#Thena is getting more used to life on land

[softquietsteadylove]

Hii love, how are you doing?

I had this little idea for the Mermaid Au:

What if gil and thena have been out all day and when they are heading back home, thena is too tired to keep using her legs and just colapses getting her tail back on so gil has to carry her all the way home. She is a little embarrassed about it but gil being the perfect boyfriend that he is comforts her and takes care of her.

Have a good day!! 🩷🤍

"Angelfish?"

Thena startled, catching her eyes drooping again. They'd had a wonderful day out, meeting Sersi for lunch, going to the mall with her to shop for clothes, then going to the market to get more fun things, like food. It was a fun day but she couldn't say she wasn't exhausted.

"Hey," Gil said more softly, turning to her and stopping despite the many, many bags in his hands. "You okay?"

She smiled at him, flashing her teeth, "of course!"

Gil smiled at her too, although his eyes dashed down just for a second. "Put those away, sweetie. We're almost home."

Thena ran her tongue around the inside of her mouth. Her fangs were poking out. She was losing her careful touch. "It was fun--being out with Sersi."

If Gil thought her behaviour was odd he kept it to himself. He shifted the bags so he could hold her hand. "It was, huh?"

"She found quite a lot of treasures," Thena denoted, glancing down at the many bags Gil was carrying. Sersi had insisted he carry them all.

"Yeah, Sersi's always wanted a sister to go out and do girl stuff with, like shopping and getting her hair done," Gil chuckled. "Even if I offered, she didn't wanna go shopping with her big brother. Not the same, y'know?"

She didn't. But Thena smiled; there did seem to be an interesting mentality to the activity of 'shopping', much like pack hunting. There was a bond, a pack mentality of a shared goal and a group satisfaction when treasure was found.

"Are you okay?" he asked her again, even leaning slightly to look into her eyes despite their difference in height. "She didn't tire you out?"

She had, but she wouldn't trade the fun they'd had for it. "No! Hunting with Sersi was quite enjoyable. It felt like when Kari and I would go looking for pearls."

Gil always enjoyed when she used imagery from her life back home. "I guess it would be like that."

They lapsed into silence again. Thena yawned, getting a taste of the salty air as they got closer to the water. She longed to slither into bed with Gil and have him massage the spot where her gills would be.

"Angelfish?...Thena!"

She blinked, wobbling on her feet and drifting into him.

Gil reacted, dropping any bags not dangling from his wrist and steadying her against him. "Sweetheart, are you okay?"

She tried to reply, but she just blinked, feeling tongue-tied. She tried to get her feet under her again but she kept stumbling. "Gil?"

"Okay, okay, it's okay," he whispered as he brought them down lower. His head swivelled around until he gathered the bags and pulled her tighter. "Just a sec, Angelfish, it's okay."

Thena clung to him as he awkwardly shuffled them away from the sidewalk and onto the grass by a bench. They were lucky that they had parked Titania closer to the less used docks. Her eyes bulged, "Gil!"

"I know, sweetie, I know," he whispered to her, kissing her temple as he got her seated on the bench.

Thena gripped the back of it, watching her legs come together and scales erupt down the length of them again. Her tail reformed in front of her very eyes. It was a newfound, human reflex, but her hands went to tug at the hem of her dress (not that it mattered now).

Gil got her tail situated, as well as their many bags as he sat down next to her. He placed his hand on the shimmering scales of her tail, "you okay?"

Thena stared at her fins, blushing terribly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he grinned, but that wasn't helping. He ran his palm over her scales, "you've had a long day. Maybe your body felt your feet hurting and your tail decided to take over."

Thena grumbled within her throat. She touched a hand to her neck--her gills were emerging, too. "I understand the word 'humiliating' better, now."

Gil leaned over, kissing her cheek. "Come on, it's not that bad."

She gave him a look, flopping her tail limply as it was laid over his lap. If they were at home cuddling this would be one thing, but they were out in broad daylight.

"Okay, it's not ideal," he amended, still smiling though. He continued to admire her scales, petting her tail the way she'd seen people pet cats or dogs. She flicked the end of it. "I like seeing your tail."

Her blush wasn't getting any better. "You can't flatter the problem away."

"Maybe not," he shrugged. "So I have to carry you home, so what?"

It was embarrassing, that was what--like being a guppy and injuring your fin and having to one-sidedly paddle home.

"What if someone sees?" she mumbled, pulling her cardigan tighter around herself.

"Maybe they'll just think I'm carrying home my lovely girlfriend," Gil suggested so easily. It was a far cry from the man terrified of letting her walk around in public just a year ago. "My mate, I guess. And she's got on such a pretty, sparkly dress."

Thena sighed, letting him adjust his hold on her and scoot her more into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck instinctively. "Will people believe that?"

"Does it matter?"

Thena let him pile some of the bags in her lap and grasp the rest. Then he picked her up, carrying her tail the way he would her bent legs and behind her back. At least she wasn't slipping out of his grasp.

"Here we go," Gil grunted as he adjusted her weight and the load of their bounty. "Ready?"

Thena declined to answer, choosing to bury her face in the side of his neck. The bounce of his chest against her told her he was still finding this all rather humorous.

"Y'know, the first time I held you to get you out of the water," he began during their short but significantly slower trip back to the beach. "I thought 'wow, she's so light'. And then I realised how tight I had to hold you and, uh, I tried not to think about the rest."

"Hm," she mused, still preferring the refuge of hiding herself away.

"You were warmer than I thought you would be," he continued, regardless of her embarrassment. "Holding your tail is harder than holding onto legs. But it's not like it's totally unstructured either."

"Is that so?" she asked mostly just to say something. She eyed her tail, uselessly flopping over the edge of his arm.

"I can't carry you on my back like this, but we have a name for this method."

"For what?" she lifted her head to look at him. He had that grin on his face that he got when he was about to teach her something about human life.

"Holding someone--carrying them like this," he indicated, bouncing her a little despite the crinkling of the bags. "It's called the bridal carry."

"What's that?"

Gilgamesh looked at her, his eyes soft and warm. "It's for, uh, mates. It's not that only mates do this, but the original name for it means...something pretty significant."

She still didn't understand what he was really talking about. But he had that look on his face that made her insides feel like a school of minnows. She blinked a few times, resisting the urge to clamp down on his neck and declare him hers. Humans didn't do that kind of thing to lay claim to their mates.

"What I'm saying is I'm happy to carry you, Angelfish," he clarified, continuing down the hill. The beach came into view, "we're almost there."

She kept her thoughts to herself. Gil was right, they were mates. She had no reason to find him helping her so terrible. She would do the same for him if he were injured. She opted not to sink her teeth into his shoulder; humans had more gentle ways of affection.

Gil smiled as she pressed her lips to his cheek and the faint rumble of her purring started. "I've got you, Angelfish."

He had her for all her life, if only he knew.

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Bed rest was incredibly difficult, even though Maera knew the Maester had recommended it for the sake of her health. She couldn't remember a time when she had actually kept still for this long. The days stretched into weeks, each hour feeling like an eternity as she lay confined within the four walls of her chambers.

She recalled how, even as a child, she had defied the orders of the Maester at Rain House. No matter how ill she felt, she would quickly sneak out of bed to play with her toys or climb atop her bookshelf to reach her favorite fairytale. Her septa would scold her, but Maera never cared. The thrill of independence and the joy of losing herself in stories had always outweighed any reprimands.

Yet now, despite feeling like a caged dragon, Maera adhered to the Maester's orders for three long weeks, for the sake of her unborn child. Each day, she reminded herself of the precious life growing inside her, finding strength in the small kicks and movements that signaled her baby's vitality.

Maester Cain visited the Princess daily, diligently re-dressing her wounds, checking her stitches, and monitoring the progress of her healing. He applied various ointments and prescribed medicines to aid her recovery, though his options were limited by her pregnancy.

Lord Unwin also made regular visits, keeping Maera up to date with the happenings within the castle and the council meetings. His updates were a lifeline to the outside world, yet each visit brought a pang of shame. She felt weak and pathetic, dependent on others for information and care, a stark contrast to her usual self-reliance.

The usual young maid attended to the Princess as well, quick and efficient in her duties. She changed the sheets regularly, careful not to disturb Maera’s injuries as she dressed her in fresh clothes. The maid also brought Maera her meals, ensuring she was fed and comfortable. But that was the extent of their interaction. Unlike Thena in King's Landing, who had always chatted with Maera and made her feel less isolated, this maid performed her tasks in silence, leaving as soon as her duties were complete.

The combination of these visits—necessary though they were—only served to deepen Maera's feelings of helplessness. She longed for the days when she could move freely, engage with those around her on her own terms, and reclaim her strength and independence.

Another thing that didn’t help was hearing Ēbrion’s calls from outside her window. Maera had not seen her dragon in weeks and she desperately wished to be near him. The great beast was her oldest friend here, and she yearned to feel his presence, to fly and escape these prison-like walls.

One day, Maera managed to get out of bed and walk around a little. The wounds on her arm and thigh were incredibly sore, but Maester Cain had assured her they would be fully closed in a few more weeks. Each step sent a jolt of pain through her body, the few paces leaving her breathless, unused to the exertion after weeks of bed rest.

Determined to regain her strength, Maera set small goals each day to walk a little further. At first, it was just a few steps from the bed to the chair. Then, a few more steps to the door. After several days of this slow progress, she finally managed to make it to the window and sit on the ledge, a welcome change from the confines of her bed. The fresh air and the view of the outside world were invigorating, even though her body still ached from the effort.

As she sat on the window ledge, Maera looked out and saw the distant figure of Ēbrion. His calls seemed to echo her own longing for freedom. She knew it would still be some time before she could fly with him again, but the sight of her dragon gave her hope. Looking out past Harrenhall’s broken walls, Maera saw her mount in the same place she last saw him in person: the burnt lavender field.

The sight brought back a flood of memories, haunting her with the vividness of her encounter with Alys. She could almost feel the blade piercing her skin again, the sharp, excruciating pain that still echoed in her body on the worst days. The smell of burning flesh and lavender wafted into her mind, a stark reminder of the moment she had ordered Ebrion to incinerate Alys.

The guilt about what she had done, particularly concerning Alys's unborn child, had begun to fade. The relentless waves of remorse were now replaced with a cold, clear anger. As the fog of guilt lifted, Maera's rage toward her husband grew and grew.

Aemond had still not returned, and there was no news from the ongoing battle near Rook's Rest. Despite Maera's growing anger toward him, she couldn't help but be concerned for her husband's wellbeing.

A thousand questions raced through her mind. Surely no news was good news? But what if it wasn’t? What if something had happened to the Lord Commander? Or to Aemond? What position would that leave her and their child in? If the Blacks won at Rook's Rest, would she find herself at Rhaenyra’s mercy? Would Rhaenyra even grant them mercy?

The thoughts made Maera shudder. Her mind spun with the uncertainty of their future. The possibilities loomed over her like a dark cloud, each one more terrifying than the last. She tried to push them away, but they clung to her, dragging her down into a well of anxiety and fear. Desperate for a distraction, the next time the maid had returned, Maera pleaded with her to provide her with something, anything, that would provide solace and a brief escape from the prison of her mind.

The maid had brought Maera a large fresh bouquet from the gardens, along with some charcoal and parchment. Maera was extremely thankful for the thoughtful gesture. However, due to her low spirits, she found herself unsure of what to draw. Her dragon Ēbrion, visible from her window, only made her miss the freedom of the skies. The outside world reminded her of the confining walls of Harrenhal, and she had never excelled at drawing portraits of people.

With a sigh, Maera hobbled to her desk where the lovely bouquet had been placed. The vibrant flowers were a glimpse of the beauty that lay beyond the castle’s walls, a fragment of the life she yearned to return to. Deciding to capture this piece of the outside world, she picked up her charcoal and began to sketch the delicate petals and intricate leaves.

She started with the red geraniums, their rounded petals forming clusters of vibrant blooms. The delicate veins in each petal were carefully rendered with gentle strokes, the charcoal capturing the depth and texture of the flowers. Next, she moved to the black snapdragons, their tall, spiky stems and intricate blossoms creating a striking contrast. The dark blooms seemed to absorb the light, and Maera took care to highlight their shadowy allure.

The deep orange marigolds came next, their ruffled petals and dense heads a challenge to capture with charcoal. She meticulously shaded the layers, bringing out their fiery intensity. The red petunias, with their trumpet-shaped flowers, added a splash of brilliance to the bouquet. She sketched their soft, velvety petals, capturing the delicate folds and curves.

The black poppies were a somber addition, their wide, papery petals dark and mysterious. Maera rendered them with a mix of light and heavy strokes, emphasizing their dramatic presence in the bouquet. Finally, she turned her attention to the white rose that had begun to wilt. The edges of the petals were tinged with brown, the delicate flower showing signs of its fleeting beauty. She carefully sketched its drooping form, capturing the fragility and grace of its decline.

As she worked, a pang of sadness washed over her. In King's Landing, she would have painted these flowers, bringing out their true colors with vibrant pigments. Here, she only had charcoal, and while it allowed her to capture the forms and shadows, it lacked the ability to convey the vivid hues that made each flower special. The monochrome sketches were a pale imitation of the bouquet's true beauty, and Maera longed for the days when she had a full palette at her disposal.

Gazing at the blooms, Maera could not help but be reminded her of her dear friend Helaena. Just a year ago, they were strolling through the gardens of the Red Keep, hand in hand, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves and the hum of insects. Helaena, with her boundless enthusiasm, would gleefully point out the bugs wandering amongst the blooms, her violet eyes lighting up with childlike wonder.

The joy she shared with Helaena felt like a distant dream, yet it was a dream she clung to, a beacon of light in her darkened world. Maera's heart ached for the simplicity and innocence of those times, and she longed to walk through the gardens with Helaena again, free from the burdens that now weighed her down.

The Princess felt a twinge of guilt for leaving Helaena behind to follow Aemond to Harrenhall. She wondered if things would have been different if she had stayed in King's Landing, remaining by her oldest and dearest friend's side. Perhaps, she thought, none of this would have happened.

She silently prayed for Thena, hoping that when the time was right, the maid would be able to get Helaena out of the Capital to a place of safety. Maera wished with all her heart that Helaena would find happiness once more, allowed to walk freely amongst blooming gardens and enjoying the simple company of the insects.

On the day Maera felt strongest, she finally left her chambers. The maid had dressed her in a soft, black silken gown that felt light and airy against her large stomach and the healing wounds on her arm and thigh. The fabric flowed gently around her, offering a semblance of comfort and grace she had longed for during her bedridden weeks. Maester Cain assisted her down the corridor, his cautious presence a constant reminder of her recent ordeal. He helped her into the carriage, ensuring she was settled comfortably before taking his place beside her, his eyes filled with both concern and encouragement.

As the carriage pulled away from Harrenhall, Maera opened the window, letting the fresh air fill the space. She gazed out at the mountains and valleys, their majesty a balm to her weary soul. The sun's warmth on her skin and the gentle breeze in her hair made her feel alive in a way she hadn't for weeks. The rustling of leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels on the path all combined into a symphony of life that she had missed so dearly. Inside her, the baby seemed to share her delight, kicking with great strength as if to express its own joy at being outside.

Maera stepped out of the carriage, her movements slow and deliberate. Maester Cain offered his arm, supporting her as she limped forward. Together, they walked towards the great expanse of the Gods Eye, the lake shimmering under the midday sun. The sunlight glinted off the water, creating a mosaic of dazzling reflections that danced across the surface. Just as Maera took in the serene beauty, the sun was momentarily blocked by a large shadow, followed by a distant, resounding thud. A grin spread across her face as she recognized the sound.

With the Maester's help, Maera settled onto the grass, her eyes scanning the sky. Moments later, Ēbrion, her giant dragon, came striding towards her, his deep roars echoing across the mountain range. His massive wings flapped once, sending a gust of wind that rustled the nearby trees.

Upon seeing the dragon, Maester Cain quickly retreated back to the carriage, his face pale with trepidation. "I will remain in the wheelhouse until you need me, Princess," he called, his voice trembling slightly. "To give you some privacy."

Maera couldn't help but giggle at his hasty retreat. She outstretched her arms and watched as Ēbrion approached, his blue and black scales shimmering in the sunlight. The dragon lowered his massive head, nuzzling against her ever-so softly. She ran her fingers over his warm, scaled skin, feeling a profound sense of relief and joy at being reunited with her mount.

After their initial greeting, Ēbrion curled up around Maera like a cat, his enormous body forming a protective circle. The contrast between their sizes was striking, akin to an elephant and a mouse, yet Maera felt the safest with her dragon. Their bond was unbreakable, and she knew without a doubt that he would never harm her.

Leaning back against his warm, scaled body, Maera sighed deeply. Her fingers danced along her belly, feeling the rhythmic kicks of her child. The gentle pressure of the baby’s movements brought a small smile to her lips. She missed soaring through the sky on Ēbrion’s back, the exhilarating freedom it brought. It felt almost as if she had wings of her own, cutting through the clouds and leaving her troubles far below. But for now, sitting together by the lake's edge, wrapped in the comfort of her dragon’s presence, would have to suffice.

As she sat there, the sun's rays filtering through the trees, Maera's thoughts wandered. Although she loved Ēbrion deeply, her visit to the Gods Eye wasn’t solely for their reunion. She had arranged to meet a small number of Harrenhall's residents outside the castle walls to discuss an urgent matter.

A simple horse and cart pulled up alongside the carriage Maera had ridden in, its wheels creaking as it came to a halt. Atop the cart, the Princess could see four guards, their expressions grim and apprehensive. Beside them sat Lord Unwin, his face stern, none of them looking particularly pleased.

While Maera had trusted Lord Unwin to handle the guards who had neglected their duty on the day she was attacked, she felt an overwhelming need to assert her own authority as Princess. It was not enough for a Lord to enact justice on her behalf; she needed to demonstrate her strength and resolve personally.

As the men approached with Lord Unwin leading the way, Ēbrion growled lowly, a deep rumble that resonated through the air. The dragon bared his teeth menacingly, his orange eyes narrowing with protective intent. The men’s footsteps faltered, their faces paling as they stared up in horror at the massive beast.

"Lykirī, Ēbrion," Be calm, Maera murmured, patting her dragon reassuringly. The growling subsided slightly, though the dragon's gaze remained fixed on the approaching group. Maera then turned her attention to the men, her voice firm and commanding. "You may approach," she beckoned, her green eyes unwavering.

With visible reluctance, the guards and Lord Unwin continued their approach, their movements cautious. Maera's presence, coupled with the looming figure of her dragon, left no room for doubt about who held authority here. The men stood before her, clearly intimidated but now fully aware of the gravity of their previous actions, or lack thereof.

Maera noticed the men varied in age and stature, all of them male relatives of the members of the war council at Harrenhall. Two were lower-ranking guards, evident by their basic armor and weapons. They were young in age, similar to Maera’s brothers Faran and Luthor, just a few years older than herself. Their eyes betrayed a mix of nervousness and guilt, fully aware of their transgressions.

One appeared to be an archer, with a large, noticeable bow and a bag of arrows attached to his back. He bore the orange and black sigil of House Peake on his chest, so Maera surmised that he must be the nephew of Lord Unwin. His stance was slightly more confident, yet there was an undercurrent of unease in his demeanor, his eyes flicking nervously to the towering form of Ēbrion.

The remaining guard appeared higher ranking, his armor meticulously polished, bearing the green and black sigil of House Vance. He was about the same age as Maera’s eldest brother, Guston. His face was stern, and his posture rigid, suggesting that he would not take kindly to being ordered around by a girl. His brown eyes were hard, revealing a man used to command and control.

Maera knew she would have to approach this assertively, yet diplomatically. The situation required a delicate balance of authority and tact to ensure her position was respected and her commands followed.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” the Princess began, her tone gentle yet firm. “I must apologize for the unusual location. I have not been outside for some time, nor have I been away from my mount for so long since I claimed him.”

Ēbrion trilled softly behind her, his presence a silent reminder of loyalty and protection. Maera affectionately patted his scales. “He is a loyal beast, my Ēbrion. I owe him so much, and just a few weeks ago, he saved my life. This is what I wish to discuss with you today.”

Turning her gaze to the guards, Maera noted their discomfort under the watchful eye of her dragon. “In your own words, pray tell me why you were not at your assigned postings when an attempt on my life was made by Alys Rivers,” Maera declared, her voice steady but commanding.

The men shifted uneasily, exchanging hesitant glances. Lord Unwin, growing impatient, interjected sharply, “Your Princess has just asked you a question, you fools.”

The archer, Lord Unwin's nephew, pushed the highest-ranking guard, a knight of House Vance, forward. He glared back at the others before stepping forward and nodding respectfully to Maera.

"State your name, Ser," Maera commanded.

"Ser Willard of House Vance, Princess," the knight replied.

"Do you speak for the men you command?" Maera asked, tilting her head slightly.

"I do," Ser Willard confirmed.

Maera leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "Then please answer the question I asked."

The knight hesitated, glancing back at his comrades before turning his attention back to Maera. “I had known the witch for a long time. I knew what she was capable of… what she had done to your family in Morne.”

Maera winced at the memory, letting out a shaky exhale. No doubt Alys had boasted of her alleged power to anyone in the castle who would listen, and unfortunately, it looked like it had achieved its desired goal; that Alys would be known as a force to be reckoned with.

The Princess pictured her poor Aunt Viserra, Maera’s last link to her mother, who had been slain consumption, as well as her family. All at the order of Aemond, which caused Maera’s blood to boil. Her fingers clenched into fists, the sharp pain of her healing wounds a reminder of her recent ordeal.

“We did not know what she would do, Princess, I swear,” Ser Willard assured her.

But Maera found no comfort in his words. “I thought you said you knew what she was capable of?” Maera retorted sarcastically.

“She threatened us. She knew things about us that she should not have known. My wife, my daughters…” the knight trailed off, and Maera felt a pang of sympathy for the man in that moment.

The knight's voice trembled slightly when he spoke, his fear for his loved ones mirroring Maera's own fear for the child in her belly. Yet it was because of their fear that Maera and her child were at risk in the first place. The complexity of the situation settled heavily on her, a reminder of the constant balancing act she had to perform.

Clearing his throat, Ser Willard continued, “All she asked was that we leave our postings for an hour, so she could labor in peace in the lavender. So she could give birth to her son.”

Maera tensed her jaw. Mayhaps Alys had spouted lies about her supposed prophecy as well. That her son and Maera’s daughter would bring forth the Prince that was promised, this so-called ‘King of Kings.’ It was absolutely ludicrous how the men in Harrenhall, including her own stupid husband, had fallen prey to the witch’s words, without thinking about what Alys’s own personal gain from this would be.

The scenery at the Gods Eye provided a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. The water lapped gently against the stoney shore, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, and the sunlight shimmered on the lake's surface, casting a golden glow, a similar colour to the flames at had been launched out of Ēbrion’s mouth upon Maera’s orders.

The Princess fixed her forest green eyes on the knight with determination, as she declared, “And yet the witch is gone, Ser.”

Ēbrion craned his neck, bringing his snout close to Maera’s body. She petted the beast lovingly before ominously warning the knight, “For you see, the threat to life does not lie within foresight or words of prophecy. It is here,” she declared, gesturing to her dragon, who growled lowly, his gigantic teeth showcasing a potential fate to those who crossed his rider.

The knight seemed taken aback, stepping backward slightly as he gazed up at the Princess’s dragon, fear in his eyes. “We were fools, Princess. Men led by fear, and we are ashamed to have been so reckless,” he said shakily, his eyes still fixated on Ēbrion. “Please, we ask for your forgiveness.”

In the past, Maera would have walked a different path. She would have forgiven the guards for their lack of action, trusting them to fulfill their duties and keep her safe. But time and time again, the allies around her had not prioritized her needs, much like her husband. Now, she needed to prove she was not to be crossed.

The Princess glanced sideways at Lord Unwin, his orange and black attire standing out against the mountain range backdrop. He had been mostly silent during the meeting but had watched her every move, following her lead as she chastised the men. She grinned at him before addressing the guards.

“A friend told me recently that not only do I have the Mother’s mercy, but I also have her strength,” Maera declared, before looking down at her huge stomach lovingly. “I admit, carrying my child has induced a ruthlessness within me that I did not know I possessed.” For Maera, a mother's love for her child was like nothing else in the world. It knew no law, no pity, no forgiveness. It defied all logic and crushed down remorselessly all that stood in its path.

Her gaze flicked up to the men, and her expression hardened as she looked each of them in the eye. “You may count yourselves lucky that my husband is not here. I daresay you all would be in Vhagar’s stomach by now.”

As idiotic as the one-eyed Prince had been, Maera knew one thing about her husband: he was merciless. Such a lapse in security and disregard for their duties would have resulted in death for all those who had deserted their post, and he would not have lost a wink of sleep over it. Aemond's cold pragmatism and ruthless nature had always been his way of ensuring loyalty through fear, and he wielded that fear with a deft hand.

Despite this, Maera did not feel such an act of brutality was necessary... yet. Putting the guards to death meant fewer bodies on the war front, weakening their defenses. Moreover, such an act would send a clear message to those who supported the Greens, potentially driving them to flock to the Blacks in retaliation. The realm was already teetering on the brink, and she did not wish to push it over the edge with reckless cruelty.

The Princess shifted with a groan in her seated position on the grass, uncomfortable from sitting still for long. Ēbrion raised his head, his mouth opening slightly as he let out a puff of smoke, causing Maera to stroke his scaled hide reassuringly.

“Therefore, I will give you all a choice, rooted in honor and allowing you to keep your integrity as knights and guards.”

The men exchanged confused glances at Maera’s words before watching her grab onto one of her dragon’s scales and pulling herself up from the grass slowly. Ser Willard and Lord Unwin stepped forward, offering their hands of assistance, but she refused. Determination flashed in her eyes as she braced herself against the dragon's warm, sturdy scales.

Pain surged through her body. The freshly healed wounds on her arm and thigh burned as she pushed herself up, and the weight of the babe in her stomach felt like a leaden anchor pulling her down. Her muscles trembled with the effort, and she gritted her teeth, willing herself to stand.

Eventually, with sheer determination, Maera stood, holding onto Ebrion for balance. She was breathing heavily, her face slick with sweat, and every nerve in her body seemed to scream in protest. Yet, she did it. She stood tall, a silent testament to her resolve and strength, despite the pain coursing through her.

