Chapter seven, part one

Chapter seven, part two

Chapter eight

Chapter nine

Chapter ten

Chapter eleven

Chapter twelve

Chapter thirteen

Chapter fourteen

Chapter fifteen

Chapter sixteen

Chapter seventeen

Chapter eighteen

Chapter nineteen

The day of the charity ball has come at last, you had been supplied a dress from Miss Jane’s old closet which she did say was open to you. Emma and the doctor had helped you pick it out along with Emma helping with small alterations to it for you. Now you are walking through the hallway filled with doors to society members apartments, some doors open and people coming in and out, Alexandre needing help tying his tie, Henrik helping Lewis put on his mask, and so on. You had just finished your hair and makeup and were dressed in a long white dressing robe, it felt like something a victorian lady would have worn, the society truly spares no expense. As you neared the end of the hallway you saw the door to Leo’s room wide open, you peaked in and sawLeo sitting on one of the couches, book in hand, across from him sat that boy, Karma, the one Leo and Gaston had saved.

“Leo?” You called out from the hallway, catching the Russian’s attention. He turned to look at you before setting his book down and walking over to you, standing in the doorway. You noticed he wasn’t getting dressed for the ball, just a simple white button up and black pants. “Aren’t you going to get ready?”

“I am afraid not.” He gave a slight laugh with a bit of an awkward smile coming across his face. “I am going to be staying here, I feel rather uncomfortable leaving Karma alone with Fyodor running around the city somewhere.”

“I see.” You glanced over to that young man sitting on the couch, he seemed caught in his own mind. You truly did not know much about Karma besides his name and where he came from, he did not talk much to anyone besides Leo, Gaston, and Dr. Stevenson. “Will he be alright? He seems so scared all the time.”

“He should be in due time. He’s been working with Dr. Stevenson with digesting what happened, both mentally and physically.” Leo paused before shaking his head with a small chuckle under his breath. “But you shouldn’t be worrying about that much at the moment, go get ready. I’ll see you when you return, my dear.”

“Goodbye Leo.” You briskly answered with a thin smile coming onto your face at the nickname. You turned away from the Russian and continued down to Emma’s and William’s apartment to retrieve your dress that Emma had adjusted for you. Like most other doors right now theirs was open, and when you peaked inside you saw Emma helping William tie his tie and Dr. Stevenson sitting on a couch, a cup of tea in hand. 

Each of them was dressed absolutely beautifully, Emma dressed in a long red and maroon gown, a corseted bodice with golden details and long sleeves that flowed down to the floor, a halo like crown on her head, and you could only guess that her mask would be just as dramatic. William wore a a blue suit, with frills at the collar and at the end of the sleeves, over it he wore a formal military style jacket, tied over his shoulder with a silver rope that matched the decals on his outfit. Lastly the doctor was dressed in something you would have never expected, a long mermaid style dress, red, with lace that curved up her body that gave the illusion that if something slipped it might reveal something that one may or may not want to see. 

“Oh (Name), come in, come in.” The baroness said, waving you in as soon as she noticed you and finished with her husband’s tie. She then looked at William, kissing him on the cheek before shoeing him out. “Now you, out, out, I have to help (Name) get in her dress.”

There was laughter from the couple as you stepped into the apartment and Emma closed the door after William. She grabbed you hand and lead you over to a wooden dressing screen that had your dress hanging from it. The baroness waved you over to it. “Go on.”

You slipped behind the cover, and you undid the tie to your robe, leaving you in your undergarments. You then grabbed the dress, taking it from the hanger and pulling it over your body, it was a long white gown, an outer corset that was for more for show than functions puffy sleeves and a lacy collar. You stepped out once you were clothed, turning so the baroness could lace up the back of the dress. You felt her brush your hair away, her finger grazing your collarbone and neck ever so slightly. You could feel the first pull of lace and her words rang in your head. “Now a woman with a dress is a frightening and powerful thing. You are not a child when you're draped in gold and lace.”

You felt yourself grow slightly embarrassed at her word, not knowing what to say. You felt her hands lean over to take yours and lean you over to the full length mirror that had been set out and you saw yourself. You felt beautiful. You felt important. She was right, a with in a dress is a powerful thing. You could see the Baroness in the mirror behind you, adjusting your hair from where she moved it. “You are such a lovely thing. Oh, where have you been? It's such a shame to bury pearls in the country, so charming.”

You saw the doctor in the mirror behind the two of you, nodding at the noblewoman’s words. You smiled before your hands unfolded and let go of the other and went to to relax at your side as you turned around and looking over your shoulder to get a better look at yourself. You looked like a character from a fairytale book, like a princess.

You hummed with a smile, looking over at the two other woman in the room who were admiring you. “I should finish getting ready, I’ll see you in a while-“

“One last thing.” The doctor said, standing up from where she sat and set her cup of tea on the table. She walked over to you and reached over grabbing you by the waist abruptly. You felt yourself grown flustered as the doctor reached where the corset met the skirt and- pulled out a knife, hidden in the boning of the corset. Now you felt yourself grow embarrassed at your flustering as she slipped it back into the corset. “A hidden compartment, my idea. Given our line of work and what you’ll be doing it may be smart to have this. Now run along now.”

You nodded in your embarrassment state before scurrying out of the apartment and made your way back to your own. On the way you saw Gaston’s door open and you saw him adjusting his mask in the mirror in his front entryway. His outfit was exactly what you would except, something very theatrical, the mask of red death. A red Victorian style suit, along with a long scarlet cape and and a skull mask on his upper face, and unlike his normal hair style or fluff and curls, his hair was slicked back. Without looking at you he spoke, a teasing tone creeping in his voice. “I’m a traditional person, and I refuse to see without your mask, do run along if you’re not wearing it. I will see your full face at midnight.”

You smile before continuing on and you would hear the soft laughter from the composer behind you as you walked off. You return back to your room in Miss Jane’s old apartment and sit down at the dresser and you took the two black cases from Victor and opened them revealing the jewelry he had gotten you all that time ago, a gold necklace with diamonds and opals planted into it, along with it is a matching set of earrings, and lastly a tiara made with the same materials but along with that golden butterfly and jeweled flowers. You took your time placing each item on and admiring yourself, the necklace, the earrings, and then the tiara. Then at last you stood up and took the mask that was resting on the dresser, a mask that covers your upper face, gold and pink stripes, golden lace, and a pink fake flowers on the corner. You took the ribbon and tied it around your head, making sure it was secure before looking yourself over in the mirror before setting out into the hallway, ready for the night to begin. 

—————————

You stood off at the edge of the ballroom at the hotel, this may be a business related event but the society certainly knows how to show off. Not a single expense was spared, flowers, long golden ribbons of fabric, and candles, hung all around the room. The hall way filled with music from a small orchestra band, people who actually worked at the Paris Opera House with Gaston. You hand helped yourself to a glass of champagne that was being handed out by the servers all around the room along with small pastries, a preference of many the society members you’ve noticed. Along with all that the guests, you saw so many, some famous, some rich, and other close friends and allies. Some of these faces were recognizable like the friendly and familiar face of Mr. Tonan, or the head of the police department of the city who wore his uniform. Others were not so recognizable, like you couldn’t spot Mr. Tonan’s unsettling assistant nor the Hunting Dogs, but seeing as Jouno snuck into the headquarters of the Society without being noticed he could be anywhere and you wouldn’t notice.

“Lovely, is it not?” You heard a voice speak from beside you, you turn you head to see a masked William, standing at your side. “Emma did a lovely job planning this evening.”

