#She rubs Thena's back

[softquietsteadylove]

2nd- Gil insisted for Thena to go back to her home because it's not safe anymore but she doesn't want too, she said that Gil's home is her home. So Gil instructed her on what to do when Kro and his men come to their house. But Thena doesn't know that Gil has another plan, he called Makkari (who also happened to bring Ikaris) so she could get Thena away, Thena was hurt, she felt betrayed (it's the first time she felt it). They both had an argument, Gil's trying to be gentle and calm while explaining why he had to do it. But Thena just couldn't get it (knowing that she's still adjusting with how humans thinks) and still felt betrayed by him. Before they left she just stared at him, still worried on what might happen to him. And can you add Ikaris hissing on Gil before following the two after seeing her sister with teary eyes.

"No!"

"Thena, please," Gil attempted again, but Thena crossed her arms at him. "Angelfish-"

"Don't!" she snapped at him, her fangs bared as she glared at him. "It's one incident, Gil! You said yourself that it sounded like a 'nut job' made it!"

"Yeah, one nut job with a lot of money, Thena," Gil argued. They had never argued before--not like this. He had maybe had to tell her not to do this or that, but they had never fought like this. "And money can convince even sane people to do just about anything!"

Thena sighed, leaning against the kitchen counter the way she had seen him do. "You said I would be safe here, with you."

"I thought you would be," Gil ran his hand through his hair. "I want you to be, Thena. But if you're not safe here, then-"

"No!"

"Thena!" he groaned. "I don't like it either! But this is the only way to protect you--at least for now!"

Thena looked at him with those sea green eyes of hers, tears making them glassy. "You want to send me away."

"I don't want this, Angelfish," he whispered, going over to her and reaching for her hands. She turned away from him, and he pulled back as if she'd hissed at him. He looked at the kitchen floor between them. "I don't want to let you go. But if Kro shows up here again, I don't think he'll take no for an answer."

Thena sniffled, possibly a little confused about the water running down her cheeks.

"Angelfish, please," Gil whispered, holding her cheeks in his hands and brushing her tears aside with his thumbs. "I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. And that monster...if he gets his hands on you-"

Thena's eyes flashed, catching something at the end of the dock through the window. "What?"

Gil sighed. "I called her."

Thena's eyes sparked again. She pushed against his chest, shoving him away from her and rushing out of the kitchen.

"Thena!"

She stormed out of the house and down the hill to the dock, where she could see not only Makkari, but her brother. "What are you doing here?!"

Ikaris wasted no time, launching himself onto the dock. "We're leaving, Thena."

She turned from her brother to Gil, who skidded to a halt behind her. "So it would seem."

"I called out for Makkari," Gil professed, his hand on his chest. "I didn't want you to swim off alone--just in case Kro is already monitoring the area."

Makkari looked up at her with pleading eyes, let's go.

"Thena!" Ikaris barked at her, much less delicate about the high running emotions surrounding the situation.

Thena's tears returned, her fists clenched as she looked at Gil. "You called her before you even talked to me?"

Gil flinched. She was right, but it felt even worse for her to say it like that. "Yeah, I did."

Thena huffed, "oh, tough Mister Human will handle it all? It's my life on the line, but so long as you're the one making the decisions-"

"Thena-"

"No!" She kicked off the shoes she had been wearing in his direction. "By your own insistence, let's go, then!"

Gil walked over as Thena threw herself into the water. He knelt down on the dock, although she threw his soaked shirt back up to his face.

Ikaris gave him a look that would make kelp wither and dry in an instant. He gave him a glare and a hiss before joining his sister in the water.

Gil clutched the wet mass of fabric to him, enduring the glares of all three mermaids looking at him. "Just for now, Angelfish."

"Don't," Ikaris glared at him, already ushering his sister away from the human causing her such strife. "You're lucky I'm not drowning you as we speak."

Yeah, he believed that Ikaris would if he ever got the chance again.

"Thena," Gil pleaded, kneeling down on the dock again. Even if she didn't want to hear it, and even if Ikaris wanted to try and drown him with his bare hands. "I promise I'll call for you, Angelfish. I promise-"

Makkari thrashed her tail in his direction, dousing him with water again. Let's go, Thena.

Makkari disappeared first, although clearly didn't go far. Ikaris put a hand on Thena's shoulder, ready to push her if necessary.

She gave Gil one last sad look (just to really drive a rusty dagger through his heart, it felt like). "Goodbye, Gil."

He gripped the post of the dock, leaning as far forward as he could, "just for now."

"Goodbye."

[artethyst]

~ Shadows Bathed In Moonlight ~

Azriel x Youngest Archeron Sister!Reader x OC

Little Ezekiel was not like his cousins.

Nyx, older only by two years, was cheerful and outgoing, curious like his mother and with an unbridled fearlessness just like his father.

Baby Thena, the youngest of the three, who had only just began to walk- toddle, already had the will of both her mother and father.

Cassian’s mischievous grin with Nesta’s piercing gaze.

Ezekiel, however, was just like Azriel.

He was very shy, in fact, he preferred to hide behind his mother’s legs and cling onto the shimmering skirts that pooled over them than chase after his cousins.

Rest his curly mop of raven hair against his father’s neck who was more than happy to scoop him up and carry him around, protective over the innocent child who had yet to be tainted by Prythian’s cruelties.

It was no secret Azriel preferred it that way, Rhysand and Cassian often teasing his parental axiety and overbearing behaviour, reminding him his son was an Illyrian after all.

Just as Illyrian as he had once been- delicate wings folded against his little back but with unblemished hands and love in his heart.

Azriel would keep it that way.

His Mate knew it was because of the innate fear of the Mother snatching his happiness away- as though he had never deserved it.

Ezekiel was a little miracle.

Not only were Fae children rare, the dangerous birth had put his mother in a coma, and him confined to the Healer’s for the first month of his wavering life.

It was the worst time of Azriel’s centuries long existence.

If he had been protective before, he was a hundred times worse now

When the other children played, Ezekiel was happy to curl up in another adult’s lap, to which many of them had no qualms, as Ezekiel was just the “cutest” according to Mor- a tiny version of his father that the Inner Circle could squeeze and smother with kisses.

Feyre often scolded Nyx for dragging the poor boy around, but Ezekiel held no grudges, a small blush on his face as his cousin tugged him along ranting on about whatever a child of his age had to rant about.

But now it was time for him to leave the nest.

The one his parents has so throughly wound.

“Ezekiel,” his mother bent down to his eye level, twinkling hazel eyes wide and scared. “Mama will be back soon okay?”

The little boy’s lip wobbled and tiny fists came to rub at his eyes which quickly filled with tears. His silent sobs broke her heart, Madja had always said he was an easy baby, like his father.

And even now- when he cried, he tried to hide it.

It worried her- that he would never throw a tantrum or openly seek comfort- but hide it as though he was ashamed to feel.

He choked back little cries as his mother had to force away her own.

She hated to think her little boy felt the need to internalise his feelings- especially from her.

Azriel had assured her it was okay- that he had been that way too, even when his own mother had shown him nothing but love.

“You’ll have lots of fun my Little Shadow,” she pressed a deep kiss to his wet cheek, gently brushing away his tears, trying not only to convince him but herself. “Nyx will be with you-“

“Yepppp! Come on ‘Zekiellllll!” His cousin’s voice sang in anticipation, not understanding why the boy was so reluctant to play with toys and read funny picture books all day.

Ezekiel continued to cry and so his mother picked him up, cradling him against her chest as he sobbed without restraint.

Unusual for such a well-behaved child such as he.

“D-Don’t leave me mama!” He wept. “I-I pwomise I’ll be good p-pwease don’t give me away!”

Her heart broke as he trembled and her free hand came to stroke at his curls, the way she had done to comfort her own husband many a time.

“I would never give you away my darling, and you have not been bad,” she smoothed his raven locks, “you are a big boy now, just like Nyx. You are old enough go and play with all other children-“

“I not a big boy I-I still a baby!” He cried and that was when his father appeared, face just as torn as his mother’s.

The boy did not giggle as he usually did when his father’s shadows came to tickle against his cheek, his cries coming out in small hiccups as she looked to Azriel in pure misery.

He wordlessly plucked the child from her arms, his own chest tightening at the sound of his only child’s pained cries- crying under the belief he was being abandoned.

Azriel had vowed his child would never feel the way he had, unloved and nothing but a burden the Mother was so cruel to burden the equally dismal world with.

His Mate had changed that outlook.

And now his greatest treasure- a part of them both, homage to their fiery passion and proof the Shadowsinger was indeed capable of love.

Ezekiel continued to cry as Azriel’s shadows were equally as unsettled, trying their best to cheer up the little boy who quivered so violently, he might have fallen from his father’s arms had the older male’s grip been so secure.

He would rather suffer burns across his entire flesh- take Truthteller to his heart than have his son feel unwanted.

“You know that your mother and I love you- more than anything. More than the sky above.”

Ezekiel sniffed, his little head nodding pathetically as best it could smushed into Azriel’s chest.

“You are our little star Ezekiel. You are the most precious thing to us- in all of Prythian. We would never let anything or anyone harm you, you never have to be afraid of the world as long as I am here.”

Feyre stood in the distance- letting her brother-in-law share the moment with his son, knowing just how heartbroken Rhys was at the same situation.

The difference was, Nyx hardly gave him a second glance- sprinting into the unfamiliar building with a new sense of reverence and promise of adventure.

“D-Daddy stay?” The boy became hopeful as Azriel shook his head, running a hand lovingly through his son’s inherited locks- a sense of pride and indescribable love overwhelming him at the sight.

Before he could come up with some semblance of comfort, Feyre saved the day. Pressing a wet kiss to her nephew’s cheek with an infectious smile on her warm face.

It wasn’t that she thought her own sister incapable, she just knew the poor woman was just as worried as Azriel.

Their forced smiles and glossy eyes hardly convincible even to a child.

“Hmmm, a little shadow told me that Uncle Cass has a surprise back home waiting for his best Spy…”

The boy paused, his little face red and besmirched with tears but an undeniable curiosity to his eye.

“Spies don’t cry Zekie!” Nyx chimed in as his mother sent him a gentle look of reprimand. “Come onnnnn, the faster we get home, the faster we get the suprise!”

“You like painting, don’t you Ezekiel?” Feyre continued, distracting the boy enough for him to perk up in curiosity, loosening his little balled fisted grip on his father’s leathers. “Would you like me to show you the art room?”

Azriel- albeit reluctantly, lowered his son to the ground, gently encouraging him towards Feyre who happily received his little hand in hers.

The Shadowsinger took his Mate into his arms as replacement, the loss of his son weighing heavy even on his own marred heart.

The boy had never once been out of their sight for so long.

And as Feyre guided him into the Nursery, her sister mouthing a watery ‘thank you’ as a tear cascaded down her cheek, Azriel couldn’t help but let one of his own slip as Ezekiel passed through the doors and out of his sight.

Hesitant in his little steps, but with his cousin there to help him along.

Just as Rhysand had done for his father.

[swiftieblyth]

Piercing Snow

warnings- Murder, Coryo, toxic ish family, typical Hunger Games stuff

"They're sending me away tomorrow," your boyfriend explained, sitting on your bed one night.

"I know." You breathed, head resting on his shoulder.

"I'll write to you. I promise." Your boyfriend promised, making you look up at him.

"Coryo, you don't know that for sure. You don't even know where you're going to be sent to."

"I know. But I'll find a way to contact you."

"But even if you can, he won't let us, Coryo. This is his fault! He's trying to ruin us!"

"I know, I know." Coryo cooed, wiping the tear off your cheek with the pad of his thump. "But it's only a four year sentence. And when I get there I'll work my way up. Work my way back to you."

"But he won't let you."

"He can't stop me either." Coryo ordered. "Baby, I'm going to come back to you, I just need you to wait for me baby."

"I will Coryo! I will wait for you forever if I have to!"

"I know you will, baby." Coryo sighed, kissing your head, as you leaned into his chest as he cradled you. "I love you, baby."

Just then you heard the door creak open followed by little sniffles.

"Thena?" You asked, looking up to see your five year old sister, Delythena, come walking in with tears staining her rosy cheeks, making your elderly sister instincts kick in.

"Sissy?" She sniffled, making you bolt up and watch her close the door.

"Thena, what's wrong?" You asked, scared this was your step fathers doing.

"I had a bad dream." She cried.

"Oh, princess." Coryo let out, making her look up at him realizing he was there.

"Cory?" She asked, brightness filling her teary eyes. It was adorable to you just how much your boyfriend and little sister got along. Delythena looked up to Coryo like he held the stars and Coryo always treated her like she was the princess of Panem.

"It's me, princess." He cooed, reaching his hand out to her to help her on the bed.

"It was scary." She cried as she climbed up.

"How was it scary, princess?" He asked, sitting her on his lap as she clutched one of her little hands to his shirt, and the other still wrapped around little bunny plushie that you got her when she was born.

"It was storming and I was all alone and lost and no one was coming to get me." She cried into your boyfriends chest.

"Aw, Thena," you cooed, stroking her wet cheek with your thumb. "That's not going to happen. I'll always come looking for you. You're my little sister, and I love you."

"I love you too, Sissy." She let out, voice soft as she pulled away from Coryo. "And I love you too, Cory."

"Aww, thank you, princess." Coryo smiled, looking at your little sister. "I love you too. You and your sissy."

"Sissy loves you too." She explained proudly.

"Does she now?" He asked, smile on his face, pretending to be surprised.

"Yes!" She exclaimed, proudly. "She tells me all the time! She says she loves you almost as much as she loves me."

"Almost as much?" He asked her, looking at you, making you hold in a laugh at the fake hurt in his eyes.

"Well," Coryo pretended to whisper, leaning closer to your sister. "Between you and me, I love your big sister too. Very very much."

"More than you love me?" Your sister pouted with her big eyes that got Coryo every time.

"No." He explained, wiping a tear that had just fallen on her cheek. "Never. I love my princess of Penam more than anyone!" Coryo explained, making your heart melt.

"How about you get some sleep." You suggested.

"Can I stay with you and Cory?"

"Oh course, honey." You smiled.

Coryo woke early the next morning curled up in your bed with you and your sister, saddened by the fact that he had to say goodbye. He looked at your sleeping sister on his chest and you sleeping curled into his side.

He had one arm wrapped around you, and the other around your sister. "Baby," he whispered, rubbing his hand along your waist, staring you from your sleep.

"Coryo," you mumbled slowly fluttering your eyes open. sorrow filling your eyes when you realized what was going on. "No," you whispered, tears coming to your eyes, as you tried not to wake your little sister.

"I have to. I don't want to, but I have to."

"Coryo."

"I know, baby." Coryo sighed, carefully sitting up, trying not to wake Thena. "But I'll come back to you. I'm going to come back."

"I don't want you to go."

"Cory," Thena quietly asked, shifting in Coryo's arms and looking up at him with her big eyes. "Where are you going?"

"I'm just going on a trip, princess." Coryo said, not wanting to tell her the truth.

"When will you be back?"

Coryo looked at you for help with this one.

"It'll be a while honey. That's why I'm sad."

"Cory, don't go! I don't want Sissy to be sad!"

"Aw, honey, Coryo has to go." You explained.

"Do you have to?" Thena asked with her big eyes.

"I do, princess." Coryo explained, brushing the hair out of her face. "But I'll be back as soon as I can. Can you do me a favor while I'm gone, princess? Can you take care of your sister for me?"

"Yeah! I'll take care of her!"

"I know you will, princess. Thank you." Coryo smiled, kissing her head, making her smile as big as she could.

"I love you Cory!"

"I love you too, princess." Coryo smiled, giving her one last kiss.

"Okay, Thena," you let out, playing with her hair. "How about you go back to your bed before Mother and your father wonder where you are."

"Okay," Thena let out, looking up to Coryo. "You're coming back to us right Cory?"

"Of course I am." Coryo smiled, wiping a tear off of her cheek with the pad of his thumb, trying not to let his own tears fall out. "I can't leave the love of my life, and my princess of Panem, now can I?"

"No." Thena smiled. "When will we see you again?"

"As soon as I get back my princess."

"I love you Cory!" Thena said, throwing her arms around his neck.

"I love you too." Coryo explains, hugging her tight to his chest, finally letting a tear fall, breaking your heart even more.

🌹🌹🌹

ONE YEAR LATER

It had been exactly a year since that night. The last night you had spent with your Coryo. Your love. You hadn’t heard from him since and it breaks your heart.

But that didn’t stop you from trying, and you know he tried too. Your step father was the one keeping you apart. Ready to marry you off to money so he didn’t have to work as hard anymore.

“Oh Coryo,” you cried, tears staining your face and hitting your bed, as you cried looking at the picture of you and Coryo from a little over a year ago.

“I miss you so much. Gosh, I hope you’re doing okay. Please come back to me, Coryo. Everyday is just getting so much harder and harder. The only things that’s keeping me going, from keeping me surrendering to my bed everyday, is Thena. She is still true to that promise she made you. She takes care of me without even knowing it. She misses you, Coryo. She always asks me when you’ll come back. She's gotten so big, Coryo. She's six now, but still loves her Cory.

My stepfather is trying to marry me off to Arachne Crane's older brother Eiran. I have to meet up with him and the whole family tomorrow so our parents can discuss wedding arrangements. Oh Coryo, I don't want to marry him. Please Coryo. Please come back to me. Please come save me. I love you."

"Sissy?" You heard your little sister ask, looking up to see her poking her head in. "Why are you sad, Sissy?"

"Oh, Thena." You let out, watching your little sister, walk over to you. Though she has grown in the last year she is still so young and small. "Don't worry about me."

"But you're crying. I don't want you to be sad. I told Cory you won't be sad."