After taking a steadying few breaths, she looked at each of the guards, one by one, before pressing on. “Swear your oath anew to House Targaryen and your King Aegon, second of his name, to protect and serve his kin, the Princes and Princesses of the blood.”

Ebrion leaned forward sharply with a growl, causing the men to jump, their eyes wide with horror, their breathing becoming rapid. The dragon's immense presence, combined with Maera's stern demeanor, created a palpable tension in the air. The knights could feel the ground tremble slightly beneath Ebrion's massive weight, and the sheer power emanating from the beast was enough to make their knees weak.

“Or,” Maera continued, “if you feel cowardice and fear will rule your ability to fulfill your duties, declare it now. And you will have a quick and honorable death.”

The beast opened his mouth, a fireball forming slowly in the back of his throat. The sight was terrifying, the heat radiating off the forming inferno making the air around them shimmer. It was as if the dragon's thoughts were synced with those of his rider, reflecting Maera's anger and determination. The glowing embers within the dragon's maw cast an eerie light on the faces of the men, highlighting their fear and desperation.

“However, if you choose deceit, declaring yourselves loyal now only to crumble and submit to the pressures of your duties, putting myself or my family in danger,” Maera paused, looking up at her dragon, then back at the men. “Know you will die. Screaming.”

The guards' faces paled as they realized the gravity of their choices. They could feel the weight of their mistakes bearing down on them, the threat of imminent death a very real possibility. One by one, they knelt before Maera and Ebrion, heads bowed in submission. Their bodies shook slightly, and the stony ground beneath them felt cold and unforgiving.

The silence was heavy, the only sound being the low, menacing growl of Ebrion and the crackling of the fireball in his throat. Maera looked down at them, her expression stern and unyielding. She had their attention, their fear, and their submission.

The Princess sighed, her expression softening slightly as she knew she had won the men’s respect. “Rise now and remember your oaths.”

She looked at the men before her as they stood, their faces a mix of fear and hope. They had families, loved ones, and a cause they believed in. Their mistake had put her and her child at risk, but they were still assets in the war they were fighting. Maera knew she had to find a balance between asserting her authority and maintaining their loyalty.

“Let this be a new beginning, and may you never forget the consequences of breaking your word.”

Each of the men bowed respectfully, their movements hurried and jittery as they made their way back to the horse and cart that had brought them there. They were eager to leave the presence of the fearsome dragon and the Princess who had so sternly chastised them. The sound of their hurried steps and the clatter of armor filled the air as they mounted the cart and quickly urged the horse away.

As the men departed, Maera exhaled deeply and leaned back against Ebrion, the strength to hold herself up any longer waning. The adrenaline that had sustained her was ebbing away, replaced by a wave of exhaustion. After steadying her breathing, she turned and looked up at Lord Unwin, who was staring her with concern.

“Do you think I was too harsh on them?” She asked earnestly, taking a few more deep breaths.

“Not at all, Princess,” the Peake lord reassured her. “It is about time that those idiots learned that abandoning your duties have consequences.” Lord Unwin then chuckled to himself. “I think it is wise that you were the one to deliver the warning, Princess.”

Maera raised her brow. “How so, my Lord?”

“Well,” he began. “As terrifying as I can be, I am nowhere near as terrifying as someone with a dragon at their disposal.”

The Princess giggled, not noticing how the Maester had departed from their carriage and was striding towards them, the chains on his body clinking as he walked.

“May I suggest we return to Harrenhall, Princess?” The older man asked. “We do not want you overexerting yourself.”

Maera had no more energy to argue and nodded in defeat. Maester Cain and Lord Unwin each offered an arm to Maera, supporting her limping form as they guided her back to the carriage. Her legs felt heavy, her wounds aching with each step. She was grateful for their support, though she resented the weakness that necessitated it.

As she walked away, she turned to see Ebrion preparing for flight. The dragon flapped his gigantic blue and black wings, the powerful beats stirring up dust and leaves around him. With a final, majestic leap, Ebrion soared into the sky, his roars echoing across the valley as he disappeared into the horizon.

Maera watched him until he was a distant speck in the sky, a pang of longing in her heart. She missed the freedom of flying with him, the feeling of leaving all her troubles behind. But for now, she had to return to the confines of Harrenhal, her mind already grappling with the many more battles that had yet to be fought.

Notes: Floriography girlies I’m looking at you 👀 also is it just me or did Maera fucking EAT this chapter? She is literally fed up of everyone’s shit at this point 🤣

Tags: @0eessirk8 @magicseahorse @blue-serendipity @abecerra611 @saltedcaramelpretzel @marvelescvpe @watercolorskyy @shesjustanothergeek @thelastemzy @kckt88

Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤

[torukmaktoskxawng]

tsamsiyu ta'em - paving a new path

Masterlist - part nine

Summary: Now Kayla has to get used to yet another way of life, unraveling what she had learned from the Omatikaya.

Pairing: Ronal/Tonowari/Original Female Character

Tag: #tsamsiyu ta'em fic

posted on ao3

Word Count: 5k+

Taglist (bold indicates “could not tag”): @mooniequeen @shit-i-say-shit-i-think @heart-an0n @amiets2 @slutforsmut4ever @yeosxxx​ @im-in-a-pansexual-panik @sucker4angstt @inolaphoenix @ilovechickenwings tojisleftarm andyfromku @ivysully

Warnings: canon-compliant, canon-typical violence, mature language, adult content, slow burn, polyamory, found family, cool aunt agenda, alien/human (technically avatar), jake sully sister agenda, time skips, I'm trying to hurry up and get to the good parts so bear with me, fluff, angst, adopted spider, tags to be added

A/N: Sorry for the wait! It's been a hectic couple of weeks

On Kayla's first morning in Awa'atlu, she's greeted by a beautiful sunrise.

When her eyes blink slowly open, she smiles lazily and takes a moment to watch the soft glow trying to peak above the water. That and the soft breeze flowing through the jungle was a lovely feeling to wake up to. Kayla did her best to stretch her limbs while still in her nivi, the hammock rocking ever so slightly between the two trees she attached to either end. She feels some of her joints popping and briefly forms a satisfied smile before climbing down from her makeshift perch.

The avatar had opted out of staying with her brother's family in their marui and instead found a comfortable spot deep within the jungle that sits behind the village, moving more inland so as to gain some semblance of privacy. Climbing down to a branch lower than her nivi, Kayla unstraps the bags she had tied to the trunk of the tree and rummages through her supplies, double-checking that her AR and ammunition were still there before grabbing her breakfast, a niktsyey Neytiri had made for her last night before Kayla decided to disappear into the treeline.

After quickly scarfing down her food, Kayla climbs through the various tree branches, all entwined with each other much like the ones back in the Forest. Kayla expertly runs through the bridge-like branches without much fear of the fall below, light on her feet and trusting her body to know what to do until she makes it to a certain tree, a tree with a small perch she had left her ikran to nest on. Thena looks up at the sound of footsteps approaching, already on high alert until she recognized her rider's scent. The banshee squawks in greeting while Kayla offers a small gesture of morning pets, smiling in awe as the large animal practically melts under her touch like an overgrown cat.

"Good morning," Kayla spoke softly, huffing out a small laugh when Thena nudges her whole face against her rider's side, causing her to stumble.

The blissfully quiet morning air is interrupted by a small whine from down below the treeline, growing closer and closer until Kayla could hear the content of the cries, "Auntiiiieee!"

Alert, Kayla leaves her ikran and quickly descends down the tree branches to get to the forest floor, not jumping until the very last second and landing gracefully on her feet. Straightening back up, the female avatar looks around for the source of the shouting as the foliage of the forest parts to reveal Little Tuk, beaming from ear to ear while simultaneously dragging a less-than-enthusiastic Kiri by the hand. Kayla smiles and waves them over, the oldest out of the two Sully daughters appearing as though she was guilty by association, "Sorry, Auntie. She wouldn't stop until I came with her to find you."

"Aw, my favorite girls!" Kayla exclaims, barely having enough time to brace herself before she is tackled by none other than Tuk. Both aunt and niece laugh as Kayla lifts the little girl up into her arms before turning back to the teen with a worried expression, "Kiri, shouldn't you be resting?"

"I'm fine," Kiri's small smile falls in exchange for remembering what happened yesterday, looking down, embarrassed and a little frustrated, "I'm taking it easy today."

Tuk nuzzled Kayla's face with hers, pouting, "You didn't stay with us last night."

Kayla sighs with a little bit of theatrics to tease Tuk while simultaneously winking at Kiri, "I know. I'm sorry, but your sister needed rest and I didn't wanna crowd her."

Kiri looked grateful, nodding and briefly flashing her aunt a small smile, "Thank you."

"My pleasure, sweet pea."

The girls are interrupted by a fourth party loudly clearing her throat to grab the Sullys' attention. All three heads spin around back in the direction of the village, and standing there holding back the foliage and impatiently drumming her fingers against one hip was none other than the tsahik of the Metkayina, Ronal. Kayla and the girls instantly freeze, afraid to move as if they were just caught doing something they shouldn't. 

Ronal was cross, her hard gaze firmly on Kayla with a displeased frown, jutting her chin to appear as though she was looking down on the avatar, "Late for your first day of learning, I see."

"Ah," Kayla couldn't help the small huff of nervous laughter to let out, clearing her throat but not as harshly as Ronal. Kayla sheepishly looked up at the tsahik, "I take it I'm not making a very good impression." 

She adjusts Tuk on her hip and then takes Kiri's hand in hers before following Ronal out of the jungle, heading back in the direction of the village. As they walked, Tuk talked and talked about everything she's seen and done since her family began living among the Metkayina, wanting to push out all these stories in one long breath with the fear that her aunt won't be able to hear it all.

Although despite the fact Tuk never took a breath, Kayla had noticed that the child wasn't at all bothered by it. She didn't appear to be struggling to talk and when she had finally finished rambling about her breathing lessons underwater, Tuk calmly and deeply took a breath and smiled, "When you come back from your lessons today, can I show you all my new clothes? Neteyam and Lo'ak gathered stuff for my loincloth and Kiri helped make it! She also helped Tsireya make a new top and jewelry for me! I want to find some shells and add that to my hair as well."

"That sounds like a great idea, Tuk-Tuk," Kayla smiled gently at the little girl, "Can I help you find shells later?"

"Yes, please! Tsireya can show us the best places to find good ones."

Kayla hummed thoughtfully, "I think I need to be introduced to this Tsireya. You kids are speaking high praises for this girl."

"I will introduce you." Kayla looked up and realized that it was Ronal who had spoken, the tsahik still leading the three forest girls into the village and down the walkways without ever looking back. She was clearly expecting them to follow her without a fuss and expected them to keep up. As they weave through the village, Kayla tries her best to take it all in this time now that she wasn't rushed to her next destination. She would still get occasional stares from other Metkayina, but they also stared at Kiri and Tuk, so it was fair to assume that the villagers still find Forest People strange looking. 

Kiri and Tuk eventually part from their aunt, explaining that their mother wanted them back to help tidy up the marui after they had found Kayla, so the avatar kissed both her niece's foreheads and sent them away. Kayla turned back and hastily lifted her feet to catch up to Ronal, who didn't appear to be slowing down and waiting up for her guest no matter what. The Sully woman was slightly envious of the tsahik and the Metkayina as a whole. Their legs and arms were clearly stronger and therefore did everything almost faster than that of the Omatikaya. Ronal naturally walked faster and Kayla had no doubt in her mind that the reef woman could swim faster, too, even without the help of her well-balanced tail that Kayla was adamantly and stubbornly not staring at. 

They walked in silence up until they make it to the opposite side of the village. Without looking back, Ronal simply stated, "You were hard to find. I had to ask your brother for your whereabouts."

It was clear criticism and Ronal didn't shy away from it. Kayla had to admire someone like that who didn't care about courtesies or anyone's feelings. On Earth, humans would have described the tsahik as someone who had 'zero fucks to give,' and Kayla did her very best to sound genuine as she apologized, "I'm sorry. Should you need to look for me again, I promise you'll always find me in the exact same spot. I won't move my camp unless absolutely necessary."

Ronal doesn't say another word, instead, she stubbornly kept quiet until they finally reached their destination. A row of other huts with various people walking in and out of them was looming tall over Kayla's head until she remembered where she was and forced herself to follow the tsahik into one particular hut before she could get distracted again. This pod was already full of Na'vi, each going about with their own little projects nestled in their hands. Kayla could only see the items in quick glances, but could otherwise tell that this pod was meant for the whole community to use as a place to weave, whittle, and create. Most eyes turn to the entrance of their tsahik, one of which was the same reef girl Kayla had noticed following Ronal around the night before. The girl stood and bounded over to join her mother at the entrance, smiling between her and Kayla.

Ronal extends her hand out to the girl in question while stiffly introducing her to Kayla, "My daughter, Tsireya."

Kayla flashes a beaming smile at the girl and bows her head respectfully, "Lovely to meet you. My nephew Lo'ak says you're a great teacher."

Tsireya's whole face and ears visibly perk up to one of shock and joy, her widening smile contagious as a light color begins to spread over her cheeks, "Oh! That's so sweet of him. It's a pleasure to meet you..." she sweetly scrunched her nose up and tilted her head curiously, "Do the Sully kids call you 'Auntie?'"

"Yes, but that's not my name," Kayla let out a hushed laugh under her breath, "You can call me Kayla or Makayla, I don't mind. The kids call me Auntie because where I'm from, that's how you would address the sister of either of your parents."

"I like it," Tsireya chirps, stepping forward and grasping Kayla's hand before the older woman could even blink. The young girl giddily begins to pull on her hand, leading her further into the pod, "You must sit with me and Mother. I'd love to hear about your world since Lo'ak is always excited to share with me what he knows about it."

Kayla and Tsireya kneel down side by side among the large group of Metkayina and slowly, Ronal joins them, kneeling down on the other side of the avatar. The tsahik doesn't indulge in whatever conversation her daughter has in mind for Kayla, instead, she kept to instructing Kayla on what to do, "In here you will be making your own communal plate. You can use whatever material to do so, but the most common ones are wood and tree bark. It is customary to make your own."

Kayla does as instructed, trying her best to appease Ronal while simultaneously trying to keep up with the amount of questions Tsireya had for her. The avatar tries to keep the human/Earth talk to a minimum so as to not invoke the wrath of the tsahik who is already displeased with her presence but remains cordial with certain topics Tsireya was curious about like the music and games Lo'ak would try to explain to her but never really understood it since he had never grown up with it as Kayla had. Whereas Lo'ak confused Tsireya, Kayla was better at explaining everything and the topics only fascinated the girl even further. 

"You should ask Tuk how to play 'red light, green light,'" Kayla encouraged happily, "You'd make her day if you did."

Unbeknownst to Kayla, other Metkayina were listening in on the stories of her homeworld. Some listened out of curiosity, some out of disgust, and some, like Tsireya, out of amazement. Ronal only listened, but was neither curious nor disgusted, despite the frown ever present on her lips. Kayla tried her best not to take the silent treatment to heart and instead did the task given to her while also simultaneously entertaining the tsahik's daughter. The reef girl always had another question ready to ask after Kayla had completed answering the previous one to the point Kayla could barely get a normal breath in. Because of this, the morning went by quicker than anyone anticipated. With a small inkling of disappointment, Tsireya had to part ways with Kayla per Ronal's demand for her daughter's help but promised to come and find the Sully aunt before the communal dinner later that night. Ronal barely spared Kayla a glance while instructing her to find the olo'eyktan by the beach before disappearing with Tsireya. 

A small spark of annoyance slid into Kayla's gut but she promptly stomped it down before it could make an appearance on the disappearing figures of Ronal and Tsireya. Oh, how she wanted to lecture the reef woman on simple manners and proper etiquette that would make even her own mother proudly pat her hair from beyond the grave. Instead, Kayla turned around and walked the opposite way, beelining for the beach which was not hard to find. 

Tonowari was also not hard to find, given that he clearly towers over most if not all the Metkayina and sticks out among the crowd with his various tattoos and chief adornments. Even as tall as he was, he was clearly less intimidating than his strong-willed mate, smiling and firmly nodding at nearly every passing Na'vi as he patiently waited for someone or something on the shoreline. Kayla still approached with caution, despite this, and eventually, Tonowari's gaze fell on her. Every inch of her wanted to quickly straighten her posture and salute the chief out of all the stupid thoughts running through her head. Kayla managed not to embarrass herself and instead nodded to Tonowari with a small hand gesture to the forehead, trying her best to metaphorically flush that old marine attitude down the drain. 

He nodded in return, unaware of her internal struggles while tilting his head in the direction of the ocean, "Let's get started."

They both wad out into the shallow water while Tonowari made a bunch of clinking sounds from the back of his throat. Within moments, a small wave of water comes billowing toward the pair and at the very last second swerves around them in playful circles. A cute head pokes out of the water, clicking and squeaking in excitement and curiosity. Kayla's jaw dropped as the creature continues to swim in circles around her, going just slow enough for her to finally make out the shape of it. The creature reminded her of a dinosaur she had only seen in books or movies, with a long neck, stout body, and four paddle fins instead of legs and feet. As a child, she had a brief phase where she was obsessed with the Loch Ness Monster, and seeing this creature swimming around her in the shape she could only imagine Nessie to look like only brought out that nostalgia in her. It was a creature that was full of personality, excitement always sparkling in both the bigger and smaller pairs of eyes it possessed, similar to an ikran. 

Another creature approached, answering Tonowari's call but didn't appear to be as playful or as innocent as the first one. At least four other Metkayina men had to come at their chief's command and wrangle the large beast to remain still in the water as it fought against their hold. Kayla decided to keep a distance from the creature so she, unfortunately, didn't get a good look at it as Tonowari turned back to her, "If you are going to live among us, it is vital that you learn how to ride. There are two creatures the Metkayina use for travel. The first one is the ilu," he holds his hand out in the direction of the dinosaur-like creature swimming around Kayla, "And we learn to ride these gentle creatures as soon as we're able. The other creature is more of a warrior's mount and brash. Less gentle and as strong as a storm."

He moves his arm to gesture to the animal being wrangled by a group of men. Tonowari moved out of the way so Kayla could see the webbed wings pinned to the sides of its long, scaled body. The beast also reminded her of a dinosaur, but perhaps the ancestors of a crocodile made more sense to compare. Tonowari continued the introduction, "The tsurak. If you want, you may try the tsurak as your brother did, but I do not recommend it."

Kayla's eyes widen while indicating to the creature she'll later learn is also called a skimwing, "Jake tried to ride these?"

"Yes."

"And?"

The olo'eyktan visibly cringed, "He injured himself. I told him he should start with an ilu."

A sharp gust of air escaped Kayla's lungs as she smiled to herself and shook her head in amusement, "Forgive my brother. He's a proud, overconfident skxawng."

The group of men and even the tsurak they were holding down were all startled by the deep, boisterous laugh that boomed like thunder in Kayla's ears. If she wasn't watching Tonowari, she wouldn't have guessed that was him laughing, though the sound did match the strong form of the owner. The laugh was abrupt and short, but Kayla and the other men were still surprised even after the olo'eyktan relaxed into a more slackened posture and smirk. He looked pleased as if impressed that someone had got him to laugh. With a wave of his hand, the Metkayina men release the tsurak and disperse while he helps Kayla with mounting an ilu. One push up and she managed to swing a leg over and settle onto the back comfortably as Tonowari explains.

"Ilu are intelligent, sociable creatures. You do not bond with one individual. They are meant to be ridden by the whole community and live peacefully among us."

"It's like a dolphin," Kayla states absentmindedly, startling herself out of her train of thought when she noticed the odd look on Tonowari's face. She ducks her head, "Um... it's a sea creature from my planet. The Omatikaya have community creatures as well. They share the pa'li."

He nods, "Yes, but the pa'li are more loyal and dutiful to their riders. Ilu are playful and sometimes mischievous. You'll need to constantly keep them in line as you ride, or else you'll be bucked off or pulled away from your tasks when they feel the need to play."

His hand trails down the long appendage that was the ilu's queue and held it up to her. Kayla reached behind her and slide her kuru braid over her shoulder and held the tendrils out to meet the same ends as the ilu's. The ilu wiggles underneath her and so her other hand shot out to regain balance, startling both herself and the creature. If it weren't for Tonowari keeping a firm hand on the ilu's body, the animal would've likely taken off.

"Make the bond gently. Remember to take a breath when forming tsaheylu," Tonowari encouraged, "Remember to feel what he is feeling, hear what he is hearing, and see what he is seeing. Think of where you want him to go, but take it slow. It will be hard at first. Holding onto an ilu isn't the same as an ikran."

Kayla nods and obediently takes a deep breath as tsaheylu is formed. She keeps her mind calm so as not to jostle the ilu, and in return, the sweet creature barely flinches. It makes a quiet click of curiosity, craning his neck around to nudge Kayla and the motion makes her smile. Making a quiet demand in her head, the ilu responds and slowly paddles through the water, breaking away from Tonowari and doing small, tight laps around the olo'eyktan. 

"Good," he vocalized, folding his arms and watching carefully, "But swimming with the ilu underwater is far more difficult. When submerged, they swim like lightning so you must tuck yourself close to their body or the unforgivable current will make you lose your grip and toss you around."

He drifts up to Kayla and her ilu, instructing her on where to keep her legs when they dive, "Your legs must stay tight against their sides when they go fast. If they go slow or casual, you can just let them drag you along and glide, but you must hang on tightly by the hand. If you ride an ilu without a saddle, keeping one arm around the neck for stability is also an option."

"Okay," Kayla acknowledged, adjusting her hips and legs until she feels like she was sitting on a horse back home. Tonowari pushed her knees in tighter for her then backs away, waiting for her to take off. Kayla takes a deep breath and then holds it when she instructs the ilu to dive. The creature bellows excitedly and bolts underneath the water, the ocean whipping against the avatar's face with a sharp sting when they initially dive down. Kayla keeps her eyes squinted for the most part as the ilu sprints through the water, cutting through as quickly and effectively as a knife through butter. However, one sharp and unexpected turn has Kayla tumbling off her mount, abandoned by the ilu as she's left drifting until she gets her bearings. Shaking her head from the initial rush of adrenaline, Kayla swims back up to the surface, gasping for air as she looks around, stunned by how far she had gotten.

It wasn't very far, however. If she wanted to, she could still count the number of tattoos she could visibly see on Tonowari at this distance. The ilu that betrayed her was jumping in and out of the water, clicking and ululating excitedly.

She growls in frustration, immediately clicking her tongue until the ilu comes to her, curious. Kayla makes tsaheylu and throws herself over the back of the creature, determination evident in her mind, making the ilu itself antsy under her command. She hikes herself up into a proper position and orders the ilu to dive, holding her breath when they submerge and bolt like a missile once more. 

The ilu bucks her off again, but Kayla had managed to stay on for a little longer than the last time. It still wasn't good enough. Swimming up to the surface again, the woman snarls and calls for her ride to swim back to her, getting back on without hesitation and without tsaheylu. The ilu squawks in protest until Kayla makes the bond then quiets down. Urging the creature forward, Kayla holds her breath again and leans forward as they dive, ready to go further this time. 

They go until she slips or gets bucked off, but no matter how many times she fails, Kayla keeps on coming back and continues to try again, staying firm and on-task. She was too high-strung and determined to do this one thing right, even for only a moment, even when she was beginning to grow exhausted. During one of her last runs, she had managed to stay on longer than the other attempts and even commanded the ilu to take her back to Tonowari to hear what he had to say about her results.  

He was still in the water, the ocean hanging low at his hips while he stood off to the side of one of their docks. As they swim closer, Tonowari welcomes them with praise, "Quite resilient. The ilu had only just begun to stop teasing you."

Her mouth unexpectedly falls open in shock, embarrassment creeping into her gut when the ilu makes a sound that sounds suspiciously like a laugh. Tonowari also appeared amused, but he was clearly struggling with keeping down his smirk. Kayla's ears fold back and she quickly closes her mouth, humiliated after being caught gawking like an idiot, pointedly refusing to make eye contact with her teacher. 

"I've never been much of a swimmer."

He tilts his head, "Do Sky People not have oceans where you're from?"

"We do. But we can't swim in them."

The chief doesn't ask further, expression hardening, and she was grateful for that. He hangs onto the ilu as Kayla dismounts then removes the saddle, letting the creature happily roam free before speaking, "To live out here means you have to be in the water. Whether you are hunting or gathering, the water provides all ways of life for us here."

She nods, solemn while watching the ilu disappear, "I understand. It's not my strong suit but I'll make it be." 

And to make her point, she takes the ilu saddle from Tonowari's arms and pads through the shallow water to head back to the beach and he follows easily without much effort to part the water in order to move, "Jakesully speaks highly of your fighting skills. He says you make an excellent warrior."

Kayla felt the muscles in her face twitch but was thankful the olo'eyktan was unable to see it as he walked behind her. She's quick to dissuade him, hating the idea of her brother giving their hosts the wrong impression of her, "I'm not a warrior."

Tonowari's eyebrow ridge lifts in question, "No?"

Jake's words had come back to haunt Kayla at that moment, the memory souring her mood with the same resentment she wished she could just bury for good. Her voice was low and disgusted, but she made sure that the disgust wasn't misinterpreted or directed at Tonowari when she spoke, "I'm a soldier where I'm from. There's a difference. Warriors have honor and earn respect for their loyalty. Soldiers... just follow orders. They don't speak or think for themselves. They just do what they're told without question. There's no honor in that."

The conversation leads to silence and Kayla feels guilt for speaking so heavily to someone she had only met -and a well-respected figure no less- as if they were friends. Unable to look at Tonowari, Kayla busies herself by taking the ilu saddle in her arms and hoisting it over her head and onto the dock. With her hands now free, she used her upper arm strength to lift herself up onto the dock, the water rolling down her body and departing from her for the evening. Kayla finally looks back over her shoulder to find that Tonowari was still standing in the shallow water and staring at her, but surprisingly, he didn't look indifferent. He seemed perplexed and confused like he was trying to figure out a puzzle. Kayla feels as though she was under observation or something and it made the hair on the back of her neck stand up, causing her posture to shift and her eyes to look away. She had never had the urge to read other people's minds, but for a moment she wondered what she would find in Tonowari's at that moment. The same went for Ronal, both clan leaders capable of hiding their thoughts from the world, making Kayla envious of their poker faces. Kayla has seen an indifferent individual give her judgemental looks before, but this wasn't the same. Sure, Ronal wasn't entirely thrilled with Kayla being in her village, but she also hasn't really voiced her opinions about it and had begrudgingly taught Kayla without much complaint if any. Perhaps the tsahik was equally as curious as the olo'eyktan, but she just shows it in a different way. Tonowari, however, is openly curious and also just as welcoming. He's kind and helpful, a strong leader with a good conscience on his shoulders. 