“Yes, it is.” You answered, continuing to look around the room before your eyes landed on the doctor talking to an older bald man and a younger man around your age with black hair and glasses and a beauty mark on his lower face, they clearly are business rather that fitting with the aesthetics of the evening. 

“William, who are they?” You asked, pointing over to them with the hand that held your champagne to make it look less noticeable. William glanced over and hummed and his eyes narrowed slightly.

“Those are member of the Special Division for Unusual Powers, Santōka Taneda and Ango Sakaguchi, respectively. They sort of monitor people like us, Armed Detective Agency, and the Port Mafia. They don’t tend to favor us much given our social views.” William answered, his eyes still focused on them. “Victor ticked them off a few months ago during the fog incident apparently so they have been pressing very hard on us these last few months. The doctor likely had them invited to help smooth things over.”

“Do you think it will work?” You question again, looking back over at the group.

“No way in hell, they are searching for any bit of dirt on us right now. A lot of government officials are viewing us a disruption to the “social order” of the city., including them.” William spoke with a scoff and with venom when he said the words “social order”, referring to the normalized behavior of relationships in the world. He grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server, offering them a smile and a small thank you. “Personally I think if they could they would hand us over to god knows who. I heard from Gaston that they were relieved when Miss Jane handed herself over to Fitzgerald, shows where their morals lay. They were afraid of Miss Jane, she is a powerful woman, not just with her ability but with her connections.”

“So what I’m hearing is avoid them at all costs?” You asked before taking a sip of your own drink, which William nodded to.

“Exactly, specifically for you that Ango. From what I hear you two have the same if not similar abilities, his just more refined.” William pointed again to the black haired man with the beauty mark. “He’s someone who’s would be able to read you like a book without a thought.”

“So you’re saying he’s better than me.” You said briefly and a looking of non serious panic came on his face. 

“No, no, no, I did not say that-“

“Mmm, sounds like you did.”

“(Name)…”

You then scanned over the ballroom again before noticing Gaston talking to a blond man, again not dressed to the occasion, it actually did not seem that he belonged here. He wore orange sunglasses and a long tan coat and a cap covering his head. You didn’t recognize him. “William, and who is that?”

William’s eyes focused on the man again before giving a very simple answer. “Another man we all need to avoid, Yukito Ayatsuji. Him and Miss Jane have a bit of a history.”

“Then why is he here? Uninvited?”

“No I’m guessing the Special Division brought him, so that’s where Gaston comes into play.” William said as he raised his wrist to check the time. “They want to catch us in the act of getting Miss Jane back, so while Gaston talks to him and distracts him, we can just slip away.”

“How much longer till the auction?” You asked, trying to peer over at his watch.

“Two hours, the night is still young.” You heard as William patted your shoulder. “Now I am going to go find my wife, I’ll find you when it’s time.”

You watched William walk off into the crowd to find Emma. Then not a moment later you felt a hand come to rest atop your should where William’s was. You spun around to see the all to familiar face of Jouno of the Hunting Dogs, dressed in his uniform albeit a nicer more formal version.

“Miss Jane, hm?”

“Jouno, please don’t get involved with this.” You asked, doing your best not to make a scene with the Hunting Dog next to you, not to mention all the people in the room. “Nothing we’re doing tonight is technically illegal.”

“That is true, but we’ll see how true that stays.” He said, his face never facing away from yours. “I can only imagine if something goes down hill, having to shoot or stab someone, or if your abilities come into play. You don’t have your gifted business permit yet so that means if you or your friend use your abilities in such a public place and let alone against somebody you’ll completely shatter the society and then you’ll be placed in whatever government custody they choose.”

You felt your heart beat stop at Jouno’s words, but this only lasted a moment before Jouno yelped in pain as he had done in the hospital. You looked over his shoulder and saw the familiar and a tad more welcome face of Tecchou. 

“Knock it off, you’re scaring her.” You watched as Tecchou sheath his sword before walking over to you and bowing. “I am so sorry for my co worker’s behavior, ma’am.”

Did Tecchou not recognize you? But then how did Jouno recognize you… then you remembered Jouno’s memory is based on hearing, smell, and touch, not sight. So Tecchou couldn’t recognize you… you could use this.

“It’s alright, sir.” You replied, putting on your best meek tone. “I just got so scared, I had no idea what he was on about.”

You watched as a look through f shock come across Jouno’s face at your clear lie but Tecchou just continued, completely oblivious to the situation.

“I apologize, do enjoy the rest of your evening.” Tecchou replied as you walked off, leaving Jouno who was trying to explain the situation to Tecchou but of course Tecchou does not believe him. Meanwhile you ran off to find your other society members. You mingle with guest and friends, meeting people you would never get to meet without the society. As you are getting a drink from one of the waitstaff you hear…

“Miss (Name).” You turn to see Dr. Stevenson walking over to you, accompanied by that black haired man from earlier, Ango. In your mind your mind rings those words…

“So what I’m hearing is avoid them at all costs?”

So much for avoidance…

[citruswriter]

Got room for two more?

Chapter Seven - Girls Night!

A Bale AU Fic

Listen with me! ↠ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉ��ᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

Warnings: Tcest (you have been warned!), Character x OC, polyamory, sistercest (you have been double warned!), eating out, voyeurism, masturbation, wlw sex, threesome, fingering.

A/N: And I'm back baby! >:D Time for some girl time. 💋

April rubbed her temples as she watched Leo and Raph fight once more that day. "Men". Was all Stellara said as she came up beside April, cup of tea in hand. April couldn't help but give a laugh as she clinked her glass of coffee to hers. "Men". She said in agreement.

"Are they always like this?" Stellara asked quietly as Raph attempted to beat his brother's ass. April scoffed and rolled her eyes before giving a laugh. "Almost always. Today it's just particularly worse. It's what happens when they've been in the lair for too long". April grumbled, taking another sip of her coffee.

Chiyo came up beside the others, Caprisun in hand as she watched the two brothers fight once more. "We could always get em out..." Chiyo said in thought. April scoffed in response. "Trust me. There is no getting them out short of Splinter wrangling them all in the turtle tank and forcing them out into the woods". Chiyo and Stellara glanced at each other mischievously. Before slinking off.

"Master Splinter!" Stellara called out, nearly making the old rat jump out of his fur with fright. "I do apologize for disturbing you but the boys just seem so restless. We were wondering if maybe you'd be up for taking them out for the night? A night away from the stuffy lair might do them some good." Splinter narrowed his eyes at the girl but jumped once more as the other kitsune appeared beside him. "In return, I'm sure I could get my hands on some... kitsune pearl tea". Chiyo said enticingly, a sparkle in her eye.

Splinter seemed to perk up at those words. "Deal!" He said with a hearty laugh before running off to scream at the boys and drag them to the turtle tank. All the girls could do was giggle as the boys glared menacingly at them. Kisses were blown, winks were thrown, regrets were not found.

━━━━━━♡🩵♡━━━━━━

"Ugh. Finally! I don't think the lair's been this quiet in literal years". April said with a giggle, thumb scrolling on her phone as the girls decided what kind of take out they wanted to get. "Should we get pizza?" April finally asked and Stellara scrunched her nose. "Absolutely not. As much as I love the boys, if I have to eat pizza one more time, I might puke". She admitted.

"Oh you love them huh?" Chiyo asked, tone teasing. Stellara immediately blossomed a bright red, causing the older twin to laugh up a storm. "Look at that. So easy to fluster". She said, nudging April. Stellara whined softly, hiding her face in a pillow. April laughed softly before slipping her hand under her jaw. "You say that as if you're any less easy". She teased.