"See, that's the thing, hun. I miss Coryo." You explained, snuggling up with your sister in your bed. "That's why I'm sad."

"I miss Cory too. When will h be home?"

"Soon. I hope." You tell her, the later part under your breath for her not to hear.

🌹🌹🌹

"Mother, please don't make me do this," you begged as your mother finished getting your dress on you.

"I'm sorry Y/N, but I have no choice. Your stepfather owns all of us. Our life is up to him, until you get married and belong to someone else."

"But Eiran Crane?" You ask. "Mother, he know's nothing of love. It would be a miserable, loveless merging. The only love in my life be those of the kids he would bestow upon me for his heirs. But even then I could not love them fully like they would deserve because they would be half of a man I could never love."

"Oh hush!" Your mother ordered, moving on to your hair. "You should never say such things. Eiran is a good man, and you should be honored that he and his family is even considering you to be his wife."

"But Mother, I would be throwing my life away. He is so much older than me. He's already finished the university, and if I am to marry him, I would not be able to attend for I am to be the dotting house wife."

"And you wouldn't be if you were to marry that young Coriolanus Snow? The one to broke to even take care of his old grandmother."

"Do not disrespect the Snow's like that. They are wonderful people, mother."

"Be that as it may, marrying the young Snow would only ruin your life. There would be no money, and your step father would never provide you with any."

"I don't care!" You yelled, trying to jerk away, making your mother burn you with the curling iron.

"See, look what your childish behavior made me do." She hissed when you yelped out in pain.

"But I won't marry him. I won't marry Mr. Crane, I just won't!"

"You hav no choice in the matter my darling."

"Father would have never done this to me."

This seemed to work. Indeed it did do the trick for you mother softened and carefully put down the curling iron, setting down next to you.

"I know. I know he would never. And I do wish your stepfather would never do this to you. But I am just his wife, there is nothing I can do about it."

"If father did this you would have talked to him and stopped this, yes?"

She sighed and looked down. "Darling, this is different. Your father and I married for love. We were both equal. But after he passed, and the money left behind ran out, I had to do what was best for you. I had to marry Mr. Sorin. For he had money, and could provide for us."

"But you don't love him."

"No. Nor does he love me."

"Then why did you do it?"

"Because, I had to take care of you. I had to do what was messed for you. I had to give you a better life, then being poor. And when Mr. Sorin offered to take care of us, should I let him be in control of us, I just had to do it. I had to do it to give you a better life."

"But, is this what you would call a better life? Me being bid to see who would be interested in me, and who would pay Stepfather the most money for me?"

"When I married hi, and put our lives in his hands, I did not know that he would do this to you. I wish he wouldn't. But I can't stop him, and neither can you. For he owns us."

"He might legally own me, but he won't control me, Mother. He just won't."

🌹🌹🌹

You were walking in the garden of your home with Eiran Crane, while his parents were talking with your mother and stepfather, while Thena was playing and entertaining herself with her dolls in the gazebo.

"So, Y/N," Eiran started, as they walked along the garden. "After the marriage, I will own you-"

"So everyone says," you let out.

Eiran stopped, and looked down at you. "I will own you. That's how it works. And when we do get married, you will no longer attend the university, instead you will being the doting house wife, and as soon as we get married, you will start trying to give me heirs for you to take care of, nurse, rase, and love."

"And what about you?" You cut in. "Would you love your kids?"

"That is not my job. That is the mothers job."

"No. It is both parents jobs to love and rase their children. I will not grant a man whose wish is for me to drop out of the university to have children if he shan't even love his own children."

"They are not my children, they are my heirs. And your children. We will have at least one of each no matter how long that takes you-"

"Takes me? You sir are the one who decides the sex of the child. Do you not know anything of how reproduction works?"

"Now, listen," he ordered. "You will grant me with how ever many heirs I bless upon you. Our eldest son will be granted my company when the time comes, and our eldest daughter will be named Arachne after my late sister, and her late aunt. Do you understand?"

You went to answer but were cut off before you got the chance to.

"Cory!" Thena yelled, gaining everyone's attention as she got up and started running.

You looked in the direction she was running and there he was. Right there, he was right there, still in his peacekeeper uniform. But he was there.

He was finally home.

🌹🌹🌹

Coriolanus' POV

Coriolanus took a deep breath as he made his way up to your door. He knocked on the door and smiled when he saw your favorite maid answer the door.

"Mr. Snow." She smiled. "Oh, it's been so long. Mistress. Y/N has missed you so."

"Where is Y/N?" Coryo asked, trying to look around to find her.

"Oh, she's in the garden sir. The whole family is out there."

"Thank you." He smiled, making his way to the garden.

When he got there he stopped in his tracks, heart breaking at the sight. You were standing in the garden, talking with Eiran Crane, while your parents were sitting in the gazebo, talking and drinking tea with the Crane's while Thena played with her dolls.

Coryo didn't know how long he was standing there, but right when he was about to walk away Thena looked up from her dolls and her face lit up, with the biggest smile going from ear to ear.

"Cory!" She yelled, getting up and running to him, making his heart fill with happiness and pride as the little girl ran to him.

Coryo bent down and opened his arms wide as Thena ran into them. "Oh my princess!" Coryo smiled, wrapping her up in his arms and spinning her around in the air.

"Cory, I missed you!"

"I missed you more my princess." Coryo explained, holding her in his arms, balancing her on his hip while she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Look, Cory," she smiled, mouth wide to show him her smile. "I lost my first tooth!"

"Oh, my princess is growing up. You've gotten so big in a year."

"Sissy, missed you!" Thena let out, turning her head to her sister. "Sissy, look! Cory's back!"

Coriolanus turned to look at you, seeing the shocked expression your face.

"Coryo?" You whispered, tears in your eyes as everyone watched you. Your mother was surprised, and your stepfather was lived, along with the Crane's confusion.

"I'm back."

"Is it really you?"

"It's really me, baby."

"Coryo!" You yelled, running to him and throwing your arms around his neck, he wrapped your free arm around you, holding you close and tight as he kissed you with all the love and passion anyone could hold.

🌹🌹🌹

Two Years Latter

"Congratulations, Mr. Head Gamemaker," you smiled, leaning up and kissing your long time boyfriend, who was just granted the honer of head gamemnaker.

"Thank you, my love." Coryo smiled, looking down at you.

It had been two years since he came home, and you both finished the university, and Coryo was able to get your stepfather to cancel your engagement to Eiran Crane.

It was now winter, and the Capitol was shining with snow, as small flakes peacefully fluttering down from the night sky. falling around your face and sticking to your hair.

Coryo was smiling down at you, moving one of his hands up from your waist to move some of your hair out of your face, and cupping your cheek.

You leaned your face on his hand, smiling at the warmth. You shivered as another gust of wind came, pulling your big furry coat that Coryo got you tighter around you.

"Are you cold my love?" Coryo asked, wrapping your cheek with his thumb.

"A little," you ament, sheepishly smiling up at him.

"You're adorable," he stated, looping his arm around your arm, and putting the opposite one on your gloved hand. "I know you don't like the cold, let's get you in for our dinner reservation."

The two of you got to your table in the fancy restraint, Coryo pulled our your chair letting you sit down, making you let out a soft giggle.

"Thank you, Coryo."

"Of course my love." He smiled, kissing your temple and taking his seat across from you. "How was your day my love?"

"It was good Coryo." You smiled, looking at him with bright loving eyes. "Thena wanted to go out and build a snowman so we did that and we played in the snow some, which of course made her think of you."

That made Coryo smile as he grabbed your hand. "It has been a while. I've been so busy my love, but I do mean to see her soon."

"I know Coryo. And she knows that too. Besides she's usually at school or in bed when you get the chance to come over."

"I do miss that little princess though. Perhaps tomorrow I can come by."

"Oh she would love that Coryo, but I don't think that would be a good idea?" You said, your smile quickly fading.

Coryo saw the look on his face and fear only grew. "What is it?" He asked, squeezing your hand, trying to stay calm. "Did he do something to you, Thena, or your mother?"

"No, no," you quickly let out. "It's just," you trailed off with a sigh.

"What is it love?" Coryo pressed with a gentle voice.

"I heard him talking about needing a commander down in 3, and I'm scared he's going to send you."

"My darling he wouldn't do that to us. Not anymore."

"But Coryo, he would. And he could."

"Well it would look bad for him, sending his future son in law away?"

"What?" you asked.

"That's not how I meant for it to come out." Coryo explained, getting up and coming over to you, getting down on one knee making you gasp.

"My darling love, you are the love of my life, and I need you like I need air to breathe. You are the other half of me. You keep me good when it's hard and everything I do I do to protect you or to do what is best for you. My love, I love you so much, and you would make me the happiest man alive if you will marry me?"

"Oh Coryo!" You cried, jumping up and flying yourself onto him as he stood up, almost knocking him down. "Of course I'll marry you!"

🌹🌹🌹

You weee a nervous reck trying to get ready the next morning. The whole family was home so you and Coryo were going to tell them about your engagement. You took a deep breath and slipped your ring on, right as you heard the familiar sound.

“Cory!” Thena yelled, making you smile and leave your room. The moment you walked out the door your smile grew at the sight.

Your boyfriend, no, fiancé was walking towards your room with your sister in his arms. Smiling down as she talked to him.

“Well isn’t this a lovely sight.” You smiled, walking to them.

“Sissy!” Thena let out.

“Hi, my love.” Coryo smiled, pecking your lip.

“Hi.” You smiled, turning your attention to your sister. “Why don’t you go find your parents okay, hun?”

“Okay, Sissy!” Thena let out, as Coryo put her down.

“She’s getting so big.” He let out, rapping you in his arms as you watched her run.

“I know. Before we know it she’s gonna be in the Academy.”

“Not yet, love. She’s still a kid.” He smiled.

“I wish she could stay this way.” You breathed, leaning on him.

“I know my love.”

“I hope she doesn’t have to go through what I was supposed to.”

“She won’t. I wont let her.”

“Thank you.” You let out. “You know, you’re going to make a great father one day.”

“Thank you my love.” He smiled, kissing your temple. “You are going to make a great mother one day.”

“Sissy!” Thena called. “I found them.”

🌹🌹🌹

“What is all this about?” Your stepfather huffed, as you were all sitting in the sitting room.

“Darling,” your mother started. “What’s that on your finger?”

“It’s my engagement ring mother.” You smiled, trying to hide your nerves for your stepfather’s reaction.

“Oh my darling,” your mother gasped a smile spreading across your face.

“This is unacceptable!” Your stepfather grumbled, making the smiles fade, as you held on tighter to Coryo.

Coryo’s jaw tightened as he rubbed thigh reassuringly. “Why might that be, Mr. Sorin? Your stepdaughter is her own person and she gets to choose who she loves. And might I remind you, that if all of this outrage is about money. I am the Plinth heir, after the tragic death of Sejanus Plinth.

“Coryo,” you breathed, trying to get his attention. He continued so you quickly looked to your mother to cover your sister’s ears.

“The death that could easily have been avoided if you didn’t send me to the districts, making him fallow me so he wouldn’t have to be stuck without his best friend. But because of you my best friend is dead, and I hope you live with that on your conscience. That you are the reason my best friend is dead.”

“Coryo,” you let out, squeezing his hand, gaining his attention. You gave him a stern look, signaling to your little sister.

“I’m sorry, my love.” He whispered, kissing your head. “I got carried away.”

“So when’s the wedding?” Your stepfather smirked, making confusion seep over you.

“As soon as possible,” Coryo let out, not playing into his games. “And then we’ll have the honeymoon of course.”

“Of course.” Your step father nodded. “And where will you go?”

“We don’t know yet.” Coryo explained. “But afterwards we will need time to adjust into my penthouse.”

“Naturally. How long do you think that could take?”

“As long as we need it to.”

“I need a commander down in 3. I was hoping you’d be interested. After your all settled of course.”

🌹🌹🌹

“I cannot believe him!” You yelled, slamming your purse down on the table in the front room of Coryo’s penthouse.

“Darling,” Coryo let out, nonchalantly, trying to keep his voice down, knowing the Grandma’am was taking her mid afternoon nap.

“I mean it’s total bull-“

“Darling,” he let out again, grabbing your shoulders. “Grandma’am is trying to sleep.”

“Sorry.” You sighed.

“It’s okay. Why don’t we go have some tea? Does that sound good?”

“It does, Coryo.” You sighed, fallowing him as he headed to the room.

"I told you he was going to try and send you," you sighed, taking a sip of tea.

"He won't my love."

"How can you be so sure?" You asked, looking at him with big eyes.

"Darling, we don't have to do this. It's interlay up to you," Coryo explained, cautiously grabbing your hand.

"What are you thinking, Coryo?"

"I get you pregnant."

"Coryo," you let out in a small gasp.

"We don't have to. I know it will be hard, but it's the only thing I can come up with for him not sending me away."

"But Coryo, you're the head gamemnaker now, is that not enough? Is there nothing else you can do?"

"Darling, that doesn't matter when it comes to the up roar in the districts. In fact people may think it better for me to go if it's not during the games. My love, we don't have to do this, it's your choice."

"But what if I do get pregnant and he still sends you away? Then will I be on my own during my pregnancy? Or will he just send you after the baby would be born?"

"Darling, hopefully by then it will be all over and he won't need me."

"Do you think we should do it?"

"I do. But I'll only do it if you're going to be okay with it.”

🌹🌹🌹

Months later

“Coryo,” you mumbled trying to find him in bed one morning. “Coryo?”

“Hi, my love,” Coryo whispered, kneeling by your side of the bed, gently putting his hand on your arm.

“Why are you up?” You murmured, tiredly moving your head to look at him. “‘S too early.”

“I haven an early meeting, my love,” Coryo explained, smiling softly and lovingly at you.

“why?”

“Because they’re busy the rest of the week.”

“but we were supposed to spend the day together.” You pouted.

“And we will. I promise we will my love. Just go back to sleep and I’ll be home by the time you wake back up, okay?”

“Okay.”

That would’ve been true if you hadn’t woken up three hours later with your stomach churning and ready to get rid of everything in it.

you bolted up and rushed to the bathroom, one hand on your stomach as you prepared to throw up. You threw up what was the first bit and flushed it, letting out a sigh. After it flushed, you rested your head on your arm on the toilet waiting for the rest to come.

You heated the door open but didn’t even bother to look up, knowing it was your lovely husband the second he sat next to you and put his hands on your back.

“Is the baby upsetting your stomach again my love?” He asked, sweetly rubbing your back.

Yiu nodded and let out a sigh.

I’m so sorry my love.” He let out, kissing your head and holding your hair as you let the rest out. “All done?”

you nodded as you landed back into him. “I hate throwing up”

“I know my love. I’m so sorry.” Coryo cooed, pushing your shirt up (well technically it’s his shirt) and resting his hand on your tiny bump.

"Coryo," you breathed, looking down at his hand.

"What is it my love?"

"I'm scared to be a mother." You breathed, tears coming to your eyes.

"Oh my love. You are going to be an amazing mother." Coryo let out, kissing your temple.

"I'm worried I'm not going to be good."

"You have nothing to worry about my love. You practically raised Thena, and look at her."

🌹🌹🌹

Everything was going great. You and Coryo were as happy as ever and he couldn't wait for the baby to be born, he was more than happy when you started to show, barely able to keep his hands off of you. That is until your step father sent him away at the start of your third trimester.

You quickly became bed redder, weak without the strength of your husband there with you. You missed him, needed him. But he was stuck in the districts because of your stepfather. You didn't have the energy to do anything. You laid in bed, skin growing pale and weak. Your body thin except your baby bump.

You were laying in bed one morning, about a month after Coryo left, blind to everything in the world. Your hands were subconsciously on your bump as the tears slowly fell down your face.

"How is she looking?" Your mother asked the doctor.

"She's very weak. The baby is healthy still, for now that is. but if she keeps this up we'll be lucky if either one survives birth when the time comes."

"What can we do?"

"She needs to get her strength back, get stronger and healthier. If there's anyway you can even do that."

🌹🌹🌹

“Please, bring him home!” Your mother yelled that night. She was in her room and fighting with your stepfather about bring Coriolanus home.

“Absolutely not! I need a commander!”

“And my daughter needs her husband!"

"Does it look like I care?"

"No! You don't care! You've never cared about her! But for once in your life please just do something for her! She's dying, and the only person who could possibly save her is stuck out in the districts because of you. Please just for once in your live take care of her."

"I am taking care of her. I'm taking care of all of Panem by having Coriolanus as a commander."

"If you don't bring him back I will!"

"You would never!"

"I would! I would do anything for my daughter and grandchild!"

🌹🌹🌹

A few days later

You were laying propped up in bed one afternoon, Grandma's sitting on the side of your bed, trying to spoon feed you some soup. As per usual you were unresponsive, staring off into space, hand on your stomach.

"Please, Y/N," Grandma'am begged. "Please eat for me dear."

After trying some more Grandma'am put the soup down on the bedside table, and sighed walking out the room.

Grandma'am closed the door behind her and turned around to a blessed sight.

"Oh Coryo!" She exclaimed, hands going up and cupping her grandsons cheeks. "Oh my Coryo. We've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too, Grandma'am. How is she?"

"Oh, she's not doing too good, Coryo." Grandma'am sighed. "She's not eating, she barely leaves the bed. She's pale and skinny, Coryo. And oh, she just won't eat, I was just in their trying but she didn't even respond."

"It's okay, it's okay, Grandma'am." Coryo cooed, trying to clam his grandmother down. "I'm back now. I'll take care of her. You go get some rest okay."

Coryo opened the door and saw what a pitiful sight yih were and his heart broke. Your mother told him what would happen if you didn’t get your strength back and that broke his heart. He couldn’t live with out you, he just couldn’t.