Kayla complimented the clan leaders in her head, confidently aware of how the two clearly work so well together. They work well together not only in leading their people but to make Kayla uncomfortable and paranoid as to what they might be thinking of her. She is rescued from these embarrassing thoughts, however, when Neytiri bounds up the walkway and down the end of the dock toward the pair, her father's bow in hand. 

Neytiri nods to the man beside Kayla, "Olo'eyktan. I wish to take my sister hunting."

Tonowari was likely eager to end the awkward interaction as much as Kayla, but he hid it well, firmly smiling and nodding in return, "Very well. We can stop for today."

Kayla relaxed her stance and went to bend down and take the ilu saddle, but Tonowari was quick and had taken it back before she could touch it. Looking back at him, Kayla caught the kind smile still etched in the corner of his mouth, and for added measure, he nods in the direction of Neytiri to silently see her off. Kayla forces herself to relax again and briefly nods back to the man, "Thank you."

Neytiri waits until the avatar woman joins her before tilting her head in the direction of the forest standing strong further inland, "Come, Kayla. We fly."

This time, Kayla genuinely relaxed and her smile had returned, beaming at Neytiri as if she said the best thing she had heard all day. Refusing to look back at the sparkling ocean, she bounds into the woods right beside Neytiri as they both call for their respective ikrans, taking off into the air with echoing whoops and hollers of excitement bouncing off of each other.

They hunt for the majority of the afternoon. Well, part of the afternoon, the other half was spent flying absently and just enjoying the flight together. Neytiri was eager to see just how far Kayla had gotten into hunting and flying, excited that she had someone else to do her favorite activities with other than Jake or Neteyam. It was nice for the Omatikaya woman, feeling more at home than she has in months, pretending as though she was merely hunting along the cliffsides leading back into the forest of her home, without any thought of danger or war. 

They circle the large island dozens of times, never going out over open water beyond the atoll wall. When the bright sunlight was beginning to dim and turn into a soft, gold glow, Neytiri mimics a bird call to draw Kayla's attention to her and has her sister-in-law follow her home.

Neytiri leaves almost immediately again when they return to the Sully marui, this time with Jake by her side. The parents had asked Kayla to watch the kids while they go out and enjoy time for themselves for the first time in months, since before they had left the Forest and come here. Kayla was more than happy to babysit and felt content after Jake and Neytiri made their escape, leaving the kids alone to adamantly talk the ears off of their aunt, gathered around the small hearth in their home as Tuk shows off her new clothes. 

"So how was your first day?" Kiri asked while tilting her head with curiosity.

Kayla shrugged while absently polishing up the final details of the dinner plate she had made earlier that day, "I think it went okay. Tsireya is very sweet and polite. I can see why you kids admire her. The olo'eyktan is more of the same. Kind and respectable. I see where his daughter gets it. Not sure about the tsahik yet. She's a bit headstrong and... standoffish?"

Lo'ak scoffs, rolling his eyes irritably, "That's where Ao'nung gets it."

"Ao'nung?" Kayla plays the name on her tongue, "Don't think I met them yet."

Neteyam nods, "Ao'nung is the son, their firstborn."

Tuk crosses her arms and pouts, "He's mean."

Neteyam spun to his baby sister, ready to lecture her, "Tuk--"

"And he left Lo'ak alone."

The whole group grows quiet, wincing when Kayla pointedly looked at each and every one of them, her ears lowering with concern when her eyes finally land on Lo'ak, "What does that mean?"

The kid in question nervously chuckles, running an anxious hand over the back of his neck, "I, uh... I hit Ao'nung in the face once."

A single eyebrow rises up Kayla's forehead, doubtful, "Once?"

"Okay. Multiple times."

"Lo'ak..."

"He was picking on Kiri! That's all he ever did right up until the fight," when Kayla briefly looked over to Kiri for confirmation, the teenage girl simply nods with an unpleasant frown. She stubbornly looks down at the fire without ever meeting anyone else's gaze. When Kayla turned back to Lo'ak, the boy shied away from her eyes, shrugging, "I just wanted him to know what happens when he decides to pick on a bunch of 'freaks' like us."

The word rings in her ears until Kayla visibly cringed, hissing quietly between her clenched teeth. Sadly staring down into her lap while processing the idea of someone purposely going out of their way to hurt her nieces and nephews, Kayla brings herself to feel resigned so Lo'ak doesn't have to constantly feel like he was under scrutiny with every adult he talks to. Kayla takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, nodding, "... Alright. So what happened after the fight?"

Lo'ak's fast and angry pants began to settle, doubling down on his anger and relaxing when he realized Kayla wasn't trying to lecture him. Putting his guard down, Lo'ak lowered his head and mumbled the rest of the story, "I tried to apologize and stupidly followed Ao'nung and his friends outside the reef... even though I knew I wasn't supposed to do that."

Neteyam snarled softly while nudging his little brother in the elbow, "The skxawng got himself... what is it called when one person is initiated into a group by doing something alone and stupid? You said it usually happens to Earth children when going into... college?"

Kayla's eyes narrow as she scrounges for the right word in her head, "Hazing?"

"Yeah, it was kind of like that. Lo'ak was hunting for fish one second and then the next he was alone. They left him."

The aunt bit her lip, her expression one of pity while leaning over and patting Lo'ak's wrist in comfort, "That sounds terrible. I'm happy you're safe, Lo'ak. I bet you gave your parents quite the scare."

He shook his head, "They were more mad at me than scared."

That familiar cold and resentful feeling returned in her chest, a harsh reminder that Lo'ak's parents weren't just any normal parents, and his father just so happened to be the brother Kayla was forced to live with. Without trying to jump to conclusions, she carefully questioned her nephew, "What do you mean?"

"I took the blame because I figured that's how I'd get Ao'nung to be my friend."

"... I guess that's one way to do it. So your parents got mad because you took the blame?"

He shook his head again and let out a quiet, breathy laugh as if he was still in disbelief, "I think they actually believe it was my fault we were out there in the first place."

Neteyam quickly cut in, firmly gripping his brother's shoulder, "No, it was my fault. I should have been with you--"

"Neteyam," the oldest spun his head to look in his aunt's direction, his braids, and beads noisily following the motion. Kayla sternly shook her head at him, "No. You can't be in two places at once. I think even your eggheaded father should realize that."

Looking around at her nieces and nephews, she levels them all with a stern, knowing glare, "No one is perfect, kids. Just remember that if someone tries to make you live up to perfection next time."

Lo'ak scoffs, though a small, playful smirk became more prominent on his face as his eyes shine at her with mirth, "Kind of like how no one should expect you to get ilu riding down right away?"

Kayla threw her head back to stare up at the ceiling with a groan of frustration, wincing with embarrassment, "You saw that?"

"Maybe," he laughed, "You ate that, Auntie."

"Kid. I'm going to give you one chance and one chance only to never use Earth slang on me ever again."

A/N: Again, I'm very sorry for the wait. Summer had gotten way busier than I thought it was going to be. Please leave a request if you want and in terms of this fic, I try to post new chapters every or every other week and usually before the weekend so keep an eye out. Have a good one!

[playbucky]

First Love.

Requested by Anon – Can I ask for a with Druig x Eternal reader where he always been in love with her but never say or do anything and everyone take separate ways and when is time to find her all the Eternals go to her home and find that she's had a life with someone, and that he knows what she is and know about them. Characters – Druig x Reader. Word Count – 2k.

‘Baby, you have some visitors.’ Nikolai called, you lifted your head from the large pot. Moving away from the cooker, you made your way through your house, rearranging the flowers on the way past. Looking at the bright yellow tulips, a smile made its way onto your face. Arriving at the front door, Nikolai moved out the way and the smile quickly dropped. ‘Could you go and look over dinner?’ You asked Nikolai, he nodded. Placing a kiss to the side of your head before he disappeared into the house. ‘What are you guys doing here?’ You asked the group of eight, who were looking at your hardly changed appearance. ‘Ajak was killed.’ Ikaris said, your brows furrowed together. ‘What?’ You questioned. ‘We found her in her garden.’ Sersi said, you lowered your head. ‘Why are you here?’ You asked them. ‘We need your help Y/N.’ Druig said, your eyes snapped to him as he lifted the sunglasses up onto his forehead. ‘You don’t need my help.’ You told them. ‘We do.’ Sersi said, you shook your head as you lifted a hand and rested it on the doorframe, forming a barrier between them and your life. ‘No.’ You said. ‘The creatures are coming back, one of them attacked Sprite and I in London.’ Sersi told you, you looked over your shoulder. ‘You are more than welcome to stay for dinner, but I can’t ruin this life.’ You told them, Sprite smiled at you. ‘I’ll gladly stay for your food; all we’ve been eating is crisps and sandwiches.’ She said, you gave her a smile as you moved to the side allowing her to walk past you. ‘Oh wait, does he know?’ She asked, you looked over your shoulder and nodded. ‘Yeah.’ You replied, she nodded before heading in as you turned to the group. ‘He knows?’ Sprite asked, making sure she heard you correctly. ‘We’ve been together five years, can’t keep that from him.’ You said, Thena looked at you and smiled.

‘Where’s Gilgamesh?’ You asked, looking around the table. You noticed Thena freeze and look blankly at the plate in front of her and your stomach dropped. ‘When?’ You asked, Nikolai looked at you. ‘Two days ago, we were attacked by three creatures when we were getting Druig.’ Phastos said, you clenched your jaw and nodded. Nikolai’s hand landed on your thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. You looked up at him, you had silent conversation and he sighed before nodding. He cleared his throat and stood up, the group watched him. ‘It was lovely meeting you guys but I need to go pack.’ He said, he lifted his plate up before taking it to the kitchen and cleaned up quickly. ‘Why is he packing?’ Sprite quizzed, you clenched your jaw. ‘He’s going to stay with his family.’ You told them, pushing the food around on your plate. ‘Why?’ Ikaris questioned. ‘Because he loves her and knows that when he’s safe she can focus.’ Thena stated, you looked at her through your eyelashes. ‘So, you’re going to help us?’ Sprite asked, you nodded and lifted your head to look at her. ‘I can’t let them destroy the world that we built, that we created and that I have fallen in love over and over with.’ You explained, your gaze slipping to Druig at the end of the table.

‘Is he willing to stay with you when he’s old, wrinkly and cannot move but you’re still the gorgeous woman that never ages?’ Druig asked, you knew he was giving you a compliment, all be it back handed whilst berating your lover. ‘No.’ You told him, your voice void of emotion as you looked at your old friend before you looked away. ‘I’ve told him I won’t be around then because I can’t bear the thought of seeing him die.’ You informed him, he watched as you avoided eye contact with him. ‘So why did you fall for him?’ Druig asked you, you shrugged your shoulders looking at the man you were in love with then to the man who had been your first love. ‘I don’t know Druig, why did I fall for him? Why did I fall for you?’ You asked him, lifting your gaze and finally made eye contact with him. ‘But what should it matter, I haven’t talked to you in thousands of years.’ You told him, his gaze dropped, ‘yet then again you did believe that you always knew better, didn’t you?’ You asked him, his bright gaze snapped up to you as you watched it darken. ‘I never tried to control you.’ He hissed, you arched an eyebrow. ‘No, I’ll give you that but I would bet my life that you would’ve tried to keep me stuck in your village?’ You said, he shook his head quickly. ‘No.’ Druig snapped, he pointed a finger at you before he took a breath and dropped his arm. ‘I would have never harmed you, not when I loved you so much.’ He said, you took a small step back. ‘Druig, we never loved each other.’ You told him. ‘We believed that we had to be together, right, no one else understand us since we were created together?’ You quizzed, his eyebrows flickered. ‘So you don’t believe that Icarus and Sersi don’t love each other?’ Druig questioned, you opened your mouth before a knock at the door stopped you. ‘Come in.’ You said, you turned to the door to reveal Sprite, she looked concerned. ‘Everything okay?‘ She asked, you gave her a tight smile. ‘Oh yeah, just having a well overdue conversation.’ Druig commented, Sprite looked at him then to you. ‘We think we’ve found something.’ She stated, you nodded and Druig pushed past you, Sprite stepped to the side before he bashed his shoulder against hers. ‘Are you sure your okay?’ ‘Yeah, hard truths always come out and well I realised them before he did.’ You told her, you turned and offered your arm which she took, both of your made your way to the large room where everyone had gathered. ‘I hope you can sort it out, we’ve all been routing for you.’ Sprite told you, you tried to smile but it came out more of a grimace than anything. ‘I don’t think so Sprite, he’s had years to apologise or to even reach out but now, with this fight where we don’t know what we going against-,’ you told her. ‘But you were each other’s first love.’ She commented and still looked hopeful. ‘Exactly,’ you sighed, ‘when Ajak found out that we were puppets having our minds wiped it was in our design to fall in love with each other.’ You finished. ‘Or fate.’ She added. ‘Fate doesn’t exist.’ You replied as you shook you head. ‘Come on Y/N, every restart, life and planet we’ve been in, you would think that they would programme that out, stopping any emotions.’ Sprite said, your brows furrowed as you sighed. ‘I wish it was that simple, I really do but I’ve gave up Sprite, I’ve spent too much time hoping.’ You said. ‘And with Nikolai?’ Sprite quizzed, ‘With him I don’t have to hope, we support each other and love each other.’ You explained, she looked down at her feet. ‘But he’ll die.’ She whispered, almost afraid to say it. ‘Yes he will.’ You agreed with her, ‘but until then I want to be loved by him, I want to settle down and maybe even get a dog or two.’ ‘What about a kid?’ She quizzed, you shook your head. ‘It’s impossible, we aren’t designed to reproduce but that isn’t a bad thing.’ ‘We should join the others before the send a search party out.’ You joked, Sprite smiled and you both continued on the short walk.

You and Makkari watched as Ikaris pushed Druig into the mountain, the rock crumbled with the force and Makkari screamed as she dropped to her knees. Everyone froze and watched as Ikaris floated down, his lips pulled into a smirk. ‘Oh don’t too upset Y/N, you don’t love him.’ He taunted, you stood taller and squared your shoulders as you slowly blinked. ‘Y/N.’ Ringo called out, Phastos started to make his way over as well. You looked back to the mountain that now had lava spurting from the top, you then looked around for Thena but you couldn’t see her anywhere. Everyone was dishevelled and tired, their clothes burnt and tattered. ‘Sersi?’ You called out, Ikaris raised an eyebrow. ‘Yeah?’ You heard her reply, you faced Ikaris again. ‘Stop it.’ You replied, Ikaris looked amused. ‘She won’t be able to stop it, not when I’m here.’ Ikaris stated, the corner of your lips curled up as you turned back to him. ‘Good thing you wont be here for long then.’ You told him before he could react you surged forward, you shoulder collided with his chest, as you wrapped your arms around him and lifted off. ‘What are you doing?’ He grunted out, you tight grip around him was pushed off, both of you floated in the air, the clouds floated around your feet. ‘Stopping your mistake.’ You snarled, he tilted his head to the side. ‘Mistake?’ He questioned.

‘We were to let this happen.’ He pointed down below him, a low groan could be heard of the ground breaking apart. ‘I’m not letting you kill the world that I’ve came to grew and love, not when I’m still breathing.’ You replied, he shot lasers at you which you quickly dodged, you swept his feet, the force caused him to twirl around. ‘You awfully angry Y/N.’ Ikaris stated, you pursed your lips. ‘Of course I am, you killed Ajak and Gilgamesh, even twisted Sprite’s mind.’ You reminded him, he smiled. ‘Sprite willingly joined me.’ Ikaris reminded you, you shook your head. ‘She joined you because she loved you Ikaris.’ You told him, he shrugged. ‘Isn’t it you that said love isn’t true?’ He quizzed, you bared your teeth to him. ‘Yes, but you seem to have a pattern of using love to get to people.’ You said, he held up a finger. ‘Once, I’ve did it.’ ‘Sersi.’ You spat out, he froze and you tilted your head to the side. ‘Oh, you forgot about your first love, didn’t you?’ You asked, ‘the woman gave you everything, but yet you broke her heart and now your back agains trying to send us back for what?’ You quizzed. ‘To get her to fall in love with you again?’ You said, his eyes darkened. ‘It’s for her own good.’ He grunted out, you arched an eyebrow, the clouds were climbing at your sides. ‘Yeah, no, I’m not falling for that bullshit.’ You told him, he bared his teeth at you as he squared his shoulders and you watched as his eyes redden. Taking a deep breath you surged forward again, the cool air brushed against your side before a steering hot flash went down your side but you continued on your path. You shoulder dug it’s self into his chest again, your arm wrapped around his waist, fingers interlocked as you pushed up. The pair of you continued to rise, Ikaris fought against you but he didn’t break the grasp you had on him. The air suddenly turned freezing as you broke the atmosphere, you looked down and you could see the earth as it continued to get smaller. ‘Y/N.’ Ikaris said, he started to sound panicked. ‘Y/N, please, I’ll hand myself over.’ He said, you ignored him as you fought against him as he wrinkled. ‘You’ll die.’ He said, you titled you head back and looked at him. ‘I know.’ You replied, with one last push you felt the warmth of the sun hit you, taking a deep breath you unwrapped your arms and pushed him backwards. Ikaris didn’t fight as he disappeared into the bright orb, you smiled when you could no longer see him. A weight had been lifted off your chest before a a large laser shot out, it connected with your chest and sent you spiralling backwards, which caused you to pass out.

[nebulousfishgills]

Behind the scenes for Necrosis please!

1, 6, 7, 11, 17, and 21

Okay let's see here, one essay coming up :)

1) How long did it take you to write this fic?

According to AO3, I published the first chapter on April 20th, 2023 and finished it on October 5th, 2023, so theoretically that's just about 5 and a half months. Of course that doesn't include writing that first chapter and planning it out.

Although, I have planning messages (I wrote my outline on Discord like a Normal Person) that I first wrote on March 29th of that year. So... like six and a half months or so? Give or take?

Damn, when I do the math I'm kind of insane for that.

6) What do you need to write? Is there anything special you need to do/have to help your creative flow?

I have to have some kind of background noise, but that's just a general necessity for me. I can't do complete silence or I can't function. My headphones are going like 70% of the day playing music or whatever.

Writing specifically though, and for Necrosis specifically since that's the focus of the ask, typically it was like, rain/castle/fireplace ambiance. This one was my go-to:

Sometimes I'd also use instrumental tracks/playlists depending on the vibes, or even my Emily playlist (the Twilight one, ofc... god the fact that I need to fucking specify...).

7) What inspired the idea for the plot?

Okay so honestly, with Necrosis I just kinda found the plot along the way.

I knew I wanted to do a sequel to Diplopia of some kind to really give myself a sandbox to play in and see where this story could potentially go. But, eventually I found what I would consider to be my three main plot points, what I would later consider to be the three main arcs or "acts" of the story: Mele and Emily's "unwitting motherhood" arc, the ball and the disaster that befell that, and what I like to call "The People vs. Aro Volturi."

Mele just kind of came to me in a flash of inspiration after scrolling through wikis and looking into Life and Death (genderbent Twilight) and to be honest, all of it kind of stems from that idea. Life and Death has a lot of similar beats in the backstory for the Volturi presented. Sulpicia witnessing Didyme's murder, reporting it, having Mele steal Aro's gift to give it to her before he's executed. Regency ends up two-thirds female, you get the idea. Shipping her with Jane was just me having some fun.

One of my HUGE big brain moments was me deciding to have Athenodora's murder be orchestrated by Aro because he knew that she knew about his sister. In the original story of Diplopia (the full thing, not the very original one shot), I had Athenodora be dead just to cut down on the chaos of the whole situation, but I actually took inspiration from Caius' canon backstory for it. He hates werewolves in canon because he was almost killed by one and is utterly terrified of them. In my version, he hates them because werewolves killed his wife.

The subplot of Necrosis with Emily finding Athenodora's journal and putting the pieces together about what actually happened is still something I'm very proud of because that wasn't the original intention of Athenodora being absent, and I'm also proud that I had Thena's knowledge be somewhat of a mystery as well, so the reader only realizes it once Emily points it out when she's delivering her litigation.

Anyways, that was a tangent for only one plot point.

I chose to have a ball in the middle because I feel like it can be a staple in Volturi fics, and also because I wanted to include some more traditional vampire-type tropes. I wouldn't go as far to call it like a "red herring" part of the fic since it seems like a weird distraction from the main plot...

And this is where I admit that the HARDEST part of planning this fic was figuring out the conflict, and ultimately I landed on another Twilight fic staple: Newborn army conspiracy.

I knew that whatever this conflict was, it was only meant to be a plot device/distraction from the actual conflict of the fic, which was Emily dealing with this forbidden knowledge about what happened to Didyme. But this plot also couldn't be entirely pointless because it had to lead to some type of explosion that lead Emily to announcing this information. It was a lot of complex pinboarding in my head. So, I kinda just landed on Newborn Vampire Army and let that do what it will.

Fun fact about that, if in that first group of newborns caught in chapter 2, one of those vampires seemed a liiiiittle personal (the one Emily executes herself), it's because I based him on my ex. So.

Anyways, naturally the last plot point was the main reason I wrote the whole fic. Didyme and all that backstory is an aspect of the Twilight lore that fascinates me because it's genuinely interesting, yet never mentioned or expanded upon and I LOVE fics that deal with it.

I had to leave little breadcrumbs leading up to it, and I even foreshadowed it in Diplopia when I had Emily tell Sulpicia that she was sure "someone [t]here has sororicide on their conscience." Which seems like a highly specific and odd detail unless You Know.

Necrosis was all about showing some growth for Emily. She's been in Survival Mode for most of her life, and now that she's comfortable, she can enter that Growth Stage of living. Diplopia wasn't about character development, at its core it was about me being silly. Necrosis' entire thesis is basically me flipping a fat bird to Stephenie Meyer's dumb and hypocritical tidbit about vampires being static beings incapable of developing. Emily has the ability to care about others and for the greater good, she just was never in a position to try.

Those three plot points kind of showcase those developmental phases. Caring for and helping Mele learn and grow (theoretically this parallels Eleven), letting herself be frivolous and enjoy herself for the hell of it (dressing up all fancy, dancing, this arc even opens with Emily in bed with Heidi to explore her sexuality), and then choosing to act in the interest of the greater good because it was the right thing to do.

So, tl;dr, Necrosis' plot was very complicated to map out because I had the different destinations I wanted, but had to do some work to chart the courses.

11) Was there a scene you hadn't originally planned to include? Why did you decide to fit it in?

To be honest, most of Necrosis happened as I planned it, convoluted as it was. There weren't many outtakes, if any that I can remember. I suppose there were tidbits that I'd debated about including or not before ultimately deciding to add them in anyways. Emily and Heidi being intimate springs to mind as one of these elements because I always had assumed that they had some type of physical relationship, but only really implied or mentioned in passing. I felt bold, though, and just decided "fuck it."

I did this silly doodle a while back using that lesbian eyeshadow meme as a template (it's not very good, be warned) and I've made memes about them having some type of intimate relationship.

Something else that I never did explicitly state but I've headcanoned since basically the veeeeeerry beginning was some type of similar relationship between Emily and Sulpicia, even if it was only like once or twice. Maybe in my mind I think the way it goes is that Heidi was very obviously some type of awakening for Emily and when she's confused by this, she asked Sulpicia what the fuck is going on and Emily basically has to get the "gay urges" talk from Picia. Then, perhaps similar to that bit in Game of Thrones with Daenerys and her handmaiden in the first season, Emily has Picia show her what to do with a woman before she tries to work her almost nonexistent charm on Heidi... tbh this might make for a good one shot.

Emily's the embodiment of repression, and she fell into a coven of actual slut vampires that do whatever they want is what I'm saying.

17) What was the hardest scene to write?

"Hard" can have multiple definitions. If we were to say scenes I was dragging my feet to get through, I'd probably say some of the ball scenes because they just weren't as meaty as I would have liked and I was itching to get to the chaos of the After.

Smut actually got easier overtime because I was practicing in private for little personal projects, but the hard part eventually became a wording issue. I've learned how to get nastier with it, but I know I need to hold myself back in certain regards because a) it's not the focus of the fic and b) not everyone is into hardcore smut. It's a balance that must be hit, but as one of my friends put it, "having to be eloquent about it is like pulling teeth."

Hard emotionally, I'd say that the bit in the last chapter when Emily and Caius are talking about outliving everything and everyone they knew. It was my last chapter and I hadn't intended for it to get that deep at all, but it was 2 AM and my brain just kind of led me down that angst ramble unplanned. Finishing Necrosis was always gonna be emotional for me and that just really hit a certain way. I actually had to stop and finish it in the morning because I had started crying over it.

It was the existentialism and my chronic "Emily Leaving Henry" guilt flaring up with a vengeance.

21) What was something you didn't expect people to notice or gravitate towards in this fic?

Something that was funny to me was how you in particular seemed suspicious of Mele and her actions lmao. I can totally see why, but honestly her quick acceptance of vampirism can be boiled down to three things:

1) In some ways she felt like some type of caricature of people who want to be vampires and would be like "yeah sure fuck it."

2) Plot Reasons/Mating Bond with Jane. Mating bonds/pulls aren't technically even a canon thing, but like eeeeeevery fic uses it to the point that it basically is canon. Another example of this is Caius being a painter. Not technically canon per se, but it's a pretty universally accepted headcanon.

3) I'm lazy. Somethings are just easier to handwave.

Although admittedly Mele being some type of twist villain would 100% be some type of shit I'd pull, so I don't blame people for thinking about it. It honestly hadn't ever crossed my mind because my lizard brain was focused on getting to Emily exposing Aro's secret.

And honestly, Emily trying "Caring for a Supernatural Child 2: Electric Boogaloo" was just such a fun concept.

I wonder if Eleven will ever know that she has several non biological/they're emotionally Emily's children siblings. One of them's also named Jane, how funny.

[softpshycopath]

Summary: when the eternals split up; you realise this is your last chance with Druig. (Reader has telekinesis).

Warnings: some mild violence and mentions of mass slaughter.

Word count: 2232-ish

Prompt: ‘Well? Say something. Scream, yell, anything!’