Chiyo's cheeks dusted pink but the woman grinned at her, fangs showing. April barely had time to blink before her back was on the floor. "That only works for you if I've already been but in a submissive state of mind, Prillie". The woman purred back.

April squeaked and Stellara peered at the two women, crawling closer until she was close to April's face. She laid on her stomach, propping herself on her forearms as she smiled softly. "Don't you just look cute all flustered". Stellara commented. April gawked up at the white haired woman in shock, not expecting the typically shy girl's sudden teasing.

"You know, I thought you'd be on my side in this whole dilemma." April said with a light hearted glare and Stellara smiled softly and shrugged. "Sorry. I'm a sissy's girl". She said matter of factly. Chiyo hummed in response, ducking her head to nuzzle her sister behind her ear. Stellara responded by lifting to kiss Chiyo. The two sisters soon fell into a slow make out session.

April just watched the two girls from where she lay. She squeaked when she felt Chiyo shift, legs squishing her body between the paler girl's thighs. Stellara smirked slightly, biting her sister's lip in an attempt to deepen the kiss. Chiyo growled lightly, tail fluffing up in excitement as she pressed more into the kiss.

April's pupils dilated as she watched the two girls make out, heat pooling in her core as she watched Chiyo grab the younger twin's face in her hand as she held her in place for her. Stellara's ears pinned back, a whine leaving her throat as she pulled herself up to sit on her knees.

"Someone's enjoying the view". Chiyo growled out, smirking into the kiss as she gazed down at April. April felt her face heat up and she pouted. "Wanna feel how easy it is to rile this one up?" Chiyo asked and April immediately nodded, eyes widening softly. Chiyo grabbed her wrist and brought her hand til it was hovering close to Stellara's core.

April swallowed thickly before slipping her hand up Stellara's night slip, fingers gently moving her panties to the side before slipping two fingers in. "She's so wet". April said in amazement as she began to pump her fingers in and out. Stellara moaned out, head tilting back as she panted. "April!" She gasped out, voice high pitched and breathy.

"Oh fuck". April breathed out and Chiyo chuckled. "Look at you, pretty girl, making Prillie a mess for you. How cute". She purred, hand reaching down so her claws could gently scrape against April's throat, causing her to shudder and swallow nervously.

Stellara ground against April's hand, moans getting whinier as she grew closer and closer to her end. "Beg babygirl. Remember your manners". Chiyo chided gently. Stellara's head fell forward as she made eye contact with April. "Please? Please Mommy? Please let me cum. Please, please, please. Please, need it so bad, Mommy". She begged weakly.

April swore under her breath, turned on by the sight of the girl unraveling on her fingers. "You can cum baby. Come on, cum on Mommy's fingers". She cooed, angling her fingers so hit deeper, causing the kitsune to toss her head back once more in pleasure. Stellara's noises got louder and louder until finally she came. April could feel Stellara's walls spasm and she watched in wonder as she saw her body tense up as she gushed around her fingers.

April pulled her fingers back and Chiyo laughed softly, only to yelp when April grabbed her by the jaw, thumb slipping into her mouth as she stared at her dangerously, "Open". Was all she said and Chiyo obeyed, opening her mouth for April. April slid her soaked fingers into her mouth. Chiyo immediately closed her lips, sucking them free, a moan of delight leaving her throat at the taste of her mate.

"Good girl". April purred, her other hand reaching down to tug at one of her ears. Chiyo growled lowly but let the woman continue to dominate her regardless. She pulled her fingers out of the older twin's mouth before reaching those same fingers down to slip into her sweatpants, fingers tracing her clit in a testing manner. Chiyo sucked air in through her teeth before growling once more.

"Stellara," April spoke up, catching the attention of the white haired twin. "Lay down for me dear will you? I wanna sit on your face". She said in a much too casual tone. Stellara felt her face heat up as she moved to lay down. April moved out from under Chiyo, sitting up to pull her sleep shorts and panties off before crawling over to Stellara. She hesitated for a moment. Stellara reached her hands over gently gripping one of her thighs and giving a small nod.

April swung her leg over her head before comfortably settling. Stellara wrapped her arms around her thighs, holding her close as she began to eat her out. Chiyo sat back on her palms, watching with a smirk. "What? Don't wanna cum yourself?" April asked with a grin before moaning softly. Chiyo smirked softly. "Oh I'm sorry. Can't enjoy the view for a moment?" Chiyo asked back, causing April to roll her eyes with a grin.

Stellara held the girl close, tongue circling her clit before she plunged two fingers in. April moaned out, a string of curses leaving her lips. Chiyo watched closely as she slipped her sweatpants and boy shorts off to allow her her own fingers to slip over her wet core. April ground her hips into Stellara's mouth as praises poured out of her mouth.

Eventually April's moans began to become more and more high pitched. Chiyo picked up on this, rubbing her pearl faster to bring herself over the edge with April. "C-Cum with me. Please. Cum with me". April whined out and Chiyo only nodded, moans slipping out despite her biting onto her lip. Stellara locked in, focusing on making the curly haired woman above her tumble over the edge.

It didn't take long for the two girls to reach their peaks, bodies tensing as they finally did only to slowly relax and sigh. April moved off Stellara, giggling softly at the girl's red cheeks. Chiyo pulled her clothes back on before getting up and getting a washcloth from the kitchen. "Baby your face is soaked". Chiyo said with a giggle, wiping her mate's face. Stellara scrunched up her face but giggled regardless.

The three girls took their time cleaning up and getting clothes once more before settling into a cuddle pile to order food. "Kinda craving Chinese". Stellara muttered and the other two girls agreed. Noodles, chicken, egg rolls. All were added to the cart before being bought. Thirty minutes later and the three of them were all cozied up in a pile of blankets and limbs, eating food and watching a show. Life was good.

REALLY shitty ending I know. Please forgive me. 😭 Anyways. I might temporarily close requests? Transfer shtuffs, clear out my ask box, but idk. I'm not sure.

[terrahlee-cup]

Here have another @raphaelesbian

Chapter 8

“I’m in.” This… is going to go sideways isn’t it. What they were doing before was  dangerous, but this is *really* dangerous. If they get caught the brain worms are right there. Not to mention the possibility of one of them freezing because, y’know, ✨trauma✨

“When did ‘they’ stop being him and his brothers?” That would be the trauma they don’t have! :D Your brothers are out of their depth, bud, Karai has a bit of an advantage in being helpful even if she’s being a bad influence at the same time lol.

On one hand I don’t really like him using the tekkō-kagi, but the backup weapon is probably a good idea… this is going to go poorly.

Leo caught him immediately a good sign for how this night’s gonna go! Casey to the rescue once again. Honestly wish he told Casey where he was really going. No-one knowing where he actually is will be a problem if they need to get to him quickly. Fucking hell he left the tracker that’s worse.

“What an idiot.” PLEASE don’t get over-confident you two. Hi Xever? I guess? Not who I expected honestly. Them escaping relatively okay was not expected, but yay!

They fully just decked each other and moved on huh. That fits yeah lol. Also we’re getting to Shinigami nice. I am so ready for these three being absolutely nuts.

Once again Casey is the best. Gonna be messy when Raph’s family finds out what he’s been doing though, hoo boy.

Nine :D

Leo was so worried oh no- he’s going to be so mad when he finds out what actually happened 😭

Ohp there’s the self-deprecating. This kid I swear. Like— should you be lying to your family about what you’re doing? No. Are you an awful person? ALSO NO.