“Darling, he let out, walking to her and gaining your attention.

Your eyes got big and tears came to your eyes as you reached out for him. “Coryo? Is it really you?”

“It’s me.” He explained, sitting in the bed next to you, and cupping your face in his hands. “I’m right here.”

“Coryo!” You yelled, doing your best to throw yourself on him and give him a hug.

“I missed you my love. Yoh and our baby.”

“We missed you. Oh, Coryo,” yiu tried to talk but only more tears fell.

“Shh. Shh. It’s okay. I’m back now. But we got to get your strength back so you can properly take care of our baby okay?” Coryo explained, grabbing the bowl and leading the spoon to your mouth. “Okay, my love, eat this for me okay?"

🌹🌹🌹

"Coryo," you let out, leaning all your weight onto him as he tried to help you walk around.

"What is it my love?" He asked, hands firmly holding, one hand rubbing your belly.

"I want him died."

"What?" Coryo asked, stopping in his tracks.

"I want him died. All he ever does is hurt us. I don't want my baby to have to deal with that. Please, Coryo, kill him like you did Highbottom. Please Coryo, please."

"Okay, I will my love." Coryo breathed, kissing your head. "Come on, you've done beautify, but let's get you back to bed now."

🌹🌹🌹

“Good morning love,” Coryo smiled, playing with your hair, as you slowly fluttered your eyes open.

"'d Morning, Coryo," you mumbled, looking at him through half open eyes, one hand resting on your stomach and the other going to play with his curls.

"Did you sleep well, my love?"

"Yeah, did you?"

"I did, darling, thank you. How are you feeling today?"

"Good, our little baby let me get some good sleep last night." You smiled, making him smile to, placing a hand on your stomach as well, leading you to intertwine your fingers.

"That's very good my love. Do you have any plans for the day?"

"No. I was thinking I could take the day to rest?"

"I think that is a very good idea. You've been working very heard, and the doctor is happy with your strength. I'm very proud of you my love, you deserve a day to rest."

"Thank you, Coryo. Growing a child is no easy task."

"I would imagine not, my darling. But you are doing such a great job at it."

"Thank you, Coryo. What do you have planned for today?"

"Well, I have to go into the office for a little bit this afternoon, and I was thinking on the way home I could stop by your family's house, and have tea with your step father."

"Really?" You gasped.

"Are you sure you want me to do it?"

"Yes, Coryo! Please, I want him died."

"Okay, my love, then I'll do it. How about your mother and Thena come over today then? I don't want Thena over there when I do it."

"I don't either. I miss her so much, I would love to see her."

🌹🌹🌹

The news shoot through the Capital like a rocket.

Pierce Soran Killed by POISON

Coryo had done it. He killed the man who caused so much hurt for you and him. When Coryo came home that night you were all sitting in the sitting room when he walked in, tears on his face and coughing up blood.

"Coryo?" You asked, doing your best to get up, as fast as you could with your mother's help, and then waddled your way over to him. "My love, what happened?"

"I'm so sorry, darling," he choked, spitting more blood into his handkerchief.

"What do you mean?" You asked, guiding him to his chair. "Darling, what happened?"

"I went to have tea with your step father, and someone," *cough* "Someone poisoned the tea."

"What do you mean?" Your mother asked, face the same, as she grabbed Athena's hand.

"We both started to cough up. blood, but before the medic could get there he dropped daed. I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry. This is not your fault." Your mother explained.

"Mother, what does Cory mean?" Thena asked.

"Your father is died." Your mother said.

"Do they know who did it?" You asked, sitting on the arm of the chair, one hand rubbing his back, and the other rubbing your stomach, trying to clam your baby down.

"The butler who served us our tea," he explained, looking up at you, with pain in his eyes, one hand reaching for your stomach. "He was the only one who ever came into the room. It was just me and him in there, so it had to have been the butler. They are executing him tomorrow."

Coryo was cut off by an even longer couching fit, causing you to crinch. "Darling, come on. Let's get you to bed. You need to rest."

🌹🌹🌹

It has been 8 months since the tragic and unexpected death of your stepfather. A lot has happened in the past eight months. Your mother and Thena moved into the pint house. It was an absolute joy having them around more. You and your mother were closer than ever after the death of your step father. Your mother didn't care that he passed, in fact she seemed a lot happier now. Thena didn't seem affected either, she was never close to her father, she barely ever saw him.

But the big thing was your baby coming into the world. It was mid day when your baby decided to make their grand entrance to the world.

Coryo did his best to be at home at all times, to be there for you and the baby, never wanting to let your lift a finger, now that your strength was fully back. But mainly he didn't want to leave you. He knew that you wouldn't be alone, that Thena, your mother, and Grandma'am would be with you all day, but he hated leaving you. And of course the one time he left for a meeting was when your baby decided it was time to come into the world.

You were sitting on the couch, playing with Thena when your water broke.

"Sissy?" Thena said, making you look at her.

"What is it hun?" You asked.

"Why did you pee yourself?"

Confused as to what she just said, you looked down and saw that your water had broke, followed by an intense pain in your abdomen, making you grab it and yelp.

"Sissy, what's wrong?" Thena asked, fear lacing her face.

"Nothing, honey," you panted. "Just go get Mother okay?"

You were laying in a hospital bed, holding your mothers hand as a contraction hit again.

"I know. I know," she cooed. "but you're doing so good."

"Is it almost done?" You cried.

"It is, the worst is done."

"I want my husband."

"I know. I know, he should be here soon."

Just then the door burst open and Coryo came running to your side. He looked frantic, hair pulled and curls coming out of the gel, tie and suit jacket discarded, sleeves rolled up as high as they could.

"Coryo!" You cried, reaching out for him.

"I'm here, I'm here darling," he sighed, holding your hand, and kissing your sweaty head. "I'm right here. I shouldn't have gone to that meeting, I'm sorry my love."

"It's not your fault. This little one was just ready to come out," you chuckled.

After hours of pain, your baby boy Zade Crassus Snow came into the world. You couldn't be any happier. You had your beautiful and healthy baby boy who looked just like his father, you had your loving husband who was such a loving and devoted father as well. You had your mother and sister, and Grandma'am as well.

But the other big change was that Coryo ran and got President of Panem.

It was his first official day in office, and you had all moved into the Presidential Mansion. The city was going crazy with all their celebrations. Parades were spreading across the streets. Thena was in school, and your mother was out with some friends, Grandma'am asleep in her new luxuries bed room. And Zade sound asleep in his nursery.

"Help my darling," you heard, turning around to see your very handsome husband walking in, with his red suit, the one that fit him perfectly, your favorite one.

"Coryo?" You smiled, circling your arms around his neck, as he circled his around your waist, holding you close. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you been in the west wing, being busy running the country, than being in the residence with your tired wife, who has on spit up stained pj's, and badly needs a nap?"

"You still look gorgeous though." He smiled, kissing you tenderly.

"I love you."

"I love you more."

"Mr. President," Coryo's assistant says coming in. "There's someone in the west wing here to see you. Says that you two go way back."

"I'll be right down." Coryo replied. He man nodded, then walked out. Coryo looked back at you and went in for one more kiss, but was cut off by the cries of Zade.

You both sighed and rested your foreheads on one another. "I can go get him," Coryo let out.

"Coryo, you have someone waiting for you."

"It's probably Festus, he can wait."

"Darling, just go get it over with. Besides, Zade's probably hungry."

"I can stay," he let out.

"Darling, go work. We'll come visit you after he eats and we both get dressed."

🌹🌹🌹

You got dressed into something loose and comfortable but still professional enough to go down to your husbands office in. Then picked up your babbling little boy, smoothing down some blond curls out of his face as he smiled up at you.

"Ah-ah!" Zade exclaimed, making you smile. He hasn't quit gotten to he point yet where he can say things right, but still you and your husband knew what he meant.

"I know, you want to see Dada, but we got to get you dressed first, little man. Dada has a big job, and we won't to look professional for him." You explained, as you walked to his nursery and got him dressed in his cut little outfit.

🌹🌹🌹

"So," Eiren asked, sitting in Coryo's office, looking at a family portrait of you, Coryo, and your baby. "What is it like to live the life I was supposed to live?"

"What?" Coryo asked, about ready to strangle this man to death. He had thought it was going to be Festus waiting for him in his office, but his blood ran cold when he saw your ex fiance waiting for him. Just then he heard a knock on the door, thankful for the interruption. "Come in."

They both looked up to see you walking in with a smiling baby Zade. You stopped in your tracks when you saw Eiren sitting there, but that didn't last long. "Ah-ah!" Zade cheered, knocking you out of your thoughts.

You smiled and walked over to your husband, who was smiling down at his baby boy. "Hello my lovely son." He smiled, kissing his head, making him babble even more.

"Ah-ah!" He smiled, reaching out for his father.

"He's been missing you," you smiled, handing Zade over to your husband, while trying to ignore Eiran staring into you.

"Well, I've been missing him," Coryo smiled, taking him in his arms.

Eiran cleared his throat making everyone turn to look at him. "Well hello, Y/N." He smiled. "Would you be so kind and get me something to drink?"

"She's not not a maid," Coryo cut in, anger lacing his face.

"No, it's okay, Coryo," You smiled, sweetly, putting a loving hand on your husbands shoulder. "Of course, Eiran."

You went over and got him a drink prepared, feeling is lingering gaze on you.

"You look magnificent," Eiran explained, as you walked back towards him, handing him his drink.

"Yes well you look even more handsome than you did .. the day .. I left you," you smiled, taking your place back at your husbands side.

Eiran was taken aback by your replay, but Coryo couldn't help but smirk over his drink. You took Zade back and held him close to your chest, head facing the other way as you watched Eiran take a sip of his drink and then fall to his death.

Coryo stopped and stared for a second surprised, then looked up at you with a smirk on his face, standing up and wrapping his arms around your waist.

"Darling," He asked, making you hum, looking up at him with a sweet smile, and a babbling baby in your arms. "Did you sneak into my drawer in my desk?"

"I don't think it's sneaking if you gave me a key."

"I'm so proud of you darling," he smiled, giving you a tender kiss.

"I'm proud of you."

"I love you."

"I'm pregnant." You smiled.

Coryo looked down at you flabbergasted, like you just killed a man. (I mean technically you did) "You're what?"

"I'm pregnant. I wanted to tell you when you first came up, but then we had other plans. Are you mad?"

"Darling, this is the best day of my life!"

tag list here

Tag list: @uglyfish3rman, @Edb954, @joyfulyouthlover, @Warlike-morning, @melodyoflove99, @thatgurljen, @winter-solstice24, @Phoward89, @shadowolf993, @clearpoetryobservation-blog @mizuki80 @jacesvelaryons @mimitoupe01

[merenascl0ud]

HIDING IN THE SHADOWS: PROLOUGE

SYNOPSIS: In a world where shifters dance on the line of public acceptance and hatred, it's safe to say shifters aren’t welcomed everywhere. To the military, shifters' worth relies on brute strength, obedience, and ability to kill, something John Price was good at. Except obedience, John Price marched to the beat of his own drum and it led to the 141 Special Operations Unit tasked with one goal; take down Markov. Long after their accomplished goal, the task force was “disbanded” but a private detective agency was up and running towns over. Tasks and assignments came from all over but when Laswell phones them in for one last mission and who were they to refuse? Project Thena, the once funded government project was apprehended by an opposing force, one with an agenda to push. Wyn  Evers, the center of Project Thena and the lone survivor of the assault, is the sole person who can help them and is plagued with nightmares and fears but, most importantly, a family to protect. All it takes is one deal for her to be on board but what she didn’t consider was to fall into the secrets of the agency or the one’s who freed her.

SHIPS: poly141 x femaleblack!oc, keeganxfemale!oc x logan walkerxfemale!oc

director's warnings: mentions/ descriptions of gore, torture, blood, fighting, implications of sexual violence, fluff, angst, heartbreak, smut, and more to note

director footnotes: welcome to the prologue of Hiding in the Shadows! for an idea of what some of the characters look like or if you want check the story's masterlist! please read the warnings before engaging with the material and happy reading!

prologue warnings: light mentions of torture, bruises, scars, gore, and blood mentions. if you can't handle the subject matter, prioritize yourself first always!

Wyn knew she would never escape the prison she was in. In the mossy cage adorned with broken bricks and stone, and the dried blood splatter that coated the floor was the only source of time she had. It’s been years. Years since the fires, running, the screaming and sounds of bodies hiting the pavement. Wyn closed her eyes, rubbing her ashen hands over her face and biting down on her tongue. The agonizing pain in her left leg prevented her from crawling to her usual corner, something that was her only source of comfort. The chain around her right leg weighted her body down as she curled back into her fetal position. She was too tired to remember but the nightmares came anyway, forcing her to remember. With every bruise, it was like the past ones were throbbed and her body screamed fiery pain as open cut wounds on her stomach and arms were exposed to air and weakened her ability to even ground herself. 

She could hear the doctors whispering, even if she couldn’t see them through the darkness of the cage. They clicked their pens and with her heightened hearing, she could hear them scribbling down notes. Observations after their last experiment, her thighs still burned after three hours of intense pain. She smiled, despite herself, no matter how hard those fuckers tried, they couldn’t break her. They did everything under the sun, not even their heavy boots breaking bones made her talk. They were safe and that was keeping her alive, she would make it through this. No matter what, her family was protected and suddenly the prison felt like one of her own making. In her own sick sense, it was becoming a home. Her blood spatter was the blanket she laid her head on and the chill air wrapped around her comfortingly but on the brink of suffocating. Yes, it was a prison of her own making and sooner or later she would call it her home, but until then in the safety of the darkness she let her shadows crawl over her body and take her to a quieter place.

Elsewhere…

At some point, Ghost stopped feeling emotions. The heavy weight of his muscles, the gear that was intended for protection morphed into parts of his skin and the skulls buried underneath his feet gave him an edge. The gunshots, yelling, running sort of bleed into one. It was muscle memory, a reflex honed and sharpened over the years. To anyone else, it would be sick the way he enjoyed it. Bringing his rifle up to his chin and feeling his finger wrap around the trigger, it was almost sinful. Almost but never quite there. He advanced further into the night, the darkness of the trees covered his form and his footsteps were light but purposeful. He could hear their breathing, the way their chest moved up and down and the stutter in the breath. It was their fear he fed on, it was the way they cowered, hoping for an angel to save them from the footsteps they knew were approaching. Two men hunkered together with guns shaking in every direction. Too bad he wasn’t in front of them.

Two shots, two bodies dropped and one advanced further. He could feel Johnny behind him but he didn’t look back. That was the problem with his beast, he was always too close to comfort. His hunger for something, whatever it was they were coming for was palpable. His scent was thick in the air, guiding Ghost further but reigning him from going too deep. Price was above them, the mountains gave him and Gaz the edge needed to run without being seen. He heard their guns, orders flying from the Captains mouth and Gaz’s grenades dropping into submission. Each unit had their own team and the men kept up fine, it was expected. Nothing less and nothing more. By the time they cut through the ever garden and it's haunting abyss they were met with what looked like a makeshift laboratory in a prison. The moss and leaves covered most of the makeshift paint job and broken bricks. Trees were growing from inside, bushes full of poison ivy and fruit were scattered around, the only thing kept alive. Bodies piled from the outside, men of older ages but who lost their humanity along the way. Their faces were decaying way faster than normal, holes burning from the inside as they stained his walkway. 

Sitting on the nearby rock was Sunshine, odd enough for their pack of devils. She was the only bright thing in the woods, her golden hair locked into a tight shift braid and her gun resting beside her. Her back was towards them and Ghost watched as the blood of her victims dripped down her chin. Her head cocked towards him, her blue eyes were electrifying and expressions was blank. She didn’t look at him but past him, the approaching members of their little pack. He didn’t need to guess how long she sat waiting, observing, smelling. Whatever scent plagued the English woods was disgustingly sweet with despair and agony but yet, it had a hint of joy. Something that belonged to them was happy without them, happy in the cage that grew around it. 

“Took you long enough, half the recruits emptied their stomachs by the time you were halfway here.” she hummed, her southern drawl practically purring as her eyes motioned to the recruits far away from her. Ghost scowled from behind his mask, beckoning them to the front with the wave of his fingers, something Johnny admired for too long. Price and Gaz, along with their units, stalked forward and shifted out of their forms. Sunshine glanced their way too, straightening slightly as Price walked forward. He eyed the prison cautiously while resting his hand on Sunshine’s shoulder. Nothing short of affection and worry laced their captains eyes, the ruthlessness was hard to stomach. But just as telling. She was watching something, farther than what they could see. Her eyes were frosty and her mouth turned down to a frown, the electricity in her eyes slowly flickered as her sight locked onto what she wanted. 

“What do you see, Lass?” Price asked, his thumb grazing the dripping blood slowly and swiping it up with a turn. Her eyes darkened and her head turned down slightly, the others were quiet as they listened to the steady breathing of Sunshine. The breeze picked up the rotting smell of corpses and the iron of the leaking blood. 

“It’s stuck in a cage, don’t know what but it’s guarded by iron.” she growled, her grip on the rock cracking it down the center. The ever growing capacity of her emotions wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The bubbling anger was why they let her go first with the recruits, so they can get a taste of the savagery their Lieutenant is. 

Price nodded, gently rubbing her back before stalking his way to Ghost. The rumbling of their bond turned into a small, quiet but still a slither of whimper that turned back into stillness. Whatever was in that cage, Sunshine wanted it now. 

“How we gonna do this, Cap?” Ghost inquired, resting his hands in the space between his vest and stomach. Price rested himself close, almost brushing against his shoulder but not quiet. The small distance had caused a small growl to rumble past his lips, not intentionally but it did what it needed as he moved closer. 