Authors note: sorry this is so much later than I wanted to but here we are! Also, I don't know shit about Tumblr so if someone could tell me how to get rid of the line on the left, it would be great! Also also, I can't for the life of me figure out how to add the 'continue reading' thingie, so um if someone could help me w that as well that would be great :)

1521

When the attack on the city had begun, all of you split up to fight the deviants, and it was just your luck that a bunch of Spanish conquistadores decided now was the best time to attack as well. To say it was chaos was an understatement, a severe understatement. People were running and screaming while left and right you heard gunshots go off and roars seemed to surround you.

Admits the chaos you had lost Makkari and Thena, with who you were sent to kill this group of deviants. God knows what could happen to them in this mix of blood, metal and bloodcurdling screams but you tried your hardest to think of something else. Like the deviant running headfirst towards you.

You jumped to the side and before it managed to take a sharp turn and jump at you again, you threw a large piece of stone at it, remains of buildings were scattered everywhere so you doubted anyone would mind. The deviant broke the rock in two with its tail like it was nothing and the sheer whiplash of it made part of it come back to you. Before you had properly registered it, it knocked you down and upon hitting the ground a stab of pain echoed through your spine.

Thank God you were an eternal because otherwise your spine would've been broken into a million pieces. You got up as well as you could and readied yourself for another attack. The fight was far from over and the longer it went on the more you wished you had Ajak's healing powers. Despite the continuous pain in your tailbone, you hit the monster with loose pieces of anything within reach and very unceremoniously dodged its attacks.

Every time it was a close call, and you were beginning to feel the energy seep away. You had had a long day pining for someone who didn't think of you as more than a friend and even though it was a feeling you were used to; it didn't fail to cost a massive amount of energy. The pain seemed to spread, both from your heart and from your tailbone it slowly crept through your body. When you thought they would finally meet in the middle, an orange spear pierced the deviant from behind and as it sank to the floor dead; you sank to the floor exhausted.

“Come on, we must find the others.” Thena offered her hand, and you gladly took it, half walking half being carried by her you managed to find a way forward. “I thought you were with Makkari,” you groaned upon noticing the speedster's absence. “We killed our deviants and were on our way to look for you when she noticed some more on the other side of the city.” Thena started carrying more and more of your weight until you were hanging on her for dear life. “She went to deal with them.”

Before long Makkari returned and you caught up with her, she inquired about your injuries and you explained, “It's nothing really, I got hit by a boulder and landed on my tailbone.” You smiled at her in reassurance, but it was far too obvious that, had Thena not found you, you might not have seen her again.

When the three of you made it to where Ajak was, you noticed that the others who had been sent to fight the deviants, hadn't returned yet. Thena put you down a little further away from the eternals who were there so you could regain your strength without being bombarded by questions and concerns, as well-intended as they would be. You couldn't see everyone because of the dark, the distance between you and your eyes not being able to focus properly, but as far as you knew Druig was still out there.

You felt bad for him, he'd always confided in you about how horrible he felt about having to let the humans die at their own hands, how they suffered daily, yet he couldn't do anything. You figured he must be having a hard time now; the screams of mass slaughter could be heard from miles away.

Despite the searing pain in practically your entire body, you felt a cloud of worry begin to form in your mind and you hoped that as soon as Druig came back, he would come to see you. Before your thoughts were able to spiral though, a distresses Ajak knelt beside you, “Oh my, what happened to you?” “Just a typical day.” You turned to look at her properly, “but it does hurt quite a bit so, my dearest Ajak, please fix it.” She laughed a bit and started using her magic on you. The sharp edge of the pain disappeared almost instantly, and you knew that when Ajak had finished you would be just fine.

Before she was able to do so however, a commotion amongst the other eternals caught your attention. You couldn't really see what was going on but suddenly Thena started to attack, and Ajak ran off to help. You tried your best to help and occasionally knocked some weapons out of Thena's had with lose rock you could see, but from this distance and with your still not fully healed body, you could only do so much.

After Gilgamesh knocked Thena out, he picked her up and, along with the others, started walking towards the highest temple. You tried to stand up, barely succeeding and limped towards the group, turns out Druig had been with them all along and your worry had been for nothing. Ajak's healing had made a significant difference because you were able to catch up to them before they reached the stairs. You looked up and sighed audibly.

“Everything alright?” Druig asked, he had turned around to look at you when he heard you and noticed your crooked stance. “Yeah, yeah, no worries just thinking about how standing up was such fun and now these stairs,” you waved your hand in their general direction, “they're gonna be a hoot,” you chuckled sarcastically.

Druig stepped down and wrapped an arm around your waist, “wouldn't wanna miss out on the fun.” He helped you and slowly but surely you made your way up the seemingly endless flight of stairs. “So, are you going to tell me what happened?” He asked while looking to where he was holding you. “Have you ever been hit with the whiplash of a deviant's tail?” He shook his head. “Well, that and half a boulder threw me to the ground.” He looked at you with sympathy and together you continued in silence.

Your mind was racing with thoughts, how ironic it was that your heart had longed for him so much this morning and how close he was holding you now. How it was so very kind of him to help you and, how glad you were to know he wasn't dead. But mostly about how close he was holding you.

And close it was. Druig knew that he would be able to help you up the stairs with more distance between you, but he liked holding you like this, and you didn't seem to mind. He felt guilty for not going to you when he first saw you were injured but his mind was too preoccupied with what was going on around you. He told you so and you made sure he knew it was fine. “You're helping me now and that more than makes up for it.” You smiled in reassurance.

“What happened to Thena?”, you asked when your thoughts had stopped consuming all your attention and you noticed the silence. “I don't know, one minute we were talking.” He looked away a little and you knew why. Even the dark and the distance couldn't hide that fact that, had Thena not attacked them, your friends would've started fighting amongst themselves anyway. “The next she had a spear in hand and a distant look in her eyes,” Druig continued, “she seemed almost possessed.”

You didn't really know what to say, so you remained silent. The closer you got to the top the better you could overlook the city. It was a horror site, everything seemed to be on fire and the atmosphere was filled with never-ending screams and gunshots. You could see the pain in Druig's eyes, the guilt he felt for not helping and the internal fight he had every time something like this happened.

In the little chamber on the top of the temple, Druig helped you to a wall near the opening and you leaned against it. Thena was still unconscious, but she began to stir, and your friends took a step back. All but Ajak and Gilgamesh, Thena and him had always had a special relationship, they seemed to understand each other without saying a word, even more so than Sersi and Ikaris. You had always dreamed that one day you and Druig might be like that.

After Thena had awoken, it all went very fast. You had barely grasped what Ajak had meant when she told Thena she had to erase her mind when Druig rebelled. It seemed that for the first time, his internal fight had been won by his sense of morality rather than his sense of duty.

If you had had the strength, you would've thrown Ikaris from the top of the temple the second pushed Druig against the wall, “you're gonna have to make me.” And for a second it looked like he would, luckily Ajak was there to calm him down. Unfortunately, Druig's mind was made up.

When he started walking down you thought he would still bid you all farewell or at least tell you where he was going. He didn't. Then, for just a second, you thought he would come back. He didn't. You hoped at least someone would run after him. No one did.

So, you took matters into your own hands and, slowly but surely began to make your way down the stairs. None of your friends made any effort to stop you, something which, you would only realise later, was actually quite a bitch-move.

“Druig stop,” you groaned, the combination of smoke in your lungs, pain in your ribs and having to walk down a flight of stairs made you feel like passing out. “Stop please, where are you going?” You grabbed him by the shoulders. When you got to the step he was on, you had to take a second to catch your breath. “Where are you going?” you asked again. Around you people had stopped their fighting and, despite his eyes not glowing, you knew they were under Durig's control.

“It's gone on for long enough, their suffering.” He glanced at the humans as he spoke, “I'm leaving, and you can't change my mind.” He looked at you with sadness in his eyes, but you knew this was what was best for him, he couldn't take it anymore. “Well, when will I see you again?” Your breath was still shallow but at least your eyes were able to focus again. “I don't know.” You knew what he meant. Maybe never.

Your mind was still going crazy, Druig was leaving. Druig, he was leaving. And he might never come back. You thought about your feelings, your hopes for the future and eventually you decided it was now or never.

“In that case,” you looked him in the eye and grabbed his hands, “I am utterly and irrevocably in love with you.” You noticed something shift in his eyes but didn’t wait for his response, “I have been since we were in Babylon and I figured, since you're leaving never to return, it would be best you knew. Now, I don't expect you to feel the same, but I just had to tell you, or I would be cursing myself forever.” When you were finished you, once again, found yourself short of breath.

Druig didn't know what was happening, he had felt so sure about his plan 5 minutes ago but now, not so much. He knew you had some feelings for him, it was obvious, not to mention his feelings for you. But love? It wrecked his plans and his mind.

“Well? Say something. Scream, yell, anything!” Apparently, he had been silent for too long because there was definitely some desperation present in your voice. He didn't know what to say so he did the only thing he could think of. He kissed you.

You didn´t see it coming and your mind didn't register it for a good 5 seconds, but when it did, it felt like heaven. The kiss was soft, gentle and so full of desperation. It seemed as if thousands of years of untold feelings and longing stares were poured into it, to some extent that was true.

“Come with me,” Druig said when he finally broke the kiss. You were sad to put distance between your lips, but this proposition made it worth it. “I don't know where we'll go, but at least you don't have to leave.” He was right, you didn't know where you were going, or what was waiting for you in the wild world. But you knew that you had Druig by your side and that made it all better. “Yes, yes I will come with you.”

[mysterioustyping]

pairing - druig x eternal!reader

summary - a new journey awaits you all for getting phastos, and offers some time for you and druig to catch up

warnings - spoilers of eternals

apart of - all these centuries / former chapter - once again

——————————

Amazon // Present Time 

“Hello,” He dragged out the welcome, coming into full view in order to let his presence be clear and known. “Shall we chat my beautiful, beautiful Y/n?” Druig wondered, taking slow steps to come even closer to you, admiring the way you tried to hide the small, nervous grin that so badly wanted to sneak onto your features. 

“Oh, um,” You stuttered, keeping a glare on him, your thoughts raced in your mind filled with words that needed to be said and some that should be kept in.

“Is he seriously trying to flirt after we just killed a deviant, and half of his village is destroyed?” Kingo questioned Sprite, lowering his voice and pointing over to both of you interacting.

“Destruction happens, you never seemed to mind it all those years with Ajack,” Druig replied, taking a step out of your way to bring his form closer to the other man. “You’d probably of filmed it,” His eyes glowed yellow causing Karun to rapidly swing his camera at Kingo letting it drift from his grip and be aimed at landing on Kingo’s face. 

Kingo jumped out of the way just in time, brushing off his pants, with a scowl on his face. “You always are insufferable and don’t do that to my friend. I already told you!” He yelled, getting his own yellow energy ready letting small yellow glows build upon his fingertips. It was like the two men were preparing to have a little battle amongst themselves.

“Enough you two,” Sersi shouted allowing everyone’s attention to fall on her, she stood up and brushed away a clump of her wet hair. “How will we defeat the deviants if we are trying to defeat each other. We can catch up on the plane when getting Phastos. For now, we must find the others who probably are in a battle.”

The two men shut their mouths, allowing Sersi to lead the way into the forest as you all followed her directions, stepping over the branches and looking upon the life that was still somehow present despite all the destruction.

You followed the path for a little while before you came upon the spot that Thena and Ikaris stood, the goddess looked more melancholy than normal, her lips fully downturned and fresh tears still coating her rosy cheeks.

“What happened?” Sersi spoke up, looking around the scene where much change of the forest was present, patterns of the dirt showing someone had slid across it on their back, trees were folded and a dead deviant lied in the distance.

“Gilgamesh saved Thena but he wasn’t able to save himself,” Ikaris told you all, motioning over to where his body lay on the dirt and the goddess that could only stare at his form.

“Oh my,” Sersi placed her hand over her mouth at the image of another loved one dead. Ikaris walked over to place a hand on her shoulder and Sprite came next to the other side of him. Kingo couldn’t mutter any more jokes at the moment and pushed his friends’ mysterious appearance of a camera to the ground, as not to film this matter.

You were surprised, only chatting to this man minutes ago about how he was enjoying his new life, creating recipes, and caring for the one he worshipped the most. He was always kind, and held so much compassion for the woman, constantly putting his life at risk. That’s how you knew that their love was a true one.

“He shall have a proper send-off before we leave, something of the humans’ ways,” Druig announced, taking a step closer to your side as he viewed the man for himself. The mindreader didn’t truly have words, this was confusing and different for all of the Eternals, not used to experiencing close deaths. 

“We must start a fire,” Thena spoke, getting up and moving away to pull out her golden sword, slicing through a tree that was now tumbling down. She walked near it, swinging the blade once again to cut it into logs, something that would work well for the fire she wished to create. 

“I’ll go help her,” Sersi nodded to herself, making her way by Thena to pick up the wood and travel a bit farther into the forest where an image of a softer land and water could be seen. It was more peaceful than the area where he died. 

“Us as well,” Kingo announced, mentioning for his friend to follow while Sprite grabbed onto Ikaris’s arm, tears glistening in her eyes as he lightly patted her head, keeping his glare on Sersi.

You didn’t know how to help at this moment, the tasks being taken up and your powers not being very useful to help with that. Instead, you moved over closer to the dead man, reaching for a broken branch of the tree and transforming its view to a wooden plank with handles, something that would be able to hold Gilgamesh to then transport him over by the water.

Druig walked right behind you, helping slide his body on the slab and lift it up. You both began to mend your way through, being careful not to damage his body even more before arriving onto the land and laying him down.

“With all the centuries of chaos we’ve watched ensue, I never truly imagined that our own would happen between us. I never thought that one of us would die.” You admitted, sitting down and moving your knees closer to your chest as your watched the fire grow tall and a hot heat emit from it. 

It was as if at that moment you could see the wars and deaths play something like a movie in the fire, showing blood and bodies. You let your eyes fully close shut for just a moment, steadying your breath before opening once again to see the image disappear.

“Well now, I’d imagine we will be seeing much more of that,” Druig commented, seating himself beside you and turning to face your own features being illuminated by the orangish hue in front of you two.

You didn’t answer his words, you honestly didn’t wish to think of them, but they were the truth of your future, especially if following this plan. Druig hesitantly scooted his hand closer to your own, placing a finger onto one of your own and rubbing his skin against yours for a moment. 

“I suppose you could say this reminds me of the time we watched that one dance.”

Spain // 1744

A large fire sat in the middle of the grassy land, wood chunks piled up to be lit and show a large glow that would allow the people of the small village to dance around and communicate with each other.

The village hosted events like this every year, trying to gather any extra foods to bake and share with each other while playing music and dancing around. It brought enjoyment despite the rough times and a reminder of the importance of hope.

“This is our first year with the village, you will be coming out, correct?” You brushed down your dress, taking out the small platter with freshly cut vegetables grown in your small garden to bring with you. Druig stood near the fire in your own small home, tapping his foot.

It had been a few years since seeing the man, ten to be exact, and his presence now being in the current village you were staying at was calming. He always brought a certain feeling with him that despite all the time you spent, it still confused you, different than what you’d had with any of the Eternals, or anyone for that matter. 

“It’s shameful the leaders of this place let their people suffer like these village men and women do,” He spat, sitting down on the wooden stool near the heat, looking back at you. He was always vocal with distaste on your choices of life, your choice of wanting to experience some struggles first hand. 

“I’m glad you came out,” You commented, trying to ignore his complaints, you placed the food onto your table before moving closer to him and keeping a hand on his shoulder. “It’s swell to have a chance to experience different things.”

“Shall we get going to this festivity?” He asked, standing up and turning around to open the door as you picked up your platter once again, beginning to follow him out. “I mean, we wouldn’t wish for your tasteful outfit to go to waste,” He winked, stopping his pace just to fully admire you. 

“Let’s not be late,” You mumbled, pushing your way through him to then take the lead, trying to not allow his teasing to have an effect on you. 

You both walked the small walk to the area where children were giggling and men were drinking. The area held benches that earlier had been brought out, allowing you to place your food down by the assortments of other scraps. After carefully choosing an item to try and tie you over for the moment, you looked at the only group of women who were all huddled around each other conversing. Deciding that you wished to be included in the activity, you moved near them and let Druig choose to sit where he wished. The man enjoyed this silence, rather hoping not to be too involved and be able to watch the way you worked with the village dynamic. 

“Why, Y/n, is that your husband?” A woman named Maria had questioned, pointing back to Druig as a small child came running up to him with a toy. He was a young boy, overjoyed and waving it in the air as Druig just stared back at him silently. Druig just listened to the boy mumble on about it and other things. 

“Oh, uh,” Your eyes widened and your mouth dried at the insinuation, it wasn’t abnormal but still not something that happened frequently. “He’s jus-”

“Well, of course, he is not. No one would ever wish to wed an improper woman like you,” Another lady laughed as more joined in with her action. “You haven’t been able to find someone for this long, that must mean he is one of the men you cater to.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re certainly a prostitute.”

Before you could truly comprehend her words she was spilling a drink down her own dress and flinging herself onto someone other than her husband. It was embarrassing and would be devastating for her in the future. The man pushed her off with disgust as others around laughed and pointed. 

Druig reached for your arm, wrapping his wrist lightly around it as the yellow glow was still present in his eyes. Soon enough the woman stopped and was left to try and recognize the actions she had just made. Druig pulled you away from the scene, bringing you up the road more and soon into a home where all of the people formally present disappeared.

“Why would you wish to stay in an area like this, with rude human beings who share no compassion?” He harshly questioned, tightening his grip in the slightest before recognizing his action and letting go. “They just fight and blame, and you have no intention in stopping it. I could stop the ones that torment my beautiful, beautiful Y/n in just a second,” His tone softened towards the end, trying to move a cold hand to cup one cheek of yours, his eyes filled with compassion that for a minute it seemed like the nicknames might hold true love within them. 

“I don’t mind what they say, I shall not stay here for long,” You pulled your head away from his grip, remembering past words for past people about Druig’s true feelings regarding you. “There’s supposed to be a wizard in this village, and he’s written much. I will acquire his help to understand my powers and why my mist color differs from all of the other Eternal’s color,” You admitted, standing tall and looking down at your hand where you could imagine the purple color rising up. 

“I could have easily acquired the man for you.”

“Yes, but it’s different doing it the normal way, it seems more real, the connections. Something like us.”

“Us?”

“The Eternals, how close we are to each other.”

“Hm,” He huffed, looking into your eyes for another hint of emotion you could be hiding. The man couldn’t have been more agitated in the way he didn’t have access to your mind as he had with almost everyone else, he wanted to know your true thoughts at the moment. “If you must be stubborn then just answer this, that woman asked you a question, you appeared stunned afterward, what was it?”

Druig knew the question, he saw your expression and listened to what was going inside the other woman’s head, the recent inquiry she wondered still echoing inside. But something about hearing the words slip from your lips enticed him. Marriage was something he never really bothered with, a human tradition of types, but more and more frequently with both of your visits, it seemed to hold more meaning. 

“She wished to know if you were my husband,” You admitted taking a step back. “I was baffled at the unexpectedness, I couldn’t form an answer. Though the question was just to set me up, to mess with me. Yet none of that matters now as I’ll leave the village at dawn tomorrow, making my way to the wizard.”

“You understand there is a high possibility he is not that?”

“I must try, you can understand that,”

United States // Present Time 

Transportation was something that varied on your trip to the next Eternal’s home. First taking a car, then plane, once again car, and finally train. You all were lucky that his home was near the station, meaning this would be the last uncomfortable seating you would have to deal with till meeting him. 

The plane was quiet, you choose to use the moment to find a seat for yourself and sleep while the others tried to discuss happy matters in order to shield them from the recent situations that would have lasting effects. The car was uncomfortable and cramped, all piled onto each other in order to make it to your new destination.

Arriving to the train station, you all stood awkwardly besides each other, Sersi and Ikaris were arguing with a man who just wouldn’t sell the late notice tickets.

“This could be easy,” Kingo spoke, sending a glare to Druig as he sat on a bench with his friend admiring a broken camera besides him. “And we could see Phastos already.”

“You could’ve made this trip easier if it wasn’t with your incessant filming.”

“You broke many cameras!” Karun chimed in, still looking down with melancholy as he stood up to throw it in a nearby bin and walk over to a shop across the way.

“See what you did, mess with people and now my friend.” Kingo accused, pointing a finger at Druig before rushing after the man with yells that everything would be fine.

“Druig, can’t you just hurry this up?” Sprite groaned, staring over at two teenagers chatting as she crossed her arms. “This is embarrassing.”

“I haven’t seen anything as comical as this in a little bit. Ikaris’s face sure gains color when upset,” He snickered, watching the pale mans face gain a red hue as he stepped in between Sersi and the man.

“This shouldn’t be a huge ordeal! We need our tickets it’s a matter of emergency,” Ikaris tried to reason, Sersi walking back over to you and the others as you could hear threats of police on their way.

“I’m sorry, but with all the damage the earth has already forgone, I want us to travel the right way, normal. We will get there, and-”

“You’re nervous that he’ll say no, aren’t you? That’s why your willing to extend this adventure despite the fate of earth being in our palms,” Druig mumbled, leaning on one of the pillars with his black jacket adorning his figure, arms crossed and that infuriating smug grin.

“You haven’t done much to speed this up, have you?” She rebutdtaled, rolling her eyes and walking back over to Ikaris who was seeming to get more defensive.

He just let the smirk grow, subtly removing his form from the spot it was stuck in and sneaking over your way, plopping besides you on the uncomfortable teal bench.

Leaning over he whispered, “Couldn’t you obscure his view? Make it look like pieces of paper we have are the true tickets? I know it’s in the multitudes of your talents my beautiful-”

“It seems that your powers might be more well fitting in this situation. Shall you give it a try?” Crossing your leg, you let a tiny smile dance on your plush lips as he just stared down at it, watching it form with his not being so smug. The tips of his ears brightened in the slightest, and a small grunt fell before the man was stepping aside with no word, beckoning for you all to enter the train.

Sersi and Ikaris quickly entered the train, finishing up their ending words to the man with each other as Sprite eagerly followed to step right in between. Kingo and Karun arrived with a new camera shooting shots that were landing all over the area as they boarded.

Druig stood up, placing a hand in front of your view to reach before the common ring was echoing from the pant pocket. His arm fell to the side as your view was located to the noise, picking it up to try and subtly silence the call, standing up on your own and walking to a further distance.

It was clear you were trying to hide the contents of whose name was placed on that small device. Druig figured he could swiftly jump into the little boys mind as he bounced the blue ball. It somehow was thrown your way, allowing the boy to move closer and hear the conversation.

“I’m okay,” You breathed out, tapping your fingers at your side and looking over at Druig who stood oddly still. “They will both- and you, you all will be okay, I’ll make sure of it.”

There was some rambling on the other side, a masculine voice sounding anxious and terrified. He could see the boy peak at the phone to make out the first letter of his name.

“I have to leave, go, I have to go,” You quickly corrected yourself, trying to put on a smile despite the man on the other screen not being able to see it. You let the phone call end and handed the young boy his ball, moving to walk onto the train with Druig.

It was a small walk to find your seats, a couple mysteriously getting up to stand as you were able to sit on the now open seating. They looked at each other with passion once they gripped onto the support offered from above. It was clear they held much love for one another that a part of your heart tingled.

“Did you really have to leave all those centuries ago?”

[magnoliabloomfield]

Garden of Heathen- 13 BYLH

Masterlist

TW* mentions blood and suicide

Aussie stared at the paper as voices swirled around her. If she hadn't had a firm grip on Gertie's hand and Gally's thick arm she felt as though she might have floated through the ceiling or fallen through the floor. While the others were focused on the more foreboding elements of the note, she kept staring at two words.

White Rabbit.

It was as if those two simple words had walked into her mind with a baseball bat and rung her bell. Something was rattling around in there now that hadn't been before.

"Aussie?"

At the sound of her name her eyes flicked up and she looked around, trying to tell who spoke to her.

"Huh?" She asked, releasing her bottom lip she didn't realize she'd been biting.

"Well? What do you think?" Georgia asked.

"I - um, I don't know," she said softly.

Her eyes landed on White Rabbit again and she felt like she was shoulder deep, rooting around the bottom of a box for some lost item.

"Well, yeah, none of us know anything," Georgia scoffed. "But there has to be something here that makes sense, right?"

"I keep stock of all the medical supplies and I have no idea what 'grief serum' is," Gertie repeated herself in case Aussie had missed it earlier. She seemed really zoned out.

"I'm guessing the things in the maze would be things that would sting you, so that kind of holds out hope, doesn't it?" Joan asked. "They might not kill you. You might get the chance to get back here and get an antidote."

"Mmm yeah, lovely! I'll be the first to go walking in the maze tomorrow," was Georgia's response to that.

"Except we don't have this grief serum," Gertie reminded them.

The three of them carried on about the monsters and stings and serums but Aussie and Gally stayed quiet, both of them looking at two different things on the paper until Aussie rested her head against his arm. There was a small splat noise. A red dot appearing on the table next to the paper. A drop of blood.

An icy wave rippled through Aussie as unwanted memories flooded in. The wet, heavy scent of iron in the air. She looked just past the edge of the table where she knew she didn't want to look. Blood on the floor, her shoe squelching the congealed surface of it as she took a step back.

"Aussie, your lip is bleeding," Gertie said but Aussie was already pulling away from them, a wild look in her eyes.

"The blood," Aussie said in a terrified whisper.

All she saw was the worst moment of her life played out in front of her again. The pool of thick blood on the floor, congealed like gravy left out too long. She had to step in it to reach Mary as she lay pale and lifeless on the floor. With that much blood Aussie should have known better, known that she was already gone, but she still had to try and save her. She stepped into the blood, falling to her knees in it beside her friend as she checked for a pulse that had long since stopped.

The blood lasted for days. It got everywhere when her and Thena brought Mary out of the basement all by themselves to give her a proper burial. Then they had to clean it all up, and the more they tried to clean it the more it seemed to get everywhere. Stains stayed and had to be painted over, clothes had to be burned. It was the Maze's chilling reminder that not even in death could you escape.

Gally reached for the still reeling Aussie, softly saying her name, but she wrenched her hand away and fled up the stairs. At first he was frozen, shocked that she had recoiled from his touch like that, but quickly choked down the ache in his chest as he went to follow her.

"Gally wait!" Gertie said as she stood in his way, not minding that he could run her over without breaking his stride. "It's probably about Mary and Aussie told us she'd rather be left alone when it comes to Mary."