Not the headache as soon as he gets up AUGH THOSE SUCK. 

Shinigami jump-scare! She has arrived. SIMLISH WHEEZE- and she’s been flipped off within five minutes this is going to be great lol.

The back and forth sass increases oh my word these three are so fun. “Edgy-ass name, there was no way she didn’t pick it out herself.” Please-

Aaaaand they’re drawing on the Purple Dragons’ faces they are having way too much fun with this lmao. “Well, not much point in leaving any behind, is there?” Oh they’re going to burn the money aren’t they. Or just the entire building apparently. Nice.

“Man he loved fire.” Of course he does 😆

“I will just have to pick things out for you!” AW THEY’RE ADORABLE. “Please don’t” … “Mm, no, I will.” ADORABLEEEE-

“I live in a sewer.” … “Well, I suppose it could be worse.” *head in hands* Mhm yeah it could.

Chapter 10

“Rafa-tan!” You know how I kept calling them adorable during the last chapter? Well once again: THAT’S ADORABLE

“But you’re just so cute!” SHE GETS IT. I want to dangle test him. Like a cat.

HAHAHA SHINIGAMI WANTS TO DRESS HIM UP YES THIS IS GREAT. Raph don’t even bother trying to stop her it’s not going to work lol.

“What did she think he was, a clown?” I mean… also, if he never gives her ideas I need her to stick him in the brightest fucking outfit possible. 

The friendship bracelets are here!!! But first gotta annoy the big sister lol. Aw he likes it that’s so cute I’m- THEM <3

*gestures vaguely at the fight scene* All of the banter during this. Just yes.

“What, that’s the only reason? I’ve given you so much material, here.” RAPH NO. Also his brothers being so worried is fair, and I can’t exactly say they shouldn’t be? Just not for the reasons they think. The immediate realization of why Shinigami thought his accent was funny nice. That slipping into Japanese on accident is going to be very noticeable if he keeps doing it hoo boy.

Oh that ‘need to move’ feeling is not fun jeez. Me poor boy.

[faux-fires]

(Not a) Drabble-a-day#7

DING DING i made it a whole week! I don’t want a medal but I would like a pony

because i have decided to just go all-in on being shameless and self-indulgent today’s drabble features my boy leo hawke. all you need to know is he’s a red!hawke and i love him, he’s terrible at using words and he calls his dog fang like a fucking edgelord.

anyway here’s wonderwall (not a drabble) day#7, prompt “fear”. it’s over 3k words long. this is just who i am now, mom!

The thing about Leo Hawke was, he was violent. He was surly. He was as blunt as a rock through a window. He punched a rock monster possessed by a demon in the - face? - in the Deep Roads and it certainly was the most Hawke thing Anders had ever seen.

Anders didn't mind. He'd never claimed to be perfect. But Anders wasn't sure he could agree with their other friends that he was particularly angry.

Oh, it looked like it, hanging out in the Hanged Man's common room, watching the bar fight go on around you because someone had tried to touch Isabela - Isabela! As though she couldn't handle herself! - and Hawke had bounced their face off the bar. It probably felt like it when you were pinned under those ferocious golden eyes, Hawke looming over you, all muscles and grim purpose. Or if you cracked a joke about the wrong topic (Fereldans, the war, darkspawn, sisters). And Maker knew Carver certainly was wrathful, even if, compared to his brother, it felt something like being menaced by a lapdog.

But Anders knew rage. Leaving aside his own... indiscretions, the faint echo of meat under his fingers and Rolan screaming in terror, he'd once watched Command Tabris scale an ogre using her two swords as climbing spikes and then sink her teeth into its throat, a vision both incredible and incredibly disturbing.

Hawke didn't have that. Anders would be the first to acknowledge - privately - that he spent too much of his time watching Hawke, but he just didn't see rage where Hawke's other friends apparently did. He was curt. He was honest. He wasn't very good at talking, and when he decided violence was the answer it was performed with breathtaking efficiency... but he wasn't angry like Kallian was angry.

Varric squinted at him every time he said this, usually after their weekly round of Wicked Grace. "Blondie," he'd say, eyes twinkling over the top of his huge cigar, "Hawke's fond of you. Have you considered you might be biased?" And every time Anders would flush, because Hawke was gorgeous, with broad shoulders and those incredible golden eyes, cool and bright like a wolf. And he was nice to Merrill, who was cute enough, he supposed, if you were into elves.

He hadn't come to Kirkwall looking for wolf's eyes and a furrowed brow. He told himself that sometimes of a night, when the tension in his belly got too much, became an ache, a burn, and he had to roll over in his lonely little cot and surreptitiously try to take himself in hand. He'd come to help at the Gallows - Karl at first and now that that was impossible their kin in all but blood. He'd taken a spirit into himself and it hadn't been enough but it couldn't be for nothing, either. And Hawke liked Merrill, probably. Hell, maybe Isabela, who was a catch and had actually made him smile at least once, something Anders hadn't yet managed. Or possibly even Fenris; Anders spitefully told himself he could think of no other reason to keep the elf around.

But he couldn't ignore the way Hawke came to the clinic when he had downtime. He'd slip in silently, usually in the late afternoon, his slobbering mabari at his heels; and he'd pass away the hours sitting quietly at the back, winding rolls of bandages or stirring the thin soup Anders always had bubbling away in the corner or scrubbing cots or even stitching sheets with absolutely no change of expression, and when Anders asked why would just shrug and say, "No jobs going on. Don't want to be stuck at home. Gamlen's a cunt," before clamming back up.

Anders didn't push him on it. Maybe he should, but why break his own heart? Leo never said anything, and Anders never caught him looking, so maybe he just liked being around other Fereldans. Maker knew his clinic was full of them. And it was nice to have company that didn't want him to examine its disfiguring genital herpes. Someone who was helpful, who could be counted on to hold down a patient for a complicated procedure, or bounce out one determined to cause mayhem, or even shadow Anders when he had to make deliveries despite Kirkwall seeming to consist of 10% genuine citizens and 90% armed thugs engaged in vicious turf wars.

Like now. He hated deliveries to Hightown; the thugs and the guards were all one and the same, both equally likely to eject him forcefully from the area, but Hawke was friendly with the guard-captain (somehow) and so he was allowed to pass with little more than a dirty look. The moonlight sent long fingers along the polished marble tiles of the market; the air was perfumed with jasmine and the smell of the flowers on the vines delicately scaling the sides of the manor houses.

The mabari - Fang, if he recalled correctly - was trotting at his left without a care in the world, its tongue lolling gormlessly from its huge jaws; Hawke was on his right, one thumb hooked in the leather strap holding his staff-spear to his back. Anders had asked him to accompany him with a long, rambling and awkward speech about feeling more secure with company, and his only comment had been, "Fine," and now Anders was trying not to wonder if maybe he talked more for Merrill, because if he started down that path he knew the bitterness would spiral, but maybe Hawke didn't know how bad an idea the blood magic was, and maybe Anders owed it to him to explain? They passed a pair of patrolling guardsmen, who nodded at them, but Anders barely noticed. Hawke had to know Merrill was bad news, but would interfering really pass the act of a good friend? What if -

Hawke's hand abruptly seized his elbow, and Anders glanced up at him sharply, startled out of his spiral. Leo's mouth was tight, his eyes glinting warily in the grey light. He was looking back the way they'd come, and now Anders could hear it, the footsteps of the guards - but Aveline knew Hawke, he came in and out of her office -

Belatedly he recalled the gang of pretenders in guard uniforms said to haunt Hightown at night and groaned inwardly. Of course. He turned his own head to the side, trying to gauge distance, but he could see only shadow. Fang had stopped his gormless gawping and was keeping closer to their side, his hackles up, his great head swiveling backward every few seconds. A quick glance around revealed they were coming up to the northern quarter, not too far from Fenris' squat, or the De Launcets; the street had widened to a thoroughfare surrounded by delicately piping columns and overhanging roofs, and just as Anders noticed this, more shapes stepped out ahead of them, slipping from behind the columns like shadows.