“Sunshine goes in first, let her clear what’s ever in her path, you and Soap flank to the right with her and your unit but don’t advance before Sunshine. Gaz and I will take the second floor and scavenge for what we can find. No one goes near the iron, not until we know what’s inside.” Price ordered, the men around them taking their weapons and falling to rank. Sunshine pulled herself off the rock, her body suit stained with crimson and her eyes locked on the door. Johnny’s eyes danced with excitement as Ghost walked towards him, his hand finding home into the crook of his neck and being welcomed by a rumble.

“No one goes near the iron, Captain's orders.” Ghost restated, stroking and massaging the center of Johnny’s neck, his eyes dancing with Ghost’s own.

“When have we ever listened to Captain’s orders?” Johnny purred like a devil, his smirk turning far more upward than it should be.

[calicomarie11]

Evan and Tommy are sitting at the table in Evan’s loft, a couple of beers in front of them and relaxing now that the clean up from dinner is done.

“So, how’s Bobby handling retirement?” Tommy asks.

“Still fighting to come back, but he does start a temporary gig tomorrow.” Evan answers. “He’s going to be a technical advisor on Hotshots.”

Tommy looks impressed. “That’s a big deal. That show is huge.”

Evan shrugged, “I’ve never seen it.” 

“What do you mean, you’ve never watched Hotshots? How could you miss it. It’s been the hottest show on TV for the past 2 years.” Tommy’s voice is filled with incredulity as he stares at Evan. “We have viewing parties at Harbor, even the off shift crew comes in if they don’t need to sleep.”

Evan lifts a hand to rub the back of his neck and shrugs sheepishly. “I know it exists, I’ve seen the billboards, it’s just….” he trails off and looks towards the ceiling, his go to move when he’s being evasive. 

“What, did you sleep with the star during your Buck 1.0 days?” Tommy teases him.

“Not the star.” Buck takes a breath and fiddles with his beer bottle, tearing strips off the outside as he talks. “So, you are not the first TK that I’ve dated. I used to be off and on with Taylor Kelly.”

Tommy interrupts “The Taylor Kelly who wrote a tell all about the 118? That was your ex-girlfriend? What a bitch.”

“Yeah, well, we weren’t a good fit. Anyways, after she published the book it got picked up for development and Hotshots was the end result. I think she’s even working on the show as a consultant. I didn’t read her book and I’m not about to watch her show.” 

“I can’t believe I didn’t put that together.” Tommy sits back, a thoughtful look on his face. “So does that mean the characters on the show are based on the 118?” He cocks his head and studies Evan and then slaps his hand down on the table. “Holy shit, you’re Sandy.”

“Sandy?” Evan asks, his nose wrinkling adorably in confusion.

“Blaine “Sandy” Sanderson. He’s kind of the show’s punching bag. Last season an ambulance rolled over on top of him during an earthquake and crushed his arm.  This year the season opener had him trapped in a mudslide with his best friends kid.”

Evan takes a slow pull on his beer as he processes that. “Why do you think I’m Sandy?”

“Well, he gets hurt a lot, he’s a daredevil, he’s got a heart of gold, he’s a bit naive, and he always has a collection of fun facts that relate to the rescue at hand.”  

“And that’s what you think of me?” Evan asks with a frown.

“No, baby. But superficially it matches up.” Tommy reaches out to cover Evan’s hand with his own.

“Okay.” Even still looks put out, but a little intrigued. “So, what about the other characters?”

Tommy sits back and purses his lips. “Well, Bea is obviously a stand in for Hen, and Shaft must be Chimney.”

Evan interrupts “Shaft?”

“A nickname they never bother to explain.” 

Evan nods. “Yeah, we never did tell her how Chimney got his name. Who else?”

“Well, the captain’s name is Billy, but everyone calls him Cap and he’s married to a police detective named Artemis.” 

“And you’re just now putting this together?” Even quirks an eyebrow at Tommy.

Tommy holds up his hands in defense. “Hey, I wasn’t exactly expecting to see my old house on the hottest show on television. I started watching before I met you.” 

“So is that it? Me, Cap, ‘Thena, Hen and Chim?”

Tommy looks away and shifts in his seat. “There’s also Ricky.”

“Ricky?”

Tommy sighs. “Ricardo “Ricky” Noches. Air Force veteran, single dad to an autistic kid, and Sandy’s best friend.”

“She made Chris autistic?” The outrage is clear in Evan’s voice. “I know she didn’t spend much time with him, but that is supremely uncool.” Evan sinks back in his seat, a look of frustration on his face.

“There’s more.” Tommy says matter of factly.

Evan huffs. “Alright, lay it on me. How much worse can it get.”

Tommy hums and looks around the room, avoiding eye contact with Evan. “There’s a significant portion of the fan base for the show that “ships” Sandy and Ricky.”

“Ships?” Evan says, his face a mask of confusion.

“It means they think they should be in a romantic relationship. Their ship name is Randy.” Tommy says.

Evan sinks into his seat, his brow furrowed. “So, the people who watch this show, based on my life, think that I should be, what, dating Eddie?” 

Tommy holds his breath and nods. 

Evan stares at him for a long moment, a riot of expressions crossing his face, before he bursts out in laughter. It takes him a few minutes to get himself under control, the giggles rising each time he thinks he’s ready to speak. 

He finally wipes away the tears from his laughing jag. “That would be an epic disaster. Don’t get me wrong, I love him like a brother, but he has more trauma than me, and that’s saying something.” 

 Tommy lets out a breath of relief. “I’ll pass that on to Donato.”

“Lucy?” Evan shoots him a look of confusion.

“Oh, yeah, she’s a big Randy fan.  Spends way too much time on shift reading fan fiction.”

Evan lifts an eyebrow at him. “Do you think she knows?”

“That it’s based on people she knows?”

“Yeah.”

Tommy hmphs. “I’ll be sure to tell her.” 

Comments and Kudos AO3 are greatly appreciated

[gryffindormarveltwilight]

All We Need - Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Reader - Chapter 1

A/N: chapter one to my topgun maverick fic, i hope you guys enjoy it! As always feedback is always welcome and request are always open.

Masterlist

Pairing: Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x fem!pilot!Benjamin Reader (Athena)

Warnings: mentions of the mission for the movie, mentions to death angst and fluff, naval inaccuracies

Note: the reader is 28 and went through topgun when she was 20 (youngest in history for this story) Rooster is 34 Jake is also 28 (for this story them, Pheonix and Coyote went to top gun together when jake was about 24)

Prologue:

Part 2

I sighed as I pulled into the familiar driveway of the home I shared with my best friend Jake. I noticed that his truck wasn’t there so I assumed that he would be at my Aunts bar The Hard Deck.

Normally I would have gone as well but I was told six hours ago I had been recalled to TopGun in the middle of a six month deployment within an hour of being told I was on a plane, I wasn’t even able to send any of my family a message saying I was coming home.

A few years after Jake and I joined the Navy my parents had also moved back to San Diego to be closer to the entire family.

As I turned the car off I grabbed my duffle and headed onto the porch. Unlocking the door and stepping inside i saw my cousin sitting at the kitchen table. As I closed the door her head shot up and she ran towards me.

‘Y/N!!’ I giggle slightly as i wrapped my arms around her.

‘ Hey Amelia’

She pulled away some tears in her eyes.

‘No one told me you were coming home’

‘They couldn’t because they don’t know yet, I only found out about six hours ago.’ She nodded before wrapping me in a tight hug again. ‘I missed you Thena.’

Before i could respond i heard footsteps coming down the hallway of the bungalow, my head shot up as i looked at the small girl waddling down the hallway rubbing sleep out of her green eyes, blonde hair a mess. Her eyes shot wide open and she started running across the living room.

‘AUNTY THENA’ i laughed as i crouched down and scooped her up in my arms.

‘Hello Miss Daisy.’

‘Daddy home?’ She says through a yawn as she snuggled into my neck.

‘Not yet sweetie” she gave a small nod as i saw her eyes close. I turned to Amelia with a look that she immediately understood and moved to the kitchen to get her stuff and head out the front door. I slowly moved to grab my duffle bag and made my way to Daisy’s room to put her back to bed. As i went to put her down her grip tightened.

‘You have to go to bed sweetie.’

‘No I missed you.’

‘Want to have a sleepover then?’

Again she just nodded as i slowly made my way to my room finally she allowed me to put her down. It was a tradition to have sleepovers when Jake was on deployment or when i got home from one. I quickly grabbed a pair of flannel pants and Jakes old Navy t-shirt and went to the bathroom to change and brush my teeth. When i got back i noticed Daisy was asleep so i moved to grab a book, I was going to read the folder again to look at who I would be teaching but that could wait. As i started reading my eyes started to feel heavy before drifting off to sleep. I am not sure how long I had been asleep but i heard the door to my room shift slightly and the weight of my book lift from my grasp as there was a kiss placed on my forehead and the door closed again.

Jakes POV

I was standing in the Hard Deck with Coyote, we had been the first ones here out of the recalled squad, both of us being stationed in San Diego, the first group to walk through was Phoenix with two others i didn’t know. Soon we were introduced to Payback Fanboy and Bob. I went up to grab some beers from Penny when I saw more uniforms filter through, all of whom i recognised as other topgun graduates.

“What the hell kind of mission is this” i was broken out of my thoughts by Penny asking the question

“ I don’t know must be serious”

“Jake, just remember up in the sky you have someone who needs you here.”

I nod lowly at Penny, thoughts drifting to my 5 year old daughter, beside Coyote, Athena, Penny and Iceman, no one knew about Daisy, that is the way we wanted it since she came into our lives 5 years ago no more than a few weeks old dropped at my apartment with a letter from her mother a girl i barely remember saying she was giving up all parental rights and that I had full custody. It just so happened that Athena and I were both stationed in San Diego, after I called her she came to my apartment to see me with a distraught look and child in my arms. My best friend quickly took Daisy from my arms told me to pack what i needed and come stay with her and they would work it out together. When i got to her house later that night Admiral Kazansky was sitting in the living room Athena explaining the situation to ‘Uncle Ice’ who made sure that we were always stationed together and on seperate deployments.

I was broken out of my thoughts by Phoenix yelling across the bar.

“BRADSHAW is that you.” I turn to see Rooster walking across the bar so I turn and walk back to the pool table taking the cue out of Bobs hands

‘Bradshaw as I live and breathe.’

‘Hangman you look…..good’

‘I am good….I am too good to be true.’ I look up to see Rooster roll his eyes next to Phoenix

The conversation continues and i chime in making my arrogant comments to continue the Hangman personality that everyone knows and loathes.

“Everyone here is the best there is, who are they gonna get to teach us.” Phoenix stated which caught my interest there was only two pilots i could think to teach us Athena who was not here yet……..and Maverick.

‘The best of the best isn’t here though is she Phoenix?’ Bradley answers and I see her face drop slightly. I knew Athena’s history with Bradley and I know her and Phoenix are close having done many deployments together before, she is definitely Athenas best female friend bordering on a sister bond.

‘Where is she hangman?’ Phoenix says in a low voice Coyote and Bradley looking at me as well. My breathe hitches

‘Deployment 3 months now but we haven’t been able to contact here for the last month and a half.’ I say sadly and they all nod, we know that it is normal to not have contact but between the four us we know she normally only gets sent on the tough and dangerous missions. Rooster pats my shoulder as he walks past ‘she will be alright Jake, shes tough.’ I nod slightly in response.

Suddenly the juke box was ripped out of the wall and keys of the piano started, i roll my eyes I know whats about to happen, i approach the bar Coyote not far behind me when I spot Amelia across the bar, Amelia who is supposed to be looking after Daisy, i shoot a look at Coyote who just nods and i take off around the bar.

‘Amelia, is everything okay where is Daisy?’ The panicked look on my face is enough to make her giggle.

‘She is fine, she is at home probably having a sleep over right now.’ Amelia knew of the tradition between Athena and Daisy, I quickly look at Penny.

‘Just this once Hangman, you can ring it up tomorrow,,,go’ she said with a wide smile, i quickly ran towards the door to my truck and took off down the street towards our house.

When i finally got there i noticed her car in the driveway and the porch lights still on. I entered the house quietly and made my way towards the room that had been empty for three months i slowly push the door open and smile at the sight in front of me. Under the light of the night light is my best friend, curled up in a pair of flannel pant and my old shirt from flight school which she denies she took, curling into her side is a mess of blonde hair belonging to my daughter. I move to take the book out of Athenas hand and turn the light of before pressing a kiss to my girls foreheads, slowly making my way out of the room with a wide smile on my face.

Readers POV

The sound of my alarm buzzing woke me up turning to look at the time seeing it was 0500 groaning slightly i threw my legs over the side of my bed and made my way to the bathroom careful not to disturb the sleeping 5 year old next to me. As i made the walk to the bathroom i could hear snoring coming from Jakes room shaking my head and giggle slightly at the fact he still tries to deny he snores. I showered and got dressed in my uniform, i quickly headed back into my room to grab my duffle with my flight suit and the folder of information before heading out the front door to my car. After a short drive I arrived on base at 0600 i had a meeting with Cyclone Warlock and Mav at 0730 and the squad is reporting at 0830. I headed into the recreation room smiling slightly when i notice that it hadn’t changed since my topgun days 8 years ago. I sat at the bar with the radio and finally opened the folder to read exactly who had been recalled and as I began reading i recognised all the names some more personal than others, one thing i did notice was next to 9 names including mine, Jakes and Mavericks had in bold letters: PERMANENT POSTING.

- Phoenix: my best female friend and like a sister too me

- Bob: he is like my younger brother we met a year ago on his first station after he graduated top gun I took the shy WSO under my wing when i heard people saying mean things to him

- Payback and Fanboy: very close friends of mine where there is one the other always follows that was the running jokes when we were deployed together

- Coyote: Jakes best mate, my close friend and Uncle Javy to Daisy

- And finally Rooster: my heart dropped looking at my older surrogate brother I knew he was an amazing pilot but he was family and that made me worry especially with Mav here as a teacher

All the listed names to be here permanently were my family which made me nervous, looking through the names of the reserves i recognised a few but knowing Cyclone wanted me to pick from the permanent members terrified me, I had to choose my closest friends for a suicide mission. I had the documents laid out looking at them lost in thought.

‘You’re here early’ i jumped and turned around to where the voice came from. I quickly got up a smile on my face and ran for a hug

‘Hi Uncle Mav.’

‘Hi kiddo, why didnt you tell us you were coming back’

‘I only found out an hour before they put me on a plane then when i got home i crashed as soon as my head hit the pillow.’

‘So team leader and instructor that a lot of responsibility for a lieutenant.’

‘Lieutenant Commander now Uncle Mav.’ He looked at me in shock ‘surprised Uncle Ice didn’t mention it’

‘I haven’t spoken to him yet when did this happen’ i laugh

‘About a 2 weeks ago’ he nodded before looking down at the folder, ‘you and him going to be okay?’

‘I don’t know kid, i really don’t’

‘You need to tell him Uncle Mav, aunt Carole would be mortified if she knew she was the reason this happened.’ Mav looked at me in shock ‘12 year olds hear everything Mav.’ I knew about Mav pulling the papers, Mum and I had been staying with Carole and Brad while she was sick, he was 18 and wanted to join up, i heard the phone call where carole asked Mav to pull his papers but no one ever knew and I never spoke of it until now.

‘We are going to be a permanent squad after this Mav, you are going to have to work it out.’

‘We have to get through this first, i don’t think everyone is going to come home from it’ i nodded lowly, i had done my fair share of dangerous missions but this one scared even me.

‘Then lets train them so they all come home.’

[redheadspark]

Hey hey! Hope it's not too late for the May writing prompts! Can you write 21 with Druig?

A/N - Oh, not too late at all! You requested just in time! I would LOVE to write this for Druig! Thanks for requesting this, anon!

Come With Me

Summary - Druig senses you need a getaway from your Eternal Duties.

Warnings - Just some cute fluff and a hint of angst

"Ajak, may I speak to you about something?"

"Of course you can, Druig. You always can talk to me, you know that by now,"

"I know, but this is a different kind of talk. Nothing involving humans or Deviants,"

That got Ajak's attention, she perked up from her spot from looking over some human documents to see the Mind Controller at the door of her room. He looked uneasy, almost worried about talking with her which was not like him at all. He was never afraid to speak his mind or say what he wanted, though at times it was sarcastic and a bit on the aloof side.

Nevertheless, Druig spoke on what bothered him or what intrigued him. Yet the way he was standing in front of Ajak, it seemed otherwise. Ajak walked over to stand in front of him, giving him her kind smile that she knew would surely sway him into telling her what was going on.

"I was hoping to go away for the weekend," he explained, sounding a bit nervous as Ajak kept listening, "The past few months were a bit hard for us, and since we took care of most of the Deviants in the region, I think it's a good time to have some time away from...from my duties,"

Ajak was surprised to hear this kind of request from him. Knowing Druig and how he worked when he needed to be away, he would simply leave. Druig was never one to hang around when he was stressed, he would find time to himself to recharge before he was needed again. So Ajak had to wonder why he would ask to go away for the weekend.

"Well, the humans have no plans for us this weekend and things are quite quiet, so I see no problem in taking some time for yourself," Ajak reassured him, though behind him out in the hallway both Ajak and Druig heard some laughing. They both looked, seeing you and Thena talking together and walking shoulder to shoulder.

You were in your gray armor, your long hair in a braided crown on your head along with your bright brown eyes that shined from your giggles that were echoing in the room. Ajak saw how Druig was watching you walk, how your hands were fidgeting a bit at your sides, and how your stance was a bit stiff, yet you smiled and kept talking to Thena as if nothing was wrong.

That's when it clicked on Ajak's mind.