He didn't even waste his time telling her how dumb that was, that there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell he'd let her be alone with that, he just brushed right past her and started taking the stairs three at a time.

Once he reached the top he heard running water and made a sharp turn for the bathroom where he found Aussie in the shower, fully clothed, scrubbing at herself while crying.

"Aussie. Aussie, look at me," he tried to coax her.

"I have to get the blood off!" She cried as her hands rubbed her arms, neck and face as if she were covered head to toe in it.

"Ok! Ok," Gally played along. "I want to help you, show me where it is."

"It's-!" Aussie looked down at herself, checking her hands, arms, body and legs. "It- it was there. I swear it was there."

"It's alright," Gally said as he reached over and turned off the faucet.

When he straightened up he was met with her sad, scared, thundercloud blue eyes searching his as she stood there dripping wet, her clothes clinging to her thin body.

"Did I go crazy?" She asked him.

He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her.

"No," he answered as he dried her face. "You reacted sanely to the insane world we live in."

Her gaze was fixed on him with such intensity he couldn't look directly at her because if he did he might do something crazy like-

Like what? Pull her closer with that towel and kiss her? He was actually having thoughts of kissing her now?

He looked down and tried to dislodge that thought before he said anything else to her.

"Look," he cleared his throat. "You've still got a concussion, you should go rest."

He used the towel to brush a tear from her cheek.

"I think you're right," she said with a heavy exhale. "Will you stay with me though? I don't want to be alone."

"Of course," he agreed quickly and four letters flashed across his mind.

BYLH

Masterlist

@frequentlychangingfandoms @quackquackbi @sweetseunghyun-poulter @crazysheeplyca @pre-google @neilox @thesuitkovian @carp3d1em @cottoncandy-dreamxd @emilyhadenbaker @a-ravenclaw-into-tardis-221b @shardsofstarlight @piscesgvancouverite @tooty-fruity

[buckleysjareau]

everything is blue

When Evan Buckley is ten, he discovers nail polish.

-

In which Buck paints his nails, Eddie is flustered, and May is matchmaker.

read on ao3

When Evan Buckley is ten years old, he discovers nail polish. At twenty-eight years old, thinking back, he feels like an idiot because who doesn’t know what nail polish is?

Maddie always had some bright color on her nails and ten year old Buck wanted to have bright nails more than anything. He sneaks the nail polish from his sister’s room at three in the morning, thanking God he’s always been good at keeping quiet, and he picks out a sky blue polish. Watching Maddie, he figured it would be as easy as she made it look, but the nail polish is all over his nails and fingers by the time Maddie finds him. 

“If you wanted me to paint your nails, you could have just asked.” She whispers. 

Buck jumps. “Please don’t tell mom and dad.”

Maddie tiredly smiles. “Lips are sealed.” 

“Throw away the key?”

“Throw away the key.” She holds out her pinky and smiles when his small pinky links with hers. “Here, let me help.” She guides Buck to the toilet, sits him down, and grabs nail polish remover from the cabinet. 

“You still want this color?” Maddie smiles as she holds up the Essie bottle. 

Buck grins. “Yeah, it reminds me of summer.” 

When Maddie finishes his nails, he’s beaming. He’s wanted to have pretty nails since he saw Maddie’s glitter polish collection. 

“Alright, Evan, time for bed. You better get up tomorrow when I wake you up for school.” Maddie warns. 

Buck just rolls his eyes. “Yes, mom.”

The next day, things go from good to bad within a second. He’s reeling, so happy and loves the color of his nails and he feels like nothing can take it away. Until something does take it away.

That something being Logan Hawk. He’s always had a problem with the sixth grader, he thought he owned their grade school and even at ten years old, Buck wanted to punch the asshole out of him but because he’s little wimpy Evan he won’t. 

“You a queer or somethin’, Buckley?” Logan grabs Buck’s hand and examines the blue on his nails. “Huh? Use your words, queer.” 

He doesn’t remember doing what he does next, and he hates that he doesn’t remember it. He’d love to remember finally punching Logan Hawk. He does however remember his parents coming in to take him home for being suspended. 

He remembers the entire ride home, his dad’s yelling loud enough to hurt Buck’s ears. Madeline is going to pay for letting you use her nail polish. Doesn’t she know it’s only for girls? No son of mine is gonna be a queer, you hear me? As soon as we get home, wash that shit off your nails, Evan. If not, there will be hell to pay.

 That was the first and only time he’d painted his nails. Now at twenty-eight, a little more than drunk, he doesn’t hear Logan’s voice or his dad’s as he feels the need to paint his nails a pretty color. Or colors, more than one color would be exciting.

He picks up his phone and dials the one person who he knows isn’t at work and would have nail polish. “Hey ‘Thena.” 

“What’s up, Buckaroo?” He hears the amusement in her voice and grins. 

“Will you come over and paint my nails?” 

“Paint your nails?” She tries to clarify.

“Yeah, I really want to paint them but I have none and I’m really shit at it. Can you bring nail polish?” 

“You’re lucky I love you, Buckaroo.” 

Buck feels like there’s sunshine coming from his heart and lighting his whole apartment. “Awwwww, ‘Thena, I love you too.”

The phone hangs up and ten minutes later, Athena is letting herself in with the key he gave her after he’d fallen down the stairs trying to get to his bed in his cast. She’s got a small bin in her hand, full of colors and glitter, and Buck is beaming.

“Should I be concerned that it’s only eight at night and you’re this drunk?” Athena raises her brow and crosses her arms and Buck thinks it’s so motherly, he wants to cry. 

“I’m not that drunk.” He pouts. “Can I see the colors?”

Athena snorts. “Knock yourself out, kid.” 

He sets aside a silver nail polish and continues to look. He does the same thing with the pink, and when he finds the exact shade Buck used when he was ten, he grips it in his hand and places it near his chest. Athena’s looking at him weird, but really, Buck couldn’t find it in him to be embarrassed about it.

“Can you do these three colors?” 

“I sure can. Can you get me a paper towel and some tissues?” 

Buck does as she says and gets comfortable on the couch when he gets back. 

It’s quiet for a minute as she carefully does the first coat of pink. When she’s done, she reaches for his other hand. “Don’t touch those, they’re not dry.” 

“Aye, aye, Captain.” He snorts. 

Athena fondly rolls her eyes. “So what’s with the sudden urge to have your nails painted?”

“It’s not sudden. I’ve wanted to paint my nails since I was ten. It didn’t go well the first time I did it, so I haven’t since. But a school bully and my asshole of a father aren’t here to tell me I can’t. Fuck toxic masculinity.” Buck is honest when he’s drunk, he’ll spill his deepest darkest secrets and not remember doing it the next day. He hates that but, here he is, still drinking and still spilling secrets. 

“Well, I’m sorry it didn’t go as well the first time, but I’m glad you feel comfortable enough to trust me to paint them for you.” 

“Can I tell you a secret?” Buck whispers dramatically.

“You can tell me anything.”

“I love Eddie so much it’s starting to hurt.” He pauses. “Do you think he’ll like my nails?”

Athena smiles. “He’ll love your nails. Maybe you should end the hurt and ask him out?”

“He’d never say yes to me.” He sighs miserably. “But, hey, let’s not focus on my breaking heart. Let’s focus on happy things because my nails already look good.”

Athena’s about to respond when her phone cuts her off. “May’s Facetiming. Probably to ask where her nail polish is.” She laughs. 

“Answer, answer, I wanna tell her she has amazing taste in nail polish.”

“You’re a child, Evan Buckley.” She rolls her eyes but answers the phone. “Hey, May.”

“Where did all the nail polish go?” The tinny voice has Buck laughing. “Is that Buck?”

“Hi, May! I’m holding your nail polish hostage, is that okay?”

He sees May laugh. “Normally when someone is held hostage, it’s not usually okay with the other person. But, yes, it’s fine.”

Buck holds up his right hand, which is completely done. “Look how pretty.”

“I see you used my sky blue Essie.” She grins, holding up her own hand with the exact shade. 

“I wore that shade when I was ten!” He giggles. “I was so happy to find it in here. You should paint my nails, too, one day!” 

May giggles. “I’ll be there. I gotta study, bye Buck, love you mom.”

Buck wakes up the next morning to his alarm. The night before rushes back to his mind and he looks at his newly painted nails. He loves them, but now sober, he hears Logan and his dad. He can hear Eddie saying something bad, even though if Buck were being rational, he knows he never would. 

He notices a note on his bedside table, a glass of water and two Advil next to it.

Remember what you said. Do what makes you happy. - Athena.

He hates that Athena knows him so well, but he holds the note to his chest and counts to ten before getting up to shower. 

The drive to the station is silent. He looks down at his nails every so often and holds onto the feeling of not caring. He gets to the station and smiles at Hen as he walks to the locker room. He changes, grabs a cup of coffee and sits down at the counter before anyone notices his nails. 

“I like the colors.” Bobby grins. Buck lets out a huge sigh of relief. 

“Me too.” 

“You painted your nails?” Hen raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah.” He clears his throat. “Actually, Athena did.”

Clash. 

They all turn towards Eddie, who dropped his mug filled with hot coffee, as he stares at Buck’s nails. 

“What? Can’t a guy paint his nails?” Buck’s entire face is red under the stare of his best friend. 

“I- I- uh- you- I love your nails.” He's stumbling with his words and Buck is as big of a mess as he is so he refuses to talk. He smiles and grabs a broom, starting to sweep up the broken glass as Eddie continues to stare. 

“Eddie, take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Chimney snorts. 

Eddie doesn’t have a chance to quip back before the bell rings. A pileup on the 405, two major injuries, no fatalities. People really need to learn how to drive.

When they arrive at the scene, Buck follows Eddie to the first car to check on the driver.

“Sir, I’m Buck and this is Eddie, we’re here to get you out.” He starts. “What’s your name, sir?”

The man is about to reply before his eyes land on Buck’s nails and suddenly he feels self conscious. 

“Only pansies and girls paint their nails. Go help someone el-”

Eddie cuts in. “Who says nail polish is only for girls, huh? Is there a rule book somewhere that says it in writing?”

It makes you happy, don’t let them ruin it for you. There doesn’t have to be a reason to be happy because your nails are painted. I am happy. 

Athena’s voice repeats in his head as Bobby walks up.

“Is there a problem?” He has the jaws of life in his hand, so Buck figures Eddie must have asked for it when Buck spaced out. 

“No, sir.” The asshole answers. 

“Good.”

No one else bothers Buck about his nails after that. It’s been a week and Eddie is acting weird around Buck, ten times more clumsy than usual. May says it’s because he’s so flustered around him that he’s acting this way. Buck calls bullshit. 

“What’s Eddie’s favorite color?” 

“Red.” He answers before May can really finish the question. She rolls her eyes but takes out the red nail polish. “May, I’m gonna match the firetruck.” 

He can hear Bobby laugh from the kitchen and sees him peeking out. “I think Eddie would love that.”

May hums in agreement. 

“You know, I’m not painting my nails for Eddie.” 

“You’re not painting your nails, I am.” May laughs when Buck grumbles. “I wasn’t painting my nails for Darius but this red here got me a second date, so trust it.” 

Buck rolls his eyes. “Still mad I didn’t get to give him the shovel talk before Bobby.”

“That would have been one too many shovel talks though. Between mom, dad, and Bobby? He would have walked out for sure if you gave him one.” 

Buck snorts. “If he walked away because of an extra shovel talk then he deserves the shovel talks.” 

“Alright, alright, we’re not talking about Darius and me. We’re talking about you and Eddie.”

“Were we?” 

“Yes.” Bobby, Athena, and May say in unison. 

“That’s funny because there is no me and Eddie.” 

“Whatever you say, lover boy.” May quips as she paints the pinky. “All done.” 

“You staying for dinner, kid?” Bobby asks as Buck stands. 

“Wish I could but Eddie and I are taking Christopher to the skatepark.” He rolls his eyes when he receives identical looks from Athena and May. “Has anyone ever told you how creepy it is how much you look alike?” 

“Every day.” 

Buck can’t really point out why he felt so nervous driving to Eddie’s house. Eddie had no issue with Buck wanting to paint his nails, he wasn’t mad, he was just...acting weird.

So why does today feel life changing? He’s hanging out with Eddie and Christopher like he does every weekend. There should be nothing different in the way he feels but there is and Buck can’t tell if it’s his anxiety or something is going to happen.

He knocks on the door when he gets there. He never usually knocks but somehow this time, it seemed appropriate to knock instead of walking in. 

“Since when do you knock?” Eddie asks in lieu of his normal greeting. 

Buck only shrugs in response. “You guys ready?”

“Not quite. Chris still needs to finish his homework.” 

They’re walking into the kitchen when Buck spots a lot of dark blue stains on a dish towel. He looks over and sees the nail polish and Buck can’t seem to function. He just looks back and forth between Eddie and the nail polish. 

Eddie looks sheepish. “Uh, yeah, I tried to paint my nails. Not as easy as Shannon made it look.”

Buck doesn’t answer. He feels like he lost all ability to function. 

“Buck? Did I break y-” Buck’s lips are on Eddie’s before he gets the chance to finish his sentence. Eddie is kissing back, cups Buck’s jaw in his hands and Buck mirrors his movements. His heart is beating out of his chest, he can’t believe this is happening, thinks maybe it’s an amazing dream and he’ll wake up and be ten years old again but he prays to stay in this dream as long as possible. 

They break apart for air. 

“Wow.” Eddie breathes. “If I knew painting my nails would have gotten you to kiss me like that, I would have done it way sooner.” 

Buck feels like he’s about to choke on his own spit. “I- you- what?” 

“I you what?” Eddie smirks. “By the way, love the red.”

“I guess May was right then.” Buck sighs. “Since we’ve got time, maybe painting someone else’s nails is easier than painting your own?” 

“What was May right about?” 

“That the red would get me a date?” He smiles innocently.

“Funny. She said the same thing when I borrowed the blue from her.” Eddie laughs and the two look at each before laughing, realizing May set them up. “She gave me the shovel talk, you know.”

“That girl is a carbon copy of her mother, I swear.” Buck laughs. “So how about that date?”

“I’ll pick you up Friday at eight.” 

“Don’t be late.” Buck winks.

“Are you talking to yourself?” 

“Rude!”

[the--blackdahlia]

Too Young to Fall in Love Chapter 49 (Dirt!Nikki x Reader)

Title: Too Young to Fall in Love 49

Summary: Nikki Sixx was a hard partying musician on the strip. He never expected to fall in love with anyone, until a girl knocked on his dressing room door looking for a ride home and took his breath away. Just like everything else Nikki did; the drugs, the money, the music; Nikki went hard with love. (Y/n) Bass never expected the bassist of Motley Crue to be the one to shake her calm and calculated life up. She had a plan. Graduate school, become an epic producer, and watch from behind the scenes as her brother’s band rose to fame. Nikki and (Y/n) were perfect for each other, too bad her brother, Tommy, didn’t think so.

Series warnings:  Smut (18+ Please), drug use, language, referenced miscarriage, drug overdose, mentioned attempted suicide, out of character moments for everyone in the band, the timeline might be a little screwy but it’s fanfiction! I know nothing of music production and my medical knowledge is really screwy, so it won’t be accurate.

“Ok girl you look gorgeous!” Vanessa rubbed her small bump and smiled. “I’m so glad I could fit into this dress though.” she smiled. “Can’t wait for mine.”

“You’re going to be beautiful.” (Y/n) smiled. “Before or after baby Neil comes?”

“We haven't discussed it. And we still don't know what peanut is yet.” Vanessa smiled. “Besides, today is all about you and Nikki, so where is the honeymoon?”  

“I believe we booked a private beach in the Keys.” (Y/n) told Vanessa. “Two weeks of nothing but us and the beach. There is a main resort nearby that we can eat at, and they can bring food to us, but our actual cabana is 100% private.”

“Ooooo,” Vanessa smiled. “I smell naked fun times for both of you,” she laughed. (Y/n) laughed.

“Thanks for watching the babies for us while we’re gone. I’m gonna miss them.” (Y/n) smiled for the camera.

“Any time, we’ll take good care of your babies,” Vanessa hugged her. “Now let’s get you married to your man!”  

Nikki and the boys stood in front of the group of the family and friends. The ceremony started soon, with the girls making their way out to stand on (Y/n)’s side. The music started to play and Tommy took his queue, running over to where (Y/n) would be.

“Hey Thomas, I’m hurting pretty bad. Can...do you mind?” David said. “Will you be mad at me princess?”

“No dad.” (Y/n) smiled. “Go sit down.”

“Yeah Dad, I got her,” Tommy said as he gave his dad a smile. “You ready sis?”

“Ready.” She took Tommy’s arm. David sat down and leaned over to his wife.

“I’m not hurting that bad.” He told her. “But, I think she always needed her big brother more than she needed me.” He smiled at his wife as she gave him a kiss.

Nikki looked up as the music played. Tommy walking with (Y/n), dressed beautifully in white. He felt his heart pound in his chest and his eyes fill with tears. He had never seen her look more beautiful than she did walking towards him. She was glowing and happy and he couldn’t be happier to have her in his life.

"She looks beautiful Nik." Vince said, leaning over to talk to him.

“She’s breathtaking,” Nikki smiled and said to him. Tommy kissed her cheek then went to stand by Nikki.

"Hey." (Y/n) whispered.

“Hey back,” he whispered, “Love you.”

"Love you too." She smiled.

The officient began the ceremony and Nikki could only find himself staring at (Y/n). The way the sun hit her was just perfect. He began etching it into his memory to hold onto it forever. He felt his heart jump when she looked into his eyes and he smiled brightly at her.

"I, (Y/n) bass take you, Nikki Sixx, to be my husband." (Y/n) said proproudly.

“I, Nikki Sixx take you, (Y/n) Bass, to be my hot smokin wife,” he smiled brightly. (Y/n) blushed at his statement.

“You may now kiss the bride.” Was all Nikki needed to hear. With a smile on his face, he cupped her head in her hands and kissed her deeply. With a sly smile against her lips Nikki dipped (Y/n) playfully and brought her back up. (Y/n) laughed and held his hand as they made their way back down the aisle. Photos were taken, and then it was time for the reception. Tommy did a speech, and surprisingly, it was really sweet. (Y/n) wiped her eyes when he was done.

Then it was time for the dance.

“Nik. (Y/n). We have a surprise for you.” Vince told them.

“Should I be worried?” Nikki smiled and looked at them.

“Well we want you guys to come to the dance floor,” Tommy said as a small stage appeared with their instruments. (Y/n) and Nikki looked at each other. Tommy had volunteered to DJ, so they assumed they would just be getting the recording of Without You.

“Wait, who’s playing bass?” (Y/n) asked.

“I have no idea but I know it’s not me and they better not have raided my basses,” Nikki smiled at her as they stood on the dance floor looking at their friends. Someone made their way through the crowd and took the offered bass from Mick.

“Slash?” (Y/n) asked, looking over at Nikki. “I didn’t know he knew how to play bass.”

“Hey, my first guitar was a bass I figured you husband was just that awesome.” he gave Nikki a playful wink. “I will just stick to guitar playing though, I don’t want to upstage him.” Slash laughed. “Are we ready guys?” After a moment, they started playing and Nikki pulled (Y/n) to him.

“Was this song really about Tommy and Heather?” (Y/n) asked softly as they danced. She had read the story like everyone else, but she had a feeling she knew the right answer.

Nikki leaned into her ear and held her tight, “what do you think sweet girl?” he pulled back and looked into her eyes full of love and adoration.

“I had just punched the drummer of my band in his face for calling you Frankie. I was in my car and I heard it on the radio.” (Y/n) admitted. “I thought it was about the girl in the tabloid…” She held Nikki hold her closer.

“Yeah, that girl was not for me and we only ever had one date. She worked for the IRS and her favorite artist was Olivia Newton-John.” Nikki shivered. “Definitely not the girl for me as I like girls who wear aerosmith shirts,” he kissed her.  

“I still have that shirt.” She told him. “The one I was wearing the night you came into my room.” She kissed him, moving around the floor with him.

“Yeah?” he looked at her and smiled. “Might be nice if that’s all you wore on our honeymoon.”

“What would you say if I told you I already packed it for our honeymoon.” She smirked at him.

“I would say that it is going to be one hell of a honeymoon,” Nikki lifted her up and spun her around kissing her as he brought her down. Soon the song was over and everyone could come out to the dance floor. Tommy started the music up and (Y/n) held Nikki’s hand before being led to talk to their guests.

Nikki and (Y/n) made their way around the tables hugging and kissing and taking pictures with guests. By the time they got to sit down they were able to finally eat and enjoy their meal. Everyone else was having fun and dancing.

“We go to the hotel tonight and leave for the keys in the morning.” (Y/n) told Nikki, resting her head on his shoulder.

“That is the plan, our flight leaves early and then it’s just you, me, and nothing but Island,” he pulled her in for another kiss.

“Save it for the honeymoon you two.” Vanessa teased. “Plus, you need to throw the bouquet and the garter.”

“Oh, that’s right.” (Y/n) laughed.

“You go throw your bouquet, I’ll be under there to grab that garter,” Nikki winked.

“Remember babe, that’s all you can grab right now.” (Y/n) teased. The girls all gathered. (Y/n) turned her back towards them and tossed the bouquet, waiting to hear who got it.

Athena laughed as she grabbed the bouquet and smiled, “All mine!”

“Woo! Go ‘Thena!” (Y/n) laughed. Nikki made his way under (Y/n)’s skirt to pull of the garter. To no one's surprise he used his teeth to remove it. The boys all gathered and he tossed it.

“No way!” Tommy called out as it landed right in Mick’s hand.

“Oh my god!” (Y/n) laughed.

“What can I say drummer, chicks dig me,” Mick walked over to Athena and Laughed.

“So, you two gonna bump uglies later?” Vince teased Mick.

“Nah, I just like to rile the drummer up,” Mick smiled at Vince and leaned into Athena. “What do you say we mess with Tommy.”

“I’m always up for messing with Tommy.” Athena laughed. “What do you have in mind guitarist?”

Mick whispered in her ear as he placed the garter on her and smiled when he pretended to lead her out of the ballroom.

“Hey come back with my sister! I may have let Nikki marry (Y/n)! But don’t think I’m, going to let you Mick!” Tommy went to chase after him. Athena just laughed and ran off with Mick, Tommy chasing them.

“That was mean.” (Y/n) laughed, leaning against Nikki. “As much as I loved today, when do I get to spend time with my husband?”

“After cake,” He smiled as they wheeled a large cake out for them to cut. Mick and Athena came back in and stood with everyone as Nikki and (Y/n) cut the cake together before feeding a piece to each other.

“You two look so cute!” Vanessa said, wiping her eyes. (Y/n) hugged her tightly.

“Thanks Ness,” Nikki smiled at her and gave Vince a high five. “You guys are next,” he gave Vince a pointed look.

“We gotta talk about a date, but I know that no matter what, peanut is gonna be loved.” Vince smiled at Vanessa. “Because I sure do love mama.”

Nikki smiled as Vanessa kissed Vince. After eating cake Nikki and (Y/n) made their way to the awaiting limo that would take them to their hotel and their honeymoon suite. Nikki went to the desk and got their keys. Their bags were brought up to their room. Nikki unlocked the door and (Y/n) started to walk in, but he stopped her.

“What?” She asked, frowning a little. Nikki pulled her to him.

“Need to carry you through the threshold sweet girl,” he gave her a bright smile before kissing her. She kissed him back and squealed when he swept her up into a bridal carry.

“Nikki!” She laughed.

Nikki laughed with her as he used his foot to close the door behind them and walked her to the bed. He sat her down and knelt in front of her, looking up into her eyes. She cupped his face with her gentle hands.

“Can you believe we finally made it?” (Y/n) whispered. She pushed his hair back. It was first time in a long time he had it laying flat instead of teased or anything. He looked so much like her silly boy she met all those years ago.

“I’m just hoping it isn’t a dream,” he caressed her cheek and smiled brightly.

“Tell me if this is a dream.” She leaned down and kissed him deeply.

“If it is, it’s a damn good one and I never want to wake up,” Nikki muttered against her lips. She kissed him again, with a little more force and passion behind it. She started laying back, pulling him up with her. “Need to get you out of this dress,” he muttered as he kissed along her jaw leading to her neck.

“Oh? What are we going to do once you do?” She stood up and turned so he could unzip it for her.

Slowly unzipping the dress he let his fingers dance along her skin, “Love you, and worship you, and make you see the universe,” he muttered as he placed kisses along her exposed skin. She moaned softly, closing her eyes, and letting him touch her gently. It felt so different than before, it felt better.

“Nikki…” (Y/n) whispered.

He simply chuckled as he let the dress fall to the floor. His fingers dancing on her skin as he left a trail of kisses along her body. He sucked on her nipples as his fingers pulled her panties down.

“Oh god.” She moaned, closing her eyes. Nikki felt her go weak in the knees, so he led her back to the bed. “Please Nikki.”

Licking along her folds he nuzzled her as his fingers entered her. Curling them as she bucked her hips, making him smile. She was heaven and he could spend all day between her legs. She laced her fingers in his hair, moaning as she felt him.

“Nikki, Nikki yes.” She moaned, closing her eyes.

Nikki slurped and sucked on her clit lapping up all her juices. Retreating momentarily to remove his tux. Lining up along her body he entered her slowly and teasingly. He chuckled at the way she bucked against him.

“Fuck. Nikki.” (Y/n) moaned. He filled her up. It felt so much different than before. And she loved it. She didn’t want it to be anyone else but her and her Mr. Sixx. Nikki smiled as he felt her nails rake across his back, his hips flush with hers as he sent her over the edge. He held himself back wanting it to last as he made her cum over and over again. His lips devouring hers in heated kisses as he swallowed her screams.

After a bit of it, she flipped them over so she was riding him. She had her hands flat against his chest as she moved slowly, wanting to make it last.

“Did you bring your camera?” She asked, almost breathlessly. “Might have lots of chances to take pictures.” She held his hands rubbing at her sides, moaning softly.

“A photographer is always prepared,” he smiled. “But I think I left it in…. One of the bags,” he let out a groan as he bucked his hips up into her. He reached up and caressed her face as she rode him. She felt wonderful on him. She looked like a goddess.

“I love you Mr. Sixx.” (Y/n) said, holding his hand. “God, I’m close.”

“I love you Mrs. Sixx,” he placed his thumb on her clit pressing circles against it, “I love watching you come undone.” She moved a little faster, and before they knew it, she was coming undone around him, calling out his name.