"Andraste's knickerweasels," he grumbled, drawing to a stop. Leo hesitated besides him, his face expressionless but his eyes darting from intruder to intruder, wary; Fang was snarling now, a low, rumbling noise, hackles firmly up. He had planted himself between Anders and the nearest shadow and was facing it head-on, a solid mass of muscle and fur. Anders sighed, shoved his package of cock ointment into Hawke's hands, and pushed past him; it was hard, Hawke's body rigid and unmoving. "We don't have anything worth stealing," he said. "I'm the Darktown healer, perhaps you've heard of me? All I've got is three copper. You can have them if you like."

The shapes came closer and became men and women, armoured head to toe in silver and orange. All of them were wearing helmets. None of them seemed to be in a hurry to step up and really take charge of this robbery, so Anders unhooked his coin purse, jangled it sarcastically so they could hear how pitifully quiet the noise was, and tossed it onto the fancy marble tiles ahead of them. The nearest figure bent, picked it up, and balanced it on his palm before pocketing it. After a moment of hesitation, Hawke unhooked his and threw it in the same direction. It sounded weightier, but not by much.

"Can we go?" Anders asked, as a different figure picked up Hawke's purse. "We've given you everything we have, unless you want my special salve for crotch-rot."

The figures glanced at each other, then the one that had grabbed Hawke's purse, evidently choosing to fill the slot of leader, said, "No."

Anders turned to face them fully. "Why not?"

"Liar." She drew her sword slowly from her scabbard and pointed it carefully at Hawke. "We know you, Dog Lord. We heard you struck it big in the Deep Roads."

Hawke narrowed his eyes, and Anders said, "And you think he's, what, carrying a wheelbarrow of loot in his pockets?" He laughed, although it sounded thin even to his own ears. "Even if he did, it takes time to convert ancient dwarf treasures to actual, real money. And he'd be a fool to carry it around with him. We've given you what we have; let us go."

"No," she said again, simply. "Captain Qerth says we don't get to eat unless we bring home something worth a damn." She nodded over their shoulder, at one of her fellows. "Separate them. Then we'll find out if they're being truthful."

Anders sighed irritably as someone grabbed his wrist from behind and yanked him back a few steps from Hawke. "Fuck you," Hawke snapped, and then reared back as someone tried to grab him from behind, "Get your fucking hands off me! Leave him alone! Don't fucking touch him!" Fang barked and darted forward, snapping futilely at the legs of his would-be muggers, and they moved in an awkward circle.

"I'd let us go," Anders said, and spun in his assailant's grip; he channeled a pulse of ice magic through that skin contact.

The man holding his wrist dropped it in a heartbeat, his eyes widening through his visor slit. "Robe!" The effect was instantaneous; the pair that had been trying to grapple Hawke immediately backed away, drawing their swords, as did the others hanging back. Fang slunk closer to his master, still snarling, and Anders shook his wrist disdainfully.

"I'm not powerless," he told the leader, and deliberately called the ice back to his hand, holding it up to his eye level so they could all see the blue glow. "You don't want this. We've given you what we've got. Let us go on our way."

She seemed frozen for a second, her eyes flicking between him and Hawke, her sword still outdrawn and Hawke's coin purse still clutched in her free hand. Anders lifted his hand higher, and watched the way her gaze followed it before flicking - up - and behind -

He turned, so the arrow took him in the belly, instead of the spine. The impact was honestly more startling than anything else; one moment he was standing there, holding aloft his icy hand, and the next - sitting on the floor, feeling like he'd been butted in the abdomen by a determined goat, except there was a feathered shaft in front of him, comically out of place, and when he touched it, there was something wet and red at the base. Hawke screamed wordlessly beside him, a rough, violent noise that seemed utterly out of place in the stillness. He glanced up at the roof that had been behind them, saw the figure crouching low there, the bow in its grasp. "Oh," he said, brow wrinkling as it calmly and unhurriedly drew another arrow from the quiver on its back, "But I'm a healer," and then the world bucked.

At first he thought he was passing out. But no, when the ground finished rippling he was still there, sitting in the middle of a swanky part of Hightown with an arrow sticking out of his gut like phallic symbolism, which was good, because he'd been shot by quite a lot of arrows in the Wardens and he'd hate to think he was starting to lose his tolerance. It was starting to hurt, though, so he leaned forward, placing his palms on the ground and pushing himself back up to his feet with only a little bit of wobbling, and turned around. Fang was barking and cavorting on the spot, spittle flying absolutely everywhere. The gang of thieves - all of them, archer included - were...

... lying in a heap against the far wall, groaning and twitching. Every now and then one of them would make a small, pitiful movement, like they were trying to escape, but it was like there was some invisible force pinning them there, preventing them from leaving, and Anders didn't think that was just a simile because he could see the Fade surging around Hawke, who was standing there, both feet firmly planted on the ground, hands outstretched, teeth gritted.

Anders had heard about force magic before. He'd known, abstractly, that it was a specialty in the Gallows, and that Hawke's father had been a Gallows mage. He'd never seen a mage use it before, not like this. One of the gang, flailing desperately to escape the confines of the force of the spell, managed to get her arm free, but Hawke's eyes narrowed and he pushed his hand out and Anders could tell by the way the Fade heaved around him what was going to happen even before her arm shattered, crushed by the sheer weight of the magic Hawke was using, and it was terrifying and terrible and an awful thing to do but it was also -

Magnificent.

Anders swallowed. The arrow in his gut was starting to hurt more and more; he looked down and realised his hands were shaking. He stepped closer, touched Hawke's shoulder, and he meant to say, let's get out of here, but when Hawke's gaze snapped to him he found he couldn't speak in the face of Hawke's expression, the bared teeth, the unholy light in those wonderful wolf's eyes, and it wouldn't have mattered even if he had because Hawke's eyes swept down his body to the arrow and his face hardened into something fierce and cold right before Anders, and the Fade was shivering around him again, responding to Hawke's wild and untrained talents, and then the air smelled like ozone and Anders realised Hawke was summoning lightning, and not a small amount of it either.

The wind picked up. The cloud appeared before them, waist high, and Anders could feel a buzzing in the back of his teeth. He'd never been a very good primal mage; fire and ice had generally worked better for him before Justice, before he could tear his way out of problems, and he'd seen Hawke cast the occasional bolt but it had nothing on this, this cloud that grew and grew under Hawke's direction while the would-be thieves groaned and shuddered on the floor, voices rising as they realised something was happening. He could smell the acrid scent of their animal fear, and part of him thought, they deserve this, they tried to hurt us, they shot me, show them why mages are feared -

But he wasn't that far gone. He put his right hand on Hawke's wrist and said, "Let's go, Hawke."