"Unless this time away is not for you," She commented, Druig's head snapped over to her as she gave him a knowing look. Druig then sighed, rubbing the back of his head as Ajak grinned, "I can read you like a book too, Druig. This is for her, isn't it?"

"Aye, she's been stressed lately, and given the last few Deviant attacks were a bit rough on her," Druig explained, no longer wanting to hide the real reason why he wanted an escape, "I just want her to relax and to have some time for peace,"

"Of course," Ajak agreed, "And I do understand that she needed some rest. I find it admirable that you wish to give that to her, given your feelings for her,"

Druig's eyes went big and his breath was lost for a moment as Ajak never once blinked or hesitated in what she said. She simply smiled and placed her hands on his arms, giving them a small squeeze.

"I know Druig. I know how you feel about her and how your heart feels too,"

Druig bit his lower lip, almost flushed now as he looked back again in your direction. You and Thena were sitting together in the meeting room, barely seen by Druig where he was but he could tell you were talking to Thena about something serious.

"I find what you feel for her is good," Ajak reassured him softly as he kept his eyes on you, "You have a good heart too, Druig. I can only see good things for the two of you, and I think you do need to take her away for the weekend,"

"You do?" Druig asked, looking away from you finally and back at Ajak as she grinned, "You honestly think so?"

"I do. You think of nothing but the best for others, Druig. As much as you wish to deny it, I can see how you care for her," Ajak explained as she squeezed his arms one more time, "So, you two are allowed to have a weekend away from us and the Domo. As long as you two stay out of trouble and find some rest, you have my permission,"

Druig felt as though he wanted to yell out in joy or grin so big at the news. He knew he was not a big fan of Ajak 100% of the time, but he did respect her in a way. He knew she wanted what was best for them and the humans, even in the times when they would butt heads with their separate philosophies. However, Druig still had some admiration for her.

So he did the last thing neither of them expected: he hugged Ajak.

Ajak was shocked by the impact of his arms around her, but she hugged him back just as willingly. She knew he was kind, very kind and willing to place his neck on the line for others. There wsa good in Druig, even when others never saw it.

"Thank you, Ajak," Druig said to her as he pulled away from her. S he merely nodded her head, and he walked out of the room without another word. She watched silently, looking out from her room as Druig approached you from your spot. Seeing you two talk together, a grin now appeared on your face as you shot up from your spot and hugged him tightly.

Ajak had to smile widely, she knew then there was more than just Druig wishing to bring you peace on a weekend trip.

And two years later, Ajak watched you and Druig get married in the early morning sunrise, beyond proud of two heart becoming one.

The End

Tagged - @a-lumos-in-the-nox

[blue-aconite]

let me drown || chapter I - bradley’s summer part I

Summary: Bradley has many regrets. A whole lifetime of them. His biggest? Losing her. Watching someone else pick of the pieces of what he broke kills him inside and Bradley doesn’t want to let go of the past. No matter how much the past tries to slip through his fingers.

Warnings: Swearing, jealousy

Word Count: 3.8k

Pairings: Bradley Bradshaw x OC

Authors Note: Minors DNI. Each chapter will be labelled with warnings individually. Rating will go up as we get further into this fic. We’re in for a wild ride fam! Enjoy!

Thank you to my amazing betas @writercole and @imjess-themess!

Virginia, Oceana Naval Air Station, Summer 2018

The common room was quiet, which is a nice change of pace. Usually, this place was full of life, the noise was ever-ending and so loud he couldn’t hear his own thoughts. Bradley tipped his head back, dropping his shoulders and letting out a deep breath. It was quiet now, letting his mind run wild. He almost wished it didn’t.

“If you don’t stop moping soon, I’ll lock you in a closet,” Athena mocked as she shoved at his legs, taking their place on the couch. She stretched out her own legs over his, the heel of her foot dangerously close to his crotch. 

“Thena…” He warned. They had played this game long enough for him to know what she was after. But he wasn’t in the mood. She only smirked, tracing the muscle of his thigh with her sock-clad foot, ignoring his warning. 

“C’mon Bradshaw. It would improve the sour mood you’ve been sporting all day. We both know where we’ll end up anyway.” Tangled between the sheets was left unsaid.

Normally, he would be dragging her off the moment she came onto him but today was different. He just wanted to be left alone. “I’m good. Not really in the mood.”

Six weeks after he got stationed at Oceana, the air boss had called Bradley into his office and told him he would be flying a two-seater for the duration of his assignment. He needed the experience, Admiral Tate had told him, leaving no room for arguing. 

And that’s how he ended up with Joanna ‘Athena’ Simons as his backseater. She was quick on her feet, always two steps ahead and a smart mouth to put people in their place. Whoever said that women didn’t belong in the Navy had never met Athena. 

They were good together. Like two peas in a pod. Bradley thought that flying with a backseater would be a hindrance but Athena quickly proved him wrong. They became fast friends and it didn’t take long until Bradley found himself in bed with her. Neither wanted more, both happy with the physical side of things. It was the perfect agreement. 

Her foot moved sideways and interrupted his train of thought. Bradley sat up, shoving her feet from his lap. “Not now. I’m not in the mood,” he snarled, getting to his feet. Athena held up her hands, eyebrows rising.

“Easy. I was just -”

“I know what you were doing, Thena. I’m tired, so just stop.” Bradley stepped around the couch, leaving Athena behind with a bewildered look on her face. He took a deep breath once he got outside, one hand coming up to rub at his temples. A movement to his right caught his attention as he spied Bob Floyd.

Desperate for a distraction that wasn’t Athena, Bradley jogged over to where Bob was heading.

“Floyd, hey! You’re leaving? Hot date?” Bradley joked as he caught up to Bob. He wasn’t wearing his uniform, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, leading Bradley to believe he had other plans than hanging out in the common room tonight. 

Bob rolled his eyes as they passed the gates, heading towards the parking lot. “I’m meeting my sister. She just moved here. We’re grabbing dinner.” Floyd fished the car keys out of his pocket, stopping at a black truck. Bob doesn’t strike him as a truck guy. Bradley told him as much.

“Looks can be deceiving Bradshaw. Do you want to join us? Thea won’t mind.” A night out does sound good and especially after today. 

Bradley smiles broadly, rounding the truck and pulling the passenger door open. “If neither of you mind. Today’s the last day I want to be stuck on base.”

Bob asks no questions, just pulls out of the parking lot and starts to drive. This is what Bradley likes about Bob Floyd. He’s quiet, calm and doesn’t pry. He’s a good friend. 

Bradley would like to think they’re friends. They get along, they hang out sometimes and Bob is one hell of a WSO. Athena almost had an aneurysm when she found out Robert Floyd was being stationed at Oceana, in their squad. 

Bob hummed along to the radio, never taking his eyes off the road. “If you want to talk about it, feel free.” 

He doesn’t know if he wants to talk about it. He doesn’t know what to say. 

It’s Maverick’s birthday. Bradley keeps the date marked in each calendar he buys. It’s been years since they’ve talked but every time he gets a new calendar, he marks today’s date. 

Anger fills him as he thinks about the man that stepped in after Nick died. Who spent countless hours telling him stories about his dad, what kind of man he was. Who popped in and out of his life, between assignments and missions. Even though Maverick wasn’t always there, he was there when Bradley needed him. Until he wasn’t. 

Bradley has tried to hate Maverick. Most days he succeeded. On most days, he blamed the man for everything that had gone wrong in his life. His father’s death, his mother’s grief, pulling his papers. It was all Maverick’s fault. 

But today, just today, Bradley can’t find it in him to hate. He would never say it out loud, but he misses Maverick today. Just today. Tomorrow he can go back to hating him. 

Bradley realised he never answered Bob, who is still humming. “I don’t even know what to say. Thanks for offering though,” The bespeckled aviator hums in response, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” 

Bob turns left without warning and pulls up in front of a small restaurant. He turns to Bradley, shifting in his seat. “Word of advice. My sister likes to pick people apart. She’s good at reading them. It’s in no way mean, she just likes to know. So if I were you, and didn’t want to talk about it, I’d try to tone down the sullen mood. She’ll notice. She always does.”

Maybe tagging along wasn’t a good idea. Bradley doesn’t feel like being picked apart right now. He’s being held together with tape and glue and the last thing he needs is someone to point out his flaws. 

His feet are moving before his brain catches up and suddenly they're inside and Bob is being engulfed in a hug by the most beautiful girl Bradley has ever seen. 

He’s standing frozen near the door, watching as the Floyd siblings part. Bob is smiling widely, brushing the hair from his sister’s face, such a gentle action it makes Bradley’s heart hurt. In one movement he can see the affection, the love between them.

“.. and this is Rooster. I hope you don’t mind that I invited him.” They’re suddenly in front of him and the greeting gets caught in his throat.

She’s stunning. Radiant even. She’s the light at the end of the dark tunnel he can’t escape. She has her brother’s eyes but unlike Bob’s, hers takes his breath away. So blue he could drown in them, over and over. 

She’s taking his hand, shaking it softly. “Nice to meet you. Do you have a real name or am I gonna have to stick to Rooster?” She’s smiling up at him, her hand soft in his and he can’t help but to shudder at her touch.

Remembering that she asked a question, he coughs awkwardly. “Uh, Bradley. But Rooster works too. Whatever you prefer.” 

“Bradley it is. Name’s Thea, I’m Bob’s sister. If he didn’t tell you that. And no, big brother, I don’t mind. The more the merrier.” Thea let go of his hand and he immediately missed the warmth of her touch. 

She’s smiling widely at him and Bradley feels the quick thuds of his heart against his rib cage. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Bob observing them with a critical look. 

He clears his throat, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “He did tell me he was meeting you but not your name. It’s.. pretty. Suits you.” It isn’t the smoothest he’s ever been but Thea blushes, mouth curling upward in a bashful smile. 

“Should we grab a table? I’m starving.” Bob diffuses the moment, reaching out to grab his sister’s hand, not waiting for Bradley before he starts towards the dining area. 

They sit down and he can feel her observing him, watching him carefully. She’s a lot like her brother except she likes to talk. A lot more. 

“So, what made you ditch your normal nighttime routine to hang out with my big bro here?” Bob is poking her side when she asks, telling her to shut up. “Don’t mind her, she’s just nosy.” 

“Bob! I’m just trying to get to know him. You don’t mind, do you Bradley?” How can he say no to her? 

Weirdly enough, he wants to tell her. He wants to share his thoughts and troubles. Something tells him that she wouldn’t judge him. 

Dinner mainly consists of Bob watching the two of them flirt over steaks. Bradley tries to not come on too strong but every time she smiles at him he wants to reach across the table and kiss her. There’s something so blindingly pure about her. 

At the end of the night, Thea thrusts a small piece of paper in his hand, kisses his cheek and tells him to give her a call. Then she’s gone, climbing into her car and driving off. 

Bob is oddly quiet, more so than usual. They drive in silence back to base. He wants to ask if he’s overstepped, if Bob doesn’t approve but Bradley doesn’t want to answer either. 

There’s a need to know Thea better. To know what makes her smile and laugh, to know what her childhood was like, which side of the bed she preferred and if she liked breakfast for lunch. Bradley wanted to know everything that made Thea the person she was today. 

He opens his mouth but Bob beats him to it. “Listen. My sister is a grown woman. What she does is none of my business. She obviously likes you and you look like you’ve got a full blown crush already. You’re my friend and I trust you with her. But if you hurt her, if you make her anything other than happy, you will have to answer to me. Understood?” 

Bradley can do little other than nod feverishly. He didn’t want to fuck this up before it had even begun. He wanted Thea, and if keeping on Bob’s good side was a point in his favour, he’d do it. 

Floyd clapped  him on the shoulder, shooting  him an uncharacteristic wink and then disappeared behind the corner, leaving Bradley standing in the parking lot. 

Bradley’s steps were light when he headed back to his room, an exciting feeling in his stomach. Behind closed doors he fished  his phone out of his pocket and punched in Thea’s number under a new contact. 

Hi! It’s Bradley. Are you free for dinner on Friday?

Is this your way of asking me on a date?

It can be whatever you want. I just know I want to see you again. 

Pick me up at 7. Wear something pretty ;)

Bradley hasn’t smiled this much in a long time. He tossed the phone onto his bed and pulled his shirt over his head before heading into the bathroom. He looked  lighter, happier and downright giddy when he passed the bathroom mirror. The smile didn’t  leave him, even when he got  shampoo in his eyes and swore so much his mother would have whacked him over the head. 

The smile disappeared as soon as he made it back into the  bedroom and found Athena lounging on his bed. She was clad in nothing but one of his T-shirts and a pair of boy shorts. 

“I was tempted to join you in there, but the pissy mood from before figured I’d do best staying out here. An apology would be nice, by the way.” She doesn’t take her eyes off the phone while she speaks. 

Bradley bristled. “An apology for what? And is that my phone? Give it here!” He snatched the device out of her hands, swatting her away when she reached for his towel. “Fuck, Athena. Just stop. What’s your fucking problem?” 

“My problem? You being a dick, obviously. And who is Thea, hm? Am I invited this Friday?” She left  the confines of his bedding, poking a finger in the middle of his chest. She let it linger for a while but Bradley stepped  away, happy mood washed away by her presence. 

Athena seemed to get the hint and stayed put, a pout in place on her sun kissed face. Her freckles were  quite prominent in this light and just for a moment he remembered  all the times he spent kissing her other freckles. Then Thea’s face showed  up in his mind and it’s like Athena never has existed for him.

“Look, I’m sorry about before but I wasn’t in the mood. That hasn’t changed.” Bradley shouldn’t apologise, he knew  that but it might placate her enough for the conversation about to happen. 

He just hoped  it won’t mess with their job. “Listen. This was just physical,” he pointed  between the two of them, “and now… fuck. Listen, you’re great. And I like you, you know that. But I can’t keep this up.” 

She stared him down, the same way she stares down men trying to put her into place. Athena has never looked at him like that, never once. She swallowed  audibly once, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“Are you breaking up with me, Bradshaw?” She jabs, mock hurt on her face. It’s just a joke to her. Bradley feels a little better knowing this won’t cost her any sleep. 

Snorting, he settles on the chair. “Fuck off. You know what I mean. Is this going to be a problem?” 

She laughs, all traces of annoyance gone from her face. She’s Thena again, his friend, confidant and partner in crime. “Don’t worry your little head Bradshaw. We’re good. This was just a little bit of fun.” 

He can suddenly breathe better, the pit in his stomach has vanished . A smile is all he can muster, hoping it will convey everything he can’t say. 

“Do I at least get to meet her? She must be something special if you’re willing to throw this away.” Thena gestured to her body, a pleased smirk plastered across her face. 

“I haven’t even taken her on a date yet. I don’t know if she wants me like that. I just know she’s worth it, whatever it is.” He’s glad Athena is his friend, that he can share and not be judged. 

“God you’re whipped after meeting her one time. She must be a fucking unicorn. Well, I’m happy for you. See you in the skies, Rooster.” They parted  ways with their usual phrase, pressing a kiss to his head as she walked by. 

Feeling content with how everything has been handled, Bradley heads for bed and turns out the lights. 

He and Athena are good, he’s got a date with Thea and Bob gave his approval and permission. Bradley was feeling a lot better now than he did this morning. 

His phone lit up with a notification and his heart dropped into his stomach. It’s a calendar reminder, a picture of him and Maverick. Bradley was barely ten in the photo, sitting on Pete’s shoulders, both smiling widely at Carole behind the camera. 

Reminder: Maverick’s Birthday

He could easily stop torturing himself and not set a reminder but over the years he’s discovered that he likes the pain. 

Another notification pops up, this time from Athena. It’s a goodnight text and a picture of a shirtless guy with the text ‘you wish you were this hot’. 

Bradley recognises the guy as Hangman, Athena’s cousin and also a naval aviator. He’s currently stationed in Lemoore, if Bradley remembered correctly. They’d met once or twice and Bradley couldn’t stand the guy. Rude, arrogant and a walking red flag, he had begged Athena not to make him like her cousin. 

Bradley sends a fuck you back and almost calls her when Thea’s name appears on the screen. 

Can we reschedule for 8 instead of 7? Something came up! 

No problem! Can’t wait! 

Great! Thank you! Goodnight Bradley.

Goodnight Thea. Sweet dreams. 

He then put the phone on silent, puffing his pillow before getting comfortable. 

He thought of that way Thea smiled at him, how her hand felt in his and her lips on his cheek as he closed his eyes. 

“Stop being so nervous. What’s wrong with you? It’s just a date.” 

“It’s not just a date, Thena, it’s the date. I cannot screw this up. It might be the most important date I’ve ever been on.” 

Athena was once again lounging on his bed, trying to be helpful but failing spectacularly. All she did was stress him out even more. Bradley’s palms were sweaty and he was pretty sure he’s sweating through his T-shirt. His throat was dry and he reached out with shaking hands for the bottle of water on the windowsill. 

Thena laughed at him, rolling her eyes. “You’re acting like you’re taking the freaking President out. It’s just a girl. Now, change your shirt so you don’t stink up the car and get going. Or you’re going to be late.” 

Bradley refrained from sniping back that Thea isn’t just some girl, but he also didn’t have it in him to argue. To be honest, he hadn’t wanted her help from the beginning, but she showed up and he couldn’t say no. 

Even though Athena said it was fine and they were still friends, she acted a bit suspicious around him. She promised she wasn’t mad but her actions said otherwise. They had miscalculated a training session yesterday and she had chewed him out in front of the entire crew, which was very rare. 

Athena ended the session with a hard shove to his chest and muttering ‘figures you’d do this’ under her breath as she left him speechless on the runway. 