Nikki let out a grunt as he bucked his hips spilling into her filling her up. He brought her down and kissed her deeply his arms holding her tight.

“We’re married.” (Y/n) whispered as she rested her head on his chest. “Finally.” She smiled softly. “We should get some rest. We leave early in the morning.” She yawned.

“Love you, sweet girl,” Nikki murmured as he tucked them in.  

“Love you, silly boy.” She whispered before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

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[softquietsteadylove]

could we possibly get a little angsty mermaid au action? missing that one! thank you for continuing to share your masterpieces with us!

I almost didn't recognise you, it's been so long.

Thena blinked, the only time needed for her friend to go from being a speck in the distance to right in front of her. She sighed, bubbles rising from her mouth. Sorry.

What's wrong? Makkari asked, despite her feelings about Thena spending more time on land than in the water, these days. She swam around her friend, resting on a sandbank like a beached whale. It must be bad for you to leave your precious human.

Thena snarled her lips, letting her fangs poke out. She turned over in the sand, her tail dusting it up around them. "Leave it alone."

Makkari swam around to her other side, though, real concern on her face now. Hey, it was a joke. Is there something I should know?

Thena's lip wobbled. If she were on land, her eyes would be pouring salt. They had done so a few times, like when she was sick, or when she watched a heartbreaking movie with Gil that felt very much like how they had come to fall in love.

But underwater, the vacuum of it swallowed her sorrows. Her gills expanded and contracted with her heavy heart. "We are quarrelling."

You and the land walker? Makkari tilted her head a few times, the gold charms she liked on the ends of her hair floating with the motion. What did he do?

Thena swiped at her eyes, another human habit she had picked up. She sighed again, adjusting herself on her sand bed. He didn't do anything. I...I learned something.

Makkari - against any mer's instincts and natural inclination - also settled herself on the sand. She rested her chin on her arms folded in front of her, the red sparkle of her scales reflecting on the beautiful tone of her skin. She raised her brows.

Thena smiled at her friend. There was nothing about the ocean she missed quite so much as Makkari. We were out walking in town. A woman approached Gil, and he knew who she was. They spoke for some time, and he introduced me. She seemed nice.

Makkari nodded along with her very factual recounting of the story. She was used to it with her, after all. She would ask her questions as they came.

I asked Gil who she was when we got back to the boat. Thena blinked, laying her head on the sand again like a pathetic guppy lost in a strange reef. She was his mate.

Makkari shot up again, her tail swishing and her hands poised as if she had the human man's throat there for the strangling. His what?!

Thena nodded, feeling the rush of foolishness and resentment and anger and envy all over again. Humans don't mate for life. Apparently, it is not uncommon for them to have numerous partners.

It wasn't that it was impossible for mers to have multiple mates. Sometimes things didn't work out, that wasn't so incomprehensible. But it wasn't something taken lightly, to become bound mates at all. Certainly it wasn't common to encounter someone's past mate and strike up pleasantries.

She nuzzled the sand, pressing her temple to it in a poor substitute for the soft but firm feeling of Gil's chest under her. He said it was a long time ago. That they had been young and parted amicably. That they were 'still friends'.

Makkari watched the way she punctuated his verbatim statement. She lifted her lips around her fangs. That sounds like a clown who wants more than one anemone.

She agreed. It was hard to communicate that to him, though, when all she had felt was rage. Anger with him for smiling at his past mate wit her right there, on his arm no less! How dare he greet this woman so normally as if they hadn't been entangled from the inside out?!

She knew it was normal for them. She knew Gil didn't mean to hurt her and she knew that she shouldn't have thrown herself right over the side of the boat to avoid him. But just the sight of him made her want to shatter coral right off his thick skull.

Humans actually had very thin skulls compared to theirs, Sersi said.

What else did he say?

Thena shook her head. The sun moved above them, or a cloud did, and she lost her comforting warm spot. She let herself drift off the sand and listlessly ride the currents around them.

Hey, Makkari nudged her arm as she began swimming next to her. I never thought I'd see the day you were limping around because of some bull.

Nor did she, in all honesty. But she had never felt quite like this, either. She let herself drift down and down until some shelves of coral made themselves known. Her tail flopped limply after her; the tail Gil said was so beautiful.

Makkari swam to face her again. Now I'm really worried.

"Sorry," Thena squeaked out. She couldn't help it. She wanted to be in a bed and to tug the covers up over her head. She wanted to run a hot bath and fold herself up in it, letting just her tail hang out in the open air.

Okay, Makkari also sighed, moving to lean against the edge of her coral refuge. I may not be the biggest admirer of your...human. But I know how much you care about him. Are you going to go back to him?

Of course--of course she would. She just came to get out her feelings. The question of going back or not was not even an option. But maybe that was part of the problem. Thena looked at her oldest and dearest friend in all the seas. Kari, I can't leave him. We're...

Makkari's eyes widened. Perhaps she'd had some inkling of things, but this was a damning admission nonetheless. She waved her fingers. You, and him, you're...you mated with him?!

Thena pursed her lips, tempted to roll over again as if she were in bed at home. "You don't have to make that face."

How is that...how? Makkari concluded, rather mildly all things considered.

How humans do it, Thena sufficed to say. She didn't have to go over the gruesome details.

To her credit, Makkari restrained herself from further reaction. She crossed her arms again. Do you feel different?

She did, but she also didn't. She had never taken a mate of her own kind, but she had never even desired to. With Gil...it had happened so naturally, come of natural events. Perhaps she had experienced new mate-hood, in which she had become so infatuated that she had nary desired to leave Gil's side.

But then she thought of the human woman again, of her hanging on Gil's arm, and kissing him and eating his food. And it made her stomach clench like when she had fallen ill with a human 'bug'.

Thena blinked as she felt the touch of a hand on her arm. Makkari gave her a sympathetic look. Mers were not the type to exchange physical gestures meaninglessly, and they in particular were not partial to it. But she smiled, "thanks."

Makkari patted her arm before fiddling with the gold on her fingers (also stolen little trinkets). Well, you'll go back, you said. When?

She was asking if Thena would stay in the water for some time. But she hadn't considered it. For all she had done to storm off and leave poor Gil all alone in the small motorboat, she hadn't considered staying past the height of the moon. For how miserable she was feeling, she still wanted to return to his arms to sleep.

How foolish mating with a partner made someone.

I don't know, Thena answered more properly. She at least lifted herself from the coral. I wanted time to think clearly.

Makkari shrugged. Bulls--what can be done about them?

Thena offered a somewhat sardonic but genuine smile. She was inclined to agree, but she still wished to return to her bull in question. I promise I will return soon, and in better spirits.

Makkari followed her as she began swimming upward again. As soon as she had tossed herself from the boat, she had swam straight down, desiring nothing more than getting Gil out of her sight. Does Ikaris know?

Thena rolled her eyes. No, and he never can. I had to worry about him drowning Gil before they had even met. This will not help.

Fine, but I can't say I'm completely against it, Makkari offered neither her complete support nor condemnation. But it was support either way, and Thena appreciated it.

Thena eyed the bait that was hanging in the water. They weren't deep enough for mers yet, but it was deep enough that most wouldn't be fishing with a regular manual rod in such an odd spot.

Makkari beat her to it, of course, swimming right up to it. There's something tied around it.

Thena floated next to it, undoing the strip of cloth tied around the line. The ink was already being eaten at by the salt, but the sloth was scrawled with a very sad SORRY on it in horrific lettering. "Oh, Gil."

Has he just been sitting here? Makkari asked, looking up at the bottom of the boat.

That was exactly what he had been doing. Because that was Gil; he wouldn't have gone home without her. Even if she had, she would have discovered he wasn't back and come to find him. So he had stayed put, cast the line with a message for her to come back to him, unable to come after her properly.

Okay, fine, he's not bad for a human, Makkari conceded with minimal eye rolling. She gave Thena's fin a friendly smack with her own on her way past. Come back another time you don't want to just cry about your boyfriend and his legs?

Thena waved to her friend's swiftly retreating image before Makkari truly put her power into her tail and shot off with blinding speed. She did owe her more visits, and it was nice to truly swim completely uninhibited for a time.

She poked her head up slowly, the water lapping around her. It was dusk, and soon would be completely dark. She rose until she could peek over the side of the boat.

Gil was tearing another strip of fabric off his emergency canvas, writing the word over and over and over to get the ink to penetrate the cloth properly.

Oh, her sweet, sweet human man. Thena sighed, once again feeling the air in her lungs, even with her gills in her neck. She brought her hands up to the boat's edge, "Gil?"

"Th-Thena!" he startled, but his head whipped up to her. He had been crying. "Angelfish!"

The boat tipped dangerously as he rushed over to her. As much as she could get them back home, she wasn't strong enough to tip over a boat by herself. "Gil!"

He stopped his rush to hug her, or lift her out of the water and back onboard with him. His shoulders sagged, "oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. I should have explained more--a-about my ex. I didn't mean for you to find out that way."

She still didn't enjoy the concept of Gil and his ex-mate, doing mating things. But she pulled herself up and into the boat for herself, settling on the bench, still with her tail on. "I know you were put in a difficult position, Gil. I...I shouldn't have swam off."

He plunked himself back down to the other seat by the motor. "No, I don't blame you for being mad. I probably wouldn't want to find out about any ex of yours by running into him on a date."

Yes, exactly! She had her vindication, which did soothe the stubborn part of her. But she split her tail into legs again, leaning forward. "Gil."

He let her lift his chin, happy to accept her kiss. He slipped his fingers into her hair. "I'm sorry, Angelfish. I didn't want you to get hurt like that."

It had hurt, in an odd way. Humans had such interesting concepts of pain--so internal and self reflective. But Thena smiled, running her thumb over his cheek, "I know."

He accepted her acceptance. He wasn't forgiven, but he wasn't asking for that. He reached behind him, putting his jacket over her, "let's get home, okay?"

Thena nodded, pulling the jacket up and zipping it. It was cold in the air, even as the salt beaded off her skin. "I'm sorry, I don't know where the dress ended up."

"It's okay, Cuddlefish, we can get you another one," he smiled, eager to maintain their lifted spirits. He held his arm out, inviting her to sit next to him for the boat ride home.

She obliged him, settling herself in the crook of his arm. She pressed her temple to his chest, finally soothed after the sand failed where he was succeeding. "I want that seafood stew you make for dinner."

What he called 'Jjampong' was one of her favourites, not only for the seafood, but for the pleasant spiciness it possessed.

He kissed her hair, speeding ahead and back to their home, on the island, with Titania waiting for them at the dock. "Anything you want, Thena."

She wanted him to swear to be her one and only mate from now on. But dinner would suffice for now.

[the-everlasting-dream]

Distraction - Damien x MC (Mature)

Summary: Athena pays a visit to the detective’s office. 

A/N: Yes yes I know this particular is has been written over and over again by almost all Damien writers but idc, here’s my interpretation of it. Also havent written smut since last year so I’m out of practice ahh

Word Count: 3775

Warnings: Erotica, mature content, 30 diamond scene, 18+ - how are we tagging this again? 

Tags:  @choicessa, @meeraaverywalker , @drakewalkerwhipped , @thewolvesss ,  @mfackenthal , @srawesleyghuewrites , @topsyturvy-dream , @enmchoices , @gardeningourmet @debramcg1106 , @alesana45 , @meladoridarcy, @blackcatkita , @tmarie82 , @annekebbphotography , @lizk77 , @jayjay879 , @tornbetween2loves , @akrenich , @theroyalweisme , @likethetailofacomet , @sleepwalkingelite , @littleblossom-18 , @ooo-barff-ooo , @mrsnazariowrites  NSFW tags: @androgynousflowerqueen 

Damien Nazario sighed, running a hand over his face as he stared at the contents of the file in front of him. Stress had sunken into ever pore of his skin, his back was aching from being crouched over his desk for so long, eyes sore from staring at the screen and in the back of his head, a migraine was threatening to break out. It was late, much later than he should have been staying at the office but he couldn’t help it… he was close… so close to cracking this case that if he left it now, he might never solve it at all. Now if he went over these facts one more time, surely there was something he was missing here… 

Victim was found in the side alleyway of a street… something about a knife… wait… what knife..? 

‘Hey D! How’s it going?’

 A cheerful voice cut through his concentration and his thought process came screeching to a halt. Damien gave out an exasperated sigh, annoyed that he’d been disturbed, looking up to see his girlfriend Athena Park entering his office, her thick trench coat almost getting caught in the door as she closed it behind her. 

 ‘Wow Damien, and you tell me off for making a mess.’ 

 He followed her eyes to see the tangle of papers, Post-Its, case notes and red string he’d been using to construct his evidence board strewn across the room and on every available surface. 

 ‘Uhh.. yeah.’ 

Athena’s dark eyes landed on him, sitting amidst the chaos, fingers ink stained from where he was scribbling his suspicions down on a rag of paper. ‘Let me guess… lost track of time?’ 

 He shrugged tiredly. ‘I’m so close ‘Thena. I can feel it. Why can’t I crack this?’ 

She sauntered over to him, heels clicking on the tiled floor as she picked her way towards his desk. ‘You’ll get it D. I know you will. You just need a break.’ She planted a kiss on the top of his head, feeling the cogs of his mind still turning over every angle of this case. She ran her hands through his hair, massaging his scalp gently. ‘You need to relax. You’re so tense baby. At this rate you’ll have a full head of white hair before you’re 40.’ 

 ‘I know but I’ve almost got it.. There’s something here that I’m just not seeing,’ Damien replied absentmindedly as her hands slipped down his neck to knead his strong shoulders. He let out a gasp of relief as her hands made their way over a particularly stubborn knot.  

  ‘You’ll never get any work done if you’re so stressed,’ Athena murmured in his ear having bent down so she was within earshot. ‘Luckily for you I have the perfect distraction.’ 

Damien barely had time to react before she’d manoeuvred herself between him and the desk. His mouth fell open to ask what she was doing when he caught the mischievous glint in her eye. A low hum of satisfaction escaped her as her hands ghosted up her body, smoothening over her trench coat as she slowly unbuttoned it. His breath caught in his throat, swallowing thickly at the black lacy bra that hugged her breasts perfectly. 

 ‘Did you…’ He wet his lips, unable to speak at the sight of her, a pulse of heat coursing down his body to his cock. 

 She chuckled, parting the trench coat to reveal nothing else but a matching lace thong and a garter belt underneath, complimenting her rich skin perfectly. ‘Come all the way here only wearing this?’ 

Another surge of heat rippled through his body at the visualisation of his girlfriend’s boldness. She would have had to catch two trains to come see him, he calculated, only imagining the dozens of people she would have had to pass to get here, all unaware of her little secret under that trench coat. Damien swallowed again, finding it harder and harder to maintain his focus, so dragged up on the sight of her that he could barely focus on what he’d been doing earlier. Her dark eyes glinted, daring him to give in, to give up and take her right here and now. But the rational side of his mind still prevailed. 

 What had he been doing earlier…? Something about a case, the notes.. 

 ‘I should… I should get back to work,’ he choked out, cock begging for release inside his pants while the rational side still held out against the desire that was threatening to consume him. 

Athena’s smug expression wavered, a tiny motion undetectable to the untrained eye but Damien was trained in a hard school and the effect was not lost on him. She held his gaze for one burning moment, allowing the fire to build and build inside him until he was just about to give in when she snapped her coat shut. 

‘You’re right. Its important work. The last thing you need is a distraction,’ she mused, pushing herself off the table and walking around it. 

Now that he’d seen what was underneath, Damien couldn’t for the life of him get the visual of her ass in that lace thong out of his mind and ran a hand through his hair in an attempt to calm himself down. Glancing up his eyes widened. 

 ‘W-what are you doing?’

‘Hmm?’ Athena looked at him innocently from where she was sitting in the chair on the other side of his desk. Her trench coat lay on the floor with the rest of the mess, leaving her clad in only her lingerie, perfectly aware of the way his eyes seemed to be anchored to her chest. ‘I’m helping. I’m not about to put a good outfit to waste.’ 

 ‘Uh-huh,’ Damien choked out, barely able to concentrate with his girlfriend teasing him so mercilessly. 

All thoughts of the case had been banished from his mind now that she was sitting almost naked in his office, looking every bit the cliche sexy secretary she was attempting to project and goddamn if it wasn’t working perfectly on him, alighting a particular fantasy he’d never realised he’d had. It wouldn’t have taken much, she was practically begging for it right now, for him to shove the desk out of the way and devour her until she was screaming his na- 

‘Where do these go?’ Athena’s voice pierced through his fantasy, holding up a stack of files. His cheeks reddened at her catching him lusting so openly over her. 

 ‘That cabinet,’ he replied, barely trusting himself to speak two words. Damien barely bit back a moan, breath catching in his throat when he got a view of her ass in that thong, as she got up from the chair, his cock screaming for release, as he wondered why in his right mind he was resisting. He dropped his head into his hands, willing himself to focus. 

‘Oops!’ 

His head picked up at the sound of Athena’s voice as she bent to pick up the piece of paper she had not-so-subtly dropped and when his eyes landed on her, they grew wide at the sight of a jewelled plug resting between her ass cheeks. 

Suddenly he was on his feet, spinning her around with his strong arms and she now faced him, lips inches away, breasts heaving. One of his hands held her chin, while the other returned to her ass manipulating the plug embedded there. 

‘Was this your intention all along Miss Park? For me to take you like some cliché porn secretary, bend you over my desk making you cum on my cock?" 

Athena moaned at his question, feeling the plug pushing into her ass. She slid her hand between them, down to his groin and began to rub Damien's cock through the front of his pants. ‘I’m glad you finally noticed…. sir.' 

 A low growl sounded from the back of his throat, making her grin wide as she knew she’d found his trigger. ‘Fucking tease.’ 

 Athena was about to shoot back with a snarky reply when Damien pulled roughly at the tiny strip of fabric connecting the two cups of her bra, ripping it off her body.

‘Da-‘ She protested but he didn’t let her finished, interrupting her with a searing kiss that set a fire under her skin. 

Moaning, she threaded one hand into his hair pulling him closes while the other fumbled with the buckle of his belt. Damien broke the kiss long enough to stare into her eyes with an intensity that had her creaming instantly before he reattached his mouth to her neck, biting and sucking hard enough that evener dark skin wouldn’t mask the marks left behind. He licked a fiery trail from her collarbone down to her nipple, taking it into his mouth. 

 Athena bit her lip as he worked the small bud, swirling his tongue around it while he tweaked the other. She arched into his touch, his pants were now fully open and she rubbed his hard cock through his boxer briefs. 

 ‘Damien I need… I want…' 

He removed his hands and mouth from her, leaving her gasping at the lack of contact, the breeze from the air conditioner cooling the line he’d licked into her skin, making it dimple with goosebumps. 

 ‘You think you can come into my office, disturb my work and get away with it?’ He tipped her chin with the tip of his finger so her lust filled eyes met his. ‘No baby, you’re only cumming when I say you can. Understand?’ 

She could barely nod, rubbing her thighs together, driven almost wild with desire in her desperation for him, for her release. Damien’s eyes looked almost black as they stared into hers. 

‘Answer the question Athena. Do you understand?’ 

‘Yes sir.’ 

‘Good.’ 

Without warning, Damien hooked his hands under her ass, hoisting her into his arms and she crashed her lips onto his as he began to walk them back to his desk. He cleared it with one smooth swipe and set her down on it. Damien paused to strip off his jacket and tie, grinned devilishly at the sight of her before moving back in front of her, reaching around and grabbing her ass with both hands just where it met her legs. He easily lifted her setting her on the edge of the table, lowering his mouth to hers. As he kissed her she wrapped her, now dangling legs around his waist and pulled him close. She could feel his cock rub her mound through his boxers, unable to suppress a moan.

Slowly, deliberately, at a pace that tested her patience, he began to move lower, kissing lightly biting her neck around from ear lobe to ear lobe. Now she began to rock her hips into him, holding him tight with her legs around his lower back. Athena began to moan loudly as her clit rubbed on the stiff fly of his open jeans. Damien pushed lower, through the grip of her legs entwined around him, as she looked again to the reflection in the office window, she could see her legs had pulled his shirt up slightly, as he began to lick and suck on her breasts, again lightly biting her nipples, his rough hands massaging them both as well. 

As he continued down to kiss and caress her stomach, she could now see the well-defined muscles of back as her feet continued to hold his white work shirt as he moved down the front of her body. Athena moved her legs from around him, placing her heels on the table next to her ass for support as she worked at the buttons. 

Damien lifted his arms and allowed her to roll his shirt off as he continued to kiss her midsection. Her hips pushed up into his chest now, urging him further down as she began to feel her wetness flowing down along the crevice of her ass to where the plug was nestled. She leaned back further placing one hand on his well-toned shoulder, subconsciously urging him down.

Damien paused just before his mouth reached the hem of her thong, running his fingers across her wet slit and nearly throbbing clit. Athena moaned, encouraging him forward, trying to apply some pressure on his shoulder to push him onward toward her pussy. She looked down at him as he looked up, smiling as he held her stare, hooking him thumbs on the sides of her underwear and yanking the fabric off her with one easy motion. He blew lightly on her glistening mound and Athena moaned in anticipation, silently begging him to burying his face in her folds, but instead he moved to the side next to her opening, licking slowly up along the crease between her thigh and hip 

"Uhhhh...pllleeeaaase..." Athena moaned, hanging her head backward, she lifted her hips in a vain attempt to find his tongue, as she felt further moisture make its way along her ass towards the table below. 

Damien laughed softly at her desperation deviously twisting the plug in her ass. Again he moved toward her needy core and then teasingly to the side, licking along the opposite thigh. Athena's hips rocked upward, again searching in vain. ‘Do you like me teasing you Athena?’

‘Fuck.. ahh. Damien please..’ 

‘Please what?’ 

‘Please sir.’ 

 He moved closer to her soaking lips he could see her moisture flowing from her pussy and running down between her ass now. Now finally, Damien centered his tongue at the lowest point of her glistening pussy. Athena felt his warm breath as finally his tongue met her lips. Ever so softly he ran the tip of his tongue up the full length of her tight slit, ending with a flick across the nub of her throbbing clit, eliciting a strangled gasp from her. She felt the tip of his finger apply just slight pressure to her sex just as Damien mouth went to her slit his tongue probing deep between her lips and licking from bottom to top. She moaned finally feeling the full effect of his mouth on her pussy, and the sensation from the plug in her ass. She reached down with one hand and grabbed at his dark hair to try and hold him there and provide some support for the feelings that rose in her radiating up from between her legs. He licked her expertly, knowing exactly what to do to urge her body towards her climax while all she could do was grab at her own breast massaging as she continued to moan, arching her back off the table. 

Just as she was about to near the edge, Damien suddenly pulled away… again.  

She started to protest but the dark look in his eyes warned her against it as he stood over her. 

 ‘Are you ready for me Athena?’ He asked, voice low as he dragged his eyes over her. He needed to hear her say it, for her to tell him just how much she wanted him. She pushed herself up onto her elbows, staring at him in the light of the desk lamp, the only thing that was still on the table besides her, casting a glow across his muscled form. Her core throbbed with need as she glanced down to his crotch where his cock was ready for her, straining against his boxers, the only barrier between them now. 

 She gave him a devilish grin. ‘Yes sir.’

His hands were on her hips instantaneously, spinning her around so that she was facing away from him. her chest was pressed against the cool wood of the desk. 

‘Are you ready Athena?’ He asked again, toying with her now, teasing her entrance with the tip of his cock. 

 'Yes, sir,' she responded, pushing her ass back on his hardened cock, hoping he would just put it in her already. He refused to give in, taking his time teasing her until she was at her wits end actions eased slightly as he pushed gently between her shoulder blades, bending her over the desk. She gasped slightly as her hard nipples meet and rubbed on the wooden top. He was quiet for so long that Athena looked back over his shoulder watching as he pushed his boxer briefs to the floor. She moaned and licked her lips as she saw his thick cock spring free. Damien took at half step back. He could see her pussy, lips glistening with moisture that also coated her thighs where the plug was still nestled in her firm ass. His cock hardened further as she slowly ground her hips into the desk, silently begging for him. He held himself at her entrance for a moment longer before his desire overcame him and he finally pushed himself into her.  

Both of them moaned deeply as he pushed into her tight hole. 'Mmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhhhh…yeeessss,' she exclaimed.

Damien felt the head of his cock force its way easily into the tight opening, lubricated by Athena's juices he continued to slowly push into her, half inch by half inch. Pushed to the very edge, Athena could already feel her orgasm build as soon as he entered her. This slow press into her depths kept the feeling building but only delayed any relief. It was one of the best feelings she decided, amidst the intense pleasure surging through her. No one ounce fill her as totally and completely as Damien, certainly no one she’d ever been with in the past could measure up either length or width. At this angle, he pressed hard onto the g-spot on the front wall of her pussy and still it pressed forward, exploring her depths. 

Finally, Damien's thighs hit the back of her legs and ass, his balls coming to rest against her clit. She moaned, tightening her walls further to force some movement as he waited, his cock buried inside and filling her. Damien enjoyed the feeling as she squeezed his cock tightly then he slowly flexed his ass, his thighs pressing against the softness of her, pushing just slightly further with each small slow thrust keeping his cock fully embedded between. They’d barely started and already she could feel the wave of pleasure begin to come to a crest, the relief she desired was almost here. 

'Oooooohhhhh god!' Athena exclaimed, feeling his cock pressing on her g-spot, his balls rubbing her clit, fuller than she had ever been with the plug inside her too. 'I'm so close to cumming.'   

The head of his cock just teasing her opening was keeping her so close but not letting her climax finally crest. She trying to push back against him and force his cock deeper inside but he was able to control her movement with his thighs. Hands on her hips, Damien continued to tease her. 

‘Make me cum on your cock,’ Athena burst out, unable to take it any longer. ‘Please...' 

Damien’s voice echoed from behind her. ‘Please what?' 

‘Please sir!’  

She’d barely finished yelling, when Damien stood up, slamming his cock deep inside of her gripping hard to her hips. His balls slapping against her clit, he began to truly fuck her sliding halfway out before driving his cock deep inside her again sawing across her g-spot as his fingers worked the plug in her ass. Almost instantly Athena's orgasm crashed over her. Her back arched as her stomach clenched her ass and legs shaking as she felt clenched around his cock. 

 ‘Ooohhhhhh…fuck...Damien!!' 