And Leo looked at him, and Anders could see it now, the expression that the others believed was rage. His teeth were bared; his nostrils flared. His eyes were so wide he could see their whites. He was breathing heavily, like a horse after a long gallop, and his muscles were shaking under Anders' hand, and Anders knew that face, because he'd seen it so many times himself. He'd pulled it so many times himself. Leo snarled, "Don't touch me," and there were sparks crackling between his teeth; the thunderstorm he was bringing into the world had grown large enough to spit tongues of lightning across the tiles. The muggers were wearing such wonderfully conductive full plate.

Anders swallowed, but he didn't look away. Instead he said, "I need help to get the arrow out," and tightened his grip on Hawke's arm, and dragged his hand down - with difficulty, Hawke's muscles were locked, his arm rigid with tension - to press Hawke's hand against the arrow-shaft thrusting through his stomach. Hawke blanched. His eyes flicked back to the muggers and then at Anders. His pupils were so small. Anders lifted his left hand from where it had been hovering over the arrow and slid it over Hawke's wrist to join his right, pushing his thumbs into Hawke's pulse point, and he had no idea what his face looked like but he stared Hawke deep in his beautiful, panicked eyes and said, "Please, Leo," and watched the way Hawke's face collapsed.

The thunderstorm winked out of existence. Whatever pressure had been holding those pretend guardsmen dissipated like it had never been there. Leo shakily looped his free arm around Anders' shoulders; Anders let himself lean forward, forehead pressing against his broad chest, hands still wrapped around his wrist, and murmured, "Make sure they go."

Hawke's eyes flicked back to their assailants as if he'd just remembered they existed. "Fuck off,", he snarled, and Anders kept his face pressed against Leo's chest until the last of the footsteps vanished. Hawke was shivering lightly, and Anders knew, now, that it wasn't anger. It had never been anger. "Anders," Leo said, "What do - what can I do? What do you need?" His voice was anguished, and Anders' heart ached for this man, this frightened, fierce man. All this time they'd thought of Hawke as iron, but he was a man, a mage man, in Kirkwall, and Anders knew better than anyone how lonely and terrifying that could be.

"I'm going to break the arrow and pull it out," he said, "... Just keep me upright while I heal myself."

Hawke's arms tightened around him, but it honestly wasn't that complicated. Anders had been a Grey Warden, and he was possessed; one arrow was nothing. He'd been stabbed through the chest with a whole sword and ripped Rolan into pieces right after. The bottom half of the shaft clattered to the ground a moment later, followed by the arrowhead once he'd gotten an arm around his back to pull it the rest of the way through. His fingers were slick with blood by the time he healed his kidney and what felt like his intestine, but he stuck a hand inside his coat and wiped it off against his chest rather than on Hawke. Hawke, who was shaking minutely, and Anders felt such a wave of sympathy and affection it left him quite breathless.

He hesitantly curled an arm around them and set his palm on the small of Leo's back, in something like an embrace, and Hawke made the smallest of noises and clung to him even tighter, and Anders didn't know what to do or say. In the clinic when he thought about Leo he'd thought about his huge biceps or his cool gold eyes; he'd pictured Hawke laying into his enemies, ripping apart silverite. He hadn't pictured that heartbreakingly familiar expression, or counted on that intense surge of compassion within himself. He pressed his face into Leo's chest, feeling the lightning-reverberations of his heart and against his cheekbone, and said, so softly he barely heard himself, "I'm alright, Leo. I'm fine. It's alright."

Leo drew in a shuddering breath. "I should have... I should have killed them all. Fuckers could be squealing to the guard about us."

"Maybe," said Anders. He reached up and placed his hands flat on Leo's stomach, felt the tension there. "I doubt it. They'd have to explain why they were wearing fake uniforms first. We'll move soon," he promised. "But until then... I'm fine. You're fine. Breathe with me," and he let his chest rise and fall a few times, exaggerated, the way he'd watched Oghren bring Kallian back to herself after she went too deep into her rages. He felt Hawke's chest hitch, but after a moment he began to move, copying Anders, and eventually his heartbeat began to gentle.

For a moment they stood there, together on that Hightown street under the soft light of an indifferent moon, curled into each other in something that was so close to an embrace it could have featured in one of Anders' nightly fantasies. Anders knew it never would. He felt like he understood Hawke more now than at any point since they'd met, like tonight he'd been handed a compass and a map and knew how to find his way around Hawke's inhospitable landscape, and it felt - special. Important. He felt another pulse of warmth for the man whom he'd once witnessed punch a rock monster possessed by a demon in the face, a kind of boundless affection for this wonderful, scarred human being, who stirred soup in his clinic and always kept Anders where he could see him.

Leo sniffed and let him go too soon, but he didn't shrug Anders' hands off his chest. He looked remorseful in the face of Anders' sympathy, and Anders couldn't keep from lightly rubbing his thumbs back and forth along the leather of his jerkin even as Hawke avoided eye contact, rubbing at the back of his neck with his free hand. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah." Leo flushed - difficult to see in this grey light, but Anders knew him.

"We can go back to Lowtown, if you like. I'm sure your mother would be pleased to see you," he said, and when Leo glanced at him self-consciously said, "Or we can go to Darktown if you want. There's room in the clinic. Anything you want.

"Darktown," said Leo immediately, "I like your clinic. It's yours."

"Oh," said Anders, dumbly, and then smiled as the words sunk in. It occurred to him with a pang that now he'd had this taste of Hawke - this well-guarded sweetness, this uncertainty, this glimpse of the man he was past all the snapping and snarling and surliness - it was going to be harder to face his lonely little cot tonight, but it was only a little pang. He hadn't expected anything else, after all. That he had this much was a gift. Leo must have seen something on his face, because he hunched his shoulders, mumbled something else.

"What was that?"

"I, uh. I dropped your cock-rot cream," said Hawke, guiltily. "When the bastards jumped me." Defensive. "I think they took it with them when they ran off. Sorry." Sheepish.

"Huh," Anders said. His mouth twitched, despite himself; he covered his mouth with his hand. Leo's eyes flicked to his and hung there, as though surprised at what they found, and Anders grinned wider. "Sorry," he said, "Just picturing their faces when they limp back to base and - hah - show their boss their prize. I drew diagrams for the user. They were - detailed," and he was chuckling despite himself, and Leo's eyes widened with comprehension, and then - and then the corner of his mouth twisted slowly upward.

He was smiling.

It was hesitant and shy and it was the first time Anders had seen Hawke smile for him, and Anders realised, like a sledgehammer to the gut, that he wanted to see it again. He wanted to hear Hawke laugh. He wanted to see him happy, and it was like the world dropped out under his feet but also like everything made total sense. He stooped forward instead and buried his face in Hawke's chest, because Maker, they hadn't known each other for very long, and he didn't think he could control his face, because he loved Leo Hawke.

Fuck.

Leo didn't ask him any questions; he slipped his arms around Anders' shoulders and held on with arms that were no longer shaking, and Anders closed his eyes tight and thought, one day. But not this day.

Hawke didn't need a lover, not right now. He was a mage alone in Kirkwall, and Anders knew all about that fear and that sadness and that aching kind of loneliness only apostasy could bring. He needed a friend, and Anders didn't mind being his, and if nothing ever came from it he would be glad enough for that. After all, he was the only one of Hawke's friends who had recognized the rage for what it really was. Take that, Merrill, he thought.

He'd never claimed to be perfect.

if you want more leo you can find him starring in fluffy romcom Bound (feat: severed heads) and swinging post-series Through a Forest Wilderness (feat: romantic war crimes) on ao3.

[nani-nonny]

Quick question: how would the story change if Casey was there from the beginning?