He had tried to talk about it with her but she ignored him for the rest of the day. Only when it was almost time for him to leave base to pick up Thea, she showed up at his door with her apologies. He didn’t have time for them. She knew he was leaving and she still tried to stall him. 

“I’m going to be late because of you. You knew I was going out and you still showed up here.” He’s panicking now, tugging the shirt over his head and reaching for a clean one. 

“You could have told me to leave, don’t blame this on me.” Athena bit back, her bad mood from before returning. 

“I’m leaving. Bye Thena.” Bradley was halfway out the door, throwing a sloppy wave her way before jogging to the Bronco. 

Had he looked back, he would have seen the downtrodden look on her face. But he didn’t. All Bradley could think about was Thea and her sweet smile.

He made it to the address Thea had texted him on record time. Pulling the car into park and snatching the flowers from the passenger seat, Bradley almost choked on his own tongue when he spotted Thea. 

She was sitting on the front porch, dressed in a light purple sundress and hair in a messy bun. She was exquisite. Bradley desperately wanted to hold her in his arms and never let go. 

“Hey stranger, are those for me?” Thea reached for the flowers, bringing them up to her face to inhale their sweet fragrance. 

He leaned over to press a kiss to her cheek. “You look stunning. Otherworldly.” The blush on her cheeks amplified his desire and he pinched his own arm to keep his focus. 

“Aren’t you charming? How did you know my favourite flowers?” 

“Lucky guess.” She raised an eyebrow. 

“Fine. I asked Bob.” Thea laughed and returned the favour of a kiss pressed to his cheek. “Let me get these in water and we can leave.”

Bradley had never been the guy feeling awestruck by something so simple as a kiss on the cheek. But he found himself touching the spot where her lips had graced his skin as he watched her walk back inside the house. His skin burned from her touch and a tingling sensation spread throughout his body. 

Thea returned to his side and he made sure to open the door for her. His mother didn’t raise a heathen. He could be a gentleman. 

“So, we’re are we going?” She nervously fiddling with her hands in her lap as he leaves her neighbourhood. 

It’s endearing and he hesitantly reached over to intertwine his fingers with hers, keeping the other hand steady on the wheel.

“It’s a surprise. But you’ll like it, I promise. Do you trust me?” He did ask Bob for her favourite food and activities while planning. He planned the make this the perfect date. 

“I do trust you Bradley. I’m just not fond of surprises.” She’s blushing again and Bradley wants to spend his life making her blush. The colour on her cheeks was intoxicating. 

He pulls up outside a cosy little Mediterranean restaurant, reluctantly letting go of her hand in favour of sprinting around the car to help her outside. 

She links her arm through his, eyes sparkling as she takes in their destination. 

“Let me guess, you asked Bob?” She laughs, reaching up to smooth out a wayward curl on his head. 

“Guilty. But it doesn't matter as long as you like it. Do you?” 

“I love it.” 

Bradley can’t help himself. She’s on his arm, looking up at him with the bluest eyes he’s ever seen. They’re beautiful. She’s beautiful. He needs to know what she tastes like. 

He moves slowly, giving her the chance to pull away. But Thea only leans into him and Bradley closes the distance between them. 

Kissing Thea is like a fresh breath of air. It’s like he’s been drowning his entire life and she’s what it’s like coming up for air. His entire body is on fire, every nerve in his system thrumming with excitement. 

He could spend the rest of his life kissing her. She smiled into the kiss, hand curling around the back of his neck. 

“We should head inside. I got us a reservation.” He whispered against her lips. They hesitated to  part from one another, lips hovering close together but not quite touching. 

“Lead the way.”

Taglist: @wildbornsiren @therebeccaw @imjess-themess @antiquitea @fuckyeahhangman @writercole @hederasgarden @yanna-banana @wkndwlff @bobfloydsbabe @hollandorks @anniesocsandgeneralstore @ereardon @luminousnotmatter @roosterscock @thedroneranger @fandomxpreferences @top-hhun @princessmisery666 @princessphilly @a-reader-and-a-writer @green-socks @angstybluejay @seresinhangmanjake @ayorooster​@notroosterbradshaw​ @indynerdgirl @gigisimsonmars @girl-in-the-chairs-void @bradshawbabes @unhinged-btch @horseshoegirl @sadpetalsstuff @bradshawbaby @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @ummjustfics​ @septemberrie​ @somenamewithepineapple​ @demxters @amortentiadrops

[softquietsteadylove]

Hii love, how are you? I have a little request if thats ok.

Gilgamesh has the most horrific nightmare ever, Thena dying in his arms, there is blood and she is in pain and when she closes her eyes one last time Gil finally wakes up, only to find Thena missing from their bed, he searchs for her like a mad man, only to find her in the kitchen drinking water, he picks her up and refuses to let her go for the rest of the day.

Gilgamesh shoots up out of bed. He's gasping for breath, sweat on his brow. He presses his palm to his chest and flexes his fingers. He looks over at Thena's side of the bed, frantic for her presence.

She isn't there.

It's still warm, though. He can see where the weight of her body wrinkles the bed sheets and he can smell the scent of her fondness for the garden. His hand slides over to it, feeling the latent warmth of her presence.

He throws back the covers, desperate to see her with his own eyes. He can still feel the weight of her body in his arms--the dead weight. What it was like to look at her face, still and motionless and cold. He can vividly recall the feeling of carrying his wife to her funeral pyre and watching her body be consumed by flame.

"Thena?!"

He runs out of their bedroom, ripping the door off its hinges--weak things in comparison to his unchecked strength. He looks around their home frantically. His heart is searching for her, the Cosmic Energy in his veins screaming for her.

She's here--he can feel her presence! It exists, she's close, and even if she weren't, her existence would tether his and pull, like ends of the same string.

"Thena!" he calls out again, moving into the kitchen. He can see everything the way they left it last night. Their chairs are pushed in lazily, his apron is thrown over the edge of the sink after she told him to hang it up where it belongs yet again. He turns, ready to break this door open too.

Then she walks in. She's unaware of the nightmare that nearly sent him into hysterics. She walks in, barefoot as always, her long white dress dancing around her legs. The sun streams in behind her, lighting her bright blonde hair like an angel's halo.

"What are you yelling about?" she asks as if he's been shouting at the tv again. "I could hear you all the way from the water tower. I just looked over the garden, although th-!"

She stumbles, although any creature from this planet would have been plowed through the far wall from sheer force. But she corrects her footing, letting him latch onto her and hold her for all the eternal life in him.

He whimpers, burying his face against her shoulder. He inhales the scent of her breath, absorbs the warmth of her through her cotton dress, hears the beat of her heart as his own syncs to it.

"Gilgamesh?" she asks without asking. She runs her fingers through his hair, but he remains cloistered around her. Her face turns to kiss his temple, "what ever could be so wrong?"

She has no idea. He nuzzles the side of her neck, "don't move."

She sighs for the sake of sighing, but she does as he asks. Her fingers run through the hair on top of his head lightly and soothingly. Her other hand rubs his back. He, the Strongest Eternal, truly dwarfs her lithe frame in size. But she lets him lean on her like a tree losing its strength.

Eventually his nervous system puts out its own fire. The fear in his mind settles enough for him to open his eyes. He stays close, pressing his nose against her skin as he drags it up her neck and her jaw until he holds her cheeks to look at her--really look at her.

Thena blinks at him, her marvelously green eyes gone wide and adorable. They close as he leans in for a kiss. When they part, her lips are pulled into a smile. "Will you tell me now?"

"No," he denies, and kisses her again. He gives many more kisses, receiving her return with each. He does that until he feels strong enough to take even half a step away from her. He sighs, letting his shoulders drop, tilting his head as he gazes upon his beautiful wife.

"Gil," she prompts him more gently. Her eyelashes flutter, and her concern for him travels through her palm as she slides it up his chest and then to his cheek as well. They have been married several hundred years, and she will get an answer out of him sooner than later.

He sighs again, wrapping his arms around her and moving her to the sink, where she pours water for them. "Just a bad dream."

"Hm." It's obviously more than just a bad dream. But she leaves it at that, because their days now are full of small battles, not large ones. She raises the glass to his lips for him, as if they were wearied after the Trojan War again.

He remains wrapped around her. He can't let her go. The fear that lived in his mind during that dream hasn't left yet. It's still there, watching him despite the light of day.

Thena takes a sip for herself. "Sit?"

He makes a small sound of agreement. She moves towards the table but he prevents her from separating from him again. "Couch."

He can imagine her rolling her eyes, although it's only for the humour of it. She moves past the kitchen table and towards their more comfortable space. She seats herself and lets him seat himself around her, cradling her against him preciously. "The door?"

He grunts; he'll fix it later.

Once reclined on their couch, he breathes a little easier. This is more familiar and gentle. This is where they've spent sunny afternoons together. Sometimes they read together, sometimes he reads and she sleeps on him the way a cat would. She never liked those creatures.

He would run his fingers through her hair and sometimes she would idly rub his back. They would spend evenings here reminiscing about their thousands upon thousands of years together. Sometimes they would go out to their hammock and watch the stars.

Thena settles herself in his arms. She turns over, letting her head tuck itself under his chin, her hand over his heart with his arms wrapped around her. "Better?"

He nods. They speak the other's language--a way of understanding that only they two have. Usually it's she who has few words to offer but even now, with him being reticent, she understands it.

They sit like this for a long time. He watches the shadows rise and stretch and fall in the other direction. When it's in the windows and on them he moves his hands, only to shield her from the direct touch of its rays.

That privilege is for him and him alone. By the second time he does this she turns over again. He's not entirely certain if she's truly gone to sleep or not. But holding her, feeling the rise and fall of her chest, the way she feels comfortable with him; he feels eased.

Thena senses this. She sneaks one of her arms around his back and against the couch. The other she toys with the opening at the neck of his shirt. Her pale, pearly nail taps against his skin. "Now?"

The Warrior Eternal is not a patient woman.

Although, she has expended more patience than he has seen from her in quite a long time. For beings with all the time in the world, she is not the best at watching it go by. At least not with the menial. When they were first raising chickens, he could swear she would observe the eggs every quarter hour.

"Bad dream," he repeats from earlier. He already knows she knows this, and he already knows she knows how bad it is to have him this paranoid. He squeezes her shoulder. "Terrible, really."

"Hm," she encourages him, moving her hand from his shirt to his neck, cupping his jaw from below. She strokes it, pulling the words from him with her gentle touch.

"You..." he pauses. He doesn't want to lie to her, even if it's by omitting the truth. "I killed you."

"Impossible."

It's not, and they're well aware of it. But Thena speaks of it lightly, and he likes to think it's because she knows that he would take the utmost care of her, even in a nightmare.

"Felt possible," he argues, pursing his lips as he tries to get the image of her still and unblinking face out of his head. His face gets moved, tilted down to look at her lying on him. It's upside down, but this image of her is much better. He smiles.

Thena smiles too, leaning up to kiss him, letting their lips stretch no matter how far to do so. Hers are always so plump and luscious, like berries. He wants to grow berries here for her, but the ground is simply too dry.

She runs her fingers through his hair again, letting her palm press against his forehead. "It's gone now."

It's such a simple statement, but she's right. As soon as a dream happens, it's already a thing of the past. And maybe he will remember it for a long time to come. Maybe pieces of it will always be with him. But it's not in front of him now, she is.

Thena laughs as he stands suddenly, spinning them around with her hands around his neck. "What has gotten into you?"

He just gazes at her, lucky enough to have his own version of a star to brighten and dazzle and illuminate his every moment on this green and blue spec of cosmos. "Do you remember coming home like this?"

He's carried her like this plenty of times. But she knows what he means; he means the first time he carried her inside like this, as his wife. She nods, stroking his cheek again.

"Y'know, I hear humans can get married again sometimes," he grins, refusing to let the dream colour any more of the beautiful present with his beautiful wife. "They call it renewing your vows."

"We didn't make vows."

Ah, his wife, ever the romantic. He chuckles, touching the tip of his nose to hers. "We can make some this time."

"Construct some poetry for the benefit of a strange human to witness?" she scoffs at the utter absurdity.

"You would write me poetry?" he asks and receives another bubbly laugh.

"I would consider it," she appeals as he spins them one more time and sits with her again. She remains in his hold, on his lap, curled against him. "But for your eyes only. A mortal mind could never wrap its mind around what we have been through together."

That is true. Their love isn't for a mortal to comprehend. He is immortal, and sometimes he's left in awe of it. He stares at his wife, wondering if he should learn to weave so he can make a glorious tapestry devoted to every second - every minute, every hour - he's had with her.

He has all the time in the world.

[snarkythewoecrow]

and another random out-of-context snippet from the mpreg!buck fic I'm writing, and again, this is buddie, meeting differently, one-night stand to enemies to reluctant roommates to lovers and happy family--also today it tipped past 9k and there is so much more to go, so this baby is gonna be a long one

“Oh, Buckaroo,” she sighed, then trailed the back of her fingers featherlight from his temple down to his jaw. A watery smile pressed to her lips as she cupped his cheek, head tilting and the complete lack of judgment, of all the things he feared, in her expression freed a raw and jagged sob from his throat. “Oh, baby, what’ve you gotten yourself into this time, sweetheart?”

His tears stung his eyes, burned his cheeks, blurring his vision. He used the side of this hand to try and clear them, though it didn’t work.

Then, bottom lip trembling like a fucking pup with a skinned knee, he choked out past his tears, “I think I really fucked up this time, ’Thena.”

“Oh, baby,” she said, sliding her hand to the back of his head and tugging him down, into an embrace made of all the things he didn’t think he deserved: forgiveness and acceptance and so much understanding.

The pins of her uniform weren’t comfortable to cry against, but he didn’t care, clinging to her as she held him, gently swaying him the best she could, not easy given their size difference.

She rubbed his back, nuzzling his neck like a mama would her pup, kissing his sweaty skin and murmuring against his ear, “You listen here, baby. Whatever happens, you’re not going through it alone. No matter what, baby. I got you, and we’ll get through this together—you hear me, Buckley? This mama ain’t about to leave her pup to go through this alone.”

And that had him shaking in her arms, probably gaining stares from all around, but given Athena’s presence, no one would dare say a word.

She held him until he calmed, then sat him in her car for a minute to wipe his tears and make sure he was okay to drive, but before she let him head home, she returned the test to him, asking as she did, “Would you like me to be there when you take it?”

He stared at the pregnancy test in his hands, then nodded, croaking, “Please.”

[zafirosreverie]

The M word (Ajak x F!Reader) part 2

(part 1) (part 3)

____________________

fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

It was all you could think about as you ran as fast as your immortal legs would carry you. You didn't even bother to be careful with the relics that adorned the ship (priceless but dispensable), this was a life-or-death situation. You had to get to Ajak before Ikaris and avoid being hunted by Thena.

"Just wait for Makkari to come back!" you heard Kingo's voice behind you, probably having joined Thena in her hunt for you. "You can't escape this, Y/N!"

"Why can't you be a normal family?!" you yelled back, picking up your pace.

You knew the man was right, though. You were lucky to have discovered their plans while Makkari, Gilgamesh, Druig, and Sprite were away because any one of them could have easily stopped your escape.

Although, you had to admit that the whole situation was quite funny, at least you knew that you were accepted in this strange, large but beautiful family and that was something you were grateful for.

All the Eternals treated you with respect and affection, some as a child (Gilgamesh and Phastos), most as a sister, and Ajak...Ajak treated you as if you were the only important thing in the universe. It was a new feeling for you since you had spent too much time alone, but now you couldn't imagine a life without her, and you hoped you would be brave enough to tell her one day.

"Y/N!!"

But today would not be that day!

Thena yelled after you, snapping you out of your thoughts, and you managed to react just in time to dodge one of Kingo's energy balls. You smiled to yourself when you saw Ajak's door down the hall. Unless Makkari appeared out of nowhere, you were almost 100% safe.

"It's just a dress!"

"Over my dead body, Kingo!" you shouted back

"Don't tempt me, Y/N" Thena said and you could hear her smile grow on her beautiful face.

"Ajak!!!" you yelled "Come and control your sister, cousin, daughter, best friend, ex-girlfriend, or whatever the fuck Thena is to you!"

You could hear Kingo's laugh and the blonde's slightly amused grunt, but you didn't have time to think about it much when your girlfriend's door opened just in time to let you in, closing firmly behind you seconds later.

Because of the speed, you couldn't stop in time, so you ended up landing on the bed, rolling and crashing into the wall.

"Y/N! Are you okay?!"

You grunted and rubbed your nose as the woman knelt beside you, her hands ready to heal any scratch, however small, she might find on you.

"I'm fine" you said, letting her check your face "but this is getting out of hand"

"I know," she sighed, feeling a little better when your nose returned to its place "I thought they'd get over it after a while."

"It's been, what? Three months?"

"Five" she corrected you

"Five, and I think it's just given them more motivation" you said

Ajak sighed and leaned back against the bed, closing her eyes for a moment. She felt terribly guilty for dragging you into all this chaos. When the other Eternals started making jokes and teasing her about the M word, she believed that it would stay just an inside joke, something that, while it annoyed her a little, she could live with.

She hadn't expected Kingo and his (quite real, she might add) wedding plans to open a pandora's box in the family. You were surprised when you found out that the others wanted you to marry her, and it had been quite an uncomfortable conversation for her, trying to explain her feelings, and putting them into words, it wasn't her strong point.

But you had been kind, understanding, and joking, something light and not heavy enough to affect your relationship with her or the way you looked at her (something that terrified her), and for that, she was deeply grateful.

That's when things got intense. The others decided that they would not take no for an answer and that they had already been patient enough to wait for you to take that step yourself, so it was up to them to drag you down the aisle.