The dam inside her finally exploded bathing her in a wave of pleasure so intense she could barely breathe. Damien was in awe at the sigh of her, sweat forming on her back and ass, a slight quiver in her legs but he continued to thrust, determined to work her through a second orgasm. As he saw his girlfriend's breathing start to get heavy again, he knew she was ready for more and sped up his thrusts, trying to push down and focus the pressure on the front wall of her pussy and g-spot. He reached to the plug in her ass and pulled slightly adding some pressure to the silver jewel that held it in place. Athena was moving with him now, both their bodies slamming together in loud wet sounds that echoed through his office. 

The desk began to shift slightly under the force of their fucking, moving in jerking motions towards the wall opposite them. Both of them were now slick with sweat and Damien noted the tiny droplets glistened on her back and ass before his gaze dropped further to watch her take all eight and a half inches of his cock like a pro and their mixed juiced that coated his shaft forming a frothy ring at its base. Athena’s breathing began to sound laboured and he could tell the second wave was nearing its crest and began to slowly pull the plug out of her ass as he slammed his cock deep inside her pussy and if his timing was right... 

 ‘Oh Damie- Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!! !' Athena screamed, as he pulled the plug from her ass stretching her wide just the second wave of orgasm crashed. 'Oh, oh, oh, oh god, oh god, oh god.’ She moaned as wave after wave of orgasm flowed over her almost continually now. 

She grasped desperately at the desk, one hand above her head the other down next to her hip. Her head alternated from burying her face in her shoulder and looking forward gasping for air. grinding herself into the table as she legs began to shake uncontrollably. She clenched almost painfully around him and that did it for Damien. He drove drove his cock deep inside her pulsing sex a few more times before letting out a loud groan of her name. 

‘Athenaaaa FUCK!’

He slammed into her, holding her ass tight against his hips as he coated the inside of her pussy in four thick spurts of cum thrust. Athena was now almost slumped on the desk as the pleasure that had sustained her through now faded leaving a warm glow of final release in her core. Damien fell forward to his elbows, his hands caressing the outer reaches of her breasts as the last pulses of orgasm issued from his cock, unable to think straight as all his focus was on breathing right now. 

 Athena turned her head to grin tiredly at him. ‘Guess I should distract you more often then huh?’ 

Damien placed a soft kiss on her lips. ‘If it ends like this, you can distract me anytime.’

[feinkomo-blog]

B A S I C S :

FULL NAME: Fein Komo

NICKNAME(S): Little Dreamwalker to Dorian.  

DATE OF BIRTH / AGE: Sometime in the beginning of the year / 27

ORIENTATION: Pansexual.

OCCUPATION: Jedi Padawan / X Wing Pilot

SPECIES: Mirialan.

P H Y S I C A L :

FACE CLAIM: Toni Mahfud

HEIGHT: 6′12’

WEIGHT: 180lbs

EYES: Light amber brown.

HAIR: Black, lightening to blonde in some places from his time under the sun in the pits. He keeps it long, cutting it to shoulder length at Yavin. 

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: A variety of old and new scars along his body from his fights, and a network of tattoos in various places along his body. His tattoos are the one part of his culture Fein embraces fully. His life is made worthy by the actions he takes - the things he does and does not do - and he marks them on his skin so that when he is dead his loved ones can weight his deeds and deem him worthy or not. 

B A C K G R O U N D :

HOMETOWN: He’d say Coruscant, and the creche, before anything else. 

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Yavin IV. 

LANGUAGES: A few small working phrases he’s picked up in the more common tongues that could get him by in a pinch, but nothing too fluent.  

EDUCATION: Only what he got in the Jedi Temple.  

PARENTS: Unknown.

CRECHE MASTER: Noa Niedra

FORMER JEDI MASTER: Thena Wyn

CURRENT JEDI MASTER: Noa Niedra

SIBLING(S): none living. (Adoptive - Matthias Ilesar, Nimm Aldenar, Osira Santo)

ROMANTIC STATUS: Single.

PET(S): None, except for the Banthu herd he sometimes wtaches with Nimm.

T H E   A B S T R A C T :

FEARS: Failure - but spectacularly. He doesn’t fear failing in a ritual, or forgetting a stance in his training with a staff; he fears never getting a grip on his emotions, never being able to let go of his memories of the pits or his hatred for the Academies on Mirial. He fears never being able to become a quieted center in a storm, he fears that the storm will swallow him whole and he will be what tore down the Order all over again. He fears the Sith, and all their freedoms, and fears that he will not be strong enough to turn away. 

GENERAL LIKES: Mornings so cold he can see his breath, the way ice sparkles against the ground and cracks when he walks across it, and the silence that echoes for miles around him when he’s sitting in the cockpit of his fighter. The feeling when he opens his eyes after a long meditation and the world is calm and his body is loose and tingling for him to move. Blood in the sands of the pits and warm across the skin of his shoulders and back, and the way his very soul feels spent after sending nightmares coursing across the arena. The weight of a wrench in his hand, the way Noa says his name, a satisfying cup of hot spiced tea, and watching the sun set over the jungles of Yavin IV.   

GENERAL DISLIKES: The sour taste in his mouth after using his Force gift, and the feeling of defeat when he realizes he used it again without even knowing. Sunrise meditations, bland food, and blankets. The sticky humid feeling on his skin from the weather on the rebel base’s planet, and not understanding something. 

USUAL MOOD / EXPRESSION: He’ll greet you with a smile, and then keep on moving. Constant motion is his comfort, unless he’s meditating - which hardly anyone sees since he waits until the world is quieted and all are asleep. He keeps most of the world at arms length but the first word that comes to mind when someone mentions Fein Komo is ‘nice.’ He’s a nice guy - average in every way, but a gifted pilot. And that is the way he likes to keep it. 

TRAITS: Innovative / Adaptable. Courageous / Impulsive. Determined / Single-minded. Self-Conscious / Unsure. Charismatic / Volatile. 

HABITS: He tends to drum his fingers against whatever surface is available - tables, walls, doors, his leg, his arm - and if he’s sitting his leg is most certainly bouncing. He loves to move, loves to be in motion - when he’s doing something, he isn’t thinking. 

HOBBIES: He meditates every night/early morning - before he gets his short few hours of sleep and when he wakes up. It centers him and allows him to focus his day. It also helps him tamp down his force energy. When he’s not training, Fein is always in the hangar bay fiddling with his fighter or another ship. He’s a grease monkey - and the inner workings of the ships all make sense to him, where his inner workings are often too chaotic for him to work through.  

MORNING ROUTINE: After sleeping maybe three or four hours, Fein wakes up and meditates for a short period of time - his morning meditations range from 20minutes to a half hour, simply because he finds it hard to concentrate with people bustling around and the sun rising. Depending on his training schedule for the day, he’ll either set out to find Noa, or he’ll head straight to the ariship hangers to begin working on some project again. 

NIGHTLY ROUTINE: He works late into the night, and then, usually long after the moons risen and the stars are deep and bright and the last night owl like him has tucked in for bed, he’ll find a spot in the temple above to sit under the stars and drop into a deep meditation. His nighttime meditations can be anywhere from an hour to two or three. Afterwards he will retire to his bed, waking up in a few hours to begin again.

DEADLY SIN: Wrath

ZODIAC: Capricorn

MORAL ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral, wanting desperately to be Chaotic Good. 

HOGWARTS HOUSE: Gryffindor.

CLASS & SPECIALIZATION: Dual Wield Reaver.

H I S T O R Y :

“After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began. ”

“Mirial.”

It was snowing the morning they came to take him from his mother.

Fein can remember the way it caked on his mother’s eyelashes as she kissed him goodbye. He can remember tears heavy and raw in her throat as she begged them to let her son stay one more year (“he’s so young, too young please he doesn’t understand”). He can remember watching over the shoulder of the Teacher who carried him away, as her figure stood small and alone, wrapped in a blanket, in front of their little hut, watching him leave.

He doesn’t remember her name, or her face, or the name she gave him; but he can never forget the snow, and the tears, and the blanket. They haunt him now, as they did when he was young - specters of the last time he was loved, a remnant of a life seeped in nightmares. 

“The Youth Academy.”

When he arrived at the temple, deep in the ice-covered mountains of the Mirialan Youth Academy, he cried for his mother throughout the night. “You will forget in time,” the teachers told him, soothing him through the deep gasping breaths, “In time this will be home.” But it never was. As his tearful nights stretched into tearful weeks, the Teachers grew impatient, “Your actions reflect on all of us,” they would hiss, pulling his head back by the hair to wipe the tears from his eyes with vicious hands, “What do you bring to our culture, to our people, with your tears and whining for a life that meant nothing?”

As they grew increasingly more frustrated, Fein grew afraid of their cruel worlds and harsh hands and, as any child does, learned to hide his tears and his nightmares. When he couldn’t hold them back he would run, hiding himself around corners and through doors, until he’d found a way to the very heights of the Academy.

But the soaring towers didn’t scare him, they exhilarated him. He’d found a place to love in this new world of anger and pain, and soon, he would find any excuse to escape to his refuge. When the deep hours of the night would fall, and the halls of the Academy would grow silent - alone, he would climb to the rafters and let himself feel, let himself cry. Alone he would sit, with none as his witness but the stars.

His nighttime wandering did not come without a price, of course, and it was in that first year that he earned his new name. Fein, the teachers called him after they caught him sleeping through the noon meditations for the third time, For the way you feign the rituals. They thought him lazy, thought him insincere, but the more he tried to explain that he preferred the light of the moon to the light of day for his meditations, the more they scoffed, and the more they punished.

Too young to know the differences, they said, Too young to choose. So, he stopped protesting, stop arguing, and Fein he became.

Angry and bitter, he learned to sleep only a few hours a night. Learned to regulate his breathing until the Night Ward finally drifted to sleep herself, and he could find himself once more at the roof of the Academy. He learned the stars by heart, mapping them in little doodles on his homework throughout the day, and dotting them in the sands of the practice yards with the staves he was supposed to be balancing. It was among those stars that he first saw the distant lights of the strangers’ ship – he watched it land in the early hours of the morning, when the sun had only just begun to edge the purples of the night light pink, and it was in those deepening shadows that Fein saw the Jedi emerge.

His mother had told him of the Jedi, of course. Every child on Mirial knew of the Force – their species was blessed with a deeper connection (more primitive the Masters would tell him later, but he far preferred the Mirialan view) than any other – and Fein had been creating stories in his head of these shining Knights for longer than he could speak.

Fein was the only child they took from the Academies that trip. The Teachers made sure of it. They shoved Fein into the Jedi’s lines - Different, they called him, Wrong. Surely one of yours.

The Jedi waved a tool in front of Fein’s face and nodded, before scooping him up. Ours, the Master murmured into Fein’s hair, and Fein let his hands scrunch just a little harder on his hard canvas traveling cloak.

Ours, the Master’s companion whispered, reaching out a hand to smooth his hair at the back of his neck, as he locked eyes with her’s and refused to blink.

Theirs, Fein let the word burn into his mind, etched in the only stars he’d ever known, as they carried him onto a ship.

“Coruscant.”

His life improved dramatically at the Jedi Temple.

His creche mother noticed his sleep patterns and let him nap during the day, sitting with him during the nights and teaching him how to regulate his breath and let his mind sink into meditative patterns. As he grew, she taught him to harness his anger at his treatment at the hands of the Teachers of Mirial, and reminded him that no matter how much he wanted to blame her, his mother had no choice but to let him leave her.

On Coruscant, Fein distinguished himself as a strong fighter – agile and intuitive, he excelled in the physical side of youngling training. His affinity for clambering up to heights that gave most pause gained him a reputation for recklessness that he hardly sought to dissuade.

His force abilities; however, failed to develop. Where the rest of his Youngling clan was learning to harness minor skills like levitation and control, Fein could barely make a pebble wobble in the dust. “A late bloomer,” his creche mother would soothe in her words made of syrup and honey, “Not all are Masters at first try.” But Fein was impatient, and tired of being the failure.

When his clan were given the title of padawan, Fein begged – pleaded – to be given the same. There must be someone, he argued, anyone who would take a Padawan like him. Finally, a knight stepped forward, took pity on his pleas, and as she reached out to smooth the hairs at the back of his neck in her cool touch he felt the words once more – ours.

Hers, He met her eyes, and knew she would never let him down.

Hers. She kept his hands steady when, months later, the force still would not come.

Hers. He fought back tears as she tied another braid into his hair, another year spent learning, watching, waiting, for the talent that would not come.

Hers. She never wavered, never questioned – always patient in her faith in his abilities.

Hers. Side by side they fought in Wars he did not understand.

Hers. Back to back they circled in the temple’s broken doors when the Order came down.

Hers. She shoved him back, against a drape, and caught the red red red against her own body, and in that moment the Force screamed from him in a vortex of roiling spider colonies, all consuming flames, and deep shadows of coursing blue lightening. The red faded away as the Troopers ran, and his Master’s blood fell heavy on his hands.

Hers. He carried her, blood on his hands, from the screaming burning temple.

Hers. She smoothed the hairs down, against the back of his neck, with cold trembling fingers.

Mine, she murmured, voice choking on blood and death, Run.

A padawan does as his master commands.

“Nowhere.”

He wasn’t on any lists. His name wasn’t shouted by the Stormtroopers as “Wanted.” He was a low ranked Padawan with no visible Force abilities - why would he be counted a threat Oh, they would kill him if they knew him, of that he had no doubt, but when Storm Troopers burst through the door of the bar on the backwater planet he had fled to, he couldn’t find a reason to run, couldn’t find a reason to fight.

“You look like one of them,” one rasped through the breather on his helmet.

“Looks more like no one,” his friend laughed, but they clapped him in shackles all the same.

For two weeks, deep in the bowels of a ship Fein never saw the name of, it was the same routine. His world shrank to three questions, and the same pain.

Where is the Jedi Order? Pain. Who are you? Pain. Why do you wear Padawan braids? Pain. Where is the Jedi Order? Pain. Who are you? Pain. Why do you wear Padawan braids? Pain. Where is the Jedi Order? Pain. Who are you? Pain. Why do you wear Padawan braids? Pain. Where is the Jedi Order? Pain. Who are you? Pain. Why do you wear Padawan braids? Pain.

Finally, they realized what all the rest had already known. Fein Komo was no one, knew nothing, and felt nothing.

Useless, broken, and mute; they cut the braids from his head and threw him to the only place on the closest planet that would pay money for him.

“The Fighting Pits.”

Fein himself would have bet on his death first round.

When they drug him to the center of the sand filled arena and his first opponent stood above him, lifting his hands to the cheers of the crowd, Fein assumed he was bound for death. As his opponent’s sword caught the noonday sun in a sharp glint, Fein closed his eyes and thought of a cool touch and soft words.

Hers.

And as soft eyes and blood pooling in the corner of her mouth, the Force ripped out of him once more. One moment his opponent stood in self assured victory, his sword plunging down to sever Fein’s head from his body – the next, the man cowered against the walls of the arena, screaming and begging Fein for mercy.

Kill, the crowd raged, quick to turn on the Champion they had bet blood money on.

Kill¸ the chant echoed in Fein’s ears as he pulled aching limbs from dust.

Kill, the roar deafened as Fein watched demons swirl and twirl and gnaw along the former Champion’s skin.

Kill, it reached a fever pitch as Fein took the sword from the man’s hand, and slid it down between his ribs in one smooth movement.

Kill.

It haunted his dreams, as he slipped from meditation to arena, and back again - once again his reality slipped into routine, and the months passed unnoticed.

By night he lost himself to memories of laughter from high walls and springing from roof top to roof top. Under the stars he let himself run, bare feet slapping against cool marble, through the halls of the temple, only to careen into the waiting arms of his creche mother. Within the cool touch of the moon’s light he lost himself to hours spent training side to side, back to back, with his Master.

By day he forgot all but the roar of the crowd. As his skin browned in the sun’s harsh rays, he took life after life, soaking the burning sands with the blood of men who deserved death no more and no less than he. By the light of the sun he hacked away limbs, severed heads from bodies, and ripped hearts from bloody chests.

He lost himself to the routine, and forgot there was ever a time when the Force didn’t rip through him, leaving the cold taste of vomit in his mouth, as it devoured his enemies. He forgot what is was to be anything but a machine – to be anything more or anything less than the Champion of the Pits, than the Nightmare that Walks.

When they arrived, and stood before his cell one late sunset, they spoke to him of rebellions. Hope, they told him, and he laughed. Broken, empty, and bitter, he asked them what they hoped for.

Peace, they answered, but they knew as little of peace as he did.

He followed, when they opened the door of his cell, but only because somewhere, a cool touch and a quiet claim urged him to run. He followed, and when they landed on Yavin IV, one of them turned, smiled, and said, Home.

Home, he let himself feel the word, as he surveyed the broken ruin of a temple. He had never had a home. Each time he’d allowed himself a moment of peace, a moment of quiet, nightmares had come to tear his home from him.

But now he was the Nightmare.

Now, he would fight for what little home there was.

[pointlomadem]

Club President Jonathan Wubbolding called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM. He thanked everyone for coming and asked any new members to stand and introduce themselves. He then made a call for any elected officials or their representatives, former elected officials, or any candidates who wished to speak and the following responded:

Doug Case, Political Affairs Coordinator for State Senator Toni Atkins, gave a brief update on the following bills: SB 562, the single-payer bill; SB 2, which would provide a permanent funding stream for affordable housing; SB 179, the gender recognition act; and, SB 54, the California Values Act, which would prohibit California law enforcement from enforcing immigration laws.

Ed Harris, representative for the city lifeguards and former City Council member, gave an update on the controversy brewing between the Fire Chief and the Lifeguard Union. He said that the Fire Chief made a major change recently, without informing the lifeguards, about how emergency calls were dispatched. Now, when there is a need for an ocean rescue, 911 calls are sent to Police Dispatch, then to Fire Dispatch, before finally being sent to Lifeguard Dispatch, causing a lot confusion and life-threatening delays.

Omar Passons, a land use/construction attorney, said he was a candidate for County Supervisor, District 4, primarily because he wanted every child in every community to have a strong start in life and because he was concerned about the problem of homelessness and how it was crippling the senior population. More information can be found at www.omarpassons.com.

Jordan Beane, candidate for City Council District 2, spoke about yesterday’s Earth Day rally and said it was disheartening that we need to stand up and fight for facts. He said it was time for new leadership in District 2 and that people can go to www.jordanbeane.com for more details.

Bryan Pease, a public interest attorney focusing on government transparency and accountability, spoke about his candidacy for City Council District 2; he asked people to go to www.bryanpease.com for more information.

Lori Saldaña, who served in the State Legislature for six years, spoke about April 26 being designated Denim Day to call attention to serious issues in our society regarding rape and sexual assault. She also said that April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and that this year’s theme was “Engaging New Voices.” She spoke about how people can raise their voices on the issue and work for change, and pointed out that there are a lot of misconceptions about what constitutes sexual assault and violent crimes.

Denim Day Resolution: Saldaña asked the Club to pass a resolution in support of Denim Day and demand a clearing of the backlog of DNA evidence kits. Anne Hoiberg made the motion for the Club to write the demands in a letter to the San Diego City Council, it was seconded, the motion carried and passed unanimously.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher spoke about her recently introduced legislation. AB 1312 – Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights, currently in Assembly Appropriations, would insure that rape kits were not destroyed prematurely and were processed within a certain period of time; right now, evidence can be destroyed after two years. She displayed a chart showing that San Diego had a backlog of 2,873 unprocessed rape kits, compared to New York City and Los Angeles having none. She has also coauthored legislation that would make rape a violent felony if the victim was unconscious.

Gonzalez Fletcher then spoke about the county’s transportation problems. She explained that the local transit operators, SANDAG and MTS, were charged with spending all transportation money, yet SANDAG’s board was made up of people from ten cities that represent only 12% of the area’s population; as it stands, the mayor of Del Mar, a city of only 4,000 people, would be in charge of transportation for millions of people in San Diego. To address the injustice, she introduced AB 805 to reform how the region spends and tracks transportation funding and redo the board so that members would be in proportion to the population.

She also spoke about other issues, such as the border wall, and assured everyone that she was fighting the Trump agenda every step of the way and urged everyone to keep up the fight. Next, she introduced her husband, Nathan Fletcher, the Club’s featured speaker.

Support Denim Day

Doug Case

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher

Untested rape kits

Speakers at April Meeting

Omar Passons

Bryan Pease

Jordan Beane

Ed Harris

Parisa Ijadi-Maghsoodi

Denim Day

Lori Saldaña

Nathan Fletcher

Program: Nathan Fletcher – Voting Rights Nathan Fletcher, a UC San Diego political science professor and former State assemblyman, praised his wife as being that rare individual willing to take on powerful interests and fight for those without power, citing her successes in getting paid sick leave for hourly workers and overtime pay for farm workers, making California the first state to honor the work of everyone.

He then paid special tribute to Jonathan, the Club’s president. He said that Jonathan was a veteran and part of today’s generation that has returned home from war and was now serving their communities. He said that though his military service had ended, his commitment to service and love of country had not and that it was great to see him leading the Club and driving an agenda.

Fletcher went on to speak about the frustration veterans feel when they see the Right hijacking the progressive agenda and their respective values. He explained that the military has always been ahead of its time and has an amazingly progressive story to tell. For example, it was

racially integrated 16 years before the Civil Rights Act, has a single-payer government-funded health care system that works, and considers climate change to not just be an environmental issue but also a moral and national security issue.

He then spoke about the deportation of veterans and how he was incredulous when he heard it was happening. He’d thought that veterans were citizens and could not be deported, that they’d been told from the beginning that if they were willing to die for the country and take the oath of enlistment, which is almost verbatim the oath of naturalization, that they would become citizens. However, he learned that for the past 50 years, the government had been systematically failing to fulfill its promise. He explained that like any segment of the population, or sometimes as a result of PTSD or other issues faced while serving, some veterans go astray and commit offenses, but that a grateful and compassionate nation should offer a path to redemption and rehabilitation, not a path to deportation.

He has worked with friends at the ACLU to advocate, help raise awareness, and drive change. They formed a coalition and got legislation introduced in Sacramento and D.C., and everything was looking great until Trump happened. They then had to become creative and took the approach of wondering, “What if the crime goes away?” and started lobbying Gov. Brown to issue pardons, which had never been done before based on a deportation process. The Governor eventually pardoned three veterans, however, there were 307 others who need help and Fletcher urged people to go to http://www.deportedvets.org to sign a petition and join their effort.

Next, Fletcher related a conversation he witnessed when serving on the national advisory board of Obama’s Organizing for Action project. At one of the meetings, President Obama was asked, “What if Congress said it would pass just one piece of legislation for you, just one time—what would it be?” Obama replied that he’d never been asked that and had never even thought about it because it was so detached from reality. After some thought, he said “Compulsory Voting”, because he believed if the country had that, everything else would take care of itself. The answer inspired Fletcher to create a new university class devoted entirely to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He said if people can’t access the ballot, no amount of persuasion can help; because the GOP can’t win an election based on ideas, they have to keep people from voting.

Fletcher explained that although the 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, said that the right to vote shall not be denied on the basis of race, some states required “certain people” to take a literacy test designed to be impossible to pass (Fletcher noted that none of his college students have been able to). The Department of Justice was then established to enforce voting rights in the South and progress was made until President Hayes was persuaded to “restore home rule” and removed the Federal troops. Progress began again in the 1900’s, most notably with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965; however, in 2013, a huge setback occurred when the Supreme Court ruled that voter protection was no longer needed.

At the conclusion of his talk, Fletcher encouraged everyone to include the issues of voter’s rights and voter participation when working for change at every level of government.

Club Reports President – Jonathan Wubbolding, as an aside, said that he, too, had taken the literacy test Fletcher had spoken about and reiterated that no one could pass it.

OB Street Fair – A call was made for members to volunteer to man the Club’s booth at the June 24 OB Street Fair and a sign up sheet was passed around.

Happy Hour – The Club’s April 12 Happy Hour at the Old Venice Restaurant was a huge success; everyone was encouraged to go to next month’s, which would be held on May 17.

Dues – April is the last month to pay Club dues for 2017 and members will be removed from the rolls if they fail to pay.

Treasurer – Jonathan announced that the Club was in need of a new treasurer because Thena Taylor had resigned.

Announcements

John Hartley, Coordinator of Neighborhoods for Fair Elections, described how the group was fighting for campaign finance reform for the city of San Diego. Their goal was to have clean elections and empower regular people through public funding of elections. Because his group wasn’t strong enough to get the issue on the ballot last year, they formed a Grand Coalition with Common Cause and the League of Women’s Voters and moved to small-donor matching funding. He invited everyone to attend an organizing meeting on May 6 at First Unitarian Church in Hillcrest when they’ll team up with the Neighborhood Empowerment Alliance. He can be contacted for more information at 619-299-8870.

Parisa Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Pro Bono Manager and Supervising Attorney at San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, said that the amount of justice you receive should not rely on how much you could afford for an attorney. She said San Diego High School is taken over every year for a Veteran’s Village of San Diego Stand Down to provide shelter, food, medical care, and legal assistance for the area’s 800-900 homeless veterans and their families; this year’s was scheduled for July 21-23. She explained that when we’re at war and our troops are replaced by a new ones to finally give them relief, it’s considered a “stand down”; however, in reality, they still are at war every day that they remain homeless. More attorneys, funding, and supplies were needed; she can be contacted for more information at pijadi@gmail.com.

Club member Rena Marrocco spoke about the Coastal Commission’s decision to dispose of San Onofre’s nuclear waste by burying it on site just 100 feet from the ocean and only six inches deep. She urged people to attend a hearing at the Oceanside City Council Chambers on May 4 and express their opinion that it was an unacceptable way to dispose of nuclear waste.

Jonathan thanked everyone for coming and invited all to meet afterwards at the Point Break Café at 2743 Shelter Island Drive to continue discussion.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:23 PM.

Meeting notes: Deborah Currier, Secretary Photo credit: John Loughlin

Notes from April Meeting – Voting Rights Club President Jonathan Wubbolding called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM. He thanked everyone for coming and asked any new members to stand and introduce themselves.

[softquietsteadylove]

Instinct

(@healingagoddess suggested the idea of Ajak watching Gilgamesh and Thena fall in love over the course of seven of their missions, and also: happy birthday!)

Ajak surveyed her team. It was nicely put together, well structured, had a good balance of Fighters and Thinkers. She had her mission, understood her directive. She was intrigued by the Eternals selected for her.

Kallax Prime: A planet largely made up of towering stone structures with the occasional pool of water falling upwards into the 'sky'. Its vegetation had a long way to go, which the Elemental Eternal would be good for specifically.