Oh, a big change! (This is about apaf right?)

CJ would have helped in stealing the key from the foot clan and show off some sick badassery at his father-figure’s side (which would’ve been a pain to write because, as cool as fight scenes are, they’re hard to write)

But because of CJ’s faults, mostly due to being a kid who may make mistakes, little Lou would’ve been revealed mid fight—raising the stakes even higher. Not only would they have to retrieve the key, they have to protect this small baby turtle and keep her safe from the foot clan as they’re fighting off an army of ninja soldier… people… whatever you call them I’m too tired to think

They would’ve placed Lou on a higher priority than the key, whether they realize it or not, and the key would have narrowly slipped from their fingers and instigate a high speed chase through New York. Through this chase, the future trio would meet face to face with the younger gang of turtles.

Mid-fight shenanigans would ensue and the fight would eventually reach April’s Uni where the key would be tossed back and forth between both sides. Mayhem would be the lucky winner of the fight and teleport with the key to a different area—far from the fight.

Push comes to shove, the key is back with the turtles and they get to focus on the mysterious baby. F!Leo would be absolutely afraid of what to do and how to be a father, especially to a kid he didn’t know he had but on a less stressful tone than how (a)paf is going right now.

We would possibly reach the father-daughter bonding moments faster in the story, but at the risk of endangering the baby for introducing her to the Foot clan. You know, key for the baby hostage kind of spiel.

I rambled a bit but hopefully this answers

[newvillainontheblock]

[Off-screen post, tw themes of self depreciation, self destruction, and self hatred]

Heh. They still had the gyarados their brand new friend from Team Skull gave them. Who the fuck just let someone borrow a gyarados like that? No idea when they were going to return it thought.

They supposed they would....eventually.

Fun to intimidate people with though, if they were in any other mood.

But unfortunately for them, they were going home.

Home? That felt weird to say. The mansion used to be their home, but it wasn't really a home. Not to them, not anymore.

Now it was with Rory and Leo. The two guys that saw her as a meek freshman and looked after her when they went to the same school together, stayed in contact after they graduated, and eventually she started living with them.

Things were going good, right?

They were. And that was the problem.

What happens if she fucks up? What happens if she ruins everything they have? What happens when they decide they don't want to deal with her anymore?

Like she's going uphill on the rollercoaster of life and waiting for the drop.

And right now, it seems like the drop is now.

They joined Team Skull out of the blue, and didn't warn either of them.

And they panicked over her. Was calling her a lot. Fuck, she messed up didn't she? She didn't know why they were so concerned anyway.

It was always them two, and her. The perpetual other.

...

Thoughts bounced around in her head as they touched down.

She steeled herself, they were going to be fine. No, they weren't. She was going to keep herself composed. Yeah right.

Shut up, she told herself.

As she went in, she felt the silence in the room.

A pin ready to drop, her she figured.

"Hey.."

Their head went toward the noise. Rory looking at her from across the room.

"Hi...where's Leo?"

Rory gestured outside. "Out doing shit."

"Oh...."

Once again silence took over the room and Scoundrel squirmed. He was uncomfortable. She was uncomfortable. This is absolute shit.

He sighed, breaking the silence.

"You gonna tell me why you say shit to us before running off to who knows here?"

"Po Town actually..."

That earned her a glared.

"Yeah, my bad...I...didn't think about it, didn't think you'd care"

He groaned, rubbing at his face. Oh fuck.

"Fucking course we do and we were damn worried bout you kid for fuck's sake..."

Her head immediately starting going, why do you care. I don't deserve it. And much more.

That was all she could think about how they didn't deserve anything Rory and Leo did for them.

All they did was make things worse. Cause them to worry, more stress.

And unfortunately for them, it slipped out.

"Why...." They muttered under their breath.

"Why the fuck not? You've always been like a little sibling to me and Lee..we went all this way for you."

But more and more her head went "You don't deserve it, there's no reason for any of them to like you. And you know it, deep down you know he's wrong. That you've always been right that you deserve every bad thing that's happened to you."

And the damn broke loose.

"I figured you'd be happy without me anyway."

Rory took a step back like he was hit in the gut.

"Why, we wouldn't be- fuck, fucking arceus...."

He sat down on the couch and rubbed inbetween his eyes.

"I woulda thought we'd shown we cared by now, guess we were shit at that."

No no no no.

NO.

He wasn't supposed to do this. It was her fault. It was ALL her fault.

He should be attacking her, telling her how much of a shitty person she was.

"If you'd be happier somewhere else, you can leave, not going to make you stay."

Oh.

Fucking finally.

It happened.

He didn't want her anymore.

She knew it was going to happen, she knew it. She knew it she knew it she knew it.

She walked out the door.

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

Once she was far enough away, she started laughing. Almost maniacally but mixed with pain.

Leave it to her to ruin everything good she got.

But this was what was going to happen always. And better for him, and better for her, right?

Now why did she want to cry?

[snarky-magpie]

You can read the first two chapters of this very fluffy, not at all serious fic here.

Regulus’ knees have a replay of the previous visit and buckle under him fucking again, so suddenly this time that he has to use his other hand—the one James isn’t currently grasping—to grip the counter so he wouldn’t crumple to the floor like a heroine in a Jane Austen novel. How humiliating. And the bastard only laughs and fastens his lips to the back of his hand harder. James one, Regulus zero. 

The moment his sense of equilibrium returns, he yanks his hand away, drawing on each ounce of haughtiness provided by his Black heritage, channeling every bit of Walburga and Orion as he strives to pierce James with a scowl, but it achieves a big fat nothing. James grins, satisfied with the success of his stunt, then writes down his final guess of the day.

A name in his crisp handwriting stares back at Regulus when he accepts the cup, the black letters a stark contrast with the recycled brown paper.

‘Leo.’

Well. That’s in the vicinity. Somewhat. That doesn’t mean he’ll make this easy on James. The sod doesn’t deserve the hint, or any hint, not after the kissing scheme—the back of Regulus’ hand still tingles as though he ran it through a field of nettles—so he sends the eager barista a look he hopes channels disappointment and exhaustion in equal parts.

“You’re never gonna get it.” 

“Damn. I really thought I had it this time. There’s something about you that screams Leo.” James tilts his head, studying Regulus, flitting his eyes up and down and scanning every line of his face as though he assumes they might spell out the letters of Regulus’ name for him. “Well. See you tomorrow at three, Arthur.” 

“You’re out of guesses,  Jamie, mon ami stupide .” If James can play dirty, so can he. Oh, he’s perfectly aware of what effect his speaking French has on people. Pandora teases him it’s his go-to move when he wants to pull. Her assessment might be accurate, but hey, why mess with a tried and trusty procedure? One day, it may lose its appeal, but today is not that day. James swallows hard when he hears, the jut of his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. 

“I’m almost certain you just called me stupid, and it doesn’t even bother me. Do you speak French?”

“Obviously.”

“Yeah. Okay. Obviously. Say something else? Please?” 

Regulus, all too aware that the crowd behind him continues to expand and that the covert glances Lily darts their way grow increasingly desperate, grabs his order, poised to leave, but then changes his mind at the last minute. He’d be dumb to let this opportunity slip through his fingers, no? 

“Tu ne devineras jamais mon nom.”

“No clue what you’re saying, but it’s so sexy I don’t even care.” 

“Yes. You’ve got a bit of dribble here.” Regulus taps the corner of his lips, and to his great amusement, James follows the motion as if in his thrall, wiping at his absolutely dry mouth.