Ajak knew that none of them harbored bad feelings for you and that they really wanted to see you happy, she also knew that for the Eternals, this kind of thing lacked the weight that humans gave it, and that if it weren't for the long centuries that they had lived alongside humans, adopting customs they didn't fully understand, marriage would not even be considered at this point.

But the thing was, they didn't realize how awkward it could be for you. You were immortal, but not an Eternal, and you had lived among humans all your life, you understood their ways better than any of them could, and you knew what they were asking for. For you it wasn't just another title, it would really mean a change, and she was terrified to think that it could be for the worse.

"Are you ok?" you asked carefully when you noticed how quiet she was

"I just…I’m sorry" she whispered

"What?" you frowned "why?"

"It's my fault this is happening" she said, feeling the tears well up slowly in her eyes.

"Ajak, what are you talking about?"

"I'm the prime eternal, it's my duty to keep everyone in line, I should be able to order them to leave this matter alone...but I can't even make them respect me"

You gasped quietly and moved a little closer to her, putting an arm around her. It was not the first time that your girlfriend confessed to you that she felt powerless in front of the other Eternals, but you had never seen her cry about it.

"Ajak-"

"Arishem should have chosen Thena, not me" she continued "Thena is a warrior, she has the respect of everyone on the ship, she knows how to take care of herself, she is brave, her voice sounds all over the place and the others hear it, even Ikaris, no matter how much he denies it. She should be the leader, not me"

"But she's not" you said "Thena is all of that, yes, but that doesn't mean that you aren't the same or better than her to lead. Arishem chose you for a reason."

"Or by mistake"

It wasn't the first time the older woman had allowed her mind to disagree with Arishem either. Ever since she met you, or perhaps a little before, hints of doubt had begun to flourish in her, making her wonder if her duty was really worth the price the earth had to pay, if she really was strong enough to continue taking that decision, or if she should simply give up, renounce everything and expect punishment for her disobedience. Maybe she was a factory bug and it had just taken her millennia to start bugging.

But you weren't having any of that. You carefully eased yourself into a better position, spreading your legs so that she could fit between them, and gently pushing her until her back rested against your chest. Your hands encircled her waist and you intertwined your fingers with hers.

"You know? Gilgamesh is strong, but I've seen you lift 25 tons without breaking a sweat, Ikaris flies, but I've seen you do it too. Kingo's energy balls? I remember once you decorated the room with them. Phastos is brilliant, but he would have kept himself in his workshop if you weren't listening so intently. Druig and Sprite would have gone crazy if you didn't remind them that they have a family. Makkari is great, and we all try hard to keep up with her, but at the end of the day, it's you who understands her best, who listens to her even if not a sound comes out of her, and don't get me started on Sersi, we both know you're everything she aspires to be, she admires you more than anyone "

Ajak smiled a little to herself as she remembered the sparkle in the girl's eyes every time she stopped to talk to her or urged her to continue exploring her abilities. Of all the Eternals, Sersi felt like a daughter the most, even more than Sprite, and so she did her best to remind her that she saw her, that she was important.

"And Thena" you continued, feeling the woman tense a little "Thena is a warrior, she is beautiful and strong...but she is broken. Her mind is divided, she is not always herself and she can be dangerous, although we all know that she would never hurt us of her own free will. Gilgamesh helps her, but it's always you who brings her back, she needs you, just like the rest of us. Arishem wasn't wrong, he chose you because he knew only you could keep them all together. They're a team, but you're the one who makes them a family."

The woman closed her eyes again, letting more tears roll down her cheeks as a familiar warmth pooled in her stomach, just below where your hands met. She didn't understand how you always managed to make her feel better.

"I don't deserve you" she whispered

"No" you agreed "you deserve more"

It was the woman's turn to frown and she slowly opened her eyes, turning her head slightly so she could look at you. You weren't crying like she was, but there was a deep sadness in your eyes. You chuckled a little at her confusion and squeezed her a little more before resting your chin on her shoulder and concentrating on your hands. You knew that she knew that you were avoiding her gaze, but you couldn't face her while you were having this conversation.

"I know you don't like to talk about how we met in front of others but...it's just us here right?"

She just nodded, squeezing your hand gently for support and to keep you going, whatever you were going to say to her had to be important because you were shaking. You took a deep breath and remembered in great detail the day your life changed, even though it seemed so far away. 

“I was broken, lost, I had just hit rock bottom and I wanted to give up" you said "I was cold, hungry, thirsty, and I was about to commit a horrible crime that I would have regretted for all eternity"

The woman closed her eyes, also remembering that moment. She had found you in terrible condition, your clothes were tattered, you were dirty, you had blood and bruises everywhere, and your gaze was empty. You seemed like a ghost more than a living being, and she still had nightmares thinking about what could have happened to you if she didn't arrive on time, despite the fact that she hadn't really been looking for you, nor did she know who you were.

"You stopped me, and I'll always be in your debt for that" you whispered "And I…I thought you'd leave after that, that you'd just walk away from me like the ones who had stopped me before had."

But she wouldn't have been able to. She knew from the moment you looked at her and your eyes sparkled with life again, that she could never leave you. But she didn't say it out loud.

"But you didn't" you continued "you...you saw through my cracks, you looked at me, not at the broken doll, but at the soul beneath all that chaos. And you found something...something worth loving. And I...I've tried to honor that all this time, I've tried to prove that I'm worthy of you, that I'm not going to let you down...I guess that's why it hurt so much when you were so firm and clear in rejecting the idea of marriage

Ajak gasped audibly and pulled away from you carefully but firmly. Her mind, which had been trying to catch up with everything, to assimilate the tender but powerful confession you had made to her, suddenly went completely blank.

"You…you wanted to get married?" she whispered, not sure if she really said it or she just thought it.

You just shrugged, staring at the ground. The woman's warm hands went directly to your cheeks, gently cupping your face, guiding you to force you to look at her. You didn't know how to feel under the intensity of her gaze.

“But you…you acted as if you didn’t”

“I tried to be supportive of your choice” you confessed “besides, it hurt less if I pretended it was a game”

"Why didn’t you tell me?"

"For what?" you asked "anyway, now I know your position in this and my place in your life"

"Y/N, I don't-"

"It's okay" you smiled sadly "I promise I'll keep trying to be better...maybe one day I'll be worthy of you"

"You are already more than I deserve" she said "forgive me, forgive me for not realizing this, how you felt, forgive me for-"

"You don't have to apologize for anything, Ajak" you interrupted her "you had no way of knowing...besides, at least I hope that when you're ready to take that step...it can be with me"

"It will be" she promised "there is no one else I would want to take that step with"

You smiled and pressed your forehead against hers, closing your eyes to enjoy the warmth and the familiar scent coming from the woman. You adored these intimate moments where your soul confirmed that you only belonged to her. Too bad it was in such gray circumstances, and with her tears still falling on you.

"Are you alright?" you asked

"Y-yes, I just..." she sighed "No, I'm not. I'm scared, Y/N"

"Of what?" You frowned at her, gently guiding her until she was straddling you, her hands never leaving your face.

"There's a reason why I rejected the idea" she said "And I promise you it has nothing to do with my love for you, or because I don't consider you worthy. It's me. I'm the one who isn't worthy of you"

"Ajak-"

"I'm afraid of not being enough" she interrupted "I'm afraid that your eyes will lose that sparkle, that one day your gaze will simply pass me by, that you won't look at me like I'm something you want in your life. I'm afraid that things change so much, that we can no longer recognize each other. I'm afraid of losing you because I would lose myself, and the universe would be a terrible and cold void."

"Ajak" you whispered, caressing her cheek "things would change, of course, but they could never change so much that I no longer think of you as the most beautiful star in the sky"

"How are you so sure?"

"Because you loved me when I was fading, and now I know, that not loving you as you deserve, would be failing the entire universe, and that is not a debt I want to accept."

Ajak looked at you for a moment, searching for some trace of doubt in you, but she was only received by the universe in your gaze that she already knew and had fallen in love with. She smiled at you and brought her hands closer to your face so that she could join her lips to yours.

She really hoped she could convey to you in that kiss everything she could never do with words. Eternals were used to changes happening around them, not in them, but now she knew she would do anything if you were by her side, no matter how scared she was.

"I love you" she whispered against your mouth

"I love you too" you smiled

Ajak looked at you for a moment, getting lost in your gaze for a few seconds while her hands played with your hair, before gently biting her lip. You knew she was thinking of something.

"What?" you asked softly

"Nothing"

"Ajak"

"It's just...we're not going to get rid of them" she said softly "so..."

"So?"

"...maybe not tomorrow but...would you consider the idea again?"

You couldn't help but smile before drawing her in for another kiss, a little shorter but more intense than the previous one. Your fingers moved up to her ribs, which earned you a couple of giggles and a gentle push as you pulled away from her.

"Are you sure you're ready to think about the M word?" you asked

"Yes, if it's with you"

[priceseyes]

sgt. athena 'birdie' kallis & capt. john price hcs. summary: just some cute and simple hcs of these two (+ a few with task force 141) that i conjured up, hope you enjoy! warnings: FLUFF! just complete fluff.

enjoy the silence, cod-verse: a masterlist.

there is a 12 year age gap between athena and price, athena being 25 and price being 37.

athena is Māori 

athena has an arm tattoo that represents her culture and where she's from. she also has a scar under her eye she got from a past enemy.

she's demisexual!

athena's favorite animal is the wrybill, a bird that's native within new zealand, where she was born.

athena likes to keep a walkman on her during missions, let's her mind stay at ease and she gets to listen to her favorite music.

sometimes, athena will borrow the beanie price has, he think it looks cute on her but, he wouldn't say that aloud unless he was alone with her.

athena was given the codename 'birdie' by price, himself. therefore, price is often the one referring to her by that name. although, when it's just the two of them, he'll call her athena.

speaking of names, price will not only call her 'birdie' but sometimes little bird, pretty eyes or just 'thena'.

athena can't STAND graves, sometimes graves will call her 'birdie' with that southern accent of his but she tries to not let it get to her. price hates him just as much.

gaz is best friends with athena, he teases her about her relationship with price often times.

sometimes the two will do impressions/mock price's accent on comms.

going back to athena on missions, there are times where athena likes hearing price's voice through the comms. the way he talks her through the mission keeps her at peace, even when's right there with her! his voice is comforting to hear.

if athena feels stressed or nervous and price is there, he'll also comfort her with rubbing her arms or sometimes he'll give her a forehead kiss.

there is a 12 year age gap between athena and price, athena being 25 and price being 37.

athena's favorite animal is the wrybill, a bird that's native within new zealand, where she was born.

athena likes to keep a walkman on her during missions, let's her mind stay at ease and she gets to listen to her favorite music.

athena was given the codename 'birdie' by price, himself. therefore, price is often the one referring to her by that name. although, when it's just the two of them, he'll call her athena.

speaking of names, price will not only call her 'birdie' but sometimes little bird, pretty eyes or just 'thena'.

athena can't STAND graves, sometimes graves will call her 'birdie' with that southern accent of his but she tries to not let it get to her. price hates him just as much.

gaz is best friends with athena, he teases her about her relationship with price often times.

sometimes the two will do impressions/mock price's accent on comms.

going back to athena on missions, there are times where athena likes hearing price's voice through the comms. the way he talks her through the mission keeps her at peace, even when's right there with her! his voice is comforting to hear.

if athena feels stressed or nervous and price is there, he'll also comfort her by rubbing her arms or sometimes give her a forehead kiss.

she keeps a picture of the two of them together in the front pocket of her vest as a reminder that he's always with her.

price will make athena co-captain sometimes if he's out to do something and has her watching over the rest of the task force 141 members, sometimes the boy will question it, ESPECIALLY soap.

although, there are times where athena has to earn the title of co-captain as price doesn't want to show TOO MUCH favoritism.

ofc, athena is the little spoon and price is the big spoon.

athena is 5'5 meaning she's a short queen in price's eyes.

lastly, BIG cuddles between the two of them with athena lying on his chest as price's chin rests against the top of her head, thinking about how lucky is having a gal like her in his life.

notes: that's that!! this was SUPER fun and I really enjoyed making this. maybe i'll do some more similar posts like this in the future as i'm already LOVING the relationship between them + i have some future lore planned as well. they're my precious, comforting babies and I love them, haha.

if you enjoyed, please let me know! 💜

[naoa-ao3]

Calling From The Heart

Gilgamesh had thought a cell phone would be a good thing. Thena wanders off some times and though he knows she can take care of herself he can't help but worry when she does. It's part of the reason they're so far from anywhere inhabited.

Just the same he fears that one day she might wander off in a fit of madness and never return. It's irrational but he can't help but feel it and so he buy's her a cell phone. It's more for his peace of mind than anything else.

She opens it at the table, a look of amusement spreading across her face. Phastos could have made something infinitely better but they're all living their separate lives now and this will work just as well.

She looks at it curiously and tears into the packaging, the little plastic thing small in her hand as she smiles.

"We have a phone." She say's.

He rubs at his neck. "Well, this one can leave the house and it came as a pair so I have one too."

She presses buttons and seems relaxed enough.

He cherishes moments like these. Moments when everything is calm and he has his Thena, the woman he knows and loves. The woman's he's fought along side of and called friend for all his waking life.

"Show me yours." She say's, leaning across the table.

It's a warm night but not so warm they can't go for a walk later.

He fishes his out and hands it to her and see's something bright in her eyes. "Mine is already set up. You'll have to activate yours." He say's.

They're simple gadgets.

Phastos would have been bored.

"I can call you on it from anywhere?" She asks.

He shrugs. "So long as it can get a signal."

There's a tower put up not too far away. He's found it isn't great but they should be able to get ahold of each other.

"You can even make it play music." He say's and she laughs like she hasn't been on the Domo, like she hasn't seen wonders lightyears ahead of this.

"You think I should?" She asks and she throws her head back and laughs loudly.

He's glad she likes it, it isn't much and it won't stop Mahd Wy'ry from taking it's toll but now at least he has a way to reach her if she ever wanders too far.

She breaks the phone of course.

A month later and she isn't thinking about it. She forgets and knocks it from a shelf and the damn thing breaks.

Gil cleans it up and see's her half apologetic expression. "I'll get a new one." He say's.

She smiles. "I'm sorry."

He knows she doesn't really care about the phone. She hasn't used it.

Thena was made for battle and a cell phone means very little to her but he buys her a new one anyway and set's it up for her, seeing her smile again when he puts it in her hand. She hasn't asked why he's bought it or why he bought the last one.

Maybe a part of her knows but he holds her hand for a moment just the same.

It's because he cares.

The next one breaks during a bad fit, when Mahd Wy'ry takes over her mind and the little thing falls from her pocket and slaps to earth, breaking just like the first one.

Gil buy's another and she say's she hadn't realized the second had broken.

"Well, this one is a newer model." He say's, putting it in her hand like the last one. "Maybe it will last longer."

Thena smiles and kisses his cheek, she isn't as affectionate as she once was. Mahd Wy'ry has taken that from her but every once in a while she's still the same old Thena, every once in a while she wants to spar but even that has gotten more difficult over the last few centuries.

She forgets when she spars, the madness comes to her and she suffers and for Gil it's one of the worst sights to behold.

He wishes he could take her suffering away, make it all right and good. He wishes he could build something like Phastos that could shield her form this pain and damage, that could slow her mind's descent but even Phastos doesn't have an invention like that and so instead sometimes he tells her some of Sprite's stories and things they've done in the past. Most times she say's she remembers but sometimes she admits she doesn't.

During those times he holds her hand and even if she never really cares about the phone he still buys her another when she breaks the third one.

His own is dated by then and yet he holds on to it, sentimental perhaps. . . they've never actually had to use them to call one another and so one day when he goes into town he uses his to call hers just for the heck of it.

It takes her a minute to answer and even then she sounds amused.

"Did you forget something?" She asks.

He's only gone for a few groceries.

"Ah, did we need any flour?" He asks.

He hears her hum and check. "Yes."

He can't say why but it amuses him to use the phone like this, to be able to just reach out and call her. Maybe he should get some of the others to give them their numbers. That would have been interesting, maybe even fun.

"I'll make sure to get it."

He hears her laugh softly. "Don't forget."

He doesn't and he never really did.

"I won't." He promises and he doesn't.

Thena never really cares about the phones. At one point he buys her one that can take pictures, descent pictures even and she's amused by it for a while, she sends him pictures when she goes for walks. Little things that she see's out, lizards and clouds and rocks.

He saves them to his own phone.

Snap shots of Thena's view.

He treasures them as he treasures her and when that phone breaks also he buys her another then as well.

He does get Sersi's number and they send her a selfie one day, the two of them in their home smiling at the camera, Thena has her chin jutted out proudly and Gil saves that picture as well.

No, even if Thena doesn't really care about the bit of plastic and metal he plans to keep buying her phones because it's worth it for the peace of mind and he likes being able to reach out to her. Maybe if she has one she'll be able to reach out when she needs to one day and he'll be able to pick up.

Maybe it'll help and if not, what's the worst it could cause?

He loves her and he wants to be there for her in any way he can.

[mommy-medusa]

All of a sudden, the grove lit up in a flash of golden light. Apollo was standing there, a look of panic on his face.

“You’re needed on Olympos,” he said to Artemis, his expression grave. “It’s Athena.”

No other words were spoken as the twins both vanished from the grove, leaving Teddi and the other huntresses behind in confusion.

It wasn’t until much later that they returned, when the sun had already left the sky. The huntresses were already tucked up in their burrows, and the grove was near silent.

“I swear, at this point, he’s doing this just to spite her,” Artemis said, her voice the growl of a bear in the dead of night.