Ajak liked Sersi. She was sweet, she was kind. She thrived around other life forms, which had yet to be seen if it would be an asset or not. Technically their mission was to terraform the planet only to a point. Integration into the population was not necessarily a requirement.

Although it was possible it was an inevitability, watching Sersi chase around a few young Kallaxons, all four of their arms waving in glee. Ikaris was hovering not too close, but not too far. He was the most directive driven of the team, clearly a pre-ordained second for Ajak to use as she needed.

Even the cantankerous young looking Sprite was enjoying the cooling mist of a lower located geyser. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the time spent not fighting the wretched scourge of Deviants.

Thena was folded in on herself, attempting to make use of the shade of a singular pillar.

The Warrior Eternal was a curious one. Ajak could see so much under the smooth, pearly surface she presented. But the Fighter was not one for people, preferring her solitude. Ajak had to wonder if that would change at all or if she was going to be stuck with half a team's worth of sullen party-poopers.

"Thena?"

Ajak smiled; perhaps not. It was only a notion so early in the mission, but she couldn't help but feel that there was hope yet for the Warrior's frosty demeanour.

"Go back to the others," the Warrior advised her companion. He was the only one with whom she had traded words at all on the way over to the planet. Even since settling, he was the only one who considered her even remotely approachable.

Gilgamesh did not, in fact, heed her instructions. He crossed his arms, leaning against the pillar offering her shelter and looking over her. "Are you trying to avoid the sun?"

The Warrior Eternal was not quick to reply. Her words were carefully chosen, and even more selectively given. Even Ajak found that getting more than a single word from Thena was like pulling teeth.

"It is ceaseless."

That was true. The planet had no cycle of time, the skies a constant green with no time more or less bright than another. The only darkness was forged, found in homes carved into the mountains behind intricately designed doors.

"Yeah, I guess it gets kind of old," Gilgamesh commented, holding his hand over his eyes to look at the grassy green atmosphere above them. He looked at Thena again, "I'm surprised you didn't go hide in the Domo."

"Ajak has locked it."

Gilgamesh had a laugh that could wake a Celestial. Ajak occasionally wondered if he would someday cause a landslide from his voice rattling the air.

Thena at least turned her head as Gilgamesh braced himself against the rock again, his arm up over his head as he leaned his shoulder in. His other hand landed on his hip, assuming a truly relaxed seeming stance.

His shadow melded with that of the pillar, offering just that little bit extra space of shadow. He tilted his head, peeking at the reclusive Eternal. "How's that?"

Ajak could count the amount of times she had seen Thena smile: it was one. The Warrior Eternal was not one for outward expressions. Of all of them, she was the most unreadable.

But Thena offered Gilgamesh a smile that was even whiter and sparklier than her armour. Gilgamesh was quite the opposite of his fighting partner in that regard; it was easy to see on him how pleased he was by her happiness.

Ajak made a mental note to keep an eye on them in the future.

Incarsia: practically made for the Soaring Eternal. That was an exaggeration of course, but only slightly. The minuscule planet had so little gravity that practically everyone could fly for at least the briefest of stretches. Even the children could jump and soar for a sustained 10-15 minutes at a time.

And the Eternals, with their enhanced strengths, could all jump and pounce and soar. They had almost immediately rubbed it in Ikaris' face, too. Ajak had called them children for it, but most of them were only encouraged by her saying so. And the Soldier Eternal responded in relatively good humour (to most of them). Perhaps a family-like structure was good for his narrow driven temperament.

"Heads up!"

The Deviants could also all fly.

Kingo shot down the length of the one they were fighting currently. He slid with no signs of stopping until Ikaris caught him by the leg. Makkari was also having trouble stopping with the velocity of which she was capable.

Thena leapt into the air, able to spin out and dig her blades into the back of it. It would still be able to leap incredible feats, but she could at least saw the wings off of it.

The beast thrashed as she hacked away at its exoskeleton. It had six appendages, and none of them could reach her back there. It bucked and flailed, but she wasn't thrown.

"Thena, the tail!" Gilgamesh unclenched his fists as the tail - twice as long as the body - swung around and whipped into her. She was thrown, and hurtling towards the Strongest Eternal like a meteor. He held his arms out.

Thena collided with him, both of them skidding back on the ground an incredible distance. Gilgamesh summoned his energy into his feet, digging into the ground quite literally before they could be pushed back further.

He was holding her. Not just in reaction to the collision, but he was truly holding Thena in his arms, borderline cradling her protectively. Ajak waited for the reaction of the viciously independent Warrior.

"Gil, get me back up there!" Thena commanded, and her partner obliged, grasping her by the slim waist of her armour and throwing her up into the air without a second thought.

Apparently they were comfortable enough to let something like that slide.

Pyroxis V: too hot. Ajak generally didn't have any complaints about their stations. They were, after all, at the command of the Celestials. But Pyroxis was just...too much. Much of it was an arid desert, many of the mountains were actively volcanic, and all the life forms had cold blood and scales evolutionarily.

Thena seemed to be doing the best of the Eternals on this particular planet. It wasn't entirely explainable, at least in Ajak's eyes. But the Warrior Eternal didn't mind the heat, perhaps resting easier here than she had on any other planet before. She didn't mind the dry air, or the lack of rain, or the scaly, scurrying animals that existed in every nook and cranny of the rocky terrain.

Gilgamesh stretched himself out, relaxing slightly after his shift of watch, and now that evening was upon them. The few degrees cooler could really make a difference. "Man, it was hot up there."

Thena, beside him, was letting some kind of creature scurry around in her palms. "Do you require hydration?"

Even at her most talkative, it still couldn't be said that Thena was a conversationalist.

"No, I'm okay," he responded easily, more than accustomed to her manner of speech and its formalities, "thanks."

Thena let her scaled/spined friend slither off before looking at him. They had taken to wearing local garb when not actively fighting--the climate demanded it of them. She adjusted the white fabric draped around her as she moved closer to him

Gilgamesh let out a sigh as a massive leaf waved a pleasant gust over him. He had no hope of suppressing his grin. "What a nice breeze."

His eyes were still closed, but the smile on Thena's face...Ajak had never seen anything like it.

"You have to make sure you don't overheat." It was a very factual statement, but somehow it sounded so sweet when she said it to him.

Gilgamesh did open his eyes now, looking up at her as she continued to lazily fan a massive frond above him. It did not deter her, which only encouraged him. "That's why I have you, isn't it?"

Thena allowed him to shimmy closer to her. It almost looked like he was resting his head on her knees, but that seemed...highly unlikely. But Thena just kept smiling at him. "Kingo does say I'm rather cold blooded."

Gil made a face, continuing to recline against the comfort offered by the deadliest warrior in the universe. "Yeah, but I mean because you're so nice and cool."

Ajak had to wonder when she had blinked and missed these two becoming so friendly with each other--so close.

Galdion-Sigma III: the most advanced planet they had ever touched down on. So advanced that they were a little resistant when the Eternals arrived. They had identities to prove, testimonies to offer, trials to stand.

It had been somewhat of a long road, but they were at least able to integrate themselves into their world to a degree. Since their whole mission was to curb the Deviant population, that was what they were allowed to do. They were almost immediately given a very specific permit for the Domo, and its crew, sent out to their various outposts where the Deviants had been contained, to a degree.

It was more that the population had contained itself.

Life inside the pod colonies was beautiful, thriving and vivacious. The skies the domes projected were stunning. Outside the pods, was what one would expect from a planet which had made almost no progress in stifling the Deviant threat: nothing. It was a wasteland, desolate and empty and ravaged by predators with no prey.

The Eternals had never been under such scrutiny before. But it was Ajak's idea not to bring their powers up as a means of deifying themselves. She wanted to see what progress could be made if they were thought to be simple worker ants.

"At least it's quiet out here."

Gilgamesh turned with a small smile. Thena settled herself next to him along the rail of the outpost they were guarding. It was flat wasteland as far as the eye could see. At least they could spot Deviant attacks from laughably far away.

She turned from the black, distant sky above them and to him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he shrugged off at first, but it didn't fool Ajak. And it wasn't even close to fooling Thena either. The Warrior Eternal raised her brows at him. "I guess."

Thena looked into the distance at one of the many pods dotted along the planet's surface. "Are you...lonely?"

"What?"

Thena raised her head a fraction of a degree, her way of nodding in the direction of the planet's population. "You are...charismatic. You do well when others are around to appreciate it."

He smiled a little wider at her, "you think I'm charming?"

The Warrior Eternal bumped her shoulder against his in an undeniably affectionate fashion. Another moment of silence unfolded between them before she looked at him again, "Gil."

Gil--not Gilgamesh. Gil.

He said nothing. He was of somewhat of a more sensitive nature, Ajak had come to learn. He was a little like Sersi in that regard; they were gentle souls, sensitive to the feelings of those around them. Gilgamesh was lighthearted and able to get along with most anyone. Being deliberately alienated and isolated had not been the most nurturing environment for him and the Elemental Eternal, this time around.

Thena let him wrap an arm around her, supporting him the best way she knew how.

He gave her his most genuine smile--fragile, a little weak at the edges. But real. "How could I be lonely when I have you?"

There was no other sound, just their voices against the vacuum of space. There was an undeniable softness, to their words, to the way they said them, to the way they stood just close enough to each other.

Ajak, in a moment of fondness (weakness), determined that they could take their watch duties together for the rest of this particular mission.

Orexion-9: too loud. Ajak supposed it was a pretty lesser evil, given some of their other planets of station. It was gorgeous, covered in red fauna, with glittering blue waters, and a pink and purple painted sky at all times.

It wasn't quite as unyieldingly bright as Kallax Prime, but it was so, so loud. Much of the planet's surface was actually concave, made up largely of wide, deep craters in which the peoples had created close knit communities. Above the craters, vegetation was lush and large, creating a unique soundchamber of sometimes deafening volume for the hyperalert Eternals.

Even in the nights, the native species found on the planet were never quiet either.

They adapted, as they always did, but it took time. Makkari laughed at them at every possible opportunity, but she often went to Druig to numb away the constant vibrations stimulating her every second.

Thena was doing poorly. The Warrior Eternal's nature was built to be responsive--reactive. She was made to be alert at the slightest disturbance. It was almost impossible for her to find rest on the abysmal jungle planet.

Ikaris was doing similarly unwell, but he had found a certain solace in Sersi, who seemed to emit a gentle aura around her. Even the animals on the planet would calm in her proximity. If she sat still for long enough, she would become a perch for winged creatures.

Thena slept exclusively on the Domo, as far away from the planet's chatter as possible. Of course, as the mission continued and they used the ship less and less, that option was ripped away from her.

Ajak was walking the halls after another talk with Arishem. She was fond of this planet, and its population. Of course, she wasn't supposed to be. She was also getting a little too fond of her team, Arishem reminded her. But her kids were an entirely different matter.

Something wiggled in the back of her mind--an instinct to check on her children.

She nearly rounded the corner to call out to her most restless child when she stopped. Another instinct; she kept quiet, peeking out instead.

"Hey."

Gilgamesh moved to the Warrior Eternal's side, deft and confident in his choice. He wrapped one arm around the width of both of her shoulders. She fit against him snugly.

Thena said nothing, but wasted no time in leaning into him.

"Sh," he whispered into her hair, as if soothing a child, or a spooked animal. His hand ran over her mane of blonde.

Ajak had to look closely, even squinting her eyes. But Thena was shaking faintly. She had to admit, she was surprised; she didn't think she was that ignorant to their suffering.

Thena burrowed deeper against the Strongest Eternal, seeking refuge from the constant deluge of noise around them.

"C'mere," he whispered, guiding Thena from the corner of the room and back to her bed. He sat first, holding her. With no resistance from the naturally resistant - to anything and everything - Eternal, he laid down.

Ajak would never have believed it if she weren't witnessing it personally, but Thena snuggled up to Gilgamesh. The Warrior Eternal sighed, curling up and nuzzling against her fighting partner in the bed previously serving as an echo chamber for her.

But perhaps his heartbeat was loud enough to drown out the jungle around them, because Thena did manage to find some peace with her head pressed against his chest. Her shaking ceased, her breathing slowed, her hands unbunched from around fistfuls of his shirt.

Gilgamesh was unbothered either way, but was still all the more comfortable with Thena by his side. "That's my girl."

This new planet would be different, Ajak decided. They were on their way to it, now, newly awakened (again). She stood back, as always, watching her children meet each other for the first time (again).

There were certain traits that they had, in a sense, passed down to themselves. It was endearing--a reminder of a few of the lives they would never remember. Sersi had slowly become more and more confident with each planet, more assured of herself and her powers.

Ikaris had grown more and more in love with Sersi, earlier and earlier. Unfortunately, that love also became more and more volatile with each incarnation it faced. But this would be different, Ajak was sure.

Ikaris drifted towards Sersi almost immediately, drawn to the Alchemist Eternal, who was drawn to the window, promising life and all its forms for their new lives. He was busy looking at her.

Sprite was busy looking at Ikaris from just behind, unseen by both of them.

Makkari was already teaching Druig how to sign, encouraged by his immediate picking up of her name. Kingo was taking them all in, only having grown more and more observant of his team, now family.

Thena was folded in on herself, almost as if to hide herself in an empty room. She watched the others carefully. She had become even harder to read and even more mistrustful, and Ajak knew why. She knew that she was the reason for it.

Only one approached the silent predator.

He smiled, walking closer until she unfolded, signalling he was close enough. And he respected it, immediately and without question. "Gilgamesh."

She looked at him, something in her eyes burning. Ajak had to admit that she admired the colour of them. They had yet to find a planet with that colour naturally occurring.

"Thena."

He smiled as soon as she said it, as if just the sound of her voice brought joy to his heart. He looked as if he had missed it. As if that were at all possible.

This new planet would be different. Things would go differently. Ajak was sure of it. They would address the flaws from last time, plan better, learn more. She would find a way to help life flourish on this new planet: Centauri VI.

Earth.

Oh, beautiful Earth. Like nothing any of them had seen before. From the second they laid eyes on it. Sersi was immediately in love with it--more in love with it than she ever would be with Ikaris, looking at her longingly from just a step behind.

Earth was a planet bursting with love. Humans were bursting with love. Everything they did, from how they raised their young to how they cultivated food and built cities--it all was driven by love. The love for the young, to create a better, safer world for them. Love for the old, to create comfort for them after protecting them throughout their lives.

Humans were expert protectors. They had an instinct for it built into them, in a way that Ajak had never encountered before in quite the same way. She felt as if she could relate to the humans, in a way. They didn't always make the best - or the 'right' - decisions, but the decisions they did make were certainly attempts to do so. They made their mistakes, they did their best to recover and learn from them. She admired that.

She loved the humans. She loved protecting the humans, as did the rest of the team--the rest of her family.

Kingo adored humans, found them so funny and interesting, with their laughter and stories. He had never been so accepted by a species. No other species had been so indulgent in letting him talk and talk and talk, let alone about himself.

Phastos had mixed feelings about the humans, but inarguably he had his loyalties to the funny little fleshbags. Even Sprite had her fondness for them and their wonderment at her illusions, excitedly trying to make their own replications of them.

Even Thena, who maybe went so far as to dislike humans and their company, loved them. She loved protecting them, and she protected them because she loved them. She made sacrifices for them.

Never was a planet so diverse, its surface so bursting with life. Ajak had finally found a planet with a sea the colour of her sweet Thena's eyes. There were arctic tundras and bottomless seas and even sprawling deserts. The planet had something for everyone.

But Arishem just would not listen.

Ajak visited all of her children when the snap happened. They were immune to it, not technically living beings at all--not that her children knew that was what kept them from being victimised. She saw each of them (who would see her, that was to say). She checked on them, made sure they were doing okay. She recommended Sprite go to Sersi, who was also lonely (recovering from Ikaris' abandonment).

The Prime Eternal made her way to a little house, way out in an arid desert. It was a sweet little home, made for two. She couldn't be sure how welcome she would be, but that wasn't why she was here. She was here to see her children.

"Ajak," Gilgamesh blinked, utterly surprised to see her. He moved automatically to hug her, in a very human way. But he clung to the door, standing protectively in the threshold.

"I wanted to make sure you were both okay," she stated for his sake. She wasn't here for the woman inside--not to take her away, at least. "Is she?--okay, I mean?"

Gil looked back into the house before looking at Ajak again. Gilgamesh had never thrived so much as he had on Earth. Finally, his natural protectiveness had a place to call home. He nodded her inside with him.

Ajak took in the house, with all its small little affects. It smelled like a home, it had a table with a few crumbs on it, a kitchen with a drippy tap and an apron thrown haphazardly over the edge of the sink.

"Hey," Gilgamesh whispered, kneeling down to a figure lying on an old sofa. He ran a hand over it, "she's here."

Ajak's heart clenched in her chest as Gilgamesh leaned down, pressing a kiss to Thena's forehead. This was all she could have hoped for, for them. For two of her favourite children. Not that she had favourites...

"C'mere," he whispered before gathering her into his arms for the simple act of helping her sit up. He turned his head in to hers, letting his lips drag along her cheek.

They were beyond the need for words, clearly. They were still speaking silently when Ajak rounded the arm of the couch to lay eyes on her beautiful daughter. "Thena."

Thena had no words for her, but mustered a smile. Ajak accepted it graciously, leaning down and kissing the top of Thena's hair. Her hands glowed gently, just feeling around the energy still within the Warrior Eternal.

Gilgamesh hovered.

Ajak ran a hand over Thena's hair. "You felt it?"

Thena nodded.

"Before it even happened, I think," Gilgamesh supplied, moving closer at the soonest opportunity. He sat next to Thena, taking her hand in his without a second thought. "Just said 'something's coming' and then...went dark."

Thena was now sensitive to more than even the average Eternal was capable. She knew too much, quite literally.

Thena sighed, leaning against Gilgamesh again. "Stay."

He chuckled, rubbing her shoulder, "I should start dinner."

Ajak stepped back, hands in her pockets, "I should leave you t-"

Gilgamesh smiled at her, though. He hadn't done that since they'd left Tenochtitlan. "She meant you. Stay--at least for dinner."

Ajak paused. She hadn't expected the invitation, regardless of the last time they were able to speak or not. She looked at Thena, "a-are you sure?"

Thena nodded, though, smiling at Ajak with her eyes closed and her head against Gil's chest, "you--stay."

Ajak let out a breath, smiling back tears in her doe-brown eyes. "O-Okay, then."

This time would be different. She would make Arishem listen. She would convince Ikaris. She would make them both see how beautiful Earth was, and how worth saving it was--everyone was. She wouldn't let this one happen, not this time.

It would work this time, she just knew it--mother's instinct.

[softquietsteadylove]

For your teach me to love AU:

The next time Kro shows up in front of Thenas house they argue about the Father-Child-day activity in Druigs school. Gil is there too since they are having dinner and before the whole situation between Kro and Thena escalates Druig goes between them angry before he declares that he wants Mister Dad as his to go parent for this day, surprising everyone.

"I am not doing this right now!"

"You can't avoid me forever, Thee!"

Gil sighed, looking down at Druig sitting next to him. They had been in the middle of dinner when Kro had shown up (again). Druig still wasn't feeling very welcoming to his father, which - as Thena had told him - continued to anger Kro more and more.

Druig gave up on his mac and cheese, setting down his small plastic fork. He leaned over in his chair, plunking himself against Gil's side, "Dad's yellin' at Mum."

Gil frowned, reduced to rubbing Druig's shoulder as Thena and Kro's voices varied in volume and intensity from outside. At least it was warmer out this time.

Druig looked up at Gil, "do you know what they're yellin' about, Mister Dad?"

Gil tried to think about how exactly to phrase things delicately. "Well, I think your mom told your dad about the parents' activity day that's coming up at school, buddy."

"Oh," Druig blinked, having not considered that possibility. Or at least, not having considered that it could bring his father all the way here to their home over it. "You said it doesn't have to be a parent, right?"

"That's right," Gil affirmed, somewhat using his 'teacher' tone automatically. "It can be any grownup in your life you trust and want to spend more time with."

And who was approved by the school, which was their biggest defense for not having invited Kro to it. Only one guardian/stand-in was 'needed' anyway.

"I'm his father, Thena!"

Gil looked in the direction of the front door. He didn't like the idea of Kro screaming in Thena's face either, but she had insisted that it was better for her peace of mind for him to stay inside to comfort Druig while she faced down her ex-husband alone.

"That doesn't mean anything!"

"Like hell it doesn't!"

Gil and Druig both whipped their heads around as something knocked against the front door. Gil furrowed his brows; he didn't really think Kro would get physical with Thena, but he also didn't really know the man at all. And what he did know, he did not like.

Druig was already out of his seat and running towards the front door.

"Druig!" Gil moved to follow him, but the kid was fast--he was getting faster and faster the longer he knew Makkari.

Druig opened the front door, hanging onto his mother's leg (without realising he was actually the strongest cause of her stumbling). "Mum!"

"Whoa!" Gil rushed forward, keeping Thena from falling backwards as the door was suddenly taken away from being against her back. Both of their hands had instinctively landed on Druig's head to protect him.

"Gil?" Thena blinked as he caught her around her waist.

"Sorry, he bolted when he heard you trip," he said against her ear, keeping his eye on the steaming mad blonde glaring at him over Thena's head.

"I didn't trip," she muttered before looking at Kro again. "He slammed his hand on the door."

Kro sighed at sight of Gil, leaning away from the doorway, surely after having been looming over Thena again. "Teacher."

"Hey," Gil responded for lack of anything else to say. He supposed he didn't really know how to speak to his girlfriend's ex-husband either. Although he was quite confident in saying he had more manners than that cretin.

"Darling, go bad inside," Thena spoke softly, smoothing the hair on top of Druig's head as he pressed his face against her leg. "Your father and I are just talking."

He whined, shaking his head against her.

Kro looked at Thena, "I'm his father. I have a right to be at this fuckin' school thing."

"How many times to do I have to tell you to mind your language around him?" Thena glared right back in his face. "And being his father doesn't entitle you to any such activity, especially when you arrive unannounced--again!"

"It's for parents, no?" Kro enunciated as if she were the one being obtuse about it.

"It's for the kids to choose who they want to bond with," Gil clarified, not that he really thought it would help deescalate things as they were going. But he was right, "no one is required, and no one is excluded, either. But it is a school run event; only people on a kid's approved pick-up list is allowed to come without submitting the paperwork for it."

"Right," Kro scoffed, as if the safety protocols in place were insulting to him personally.

Thena crossed her arms in Kro's face, "I'm Druig's legal guardian, Kro. I'm going."

"And I can't go too?" he shook his head, giving Thena a look so condescending it made Gil feel offended just witnessing it. "I'm-"

"No!"

All three adults looked down as Druig voiced his opinion.

Thena patted his head again, "Darling-"

"No, I want Mister Dad for it!"

Kro raised a brow, obviously unaware of why there was a formal title being attached to him in this context. "Uh, it's just Dad, kid."

"No, Mister Dad! I want Mister Dad!"

Thena gave Gil behind her a look before bending down and scooping Druig up into her arms. She rubbed his back, preparing to soothe him through his tears, but he squirmed.

"Dad's yelling at you," Druig declared, sulking rather obstinately and wrapping his little arms around his mother's neck. "S'not nice."

"I'll be f-" Kro nearly got out yet another profanity before he caught Thena glaring at him again. He clapped his jaw shut and inhaled slowly, "I'll...be nice. Promise."

Gil doubted that promise was really worth anything.

"No," Druig pouted, remaining strong in the face of his father (from within his mother's protective embrace). "I want Mum and Mister Dad to do it."

"Who is-" Kro stopped in the middle of his dramatic display of confusion and glared. He moved forward, and Thena instinctively moved back with Druig tight against her side. "You?"

Gil put a hand on Thena's shoulder, pulling her and Druig closer to him. "We've already talked about it. He knows you're his father, Kro. That hasn't changed."

Kro, for what an asshole he was, seemed to have some genuinely conflicting feelings over the news that his son was calling someone else 'Dad', in any form. He looked at Druig, who turned his face away from him and into his mother's hair. He looked at Thena, who put her hand on Druig's back and stared at him the way a bear with cubs would stare down a hunter.

"It's Druig's choice, Kro," Thena said with a tone of finality to it. She ran her fingers through the hair at the back of his head as he clung to her. "You're his father. No one is challenging that."

Kro almost looked saddened; no one was arguing it except the child in question--his child. "Right."

"You can schedule a visit with him next month," Thena allowed (with visible reluctance). "If you like."

Kro winced, "I'm in Australia for six weeks by then."

Thena just nodded, showing no relief nor disappointment at the news. "I'll send you the videos of the event."

Kro stepped back, nodding and looking around him (and away from them). He had wounds to nurse. "I'll, uh, look forward to 'em, then."

Gil really could have some sympathy for the guy. He didn't have much respect for him as a parent, or an ex-partner. But he clearly loved his kid and wanted to forge a relationship with him, whether it was a bit late for that or not.

Kro leaned forward, obviously looking for a hug goodbye. He sighed, but accepted it as Druig continued to burrow away from him. "Okay, okay, right. Bye, Thee, bye my lad."

Druig at least pulled his head out - partially - to wave at him.

Gil and Thena both let go of a tense breath as Kro slumped down the walkway and got back in his rental car. She slumped against him, "he can't keep doing this."

Gil had the feeling this wouldn't be happening for some time again. At least, not without notice, anymore. "He did say he's working for six weeks. That's something."

Thena smiled up at him and his gentle optimism.

"Mister Dad?"

"Yes, buddy?" Gil smiled, joining Thena in rubbing Druig's tiny back.

"Is it okay if you be my parent for the activity day?"

Gil looked at Thena, who shrugged. They were still not entirely public about their relationship, given that he was Druig's teacher and it was maybe questionable as far as the ethics of it were concerned. But it was nearing the end of the school year, marking the end of him being Druig's primary teacher.

"I could be his," Gil mumbled in Thena's ear again, "and you could be Makkari's--since Ajak was worried about not being able to make it."

Thena smiled, looking at Druig, "Darling, I think that's a splendid idea."

"Really?" he beamed at them.

"Yeah, I think so," Gil smiled as well, pulling Druig from Thena's arms and swinging him around before putting him on the ground again. "How about I be your parent and your mom can be Makkari's, since Miss Ajak is gonna be working?"

"Yeah!"

Ah, kids--so happy to accept things so long as they work out in the end. Gil and Thena breathed another sigh of relief.