“You sod.”

[rambleswhatsthepoint]

09.17.2023

Time passes.

Today I completed my 20 miler at the Fox Valley Fall Final 20. it felt way better than my 18 miler because it was mostly flat compared to the trail i've been using to train on my long runs. the amount of hills on that trail is so tough, but it's great for my training since anything flatter seems so much easier! Taper time until Chicago on Oct 8th. Got the "race day" experience too with all the people running and people along the way. Not as many as probably there usually is since it RAINED THE WHOLE TIME. ugh. oh and i slipped on the mud and got my shoes all dirty :( i'm sure that trail is absolutely lovely on a normal day. But i'd rather have the cool weather + rain than 90+ and sun.

it was great to complete this run and get the confidence that Yeah, i really can complete 26.2. Cool!

When i got home there was a bucket in the kitchen though.... we had a leak, wtf life really what else are you going to throw my way. so, gotta figure out about roof repair or figure out what the heck is going on with that. I found the old contract, our roof was put in July 2013. It's only been 10 years!

i've had a bunch of dreams i didn't get to document. Some odd, some good. I had one where Cocoa visited me, made me so happy. I don't really know where I was, i just remember he was running along with some other dogs. And then I called him back and he came running, tail wagging. And i just hugged him and hugged him. It was a dream where I didn't realize that i was dreaming like I usually do. Oh I just miss him so much, too. And then the next day a FB memory came up that it was the anniversary of my losing him. Made total sense he visited me then. Ugh i just started bawling thinking about this dream. I was so happy to hug him and hold him. And he was totally healthy and happy and i miss his fuzzy tail and long hair wagging and him smiling.

I've had a couple that had the ex in it. I try not to remember those. I had one weird one where someone stole my apple watch right off my wrist, lol, and i used the "find my" feature and found them and then they were running away from me and it was an odd chase sequence lol. Becca woke me up and i didn't get to see if I would get it back lol.

I still miss my Stella girl. On what would have been her 4th birthday, I finally made a post on my social about her. I didn't want to for a long while because then it would be real. Of course those people closest to me and who work with me knew, but to other people, they could have imagined that we were all fine. I still imagine that in many parallel universes we are. She's still with me though in my heart, always.

Work is shit and busy per usual. Marathon. Leo's wedding. Thanksgiving at my sister's.... close the year out lol. I can see time just flying by.

[beautiful-monsters-raging]

but use your freedom of choice

(while you still can) Title taken from the song Freedom of Choice by DEVOVision.

Leo has something to tell Usagi.

_____

Trigger warnings include vomiting, fears of rejection, brief mentions of dysphoria, discussion of abortion and abortion-related politics (although the last one you should already be prepared for on this blog).

This is a story from a larger collection that you can read on my AO3 (that series has its own tags, make sure to read them all)

"I'm pregnant."  

The words don't emerge so much as escape, slipping from Leo's mouth as he and Usagi wash dishes together. He wants to grab them from the air, take them back, but it's too late. A dish slips from Usagi's hands and crashes into the sink, pieces shattering everywhere.  

Leo had had a plan. A scheme, really, a cunning and clever scheme. He'd be subtle about it, carefully feel out Usagi's perspective on choice and free will and whatnot, test the waters. He'd do it all himself, this time, so his brothers wouldn't accidentally help him into a disaster like his coming out had been (would have been, but Usagi had been so understanding, and really there was no way Leo could be so lucky twice, but)  

Anyway. He'd planned to get Usagi alone after dinner, make out with him a little, that would help things, right? Or would Usagi feel manipulated? He should have looked up the role horniness played in these types of conversations; someone must have written something. He should have, should have, should have...  

The thing is, Leo's brain is on the whole a whirling mess by now, and he's not thinking nearly as clearly or carefully as he ought to. So, when Usagi comments about how Leo’s been moving a little stiffly recently, is everything all right, all those carefully planned excuses go straight to hell and what comes out is the absolute, damning truth.  

"You guys okay?" Mikey calls from the living room, where Leo's brothers are watching TV and pretending not to be staying nearby "just in case." Like Leo wouldn't be able to handle Usagi on his own if...if he....  

Maybe it's considering the possible consequences of his latest fuckup, maybe it's just the fact that his body has been hijacked by a goddamn parasite, but Leo's dashing to the trash can before he can think, falling to his knees and throwing up. Ice Cream Kitty sticks her head out of the freezer, giving him a sympathetic whine, and oh god, the fucking cat's going to hear whatever comes next, isn't she?  

"We're fine!" Usagi calls back, voice slightly strangled. He hurries over to Leo's side, dropping to his knees and rubbing his shell.  

"Breathe, Leonardo, it's all right." His voice is so fucking tender Leo wants to sob, so he does, spitting up tears and snot and vomit and ugh, he's so gross. But that doesn't faze Usagi, it never has, and he holds on to Leo until the puking stops.  

Leo slumps over the edge of the trash can, panting, staring directly down at his radically altered dinner. For a wild moment he thinks he's somehow managed to spit it up, pulled off a miracle reverse miscarriage to get out of this conversation, but no such luck.  

Usagi stops rubbing his back, taking a slow, deep breath. "Leonardo--"  

"I'm getting rid of it." He doesn't look away, can't face hope or rage or whatever nightmare he's going to see in Usagi's eyes. "I...I can't--I'm not ready to be a parent, 'Sagi. I don't know if I'll ever be ready, and if I did it wouldn't be by--" He cuts himself off, breath suddenly strangled in his throat.  

The thought of laying an egg is sickening; Leo doesn't know what he would have done if Donnie, amazing Donnie, hadn't studied his unique anatomy over the years, until he was prepared for such an eventuality to give Leo the exact kind of care he needed. If it hadn't been for him, Leo would be...  

Well. Probably as screwed over as a significant chunk of birthing humans in America at the moment, to be honest.  

But he might be still screwed, in his own way. Leo forces himself to sit up and turn to face Usagi, blinking away tears. Fucking hormones making him want to cry all the time.  

"I'm sorry," he gasps. "I'm so sorry, Usagi, I don't want to take this away from you, but I have to, I need to, and I'm sorry, I know you wanted to give Jotaro a sibling someday, maybe, but I--"  

"Leonardo," Usagi cuts him off. He looks, he looks almost angry and Leo's going to fucking hurl again--  

"Leonardo, why in all the worlds would you think little enough of me to assume I would deny you your choice?"  

Leo blinks, stares. "....What?"  

"Maybe," Usagi reminds him gently, "and some day. And never in a million years, not if the price meant bringing pain to someone I loved."  

"I..." Leo's heart is fluttering, or maybe it's the parasite sucking his innards dry.  

"You are real, Leonardo. You will always be more important to me than some dry possibility. And if I was a man who felt otherwise, I would not be worth your time."  

Leo stares at him for a few seconds, then bursts into tears, slumping forward into Usagi's arms and weeping like a fucking child. Relief shudders through his bones, relief and the raw aftereffects of fear, pressure popped like a balloon.  

"I love you, Leonardo," Usagi says, planting a kiss on his head. "I always will. Nothing you do with your body can change that."  

He holds Leo until the crying stops, just like he did with the puking, only Leo doesn't feel disgusting anymore. He feels safe, he feels loved, and he clings on to that feeling--to Usagi--with everything he has.

______

Author's Note:

I am, thankfully, in a state that is still firmly pro-choice. But this attack on my rights is sickening, and I wish allsupport and compassion in the world to my sisters, brothers, and siblings who aren't so lucky. I love you.