Smiling ruefully at her side, Apollo said, “No, yeah, that is exactly what he’s doing. A few months back, she finally came outside again, and he loudly made some snide comment that had her turning around and marching right back inside before she even left her courtyard.” He took a moment to try and smooth out his chiton, which was torn up around the edges and looked slightly singed. Artemis’ clothing was the same. Both twins smelled strongly of lightning, too.

When Apollo failed to fix his clothes, he dropped his hands and sighed. “I just can’t believe he brought up Pallas.”

Artemis nodded with a grimace. “And what he said about her maidenhood?” Deep disgust flashed across her features, and Apollo set a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“We should have let her maul him,” Artemis said mournfully.

“Agreed,” Apollo said.

The twins shared a moment of silence before Apollo took a step back. “Well. I better go check on the damage done. See if I can treat ‘Thena’s burns before she goes back into hibernation. And if she’s already in her sadness coma, then I’ll just do it while she’s asleep. If anything, it’s easier that way.”

“Need any help?” Artemis asked.

Apollo shook his head, waving a dismissive hand. “No, I’ve got her. Hera already offered to aid me.”

Artemis’ eyebrows raised in surprise. “Look at you two.”

“I know right? We shall bond over our mutual concern for the owlet.” He smiled softly. “Goodnight, my starry night.”

“Goodnight, my sunny day. If you need me, call upon me again.”

“I will.”

After bumping his forehead with Artemis’, Apollo disappeared in a flash of light.

The moment he was gone, Artemis released a large sigh. She rubbed a tired hand over her face sluggishly.

“You can come out now,” she said. “I know you’re listening.”

Teddi’s head, along with several others, popped out of the hollows in the great tree. Artemis turned to all of them, smiling slightly.

“I can’t possibly blame any of you,” she said. “Is there anything more interesting than the divine drama of the gods? I’m afraid that’s all for tonight, though.”

The audience mostly dispersed, but Teddi climbed down from her hollow to confront Artemis.

“You were talking of Athena?” she asked.

“Indeed,” Artemis answered.

“Is she…alright?”

To that, Artemis hesitated. Then, she beckoned Teddi to follow her away from the prying ears of the huntresses, and Teddi did. Chrysaor flapped after them, while Pegasus remained soundly asleep.

“I don’t know how to answer that, but my best guess is no, she is not alright,” Artemis finally said. “She has not been close to ‘alright’ in quite some time. I haven’t seen her this distraught since Pallas died.”

“Pallas?” Teddi tilted her head.

“Oh, you don’t know? Then again, I’m not surprised that it’s been buried in obscurity. It’s a rather tragic tale,” Artemis said. “Pallas was the daughter of Triton, who was the son of Poseidon, and was Athena’s greatest and closest friend. Those two were like Apollo and I—they practically kin. The Athena with Pallas was much different than the Athena we have now. She was less stressed, less stoic, less—and I mean this in the nicest way possible—uptight. But she was also still very young, even when she was born fully grown. By all accounts, she was a child—or as close to a child she could be considering, again, she was born a fully grown adult. She was an owlet, if you will, as Apollo and I affectionately refer to her as.” She paused for just a moment. “Ah. Do not— do not call her that to her face. She will probably smite you. But Pallas was her childhood friend.” She then laughed as she seemed to recall something. “She couldn’t walk when she was first born.”

“What?” Teddi said.

“You didn’t hear this from me,” Artemis said, “But after springing out from Zeus’ head, donned in full war gear and wielding a spear, she took a long look at all the gods gathered around her, very regal and mature, took one step forward, and WHOMP, fell flat on her face.”

Teddi couldn’t contain her giggles. “Really?”

Laughing, too, Artemis said, “Really! Just picture a baby horse trying to walk for the first time- that was Athena for at least an hour after she was born. Apparently, the heads of baby owls are too heavy for them to hold up, so, naturally, Ares, Apollo, and I kept making jokes about that. All that wisdom was just too heavy for Athena.” She tapped her temple with a chuckle.

“Wait,” Teddi said. “You were around when Athena was born?”

Artemis gave her a confused look. “Yes?”

“Oh,” Teddi said. “I always assumed that—”

“She was the oldest?” Artemis finished, and Teddi nodded. She chuckled again. “I don’t blame you for thinking that. She certainly asserts herself like she is the eldest of our kin. But no, she isn’t. The little owl is actually the third youngest out of the main lot of us, if you will believe it. She’s only older than Hermes and Dionysus. You have no idea how many ‘I cannot believe you are all older than me’ comments I have had to endure from her.” She then waved a hand. “But I’m getting off topic! Back to the matter at hand, Pallas was Athena’s greatest friend, and the two of them were trained in combat by Triton. They were raised beside each other, as close as sisters. And then, without warning, tragedy struck. Pallas was killed at Athena’s hand in an accident during an athletics festival. Stabbed through the stomach with a spear. Athena remained on this beach for several days until Hestia and Demeter, our aunts, came to retrieve her, and they found the same spear impaled through her stomach, like she had tried to make away with herself. When she was brought back to Olympos by the two of them, her gut gouged open and spilling ichor everywhere, Zeus just— he just sneered at her. As though he was more concerned with the pavilion getting dirty from her gore rather than his own daughter being badly injured. And he said, where everyone could hear, that she was acting like a child. He humiliated her. And I suppose Athena took his words to heart because, after she had recovered, she was different. Steely, jaded, calm. Whatever playfulness she had was now locked up somewhere inside of her. And Zeus was so pleased. He now had the perfect dog to lick all over his boots. I’m sure you’ve heard that Athena is his favorite out of all his kids?” When Teddi nodded, Artemis went on, “I do not envy Athena’s status. I would rather live in the shadows than stand in the light if it’s Zeus who casts such a glow. And yet, somehow, with Zeus’ spotlight constantly shining down on her, she’s become a shadow herself. She is constantly thinking, planning, scheming. All of us are, in some way, but she is the only one who acts on it. She is the only one who is constantly at work. She is the only one who takes the consequences. She barely ever stops to rest, and there are times where I don’t see her for an entire year because she’s rushing around all of Greece, aiding mortals in any way she can. And that’s—” She sighed, rubbing her forehead with two fingers, and Teddi could tell this was something she had discussed several times before. “That’s fine. Really, it is. If she finds joy in helping mortals, then who am I to tell her that it’s wrong? The thing is, I don’t think it brings her joy. Not exactly. Maybe it does, sometimes, but I feel like it’s just a way to make ends meet. A way to distract herself. Or maybe it’s just her feeling the constant pressure put upon her by Zeus, so she’s desperately scrambling to try and claw her way up to his unreasonably high expectations for her. She hardly trusts anyone at all, doesn’t talk about her problems, doesn’t even have her mother to turn to because Zeus ate her! Medusa was the first time since Pallas that Athena well and truly settled down enough to make a relationship with someone, and that was taken from her. She’s alone, and that is not a good place to be when you’re immortal and live forever.”

“Because of how lonely it can get?” Teddi said.

“Precisely,” Artemis confirmed. “The novelty wears off after a few decades—and that’s usually before you even reach the centuries. Why do you think I make it to where my huntresses don’t age or can’t die from natural causes? It’s a vain attempt to keep other people around. Because, after they die, there’s a good chance that I will never see them again. And when I saw what Pallas’ death did to Athena, I was afraid of going through the same grief. Unfortunately, not even my divine protections can stop whatever the Fates have in store for my pack. If they are meant to die, then there is nothing I can do about it.”

Chrysaor lifted his snout to nuzzle his nose against one of Artemis’ hands, and Artemis smiled softly, giving him a pat on the head.

“But at least I have them,” Artemis went on. “Athena… Athena doesn’t really have anyone. However…” She crossed her arms firmly over her chest. “I suspect this goes deeper than even Medusa and Pallas.”

“What do you mean?” Teddi questioned, tilting her head.

“Athena has always been walking over hot coals,” Artemis said. “As the years went by, she became more and more frustrated with everything, but especially Zeus. Never had the courage to actually make a stand against him. Until the day Medusa died, of course. I wasn’t present for the battle, but Apollo told me it was terribly destructive. Lightning, fire, ichor spraying everywhere. And after it was over, she went into this ‘dormant mode.’ I think she finally realized the futility of it all. She had spent so long bowing beneath a man who could care less about her, and everyone she has loved has died brutally, so she just…stopped. Now, she just exists in this state of nothingness. And she’s so scared, I think.” She shook her head. “We gods are not good people, Teddi. That much you must understand about us. None of us are good.” She paused. “Well— slight addendum to that, Hestia is good. I don’t think she’s ever done anything bad in her entire life. But aside from her, none of us are good. Our morality is entirely ambiguous and constantly fluctuating, and we only act civil because we choose to, not because we have to. I’m not going to act like I’m innocent. I’ve done terrible things that I am not proud of, and there are even more terrible things that I am proud of. But Athena… Athena, at the very least, tries. She tries to be good. If there is anyone who does not deserve this cruel hand that has been dealt, it is most certainly her. I just hope that, one day, she will learn to forgive herself.”

[taran-chan]

Look, all of the prompts are amazing, but can I get “please kiss me” and maybe “I will never get enough of you” if it doesn’t trouble you at all?

Happy Smutty Sunday!!

3. “Please kiss me” 15. “I can’t get enough of you”

The thick and humid summer air wafts over her like a liquid, even at night time. Sweats run along her back, tickling her skin and her hair sticks to her neck. They’ve been partying since midday, celebrating their latest victory and the birth of a new kingdom, with their chosen king. The room is crowded and loud, too loud; their family, and king and knights and nobles. And yet, when he puts his mouth against her ear, all noises drowned out like they’re underwater and alone in a bubble.

“I can smell you.”

She shivers, involuntarily lets out a gasp. She’s been wanting him since she woke up this morning with his cock buried inside her and hasn’t stopped. He can tell. It’s a game between them, to see who would last longer. She knows she does a number on him today with her looks and subtle brushes along his arm, and of course, showing off in the battle. She can hear his ragged breaths, see the lust in his eyes mixed with love and admiration, feel the heat radiating from his body in waves. Now it’s clear that he also knows what he does to her, snapping the neck of that Deviant with one hand, and later using that same hand to catch a few locks of her hair between his fingers and kiss them in an intimate and worshiping manner that all these little humans can’t even fathom.

“Can you?” She smirks, taking an agonizing step back to stretch their distance, but he catches her by her waist and draws her to him before she can turn away. Their chests collide and Gil lowers his head to touch his forehead to hers.

It’s unbearable. The thought of letting her slip away again tonight. He’s done playing.

“Please kiss me.”

“Finally,” Thena growls. She slants her lips over his, allowing him to drink her in like he’s about to die of thirst. He makes a sound like a sob, lifting her off the ground.

“Let’s get the hell out of here,” she purrs when they part for air.

Their room is too far away, even with Eternal speed. He finds an empty room on the first door he tries, barely closing it when she pushes him against the wall and starts to climb him like a tree. He switches them and her back feels the chill of stone, but not for long before he squeezes his hands in between, rubbing his warmth to her skin.

“Let me see it,” he says between kisses. She bites his lower lip as her clothes fall off layer by layer. He nips at the small patch of red skin just below her collarbone, the mark he left on her when they made love this morning. The one she left on him is much lower.

“It’s fading,” he says.

“Maybe I’ll let you leave another.”

“Spoiled me rotten, aren’t you?” He grits his teeth when she manages to pull his cock down, hot and pulsing and ready. He’s still fumbling with the last layer of silk wrapping around her hips.

“Rip it,” she grinds at him. Nothing sounds better than the tear of fabric at that moment. He’s always so careful with her clothes that it annoys her at times like this.

She moans loudly when he enters her, tightening her legs around him.

“Baby, if you want this, you have to be quiet,” he whispers, keeping his strokes steady.

“Do I?” She asks breathlessly.

“Someone might pass this hall.”

“Then make me,” she wraps her arm around his neck. He grabs her chin and kisses her, weaving their tongues together. She rocks her hips in tune with his, her arousal dripping heavily onto the floor. Her lewd sounds are muffled by his mouth. He presses her deep into the wall and the position makes his cock hit her cervix, shaking her body with the force of each thrust.

“I can’t get enough of you,” he tears his lips away from her to start sucking and licking her neck.

“Harder,” she pants, her orgasm within her grasp. Just then, Gil hears footsteps and laughter heading toward them. He doesn’t stop, slipping two of his fingers into her mouth. As the feet are right behind the door, he feels Thena coming, quivering and sucking at his finger deliriously. Her eyes are hooded and the normal emerald green nearly turns into moss green, dazed by want and ecstasy. He groans into her cheek, pulling her closer as he rides out his pleasure.

She releases his fingers from her mouth but holds his hand and rubs her face on his palm lovingly. She’s incredibly adorable after a good orgasm and it makes his heart swell with love. The humans have long gone without a clue of what’s going on in this room.

“That’s new,” he can’t help but tease, “You get off on thinking other people might hear us?”

“Shh…” She nuzzles his neck, smelling his soothing scent. He smells like home.

[welldonebeca]

Apex Predator (V/Final)

Pairing: Ikaris x Thena x Makkari x Ajak x Sersi Warnings: Smut. Orgy/Gangbang. Oral sex. Dirty talking. Rough sex.

If you like my work, consider buying me a coffee or subscribing to my Patreon. It’s just $2 a month and helps a lot while I go through these hard times.

Masterlist

Ikaris held onto Thena's thigh as she squirmed on top of his face, moaning as he devoured her.

"Ikaris," she tried to protest. "Too... much!"

He didn’t even take his lips off her cunt, licking her clit and making her cry out.

“I think you can take it,” Ajak decided, cooing her.

Thena trembled, moaning out, shaking over him, cumming again, and Ikaris decided to show her some mercy, pulling away.

“Thena,” Ajak pulled her hair back, standing over her, caressing her cheek. “Be nice. Thank our Alpha.”

“Thank you…” she grunted, crawling away, probably overwhelmed.

Ikaris smiled and was about to answer when Makkari grabbed his face instead, sitting on him to get her own ride, and Sersi’s lips wrapped around his cock, sucking him off.

His Omegas were insatiable and, as a good Alpha, it was up to him to give them whatever they wanted.

They’d all been so needy for him lately. Even Makkari, who had Druig, had been coming to him more an more lately.

“Alpha,” Ajak moaned, taking one of his hands and placing it between her legs.

He ran his fingers on her wet folds, always so sweet and welcoming to him

Of all four, she was the one most eager for him, always. Sersi was more affectionate and confident in their relationship and both Thena and Makkari had their side partners to spend time with - in Gilgamesh and Druig - and never really needed him as much as they wanted him.

But Ajak was always eager to take whatever he offered her, looking for his company and so wet to be fucked he knew only an exchange of looks could get her ready for him sometimes.

“Ikaris,” Sersi called him, lips leaving his cock, and he felt her fingers running on his thighs, hungry. “I want to ride your cock.”

He lifted Makkari from his lips, pushing his fingers into her cunt and playing with her clit just as Thena leant to kiss her, sweet and hungry, humming something he couldn’t quite hear, but might as well be one of her sweet praises.

“And that’s how you ask?” he teased her. “Not nicely, not politely?”

Sersi whined.

“Please, Ikaris,” she begged. “May I have your cock? Can I ride, please, please?”

Ikaris smiled.

How could he ever deny her anything?

“Come now before Ajak beats you to it,” he instructed.

Makkari apparently took his hint, and sat back on his face, and he grabbed her hips, eating her out again.

By Arishem, Ikaris had never found a flavour he had favoured over another but omega slick was by beating to be the best.

He was glad he had mastered multitasking as he focus on eating Makkari - his cheeky Omega rubbing her clit against his nose - as he now fucked their leader with four fingers and Sersi impaled herself on his cock, taking her pleasure from him.

Ikaris was now just their toy, someone they could use to get filled and pleased.

He could already feel his knot tingling, threatening to pop. Sersi's lovely mouth already did wonders and her cunt only served to send him off, he suddenly felt a tight grip on his shaft.

"Now, now, little boy," Thena cooed. "She isn't done yet. None of us are."

He throbbed.

Fucking hell. Those Omegas were going to kill him one day.

He grunted, wanting to growl at her but with his mouth preoccupied, but his attention was pulled back to Makkari when she cried out, rubbing herself harder against him, moaning as she neared her release.

It always pleased him so much to hear Makkari's voice. It was so rare that she even used it, and it was deep and soft anytime she did. Hearing it meant he was doing something very, very right.

She finally came, covering his face with slick, and fell by his side on the floor, panting in bliss.

Before he could even have a moment to himself, Ajak grabbed his face, kissing him deeply.

"You want a ride next?" he offered, using the heel of his palm to rub her clit.

"I want to see your face when you cum," she hummed, moaning as he curled his fingers to find her sweet spot.

"Sersi," he moaned, reaching his free hand to grab her thigh. "Such a fucking good Omega."

She moaned, bouncing on his cock.

"My Sersi," he growled. "So good for your Alpha."

She just moaned more, Ajak's cunt squeezed his fingers.

"Ikaris," she cried.

"Cum for me, my sun," he coaxed his bouncy Omega. "Let me breed you up."

Sersi cried out, cunt fluttering around his cock as she came, and was still shaking on top of him when Ajak came just as well, coating his hand in her wetness.

Ikaris followed right after, eyes connected with hers as he came, dumping his seed into Sersi's cunt and knotting her, as his other Omegas just settled on his big bed - something he had had done especially for them.

Sersi curled on top of his chest, cuddling him as Ajak took his right side and Makkari took his left, and Thena lied across the top of his head, pulling his to rest his head on her soft stomach as she petted his hair.

"Our Alpha," Ajak kissed his cheek.

"Such a good Alpha, little Ikaris," Thena caressed his jaw.

Something filled him deeply. Devotion for his girls, and deep pride, for his Omegas were sated for now, and he could feel their love for him, each in their own way.